COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 5/8/2007
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2007
Mayor John R. Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and led those present in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor John R. Johnson, City Administrator Sheiffer, Ald. Snead, Ald. Pavelko, Ald.
Borgman, Ald. Werner, Ald. Melcher, Ald. Schaefer, and Ald. Fiedler. Also present were those
listed on the attached sheet.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Deputy Clerk Blenski stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the opening
meeting law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Ald. Borgman moved for approval of the May 8, 2007 agenda as submitted. Ald. Melcher
seconded. Motion to approve the agenda carried unanimously.
REVIEW MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Ald. Borgman moved for approval of the March 15, 2007 minutes. Ald. Schaefer seconded.
Motion to approve the minutes carried unanimously.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS - Discussion, update and possible action may be taken on any or all
of the following: None.
NEW BUSINESS –
Discussion on implementation of Fire Study Recommendations
Mayor Johnson noted that at the March 15, 2007 meeting, Mr. Pat Simpson of the TriData
Division of Systems Planning Corporation presented his fire study recommendations. The report
has now been published on the city’s web site. Mayor is proposing to establish an ad hoc
committee to make recommendations on how to structure the fire services in this community for
the future. Mayor felt that a study ad hoc committee would have the opportunity to spend the
required amount of time on this issue.
Ald. Snead voiced her concern that prior to this resolution being adopted she thought that a
dialogue would happen again with the fire departments prior to moving ahead with a
subcommittee. She is hearing from both fire departments that they have already started a
dialogue addressing the issues and she would like to give them this opportunity and look at this
proposal in the future. Ald. Borgman did not feel that establishing this committee would harm
any dialogue between the departments. Mayor stated that he is not opposed to giving the two
departments a few months timeframe to continue discussion. Ald. Werner feels that time should
be given to the departments and would like to know what items they have been addressing.
It was clarified that the final copy is on the website and additional copies could be obtained from
the City Administrator.
Committee Of The Whole Minutes – May 8, 2007 Page 2
Ald. Pavelko agreed with Ald. Snead and Ald. Werner that the departments should have time to
address their issues.
Ald. Fiedler felt that there is need for accountability to the public and, therefore, they could be
given three months whereby they would report at the first committee meeting of each month with
a three month deadline.
Ald. Melcher thought that dialogue is very important and felt that many issues could have easy
solutions, but some issues could be more of a problem and would benefit from meeting with an
ad hoc committee.
Ald. Schaeffer is in favor of Mayor’s proposal for an ad hoc committee.
Fire Chief Andy Mack, MVFCO, advised that he is working with Chief Wojnowski of Tess
Corners on many issues.
Increased response to the Bay Lane Corridor
Boards have meet on business policies and procedures and are meeting next week to
further discuss and implement.
Chief Mack felt that if they had two aldermen to work with, it would be sufficient. He didn’t see
the immediate need for a new committee.
Mr. Jeff Verburgt, TCFVD, also stated that both boards have meet, along with members, and
they are coming to consensus on many issues. Mr. Verburgt noted that the department has heard
Mayor Johnson’s concerns, but would like to hear from all aldermen on their individual
concerns. Performance of either department has never been a problem
Ald. Snead asks if the departments could expand on goals previously mentioned.
Mr. Verburgt advised that both boards are looking at the following issues:
Unified Pay
Advantage/disadvantage of structure of each department
Appreciation and Recognition of volunteers
Officers looking at grey area/Bay Lane corridor to Lannon Drive
Response Time on car crashes at the west end of the City
Mr. John Magnus, President of Muskego Volunteer Fire Company, explained that they are
finalizing their financial reports and will have it finalized within the next couple of months. He
also stated there are EMTS in their department that currently run with the Tess Corners
Volunteer Department.
Chief Mack stated that there have been shared training between departments.
Ald. Snead suggested two aldermen meet with departments monthly.
Committee Of The Whole Minutes – May 8, 2007 Page 3
Ald. Fiedler would prefer to have one representative from each department appear before the
Committee Of The Whole at the first meeting of the each month.
Ald. Werner felt this issue should be addressed prior to budget.
Ald. Schaefer suggested that each alderman put together their individual priorities for the list of
recommendations and the results be given to each fire department.
Ald. Snead felt the proposed Council Resolution #105-2007 should be tabled. Mayor indicated
that Resolution #105-2007 would be formally acted upon at the following Common Council
meeting.
A consensus was reached that representatives of both departments will meet with the Committee
Of The Whole on the second Tuesday of June and July and August 1, 2007, to report on progress
and that Resolution #105-2007 would be discussed at the August Committee Of The Whole
meeting.
Discuss future Committee Of The Whole agenda structure
Mayor Johnson researched different communities and their meeting structure. He is suggesting a
Committee Of The Whole meeting the first meeting, second Tuesday, of each month at 6:30 PM;
acknowledging that it could also be scheduled for the second Common Council of the month, if
needed. Ald. Melcher felt that this new structure would be very valuable to the Council.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS - None
Ald. Fiedler moved to adjourn at 7:18 PM. Seconded by Ald. Snead, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathie M. Anderson
Transcribing Secretary