FM20081209
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 1/13/2009
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES Audio Recording Available
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Muskego City Hall, Aldermen’s Room
Mayor Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Present: Committee Members
Ald. Snead and Werner. Ald. Schaefer was excused. Also in attendance: Ald.
Borgman, Ald. Schneider, Ald. Fiedler (arrived at 6:40 p.m.), City Atty. Molter, IS
Director Sommers, Plan Director Muenkel, Finance Department Supervisor Mueller, GIS
Coordinator Wisniewski, Deputy Clerk Blenski and those per the attached sheet. 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 October 14 and 28, 2008 minutes. Ald.
Werner seconded; motion carried.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of a regular Operator’s License for
Connie Forseth, Emily Lewandowski, Amanda Pomahac, and Anthony Stigler
subject to the licensing requirements being completed prior to issuance. Ald.
Snead seconded; motion carried.
An application to renew a Dog Fancier Permit for 2009 was received from Michael and
Deborah Reher, W187 S10740 Muskego Dam Drive. There were no issues. Ald.
Snead moved to approve. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
Agent Lynn Kurer was present to discuss an application for a license to sell fermented
malt beverages and intoxicating liquor for Bush Gardens LLC, S68 W14891 Janesville
Road. She said the facility would provide rental space for weddings, showers, rehearsal
dinners, and meetings. The bar will only be open when there is an event. Ms. Kurer
would like to open by the beginning of May. Ald. Snead asked why the license should
be granted so far in advance of the establishment being open. The Mayor stated that
Ms. Kurer needs to know that a license will be granted to support the reconstruction
project. Mr. Muenkel confirmed that Ms. Kurer needs the Occupancy Permit before she
can operate. The permit will not be issued until all the Plan Commission items are
complete. Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval of a “Class B” Retailers’
License to Sell Fermented Malt Beverages and Intoxicating Liquor for Bush
Gardens, LLC with Lynn Kurer as the agent. Ald. Snead seconded; motion
carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Recommendation Regarding Revised Agreement with the Muskego Volunteer Fire
Company (MVFC) Regarding Termination and the Transfer of Assets to the City of
Muskego
Mayor Johnson stated that the attorney for the MVFC had some issues with the original
agreement. The vote of the membership to transfer the assets failed. The concerns of
the MVFC were outlined in correspondence from Atty. Richards. All of the issues have
now been addressed and the agreement has been revised. The closing is scheduled
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December 9, 2008
for December 15 subject to the membership voting. Atty. Molter outlined the changes
that were made to the agreement. Some of the other concerns have been addressed in
correspondence received from Tess Corners Volunteer Fire Department. The
correspondence outlines the plan of operation, a list of the membership, and
preservation of the MVFC historic items. Ald. Werner moved to recommend
approval of the revised agreement. Ald. Snead seconded. The Mayor noted that
tonight’s vouchers include payment of the MVFC legal fees to date; the check will be
disbursed at the closing. Motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Agreement with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire
Department for Rescue Services for 2009
The Mayor stated the language is the same as the 2008 agreement. Ald. Snead
moved to recommend approval. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Agreement with Tess Corners Volunteer Fire
Department for Fire Protection for 2009
The Mayor stated the agreement could be discussed and a recommendation made. It is
on the Common Council agenda, but will have to be deferred until after the closing
takes place. The language is the same as the current agreement with the exception of
the payment amount and the area covered, which now includes the entire City. Ald.
Werner moved to recommend approval. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Severance Pay Plan and Separation Agreement and
General Release
The Mayor stated the recommendation of the Committee of the Whole was a payment
of 25 hours per years of service and health insurance for three months. The City’s labor
attorney drafted the Separation Agreement and Release. The agreement states that if
the employee becomes employed during the period of severance, future payments will
cease. Mayor Johnson stated that IS Director Sommers wanted to address the
Committee. Mr. Sommers stated that he was pleased about the health insurance
coverage. He requested that the Committee consider 40 hours per years of service.
This will provide the affected employees with five months of compensation vs. three.
The cost to the City would still be under $90,000, which is less than half of the annual
savings. The cost to the City could be less if the individuals became employed. Mr.
Sommers questioned why the agreement contains the “Declining Future Employment by
City” language. He asked for consideration to remove the language. The Mayor stated
the language provides protection to the City against a potential lawsuit if the employee
did apply for a position in the future and was not chosen. The City Atty. has indicated
that the language is standard. Mayor Johnson stated that the cost of the health
insurance should be added to the total severance package. Ald. Werner stated there
was considerable discussion at the Committee of the Whole. Ald. Werner moved to
recommend the severance package as determined at the November 25, 2008
Committee of the Whole meeting. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried. Ald.
Werner noted the issue could be discussed further at the Council meeting if a member
wanted to do so.
Recommendation Regarding Creation of the Department of Community
Development
Mayor Johnson stated this was discussed by the Committee of the Whole in May. The
new Department of Community Development will consist of what is currently the Plan
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December 9, 2008
Department, Engineering and Building Department. Ald. Werner moved to
recommend approval. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Elimination of Existing Department of Information
Systems and Creation of New GIS/IS Department
Mayor Johnson stated the proposed Council Resolution was changed to include that the
GIS/IS Coordinator position is exempt, and that the employee will receive 15 days of
vacation. Ald. Werner moved to recommend approval. Ald. Snead seconded;
motion carried.
Approval of Funding for Recruitment of a Director for the Muskego Public Library
Mayor Johnson stated that Ald. Borgman is on the committee that will recruit a new
director for the library. He recommends that $3,000 be allocated to the Library Board
for the recruitment process. Ald. Werner moved to approve $3,000 as requested.
Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Dental Insurance Contracts for 2009
Ms. Mueller stated the dental contracts for 2009 are with the same companies (First
Commonwealth and DentalBlue). The increases for 2009 range from 9% to 27%. The
following are the monthly rates:
Single Family
First Commonwealth (Guardian)
(FCW HMO)
(Network) $55.30 $145.95
(FCW PPO)
(Out of Network) $39.37 $108.73
DentalBlue (Anthem BCBS)
Dentacare 4DS $35.13 $ 94.85
Participation is optional and paid for entirely by the employee. Ald. Snead moved to
recommend approval. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Virchow, Krause & Co. Engagement Letter for 2008
City Audit
Ms. Mueller stated this was the annual engagement letter for the 2008 audit. The letter
reflects a 1.7% increase in fees. Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval. Ald.
Werner seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Dedication and Acceptance of Public Improvements
in and for The Nursery Subdivision and Reduction in Letter of Credit
Mayor Johnson stated that the City Engineer has recommended approval. Ald. Snead
moved to recommend approval of dedication and acceptance of improvements in
and for The Nursery Subdivision and Reduction in Letter of Credit in the amount
of $41,620.00. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Dedication and Acceptance of Public Improvements
in and for Big Muskego Estates Subdivision and Reduction in Letter of Credit
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December 9, 2008
The Mayor stated that the City Engineer has recommended approval. Ald. Werner
moved to recommend approval of dedication and acceptance of improvements in
and for Big Muskego Estates Subdivision and Reduction in Letter of Credit in the
amount of $85,350. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
Recommendation Regarding Dedication and Acceptance of Public Improvements
in and for Big Muskego Estates II and Reduction in Letter of Credit
The Mayor stated that the City Engineer has recommended approval. Ald. Snead
moved to recommend approval of dedication and acceptance of improvements in
and for Big Muskego Estates II Subdivision and Reduction in Letter of Credit in
the amount of $49,000. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
LETTER OF CREDIT REDUCTION
The Mayor stated that the City Engineer has recommended a reduction to the Letter of
Credit for Stonebridge Subdivision in the amount of $2,500. Ald. Werner moved to
recommend approval. Ald. Snead seconded; motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of Utility Vouchers in the amount of
$113,313.20. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Snead moved to recommend approval of General Vouchers in the amount of
$832,503.74. Ald. Werner seconded; motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Snead moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Seconded by Ald. Werner;
motion carried.
Jill Blenski, CMC
Deputy Clerk