PWM19771031PUBLIC WELFARE COMMITTEE - CITY
OF MUSKEGO
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD OCTOBER
31, 1977
•
The meeting was called to order
at 6.41 P.M by Chairman Pienkos. All
committee members were present.
The following persons were also present
at the meeting.
Fire Chief Richard Martin
Mr. George Trepanier
Ald. Wallner
Mr. and Mrs. Heckert
Mrs. Van Lanen
Mr. and Mrs. Moreno
Mrs. Squires
Police Chief Kraus
•
E. J. Salentine
Fire Chief Bierbach
Mayor Gottfried
Mr. and Mrs. Nybryski
Mr. Robert Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Orlo Zelensky
Mr. Steve Pischke
Mrs. Vi Joy
Mr. Willard Bertram
Mr. Gerald Lee
Mr. Lofquist
The purpose of the meeting was to gather information regarding the
possibility of having a tornado
warning system in the city. Chairman
Pienkos acknowledged the presence of several individuals who had been
invited to meet with the committee regarding the matter.
Mayor Gottfried discussed with the committee the status of the city's
Disaster Plan and the input given by several of the people present.
Mayor Gottfried discussed. -the problem.involved in developing a system
which could effectively warn people in the 36 sq. mile area of the
city. He indicated that some of the major problems of concern were
• f (1) Cost of projects (2) Passing on information to citizens (3) In-
formation from other communities (4) Muskego warning other communities.
Fire Chief Martin discussed the development of a uniform communication
system through the Waukesha Sheriff's Department. He also discussed
the difficulties incurred by law enforcement and protective community
service agencies -in tracking a tornado.
Ald. Pienkos distributed copies of Annex C to community members.
Chief Bierbach-discussed the exorbitant cost involved in establishing
a tornado warning system. He also discussed the confusion among
citizens during -emergencies which could be'created by a warning system.
Waukesha County Civil Defense Director Robert Williams discussed the
importance of the fastest means possible to warn the community of
impending disasters. He also discussed the present signal warning
systems such as sirens and radio and T.V. warnings. He felt a uniform
signal should tell of warnings and should be the same throughout the
county. He also stated that he believes sirens should be placed on
public property and especially on school buildings to warn children
who are especially vulnerable to danger.
Chief Kraus indicated the city should explore the possibility of
obtaining federal funds for zone control of tornados and other
disasters. Zone control operated out of a central location such as
Waukesha County Sheriffs Department.
Ald. Pienkos discussed Mr. Trepanier's proposal with its two phases.
Mr. Williams discussed the City. of Brookfield's siren warning system.
and their preference towards radio control. He recommended a warning
system be established at the least feasible cost for taxpayers as well
as one that will give the greatest possible protection to the most
densely populated areas of the city. Mr. Williams stressed the
importance of good communications between surrounding communities_
Ald. Pienkos discussed with the committee the initial Ken-Com plan,
The proposal involves two phases. The initial phase would provide a
warning system in the heavier populated areas of the city. The second
phase would provide warning signals to the least populated areas.
• Public Welfare Committe
10/31/77 - P. 2
Mr. Williams discussed the use of the National Weather Service system
for tornado warnings. He advised the committee of the advantages and
disadvantages of the use of radio, teletype and television.
Mr. Williams indicated the siren system is particularly used for
warning the citizens who are outside of buildings.
• Mayor Gottfried questioned the effectiveness of a warning system which
by its very nature is not effective in warning citizens indoors.
Ald. Pienkos discussed his feelings in the matter based on comments by
citizens who had experienced tornados in other parts of the United States.
He indicated that because of the growth of the city and also a need to
continue to search for a proper warning system. Several of those
persons present gave their'views regarding the problems -involved in
developing an adequate warning system.
Mr. Williams advised the committee that radio monitors could be made
available to all schools in the -city .through his department on .a matching
basis, however-, Assistant Chief Salentine reminded the committee of the
problem his.department-experienced when -they -requested -matching funds.
Ald. Pienkos^indicated the committee will continue to obtain information
from all governmental sources to get -the necessary warning system for
the community.
The.committee recessed -at 8.15 P.M.= and the meeting resumed at-8 25 P.M.
The -committee -discussed with citizens present -the -Nuisance Ordinance
Section 10 03 of the city's Municipal Code.
Ald. Pienkos suggested -to the committee that Mr. Wauer be invited to
the next meeting. He also advised the committee that Mr. Dawson (Public
Intervener) has been invited to a future --Welfare meeting.
It was the concensus of -the majority of .the committee members.that._no
purpose .would -b-e -served at :this time by =inviting=Mr. Wauer- to the next
meeting.
Mr. Moreno asked the committee to try to impress on the Common Council
their duty to uphold the laws of the city and State of Wisconsin.
Mr. Lee will present a report at the next meeting regarding the covering
of dumpsters at the landfill site.
Ald. Tomczyk moved to adjourn, seconded by Ald. Van Lanen. Motion
carried. The meeting adjourned at 8 50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas J. Van Lanen, Sec'y.
Welfare Committee