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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE - MINUTES - 11/5/2007 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2007 Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Johnson, Aldermen Snead, Pavelko, Borgman, Werner, Melcher, Schaefer, and Fiedler. Department Heads/Other Staff present: City Administrator Sheiffer and Finance Supervisor Mueller. Also present were those listed on the attached sign-in sheet. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE City Clerk/Treasurer Janice Moyer stated that the meeting had been noticed in accordance with the Open meeting Law. APPROVAL OF AGENDA APPROVAL OF MINUTES Ald. Pavelko moved for approval of the minutes of the meeting held October 23, 2007. Seconded by Ald. Borgman, motion carried. Ald. Pavelko moved for approval of the minutes of the meeting held October 25, 2007, requesting that page 3, paragraph 4, be corrected to read, “Ald. Pavelko would like to see the rate as low as possible and use the savings”; thereby taking out the word “up”. Seconded by Ald. Borgman, motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2008 Operating and Capital Budget Mayor advised that the 2008 Operating and Capital Budget will be voted on at the meeting of November 13, 2007, and wanted the Council to discuss any concerns. Ald. Borgman stated that he would like to reconsider purchasing of the lap top computers. He has access to a computer all day long and does not wish to have another computer. Ald. Fiedler verified that it is not mandatory and may not be needed by all aldermen. Ald. Werner and Ald. Snead brought up various business policies that do not allow personal emails. The majority requested to leave the computers in the budget at this time. Mayor thanked Finance Supervisor Mueller who was excused from the meeting at this time. NEW BUSINESS Discuss creation of ad-hoc committee for implementation of fire study recommendations Committee of the Whole Page 2 November 5, 2007 Mayor Johnson referred to the draft agenda that was part of the agenda packet and stated that after receiving several comments from various aldermen, he felt it should be more specific. He felt it appropriate to narrow their focus. Ald. Fiedler stated that he felt there were three options: 1. Create a whole new department and ask both departments to join in. 2. Create a City Department and ask both departments to join in. 3. Contract with one or the other departments and ask the one not contracted with to join in. Ald. Fiedler added that he felt that the most efficient way would be option #3 and, upon his review, the City should contract with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department for cost effectiveness. He felt that pending an opinion by the City Attorney, the most efficient, cost- effective way is contracting with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department. Ald. Borgman stated that he would like to see a new department that would honor the history and efforts of both existing departments of the past and meld into something new. Ald. Fiedler felt that there should be a new name – everyone reporting to station closest to them. He brought up issues of integration. He would like to see it done efficiently and cost-effectively. Ald. Melcher agreed mergers are very difficult and he felt it was good to have a new name. He is concerned with hard feelings and he has reservations with what is being proposed. Ald. Pavelko would like unification of both departments making one great department. Ald. Werner felt that there should be buy-in from both departments and felt that might mean Muskego Volunteer Company being dissolved. Tess Corners would also be affected with integration of command staff. He felt that the proposed ad hoc committee would be advantageous to both departments. Ald. Snead felt we have to look at retention of firefighters. If a committee is formed we must provide a benefit package to firefighters to show appreciation. Mayor felt we have to be very cautious before dissolving both departments and starting from scratch. He suggested possibly forming one department with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department taking the lead and working something out with Muskego Volunteer Fire Company before creating the ad hoc committee. Ald. Werner felt the ad hoc committee should be created and the Council should give them clear direction of wanting one fire department with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department as the lead and absorb Muskego Volunteer Fire Company’s membership. Also, a timeframe should be given to accomplish this task. Ald. Fiedler felt that it is the responsibility of the Council to make the decision. Ald. Snead would like to see the ad hoc committee as a support during this transition. Committee of the Whole Page 3 November 5, 2007 Ald. Werner suggested that we have to be prepared to form one independent department if it would be too overwhelming for Tess Corners. Ald. Fiedler felt that the proposed draft should be changed to read:  Specific terms and conditions of a single fire/rescue annual service agreement that provides for fire and rescue service for the City by Tess Corners Fire Department.  Issues and conditions affecting the equity and fairness of integration of volunteer firefighters from both departments, leadership of both department and tradition and history of both departments. Continue with the third and fourth bullet points. Ald. Schaefer stated that in talking with various firefighters, they are concerned with the following:  They want to be able to have a voice – Selection of officers, etc.  Afraid that their services may not be needed in the future. Ald. Snead noted these are volunteers and should never fear being “fired”. It was the consensus that the proposed changes will be made to the draft resolution and it will be emailed to all aldermen as well as being on the Council agenda for action on 11/13/2007. A finishing date of April 1, 2008, was agreed. Mayor Johnson will be getting in touch with both departments on Tuesday. COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW Ald. Snead announced a blood drive being held by an eagle scout in her district. She will forward information to all. ADJOURNMENT Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 8:20 pm. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler, motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Cathie M. Anderson Transcribing Secretary /ca