COWM20090623
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO approved 7/14/2009
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. and led those present in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Johnson, Ald. Snead, Harenda, Borgman, Werner, Schneider, Fiedler, and Clerk
Treasurer Moyer. Also present Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Fire
Department Mr. Jeff Verburgt. Ald. Schaumberg was excused.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
Clerk Treasurer Moyer stated that the meeting had been noticed in accordance with the
Open Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no issues with the agenda items listed. Discussion to have both agenda
items blend together because they correlate with each other and may not be discussed
exclusively or in the order as stated on the agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Werner moved to approve minutes, of the May 26, 2009 meeting. Ald. Snead
seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discussion regarding the combining of the existing Public Works and Public
Utilities committees. Mayor thinks the committees work fine and wants to redefine
these three committees, 1) public works, 2) public utilities and 3) finance
committee. Ald. Borgman is concerned that some issues (i.e. lake safety, lake
speed limits) do not have a committee to review and does not want to eliminate
any committees, feeling that there are not enough committees. Ald. Fiedler
recommended having a default committee for issues that do not come up often.
Mayor suggested not making any changes this year to the committees. He wants
any proposed committee responsibility ideas be e-mailed to Clerk Treasurer Moyer
or himself for review and compilation for future discussion.
2. Discussion regarding the creation of a fire department liaison committee. Mr. Jeff
Verburgt stated that he is currently working on how the department will operate.
He is not sure what a committee would do at this point in time and stated that
funding is needed. An overview of the equipment and replacement of a pumper
and tanker was discussed. These items, along with others needing replacement,
will be expensive and funding is needed. Ald. Snead stated that there should be a
committee to report to and have a monthly fire department report. Ald. Werner
indicated that a committee is needed and would address the expectations of the
agreement and to work with administration, set goals, and communicate with
council any community concerns. Ald. Fiedler left the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Mr.
Jeff Verburgt feels the state is monitoring the fire department. He stated that the
community is aware of the fire departments’ role due to the amount of presence in
Committee of the Whole Page 2
the community events. Mayor Johnson wants to continue with the positive
communication with the fire department and the council. The rapport needs to be
maintained by communicating with one another on a regular basis. Ald. Werner
wants a separate committee for fire issues. Ald. Borgman wants a separate
committee and suggested a quarterly meeting schedule. Ald. Harenda agrees with
the quarterly meeting schedule. Ald. Schneider indicated that in the interim, the
fire department should use the ordinance in place and report to the public works
committee for any concerns and issues. Mayor Johnson will put together some
options for the next meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
th
Reminder of the Thursday June 25 Fire Station Tour beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Station 4
on Racine Avenue.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Harenda, motion carried
unanimously.
Claire Lederhaus
Executive Assistant