Commuinity Development Authority - MINUTES - 10/19/2010
CITY OF MUSKEGO Approved 1/18/11
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (CDA)
MINUTES
TUESDAY, October 19, 2010
Chairman Glazier called the meeting of the Community Development Authority to order at 6:01 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, Rob Glazier, Gail Konkel, Larry Lefebvre, Steve Whittow,
Ald. Harenda, and Executive Director Muenkel
ABSENT: Ald. Soltysiak (excused)
GUESTS: Jane Ford-Stewart, Ald. Neil Borgmann
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF September 21, 2010
Commissioner Larry Lefebvre moved to approve the minutes of September 21, 2010 meeting
Commissioner Chiaverotti seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion to approve the minutes
carried.
PUBLIC INPUT: None
OLD BUSINESS
RD #2 Plan Amendment Process
Executive Director Muenkel advised that the Redevelopment District #2 was formally amended. The CDA
members can now move forward with implementing the measures outlined in the plan. Pioneer Drive was
discussed. There has been some preliminary discussions with the owners and many of them want to be
involved with improvements. Executive Director Muenkel had shared with the owners what the redevelopment
district does and the opportunity they have of taking advantage of a grant/loan program to improve their parcels.
Some ideas from the owners was to provide signage that would identify the area as being historic, to redo the
roadway, to clean up the landscaping and to improve the façade of their building. Executive Director Muenkel
will be meeting with the property/business owners next month to find out more on what shortfalls they might
have; how can the CDA promote redevelopment and help for the area. Some discussion occurred on the CDA
members meeting with this group to further interest in the redevelopment. In view of acknowledging Pioneer
Drive as being historic, Commissioner Chiaverotti suggested that a historic marker be placed on the parcel
where the Old Town Hall originated. Also, other buildings of a historic nature, that have subsequently been torn
down should be acknowledged by a marker.
TIF #8 was discussed as there are still funds available. The funds can be used toward furthering
redevelopment #2 as long as it contributes to TIF 8, otherwise for storm water efforts only. There is no timeline
on the expenditure of these funds. Executive Director Muenkel suggested that some funds be used to improve
the façade of the Pick N Save store. Also, the owners of Mobil station voiced an interest in rebuilding an area
and what it would take in financing. He has spoken with the owners of Animal Doctor about their needs.
Commissioners noted that Jill’s Cleaners haven’t completed their project and recommended that they be
notified they have a year from approval to complete the project that the CDA funded. With the street scaping
plans for Janesville Road, Executive Director Muenkel said there may be other ideas for the use of the funds to
further define the downtown area. Commissioner Whittow inquired if there was a certain dollar amount for a
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October 19, 2010
project? Executive Director Muenkel said there wasn’t, but to initially let property owners know what funds are
available to help them make improvements. Funds are on a first come, first serve basis. As far as he knew,
there is no timeline to use the money until the TIF expires. He will check to see if there is any timeline.
Commissioner Chiaverotti offered that a theme should be developed for the area and then have the signage
reflect the theme...the business signs, the street signs, the lamps in the area. She also asked if the funds could
be used to obtain an electronic message board for use by the government and community groups on a
prioritized basis; and, in some cases, advertising could be sold. Events could be advertised on the sign and get
away from using all the temporary signs.
In regard to providing funding for residential properties within the districts, Commissioner Konkel said the
Council took exception to having public funds for private people. Executive Director Muenkel stated that such a
residential funding program would be scrutinized and if they move forward, there should be a well thought out
reason behind creation of the program. Commissioner Whittow said there must be other communities with
mixed-uses in their districts and how do they deal with the issue…just cover the businesses or also cover the
residential. Executive Director Muenkel mentioned that some of the CDAs are also the housing authorities.
Commissioner Konkel thought that Oconomowoc was similar to Muskego and they recently had their roads
done. What did they do when the road was widen in their community? The CDA needs to sell the Council on
the residential grant program. Commissioner Chiaverotti stated that CDAs are used in other communities to
clean up residential areas. Commissioner Lefebvre said the vision is to improve all of the district no matter what
is contained—residential or business. The CDA members would like to get some information from other
communities to see what they have done regarding residential properties. Chairman Glazier offered that
Pioneer Drive is where the opportunity is to use the funds for private and public purposes. Even the residential
parcels in that district have a bearing on the commercial properties in that district.
RD#1 Plan Amendment Process
Executive Director Muenkel reported that his secretary had called those owners in the redevelopment district.
They received some good information back. Some businesses are looking to expand. They felt the roads and
intersections need to be upgraded. They thought a monument sign indicating Tess Corners Industrial Park
would be nice. They ask for better lighting in some areas. They would like to see a turn lane, left on College
Court. Many indicated that the park should be noted as the business park. Some were interested in the grant
program to help with their facades. In regard to security, they commented there was a great job of patrolling by
the police. Chairman Glazier requested that the notes be compiled and provided to the members. Executive
Director Muenkel will prepare another plan copy for the CDA to review, looking towards a public hearing on the
amendment in January or February.
Next Steps to take in RD #3
Executive Director Muenkel said the CDA members need to start thinking about working on the implementation
efforts for this district #3. He reviewed briefly the cost on doing some of the infrastructure work.
Create dead end with turnaround or cul-de-sac at end of Apollo Drive, roughly $45,000
Saturn/Racine, implement traffic lights and longer wider turn lanes, traffic study $4,000, install $20,000
Gemini/Racine, implement longer wider turn lanes, $25,000
Apollo/Racine, implement traffic lights and right turn only lane, traffic study $4,000
In regard to putting in a recreation trail, the city engineer said it was not feasible considering there is no room
between edge of road and ditches. The CDA members may want to discuss with the business owners if they
would donate some of their property to facilitate a trail.
In regard to the traffic concerns, Executive Director Muenkel said this would go before the Safety Committee to
determine if there is a need. He continued, that the county in their traffic study, require that 10 warrants be met
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October 19, 2010
before installing a traffic light. Chairman Glazier offered that the CDA members could make a recommendation
to the Safety Committee on road improvements.
CDA members discussed the report as presented by Executive Director Muenkel. They will be prioritizing the
items, based on the needs to be done, giving consideration to the proposed cost of the item. There may be the
opportunity to do some cost-sharing with the Public Works Department.
CDGB Allowances
Executive Director Muenkel shared that he will be attending the meeting with the CDBG Board on October 20 to
request the balance of the allotted monies, scheduled to expire at the end of November, to be extended. He
had spoken with the director of the CDGB and felt there was a good chance they would allow the extension for
the current programs and the Janesville Road Toolkit Group efforts.
NEW BUSINESS
Muskego Business Park Grant Approval (Tesch)
CDA members reviewed the $500 grant request from Mr. Tesch for the landscaping improvements to his
property. Executive Director Muenkel gave an account of Mr. Tesch’s efforts about a month and a half ago;
however, now there are some weeds appearing in the landscaped fountain area. He was recommending that
the CDA not approve the loan at this time, to defer until the next meeting based on maintenance issues. CDA
members did discuss the maintenance issue as it relates to their grant/loan program. Commissioner
Chiaverotti moved to approve the loan, subject to maintenance issues. Commissioner Lefebvre
seconded. Commissioners discussed sending a letter as a gentle reminder to maintain and upkeep the area.
Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
Chamber of Commerce Toolkit for the Janesville Road Construction
Commissioner Chiaverotti reported that they are going along slowly with the toolkit program. They have
established a theme of “Jammin’ on Janesville” and are working on it. This program is to help the business
survive during the reconstruction of Janesville Road. Commissioner Konkel offered the idea, from another
community’s efforts, to sell ribbons as a fund-raiser to help the program or possibly to help the overall
community and CDA in fundraising efforts. Commissioner Whittow inquired if there was any monetary help
from the State or County? Executive Director Muenkel indicated that would be the CDBG funds. Once the
program is developed, Commissioner Chiaverotti will come forward with a formal proposal for funding.
New Redevelopment District along Racine Avenue from Janesville Road to College Avenue
As Ald. Soltysiak was not present to explain his request for this issue, Ald. Harenda moved, Commissioner
Whittow seconded, to defer the item until the next meeting. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
Purpose/Mission Statement
CDA members reviewed the mission statement developed from the last meeting discussion. Ald.
Harenda and Commissioner Chiaverotti offered their changes, resulting in a mission statement change
to “To ensure a vibrant Muskego community through community development, fostering commerce, and
beautification.”
Redevelopment District Development Updates
Executive Director Muenkel had no further updates.
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October 19, 2010
The next meeting date will be Tuesday, November 16, 6:00 PM
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Commissioner Whittow moved for adjournment, Commissioner
Lefebvre seconded. Upon a voice vote, the motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:57 P.M.
Stella Dunahee, CPS
Recording Secretary