Public Works Committee - MINUTES - 4/17/2006
approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 17, 2006
Chairman Chris Buckmaster called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM with Ald. Bob
Melcher and Ald. Neil Borgman present along with Engineering/Building Inspection
Director Sean McMullen, Public Works Superintendent Wayne Delikat and Chief John
Johnson.
Chairman Buckmaster led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The secretary reported that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open
Meeting Law on April 14, 2006.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 20, 2006 – Ald. Borgman moved to approve
the minutes of March 20, 2006 as corrected. Seconded by Ald. Melcher. Motion
carried 3-0.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN –
Update on Mayor’s Task Force Committee – The Committee received the draft minutes
and approved resolution of the Mayor’s Task Force meeting on April 13, 2006. Public
Works Committee will hold a special meeting prior Council on May 9th at 5:30 PM
for approval of the Task Force recommendations. Director McMullen will prepare
preliminary costs for that meeting also.
ENG/BLD. DIRECTOR – PUBLIC WORKS SUPT. REPORT
Superintendent Delikat reported crews are working on tree trimming and cleaning and
repainting trucks. Drainage issues will be addressed beginning in May.
STATUS OF PROJECTS
Janesville Road Reconstruction Project – nothing new to report.
Janesville Road/County Capital Plan – nothing new to report.
Martin Drive Realignment – nothing new to report.
Field Drive Repaving –Work will be done with the Road Program this spring.
Settlement Center (Old Town Hall) – The advertisement for bids will be published the
second and third Thursday in May.
Waukesha County Traffic Study – nothing new to report.
Urban/Rural Drainage – nothing new to report. .
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April 17, 2006
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion on 3-4 parcel land divisions and a policy for improving right-of-way to City
standards – Director McMullen stated this item was referred back to the Public Works
Committee from the Committee of the Whole. Director McMullen explained in the past
the City has allowed private roads within public right of way for 3 to 4 lot land divisions.
It is the opinion of the City Attorney this is a poor policy and has potential legal
consequences. The City may still be liable to maintain the private road because it is in
a public right of way. Ald. Borgman questioned the current minimum standard,
requiring the road be paved to a minimum standard that would be adequate for
emergency vehicles but would not cost as much as improving the road to full City
standards. Director McMullen explained in the future the City will be raising the
standard of the cross section of public roads, as the current environmental friendly cross
section is not lasting long. This would contradict allowing these minimum standard
roads to be installed. Director McMullen added the City may eventually own these
private roads. Ald. Borgman questioned the current practice of adding to the property
deed the requirements of maintaining the road. Director McMullen explained if the
property owner does not maintain the road the City will have to fix it and special assess
the property owners. Ald. Buckmaster expressed concern with the past
recommendation of staff to allow the sub-standard roads. Ald. Buckmaster requested
the Attorney’s verbal opinion in writing through an email. Ald. Borgman moved to
defer. Seconded by Ald. Melcher. Motion carried 3-0.
Preliminary discussion on reopening of Durham Drive cul-de-sac (Durham Drive and
Janesville Road) – Ald. Buckmaster suggested giving the information from the
supplement to the organization that submitted the petition to reopen Durham Drive cul-
de-sac. Ald. Melcher moved to defer to the regular May meeting. Seconded by
Ald. Borgman. Motion carried 3-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss location of lake buoys on Little Muskego Lake (Ald. Borgman) – Director
McMullen explained in 1996 Council approved the buoys in the location 100 feet from
the shoreline in a straight line by the two islands off of Idle Isle park. When the buoys
were put out in 2002 they began creeping forward. Staff is recommending placing the
buoys consistent with the original location in 1996. Ald. Melcher moved to approve
placement of the buoys according to the 1996 locations and the attached map.
Seconded by Ald. Borgman. Motion carried 3-0.
Discuss Pasadena Drive traffic study – speed bump request and cost to purchase (Ald.
Melcher)- Glynis Grochowksi was present on behalf of the residents on Pasadena Drive
to request a speed bump. Ms. Grochowski explained cars are driving at high speeds
from the top of the hill down her street. Drivers use Pasadena as a cut through from
Tyler. Ms. Grochowski further explained there are many children in this area and
parents are concerned for their safety. Ms. Grochowski explained the members of the
Homeowners Association are willing to share the cost with the City. Ald. Buckmaster
expressed concern with sharing the cost. If the City feels they are necessary because
of a safety concern the City should pay the entire costs. The supplement included in
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April 17, 2006
the packets stated the approximate costs of two speed bumps will be $3600 including
signage. Chief Johnson stated he does not agree with the City sharing the cost with the
residents for installing speed bumps. According to the data from the speed study this
area is not a safety issue. There should be some criteria for spending the money on
installing speed bumps whenever they are requested. There are many other streets
that are the same as Pasadena or worse as far as the speed study shows. Ald. Melcher
moved to recommend approval to Finance to purchase two speed bumps with signage
for a total of $4200. Motion died for lack of a second.
