CCM20031125
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved As Corrected*
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 25, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 PM by Mayor Slocomb. Also present were Ald.
Petfalski, Buckmaster, Damaske, Madden, Patterson, Schroeder and Salentine, City
Attorney Molter, Clerk-Treasurer Marenda, Finance Director Gunderson,
Engineering/Building Inspection Director McMullen, and Deputy Clerk Blenski. The
Clerk stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law on
11/21/2003 and on 11/24/2003 as amended. The Mayor stated the Council would not
need to convene into closed session.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Salentine moved for approval of the 11/11/2003 minutes. Petfalski seconded; motion
carried.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE
Mayor Slocomb stated the Muskego Police Association has verbally agreed to accept
the offer made by the Council. The December 9 Council meeting will be the last one of
the year.
ACCEPTANCE AND REVIEW OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Petfalski moved for acceptance of the 11/19/2003 and 11/25/2003 Finance Committee
minutes. Schroeder seconded; motion carried.
Schroeder moved for acceptance of the 11/17/2003 Public Utilities Committee minutes.
Patterson seconded; motion carried.
Salentine moved for acceptance of the 11/25/2003 Public Works Committee minutes.
Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
Schroeder moved for acceptance of the 11/25/2003 Public Utilities Committee minutes.
Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
Minutes of the 11/18/2003 Plan Commission and 11/15/2003 Parks and Recreation
Board were received and placed on file.
Reso. #241-2003 - Honoring Muskego AFS-USA Student Varumporn Taranatham
(Wonthaburi, Thailand). Salentine moved for adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Motion
carried 7-0.
Reso. #242-2003 - Honoring Muskego AFS-USA Student Lorenzo Cicione (Rome,
Italy). Damaske moved for adoption. Petfalski seconded. Motion carried 7-0. Mayor
Slocomb presented the resolutions and some City of Muskego mementos to the
students.
Reso. #129-2003 - Resolution to Terminate Conditional Use Grant Illuminated Outdoor
Recreational Facility Muskego Moose Lodge Property. On the floor, deferred
5/27/2003. The Mayor stated there is no primary structure on the property and nothing
has been submitted to the City to date. Petfalski requested privilege of the floor for Mr.
Joe Thibedeau of the Moose Lodge to address the Council. There were no objections.
Common Council Minutes Page 2
November 25, 2003
Mr. Thibedeau stated they began the process to work with the Army Reserve, which has
taken time. Other meetings have taken place with bankers and contractors. It is
anticipated that construction of a new building on the site may begin in late spring or
early summer. Petfalski moved to defer for nine months. Damaske seconded; motion
carried.
Reso. #232-2003 - Approval of 2004 Capital Budget. On the floor, deferred 11/11/2003.
Three potential issues need to be addressed: 1) $100,243 for Police Dept. software; 2)
$354,000 for the Muskego Volunteer Fire Co. truck; 3) $1,454,000 for Tess Corners
Station #2 construction loan. There were no objections on allowing individuals to speak
to the above issues.
1) Chief Johnson stated the software was deleted during the preliminary budget review
process because of financial concerns. He said the item was certainly a priority and
requested it be reconsidered since the Council was reviewing other items. The software
is critically needed to upgrade the existing system. Petfalski supports because it is a
public safety issue; the system is vital to the entire City. Buckmaster asked if response
time would be less. Chief Johnson said yes especially when multiple calls are received.
Petfalski moved to include $100,243 under Capital Borrowing for Public Safety.
Madden seconded. Patterson said we can’t afford it. This will open up requests from
other departments. Petfalski said the money will be spent; this has to be done.
Buckmaster also expressed concern that other departments had to make cuts and
asked the Mayor for his thoughts. The Mayor stated he does not believe it is prudent to
include at this time. Motion carried 5-2 with Patterson and Schroeder casting the “no”
votes.
2) Mr. Domonic D’Acquisto stated the vehicle being requested would maintain the level
of service that is being provided. The cost ($354,000) can be reduced by $56,000 for
options that could possibly be added later. Research was done on a less expensive
vehicle but it was determined it would not work. The Fire Co. is willing to use reserve
funds for the first year debt. Patterson moved to remove the $354,000 cost from the
2004 Capital Budget. Buckmaster seconded. Petfalski stated the Fire Co. is asking to
maintain the level of service provided, not increase it. Motion carried 4-3 with Madden,
Schroeder, Buckmaster and Patterson voting “yes” and Salentine, Petfalski and
Damaske voting “no.”
