FM20080722
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 8/26/2008
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Audio Recording Available
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Present: Committee Members
Ald. Snead, Werner and Schaefer. Also in attendance: Chief Geiszler, Clerk-Treasurer
Moyer, Deputy Clerk Blenski, and those per the attached list. Ald. Schneider arrived at
6:10 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.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Snead moved for approval of the June 24, 2008 minutes. Ald. Schaefer
seconded; motion carried.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of a regular Operator’s License for
Joseph Anders, Salvador Benitez, Jose Claudio, Candyce Guenzler, Joy Kuhns,
Jayme Martin, and Stacy Trebby subject to the licensing requirements being
completed prior to issuance. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried.
Mr. Hardip Bhatti was present as the agent for a “Class A” liquor license application
submitted by Pump 4 Less. The premise is located at S73 W16680 Janesville Road,
and currently operated as the Muskego Mobil. Mr. Bhatti stated he previously operated
an establishment in Sparta, Wisconsin. Ald. Werner stated that the Muskego Police
Dept. aggressively monitors the sale of alcoholic beverages. Ald. Werner moved to
recommend approval of a “Class A” Retailers’ License for Pump 4 Less with
Hardip Bhatti as the agent. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Mr. William Webber appeared before the committee regarding the renewal of the “Class
B” Retailers’ License for the Brick House, S64 W18295 Martin Drive. Mayor Johnson
noted that the alderman of the district, Neil Borgman, submitted a letter (attached)
outlining ongoing issues at the establishment. The deputy clerk was requested to read
the letter on behalf of Ald. Borgman who could not be present. Chief Geiszler was
requested to be present to provide some history regarding the establishment. The Chief
confirmed that the department has received numerous complaints about the
establishment. A citation was issued recently for a noise violation. The department’s
Community Resource Officer Gary Leon has worked with Ald. Borgman in an attempt to
come to some resolution. Nothing they have done has worked.
Mr. Webber stated that 99% of the time he has the doors closed. However, patrons
continue to go in and out. Mayor Johnson stated that the doors and windows must
remain closed if there is any music in the establishment. Chief Geiszler also stated that
the department receives complaints about noise at closing time from the motorcycles.
Some residents that Officer Leon spoke with indicated there were noise issues, but they
did not want to get involved for fear of retaliation. Most of the complaints the
department receives are from unidentified individuals.
Finance Committee Meeting Page 2
July 22, 2008
Ald. Werner stated that that the Finance Committee needs to address the concerns
expressed by Ald. Borgman and the area residents. He is willing to review the record of
the establishment in 60 days. If the situation does not improve, the committee will have
to consider holding a suspension hearing. Mr. Webber stated the bar has been in
existence for 70 years. Ald. Werner noted that the City has not received complaints
regarding the establishment in the past. Mr. Webber stated he has owned the
establishment for four years. He is willing to not have live music, and do whatever he
can to improve the situation. The motorcycles typically leave at 9:30 or 10:00 p.m., not
closing time. The Mayor stated the motorcycle noise at that time still needs to be
addressed.
The following people spoke about the establishment:
Ron Hackbarth stated he has two issues:
north side door is often open when the weather is warm
cement pad on north side (which is new) echoes the motorcycle noise
He stated that the establishment has been closed for the last month, which has been a
godsend.
Brian stated he lives across the street from the Brick House. He is not opposed to the
operation of the business, but has called the Police Dept. on several occasions to report
a complaint. There have also been times that he could have called, but did not. There
have been isolated incidents, such as a fight in the parking lot.
Norma Macal stated she lives adjacent to the bar. She has not called the Police Dept.
to register a complaint. She believes there has been a change in clientele that is
causing the problems. Her biggest problem is the noise pollution, which did not exist
with the previous owner.
Ald. Schaefer encouraged Mr. Webber to be a good neighbor. Ald. Werner moved to
recommend renewal of the “Class B” Retailers’ license, Class “A” Dance Hall
license and change of agent to Alicia Webber for the Brick House. Ald. Snead
seconded. Ald. Werner stated the concerns that have been expressed need to be
addressed. Ald. Snead acknowledged that it is difficult to control what other people do.
Eliminating live music will probably help. She also suggested to continue to keep the
doors shut and to pass the word to all patrons to be courteous to the neighbors. Mr.
Webber stated he would work on the problems. The previous owner was not
successful. He has been. The more people, the more noise. The parking lot is unique;
motorcyclists are concerned with parking their bikes away from the building without
security. Mr. Webber stated that after this weekend, he would eliminate live music. Ald.
Werner requested that the Clerk’s office obtain information regarding the establishment
from the Police Dept. to be reviewed at the last meeting in August. Motion carried.
Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of a Temporary Class “B” License for
Muskego Sports, Inc. for July 27, 2008 and August 3, 2008 for games to be held at
Horn Field. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of a Waterway Marker for Bay Breeze
Condominiums. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried.
Finance Committee Meeting Page 3
July 22, 2008
OLD BUSINESS
Review and Recommendation Regarding Denial of Claim - McIntyre
This item was deferred by the committee on July 8, 2008. Clerk-Treasurer Janice
Moyer was present and stated that the property owner has received reimbursement for
the doors from AT & T. Ald. Werner moved to recommend denial of the claim
submitted by Jill McIntyre, S91 W13851 Boxhorn Drive. Ald. Snead seconded;
motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$103,116.42. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of Tax Checks in the amount of
$137.07. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount of
$597,672.07. Ald. Schaefer seconded; motion carried.
COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER BUSINESS
Mayor Johnson reported that CVMIC conducted an audit today of all the City’s property.
CVMIC was impressed with the general condition of the City’s properties; there were a
few minor issues that need to be addressed. A written report will be forwarded.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:22 p.m. Seconded by Ald.
Schaefer; motion carried.
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk