FM20070925
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 10/9/2007
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Audio Recording Available
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. In attendance: Committee
Members Ald. Melcher, Borgman and Werner, City Administrator Sheiffer, Police
Captain La Tour, Parks & Recreation Director Anderson, City Engineer White, Plan
Director Muenkel, Deputy Clerk Blenski and those per the attached sheet. Also present:
Ald. Schaefer, Fiedler, Snead and Pavelko (arrived at 6:33 p.m.).
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
REVIEW OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Ald. Borgman moved for approval of minutes of 9/11/2007. Ald. Melcher
seconded; motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
Continue Discussion on City’s Policies Regarding Issuance of Fireworks Permits
Captain La Tour was present to review some statistics regarding complaints related to
fireworks. There were a total of 171 complaints for the period January 2006 through
August 2007. Of the 171 complaints, the department conducted 84 field interviews and
found that 10 of the contacts were in compliance by having a permit. A total of six
citations were issued. It is the department’s policy to issue a warning at the time of the
initial contact.
The majority of those present were in favor of keeping the current regulations status
quo. Some of the comments expressed were:
Vendors should have to put signage up that a permit to display fireworks is required.
Why are warnings issued?
The people with the permits are not causing the problems.
Issuing the permits is a way to control the situation.
The existing laws should be better enforced.
The Mayor stated that he supports shortening the time period that is allowed (July 1
through 7), which could eliminate some of the complaints. People will tolerate fireworks
on July 3 and 4 but beyond those days, it can become an issue. Dave Taube prefers
the latitude that the current seven-day period allows.
Mr. Nowicki stated that all the aldermen have received complaints. He believes the City
allowed fireworks when the community was rural and the population was 10,000 people.
Now, the number of subdivisions has increased, and the population has more than
doubled. He would like to see a referendum about the issue at the spring election.
Mr. Tom Reck stated he is involved with the July 3 fireworks event sponsored by the
Water Bugs and LML District, which is done by professionals. He would like to see the
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September 25, 2007 Page 2
expansion of that event because it would be good for the community. He expressed
concern about the display of fireworks on some of the smaller lake lots.
Ald. Borgman does not want to change the existing ordinance but is concerned that the
number of permits has increased. He would like to possibly put a cap on the number of
permits that are issued.
Ald. Werner does not support any change to the ordinance. He would like to see better
enforcement for those that don’t have a permit, as well as enforcing the regulations for
those that do have a permit.
Ald. Melcher agrees to leaving the ordinance as is. He would like the required liability
insurance reviewed for 2008.
Ald. Schaefer also stated the majority of calls she received supported no change to the
ordinance.
The Mayor noted that it is the City’s responsibility to make sure that there is adequate
liability insurance when permits are issued. There has been some damage as the result
of fireworks in the past.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of an original Operator’s License for
Margo Bennett, Alyssa Harvey, Rachel Keller, Keri Luecht, Conn McCreary, Kelly
Metz, Debra Nuetzel, Ramubhai Patel, Jacqueline Robinson, Laurel Schuelke,
Angela Sternig, and Brenda Terp subject to the licensing requirements being
completed prior to issuance. Ald. Borgman seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Melcher moved to recommend approval of a Temporary Class “B”/“Class B”
Retailers’ License for the Muskego Area Chamber of Commerce for December 1,
2007. The event, Treasure the Holidays, is held at the Settlement Centre. Ald.
Borgman seconded; motion carried.
PERIODIC REVIEW
The periodic review for June Loh did not reveal any new violations.
NEW BUSINESS
Discuss Calls for Service Recorded by the Police Department for Bushyfest
Lynn Kurer was present as the agent for the Bushy’s Pub & Grill liquor license. Captain
La Tour was also present and reviewed a memo dated August 21, 2007 (from Det. Lt.
Constantineau) relating to ten calls for service for Bushyfest from Friday, July 20, 2007
to Sunday, July 22, 2007. The summation is that numerous officers were required to
respond to various calls during the time of the event. Mayor Johnson also read
correspondence received from Ald. Pavelko regarding complaints he received during
Bushyfest. Ald. Pavelko lives in the vicinity and experienced problems during the event.
He would like to see the music end earlier. Ald. Werner stated that he has a concern
that police department personnel are being called to Bushyfest and have to stay on the
premises because of issues. This has not been the case at other licensed
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September 25, 2007 Page 3
establishments that also have outside events. Some of the reported behavior is not fair
to the neighbors. Ms. Kurer stated that she contacts the neighbors before Bushyfest
and requests that any problems be directed to her. She hires her own security staff and
attempts to take care of any issues on her own. Mayor Johnson stated that if the
activities reported at this year’s event continue, the Finance Committee would certainly
look at reducing the hours permitted for any future events. This has been done at other
establishments when numerous complaints were reported.
Approve Wetland Delineation Work by Bonestroo for Moorland Park
Mr. Anderson stated that as part of the Moorland Park Grading project, wetland
delineation is necessary. Bonestroo initially believed the information could be obtained
from City documentation, which could not be done. Bonestroo can perform the wetland
delineation and mapping at a cost not to exceed $5,000. The money is unbudgeted and
would be taken from the Park Dedication Account. Ald. Borgman moved to
recommend approval. Ald. Melcher seconded; motion carried.
Review and Recommendation Regarding Purchase of Replacement Generators
for Tess Corners Fire Department Stations #1 and #2
Mr. Jeff Verburgt appeared to discuss the proposed purchase. The existing generators
are 20 years old. He indicated that he initially believed the cost of each generator was
$11,000. That was an error as the cost of each generator is $22,000. The quotation
received is for a total cost of $40,438. Mr. Verburgt requested additional money for any
contingencies. The City will only pay the amount of the invoice. He is requesting the
contingency money to cover any unforeseen costs. Ms. Sheiffer stated the funding
would come from capital borrowing. Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval
of $40,438 for two replacements generators plus a 10% contingency. Ald.
Melcher seconded; motion carried.
(Ald. Pavelko arrived.)
Review and Recommendation Regarding Participation Agreement for Formation
of Cable Legislation Group
The Mayor explained that the recommendation of the Steering Committee is that the
Intervention Group communities work together to influence the pending state cable
franchise legislation and form a new group to do so. The Mayor recommends a $300
maximum for the City’s cost allocation. Ald. Werner moved to recommend
authorization for the City to enter the agreement. Ald. Borgman seconded;
motion carried.
Review and Recommendation to Establish Salaries for Aldermen 1, 3 and 5 and
Municipal Judge
The proposed biweekly salaries are as follows:
Aldermen- Districts 1, 3 and 5 $293.79 (Term to begin April 15, 2008)
Municipal Judge $423.08 (Term to begin May 1, 2008)
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September 25, 2007 Page 4
Mayor Johnson stated that the aldermanic salaries have been the same since 2001.
Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval. Ald. Werner seconded; motion
carried.
Review and Recommendation Regarding Request from WE Energies for Perpetual
Gas Main Easement - Hillendale Drive and Racine Avenue
City Engineer White stated as part of the signalization project, WE Energies needs to
relocate a gas main and is requesting to place it in an easement on a City parcel, which
is located on the southwest corner of the intersection. Mr. White is recommending
approval. Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval. Ald. Werner seconded;
motion carried.
Review and Recommendation Regarding Proposal from Ruekert & Mielke for Well
#13 Pump House
City Engineer White stated the proposal is for the design, bidding and construction
administration for the Well No. 13 Pump Station. The Public Utilities Committee has
recommended approval. The fee for the services is $211,400, which will be taken from
the water utility operating capital account. Ald. Borgman moved to recommend
acceptance of the proposal submitted by Ruekert & Mielke. Ald. Melcher
seconded; motion carried.
Review and Recommendation Regarding Accepting Dedication of Public
Improvements Along Martin Drive and Within the Lindale Villas Condominium
Development
Mr. White stated that Lindemann Properties has completed all of the required
improvements in accordance with the developer’s agreement. It is the developer’s
intent to now dedicate the improvements (sanitary sewer, water main and storm sewer)
to the City. Ald. Borgman moved to recommend acceptance of the public
improvements. Ald. Melcher seconded; motion carried.
Review and Recommendation Regarding Levying of Special Assessments for the
Lakewood Meadows Detention Pond Rehabilitation Project
Mr. White stated the Preliminary Assessment Resolution was adopted and the public
hearing held earlier this year. The City completed the project on behalf of the affected
property owners. Now it is a matter of levying the special assessment for the project.
The final assessment rate has been calculated at $1,088 per property vs. the estimated
cost of $1,500.93 per property at the time of the preliminary assessment resolution.
The City Engineer is recommended that the amount is due in full. Ald. Borgman
expressed concern that the City usually extends some type of payment plan regarding
special assessments. He is not sure what was presented to the homeowners. Mr.
White noted that if this does not move forward now, the assessment would be deferred
an entire year. There is a cost to the City whenever assessments are extended over a
period of time. Ald. Werner stated that this was not a City project. This should be
approved as it stands. Ald. Melcher stated that the City is facing difficult financial
decisions as the 2008 budget is reviewed; he supports payment in full. Ald. Werner
moved to recommend levying special assessments for the Lakewood Meadows
project (with a due date of 11/1/2007). Ald. Melcher seconded. Motion carried
with two in favor and Ald. Borgman voting no.
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September 25, 2007 Page 5
Review and Recommendation Regarding Accepting Dedication of Public Water
Main and Granting of Easement at Maritime Savings Bank Property at S74
W17095 Janesville Road
Mr. White stated that as part of the development of the new Maritime Bank building, a
public water main was constructed. Maritime is now dedicating the water main and
hydrants to the City and granting an easement for the same. Ald. Borgman moved to
recommend acceptance of the dedication and easement. Ald. Werner seconded;
motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Ald. Melcher moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount
of $469,314.99. Ald. Borgman seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Melcher moved to recommend approval of Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$83,699.14. Ald. Borgman seconded; motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Borgman moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Ald.
Melcher; motion carried.
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk