PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes 07202020Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY
COMMITTEE MINUTES
July 20, 2020
5:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Alderperson Hammel called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderpersons Hammel and Terrence; Scott Kroeger, Director of Public Works and
Development
Absent: Alderperson Kapusta
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was posted in accordance with open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderperson Terrence made a motion to approve the minutes of the May 18, 2020,
meeting. Alderperson Hammel seconded.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
STATUS OF PROJECTS
Discussion update. No formal action may be taken on any of the following:
Great Water Alliance
Director Kroeger stated the Intergovernmental Contract would be presented at the next
Common Council meeting. This will be a large, one full year project, disrupting the East side of
the City.
Hillendale Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated the consultant is putting the finishing touches on the plans. It will go to
bid in Oct-Nov 2020, be a part of the Capitol Budget for 2021, and set to begin construction in
Mar-April 2021.
CTH – Y/Racine Avenue – Pilak Creek Tributary Structure Replacement
Director Kroeger stated two large culvert pipes are being replaced. The road will be shut down
for approximately 30 days beginning September 8th. Detours and additional information have
been posted on the City website.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request for Additional Turtle Crossing Signs on Durham Drive
Director Kroeger stated the three locations that were requested for the signage. This would be
a total of six signs, three each direction. Ald. Hammel stated he is not in favor of too many
signs, nor has he ever witnessed turtles crossing the road in that area. Ald. Terrence agreed
about having too many signs.
Alderperson Terrence made a motion to deny the Request for Additional Turtle
Crossing Signs. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request for Hidden Driveway Sign at S75W20051 Hillendale Drive
Director Kroeger presented his memo and pictures of the area. He stated he is not
recommending a Hidden Driveway sign as the Warning Stop sign and Stop sign require
vehicles to stop at their driveway. Director Kroeger stated he asked DPW to review the area
and agreed the City will cut back the surrounding vegetation by each sign to open up the
viewing area. He also reached out to the Police Chief for information on accidents. Only one
reportable accident in the last five years.
Mr. Kerry Wolfe and Ms. Rachel Houselander spoke on their behalf about the issues they were
having during the winter months and with drag racing after 8pm. They stated later in the
evening most drivers stop adhering to the Stop sign. They did agree the foliage needs to be
trimmed back.
The Committee as a whole agreed intersections are no longer designed this way and we
needed to work with what we already have in place.
Alderperson Terrence made a motion to deny the Hidden Driveway sign, to have DPW
cut back the foliage around the current signs and to contact the Police Chief for
additional patrolling of the intersection. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
Request for Waiver from Municipal Code 400-31(B)(1) at W188S7642 Oak Grove Drive
Director Kroeger presented his memo and explained the above listed Code and why the City is
against allowing this addition to be built as requested.
Ms. Stephanie Engelking (no relation to owner) made a statement to clarify the intentions of
the waiver being requested and that they have addressed all the concerns of the Code. Mr.
Dave Cornale of Giles Engineering also agreed that basements should generally be two feet
above the groundwater. He continued to explain his findings on the site and why the
Committee should consider allowing the requested waiver.
Mr. Bill Engelking (owner) spoke on his behalf and brought up the idea of signing a disclosure
statement to take the City out of the liability equation should any problems occur in the future.
Director Kroeger stated he spoke with the City attorney who agreed that a waiver could be
signed, but needed to be documented and recorded in such a way that it would stay with the
house forever. Any future title searches, this waiver should appear on record.
Ald. Kevin Kubacki asked what happens next if the soil varies upon excavation. Director
Kroeger explained unless the elevations are changed by over 1”, we won’t know about it. If
elevation changes are needed over 1”, then the review process starts over and new
recertification forms are issued. If major changes are required, new plans may be requested
for review by Engineering, Zoning and Building Inspection.
Alderperson Terrence made a motion to approve the Request for Waiver from Municipal
Code 400-31(B)(1). Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
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.)
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Alderperson Hammel requested the Police Dept and Fire Dept submit in writing (or in person)
a quarterly report summary on each respective department.
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Terrance made a motion to adjourn at 5:37 PM. Alderperson Hammel
seconded.
Motion Passed 2 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy Fredlund
Recording Secretary