COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20110927
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 10/11/11
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 5:52 p.m. Present were Ald. Fiedler,
Schaumberg, Werner, Borgman, Harenda and Snead, Director of Finance and
Administration Mueller, Community Development Director Muenkel, IS/GIS Director
Wisniewski and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Ald. Soltysiak was absent. The Deputy stated
that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Schaumberg moved to approve the September 8, 2011 minutes. Ald. Snead
seconded. Ald. Harenda requested that Page 3 of the minutes (under discussion of the
Janesville Road Reconstruction Project) reflect that if money was needed for the
$500,000 contingency amount, he wanted to use TIF Residual Funds and not borrow for
it. Motion to adopt the minutes as corrected carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
The Mayor stated there was one Capital Project item that needed to be finalized. Mr.
Muenkel presented the following proposal:
Capital Project/Item Cost Comments
2012 Signage Projects (Revised) $34,513
The original cost to potentially add a
reader board to the new City Hall sign was
Upgrade Library sign to include
$18,188
$12,000. The original cost for the two
reader board.
gateway signs was $25,000.
$15,200
Believes it is in the City’s best interest to
Install new gateway signs at Racine
determine all the signage to be done next
Avenue and Janesville Road West,
with solar lights to potentially be
year, especially with the Janesville Road
installed at $2,250.
construction.
Propose upgrading the Library sign and
add a reader board. The Library Director
supports the proposal.
Scale back the gateway signage because
of their location to reduce the cost. Solar
lighting could be used vs. electric.
If the signage is done, all gateway and
municipal signs would match.
Other Points of Discussion:
Several questions were raised regarding the solar lighting. Mr. Muenkel stated he
could test one out and make sure it functions well.
Ald. Borgman was concerned that the solar lighting would be installed with only
ground stakes and could be taken. Mr. Muenkel stated that the stakes can be
removed for a traditional flat mount installation.
Ald. Borgman expressed concern about the timing of the reader board sign at the
Library. Would it be better to put it off until after the first phase of construction?
The Mayor and Ald. Fiedler believe the signage could provide important
information to the public about the reconstruction project.
Committee of the Whole Page 2
September 27, 2011
The Mayor favors that the design of all the signs will be consistent.
Consensus:
All in favor.
PROPOSED 2012 OPERATING BUDGET
CDD - Building & Plumbing Inspection Division
Mr. Muenkel is proposing to restructure his department by outsourcing the building
inspection duties. Two positions would be eliminated. The proposal would save the
City approximately $98,000.
Points of Discussion:
Ald. Harenda questioned why the budget reflects salary increases and then
positions are proposed to be eliminated.
Ald. Snead expressed her concern that services will remain exemplary if
outsourced.
Ald. Borgman stated he has the same concern. The current employees are very
responsive to the needs of the residents.
Ald. Fiedler believes the change to outsourcing should be transparent to the public.
If the City is looking to save money, this is the place to do it. He supports the
proposal because it was brought forward by the Department Head.
Mayor Chiaverotti stated Mr. Muenkel has done his homework. He has contacted
other municipalities as did she. She spoke with Dave De Angelis, the Village
Administrator in Elm Grove. Elm Grove has used the same service for many years
and has not had any issues or concerns. She stated that there will be one person
dedicated to Muskego.
Ald. Harenda asked what the amount of the salaries was for the two positions. Mr.
Muenkel responded 86% of $160,000.
Mr. Muenkel stated that the companies he contacted would provide the services
the City requests. He did look at various options for the Building Inspection
Division of his department including retaining one of the employees. However, no
cost savings would be realized.
Ald. Werner stated his concern is quality of service to the community.
Consensus:
Ald. Schaumberg, Harenda and Snead: No
Ald. Borgman, Fiedler and Werner: Yes
The Mayor reiterated her support for the proposal and noted that the budget
reflects the cost saving if the work is outsourced.
Information Technology
Mr. Wisniewski was present regarding the proposal for his department. He stated he
took his current position in 2009. In the last three years, the information technology and
telecommunications infrastructure that the IT Department supports has become
increasingly more complicated. The amount of basic computer related problems has
been reduced. With that, Mr. Wisniewski is recommending that the Computer Specialist
Committee of the Whole Page 3
September 27, 2011
position be eliminated and a Systems Administrator position be created to better
facilitate the operational support needed by the City. He also recommends hiring a part-
time PC Intern to perform the basic level one computer tasks. He believes the
proposed staffing changes will better meet the current and future needs of the
organization. An intern could be acquired through WCTC.
Points of Discussion:
Ald. Werner expressed his support for the recommendation.
Ald. Snead also expressed support.
Consensus:
All in favor.
Updates from the Mayor
Mayor Chiaverotti stated the survey and design work will have to be done before winter
for the Woods Road recreational trail. Since it was moved up, she wanted to make sure
that everyone was still on board. The construction would be done next summer when
school is not in session. Consensus: All in favor.
The Mayor stated that the City received updated information from the Dept. of
Administration regarding the amount of State Shared Revenue and Transportation Aids.
The total increase that the City will receive is $218,519. The Mayor is proposing that
$113,391 be applied to reduce the levy, which will result in a zero levy increase. The
remaining funds in the amount of $76,128 would be used in increase Contingency
Funding. Ald. Fiedler asked if a zero levy increase this year would be too restrictive for
next year. Mayor Chiaverotti stated the only allowable increase for next year will be
dictated by net new growth. She and Ms. Mueller are comfortable with the zero levy
increase for 2012. However, this should not be done on a regular basis. Both are
opposed to lowering the levy.
Ald. Werner confirmed that the 5.8% WRS contribution for Police personnel is in the
budget since negotiations will not take place until next year.
The Mayor stated she would like to continue to move through the budget process.
Additional discussion could take place on October 11. The proposal is to hold the public
hearing on Monday, October 24 with adoption of the budgets to be placed on the
October 25 Council agenda.
Consensus Regarding the Zero Levy:
Ald. Harenda No
Ald. Snead, Borgman, Werner, Schaumberg and Fiedler Yes
Ald. Harenda stated he had questions about specific line items. He will e-mail them to
Sharon.
Committee of the Whole Page 4
September 27, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Fiedler; motion carried.
Minutes taken and transcribed by
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk