COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20110913
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 10/11/11
(*Revised)
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 13, 2011
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present were Ald. Fiedler,
Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Werner, Borgman, Harenda and Snead, Director of Finance
and Administration Mueller, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Those present recited the
Pledge of Allegiance. The Deputy stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance
with the open meeting law.
NEW BUSINESS
The Mayor stated there were a few Capital Projects that needed to be finalized. She
provided a few additional comments.
Capital Project/Item Cost Comments
Pioneer Drive Reconstruction $2,495,080
Breakdown of the total project cost:
Construction is $1.5 million.
Water utility on the south end of the
road is $802,000. Some of that money
would be recouped through special
assessments.
Water utility on the north side would be
approximately $200,000. *Some of that
money would be recouped through
special assessments.
Other Points of Discussion:
The Mayor stated that at the September 8 meeting the straw vote was 3 to 3.
(Ald. Fiedler was not present at that meeting.)
The Council could determine to only do the road reconstruction portion of the
project; several of those present agreed that the sidewalks need to be redone.
Mayor Chiaverotti stated that the Common Council designated the area as a
historical district many years ago and the CDA has approved it as a
redevelopment district.
Ald. Werner reiterated his support for the entire project.
Ald. Soltysiak clarified that the area is part of a larger redevelopment district,
which includes Janesville Road. Most of the road is residential. The City owns
four properties on it. He does not see much opportunity for new business
development or redevelopment.
Ald. Schaumberg stated that residential owners in the area could petition to have
their property rezoned for commercial use.
Ald. Harenda would like a TIF district created.
Ald. Fiedler and Ald. Schaumberg stated their support for the project because the
redevelopment of Pioneer Drive would tie into the reconstruction of Janesville
Road.
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September 13, 2011
Consensus:
Ald. Fiedler, Schaumberg, Werner and Snead: Yes
Ald. Soltysiak, Borgman and Harenda: No
Trail Planning (Continued)
The Mayor continued discussion regarding the Capital Projects and moved to the
recreational trails. She stated that both the Racine Avenue and Woods Road trails are
scheduled to be done in 2014. Ald. Soltysiak would like to do the portion on Racine
Avenue from Culvers south to Pioneer Drive next year. The Mayor stated that Parks &
Recreation Director Anderson believes that the whole stretch on Racine Avenue should
be done at the same time. The City will be borrowing funds for 2011, 2012 and 2013 so
if the trails scheduled to be done in 2014 are moved up, the amount of the borrowing
will have to be increased.
The Mayor stated that Robbie Kanelos (present in the audience) submitted a petition
with 126 signatures supporting the Woods Road trail (from Quietwood to Racine
Avenue) be completed in 2012. He attended the Parks & Recreation meeting where the
Board unanimously moved to complete the Woods Road trail in 2012. Ald. Schaumberg
supports the Woods Road trail being done next year because of the reconstruction of
Janesville Road. (The petition submitted is in the Parks & Recreation Department.)
Ald. Soltysiak supports this trail being moved up along with several others because of
their location on the City’s busiest roads. This is something people want; it is a quality
of life issue.
Ald. Borgman stated if the Woods Road trail is moved to 2012, something else should
be removed.
Consensus:
Woods Road Trail All in favor
Racine Avenue Trail (Entire Section) Yes: Ald. Harenda and Soltysiak
No: Ald. Snead, Borgman, Werner and Fiedler
Racine Avenue Trail (Partial) Yes: Ald. Harenda and Soltysiak
No: Ald. Snead, Borgman, Werner and Fiedler
Discussion on the General Operating Budget began.
PROPOSED 2012 OPERATING BUDGET
Mayor Chiaverotti stated her goals in preparing the budget:
Ensure the City’s continued sound fiscal health while not exceeding the mandated
net levy increase to taxpayers (net new growth).
Continue all present services and programs for City residents and taxpayers.
Support economic growth.
Limit the use of one-time funding sources.
The Mayor stated in preparing the proposed 2012 budget, the impact of Wisconsin Acts
10 and 32 created new challenges. The steps taken in order to develop the budget
include contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) by Police Department
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September 13, 2011
personnel and employing contracted services within the Building Inspection
Department.
Revenues
Mayor Chiaverotti stated the proposed 2012 general fund revenue budget is
$13,925,948, which reflects an increase of $129,142 or 0.94% compared to the 2011
budget. The City’s net new growth is 1.06%, which is the allowable levy limit increase.
The primary reason for the change in revenues is the reduction in transportation aids
and State shared revenues. Offsetting this is the use of surplus funds from the prior
year’s road program in the amount of $356,530.
Expenditures
The Mayor stated there is an increase in expenditures due to the addition of the
assessment revaluation fees and road program costs. Also included is the promotion of
the City Engineer to the Public Works Director/Engineer, the reorganization of the
Information and Technology Department and outsourcing the building inspection
services.
The Mayor outlined her rationale for the promotion of the City Engineer:
The City will have a leadership role in the absence of either of the
Superintendents.
Standardized and centralized contracts of administration.
Increased efficiency.
The employee will develop program policies and goals and make sure they are
carried out.
He will coordinate the activities between both the Public Works and Public Utilities
departments.
The Mayor further noted that the employee has already been acting in this capacity.
It was determined that the September 27 COW meeting would start at 5:30 p.m.
Capital Borrowing Fund
Ms. Mueller reviewed the attached list, which outlined the projects that will require the
issuance of debt for 2011 through 2012. She is proposing a $15 million borrowing.
That would cover the years 2011 through 2013. The borrowed money could be used in
2014 if there was an available balance. Ms. Mueller stated she will have to move
forward with the borrowing fairly soon.
Consensus:
Ald. Fiedler, Schaumberg, Werner and Snead: Yes
Ald. Soltysiak, Borgman and Harenda: No
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler; motion carried.
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September 13, 2011
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk