CM013100jt
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 2/8/2000
MINUTES OF JOINT MEETING WITH CITY OF FRANKLIN AT NEW BERLIN CITY
HALL ON JANUARY 31, 2000
The meeting was called to order individually by Franklin Mayor Fred Klimetz, calling roll
of his members present and Mayor De Angelis at 9:10 PM. Present for the City of
Muskego were Aldermen Slocomb, Patterson, Le Doux, Pionek, Salentine and
Sanders, and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda. Alderman Chiaverotti was absent. Also in
attendance were Planning Director Turk and Assistant Planner Wolff.
Mayor De Angelis noted the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting
law. He thanked the City of New Berlin for facilitating the presentations on “Smart
Growth” and “Comm 83” held just prior to this meeting, and for allowing the Councils of
Muskego and Franklin to meet at New Berlin city hall.
Brief presentations were made by State Senator Mary Lazich and State Representative
Mark Gundrum.
Land Use, Planning, Commercial and residential development on joint border and
Discussion on design standards
Mayor De Angelis said both he and Mayor Klimetz recognize in western Franklin and
eastern Muskego there are areas which will be developed in the next ten years. Both
Mayors agreed it may be in our best interest to do some joint planning. Advance
discussions on standards can avoid conflicts in what get built there.
Mayor Klimetz suggested because this is a huge issue, a committee be formed with
representatives of both communities to develop a more detailed analysis and report
back to the Councils at a future joint meeting.
It was determined a task force would be created with four members from each
community - one alderman and three citizens. Ald. Slocomb will represent Muskego
and Ald. Olson will represent Franklin. Each Mayor will appoint three citizens. The
support staff will consist of the Planning Director and City Engineer from both cities.
The Mayors will develop the list of tasks and goals for the task force. The area to be
studied will be within ½ mile of the boundary between the communities, south of Woods
Road.
Ald. Olson stated an economic development study just about completed by Franklin
could be provided to Muskego for discussion.
Infrastructure Development
Mayor Klimetz announced a sewer project will take place in Woods Rd. Franklin’s
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engineer Jack Bennett said the project will go from 118 to 124 street, requiring
Woods Road to be closed for 30 days starting June 15, 2000. Detour route will be
Janesville Rd.
Mayor De Angelis advised a Woods Rd. reconstruction project will take place in
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Muskego starting in the summer of 2001 from Racine Ave. to the eastern limits (124
St.) The project will include reconditioning the road, take out some of the bends and
widen the shoulder, but still remain two lanes. He also advised another Hwy. 00 sewer
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January 31, 2000
project will take place this year from just north of Boxhorn to north of Ryan, with 00
being torn up this summer.
Land Use
Mayor Klimetz advised Franklin has a special zoning category of R3E which basically
requires ½ acre lots and homes of no less than 2000 sq. ft. Mayor De Angelis
explained Muskego’s various residential zoning restrictions. This issue should be
discussed by the Task Force.
Mayor Klimetz expressed concern about the affect of Comm 83 creating the ability to
develop in areas which were thought would not be developed, along with the
transportation and school issues.
Landfill Issues
Mayor De Angelis reported he is being told Superior Emerald Park Landfill may be
requesting an expansion in five years because it is such a lengthy process. He noted
there are some protections and policy shifts in the SEPI agreement that aren’t in the
Metro agreement which can be shared with Franklin. Mayor Klimetz noted there were
some ruffled feathers in the negotiation process, and acknowledged the process is new
to both communities. He suggested cooperation between the communities in
negotiating future contracts.
Ald. Slocomb noted litter control is an area of concern with the landfills and suggested
the communities work together relating to enforcement to treat both landfills the same.
Ald. Olson said another area of concern is the impact on the roads due to the landfills,
especially Lovers Land Rd. He asked both government agencies to discuss with our
state legislators to get our share of road funding to repair these roads. Mayor De
Angelis noted US 45 south is going to be rebuilt to Hwy. 20 starting approximately
2003-2004.
Ald. Taylor felt both communities have a lot to gain with a decent, honest relationship.
Neither community can afford to be pitted against one another because it erodes the
relationship. He still has a bad taste with the landfill issue. Ald. Waltenberger
suggested before negotiations start, the two communities could establish negotiating
guidelines. Mayor Klimetz felt it would be good to have a unified bargaining position.
Mayor De Angelis acknowledged there are things we can do better the next time.
Looking at common goals and objectives will help mitigate expenses.
Law enforcement, paramedics and safety issues
Mayor Klimetz expressed interest in sharing government services to save money. He
acknowledged it would be difficult for Muskego and Franklin because of the rapid
growth. One potential area for a problem would be a disaster at a landfill site. He
asked for Muskego’s emergency plan for the area, and will share Franklin’s, and how
we could help each other should be discussed. Also law enforcement is an area for
shared services. Mayor De Angelis said in Waukesha County all the fire chiefs and
police chiefs get together on a regular basis. He wasn’t aware of a similar program with
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January 31, 2000
Milwaukee County. Franklin Fire Chief Bublitz stated Franklin does have mutual aid
with the Tess Corners department. The area of the landfill hasn’t been discussed. He
because of potential hazards. Milwaukee and State teams would be involved.
Miscellaneous
Ald. Taylor thought perhaps the two communities can re-think our positions on the
borders and think what it’ll look like in twenty (20) years. Due to Smart Growth and
Comm 83 it appears that border will be a busy place in the future.
Loomis Road/Drive - Franklin Engr. Bennett appreciated the agreement with Muskego
whereby Muskego plows old Loomis Rd. Mayor De Angelis discussed the renaming of
Loomis Road to Loomis Drive in the area of STH 36 moving to the north. The Franklin
officials agreed to the renaming of that portion of the road to Loomis Drive.
Planning - When asked if the two communities’ planning departments work together,
Bruce (Franklin) indicated both Planning Directors had met a couple of times sharing
ideas, ordinances, etc. and have a good working relationship.
Ald. Waltenberger stated the Task Force should take into consideration what each
community is already planning for the border. Ald. Patterson suggested the Task Force
meet a couple times prior to the next joint meeting of the Councils.
The next joint meeting date was scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2000 at 7:00 PM at
Franklin city hall.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:07 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer
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