CCM20060124
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 2/14/06
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JANUARY 24, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:49 PM by Mayor Damaske. Present were Ald.
Melcher, Borgman, Buckmaster, Madden, Patterson, Schroeder and Salentine, City
Attorney Molter, City Administrator Sheiffer, Plan Director Muenkel, Clerk-Treasurer
Moyer and Deputy Clerk Blenski. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The
Clerk-Treasurer stated the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting
law on 1/20/2006. The Mayor noted the Council would later convene into closed
session.
PUBLIC HEARING
The Clerk read the public hearing notice to consider the petition of Baljit Dhillon to
rezone property on Loomis Road (Tax Key No. 2293.996.001) from A Agriculture
District to B-4 Highway Business District for the purpose of constructing a Gas
Station/Convenience Store.
Mr. Muenkel stated the Agricultural District requires parcels of 120,000 square feet and
at least 300 feet in width. The B-4 District requires parcels of 30,000 square feet and
150 feet in width. The rezoning petition would not involve a 2010 Plan amendment as
the plan currently depicts the parcel as having future commercial uses consistent with
B-3 or B-4 zoning. The property is currently vacant. The petitioner wants to develop
the land for a gas station/convenience center. The B-4 zoning would allow the
proposed use as long as a Building, Site and Operation Plan and Condition Use Grant
were approved by the Plan Commission. The three parcels at the intersection of
Muskego Dam Drive and Loomis Drive are already zoned B-4.
Buckmaster asked where the parcel was in relation to Champions Village. Mr. Muenkel
responded about a mile and a half away.
Ryan Moeller, S106 W15875 Loomis Drive, stated he owns land just to the west. He is
not necessarily against the rezoning; he has concerns about protecting his land for the
future. He is concerned about contaminated soils and runoff. There is a gas station
already there. Why not upgrade that one instead of building another gas station.
Floyd Sporleder, S108 W16327 Loomis Drive, stated he has a 12-acre pond in the area.
He is concerned about contaminated runoff into his pond. He also is concerned about
an increase in traffic and potential spills from two gas stations.
The petitioner, Baljit Dhillon, was present. He stated there will not be two gas stations.
The one that is currently there will be moved to the new location when rezoned. He is
trying to move his current operation to Hwy. 36 for better visibility. There is no point in
improving what he has because it is not visible from Hwy. 36. Mayor Damaske asked if
Mr. Dhillon planned to remove all the existing tanks. Mr. Dhillon stated he would do
whatever needs to be done at the present site so it will be clear. Mr. Dhillon stated his
ownership of the property for the new location is contingent upon receiving all the
necessary approvals. He also owns the property where the existing business is located.
Schroeder asked if the City could dictate to the owner that if he no longer uses the
facility, the pumps and tanks have to be removed. Atty. Molter stated the state has
regulations. Mr. Muenkel stated the current operation has a conditional use grant,
which could be terminated. Ald. Schroeder would like to see the infrastructure removed.
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January 24, 2006
As there were no further comments, the Mayor declared the hearing closed.
CONSENT AGENDA
Salentine moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Madden seconded. Motion
carried.
Approval of Common Council Minutes of 1/10/2006. Schroeder stated there was
lengthy discussion on Reso. #001-2006. The minutes only reflect a broad
generalization. He would like to refer people to listen to the audio, which is provided on
the City’s website, for the discussion of more specific information.
Acceptance of Finance Committee Report - 1/10/2006
Acceptance of Public Utilities Committee Report - 1/16/2006
Review of Library Board Meeting held 12/28/2005, Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
held 1/9/2006, Plan Commission Meeting held 1/17/2006, Senior Ad-Hoc Committee
Meetings held 11/9/2005 and 12/13/2005 and Mayor’s Task Force on Janesville Road
Reconstruction Meeting held 1/5/2006. Regarding the Mayor’s Task Force meeting,
Schroeder requested a copy of the County’s five questions.
Reso. #005-2006 - Denial of a Certified Survey Map - James
Reso. #006-2006 - Approval of a Certified Survey Map - Wieselman Trust
Reso. #007-2006 - Acceptance of Improvements - Quietwood Creek Subdivision
Reso. #008-2006 - Approval of Lease Agreement with Eddie Schaefer for Park Arthur
(South Section)
Reso. #009-2006 - Approval of Idle Isle Park Security Cameras
Reso. #010-2006 - Acceptance of 2006 Classified Equipment Rates
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 1/10/2006. Ald. Borgman asked for this item to be removed from the
agenda. Borgman moved to remove. Buckmaster seconded; motion carried. The
Public Works Committee reviewed this issue at its last meeting; no Council action is
required at this time.
Ord. #1207 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Muskego (Burke
Homes - A, RSM and B-4 to RSM/OPD). On the floor, deferred 1/10/2006. Salentine
moved to amend the ordinance to include the language as underlined: Section 1:
“The following described property is hereby rezoned from A, RSM and B-4 to
RSM/OPD: Tax Key Number 2258.996, part of Tax Key Number 2261.978.001, and
part of Tax Key Number 2264.999 . . .” and Section 3: “This ordinance is in full
force and effect from and after passage and publication subject to approval of the
Final Condo Plat, Building, Site and Operation Plan and Developer’s Agreement
and Letter of Credit for Muirfield.” Melcher seconded; motion carried.
Buckmaster stated the Plan Commission defeated the resolution to recommend
approval. The discussion surrounded around the Comprehensive Plan. What is our
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January 24, 2006
intent for that area? He does not support amending the B-4 zoning on one side of the
street and keeping it on the other. Buckmaster stated the Comprehensive Plan is a plan
made at a point in time. It is a plan that we consider regarding any zoning decisions.
He does not see any reason to grant the rezoning due to a lack of direction for the area.
There are also issues regarding wells and traffic. Buckmaster stated he does not
believe the rezoning is in the best public interest right now. The developer will not be
denied anything. Madden stated the B-4 zoning is there for a reason. It has to do with
what is there today. We have landfills on both sides of the road and it was decided that
was a good place to bring business in. We have all talked about how Muskego needs
to bring business in. The B-4 zoning on Hwy. 36 is a good place to start. The current
zoning can do what the developer wants to do. She sees no reason to change it.
Salentine and Borgman both agreed that the B-4 area should remain. Patterson
supports the Comp Plan and supports the existing zoning. Melcher agreed that the
business area was important for the City. He supports the constituents of the area who
expressed opposition to the rezoning. Motion to adopt failed 7-0.
NEW BUSINESS
Reso. #011-2006 - Approval of a Preliminary Plat - Denoon Country Estates North
Subdivision. Salentine moved for adoption. Borgman seconded. Mr. Muenkel
stated the Council already approved a zoning change to RCE/COPD in November of
2005 for this development. Outlot 2 is proposed to provide storm water management.
Schroeder asked if the storm water could be diverted to the new regional pond in the
area. Mr. Muenkel will review with the Building/Engineering Dept. Schroeder stated he
has a constituent that expressed concern about the containment of storm water off of
his property. Motion carried 7-0.
Reso. #012-2006 - Resolution to Adopt Code of Conduct and Discipline. Salentine
moved for adoption. Schroeder seconded. Salentine moved to defer for review
by the labor attorney. Ald. Schroeder seconded; motion carried
Ord. #1210 - An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of the City of Muskego (Dhillon -
A to B-4). First Reading.
Discuss Three Draft Resolutions Presented by Ald. Melcher Concerning Processes and
Procedures
The first draft resolution was reviewed and discussed. The resolution related to the
placement of items on an agenda. This was discussed at Committee of the Whole with
no consensus reached. Schroeder asked what are we currently doing and what would
be changed? Melcher responded that at the present time, agenda items are put
together in house. Atty. Molter noted that some of the proposed changes would be
substantial and could conflict with what is currently in the City’s Municipal Code. The
resolution proposes that a public hearing be held for every ordinance and that the title of
an ordinance be published in the official newspaper prior to second reading.
Buckmaster stated he believes most items should go through the committee process
first. That is where the staff support is available.
Patterson expressed concern about Item No. 3 of the proposed resolution. What we
currently do works. Melcher stated he had no problem with removing that item from the
resolution. Borgman stated we do need something in writing. He suggested that Item
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January 24, 2006
1. d. include all committees even if only temporary. Schroeder would like Items 2., 3.,
and 4. removed. He would like something in writing that outlines how an agenda item
can be addressed. He does not want a situation where he has an item that he can’t get
on any agenda. Buckmaster believes items that come before Council should be in
resolution or ordinance format. He does not like draft items placed on the agenda for
discussion. Several of the aldermen discussed the fact that an alderman should be able
to submit an item to the Clerk for placement on the Council agenda. It was determined
that the City Administrator will review the proposed resolution and bring a revised
version back to the next meeting.
The second draft resolution was reviewed and discussed. Melcher stated the purpose
of the resolution was to try to widen the scope of appointments to the City’s various
boards and committees. He supports publication in the Muskego Sun to invite people to
step forward. The City of Madison has an actual application form. Mayor Damaske
responded that it was harder and harder to get people to fill these positions. He does
not agree with having an application process. He does solicit the aldermen for
appointment recommendations. Salentine stated the resolution is too limiting and
needs to make accommodations for people that leave an appointment on short-term
notice. Requiring six to eight weeks before a vacancy can be filled is too long. She
would like to see a copy of the application form but questions if people will be willing to
complete it. She would prefer to see a short bio of a potential appointee. Schroeder
stated he would like to see the same process that is used for refilling employee
vacancies. A memo would be done by the Mayor to the aldermen asking for
recommendations within a five-day period. The Mayor would forward all candidates
with biographies to the Council to accompany the appointment resolution. Borgman
believes public solicitation is a good idea. Schroeder stated that the Mayor announcing
any available appointments at a Council meeting would probably result in an article in
the Muskego Sun.
Buckmaster stated that these appointments are the Mayor’s prerogative as the chief
elected official. The Mayor does ask the aldermen for names of potential candidates.
He does not want to create something that will not allow the Mayor to fulfill his agenda.
Borgman stated the proposed resolution does not limit how the Mayor selects
appointments. Schroeder disagreed with Buckmaster; the Mayor’s appointments have
to be affirmed by the seven Council members. It was determined that the City
Administrator would take the ideas presented and formalize the process. The Mayor
agreed to provide a short bio of any potential appointment that would be included with
the resolution.
Melcher stated the third resolution deals with the timing for distribution of Council
materials. The resolution proposes that copies be provided five days prior to the
Council meeting. The Clerk explained the process for putting the Council material
together. The internal deadline is the Thursday before the meeting. Schroeder
suggested that the City Administrator discuss submittal deadlines with the Clerk and
Mayor. The Clerk noted that any proposed submittals must be provided in Word format.
The City Administrator will review this resolution in conjunction with the first one.
LICENSES
Melcher moved for approval of the regular operators’ licenses reviewed at the
1/24/2006 Finance Committee. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 7-0. Licenses
for the following were approved: Cathryn Hintz, Maria Sosa, Robert Sullivan, Karen
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January 24, 2006
Kern, Grant Baehmann, Anne Gustafson, Jason Bradley, Adam Theim and Kim
Weisgold.
Melcher moved to approve a Temporary “Class B”/Class “B” License for St.
Leonard Congregation for 2/25/2006. Salentine seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
Melcher moved to approve a Temporary “Class B” License for the Friends of the
Muskego Public Library for 5/13/2006. Borgman seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Melcher moved for approval of payment of General Vouchers in the amount of
$708,399.51. Madden seconded; motion carried. Schroeder moved for approval
of payment of Utility Vouchers in the amount of $298,369.36. Buckmaster
seconded; motion carried. Melcher moved for approval of payment of Tax
Checks in the amount of $18,865,012.24. Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
CITY OFFICIALS’ REPORTS
The February calendar was reviewed.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
It was suggested that following the Spring election, the Committee of the Whole should
look at establishing a mission statement and setting goals.
CLOSED SESSION
Borgman 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. Buckmaster seconded. Motion carried 7-0.
The Clerk, Deputy Clerk and City Attorney were not present for closed session.
OPEN SESSION
Salentine moved to reconvene into open session. Melcher seconded. Motion
carried 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT
Melcher moved to adjourn at 10:21 PM. Buckmaster seconded; motion carried.
(Minutes transcribed by J. Blenski.)
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Moyer CMC, CMTW
Clerk-Treasurer