CCM20060110
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved on 1/24/06
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JANUARY 10, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM by Mayor Damaske. Present were Ald.
Melcher, Borgman, Buckmaster, Madden, Patterson, Schroeder and Salentine, City
Attorney Molter, City Administrator Sheiffer, Plan Director Muenkel, and Clerk-Treasurer
Moyer. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Clerk-Treasurer stated the
meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law on 1/6/2006.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Clerk read the public hearing notice to consider the petition of Burke Homes to
rezone property on Loomis Road from A Agricultural, RSM Multiple Family Residence
and B-4 Highway Business to RSM/OPD Multiple Family Residence with a Planned
Development Overlay District for the purpose of developing a future multifamily
condominium project known as Muirfield Village.
Mr. Muenkel stated the parcel of land totals approximately 38 acres and is located on
the north side of Highway 36 along the eastern side of the Muskego Lakes Country Club
entrance. The proposal to RSM/OPD is to allow a new multiple family condominium
development known as Muirfield Village. The OPD would allow building locations in
miscellaneous locations throughout the 38 acres with final OPD allowances made at the
time of the final condominium plat approval. The developer proposes 160 units
consisting of ten four-plex structures, 17 six-plex structures and nine duplex structures
along with a commons building. The petition would not require an amendment to the
2010 Comprehensive Plan as the plan already reflects the area as being reserved for
multifamily uses consistent with RSM zoning. The plan further depicts the area to have
a density of 4.5 to 8.0 dwelling units per acre. The conceptual proposal shows only 4.3
dwelling units per acre. Mr. Muenkel noted that there are a few issues that the Council
and Plan Commission want to see addressed. They are traffic implications along
Highway 36 and how the effects of a new storm water, sewer and water development
will be handled. These issues will be addressed by staff at the upcoming Public Utilities
Committee meeting on January 16 and Public Works Committee meeting on January
23. Mr. Muenkel stated that the RSM zoning has been in place for a considerable
amount of time.
Ald. Madden asked what could potentially go in the existing B-4 zoning. Mr. Muenkel
replied B-4 is the most intensive commercial district. The B-4 district would generally
allow hotels or motels down to office or retail establishments.
Ald. Buckmaster stated that if the B-4 portion is rezoned perhaps the B-4 across the
street should be rezoned if that is our concept. Mr. Muenkel stated the Council has the
directive to rezone any area in the City. Ald. Madden did not agree that the City should
just tell whoever owns that property that the zoning should be changed. Ald.
Buckmaster stated the issue is if we buy into a philosophy of residential development
along a state highway why would we allow B-4 directly across the street.
Darryl Morin, S97 W13098 Champions Drive, stated he was president of the Champions
Village Homeowners’ Association. The association has three commitments: 1)
maintain the property values in the area; 2) make sure it stays a friendly and safe
environment; 3) work as an association to make Muskego a better place to live. One
Common Council Minutes Page 2
January 10, 2006
concern is that there is still work to be done to complete Champions Village. If this
development does take place, it needs to be high end. Another concern is that there is
only one road access for the proposed 160 units. The association does not want to see
an excess of traffic come through its subdivision. Drainage is also a concern and still an
outstanding issue for Champions Village. Another concern is that there is adequate
water supply and pressure in the area. Lastly, the association does not want to see a
negative impact on the environment in the area. Mr. Morin asked if there was a demand
right now that significantly justifies the density?
Jack Shepherd, 600 North 108 Place, Wauwatosa, WI, stated he was an architect for
the proposed development. People need housing and there is a desire for carefree
housing. We are seeing fewer single family homes today. The plans for this
development are attractive, sensitive and of good quality. They provide all of the things
you would look for in a single-family home. Multifamily is a word that will become more
and more a part of our vocabulary. In order to preserve the open spaces, it is important
to use intelligently the spaces that can be built on. The cost of operating a community
goes up each year and the way to pay for that is quality development. The use of
developable properties is an intelligent use and the important thing is to use the land
well and to its maximum potential.
Mike Cowling, W130 S9571 Jimmy Demaret Drive, stated he agreed with the concerns
already noted. He wants Burke to finalize Champions Village first before starting
another development. He also expressed his concern about potential traffic problems
with the development only having one road access. He believes the DNR should review
the proposed site.
Stephen Van Goethem, S97 W13172 Champions Drive, stated the biggest concern was
not the multifamily zoning but the proposed density. He asked the Council members to
take the blueprint for what is proposed and look at the area. Mr. Goethem stated the
concern is that the density will have a negative impact on the quality of life for everyone.
Brian Green, S98 W13352 Champions Drive, stated he is against the rezoning. He
prefers business zoning that could possibly allow a restaurant or petroleum station to
the proposed multifamily development.
Skip Bartes, S98 W12878 Loomis Drive, stated he does not like the density proposed
for the project. Muskego is a bedroom community and that means its citizens do not
take interest in the community. What is proposed is in contrast to the aesthetics of the
City. Multiple housing means more area is paved. Where will all the water go?
Another problem is police protection and this area is not as well protected. He also
expressed concern about the existing traffic and the danger of having only one entrance
to the proposed development. The plan is not acceptable.
Jill Koebernik, S97 W13468 Lloyd Mangrum Court, stated she agrees with what was
already said. Her concern is the integrity of the intent of what the plans will be.
Promises were made for certain planning stages of her subdivision. They changed
along the way. How can you guarantee that the planned proposal remains consistent?
In Champions Village, the plan changed numerous times. She would like the City to
watch carefully the intent of what is proposed and what eventually it comes down to.
Common Council Minutes Page 3
January 10, 2006
Jeff Arbinger, S99 W13381 Loomis Drive, stated he has seen this area changed
dramatically. His concern is with his well and how the water table will be affected by the
new development. In addition, if the units do not sell, what will prevent the plan from
being downgraded. The traffic is another concern. There are also drainage issues.
Sandy Jakob, S97 W12999 Champions Drive, stated she is concerned about the traffic
and the value of the homes. Her primary concern is drainage as there are existing
problems now that have to be addressed before any new development takes place.
Skip Bartes, Loomis Drive, stated Hwy. 36 was built on a swamp. Every year the
highway is sinking. The storm sewer along side of it is sinking, too. That is a
contributory factor to the drainage.
As there were no further comments, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Schroeder moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Salentine seconded. Motion
carried 7-0.
Approval of Common Council Minutes of 12/13/2005 as corrected
Acceptance of Special Public Utilities Committee Report - 12/13/2005
Review of Parks and Recreation Board Meeting held 12/12/2005 and Mayor’s Task
Force on Janesville Road Reconstruction Meeting held 12/14/2005.
Approval of General Vouchers in the amount of $567,210.40, Utility Vouchers in the
amount of $12,683.42 and Tax Checks in the amount of $228,625.41.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR’S OFFICE
The Mayor reported that he received word from CGI that 30 banners have been sold.
Reso. #004-2006 - Recognition of Charlene Lenzen for Her Retirement from Muskego
Public Library. Salentine moved for adoption. Borgman seconded. Motion carried
7-0.
OLD BUSINESS
Reso. #246-2005 - Proceedings by the Common Council of the City of Muskego to
Discontinue and Vacate a Road Right-of-Way in the City of Muskego (Crest Drive). On
the floor, deferred 12/13/2005. Buckmaster moved to defer until the Public Works
Committee takes action. Borgman seconded; motion carried.
Ord. #1207 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Muskego (Burke
Homes - A, RSM and B-4 to RSM/OPD). Second Reading. Buckmaster moved for
adoption. Salentine seconded. Buckmaster asked why we wouldn’t look to apply the
same concept to the abutting area if we agree with this rezoning. Madden stated the
Common Council Minutes Page 4
January 10, 2006
B-4 zoning is based on the fact that there are two landfills and businesses already in the
area. The thought was to expand the businesses in the area. Highway 36 creates a
separation between the Champions Village side and the business section. Buckmaster
also has an issue with the OPD and allowing greater density. There is nothing in this
case that merits the OPD. Mr. Muenkel stated that the developer is not asking for
greater density. The OPD can help with flexibility regarding the height of buildings and
offsets and setbacks. The density is actually more in line with the RSA zoning
requirements than the RSM. Buckmaster stated he has not heard an argument to
incline him to vote for the rezoning. Buckmaster moved to defer. Madden
seconded; motion carried. Mr. Muenkel was dismissed.