3) Buckmaster moved to include $1,454,000 for the Tess Corners Station #2 loan
under Capital Borrowing for Public Safety. Patterson seconded. Finance Director
Gunderson explained the rationale for adding that cost to the 2004 Capital Budget. This
will save $102,000 in interest costs during 2004 and reduce borrowing costs. *Petfalski
noted the cost for the building’s aesthetics should have been more thoroughly
scrutinized. Petfalski noted that the aesthetic upgrades for Station #2 cost more than
the MVFC truck request. The truck was requested to maintain a level of service and
received greater scrutiny than the cost of the upgrades. Motion carried 7-0.
Schroeder stated a policy was established this year not to borrow for any large capital
items. The software and fire truck are high priority items but both could have been
placed in the 2005 Capital Budget. Patterson agreed. Reso. #232-2003, as amended
Common Council Minutes Page 3
November 25, 2003
three times, adopted a 2004 Capital Budget of $3,209,132 by a vote of 5-2 with
Patterson and Schroeder voting “no.”
Ord. #1158 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 13, Section 13.01(2), of the Municipal
Code of the City of Muskego (Licensing and Regulation of Animals). Second Reading.
Salentine moved for adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #243-2003 - Final Resolution Authorizing Area-Wide Reserve Capacity
Assessment for Debt Service for Sewer Service Under §66.0703, WI Statutes and
Levying Assessment (RCA) Against Benefited Property (Boxhorn Reserve Addition and
Big Muskego Estates Addition #1). Buckmaster moved for adoption. Damaske
seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #244-2003 - Preliminary Resolution Declaring Intent to Levy Area-Wide Water
Capacity Assessment for Debt Service for Water Service Under §66.0703, Wisconsin
th
Statutes (15 Amended WCA District - Lakewood Subdivision Area). Patterson moved
for adoption. Damaske seconded. Motion carried 7-0. Mr. McMullen was dismissed.
Reso. #245-2003 - Approval of Certified Survey Map - Kashian, Town of Vernon.
Madden moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #246-2003 - Approval of Certified Survey Map - Malchine, Town of Norway.
Madden moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #247-2003 - Approval of Certified Survey Map - Malchine, Town of Norway.
Madden moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #248-2003 - Resolution Adopting a Joint Powers Agreement for the 911
Emergency System with Waukesha County. Schroeder moved for adoption. Petfalski
seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #249-2003 - Award of Bid - Well #9 - Big Muskego Estates. Buckmaster moved
for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Petfalski moved to defer. Buckmaster seconded;
motion carried.
Reso. #250-2003 - Approval of Agreement for Employee Assistance Program (2004-
2006). Salentine moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #251-2003 - Authorize Execution of Dental Insurance Contracts for 2004.
Schroeder moved for adoption. Petfalski seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #252-2003 - Resolution Declaring Certain Delinquent Personal Property Taxes to
be Uncollectible. Schroeder moved for adoption. Petfalski seconded. Motion carried 7-
0.
Reso. #253-2003 - Resolution Establishing Salaries - Election Workers. Schroeder
moved for adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Common Council Minutes Page 4
November 25, 2003
Reso. #254-2003 - Approval of Lease Agreement Between the City of Muskego and
Water Bugs Ski Team, Inc. (Idle Isle Park Building). Buckmaster moved for adoption.
Petfalski seconded. Salentine questioned the nominal rent that is charged. It was
noted that any improvement and other costs associated with the year round use will be
paid for by the organization. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #255-2003 - Approval of Revised Job Points (Plan Department). Petfalski moved
for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Patterson questioned the department budget
increase. It was noted that the 2004 department budget should not increase because
the director position will be vacant for several months. This will offset the increases for
the GIS Coordinator and Associate Planner positions. The range for the Community
Development Director is one level higher than the existing position of Planning Director.
It is not known at this time where the person selected will be placed within the range.
Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #256-2003 - Designation and Salary for Interim Planning Director. Petfalski
moved for adoption. Madden seconded. Buckmaster requested that the Associate
Planner position be reviewed following the hiring of the Community Development
Director. Motion carried 7-0.
Charter Ordinance #19 - A Charter Ordinance Providing that the Office of the City Clerk-
Treasurer be Separated to Become the Office of the City Clerk and the Office of the City
Treasurer and that Each Position be Filled by Appointment. First Reading. Discussion
may also take place regarding the City’s organizational structure and possible creation
of an Administrator position. The Mayor clarified that the ordinance would not create
two new positions. It is intended to replace the Clerk upon her retirement and transfer
the Treasurer responsibilities of the existing combined position to the Finance Director.
Salentine asked the Council not to jump into this. The retirement of the Clerk-Treasurer
provides the opportunity to review the City’s internal administrative structure. Other
alternatives should be reviewed to determine what is best for the City before people are
put into positions. She supports a City Administrator/Clerk position with a part-time
Mayor. The Mayor stated the Administrator and Clerk positions are both full time. He
noted that the Clerk-Treasurer worked hard to create the timeline that would allow
transition within her department to take place before her retirement. He expressed
concern about the position being vacant if the charter ordinance is not adopted. Atty.
Molter stated if the Council wants to separate the duties, the charter ordinance should
be considered. The Council can appoint the individuals it wants to perform the Clerk
and/or Treasurer duties.
Petfalski supported going through the process to separate the duties. The Administrator
position is a separate issue, which can continue to be reviewed. Buckmaster stated he
has concerns similar to those of Salentine. Department Head positions should be
looked at when they become vacant. A split of the Clerk-Treasurer duties may not be
the best way to go. Mayor Slocomb requested other alternatives be brought forward.
Buckmaster requested the cost for an organizational assessment similar to what was
done in the past. Petfalski stated what we have works; some tweaking may be needed
Common Council Minutes Page 5
November 25, 2003
but he does not believe an assessment is required. Schroeder stated he was confident
moving forward with the ordinance at this time. Other options can continue to be
studied.
Buckmaster expressed concern with being tied to the timeline that was created.
Petfalski stated there has been sufficient time for additional research to be done since
the issue was at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Schroeder stated he welcomes
any other plans to be reviewed. If more time is required, that is an option. He
requested the internal options for an interim Clerk-Treasurer be provided for the next
meeting. Buckmaster said he was suspect as to what other options were discussed.
The questions being asked now apparently were not brought up and can’t be answered
at this time. Clerk-Treasurer Marenda stated two scenarios were looked at. One would
keep the existing position and department staff as is. The other would split the
responsibilities. She stated the Clerk job certainly is full time. With the City growing, it
was determined that the treasurer duties could be transferred to the Finance
Department to provide better service. Other communities and the City’s auditor were
consulted. The Mayor, Clerk-Treasurer and Finance Director believe this proposal is in
the City’s best interests. Interim appointees were not discussed because the Clerk
thought the six-month time frame was ample to accomplish what needed to be done.
She does not recommend a City Administrator/Clerk position. She cannot imagine one
person being able to accomplish all the tasks required for both positions.
Petfalski stated discussion regarding an administrator position came forward because it
is believed that the Mayor’s position is becoming too much for one individual to handle.
He believes a new position would have to be created. It would be impossible to take the
duties an administrator would perform and add them to anyone else’s position.
Schroeder stated the City continues to grow and additional staff may be needed in the
future to provide services to the citizens.
LICENSES
Petfalski moved for approval of Operator’s License for Natalie Rawski, Lucinda
Neuman, Lynn Cira, Michael Anders, Amanda Wierman and Amanda Strini. Salentine
seconded; motion carried.
Petfalski moved for approval of a “Class A” Liquor and Beer license for Aldi, Inc. with
Pat Rice as agent. Salentine seconded; motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Petfalski moved for approval of payment of General Vouchers in the amount of
$970,022.40. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-0. Schroeder moved for approval
of payment of Utility Vouchers in the amount of $16,602.52. Madden seconded. Motion
carried 7-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Discuss Possible Purchase of Heckert Property on West Tower Drive and Paepke
Property on Pioneer Drive for Park purposes.
The Mayor stated the City was approached about acquiring a portion (approx. 3 acres)
of the Paepke property. It is intended to eventually connect Horn Park with Veteran’s
Common Council Minutes Page 6
November 25, 2003
Park, which acquisition of this property could help to accomplish. The Heckert property
is currently for sale. Petfalski and Buckmaster wanted the issue to be reviewed by the
Parks and Recreation Board first.
Possible Appointment by Council of City Representative to Parkland Mall Development
Petfalski stated the developer is requesting a central contact person from the Council.
Patterson stated this was not successful in the past. It was determined the developer
should contact the CDA Chairperson because this issue is before the Community
Development Authority at this time.
ADJOURNMENT
Salentine moved to adjourn at 10:47 PM. Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
(Minutes taken and transcribed by J. Blenski.)
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer