Commuinity Development Authority - MINUTES - 12/15/2009
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 3/16/10
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CDA)
MINUTES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2009
Chairman Frank Waltz called the meeting of the Community Development Authority to order at 6:00 p.m.
Those in attendance recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
PRESENT: Commissioners Kathy Chiaverotti, Gail Konkel, Larry Lefebvre, Frank Waltz, Ald. Harenda,
and Executive Director Muenkel
ABSENT: Commissioner Rob Glazier, Ald. Werner (excused)
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17 , 2009
Commissioner Chiaverotti moved to approve the minutes of the November 17, 2009 meeting.
Commissioner Lefebvre seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes
carried.
PUBLIC INPUT None
OLD BUSINESS
RD#3 Implementation Efforts
Grant Program Review
Executive Director Muenkel provided an update on the grant program based on the discussion at the last
meeting. The main changes included a stated time frame of availability of January 1-September 30, 2010 and a
stated earmarked amount of $20,000. The form also included what action the CDA took towards improvement
in the way of a new entryway and street signage. This information will be sent out to all owners and tenants and
included in the letters to be mailed to those that still need to comply with property maintenance. Ald. Harenda
inquired what the fine was for non-compliance. Executive Director Muenkel stated the fines can go up to $200
a day for violations; however, some leeway is given if they comply while they are still in the court process.
Commissioner Konkel questioned if there was a form to be filled out with this grant. Executive Director Muenkel
did not have one provided as the document was self-explanatory and felt the property owners/tenants’
documentation of work would be sufficient. However, should the need arise, an application form could be
formulated. Commissioner Konkel’s concern was that they be fair to everyone applying for the grant. Executive
Muenkel stated that the form would contain their personal information with the attachments showing what was
done and how it affected their site and the construction invoices. Commissioner Lefebvre noted the application
process was detailed in the grant document. Ald. Harenda inquired of Commissioner Chiaverotti if the $20,000
would be used. With the economic climate of today, Commissioner Chiaverotti stated $500 isn’t a lot, but the
money would be used.
Rules and Regulations
Chairman Waltz shared that back in the 1970s, the Mayor and Common Council established rules and
regulations for the business park. These may have been updated once since that time. Executive Director
Muenkel commented that almost everything in the rules and regulations is covered either under municipal code,
zoning code or the city’s design guidelines. In as much as these were adopted by resolution, he recommended
that a Common Council resolution be adopted to dissolve these rules and regulations with the understanding
CDA Minutes Page 2
December 15, 2009
that the city’s codes and design guides can govern the business park. Chairman Waltz referred to the
paragraph on the city’s right of first refusal should the owner decide to sell the property. Executive Director
Muenkel clarified this was the first time the property was up for sale; not subsequent times. The city hasn’t done
this for years. Chairman Waltz stated this was a requirement in these rules and regulations and he did not think
the same would be in the design guide so to retain this, it would be needful to have it elsewhere. In that vein,
Commissioner Konkel brought up that by-laws may be in order to cover the items that they feel should be
retained that are not covered in the codes or design guides. She questioned if other business parks had by-laws
or documents such as right of first refusal. Executive Director Muenkel stated that other parks do have by-laws
that include design elements for the geographical area of the business park. He said this would be something
they could discuss with the business owners. Commissioner Konkel thought that this could be brought up if the
business were thinking of forming a BID. At this time, Commissioner Chiaverotti stated that enthusiasm is
lacking for a BID right now. Executive Director Muenkel said there needs to be some type of an association set
up for them to create their own by-laws and covenants and restrictions. Later next year, the CDA may propose
the BID idea to them. Chairman Waltz stated the next step is for Executive Director Muenkel to go to the
Common Council and suggest that they formally abandon these documents.
Other Updates
At this meeting, Executive Director Muenkel had no updates.
Janesville Grant/Loan Program Advertising Signage
CDA members were provided with two designs for the advertising signage for the grant/loan programs. The
underlying difference was one with the City of Muskego logo and the other with the “Welcome to the City of
Muskego” signage. Commissioners offered several changes to the sign verbiage so that they could be used
for multiple grant/loan programs; also, by eliminating some verbiage, would allow for larger fonts to be used
increasing the readability from a passing vehicle. The consensus of the CDA members was to use the
“Welcome to the City of Muskego” icon on the signs. They discussed going with a 3’ x 4’ size like the campaign
signs. Ald. Harenda advised the commissioners that Ald. Borgman was not in favor of the signs as he
expressed that it was a waste of money. Commissioners discussed the advertising signage as a way to market
redevelopment and to entice new businesses. Commissioner Konkel explained that she originally suggested the
signage as it (1) allows people to see that when a business is improved, it is in fact the city helping them to
improve their business and (2) it shows the citizenry that the CDA is attempting to improve the municipality in
which they live. However, if there is a concern that it’s a waste of money, then the option may be to solicit
printing firms for funds and their business would be acknowledged on the sign such as “printed, courtesy of.”
Executive Director Muenkel will provide a new sign concept and also cost figures for the next meeting. He
mentioned that the cost of the signs would be minimal and there was funding in their budget for professional
services. Chairman Waltz brought up that the CDA not only has the Janesville Road Grant/Loan program, but
also the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and should there be signage also acknowledging where this fund has been
used. Ald. Harenda then suggested a more generic sign be used so that anyone the CDA has helped, gets a
sign.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Redevelopment District Development Updates
Executive Director Muenkel reported there was nothing going on within the redevelopment districts. He
shared that the forestry grant for installing over 150 trees was received. In conversation with Tom
Zagar, Tom is proposing to install the trees next year. He is looking at getting half of them as bare root
trees which would mean possibly getting 200 trees. The planting would be in thirds—spring, late summer
and early fall. With the extra trees, planting along the county right-of-way on Racine Avenue is a
possibility.
CDA Minutes Page 3
December 15, 2009
The next meeting date as set for Tuesday, January 19.
As requested by the CDA members, the status of their funds was provided in the supplement. Chairman
Waltz noted that the sale of the Janesville Road property needs to be reflected in the figures.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Ald. Harenda moved for adjournment, Commissioner Lefebvre
seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary