CCM20040127
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JANUARY 27, 2004
The meeting was called to order at 7:49 by Mayor Slocomb. Also present were Ald.
Petfalski, Buckmaster, Damaske, Madden, Patterson, Salentine, and Schroeder, City
Attorney Molter, Clerk-Treasurer Marenda, Finance Director Gunderson, and Deputy
Clerk Blenski. The Clerk stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open
meeting law on 1/23/2004 and as amended on 1/26/2004. The Clerk read the closed
session notice.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Petfalski moved for approval of the 1/13/2004 minutes. Salentine seconded; motion
carried.
ACCEPTANCE AND REVIEW OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Salentine moved for acceptance of the 1/21/2004 and 1/27/2004 Finance Committee
minutes. Schroeder seconded; motion carried.
Petfalski moved for acceptance of the 1/19/2004 and 1/27/2004 Public Utilities
Committee minutes. Patterson seconded; motion carried.
Minutes of the 1/15/2004 Community Development Authority, 12/17/2003 Library Board,
1/12/2004 Joint Parks and Recreation Board/Conservation Commission meeting,
1/12/2004 Parks and Recreation Board, 1/12/2004 Conservation Commission,
1/15/2004 Police & Fire Commission, and 1/20/2004 Plan Commission were received.
Regarding the study for park dedication and conservation fees, the Mayor noted that the
park dedication portion can move forward. A revised report regarding the conservation
fees will go back to the Conservation Commission. The City Atty. clarified that an
ordinance was required to adopt the fees.
Petfalski asked what the rationale of the Plan Commission was regarding deferral of the
Northfield Green Preliminary Plat. Mayor Slocomb stated the Commission’s issue was
that property originally proposed for commercial use was being converted to residential.
The Plan Commission also wanted the Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted
before making a recommendation. Petfalski stated he believes the Plan Commission
was strictly looking to the north and not at the surrounding residential areas. He is a
strong proponent for new business but it has to be located in the right place. Transition
between commercial and residential development is needed. The multifamily proposed
by the developer provides that transition. He requested the Plan Commission take this
into consideration. Buckmaster agreed with the statements made by Petfalski. The
Plan Commission’s comments are contrary to the City’s vision for development of that
area.
OLD BUSINESS
Reso. #012-2004 - Assignment of Lease Agreement for Public Access to Navigable
Waters (Big Muskego Lake). Possible Reconsideration. Salentine moved for
reconsideration. Patterson seconded; motion carried. Damaske moved to amend the
attached assignment to reflect that the property was actually sold to 13960 Boxhorn
Drive, LLC and not Mr. Schim. Mr. Schim is a member of the LLC. Madden seconded;
motion carried. Reso. #012-2004, as reconsidered and amended, adopted 7-0.
Common Council Minutes Page 2
January 27, 2004
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. On the floor, deferred
1/13/2004. Finance Director Gunderson reviewed the options for an administrative
position that she drafted. The staff recommendation to split the responsibilities of the
position without the addition of an administrator position reflects a potential cost
savings. Salentine stated it was a good starting point but believed the proposed salary
for an administrator position was too high. The Mayor said location of the municipality is
a factor. Ms. Gunderson stated she used Oak Creek, Mequon and Elm Grove to
determine a proposed dollar amount. Salentine said this provided an opportunity for the
Council to review different scenarios. She supports an administrator position. Mayor
Slocomb said that the requirements for the position should be defined. Buckmaster said
a job description would have to be created and a determination made as to how the
position would work with the Mayor’s office. He has brought up the Finance
Director/Administrator option primarily because she is currently involved with HR
functions and has a working relationship with the other department heads because of
the budget. Giving the duties that an administrator may have to an existing department
head position may provide a means to see how it works. The Mayor briefly reviewed
the history regarding the creation of an Administrator/HR position. The position was
never filled because of budgetary constraints. He recommends that creating and filling
an administrator position should be put on hold at this time. Looking at doing something
internal may work but the budget process for the next several years will be extremely
difficult. He thinks hiring new people is out of line especially since the City had to
eliminate positions last year. Mayor Slocomb also stated that all of the City’s
department heads are here over 8 hours a day and have full time responsibilities.
Adding more responsibilities without support will not work. Buckmaster stated he wants
the citizens to have a government that is efficient and effective at the least possible
cost. He is willing to work with the Mayor’s office on the best way to achieve that goal.
Petfalski stated that all of the different scenarios need to be reviewed but all except one
require adoption of the charter ordinance. How the positions are filled once split can be
discussed but this is the first step. He also has similar concerns with budget constraints
for 2005. We have to be diligent on what our needs are vs. what our wants are.
Charter Ordinance #19 defeated due to a lack of a 2/3 vote in the affirmative with
Madden, Schroeder, Petfalski and Patterson voting “yes” and Salentine, Damaske and
Buckmaster voting “no.” The Mayor stated we would go ahead to fill the Clerk-
Treasurer position.
Buckmaster stated discussion did take place that the deputies could fill in while the
Council continues to review the issue. Mayor Slocomb cautioned that a big loss would
be experienced come April when the fifty plus hours a week Jean puts in cease. What
are you willing to sacrifice? Buckmaster asked if the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant
could be utilized. The Mayor stated compilation of the Council material was involved
and not done casually. Petfalski asked how the “hole” would be filled once Jean is
gone. This is a presidential election year with a lot of work. You can’t just continue to
say no; we need direction. Schroeder stated the process to review the issue could
continue through the budget process; we need to take action sooner. Patterson stated
we need to respond to the needs of the citizens and that won’t happen with the
elimination of one full-time position in the department. Putting this off will not be
productive. If the position duties are split, they can always be combined in the future.
Damaske stated he wants to look at the whole picture including an administrator with
Common Council Minutes Page 3
January 27, 2004
economic development experience. Schroeder agrees but what do we do from April
until the end of the budget cycle to fill those 50 hours of work time. The department is
run lean and the loss of 40 to 50 hours will not help. Salentine stated it is difficult to
make changes once individuals are put into positions. Madden suggested hiring
another person and both could act as deputies until the issue is resolved. Damaske
asked if discussion should continue on this issue since the vote has been taken. He
would like the issue placed on a future Committee of the Whole agenda. The City
Attorney stated that the Council should move on unless someone who voted to defeat
the ordinance wanted to make a motion to reconsider it.
Ord. 1160 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Muskego (RS-2 and
RS-3/OED to RS-3/OPD - Kenwood Place Subdivision). Second Reading. Damaske
moved for adoption. Madden seconded. Damaske moved to defer. Madden seconded;
motion carried.
Ord. #1161 - An Ordinance Extending a Moratorium on Land Divisions, Rezoning
Petitions and the Approval of Building, Site and Operation (BSO) Plans (Moorland Road
Corridor North of Janesville Road - Tax Key Nos. 2166.997, 2169.990, 2169.996,
2166.999, 2169.992, 2169.998, 2169.986, 2169.993, 2169.999, 2169.987, 2169.994,
2172.998, 2169.988, 2169.995, 2172.998.002, 2169.989, 2169.995.001, 2172.999,
2169.991, 2169.997 and 2166.998). Second Reading. Petfalski moved for adoption.
Buckmaster seconded. The Mayor stated a preliminary timeline was prepared by the
Plan Dept, which assumes the Economic Development Plan will be adopted tonight.
Buckmaster stated that after further discussion with City staff, Paula Johnson does not
want her parcel removed from the area affected by the moratorium. Motion carried 7-0.
Ord. #1162 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Muskego and 2010
Comprehensive Plan (RS-2 to RSA and B-2 - Northfield Green Subdivision). Second
Reading. Petfalski moved for adoption. Buckmaster seconded. The Mayor expressed
concern about this moving forward without a recommendation from the Plan
Commission. The City Atty. stated that because of a conflict of interest, he was not able
to give the Council advise on how to proceed. He made reference to Section 17:3.06
(2) (d) 2. Salentine called for the question. There were no objections. Motion to adopt
carried 7-0. Salentine moved for reconsideration. Petfalski seconded; motion carried.
Petfalski moved to amend to remove “and approval and execution of a final plat,
Subdivider’s Agreement and Letter of Credit for Northfield Green Subdivision on or
before January 14, 2005” from Section 3. Salentine seconded; motion carried. It was
clarified that the current zoning is RS-2. A Resolution of Intent was passed several
years ago to rezone the property to B-3. The current proposal is to rezone the parcel to
RSA and B-2, which is much less intensive than B-3. Schroeder acknowledged that a
buffer for the residential area was probably needed to the south but he has an issue
with losing the B-2 on Janesville Road. However, he would not like to see B-3 there
either. Ord. #1162, as reconsidered and amended, adopted 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Reso. #020-2004 - Resolution to Adopt Sustainable Economic Strategic Plan 2003.
Petfalski moved for adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Petfalski stated following
adoption of the plan, it should be used as a guide. His concern is that the plan shows
three different alternatives regarding economic development organizational structure.
Common Council Minutes Page 4
January 27, 2004
He prefers keeping engineering and building separate from economic development.
Buckmaster stated the Mayor’s Task Force struggled with the issue of organizational
structure and whether or not it should be incorporated in the plan. He also supports the
plan being used as a guide. Petfalski noted that the City’s Conservation and
Comprehensive Plans are not in concert with each other and that needs to be
addressed. Ms. Gunderson noted that Dave Anderson of Ehlers stated two sections
pertaining to the Community Development Authority (CDA) and its authority need
clarification (Sections 3. and 4., Pages 58 and 59) under Economic Development Tools
and Techniques. Another issue that Petfalski expressed is that the City needs to spend
equal time to retain the existing businesses, especially those in the Industrial Park. Two
separate businesses have contacted him about expansion problems because of
stormwater requirements. Buckmaster stated there was a recommendation that the
Mayor’s Task Force or another entity could address those concerns; it needs to be
brought up again. The Mayor said the plan could be changed in the future by resolution
of the Council. Petfalski requested that these minutes be included as part of the
Council’s adoption of the plan. Petfalski thanked the members of the Mayor’s Task
Force including Ald. Damaske and Buckmaster for their work on the plan. Schroeder
moved to amend to add “subject to review of technical corrections to Sections 3 and 4
on Pages 58 and 59 by the Mayor and Financial Consultant.” Salentine seconded;
motion carried. Reso. #020-2004, as amended, adopted 7-0.
Reso. #021-2004 - Approval of Certified Survey Map - Kraussel. Madden moved for
adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #022-2004 - Approval of Condominium Plat - Fountain Park. Madden moved for
adoption. Buckmaster seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #023-2004 - Approval of Lease Agreement with Eddie Schaefer for Park Arthur
(South Section). Petfalski moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Motion carried 7-
0.
Reso. #024-2004 - Authorization to Execute 2004 Subgrantee Agreement Between
Waukesha County and City of Muskego. Schroeder moved for moved for adoption.
Salentine seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #025-2004 - Approval of Distribution Easement to WE Energies. Schroeder
moved for adoption. Madden seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
LICENSES
Petfalski moved for approval of Operator’s License for Jarret Schwake, Alexis Hayes,
and Sandra Morales. Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
Petfalski moved for denial of Operator’s License for Sean Reid Murphy because of his
record of being involved with underage drinking activities. Schroeder seconded; motion
carried. It was noted that the City was receptive to the applicant reapplying for a license
after a 12-mo. period.
Petfalski moved for approval of a “Class A” Liquor and Beer Retailers’ License for
O’Connor Petroleum Co., Inc. d/b/a Jetz Convenience Center (Robert O’Connor, agent).
Schroeder seconded; motion carried.
Common Council Minutes Page 5
January 27, 2004
Petfalski moved for approval of a Races on Ice Permit and Temporary Class “B”
License to Sell Fermented Malt Beverages for the Muskego Icetronauts for the 2/8/2004
event. Schroeder seconded; motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Petfalski moved for approval of payment of General Vouchers in the amount of
$646,085.02. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 6-0. Petfalski moved for approval of
payment of Utility Vouchers in the amount of $273,908.01. Damaske seconded. Motion
carried 6-0. Petfalski moved for approval of Tax Checks in the amount of $3,806.69.
Salentine seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
The draft February calendar was reviewed.
Damaske stated he attended an informational meeting held by New Berlin District #4
Alderman regarding development of the New Valley Sand & Gravel site. This was a
question and answer session for New Berlin residents. Development of the property is
contingent on availability of sewer and water from Muskego. Damaske questioned the
expenditure of City funds at this time to have Ruekert & Mielke do a preliminary study.
Petfalski stated he plans to hold an informational meeting for people in his district; the
developer has agreed to attend to respond to any concerns. Salentine stated the
Council did pass a resolution of intent to support the study of the redevelopment but no
specific dollars were identified. She believes that should have come back before the
Council for approval. She also questioned why Ruekert & Mielke did the study because
they also represent New Berlin; couldn’t there be a conflict of interest. Salentine stated
she was upset that Muskego paid for the study and it had been provided to New Berlin
staff but not the Muskego Council. Petfalski believes it was understood that passage of
the resolution of intent involved monies being spent. It also directed the staff of both
municipalities to work together to determine the feasibility of the project. Schroeder
requested a copy of the study. Patterson stated it appears this is a matter of poor
communication. He requested that the issue be placed on the monthly Committee of
the Whole agendas. Shouldn’t New Berlin pay for additional capacity? Mayor Slocomb
stated that was the intent. The developer, Mr. Carity, was present and indicated that
this will be before the 2/3/04 New Berlin Plan Commission. The studies done have
been preliminary. Salentine stated she supports the project. Buckmaster would like to
see a spending threshold established. Petfalski noted that research was done earlier
before redevelopment of this site was discussed. The existing data from that study was
able to be utilized for this project. Damaske noted that another informational hearing
was scheduled for 1/31/04 from 10 to Noon. He asked how this would affect Muskego’s
economic development? The Mayor stated he does not believe the proposal will
directly compete with what may locate in Muskego. He believes the impact will be
positive because development of the area will make Muskego look more attractive.
Schroeder requested that the issue also be placed on future Public Utilities Committee
agendas under Project Update.
The Mayor gave an update on the Ewald-Engel property. Schroeder and Buckmaster
requested a map of the property in question and the surrounding area.
The Mayor gave an update on the hiring of a Community Development Director. He
intends to begin interviews next week.
Common Council Minutes Page 6
January 27, 2004
Petfalski noted that the Plan Department did a great job regarding the GIS website.
Petfalski moved to convene into closed session pursuant to 19.85(1)(c) Wis. Stats.,
Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of
any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises
responsibility, more specifically the 2004 - 2005 Labor Agreements for all bargaining
units. Damaske seconded. Motion carried 7-0. The Finance Director was requested to
stay. The Clerk and Deputy were dismissed.
Salentine moved to reconvene into open session. Petfalski seconded. Motion carried
7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Petfalski moved to adjourn at 11:04 PM. Damaske seconded; motion carried.
(Minutes taken and transcribed by J. Blenski.)
Respectfully submitted,
Jean K. Marenda, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer