FM20041020
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
7:00 PM Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room
W182 S8200 Racine Ave.
Mayor Slocomb called the meeting to order at 7:08 PM. In attendance were Committee Members Ald.
Salentine, Ald. Schroeder (arriving at 7:09 PM), and Ald. Madden, Finance Director Dawn Gunderson, and
those per attached sheet.
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law on October 15, 2004, amended agenda
posted on October 18, 2004.
REVIEW OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the October 12, 2004 Finance Committee Meeting were reviewed. Ald. Madden moved to
approve the minutes. Seconded by Ald. Salentine. Motion carried 2 - 0.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of Operator’s License for Ashley Kollmansberger,
Edward Weber, Robert D. Hinners, and Robert T. Hinners subject to receipt of fees, favorable police
reports, and verification of schooling. Seconded by Ald. Madden. Motion carried 3 - 0.
Ald. Schroeder moved to recommend approval of Operator’s License for Joseph Gross subject to
receipt of fees; verification of schooling; and 3, 6, 9, and 12 month reviews. Seconded by Ald.
Salentine. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Ald. Schroeder moved to defer Operator’s License for Ryan Meredith until his court case is
adjudicated. Seconded by Ald. Madden. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of Liquor License for Three H’s, Inc with Mary Hinners
as Corporate Agent stipulating that if Common Council approves the revision of Section 12.02 of the
Municipal Code to delete the section that requires a license for soda water and non-intoxicating
beverages the $10.00 ($5.00 for each license) if paid, be refunded. Seconded by Ald. Madden. Motion
carried 3 – 0.
PERIODIC LICENSE REVIEW
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discuss offer to purchase City right-of way, Habberley – Engineering/Building Inspection Director Sean
McMullen sent memorandum to Committee stating he reviewed the alternative options for the purchase of
City lands for the installation of a mound system by the Habberley’s and is recommending option two.
Option one would be to lease the property to the Habberley’s and option two would be to grant a limited
easement. The Habberley’s, who were present to discuss the right-of-way options, had previously submitted
an offer to purchase a portion of the City’s right-of-way located at Kelsey Drive and Muskego Dam Road.
Mayor Slocomb is also recommending an easement and explained “sunset” language to the easement
agreement that would void the easement upon connection to the municipal sanitary sewer system, or twelve
months after notice to connect to the municipal sewer system as required in Chapter 21 of the Municipal
code. Discussion took place on future use of the City’s right-of-way. If the City were to sell a portion of the
right-of-way and in the future it was determined a sewer lift station was needed the City would have to
negotiate buying back the property. If the City knew for sure that in the future the property would be used for
the extension of Muskego Dam Road it could sell a portion of the land. The Finance Committee felt the City
could not sell a portion of the property not knowing what the future holds. Mr. Habberley stated he was not
interested in an easement and therefore would proceed to install a mound system on his existing property.
Recommend approval of salaries for elected officials - Mayor Slocomb presented survey of area
Communities’ pay schedules and expense allowances for Aldermen. Muskego Aldermen receive an
expense account of $1,600.00 per year. The Common Council President receives $600.00 more per year.
Ald. Salentine moved to recommend salaries for Districts 2, 4, 6, and 7 remain at the current rate of
$7,639.00 per year for the upcoming term and $8,239.00 for Council President. Seconded by Ald.
Madden. Motion carried 3 - 0.
Finance Committee Meeting
October 20, 2004 - Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Recommend approval of salary for Mayor – A survey of area Communities’ pay schedules and expense
accounts for Mayor was reviewed. Mayor Slocomb’s expense account is $3,500.00 and is strictly for
mileage. The goal of the previous increase was to get the Mayor’s salary in line with Department Heads and
other full time Mayors in the area. Typically a Mayor does not get paid more than Department Heads. Ald.
Salentine stated she is comfortable where the Mayor’s salary is. Ald. Schroeder stated he is in favor of a
continuing education program requiring some type of professional development program similar to the
Certified Public Managers Program or program approved by Common Council. Ald. Schroeder suggested
ninety-six hours per year or eight hours per month be required. Ald. Schroeder estimated the cost to be
$100.00 to $140.00 per course. The City would pay for the cost of the course. Once the percent of increase
was set for 2005, 2006, 2007, and possible 2008 (if Mayor’s Position becomes four year term) the Mayor
would receive a zero percent increase if the ninety-six hours of some type of professional development
program were not met. If the Mayor fulfills the ninety-six hour requirement the Mayor would receive a salary
increase for whatever percent was set for that time period. Further discussion took place on the total number
of hours that should be required yearly. If there were a hardship situation it would go before Common
Council for consideration. The ninety-six hour requirement is hour equivalent. A cost of living could not be
given because the salary could not be adjusted during a term. The Mayor’s expense account is the only
adjustment that can be made during the term of office. Ald. Schroeder stated he would look at a 3% to 3.9%
increase per year to include the ninety-six hour requirement. The current compensation for Mayor is
$64,600.00 per year. Ald. Salentine recommended a 3% increase and Ald. Madden recommended a 3.5%
increase both tied to the ninety-six hours. Ald. Schroeder move to recommend making the Mayor’s
annual increase for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 (if Mayor’s position becomes four year term) 3.4%. To
gain the 3.4% increase the Mayor would have to attend ninety-six hours of a professional
development program or classes, similar to the Certified Public Managers Course, approved by
Common Council. A hardship waiver is to be included with requirements set by Common Council.
Seconded by Ald. Madden. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Review Recommendation to Disallow Claim - Santos – Clerk/Treasurer Janice Moyer forwarded letter
received from Midwest Claims Service, the claim administrator for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Mutual Insurance Plan. Midwest Claims Service received notice of claim in which American Family
Insurance alleged that their client, Ms. Santos, damaged her 2003 Pontiac Grand Am on an unmarked
elevated manhole cover on August 13, 2004. Midwest Claims Service completed their investigation and
recommend that the City of Muskego deny this claim pursuant to the Wisconsin statue for disallowance of
claim 893.80(1g). The disallowance of the claim will allow Midwest Claims Service to shorten the statue of
limitations period to six months. The basis of the denial should be that the investigation found no negligence
on behalf of the City of Muskego. Furthermore, the City did not cause or contribute to Mr. Santos’ injury.
The claimant may contact the contractor, Mr. Brad Schneider, for further investigation. Ald. Schroeder
moved to recommend disallowance of Santos Claim. Seconded by Ald. Salentine. Motion carried 3 –
0.
Recommend approval of asbestos abatement of Martin house in Park Arthur – The Parks & Recreation
Department is recommending for approval the removal and disposal of all visible/exposed asbestos of the
Martin House in Park Arthur. Upon the completion of this service, Engineering/Building Inspection Director
Sean McMullen will arrange for the house to be burned down. The Public Works Department will fill in the
foundation. Ald. Salentine moved to approve the quote from Anser & Associates for the amount of
$6,011.25 for asbestos abatement of Martin house in Park Arthur, money coming from Park
Dedication fund account. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 3 – 0.
Review Proposed Amendment to Chapter 12 to Eliminate Soda and Non-Intoxicating Licenses –
Mayor Slocomb and Clerk-Treasurer Janice Moyer have discussed the issuance of licenses for soda water
and non-intoxicating beverages. State Statute allows a maximum fee of $5.00 for each license. The 2004
revenue generated to date is $365.00 for soda licenses and $255.00 for non-intoxicating licenses. Mayor
Slocomb and Clerk-Treasurer Moyer feel this amount of money does not warrant the staff time, paperwork,
and follow up regarding the issuance of these licenses. Ald. Schroeder moved to recommend approval
of amending Section 12.02 of the Municipal Code to delete the section that covers licenses for the
sale of non-intoxicating beverages and soda water. Seconded by Ald. Salentine. Motion carried 3 –
0.
Finance Committee Meeting
October 20, 2004 - Page 3
Review Invoice from Humane Animal Welfare Society for 2005 (HAWS) – Clerk-Treasurer forwarded a
copy of the invoice received from HAWS. The amount of $3,255.00 is the same as the amount paid for 2004
services. Also enclosed was a copy of the Service Agreement with HAWS that states the approved
agreement automatically renews every year unless either party gives notice of termination and a revised
Addendum A that states the annual fee is $3,255.00. Ald. Salentine moved to approve $3,255.00 for
HAWS services to be provided through December 31, 2005. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion
carried 3 – 0.
Recommend approval of 2005 Health Insurance Contract – A draft copy of Resolution to Authorize
Execution of Health Insurance contract for 2005 with WPS was provided for Committee review. The
following premiums were being recommended:
Type of Contract Current Rate Renewal Rate
Single Member $ 438.10 $ 394.47
Limited Family $ 945.43 $ 851.27
Family $1,293.36 $1,164.54
Single Member Over Age 65 with Medicare $ 328.58 $ 295.85
Member and Spouse Both Over Age 65
with Medicare $ 657.16 $ 591.71
One Member Over Age 65 with Medicare and
One Member Under Age 65 $ 766.68 $ 690.32
The proposed premiums represent a 9.96% decrease. Ald. Salentine moved to recommend approval of
2005 Health Insurance contract with WPS. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Ald. Schroeder extended his
thank you to Finance Director Gunderson and her accountant for their diligent work in keeping track of
insurance. Motion carried 3 – 0.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS
Approve annual maintenance agreement for the public use copier at the Library $48.89 per month,
currently $46.61 - Library Director Holly Sanhuber sent memorandum requesting maintenance agreement
for the public use copier at the Library. The agreement is a one-year, toner inclusive contract. The public
copier was purchased in 1997 and has run 430,867 copies. The copy revenue is approximately $5,000.00
per year. Ald. Salentine moved to approve maintenance agreement with Gordon Flesch for $48.89 per
month. Seconded by Ald. Schroeder. Motion carried 3 – 0.
RELEASE OF FUNDS--None
REDUCTION IN LETTER OF CREDIT - None
VOUCHER APPROVAL – None
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT - Finance Director Gunderson distributed Finance Director’s Report (see
attached) for the Finance Committee to read. The 2005 Budget will be going to Public Hearing on November
8, 2004. The City’s Sewer and Water Budgets went to Public Utility Committee Meeting on October 18,
2004. The Committee requested further review of the budgets and will also be looking for recommendation
on Debt Retirement. Assessor Laura Mecha sent an e-mail stating that she is looking into information for the
data update of internal inspections of homes. Mayor Slocomb stated that Assessor Mecha is still waiting for
the numbers, a two-year and one-year number. Ald. Schroeder questioned if this is an appropriate capital
budget item or should funds be set-aside yearly in the operating budget. Finance Director Gunderson stated
it could be put in the operating budget by setting aside funds yearly to build fund up. This could be done
starting with next years budget so that ten years from now funds would be available for the data update.
Mayor Slocomb stated the only risk is that in tight years the decision may be made to stop the yearly funding.
COMMUNICATIONS AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT – Being no further business to discuss, Ald. Schroeder moved to adjourn the
meeting at 8:49 PM. Seconded by Ald. Madden. Motion carried 3 - 0.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carolyn Warhanek
Recording Secretary