COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE -Minutes 20120920
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW) – CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 10/9/12
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 2012
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were Ald. Madden,
Schaumberg, Soltysiak, Glazier, Borgman, Harenda and Wolfe, Director of Finance and
Administration Mueller, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Also present were the following
Department Heads: Parks and Recreation Director Anderson, City Engineer Simpson,
Library Director Loeffel, Police Chief Geiszler, Assessor Mecha, Community
Development Director Muenkel, and IT/IS Director Wisniewski. Donovan Winter, an
Intern working in the Parks and Recreation Department, was also present. Those
present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Deputy Clerk stated that the meeting was
noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. There were no issues with the
agenda.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Glazier moved for approval of the September 11, 2012 minutes. Ald. Borgman
seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
The Committee continued review of the 2013 operating budget. The Department Heads
were present to provide input regarding the proposed 10% cuts to various line items
within their 2013 budgets. Mayor Chiaverotti said this was an effort to work as a team.
She noted that if the proposed cut for a specific line item was under $50, she didn’t think
a substantial amount of time should be spent discussing it.
All of the Department Heads stated that training and conferences are very important to
their roles as managers and leaders. They provide opportunities for networking and
professional development. Conferences are not attended simply because money is
budgeted. Staff attends if they believe there will be a benefit. Several Department
Heads indicated that they have or will have new employees that will need to attend
training next year. The Department Heads also noted the significance of funding for
memberships and dues for the professional organizations that they belong to. These
organizations often provide opportunities for training at reduced costs for members.
Ald. Wolfe stated that he supported funds budgeted for training.
Parks & Recreation
Mr. Anderson reviewed all the accounts for the Recreation Programs and Parks
Operations. He noted that he already reduced all his nonpersonnel accounts by a
total of $3,400.
The proposed 10% cut will reduce all of the line items below their account history.
Mr. Anderson stated that the 2013 revenues are projected to increase over
expenditures by $17,000.
He stated that the recreation programs pay for their direct costs. In addition, they
pay 100% of the salary and benefits for the Program Manager and an allocated
portion (approximately 50%) of the salary and benefits for the Department
Secretary.
If expenditures are reduced for recreation programs, there will also be a decrease
in revenues.
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September 20, 2012
Muskego residents support all the recreation programs offered, especially those
related to athletics.
Mr. Anderson stated he is requesting more seasonal hours for 2013 because of
increased park usage. Additional personnel hours will be requested for 2014.
Information Technology
Mr. Wisniewski already reduced the amount budgeted for Programming and
Consulting by $5,000. The proposed 10% cut would reduce it by another $2,000.
His department is currently understaffed by 1.5 employees. He explained the
difficulty he experienced attempting to fill the positions.
With the current shortage of personnel, it is impossible to maintain all the major
functions of IT and GIS.
Most City departments rely on the GIS functions.
In addition, the City is in the process of implementing several new software
programs.
Mr. Wisniewski reiterated the importance of training for the employee and benefit to
the organization. Because of the shortage in his department, he has not been able
to attend any training or conferences.
The proposed reduction for Training and Conferences could adversely affect the
department and his ability to recruit personnel.
Following discussion, Ald. Wolfe recommended increasing the Training
budget from $4,000 to $6,000.
Community Development Department Planning Division
Director Muenkel reviewed the Community Development account numbers affected
by the proposed cut. The accounts reviewed were in regards to training,
conferences, mileage, miscellaneous supplies, and professional services.
The Mayor stated that discussion regarding the proposed GIS/Planner position would
take place following all the Department Head input.
Assessor
Training for her and the Assessment Technician provides certification, which is
required by the State of Wisconsin.
A significant part of the budget for 2013 is the Citywide revaluation that will be
done.
Public Works – Engineering and Other Divisions
City Engineer Simpson reviewed the numbers for the following Public Works
accounts: Engineering, Administration, Road Maintenance, Street Signs, Storm
Water, Snow and Ice Control, Machinery and Equipment and City Garage.
The actual expenditure for several of the accounts is unknown especially if they are
related to weather.
Mr. Simpson noted that the total requested for 2013 in all the accounts he reviewed
is $4,440 less than 2012.
Library
Director Loeffel stated the increase reflected in the 2013 budget is a result of the
WCFLS funds being brought into the operating budget to offset expenditures.
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September 20, 2012
The majority of the funds were allocated to increase the materials budget.
Ald. Soltysiak believes the WCFLS funds should be reflected in the operating
budget. However, he expressed concern that if the funds are reduced in the future,
another funding source will have to be determined or additional tax dollars levied to
make up the revenue.
Finance and Administration
Ms. Mueller reviewed the accounts for her department.
She noted that the total requested for 2013 in all the accounts reviewed is less than
2012.
Police Department
Chief Geiszler reviewed the accounts for the Police Department.
The increase in the Ammunition account is a result of budgeting for four less lethal
weapons.
Ald. Soltysiak suggested adding $7,500 to the 2013 Capital Budget so eight of
the weapons could be purchased. The money will come from Landfill Funds.
With the purchase of eight weapons, each squad will be able to be equipped
with one.
The Chief agreed that the Ammunition account in the Operating Budget could
be reduced by $2,000. Amount for Account #100.02.20.01.5720 for 2013 will
be $10,200.
Building Maintenance
Mayor Chiaverotti reviewed the accounts noting an increase for Maintenance of
Buildings and Grounds was proposed for 2013.
Ald. Soltysiak does not believe the account needs to be increased and proposes a
$1,760 reduction.
Mayor
The Mayor reviewed the accounts in her budget.
The proposed cut to Conferences and Special Events could affect the Employee
Picnic.
Discussion took place regarding the significant reduction to the Expense Allowance
for Council members. Ald. Wolfe spoke in favor of keeping the same amount in the
budget for the allowance.
Ald. Soltysiak and Glazier stated the proposal shows that the Council is also willing
to reduce expenses and does not just expect staff to do so.
Discussion Regarding Shared GIS/Planner Position
Mr. Muenkel stated the position would assist with implementation of the recently
adopted Marketing Plan.
He provided a proposed job description.
GIS needs to progress. Mr. Wisniewski does not have the time to meet all the GIS
and IT demands.
This position would work under the Community Development Director, but receive
direction from Mr. Wisniewski regarding GIS functions.
The Mayor’s budget currently reflects a July 1 start.
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September 20, 2012
The Mayor proposes the use of TIF Residual Funds to initially get the position
implemented.
Ald. Soltysiak only supports if TIF Funds are used for a specific term.
Ald. Glazier supports the position and the use of TIF Residual Funds to get it
started. He does not believe the position should be established for a specific term.
Ald. Harenda is opposed to the use of a one-time funding source to support a new
position.
Most of the Council agreed that a June or July start was the best.
Mayor Chiaverotti noted that the Council still has to determine if money will be placed in
the budget for pay increases. Ms. Mueller stated that the budget as proposed by the
Mayor would reflect a tax rate that would be one cent less than last year’s.
The Mayor stated that at the next meeting, the Council would have to determine the
levy. The budget public hearing notice has to be sent for publication by September 27.
It was requested that representatives of the Muskego Chamber, Senior Taxi and Fire
Department be present at the September 25 meeting.
Mayor Chiaverotti thanked the Department Heads for their attendance.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Glazier moved to adjourn at 10:10 p.m. Seconded by Harenda, motion carried.
Jill Blenski
Deputy City Clerk