COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20110426
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – CITY OF MUSKEGO (Approved)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2011
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti, Aldermen Snead, Harenda, Borgman, Werner, Soltysiak,
Schaumberg, and Fiedler. Also present Deputy Clerk Jill Blenski.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The Deputy Clerk stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open
Meeting Law.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no issues with the agenda item listed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Werner moved for approval of the April 12, 2011 minutes. Ald. Snead seconded;
motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Discuss Fire Department Reward/Retention Program
Ald. Werner began the discussion noting that this issue has been debated for some
time. The Public Safety Committee has reviewed a proposal to use the money that
has been dedicated to the Scholarship Fund as part of the 1999 Dissolution
Agreement between the City and Tess Corners Fire Department. There is
approximately $180,000 in the fund. Ald. Soltysiak stated that the funds are in a
separate account and are to be used for educational purposes. The Fire Department
is proposing to use the funds for a retention or length of service program. For every
five years of service, an active member would receive $750.
There are two proposals: Plan A and Plan B (attached). Ald. Werner stated that
Plan A would provide funds to bring the fire department personnel up to date over a
two-year period. Plan B would disburse all the funds to the department at one time.
The fire department would administer the program. The existing agreement would
have to be amended to remove all references to the Scholarship Fund. A new
Scholarship Fund would be established, which would be administered by the City. It
would not be tied to dissolution of the department. Each year as part of the budget
process, the fire department would request funds for both the retention program as
well as the educational program. Ald. Soltysiak made it clear that the City’s
contribution to either would be optional. Ald. Werner noted that with Plan A, there
would be no City contribution for two years.
Committee of the Whole meeting page 2
April 26, 2011
Ald. Werner would like this issue to be discussed at a future Committee of the Whole
meeting with fire department personnel present. Ald. Borgman did not support the
awards being retroactive. Several aldermen disagreed stating it was up to the fire
department to use the funds and determine how the program would be administered.
Ald. Snead noted that one of the benefits of the merger was that a retention program
would be established. Ald. Soltysiak believes the program should become self-
funding over time.
It was determined that the program would be discussed at a future Committee of the
Whole meeting. The Committee did not come to a consensus regarding which plan
was preferred. A question of whether or not the issue could be discussed in closed
session was brought up.
The Mayor stated that there were several other issues that Aldermen had requested
be placed on future COW agendas, such as terms for committee appointments and
potential amendments to Chapter 3. Ald. Werner requested that when the fire
department issue would be discussed, it be the only item on the agenda for that
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 6:46 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Deputy Clerk Jill Blenski