Chief Johnson suggested removing the temporary speed bumps on Lions Park Drive
and installing permanent speed bumps. Chief noted if the residents of Lions Park Drive
were satisfied with the temporary bumps then the next step should be to install the
permanent speed bumps. The temporary bumps can then be installed on Pasadena to
be tested in that area.
Ald. Melcher moved to install temporary speed bumps on Pasadena Drive with
permission of the property owners. Seconded by Ald. Borgman. Motion carried
3-0.
Ms. Grochowski will submit the location of the speed bumps with the property owner’s
approval to Superintendent Delikat.
Ald. Melcher moved to install permanent speed bumps on Lions Park Dr with
consent of the residents and subject to Finance approval. Seconded by Ald.
Borgman. Motion carried 3-0.
Criteria for establishing traffic calming devices will be added to the next regular meeting
in May. Staff will prepare a supplement.
Discuss on-going drainage problem S68 W17941 Island Drive – Tolfa Residence –
Director McMullen explained this issue came before the Public Works Committee in
2002. There is a small drainage area that drains the back yard of the Tolfa residence.
The neighbor, Scott Reiske, built a new home in 2000 and put in a plastic pipe along the
property line. The backyard of the Tolfa property is the lowest spot in this area. The
culvert that drains this property has been getting plugged with leaves and debris.
Options the City suggested in 2002 were for the neighbors to work together to fill the
low area behind the Tolfa residence, or the four neighboring properties work together to
extend the piece of storm sewer from the Reiske property to the Tolfa property. Director
McMullen stated he was asked by the Mayor for options to resolve the drainage
problem. Director McMullen recommended taking the existing end section and running
pipe along the entire area to drain the water into the municipal storm sewer. One
outstanding issue is the easements were never recorded. There is a drainage way
easement but it is not listed to anyone. Permission from each property is needed to
access their drainage easement to do the work. Ald. Melcher questioned who would be
responsible to keep the pipe free of leaves and debris. Director McMullen suggested if
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April 17, 2006
the City is going to be doing the work, it should be the resident’s responsibility to keep
the pipe clear of debris. The Committee directed staff to research costs.
Handicap parking signage/condos/apartments/business- Mayor Damaske explained this
issue began when Bushy’s handicap parking spots were not property signed. The
Engineering Department has been given a list of non-compliant properties within the
City. Director McMullen researched the State Code, which states every commercial
business must have handicap signs installed. If the business received occupancy prior
to May 1, 1983, they will have five years from notification to comply. All other business
must have the signs installed 30 days from notification. This will also be reviewed when
a business goes to Plan Commission for their yearly BSO review. Ald. Borgman
moved to direct staff to send compliance letters to each of the property owners or
tenants and further direct staff to install the proper signage on City owned
parcels. Ald. Melcher seconded. Motion carried 3-0.
Stop signs at Sandalwood and Rosewood – This item was brought forward from New
Business Placed on file due to an increase in traffic load. Ald. Buckmaster explained
with the new development and the senior condos, there are more problems at this
intersection. Ald. Buckmaster moved to recommend to Council to install stop
signs on Rosewood Drive at Sandalwood Drive. Seconded by Ald. Melcher.
Motion carried 3-0.
Discuss cost sharing and scheduling of work for culvert at S70 W17479 Muskego Dr –
Ald. Borgman stated the resident would like the culvert moved on his property. While
looking at this property staff noticed a very deep ditch. Director McMullen stated there
is roadside drainage coming down the ditch. Staff is recommending the culvert and the
ditch be recreated. City would pay for the piping in the right of way and the property
owner would pay for the piping on private property. The Committee directed staff to put
together costs for the City’s and the property owner’s portion of the project.
Discuss request to vacate right-of-way on Crest Drive – Director McMullen explained
the original request to vacate the right of way was sent back to Committee from Council.
Residents along this strip have sheds and garages that front the existing right of way
and would no longer have access to the shed/garages if the right of way were vacated.
Director McMullen recommended to vacate Crest Drive right of way and add a public
access easement. This will not affect the property size. The Committee directed staff
to begin the process to vacate the right of way and add the public access easement on
Crest Drive.
Further discussion to amend Chapter 9, Section 9. 01 Discharge of firearms and Guns
Prohibited – The Committee discussed the safety issue of permitting shooting with rifles
within the City. Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval to Council. Motion died
for lack of a second. Chief Johnson will research other Communities and bring back to
Committee. Ald. Melcher moved to defer to the regular May meeting. Seconded
by Ald. Borgman. Motion carried 3-0.
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April 17, 2006
SUBDIVIDERS’S EXHIBITS
ACCEPTANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS
NEW BUSINSS PLACED ON FILE
Request for streetlights or widening of Cornell Drive
Discuss extension of Penn Lane
Discuss request to lower speed limit on Martin Drive from 35 mph to 30 mph.
COMMUNICATION AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW.
Director McMullen stated the residents of Stoney Creek have requested a streetlight be
installed at the entrance to the complex. The light has been ordered and will cost the
City $8.13/month.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Melcher moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:07 PM. Seconded by Ald.
Borgman; motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Kellie Renk, Recording Secretary