FCM20121009
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 10/23/12
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
Tuesday October 9, 2012
Muskego City Hall
Mayor Chiaverotti called the meeting to order at 5:48 p.m. Committee Members Ald.
Borgman, Schaumberg, and Soltysiak (arrived at 5:50 p.m.) were present as well as
Police Chief Geiszler, Detective Westphal and Director of Finance and Administration
Mueller. Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Mueller stated that the
meeting was properly noticed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Ald. Borgman moved to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2012 meeting.
Ald. Schaumberg seconded; motion carried.
LICENSE APPROVALS
Operators
Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval of an Operator’s License for Ashley
Kramm, Patricia Oswalt, Margaret Schaefer, Lori Schwager, Ramalakshmi Vootkur
and Evan Wachowiak subject to the licensing requirements being completed prior
to issuance. Ald. Schaumberg seconded; motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Recommendation Regarding Benefits during Voluntary Military Leave
Chief Geiszler and Detective Westphal were present. Detective Westphal is a captain
in the Army Reserve. The Chief would like the City to establish a policy on how to
handle benefits for employees on military leave. Sgt. Fandre enlisted in the military two
years ago. At that time, he requested his regular rate of pay in addition to the
continuation of all benefits. The Common Council, upon the recommendation of the
Finance Committee, determined to continue the employee’s health and life insurance as
well as the accrual of vacation and sick time.
The Chief stated that Sgt. Fandre has chosen to become an officer and is receiving
additional training. He will be on leave until January 27. Sgt. Fandre is again
requesting to receive all his benefits. Chief Geiszler believes a policy would eliminate
having to address the issue every time it comes up. The employee is now receiving
health insurance through the military. The issues that need to be addressed are life
insurance and the WRS pension contributions. The Mayor stated that military leave will
be addressed in the new handbook going forward. A determination will have to be
made for this case.
Detective Westphal stated he researched what surrounding communities do. Several
municipalities (Oconomowoc, New Berlin, Franklin, Brookfield) pay full salary for 10 to
15 days. The 15 days typically refers to two weeks a year, one weekend a month. In
the past, the City has made Detective Westphal whole by deducting his military pay
from his City paycheck for a two week period when he attended training. The City of
Muskego does not have anything regarding military leave in the union contract. The
City is required to pay Sgt. Fandre’s employer portion of WRS upon reinstatement of
employment. He has the option to pay the employee portion upon his return.
Detective Westphal stated he was involved in the military prior to his employment with
the City. He believes the military training he has received makes him a better police
officer.
Finance Committee Minutes Page 2
October 9, 2012
Ald. Borgman stated that when the Finance Committee reviewed this two years ago, he
took the position that the employee should be made whole. The military training the
police officer receives can benefit the City. That is still his position. Ald. Schaumberg
also agrees the employee should be made whole. Ald. Soltysiak stated the past
precedent that was set should be followed. Ald. Schaumberg moved that the City
continue the health allowance and life insurance for Sgt. Fandre for the time of
his military leave. Ald. Soltysiak seconded; motion carried.
VOUCHER APPROVAL
Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval of Utility Vouchers in the amount
$74,785.49. Ald. Schaumberg seconded; motion carried.
The Mayor noted a voucher in the amount of $39.98 was removed. Ald. Borgman
moved to recommend approval of General Fund Vouchers in the amount
$269,381.31. Ald. Schaumberg seconded; motion carried.
Ald. Borgman moved to recommend approval of Wire Transfers in the amount
$363,769.76. Ald. Soltysiak seconded; motion carried.
FINANCE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Mueller announced that the Senior Fiscal Assistant position has been filled; the
candidate has an extensive background in human resources and payroll administration.
The individual will begin employment on October 15. Compared to the prior year, Ms.
Mueller reported that second quarter net revenues over expenditures resulted in a
decrease of $102,000. This is due to the additional election expenditures and timing of
various capital outlay projects.
ADJOURNMENT
Ald. Soltysiak moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:07 p.m. Ald. Schaumberg
seconded; motion carried.
Jill Blenski
Deputy City Clerk