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Friday, May 23, 2008

Minutes: Economic Development: May 20, 2008

Economic Development Committee

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 5:30 pm
City Hall, 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

I. Roll Call. Present: Tony Wyse, Gene Bass, Dave Olsen, Rebecca DeMarb, Roger Berg, Janis Ringhand, and Matthias James. Absent: James Otterstein. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, Chamber of Commerce Director Bridgit Larsen, consultant Judy Whalen, Redevelopment Authority Chair John Decker, and Dick Woulfe.

II. Approval of Agenda. Ringhand made a motion, seconded by Olsen, to approve the agenda with the addition of election of officers. Motion approved unanimously.

III. Minutes of April 17, 2008, Meeting. Wyse made a motion, seconded by James, to waive the reading of the minutes and approve as presented. Motion approved unanimously.

IV. Citizen Appearances. None.

V. Officers. Ringhand nominated Tony Wyse for Chair, seconded by Olsen. Ringhand made a motion to close nominations, seconded by James. Motion approved unanimously. Wyse elected unanimously. As the other alderperson on the committee, Ringhand became Vice Chair by default. For the time being, the Secretary’s duties will rotate among all the members.

VI. Economic Development Strategy. Wietecha distributed copies of the task force recommendations and comments submitted by Committee members prior to tonight’s meeting.

a. Workforce Development. The task force recommendations mostly utilize state or local programs already in place; the Committee said they want a better understanding of the individual programs. Michael Pierick and Jim Brooks will be invited from the task force to the June meeting to discuss the recommendations in more detail with the Committee and to help set priorities among the recommendations.

b. Governmental Relations. The task force recommendations all center on the creation of an Economic Development Alliance. The Committee viewed this as a new umbrella entity to coordinate the work of existing organizations. The Committee said the first step should be to explore the idea of creating such an entity before worrying about staff, office space, or website. Contacts from Fond du Lac and Green Counties will be invited to the June meeting to discuss creating an Economic Development Corporation or similar entity. The Chamber of Commerce Board has also asked to attend the meeting.

c. Downtown Revitalization. The task force recommendations include holding an open house for entrepreneurs, mentoring a start-up business, and then using the lessons from that business as a template for other businesses. The Committee noted that this overlaps with the recommendations of the Entrepreneurial Environment task force.

d. Entrepreneurial Environment & Networking. The task force recommendations include creation of an inventors and entrepreneurs club.

e. Marketing. The Committee did not discuss the Marketing recommendations.

VII. Chamber of Commerce Report. There was no report.

VIII. City Administrator Report. There was no report.

IX. Adjournment. The Committee agreed to continue reviewing the task force recommendations at a special meeting on Tuesday, June 3, at 5:30. Dick Woulfe presented the Committee with DVD copies of Terry Whipple’s “Catch the Culture” keynote speech from the Summit and the presentations of the task force recommendations. Berg made a motion, seconded by Ringhand to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved unanimously.

Minutes; Evansville Youth Center --April 2008

Evansville Youth Center Advisory Board
Meeting Minutes
April 17, 2008



Call to order by President Dave Rossmiller at 5:30pm
Roll call Present—Dave Rossmiller, Tina Rossmiller, Rob Savaske, Erin Savaske, Sandi Konkel, Tracy Schroeder (EYC Director) and Desh Moeller (YMCA of Northern Rock County)

Fundraiser planning—The board went over the options for food for 4th of July concessions. The pros and cons were weighed over what was done last year. Rob will make some inquiries on what he can get wholesale for the center. Discussion was held on the times to be open and what was requested last year. It was decided we would open early in the mornings to accommodate the baseball players. Tracy handed out the Duckie Derby tickets to sell. She pointed out the change in pricing and prize amounts. These changes were made in hopes of increasing sales. Discussion was held on parade options and ways to improve and streamline the time between selling tickets and the actual duck race.

Discussion was held on the Quacked fundraiser. Tracy will place ads in the paper. Dave and Rob will cut out the ducks.

Director’s report by Tracy Schroeder—March was a slower month due to spring break. The other times were as busy as usual. Wednesday pool tournaments have to be divided into two groups. This works well to separate the older and younger kids. The new system gives all the kids more a chance to play and win. Double points day was very popular. The kids help do things at the center and earn points toward a free lock in the summer. 17 kids participated in tie dye day and it has been requested to do it again this summer. The youth center did face painting at the Family Celebration Night. It was a very busy night and even though the event ended at 7:30pm, face painting did not end until 8:05 due to the demand!

Contract discussion--The board continued discussion on the new contract proposed by the City of Evansville.

Financials by Desh Sherman Moeller—Desh handed out the financials. The board did not see any items of discussion, except some extra revenue that came from the YMCA’s Tropical Fiesta. The budget is still on track for the year.
Adjournment by Dave Rossmiller at 7:00pm

THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY THE EYC ADVISORY BOARD AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Minutes: Redevelopment: May 2008

Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 5:30 pm
Evansville High School, 640 S. Fifth Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:38 pm by Chair John Decker. Present: John Decker, Betsy Ahner, Tony Wyse, Barb Jacobson, Chris Eager, Roger Roth, and Tom Calley. Also present: Executive Director Dan Wietecha, Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderperson Janis Ringhand, Cheryl Fuchs, and Dick Woulfe.

II. Quorum. There being a majority of the commissioners present at call to order, a quorum was declared.

III. Agenda. Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Ahner, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion approved unanimously.

IV. Minutes. Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Wyse, to approve the April 17 minutes as presented. Motion approved unanimously.

V. Old Business.
a. 16 West Main Street. Fuchs indicated that they had originally planned a 38-foot addition to the back of the building. This would have enabled a larger retail area on the main floor and two apartments upstairs. The expansion triggers a requirement for firewalls under the State Building Code. This would push the project over budget and detract from the historic appearance of the building, so they have scaled back their plans. The Board indicated that they had expected the larger building when agreeing to provide a grant of the lesser of twenty percent of construction costs or $20,000. The scaled back project would likely reduce the amount of tax increment produced by the rehabbed building but also reduce the amount of the grant. Wyse made a motion, seconded by Calley, to recommend the Common Council approve a revised development agreement with Eager Fuchs LLC for the smaller building. Motion approved 6-0 with Eager abstaining.

b. Properties in TID #5. Wietecha indicated a couple of property owners would likely be coming to a future meeting to discuss rehabilitation of their properties.

c. Economic Development Summit. Wietecha gave an overview of the recommendations from the Downtown Revitalization Task Force. The Economic Development Committee has started reviewing the recommendations of all the task forces and has scheduled a special meeting to keep on task.

d. Advertising TID #5. Jacobson said it was time that a mass mailing was sent to all property owners in TID #5 as a reminder or promotion of the availability of the tax increment program to encourage upgrading of properties. Eager made a motion, seconded by Roth, to host a lunch so we could talk with property owners directly in addition to the mailing. Motion approved unanimously.

VI. New Business.
a. Senior/Community Center. Ringhand, as interim chair of the Friends of the Senior/Community Center, indicated that they have had some contact with the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. It appears a significant portion of the construction costs for the Senior/Community Center would be eligible for a community development block grant (CDBG). The Friends cannot apply for the grant directly; applications are only accepted from municipalities. Eager made a motion, seconded by Calley, to sponsor the application for CDBG funding. Motion approved unanimously.

b. New Floodplain Map. Wietecha distributed maps representing the current and new floodplain boundaries. He emphasized the maps are hand-drawn and only approximate the locations of the floodplains. On North Union Street, several the floodplain designation will be removed from several properties. On South Union Street, the floodplain will expand to include a number of properties. The new floodplain becomes effective August 19. The Board may want to consider floodproofing or similar expenses the next time the “exceptional project criteria” are reviewed.

VII. Suggestions for Future Agenda. John Decker suggested including LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects next time the “exceptional project criteria” are reviewed.

VIII. Adjournment. With no further business, Wyse made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn at 8:57 pm. Motion passed unanimously.

Minutes: Park Board: May 2008

City of Evansville
Park and Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Chamber
Monday, May 19, 2008, 6:00 p.m.


Call to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Janis Ringhand. Members present: Jerry Krueger, Jeff Farnsworth, Ron Carlsen, Fred Juergens, Sue Merritt, Rich Modaff (6:15). Staff: Ray Anderson & Rick Hamacher. Also present : Gib Wiedenhoeft (SOLE).

Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the April 14, 2008 meeting and approve them as printed by Farnsworth/Merritt, unanimous.

Motion to approve the agenda as printed by Farnsworth/Carlsen, unanimous.

Citizen appearances: Robin Grignon, ECP, was present with the first draft schedule of events planned for the 4th of July weekend, from July 3 thru July 6. More events will be added and a new schedule submitted at the meeting in June. Farnsworth brought up the fact that he was approached about having a Blackhawk Helicopter land at the park and be on display for a few hours. Robin was aware of the request and agreed that it would be an attractive option. The Committee agreed that the helicopter would be a positive attraction. Farnsworth will inform the party that inquired about it.

John Decker was present for the Grove Society regarding the Baker Office Building located at the park entrance off Madison St. ECP would like to occupy the building by September 1, 2008, grading and a handicap entrance must be completed before then. Decker asked to be placed on the June agenda, he will consult with the City Planner and Engineer to get their approval of the plans.

SOLE Committee report: Gib Wiedenhoeft was present for SOLE with 3 issues.
1. Would like to get the core samples of Lake Leota done – already done, testing was completed May 19.
2. Results will determine who gets the soil, several properties west of town have agreed to accept the soil from Lake Leota, if it has safe cadmium levels.
3. Landmark declined to spray for weeds with their equipment. Prisoners from Oregon Corrections may be utilized to cut and spray the weeds.

SOLE meets on Wednesday, May 28 and they will have a food stand at the park for the 4th of July events.

Chairs report: Ringhand informed the Board about a presentation for a “Dream Park” that was discussed at an ECP Retreat May 15. A concept plan for an extensive play ground system was discussed, the plan would be initiated and paid for by local citizens, not the city. The upper park was the most desirable and central location. Ray Anderson would like more information about size, location, etc. We have fairly new equipment in the upper park, it could be relocated, but there was a reluctance to cut trees to accommodate the structure. Ringhand will inform ECP that the PRB would like more information.

The floodplain is changing along Allen’s Creek on August 18, 2008, increased in some areas, decreased in others. This may affect areas of the park for future plans, all existing structures are grandfathered in.

Park projects/maintenance report: Vandalism occurred at the park involving the repairs to the creek wall, stones were removed and thrown in the creek. There was a break in at the Antes cabin. Ringhand will contact Chief McElroy about patrolling more frequently on nice days, especially if it is an early dismissal day from school. Discussed possibly adding motion detector cameras for security purposes in areas of the park. Coca Cola will not replace any more pop machines, several have been destroyed over the past few years.

We will invite Chief McElroy to our next meeting to discuss these issues.

Ray heard from Bill Alt regarding the grind rail, but no recommendation for placement.

Discussed the need for a DNR Permit for creek wall repairs, Ringhand will contact the City Administrator and Director of Public Works about application.

Westside Park playground equipment will be installed in late June. The soccer fields should be usable by the fall league. Once the new fields are usable, let the Leota Park fields rest for a season.

Aquatics report: Registration has been slow, likely weather related. The pool system will start up Tuesday for a test run. Solar panels are being worked on. Opening day for the pool is May 31. Still looking for an aerobics instructior, should be taken care of the next two weeks.

No old business or new business.

Motion to adjourn by Merritt/Carlsen at 7:00 p.m., unanimous.

Next meeting is June 16, 2008, 6:00 p.m., City Hall.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Minutes; Historic Pres: April 2008

Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
Minutes
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 7:00 P.M.
3rd Floor, City Hall

Present: Dennis Wessels, Rich Modaff, John Decker, Steve Christens, Steve Culbertson, Betsy Ahner
Also Present: Ken Kuelz, Bruce Shaekey, Gwen Holmes

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by chair Rich Modaff. Motion by Steve Culbertson, second by Dennis Wessels to waive the reading of March 19, 2008 minutes and approve them as read. Motion carried.

Applications – Appearances

16 W. Main Street – Eager Fox LLC No action was needed on this item.

129 West Church Street – Motion by Dennis Wessels to accept the application. Second by Steve Culbertson. The application was very brief and more information was needed by the commissioners. Motion by Wessels to table the motion. Second by Decker. Motion carried.

52 North Madison Street – Bruce and Gwen explained what they wanted to do and answered questions. Motion by Dennis Wessels to accept the application. Second by Steve Culbertson. Motion carried and application approved on a vote of 5 – 1.

112 West Liberty – Ken Kueltz described the fence he wanted to install and the location on his property. Motion to accept the application by Steve Christens. Second by Dennis Wessels. Motion carried and application approved on a vote of 4-1, with Decker abstaining.

20 South First Street – Betsy Ahner stepped down from the table and explained the need for a chimney liner in her front chimney. Motion by Steve Culbertson to approve the application. Second by Steve Christens. Motion carried and application approved with Ahner abstaining.

Old Business

Dennis Wessels reported the City Council did not agree with the Commission’s recommendation on the disposal of the remaining street pavers. An article is printed in today’s Evansville Review.

Adminstrative

a. Grove Society – John Decker reported the next Old Home Group meeting would be held at the Historic Baker Office Building. Input is needed from the members on the location of the load-bearing wall.
b. Redevelopment – nothing new to report as the meeting was rescheduled to the following week.
c. Plaque – the application for the plaque program is now on the City’s website.
d. Management of HPC Documents – nothing new to report
e. Second Historic District – John Decker is waiting for an email from Tim Heggland.
f. Historic Landmarks – nothing new to report
g. Reorganization meeting - motion by Decker to nominate Steve Christens as vice-chair. Second by Wessels. Motion carried.
Motion by Christens to nominate Rich Modaff as chair. Second by Wessels. Motion carried.
Motion by Decker to nominate Betsy Ahner as secretary. Second by Culbertson. Motion carried.


There being no other business a motion to adjourn by Wessels. Second by Christens. Motion carried.

The minutes of the Evansville HPC are not official until approved by the Commission.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Minutes; Evansville, Wi Finance Committee: May 2008

City of Evansville
Finance & Labor Relations Committee

Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 8, 2008, 5:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Tom Cothard.

II. Roll Call. Present: Chair Cothard and Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig and Diane Roberts. Also present: Administrator Dan Wietecha, Finance Director Lisa Novinska, Dave Rossmiller, Tracy Schroeder, and Sandi Konkel.

III. Approve Agenda. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion approved unanimously.

IV. Minutes of April 3, 2008, Meeting. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to waive the reading of and to approve the minutes as presented. Motion approved unanimously.

V. Citizen Appearances. None.

VI. Water and Light Bills. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve the Water and Light bills in the amount of $846,621.57 and authorize their payment. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

VII. City Bills. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve the City bills in the amount of $1,157,209.59 and authorize their payment. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

VIII. Unfinished Business:
a. Youth Center Agreement. Wietecha noted that the YMCA had indicated three areas of the contract with which it disagreed:
1. The AWARE program shares the building, but all the electric expense is borne by the YMCA. The Committee indicated that this should be worked out between the YMCA and AWARE and need not be addressed in the contract.

2. The proposal deletes a sentence from earlier agreements regarding the YMCA’s ability to request additional funding from the city, with no obligation to the city. Wietecha recommends striking the language since it may be considered an implied obligation for the city to provide additional funding. The YMCA prefers to keep the language since striking it sets the wrong tone. The Committee kept the revision as drafted.

3. The YMCA set its budget based on the unapproved figure of $38,550 and requests having that amount in the agreement. The Committee said that it is an important program but what would essentially be a $4,000 budget amendment is a lot. The additional funds are to be used for maintenance. In response to a question, the Committee indicated that if not all the money were needed for maintenance then it might be reasonable for it to be applied toward programming, but the Committee would not make such a promise.

Cothard made a motion, seconded by Brausnschweig, to recommend to the Common Council approval of the agreement with YMCA of Northern Rock County for operation of a youth program, contingent upon the YMCA signing the agreement prior to the Council meeting. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

b. Lifequest Contract. Wietecha noted that an additional provision regarding the city’s statutory immunity needs to be added to the final version. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to recommend to Common Council approval of the contract with Lifeline Systems dba Lifequest for assignment, assumption and collection service. Motion approved unanimously.

c. Union Contracts. The Committee did not meet in closed session. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council approval of the 2008-2010 agreement with Teamsters Local Union #579. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

IX. New Business:
a. Co-op Student Position. Wietecha noted that committee approval is expected before any department head fills a vacant position. With the current co-op student going on to college, this position will become vacant mid-summer. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to permit the Finance Director to fill the position.

b. State Trust Fund Loan. Wietecha said that this was a loan taken out as part of the development agreement with North Prairie Productions. The city is now incurring interest costs on the loan while construction is on hold. By paying back the loan, the city can save additional expenses and still have the ability to take a new loan when construction re-starts. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council approval of payoff of State Trust Fund Loan #02007116.01 in the amount of $1,939,098. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

c. Note Anticipation Notes. Wietecha explained that a past bond issue is recommended to be included in the Note Anticipation Note issue. The 2000 GO Refunding Bonds are scheduled to be paid off in two years, so it is reasonable to include them in this short term debt. By doing so, the city will save about $10,500 in interest over the two years. Cothard made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to recommend to the Common Council issue of $1,185,000 in Note Anticipation Notes. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

X. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to adjourn. Motion approve unanimously at 6:10.