PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes 12172018Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
December 17, 2018
5:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Alderperson Madden called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderperson Madden, Alderperson Engelhardt, Richard Rens, Police Chief and Scott Kroeger, Director of Public Works and Development
Absent: Alderperson Borgman
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was posted in accordance with open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderperson Engelhardt made a motion to approve the minutes of October 16, 2018. Alderperson Madden seconded.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
STATUS OF PROJECTS
Discussion update. No formal action may be taken on any of the following:
Waukesha Water
Director Kroeger stated he did not have any current updates as the City is still awaiting our set of plans to review.
Bay Lane Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated we are not moving forward with connecting Bellview to Bay Lane. The road project is planned to begin in Spring 2019.
Hillendale Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated all discussion will take place under New Business.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Forest Glen Subdivision Drainage
Director Kroeger stated this topic is back in the hands of their HOA. He has not heard from them to date.
Water Main Assessments – Defer to January Meeting
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Forest Glen Subdivision Drainage
Director Kroeger stated this topic is back in the hands of their HOA. He has not heard from them to date.
Water Main Assessments – Defer to January Meeting
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request for Curb Cuts at City Hall for Snowmobiles
Director Kroeger gave a brief overview of the topic. Chief Rens stated yes, the trail has been used for years, but it not a legal trail approved by the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.
He further explained during the evening hours it is illegal for snowmobiles to ride facing oncoming traffic due to headlights, which would require an additional barrier along Racine
Ave. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the West side of Racine due to the trail. Director Kroeger also stated, for the record, that this would be considered a change order to the original
City Hall project and someone has to pay for it.
David Taube spoke on behalf of the Muskego Icetronauts Snowmobile Club. He stated when the trail was put in on the West side of Racine Ave, the Club had no knowledge. At that time they
switched to riding on the East side of Racine Ave. Now with the new City Hall parking lot and entrance way, the club is asking for two curb cuts to make it safer for snowmobiles traveling
near City Hall. Mr. Taube obtained two quotes of $450 and $500.
The Committee and Mr. Taube continued to discuss any alternative routes, options or ideas to possibly get the trail away from this busy part of the City. Mr. Taube explained even without
a properly marked trail, snowmobilers still had rights by State law to travel along this route as a means to get to an official trail because it is a County Highway.
Alderperson Madden made a motion to deny the request for Curb Cuts.
Motion died without a second.
Hillendale Reconstruction – 30% Plan Recommendation
Director Kroeger began stating the City received a total of 63 comment cards after holding a Public Information Meeting on September 27, 2018. The Reconstruction Plan had both a rural
or urban option, along with a bike trail. Director Kroeger stated the trail has become a hot topic and the Committee will allow the residents to speak in an orderly fashion. He continued
that his recommendation will be a rural cross-section, remove as few trees as possible, clean up ditches, increase storm sewers, and curb and gutter at a few houses near the school.
Director Kroeger stated regardless of the vote tonight, this recommendation will go to Common Council on January 8, 2019 and that will be the final decision in going forward with or
without a trail.
Alderperson Madden opened up the floor for comments. A total of 12 residents spoke, all against the trail. Citing majority rules, possible homeowner liability, difficulty backing from
driveways, removal of trees, property values and against curb and gutter. A few specific comments came from residents on Maple Ct that they did not receive notices regarding the reconstruction,
even though the back sides of their properties border Hillendale.
Alderperson Engelhardt gave some additional background on how this trail idea came to be part of the Parks and Conservation Plan referencing meeting minutes from a Parks and Recreation
meeting that was held on June 11, 2011.
Alderperson Engelhardt made a motion to approve the rural cross-section, without the trail. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request for Curb Cuts at City Hall for Snowmobiles
Director Kroeger gave a brief overview of the topic. Chief Rens stated yes, the trail has been used for years, but it not a legal trail approved by the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation.
He further explained during the evening hours it is illegal for snowmobiles to ride facing oncoming traffic due to headlights, which would require an additional barrier along Racine
Ave. Snowmobiles are not allowed on the West side of Racine due to the trail. Director Kroeger also stated, for the record, that this would be considered a change order to the original
City Hall project and someone has to pay for it.
David Taube spoke on behalf of the Muskego Icetronauts Snowmobile Club. He stated when the trail was put in on the West side of Racine Ave, the Club had no knowledge. At that time they
switched to riding on the East side of Racine Ave. Now with the new City Hall parking lot and entrance way, the club is asking for two curb cuts to make it safer for snowmobiles traveling
near City Hall. Mr. Taube obtained two quotes of $450 and $500.
The Committee and Mr. Taube continued to discuss any alternative routes, options or ideas to possibly get the trail away from this busy part of the City. Mr. Taube explained even without
a properly marked trail, snowmobilers still had rights by State law to travel along this route as a means to get to an official trail because it is a County Highway.
Alderperson Madden made a motion to deny the request for Curb Cuts.
Motion died without a second.
Hillendale Reconstruction – 30% Plan Recommendation
Director Kroeger began stating the City received a total of 63 comment cards after holding a Public Information Meeting on September 27, 2018. The Reconstruction Plan had both a rural
or urban option, along with a bike trail. Director Kroeger stated the trail has become a hot topic and the Committee will allow the residents to speak in an orderly fashion. He continued
that his recommendation will be a rural cross-section, remove as few trees as possible, clean up ditches, increase storm sewers, and curb and gutter at a few houses near the school.
Director Kroeger stated regardless of the vote tonight, this recommendation will go to Common Council on January 8, 2019 and that will be the final decision in going forward with or
without a trail.
Alderperson Madden opened up the floor for comments. A total of 12 residents spoke, all against the trail. Citing majority rules, possible homeowner liability, difficulty backing from
driveways, removal of trees, property values and against curb and gutter. A few specific comments came from residents on Maple Ct that they did not receive notices regarding the reconstruction,
even though the back sides of their properties border Hillendale.
Alderperson Engelhardt gave some additional background on how this trail idea came to be part of the Parks and Conservation Plan referencing meeting minutes from a Parks and Recreation
meeting that was held on June 11, 2011.
Alderperson Engelhardt made a motion to approve the rural cross-section, without the trail. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
NEW BUSINESS PLACED ON FILE
(The following items have been placed on file for staff review. Upon completion of review, staff will submit a supplement detailing options and possible course of action to committee
members.)
Sandy Beach Bridge
Director Kroeger stated this bridge is currently down. A cost estimate from four years ago was $300,000. WE Energies has stated this bridge only needs to hold pedestrians, not vehicles.
Since the demo work has already been completed, Director Kroeger is hoping the City can find a much cheaper solution to repair the bridge. He will continue to gather information and
bring to the Committee on a future Agenda for a possible Capital project.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Engelhardt made a motion to adjourn at 6:23 PM, Alderperson Madden seconded.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy Fredlund
Transcribing Secretary