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FM20080708 CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved: 8/12/2008 FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Audio Recording Available Tuesday, July 8, 2008 Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:46 p.m. Present: Committee Members Ald. Snead, Werner and Schaefer. Also in attendance: Ald. Borgman, Assessor Mecha and Deputy Clerk Blenski, and those per the attached list. Ald. Schneider arrived at 6:00 p.m. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Deputy Clerk stated that the meeting was noticed in accordance with the open meeting law. LICENSE APPROVALS Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of a regular Operator’s License for Wendy Arndt, Robert Bankenbusch, Dalwinder Bhela, Kristin Bissett, Therese Blight, Elaine Blonigen, Joe Boeck, Anna D’Amato, Danielle Donnell, Jessica Duchac, Adam Drake, Christine Fell, Noreen Forrest, Kelly Froehlich, Scott Meddaugh, Theresa Myers, Kristine Nimmer, Penny Pedersen, Margarita Peterson, Barbara Saladin, April Satter, Patti Schulz, Beverly Seidl, Donna Serdynski, Joseph Vagnini, and Richard Vernon Jr. subject to the licensing requirements being completed prior to issuance. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. 2008 - 2009 License Applications Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of the following licenses: “Class B” Retailers’ License for the Sale of Intoxicating Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverages Boxhorn Gun Club LLC Richard Schim, Agent S90 W13960 Boxhorn Drive Waterway Marker Hillview Beach Advancement Association Waterway Marker/Swim Beach City of Muskego (Idle Isle) Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Class C Dance License, Temporary “Class B”/Class “B” License and Request to Waive Permit Fees for the Muskego Community Festival, Inc. Mr. Bob Bankenbusch appeared on behalf of the Muskego Community Festival. The Committee is requesting approval of the various licenses and waiving the respective fees. Mr. Bankenbusch said the event would be run the same as in the past. Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of the requested licenses and to waive the respective fees for the Muskego Community Festival for August 22, 23 and 24, 2008. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Finance Committee Meeting Page 2 July 8, 2008 Outside Dance Permit for Marx Pioneer Inn, W180 S7808 Pioneer Drive Mr. Mark Sobczak was present to discuss a request for an Outside Dance permit for Saturday, August 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Mayor stated past events have resulted in some noise complaints because the establishment is located in a residential area. Mr. Sobczak stated he is proposing to try a one-day event with music to end earlier than past events. The neighbors on each side of the establishment know about the event. Mr. Sobczak stated he did not talk to the residents behind him. Ald. Snead suggested he do so. Mr. Sobczak stated he wanted to obtain approval first. A tent will not be used. Mr. Sobczak stated that he would use a sound meter, and is having a different type of band. Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of an Outside Dance Permit for Marx Pioneer Inn for Saturday, August 9 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried. NEW BUSINESS Review and Recommendation Regarding Denial of Claim - McIntyre The Mayor stated the Police Department responded to a 911 call and no one was home. The police broke down several doors to gain access. The homeowner has submitted a claim to the City requesting reimbursement for the doors. The consensus of the committee was to request actual invoices from the homeowner, which could be reviewed at the next meeting. Ald. Werner moved to defer. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Consider Request for Excessive Assessment Submitted by Stephen Godfrey Mr. Godfrey was present regarding the claim for excessive assessment filed on June 9, 2008. The claim is for a four-acre vacant parcel located on Parker Drive. Mr. Godfrey provided some background. Seven or eight years ago, the value of the property was $12,000. The 2008 assessment is $55,100, which represents an increase of $22,500 from the previous assessment of $32,600. Mr. Godfrey stated that the parcel is unbuildable and power lines go across the entire four acres. Mayor Johnson disputed that power lines automatically had a negative impact regarding the value of a property. The Mayor noted that Mr. Godfrey did submit an objection to the Board of Review; the board sustained the valuation of the assessor. Mr. Godfrey clarified that the parcel has its own tax key number and is separate from his homestead. There is an outbuilding on the parcel. Assessor Mecha stated that the $22,500 increase in the assessment that Mr. Godfrey referred to represents an increase over a three-year period. She stated that if the parcel were assessed as a buildable residential lot, the assessment would be $131,600. The current assessment on the vacant parcel does not include the value of the outbuilding. The Plan Commission’s approval of the outbuilding presumed that the structure would be placed on the parent parcel. Ms. Mecha stated that if Mr. Godfrey’s claim is denied by the City, he can commence action in circuit court. She noted that she has assessed the two separate tax key numbers as if they were one, which has provided a substantial reduction (60%) to the assessment of the vacant parcel. Her office has not received any evidence to support that the parcel is unbuildable; consideration has been given regarding the presence of high-tension wires. Mr. Godfrey stated the land is very low and maintains that the lot is not buildable. Mayor Johnson encouraged Mr. Godfrey to combine the lots because the lot with the outbuilding may be nonconforming. Ald. Werner moved Finance Committee Meeting Page 3 July 8, 2008 to deny the claim of excessive assessment submitted by Mr. Godfrey for Tax Key Number 2270.998. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried. Discussion and Action to Increase the Hours of the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant The Mayor stated that he is requesting an increase of five hours per week for the Administrative Assistant position in his office. He is making this request because the City Administrator position is now vacant. Ald. Werner wanted it noted that he could support on a temporary basis until a determination is made regarding the City Administrator position. Ald. Snead moved to approve on an interim basis. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried. Renewal Application for “Class B” Retailers’ License for The Brick House Mr. Webber was present as the current agent responsible for the Brick House liquor license. Mayor Johnson stated that the police report has revealed that a court has placed restrictions on Mr. Webber’s ability to possess alcohol. There is a concern on the part of the City because of Mr. Webber’s status as the agent regarding the licensed establishment. The Mayor suggested Mr. Webber have the restriction changed by the court, or have the corporation appoint a new agent. Mrs. Webber was also present and stated that she would accept the responsibility of being the agent. She will file the required forms with the Clerk’s office. Recommend Authorization for the Mayor to Approve Vouchers as a Result of the Cancellation of the September 9 Council Meeting Ald. Werner moved to recommend authorization. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Ald. Schaefer requested a copy of the report for the vouchers that the Mayor will approve. REDUCTION IN LETTERS OF CREDIT Ald. Werner moved to recommend a reduction in the letter of credit for Candlewood Creek Addition No. 1 in the amount of $43,300 pursuant to supporting correspondence received by Ruekert-Mielke. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried. Ald. Werner moved to recommend a reduction in the letter of credit for the Patrick McIntyre Certified Survey Map in the amount of $32,744 pursuant to supporting correspondence received by Ruekert-Mielke. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Ald. Werner moved to recommend a reduction in the letter of credit for Forest Glen in the amount of $84,016 pursuant to supporting correspondence received by Ruekert-Mielke. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried. VOUCHER APPROVAL Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount of $508,954.85. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried. Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of Utility Vouchers in the amount of $17,262.48. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried. Finance Committee Meeting Page 4 July 8, 2008 COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Johnson reported that he authorized replacement of a drainage pipe at the McShane lift station; the total cost will be $20,000 to $23,000. ADJOURNMENT Ald. Snead moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Schaefer; motion carried. Jill Blenski, CMC Deputy Clerk