Minutes: Public Safety: January 2012

Public Safety Committee Wednesday, January 4, 2012 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting Evansville City Hall Council Room 31 S Madison Street MINUTES 1. Chairperson Jacobson called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll call of committee and staff members present was: Chairperson Jacobson, Alderperson Hayes, Alderperson Fuchs absent, Chief McElroy, and EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver. Others present were Josh Manring. 3. Motion by Hayes, second byJacobson, to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed. 4. Motion by Hayes, second by Jacobson, to approve the December 7, 2011 regular meeting minutes as printed. Motion passed. 5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed – Josh Manring, 56 Cortland Drive, introduced himself as a candidate for City Council. 6. Old Business - None 7. New Business – a. Discussion and possible motion to sponsor an ordinance in response to Wisconsin Act 97 relating to the closing hours for certain alcohol beverage retailers. Committee discussed this issue and decided to leave the ordinance with no change to the hours of operation. b. Motion by Jacobson, second by Hayes, to recommend amending Ordinance 2011-18 No Parking to read “with no parking on South Fourth and Badger to South”. Motion passed. Motion by Jacobson, second by Hayes, to deny recommendation to amend “South Madison Street from Church Street to city limits”. Motion passed. 8. Evansville Police Report – There were 1,082 calls for service in the month of December, 2011, compared to 923 for December 2010. December’s license plate transactions totaled 39. Range training was completed December 28, 2011. Chief presented the 2012 tentative part-time clerical staffing schedule totaling 1044 hours. Administrator Wietecha approved the carry-over from 2011 into 2012 to bring three part-time officers on board. The fourth officer, if approved will be limited to Court Officer and special duty events only. We hope to appoint the following part-time officer candidates at the January 12, 2012 Police Commission meeting: Zach Anacker, Michael Mawhinney and Ian Reilly as new part-time hires; Cristian Bennett recently resigned as full-time, would like to remain on a part-time basis; and Matthew McElroy new part-time hire, limited to Court Officer duty and special events. Office Rich DeMarasse has resigned as part-time officer. Chief will be on vacation March 8 and 9, with Lieutenant Koehler in charge. Police Officer evaluations will be conducted by the Chief and Office Koehler. We continue to work on accreditation. Administrator Wietecha continues to work on the snowmobile/ATV route. LTE staff Matt McElroy and Rachel Marx were utilized during the last week of December while the police secretary was on vacation. All case files were scanned for 2011 through the end of the year by Matt and Rachel during this time, using 344 hours of the original 400 hours budgeted in June, 2011. We continue to scan files on a daily basis, but usually only those needing to be sent to the District Attorney. New portable, squad and base radios have been received and installed. All radios are to be programmed, installed and operational between November 18, 2011 and March 30, 2012. Testing of the equipment will begin on April 1, 2012, with old frequencies being used while testing is being done. Radios will then be reprogrammed between May 16, 2012 and January 1, 2013. On January 1, 2013, all narrow banding is to be operational. 9. Evansville Medical Service Report There were 395 runs for 2011. All EMS personnel have been renewed in their CPR, along with renewal of Mary’s CPR instructor license. Mary will be out of the office from January 13 through 22, 2012. Zach Beaver will be point of contact during my absence. Mary will be attending St. John’s Church service to assist the Mason’s in their donation of an AED. There will be a short training on CCR and AED after the service. Mary and Zach attended a grant writing exercise in hopes of acquiring monies to offset the purchase of the new radios. It looks hopeful and we are waiting for “official” confirmation as of this date. We applied for a “unified” grant in hopes of offsetting the Police Department’s and Fire Department’s purchase. Mary will announce to this public once we have confirmation and monies in hand. The new hospitals for Mercy North and St. Mary’s-Janesville will be opening next week Monday. Mary will be attending an EMS tour on Saturday, January 8, 2012 of Mercy North to gather information for EMS staff. 10. Motion by Jacobson, second by Hayes, to adjourn the meeting at 7:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting

