FM042799
FINANCE COMMITTEE - CITY OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999
The meeting was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mayor De Angelis. Committee members
Slocomb, Salentine and Sanders were present. Also present were Aldermen Chiaverotti and
Le Doux as well as Aldermen Pionek and Patterson who arrived during the meeting. Finance
Director Gunderson, Deputy Clerk Blenski and those per the attached list were also present.
The Mayor noted that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
Review of Minutes
Minutes of the April 21, 1999 meeting were accepted with no changes made.
There were no licenses to review.
Unfinished Business
1. Further review of Subdivider’s Agreement & Letter of Credit - North Cape Farms
This item was deferred from the April 21, 1999 meeting. The Mayor noted that the requested
changes have now been made and the missing information completed. Alderman Salentine
moved to recommend approval. Alderman Slocomb seconded; motion carried.
2. Further discussion of Military Leave
This item was deferred from the April 21, 1999 meeting. Finance Director Gunderson provided
a memorandum which clarified some of the specific issues in writing. State statutes prohibit
the municipality from compensating employees while on active military duty. Effective as of
December, 1994, the City must continue pension contributions and maintain the employees’
credits within the Wisconsin Retirement system. Likewise, life insurance through Wisconsin
Retirement must also be maintained during the military leave as long as the employees
continue to make the premium payments for any additional insurance elected. The federal
government requires that the municipality maintain the same level of coverage as for any other
employee taking a leave of absence if the City has a set policy in place. No benefits based on
seniority can be lost during the time of military leave. The Finance Director recommends that
the City continue the life insurance coverage in any instance due to the minimal cost and that
vacation and sick time be accrued subject to the provision outlined in the Nonrepresented
Personnel Code. The provision states, “An employee who begins a leave of absence between
the first and the fifteenth of the month shall accrue and be entitled to benefits until the end of
that month. An employee who begins a leave of absence between the sixteenth and the end
of the month shall accrue and be entitled to benefits until the end of the following month.”
Finance Director Gunderson presented cost factors for the two employees who may be
affected. She noted that the costs are different as one employee has elected to take the City’s
health insurance coverage, while the other has elected to receive the allowance in lieu of
health insurance. The two employees are also covered under different classes as to pension
benefits which makes the rate of contribution different.
Discussion ensued regarding leaves in general with Alderman Slocomb stating other reasons
that may require an employee to request a leave could be just as devastating as military leave.
He wants the City to be consistent. Those employees involved in the reserves know the risk
that exists for possible active duty. Alderman Sanders stated the City cannot make up the
compensation so the minimum should be to continue the health insurance and life insurance
benefits. The Mayor discussed other potential reasons for an employee taking a leave of
absence. In the past the City had an employee who took a leave of absence to run for political
Finance Committee Minutes Page 2
April 27, 1999
office. The Mayor noted that the committee may want to address the situation of leave for
active military duty at this time and review each individual request for leave when received.
Alderman Patterson stated that in this case where employees are being called for active duty
to defend the country, the City should pay the cost of the health insurance. Alderman Sanders
moved to approve payment of health and life insurance for the two employees involved with a
six-month review, as well as application of the provision in the Nonrepresented Personnel
Code as to sick and vacation time accruals. Alderman Salentine seconded; motion carried.
There was no new business for discussion.
Voucher Approval
Alderman Sanders moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount of
$478,015.47, Tax Checks in the amount of $1,981.75, and Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$458,380.58. Alderman Salentine seconded; motion carried unanimously.
Alderman Slocomb moved to adjourn at 7:21 p.m. Alderman Sanders seconded; motion
carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk
jmb