Ord. #1208 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Section 2.09(3), of the Municipal Code
of the City of Muskego (Committee of the Whole). Second Reading. Salentine moved
for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Mayor Damaske explained that this ordinance
should be defeated as it will be replaced by Ord. #1209. Motion defeated 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Reso. #001-2006 - Resolution Approving Submitting the Below Stated Question to an
Advisory Referendum at the April 4, 2006 Spring Election. Salentine moved for
adoption. Borgman seconded. It was noted that Atty. Molter drafted the resolution.
Patterson asked why language was not included regarding the City’s hiring of an
administrator. He felt this was important information for people to have. Atty. Molter
stated he did take that into consideration. Through his research, he concluded that you
can only ask the question; you cannot editorialize. He did confer with the State
Elections Board and they agreed. He also spoke with George Dunst, the attorney for
the State Elections Board, and he concurred. Mayor Damaske wanted to clarify that he
did not “tinker” with the resolution as reported in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel.
Schroeder explained why he did not want to sponsor the new resolution. He did not
author it and the question is different from what he proposed. Melcher expressed
concern about putting resolution language together when there isn’t a discussion forum
currently available to do so. Buckmaster stated the Committee process should be used.
He expressed concern that the original resolution was drafted by a majority of the
Council members. Schroeder stated he did ask the other six aldermen if they were
interested in sponsoring an issue that had been discussed for over a year and a half.
Schroeder stated the issue of timing for the referendum also needs to be discussed.
Buckmaster does not understand the rationale for doing it right now. We have not
proven that the administrator position is how we want to proceed. Salentine believes
the referendum should be at the April election because it will take the next year and a
half to work through everything else. Patterson stated that having the referendum in
April will give the Council a sense of what the constituents want and the direction we
should take. Patterson suggested language be included to inform people that this
would be for the next elected Mayor. Madden stated the question was basic and it was
to provide general information from the public. Leave it alone and move forward.
Salentine agreed. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #002-2006 - Approval of Cooperative Agreement Between the City of Muskego
and Waukesha County Department of Senior Services. Salentine moved for
adoption. Madden seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Common Council Minutes Page 5
January 10, 2006
Reso. #003-2006 - Resolution Establishing Guidelines for Committee of the Whole.
Salentine moved for adoption. Melcher seconded. Melcher expressed concern
about five being a quorum especially at budget time. Madden supports the quorum
being five. Budget time is important and we need to make a better effort to be at those
meetings. Salentine agreed. Schroeder asked if all requested items would be placed
on either the Committee of the Whole agenda or another committee agenda? The
Mayor responded yes as determined by the City Administrator. Melcher suggested
including a timeline for debate on certain items. The Mayor noted that unofficially the
Committee of the Whole has a 10:00 PM end time. Melcher does not want to see some
of the last agenda items only being able to be discussed for a few minutes while others
are discussed for hours. Patterson did not agree with setting time limits for items. The
number of items that will be on an agenda has been reduced, which should help.
Buckmaster stated there is some validity to setting time limits as long as you
communicate the procedures. Motion carried 7-0.
Ord. #1209 - An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 2, Section 2.09(3), of the Municipal Code
of the City of Muskego (Committee of the Whole). First Reading. Buckmaster moved
to suspend the rules for Ord. #1209 to have a second reading. Salentine
seconded. Patterson objected. He believes the issue can wait. Motion carried 6 in
favor and Patterson voting no. Ord. #1209. Second Reading. Buckmaster moved
for adoption. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 6 in favor and Patterson voting
no.
LICENSES
Melcher moved for approval of the regular operators’ licenses reviewed at the
1/10/2006 Finance Committee. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 7-0. Licenses
for the following were approved: Amanda Mack, Jacquelyn Corso, Anna Marie Stikl,
Joshua Tjelmeland, William Faber, John Orlando, Shirley Knight and Lori Tapp.
Melcher moved to approve a six-month “Class A” Liquor and Beer License for
Robert White, agent (Muskego Lakes Enterprises, LLC) d/b/a Muskego Lakes
Subs and Liquor. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Melcher submitted several resolutions for the next Council agenda.
Salentine moved to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stats. §19.85
(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the
investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business,
whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session, more
specifically labor union negotiations. Madden seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
The Clerk and City Attorney were not present for closed session.
Borgman moved to reconvene into open session. Buckmaster seconded. Motion
carried 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Buckmaster moved to adjourn at 10:25 PM. Patterson seconded; motion carried.
Common Council Minutes Page 6
January 10, 2006
(Minutes transcribed by J. Blenski.)
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Moyer CMC, CMTW
Clerk-Treasurer