Minutes: Evansville Library Board: December 2011

EAGER FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY SPECIAL MEETING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 5, 2011 1. Call to Order. Board President Susan Kruser called the meeting to order at 5:33pm. Trustees present: Susan Kruser, Walter Shannon, Gwen Glendenning, Kim Miller, Robert Flaherty, Eloise Eager and Johanna Lema. Also present: Library Director Kathi Kemp and Cheryl Fuchs, City Liaison to Eager Free. Absent: None. 2. Approval of November 29, 2011 Minutes. K. Miller moved to approve the minutes. S Kruser seconded. Discussion: The meeting minutes mistakenly excluded E. Eager as a voting member. Therefore, they are to be amended as follows: Eloise Eager was a voting member and voted yeah on the motions requiring a roll call vote. All in favor to accept the minutes as amended; none opposed. Motion carried. 3. Librarian’s Report a. Discuss meeting room use There is a Policy for the meeting room established in 2008. K. Miller summarized the Policy. [Policy at Page 1, number 3: Prohibited Uses of the Meeting Room.] Prohibited uses of the meeting room include: “Political Campaigns, political fundraising. (Political activities, Forums, and town hall meetings that do not favor or promote a political candidate or party are permitted.)” The question of legality was covered by W. Shannon. There is a constitutional balancing act required. The law allows Libraries to regulate political activities (free speech) on site so long as the reason for the regulation is not the fact the the library board disagrees with the political position of the activity. The only other prohibition is if the activity was to occur within a specific timing and distance of a polling place. Free Speech is to be balanced against the library’s business reason for the restriction. The point of the Policy appears to be that the library wants to promote a political dialogue and provision of political information but not be in a position where it is promoting a specific party or candidate over another. S. Kruser made a motion ratifying the earlier passage of the meeting room policy and stating that the board shall follow the policy as expressed. Motion was seconded by K. Miller. All in favor and none opposed. 4. Closed Session (6:00pm) S. Kruser moved to go into closed session as per Section 19.85 (1) (c). E. Eager seconded. All in favor and none opposed. Entered closed session at 6:30 pm. K. Miller made a motion to leave closed session. W. Shannon seconded. All in favor and none opposed. Close session ended at 6:26pm. 8. Adjourn. K. Miller made a motion to adjourn the meeting. G. Clendenning seconded. All in favor; none opposed. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:27pm. Respectfully Submitted; Walter E. Shannon, Secretary, Library Board of Trustees - Eager Free Public Library Note: Minutes of the Library Board of Trustees are not official until approved by the Library Board of Trustees at a meeting called and noticed for that purpose.

Minutes: Water and Light: December 2011

Water & Light Committee Meeting Regular Meeting Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Water & Light Shop, 15 Old Highway 92, Evansville, Wisconsin 5:30 p.m. Minutes 1. Roll call. Call to order at 5:28. Present: Brooks, Hayes. Absent: Wyse. Others: Scott George, Mark Sendelbach, Sandy Decker, Dan Wietecha, Ben Ladick, Tammy Freeman of WPPI, Inc 2. Approval of Agenda as printed. Hayes/Brooks Unanimous 3. Motion to approve November 30, 2011, Water & Light minutes. Hayes/Brooks Unanimous 4. Customer concerns. Discussion and possible motions. a. Motion for Adjustment of water bill- Deferred to next meeting b. Motion to write off certain uncollectible bills-Brooks/Hayes Passed 2-0 i. 15-3640-13 $146.49 c. Motion to refer certain utility bills for collection- Brooks/Hayes Passed 2-0 i. 24-3015-09 $288.05 ii. 34-3511-10 $1053.99 iii. 25-4680-04 $61.68 iv. 25-6220-03 $118.13 5. Committee Reports: Chairperson Jim Brooks a. WPPI Meeting Report b. Upcoming ERGS Tour 4/19 (WPPI Energy members own 8.33% of the Elm Road Generating Station, a facility consisting of two 615-MW supercritical coal-fired steam generating units located in Oak Creek, Wis.) 6. Superintendent Report. a. MEUW Joint Superintendents Conference in Stevens Point i. Motion by committee to approve funds to attend conference 7. WPPI Report. a. Written report. 8. Old Business. a. Presentation by Tammy Freeman on rate case application and motion to recommend request to council.-Brooks/Hayes passed 2-0 9. New Business. 10. Motion to adjourn.-Brooks/Hayes Jim Brooks Committee Chairperson

Minutes: Public Works: December, 27,2012

Public Works Committee Regular Meeting Tuesday, December 27th, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. DPW Shop, 535 South Madison Street, Evansville, WI MINUTES 1. Call meeting to order @ 6:06pm. 2. Roll call; Todd Culbertson, Mason Braunschweig, Dave Wartenweiler, Dave Sauer & Sandy Decker. Cheryl Fuchs was absent. 3. Motion to approve the agenda as presented by Culbertson, seconded by Braunschweig, passed unanimously. 4. Motion to approve the minutes from the November 22nd, 2011 regular meeting by Culbertson, seconded by Braunschweig, passed unanimously. 5. Citizen Appearances- None. 6. Construction Updates- a. Main St. Bridge…the contractors are working on the lighting issues. 7. Site plan reviews- 8. Communications from the City Engineer- a. Discussion and possible motion in regards to final disbursements on the WWTF/Turbine project. i. The final cost of plant is $5,836,033.55; $46,033.55 is the cost over the contract value. The city received .50 on the dollar on the whole project. A final pay request is forthcoming. It will be for a credit due to the city at $1,823.50. .8% over the budget. ii. Turbine- Total contract value was $489,000. Final payment was for $482,141.36 iii. Engineering budget: 1. Turbine- $59,325…actual $48,379.97. 2. Plant- $544,500….actual $544,971. Still need to close out the contract so the total is to be projected at $558,421. $13,921 over budget. Reasons for this include the additional training for our employees. b. Update (if necessary) on WWTF and turbine status. i. Wind Turbine: The project itself is done. Update on the wind turbine energy production with November 2011 is done. The mayor questioned the availability of getting the energy feed on the computer to the public. The engineer has been directed to look into this issue. 9. Communications from the Public Works Director- a. Monthly Department Update: Spending time with the wood burner. Glad we don’t have snow yet. b. Discussion and possible motion regarding truck bids. Budget was for $35,000 and we received a bid for $25,956 from Symdon Chevrolet and they won the bid. A plow as added for $3000 which brings it up to $28956, well under budget. Delivery mid-January. Total cost $6,044 under budget. 10. New Business- a. Discussion to committee regarding the engineer RFP and subsequent interviews. i. The process was explained to the committee and it was presented to the committee for the committee’s opinions. Wartenweiler expressed the opinion that he was very comfortable with Sauer as engineer and he would hate to see the city go a different way. Todd expressed the fact that he had no comparison and that he had no problem deferring to the committee. 11. Old Business- a. The house at 322 W. Main St was discussed along with Kris Connelly’s complaints. Wartenweiler explained the history and what the city had the authority to take care of and not. b. WPPI coming to town to tomorrow to W&L committee regarding the rate case. The Mayor questioned whether there could be a question as to what the ballplayers pay for their lights and the street lights especially since the city just replaced the light switch LEDs. 12. Parks and Recreation Report- Did not have a December meeting. 13. Motion to adjourn meeting at 7:09pm by Culbertson seconded by Braunschweig, passed. Mason Braunschweig, Chair Public Works Committee

Minutes: Common Council: December 2011

Common Council

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, December 13, 2011, 6:30 p.m.

City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES

1.               Call to Order.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Sandy Decker.

2.               Roll call.  Members present:  Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Todd Culbertson, Cheryl Fuchs, Floyd Hayes, and Tony Wyse.  Alderperson Barb Jacobson was absent.  Other members of the public were present.

3.               Approval of Agenda.  Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve the agenda.  Motion approved 6-0.

4.               Approval of Minutes.  Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to waive the reading of the minutes of the November 8, 2011, regular meeting and to approve them as presented.  Motion approved 6-0. 

5.               Citizen appearances

A.    Rock County Circuit Court Candidate Jack Hoag introduced himself to the Council and gave a brief summary of his personal and professional background.

B.    WPPI President/CEO Mike Peters presented an Energy Update for the City of Evansville and stated that WPPI’s mission is to provide affordable, reliable power to their member communities and their customers. 

He presented the Spence Vanderlinden Public Official Award to Mayor Sandy Decker and stated that she is a strong advocate for public power and a great ambassador for the city.

C.    Roger Berg informed the Council that he had received his tax bills for Prairie Crossing and they totaled just over $80,000.  He stated that originally the project was not well received by the people on the Council approximately 11 years ago but the subdivision offers affordable housing and uses no city services.

6.               Reports of Committees

A.    Youth Center Advisory Board Report.  Greg Kuelz reported that everything continues to go very well at the Center with several upcoming activities.  Attendance has dropped some but that is to be expected this time of the year.  He informed Council that there was a theft at the Center that remains unsolved.

B.    Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report

                                              (1).     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to accept the Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $640,939.01.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

                                              (2).     Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to accept the City bills as presented in the amount of $285,947.65.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

                                              (3).     Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve designating a) sworn law enforcement, b) represented general, and c) non-represented general as the employee groups under the Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program.  Motion approved 6-0.

                                              (4).     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Full and Final Release between City of Evansville and John and Sherry Crull.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

                                              (5).     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve setting the city’s assessment at $137.50 per household for residential refuse and recycling service (yearly fee).  Wietecha explained the increase from 2011 was due in part to a reduction in state aid for recycling, a shift of expenses for leaf and brush, and an increase from the contractor.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

                                              (6).     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve carry forward from 2011 to 2012 of $5,568 in lapsed funds for hiring and training three part-time police officers.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

C.    Plan Commission Report

                                              (1).     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve the Preliminary and Final CSM for the Ace Hardware pond.  Motion approved 6-0.

D.    Public Safety Committee Report

                                              (1).     Fuchs made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve Intergovernmental Emergency Medical Service Contract.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

E.    Public Works Committee Report.  No report.

F.     Water & Light Committee Report.  Brooks reported that Scott Meske presented Scott George with a plaque in honor of his retirement.

G.   Economic Development Committee Report.  Brooks reported that the tourism assessment continues.  The Tourism Subcomittee meets tomorrow and they have added 6 ad hoc members which brings the total of the group to 13.  The retail market survey continues.

                                              (1).     Brooks reported that there will be a presentation by Thrive during the December 20 meeting and invited all to attend.

H.    Redevelopment Authority Report.  No report.

I.      Parks and Recreation Board Report

                                              (1).     Culbertson reported that the plans for the Westside Park shelter were not discussed as the committee did not meet.

J.     Historic Preservation Commission Report.  No report.

K.    Fire District Report.  Wyse reported that they are still working on the facility use policy.  The Fireman’s Handbook has been completed and he stated that it was done well.

L.    Police Commission Report.  Wietecha reported that their next meeting will be in January.

M.   Energy Independence Team Report.  No report.

N.    Library Board/Liaison Report.  Fuchs reported that the new server is installed and running well.

O.   Board of Appeals Report.  No report.

7.               Unfinished Business

A.    Braunschweig presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Ordinance 2011-17 Relative to Outdoor Storage in Light Industrial District [Sponsors Fuchs and Brooks].  Motion approved 6-0.

8.               Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor

A.    Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to waive the seven-day notice on citizen appointments.  Motion approved 6-0.

B.    Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve Mayoral appointments of Alderpersons Jim Brooks and Cheryl Fuchs to CEED.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

C.    Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve the Mayoral appointment of Mark Sendelbach as Superintendent of Water & Light Department.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

D.    Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve Agreement with Mark Sendelbach as Superintendent of Water & Light Department.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

E.    Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve Resolution 2011-20, Appointing Interim City Engineer.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

F.     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve Resolution 2011-22, Dennis Wessels Commendation.  Motion approved 6-0.

G.   Decker noted that there were a number of public hearings at the capital this week and the next floor session is in January.

As a reminder, she noted that city offices will be closed on December 23^rd and 26^th, and January 2^nd.  Also, the Library will be closed on December 24^thand 26^th, and January 2^nd.

9.               Communications from the City Administrator

A.    Wietecha informed Council that he intends to resign sometime this year.  He has not applied anywhere nor given a 30-day notice but he will be leaving in the near future.  There is money in the 2012 budget to hire a consultant to help with the search for a new administrator if needed.

B.    Culbertson made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Resolution #2011-23, Establishing the Municipal Judge’s salary for the Year 2012.  Motion approved 6-0 on a roll call vote.

Wietecha asked Council for feedback on the trial Friday Reports he has been providing them and Council responded that the reports are about perfect in size and content.

10.            New Business

A.    Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs to approve appointment of Election Inspectors for 2012-2013.  Motion approved 6-0.

B.    Decker pointed out that we have received Notice of Non-Candidacy forms from Alderpersons Tony Wyse and Todd Culbertson.

11.            Introduction of New Ordinances

A.    Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2011-18 Relative to No Parking Zones.  [Sponsors Hayes and Jacobson]

12.            Meeting Reminder

A.    The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10, 2012, at 6:30 pm.

13.            Adjournment.  Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to adjourn at 7:25 p.m.  Motion approved 6-0.

Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk

The minutes are not official until approved by the Common Council at their next regular meeting.

Minutes: Public Safety: December 7, 2011

Public Safety Committee

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 6:30 P.M.

Regular Meeting

Evansville City Hall Council Room

31 S Madison Street

MINUTES

1.   Chairperson Jacobson called meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. 

2.   Roll call of committee and staff members present was: Chairperson Jacobson, Alderperson    Fuchs and Hayes, Chief McElroy, and EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver.  Others present were   Jon Frey, and Cheyann Sherwood. 

3.   Motion by Hayes, second by Fuchs, to approve the agenda as printed.  Motion passed. 

4.   Motion by Jacobson, second by Hayes, to approve the November 2, 2011 regular meeting          minutes as printed.  Motion passed. 

5.   Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed – Jon Frey, 13816 Northridge Drive, representing the Evansville Home Talent Team, thanked the city for approving the beer    permit and bartenders for their program.

6.   Old Business

      Motion to approve Cheyann Sherwood’s operator’s license application request.  Cheyann         was present to answer the committee’s questions.  Motion was made by Fuchs, second by       Hayes, to approve a 60 day provisional, applicant must show proof of assessment class    participation and must attend the February 2012 Public Safety Meeting.  Motion passed. 

7.   New Business

      A, 1 and 2, Motion by Hayes, second by Jacobson, to approve operator’s licenses for Ryan                R Kimberley and Tonie J Merrill.  Motion passed. 

      Motion by Jacobson, second by Hayes, to recommend to Common Council to create       Ordinance 2011-18, No Parking to add “parking stalls to be outlined in white for individual        vehicles.”  Sponsored by Hayes and Jacobson.  Motion passed

      Motion by Fuchs, second by Jacobson, to recommend to Common Council approval of the Intergovernmental Emergency Ambulance Service contracts.  Motion passed. 

      Discussion by committee and police department staff regarding the 2012 police clerical.           The department would like to utilize Rachel Marx and Matt McElroy beginning in 2012 as   LTE’s, working a limited number of days (120) in a calendar year.  We anticipate interviewing   coop students after the first of the year, hoping for a student to start in July or August, 2012.           No       action taken.

      Motion by Hayes, second by Jacobson, to recommend to Common Council to accept the     bid for the new ambulance.  Motion passed to accept the bid from Jefferson Fire and       Safety in the amount of $191,635.00.  

8.   Evansville Police Report –

      There were 1,258 calls for service in the month of November, 2011, compared to 983 for       November 2010.  There were 51 license plate transactions for November.  We continue to   work on accreditation.  City Administrator Wietecha continues to work on the       snowmobile/ATV route. 

     

      The police department participated in the Evansville Reality Maze on Thursday, December 1   at the Evansville High School.  On December 9 to 17^th, the department will participate in             Booze and Belts Mobilization. 

      EVOC training has been completed.  Range training will start in December.  Police Officer             evaluations will be conducted by the Chief and Office Koehler this month.  The assessment           center is scheduled for December 10 with Interviews set for Wednesday, December 13.  We       hope to add three possibly four part-time officers.  City Administrator Dan Wietecha will           present a budget amendment to Common Council to carry over 2011 funds in the         amount of $5,568.42 into 2012 to cover expenses associated with hiring three part-time     officers.  2012 budget funds from the part-time budget will be used to hire a fourth part-time     officer.  Anticipated expenses for one part-time officer is $1,856.14. 

      The department has received the new portable, base radios and squad radios.  We are      using the new portable and base radios.  The squad radios have not been installed.  The plan is to convert in early 2012.  The time     table for the radio change over for narrow banding    passed at the 911 Commission September 21 follows:  1) All radios are supposed to be   programmed, installed and operational between November 18, 2011 and March 30, 2012, 2)   Testing of the equipment will start on April 1, 2012, 3) Radios are then to be reprogrammed          between May 16, 2012 and January 1, 2013, and 4) On January 1, 2013, we are to be     operational with all narrow banding.           

9.   Evansville Medical Service Report

      There were 27 runs for the month of November 2011, with the year-to-date at 368. 

      City of Evansville license renewal is complete for the 2012-2014 license period.  EMT license             refresher is coming to an end with all license renewals due June 2012.  CPR renewal training         is in progress for all EMS personnel.  Dennis Wessels has been hired as a driver for the service           with his first day on December 1, 2011. 

      Zach, Angie and Mary attended the Reality Maze at Evansville High School sponsored by the Partners in Prevention Rock County group. 

      Mary has been working on the specs for the new ambulance with bids due December 7,   2011 at noon.  The new radios have been ordered.  We will be taking delivery after the first of the year.  However, the bill will be generated this year per City Council’s request to purchase        in 2011.  The bid came in lower than budgeted. 

           

10. Motion by Jacobson, second by Wessels, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson

These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting

Plan Commission: December 2011 Minutes

City of Evansville Plan Commission

Regular Meeting

Monday, December 5, 2011, 6:00 pm

City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street

MINUTES

1.     Call to Order.  The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm by Chair Mayor Sandy Decker.

2.     Roll Call.  Members present: Jim Brooks, John Gishnock, Carol Endres, Mason Braunschweig, Matt Eaton, and Sandy Decker.  Absent: Bill Hammann.  Others present: City Planner Ben Zellers and City Administrator Dan Wietecha.

3.     Approval of Agenda.  Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve the agenda.  Motion approved unanimously.

4.     Approval of Minutes.  Brooks made a motion, seconded by Eaton, to waive the reading of the minutes from the November 1, 2011, regular meeting and to approve them as printed.  Motion approved unanimously.

5.     Citizen Appearances.  None.

6.     New Business.

a.     Outdoor Storage. 

                                                    i.     Zellers noted that Common Council had already had first reading of proposed Ordinance 2011-17, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Outdoor Storage in Light Industrial District.  The advisory Unified Land Code Committee had reviewed and recommended the ordinance.  The ordinance basically brings existing practices in the light industry district into compliance with the zoning regulations.

                                                  ii.     Mayor Decker opened the public hearing at 6:10.  With no public comments, the hearing was closed at 6:11.

                                                 iii.     Gishnock asked about the need for a conditional use permit (CUP) given that conditions such as screening are already explicit in the regulations; there may be other more unique conditions to consider on a case by case basis.  Endres asked about inoperative vehicles and vehicle parts; the ordinance prohibits junk and salvage yards, similar concerns may be addressed with the CUP, and the city would still be able to enforce complaints for storage not associated with the business.  Gishnock suggested striking “completely” from paragraph 130-452(2)a.  The Commission noted the overall goal was to allow storage which would still be compatible with neighboring properties.

                                                 iv.     Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Endres, to strike “completely” from paragraph 130-452(2)a and recommend approval of Ordinance 2011-17 to the Common Council, finding that the proposed changes to the Zoning Code are consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and will enhance the business climate of the City without negatively impacting the desired consistency of land uses within the City.  Braunschweig moved, seconded by Brooks, to amend the motion by striking “shall be a minimum of eight feet in height and” from paragraph 130-452(2)a.  Amendment passed unanimously.  Original motion, as amended, passed unanimously.

7.     Permitting Activity.  Zeller commented he anticipates a couple CUP applications on the January agenda.

8.     Unified Land Code Advisory Committee.  Zellers said the Committee met November 17 and discussed the outdoor storage ordinance, zero lot line duplex regulations, conceptual review of CUP and re-zoning applications, and sign regulations.  Wietecha noted that the committee is advisory and its recommendations will be on a future Plan Commission agenda for further discussion.

9.     Historic Preservation Committee.  No report.

10.  Common Council.  No report.

11.  Board of Appeals.  No recent meeting.

12.  Enforcement.  A couple signs on South Union and East Main have been addressed.

13.  Meeting reminder.  Next regular meeting is Tuesday, January 3, 2012.

14.  Adjournment.  Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Eaton, to adjourn the meeting.  Motion approved unanimously at 6:25 pm.