CM071598
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 7/28/98
SPECIAL MEETING HELD JOINTLY WITH THE VERNON TOWN BOARD
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 1998
The Mayor called the special meeting of the Muskego Common Council to order at 7:05
p.m. He stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law.
Those present were Aldermen Slocomb, Chiaverotti, Patterson, Pionek, Salentine,
Sanders, Woodard, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. The Muskego Common Council jointly
met with the Vernon Town Board to discuss the possibility of a border agreement.
Those present from Vernon were: Chairperson Schuh, Supervisors Fortner, Goff,
Herried, Wilde, and Deputy Clerk Trawicki.
Chairperson Schuh thanked the Mayor and Council for meeting with the Town Board.
She stated the Town of Vernon is contacting the seven municipalites that border the
town to discuss possible border agreements.
Ms. Schuh stated that towns do not have the same luxury as municipalities do as it
relates to borders. The state legislature has directed towns to execute border
agreements with adjoining municipalities. The Town of Vernon has developed a
comprehensive land use plan to manage growth. The town is also undergoing several
other studies. It is difficult to determine conclusive information from them when there is
uncertainty about the town’s borders. The City of Muskego and Town of Vernon are
both represented by the same legal counsel. Chairperson Schuh stated in addition to
discussing the possibility of a border agreement with the city, the board would also like
to know how the city feels about the Town of Vernon applying for isolated city status.
Mayor De Angelis asked Karen Schuh to explain what isolated city status means and
what it takes to apply. She stated she is not sure about all the details of the process
but knows it is lengthy. Supervisor Fortner stated you have to publish notices, circulate
petitions, go to Waukesha circuit court. If it gets past circuit court, the judge forwards
to the state. A study is done by the state, the criteria outlined in the state statute is
applied and a determination made. He is not clear about the criteria contained in the
state statutes. A border agreement is a plus but is not mandatory. The town has not
been able to consult with legal counsel on this issue.
Chairman Schuh stated she would like the city to see the town’s comprehensive land
use plan and maps in the future. Supervisor Fortner displayed a map to better identify
the Town of Vernon and the surrounding communities. Supervisor Goff asked why the
city was incorporated. The Mayor stated it was due to an annexation issue with the
City of New Berlin. City status was obtained in 1964. Chairman Schuh stressed that it
was important for neighboring communities to communicate, especially when planning
for future land use.
City of Muskego Common Council
Minutes of Joint Meeting Held 7/15/98
with the Vernon Town Board
The Mayor presented sewer information to the Town Board. Supervisor Wilde asked
where the intense pressure for the city’s future development is. The Mayor stated it
typically follows sewer service. Alderman Slocomb pointed out the city’s latest sewer
projects.
Chairman Schuh asked if there were any questions. She again reiterated that it would
be advantageous for the city to see the town’s community land use maps. She noted
that the town is currently involved in litigation regarding annexation at the I-43 and 164
corridor. The town would like to report to the legislature how successful the tools they
have been given are working. They need to know what the future is; are towns just
there to be eaten. She realizes that annexations come from individual property owners.
The town has not contested all annexations; the property owners’ interests are taken
into consideration. She stated the feelings of the city are important to the Town Board.
The Mayor stated that it appears the town would consider servicing the northern portion
of its community first with a sewer plan and there is an area in the city that is out of the
service area that could be serviced by the town in that way. There is land in the town
that could be better served by the city and its services. The area is between Crowbar
Road and 164, south of Janesville Road. Both Mayor De Angelis and Chairman Schuh
noted that this was long range planning that went 25 to 30 years into the future.
Chairman Schuh stated that she does not expect the Common Council to respond
immediately. She will forward a copy of their comprehensive plan and map to the city.
Chairman Schuh explained how potential developments are rated based on how they
meet the town’s criteria and standards.
Chairman Schuh stated that the board will be happy to continue discussion and provide
any information the council may need. Supervisor Herried suggested obtaining sample
border agreements as an example to use. Chairman Schuh stated she has some. She
noted the agreements can be unique to the particular communities involved.
Mayor De Angelis stated the City will discuss this issue at its next scheduled
Committee of the Whole meeting. Chairman Schuh stated she will keep the council
informed about the issue and the other meetings that the town will hold.
Alderman Slocomb moved to adjourn the meeting of the Common Council at 7:55 p.m.
Alderman Sanders seconded; motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
City of Muskego Common Council
Minutes of Joint Meeting Held 7/15/98
with the Vernon Town Board