FM20030917
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
7:00 PM Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room
W182 S8200 Racine Ave.
Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. In attendance were Committee Members Ald.
Salentine, Ald. Schroeder, and Ald. Petfalski (arrived at 7:35 PM), Finance Director Dawn Gunderson, and
those per attached sheet. Also present were Ald. Damaske, Chief John Johnson, Ald. Buckmaster (arrived
at 7:30 PM), and Clerk-Treasurer Jean Marenda (arrived at 7:39 PM).
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on September 12, 2003.
REVIEW OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the September 9, 2003 Finance Committee Meeting were reviewed. Ald. Salentine moved
to approve the minutes. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 2 - 0.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Michelle Wright appeared to request a refund of fee paid for Operator’s License. Fees paid were $10.00 for
Provisional License, $10.00 for background check, and $40.00 for Operator’s License. Wright was granted a
provisional license and was to appear before the Committee tonight for the interview to obtain the Operator’s
License. Wright’s employer informed her that her service would no longer be needed due to the sale of the
business. Ald. Salentine moved to refund $40.00 to Michelle Wright, the fee for an Operator’s License.
Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 2 – 0.
Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of Operator’s License for Amanda Mettille subject to
receipt of fees, favorable police reports, and verification of schooling. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder.
Motion carried by 2 - 0.
Dog Fancier Permit – Brzezinski – S78 W18232 Lions Park Drive – An application for Dog Fancier Permit
for four dogs, three Labradors and one Golden Retriever, was received from Don & Nancy Brzezinski. A
copy of the letter sent to the adjacent property owners and Common Council – City of Muskego, Ordinance #
1145 were presented. The Brzezinski’s were present to answer the Committee’s questions. Discussion took
place on response received from two adjacent property owners. Currently, the Brzezinski’s have an electric
fence and have plans to install a four-foot chain link fence. Ald. Schroeder moved to recommend Dog
Fancier Permit be issued to Don & Nancy Brzezinski contingent upon the four-foot chain link fence
being completed by the November 5, 2003 Finance meeting. If the fence is not completed the
Brzezinski’s shall present a picture showing the status of the installation of the fence for Committee
review at the November 5, 2003 Finance Meeting. Seconded by Ald Salentine. Motion Carried 2 – 0.
Temporary Class “B: License for Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Temporary Operator’s License for
Eloise Wilde (Interviewed by Mayor) for 10/5/03 – Deputy Clerk Jill Blenski sent memorandum stating an
application for a “Gathering Permit” was submitted by Bethlehem Lutheran Church, W124 S9995 North Cape
Road. The permit is for an Octoberfest event on October 5, 2003 from 11:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The church
plans to hold the event outdoors and sell the beer/wine coolers from a tent. Some activity may move inside
if the weather is inclement. Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of a Temporary Class “B”
License for Bethlehem Lutheran Church for event to be held October 5, 2003 and Temporary
Operator’s License for Eloise Wilde contingent on receipt of fees and favorable police reports.
Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 2 - 0.
PERIODIC LICENSE REVIEW - None
Finance Committee Meeting
September 17, 2003 - Page 2
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Salary Study – The Common Council prior to the last salary study decided to set the pay range at 105%
above market average. Ald Schroeder expressed his concern that out of seven comparable communities,
six had a higher population than Muskego and employed a higher number of non-represented employees.
Concern was noted that the City Labor Council stated that Cities like Wauwatosa and West Allis are not
comparable to the City of Muskego, yet these were two of the Cities used for salary study. Discussion
continued on whether communities with higher population have a trend toward higher pay ranges and the
effect this has on the Muskego’s proposed pay range. Most comparables used were those agreed upon with
previous contract negotiations. The geographical area has to be looked at. The City of Muskego for most of
their positions is competing with the metropolitan area. Discussion continued on the value system
(responsibility) of position and comparison to other Cities. Ms. Jude Williams, consultant for Oceans of
Opportunity the company that did the salary study, will be at the September 23, 2003 Common Council
meeting to do a full presentation of salary study and answer Aldermen questions. Sent to Common
Council without recommendation of Finance Committee.
Consider financial impact to implement salary study – Mayor Slocomb asked the Committee to address
the issues of Staff Sergeant and Patrol Sergeant. At negotiations the City as part of the salary package
offered to the union for these positions a salary within $20.00 of the $60,531.00 being presented tonight.
The Mayor stated that when he met with the Sergeants he stated that any salary adjustment done would be
retroactive to the first of the year. The Committee discussed the difference between pay rates of patrol
officer, patrol sergeant and staff sergeant. Patrol sergeant was a new position created at the time of
bargaining. Discussion took place on having patrol sergeants and staff sergeants and the reason for the
creation of these positions. Currently a patrol officer makes $54,500.00, patrol sergeants $57,649.00, and
the staff sergeants $58,432.00. Chief Johnson explained why the City created the position of patrol
sergeant. A pay range has not been established. The City only has what the sergeants are currently being
paid. The proposed salary range is part of the salary study. The City is proposing to bring the staff
sergeants up to $60,531.00 and leaving the patrol sergeants where they currently are. This would create a
five percent difference between patrol sergeant and staff sergeant. Ald. Salentine moved to approve an
increase in staff sergeant rate of pay to $60,531.00. Seconded by Ald. Petfalski. Discussion continued
on the small rate difference created between staff sergeant and lieutenants with the proposed increase for
staff sergeants. Discussion continued on what percent increase should be set. Proposed was raising the
current salary of lieutenants to create a six percent difference between the rookie lieutenant and staff
sergeant. Titles were discussed along with job responsibility and what other departments call these
comparable positions. Discussion took place on pay rate once pay for performance is added in. The six
percent difference between staff sergeant and lieutenant would be a rate increase of $2,226.00 annually per
lieutenant or $4,452.00 total. The total annual increase for both positions would be $12,849,00. First the
City would look at the police budget for money and if the funds were not available the money would come
from contingency. Ald. Salentine moved to amend motion to include increasing both lieutenant
positions by $2,226.00 each annually. Seconded by Ald. Petfalski. Motion carried 3 – 0. After
discussion on combining both staff sergeants and lieutenants in one motion Ald. Schroeder moved to
reconsider motion to amend to include both lieutenant rate increases with motion to increase rate of
staff sergeants. Seconded by Ald. Petfalski. Motion carried 2 – 1, Ald. Salentine voting no. Motion to
amend was back on the floor. Motion to amend defeated 3 - 0. Ald. Salentine moved to approve an
increase in staff sergeant rate of pay to $60,531.00. Seconded by Ald. Petfalski. Motion carried 2 – 1,
Ald. Schroeder voting no. Ald. Salentine moved to approve rate increase of $2,226.00 for both
lieutenants. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Consider settlement for rescue claim – Mayor Slocomb asked that this item be deferred. Ald. Salentine
moved to defer to the October 8, 2003 Finance Meeting. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried
2 – 0.
Finance Committee Meeting
September 17, 2003 - Page 3
NEW BUSINESS
Review issuance of Dog Licenses and increase in fees – Clerk-Treasurer Jean Marenda sent e-mail
stating a County committee has approved the increase of dog license fees by $2.00 to pay for the new
humane officer. The increase will be included in the budget to be voted on by the full County Board in
October. The City also has the option of increasing the fees further if desired. Clerk-Treasurer Marenda
recommended that the City increase the dog license fees to $10.00 and $15.00 once the County has
imposed the additional $2.00. Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of increase of fees for dog
license to $10.00 (spayed/neutered) and $15.00 (not sprayed/not neutered). Seconded by Ald.
Schroeder. Motion carried 2 – 0.
Consider Amendment to Chapter 12 regarding quota for “Class A” and Class “A” Licenses – Clerk-
Treasurer Jean Marenda appeared before committee to review license quota for “Class A” and Class “A”
licenses. A draft copy of ordinance titled “An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 12, Sections 12.01(7)(d) 1. and
2. of the Municipal Code of the City of Muskego (License Quota) and current License Quota sheet were
provided. The current quota for “Class A” establishments is one license per 2,100 population or fraction
thereof. Based on the City’s estimated 2003 population, the City could issue eleven “Class A” licenses. The
City currently has ten issued and one available.
The current quota for Class “A” establishments is one license per 1,350 population or fraction thereof. Based
on the City’s 2003-estimated population, the City could issue seventeen Class “A” licenses. A Class “A”
license must be available for all “Class A” establishments. The Clerk’s office has had several inquiries
regarding the availability of a “Class A” Liquor/Beer license.
There are no state laws governing the above quotas. The local governing body has the authority to establish
the quota desired or establish no quota. Ald. Petfalski moved to recommend approval of no quota for
“Class A” and Class “A” licenses. Seconded by Ald. Salentine. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Recommend approval of salaries for elected officials – Committee reviewed draft copy of Ordinance
titled “Establishing Salaries for Certain Elected Officials”. After discussion Ald. Petfalski moved to
recommend the biweekly salaries remain at the current rate of $293.79 for Alderman – Districts 1, 3,
and 5, and $423.08 for Municipal Judge. Seconded by Ald. Salentine. Motion carried by 3 - 0.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS - None
RELEASE OF FUNDS - None
REDUCTION IN LETTER OF CREDIT
Approve reduction in Letter of Credit for Chamberlain Hill, $393,076.95 – Memorandum was received
from Engineer/Building Director Sean McMullen recommending reduction in Letter of Credit. The reductions
reflect improvements installed and reviewed to date. Ald. Salentine moved to approve reduction in Letter
of Credit for Chamberlain Hill in the amount of $393,076.95. Seconded by Ald. Petfalski. Motion
carried 3 - 0.
Approve reduction in Letter of Credit for Prairie Meadows, $87,836.28 - Memorandum was received
from Engineer/Building Director Sean McMullen recommending reduction in Letter of Credit. The reductions
reflect improvements installed and reviewed to date. Ald. Petfalski moved to approve reduction in Letter
of Credit for Prairie Meadows in the amount of $87,836.28. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion
carried 3 - 0.
Approve reduction in Letter of Credit for Settlement, $86,250.00 - Memorandum was received from
Engineer/Building Director Sean McMullen recommending reduction in Letter of Credit. The reductions
reflect improvements installed and reviewed to date. Ald. Salentine moved to approve reduction in Letter
of Credit for The Settlement in the amount of $86,250.00. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion
carried 3 - 0.
VOUCHER APPROVAL – None
Finance Committee Meeting
September 17, 2003 - Page 4
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Finance Director Gunderson stated the Finance Department is
continuing to work on the preparation of the City’s budgets. Thursday, September 18, 2003 the Committee
of the Whole will have it’s second meeting to discuss operating budgets and will also continued discussion of
capital budget items.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW – Ald. Schroeder wanted it
clarified that the reason he voted no for the rate increase for sergeants is that he feels that by moving three
patrol sergeants to staff sergeants and making seven staff sergeants for one level of sergeants it would
financially benefit the taxpayers. Although the Chief states they would have less responsibility than what
they are being paid for Ald. Schroeder felt added responsibility could be given the three patrol sergeants so
they earn their pay and save the taxpayers money. Mayor Slocomb said he had a concern that you would
now have patrol sergeants that are now staff sergeants and other sergeants that are staff sergeants directing
their activities. Sixty percent of the time they would not be acting as staff sergeants. Ald. Schroeder felt that
all seven sergeants could act under the same responsibility.
ADJOURNMENT – Being no further business to discuss, Ald. Petfalski moved to adjourn the meeting
at 8:54 PM. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 3 - 0.
Respectfully Submitted
Carolyn Warhanek
Recording Secretary