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Friday, June 27, 2008

Minutes; Evansville Redevelopment: June 2008

Evansville Redevelopment Authority
Board of Commissioners

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 7:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm by Chair John Decker. Present: John Decker, Betsy Ahner, Tony Wyse, Barb Jacobson, and Tom Calley. Absent: Chris Eager and Roger Roth. Also present: Executive Director Dan Wietecha and Mayor Sandy Decker.

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

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

IV. Minutes. John Decker noted Green Globes projects should also be included under the suggestions for future discussion section. Wyse made a motion, seconded by Calley, to approve the May 20 minutes as revised. Motion approved unanimously.

V. Old Business.
a. Economic Development Summit. Wyse said that members of the Chamber of Commerce Board met with the Economic Development Committee earlier in the evening. They discussed three themes as central to the Economic Development Strategy: 1) Better coordinated efforts and cooperation between local organizations; this will likely mean interviewing other cities and counties to research a number of different organizational structures for economic development. 2) A go-to person is needed as a guide or clearinghouse to help prospective and current businesses with their questions about available properties, financial resources, technical questions and help with licensing, zoning and other regulations. 3) Website improvements are essential for economic development.

b. Review TID #5 Project Plan. Wietecha distributed copies of the September 2005 Plan and pointed out the Proposed TIF Project Cost Estimates in it. Many of the line items are specific infrastructure improvements that have been undertaken in the downtown the last couple years. At a future meeting, the list will be updated to show budget-to-actual expenditures. Reviewing the Plan, can highlight opportunities for other projects in which the Authority may participate.

c. Advertising TID #5. Plans for a promotional lunch for TID #5 property owners, entrepreneurs and prospective businesses are being worked on. Although these plans are for a specific lunch, an ongoing series of networking gatherings with an emphasis on promoting and helping the business community may also be possible.

VI. New Business. None.

VII. Suggestions for Future Agenda. As noted earlier, an update on the TID #5 projects budget-to-actual expenditures. The draft of the Economic Development Strategy is expected to be ready by the next meeting. The Authority will be looking at more user-friendly forms and promotional information for TID #5.

VIII. Adjournment. With no further business, Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Wyse, to adjourn at 8:55 pm. Motion passed unanimously.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Minutes; Eager Free Public Library, May 27, 2008

Eager Free Public Library
Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes from 27 May 2008

1. Call to Order.
Board President Eloise Eager called the meeting to order at 5:35pm. Trustees present include: Vicki Lecy-Luebke, Wally Shannon, Kim Miller, Gwen Clendenning and Eloise Eager. Absent: Susan Kruser.
2. Approval of the April 2008 minutes.
W. Shannon moved to approve the April minutes. K. Miller seconded. All in favor, none opposed.
3. May bills.
W. Shannon made a motion to accept May bills. G. Clendenning seconded. Discussion followed. Shared library system costs are increasing. Crossover borrowing fees may be eliminated but may have to start paying for computer services fees. $1,150 received in donations at the recent library centennial celebration will be put in a library expansion savings account. Roll call vote: Aye: E. Eager, V. Lecy-Leubke, W. Shannon, K. Miller, G. Clendenning.
4. Librarian’s Report.
The library received 2 grants. The E. Susan Eager grant funds will go toward the newspaper digitization project. The Evansville Fund Grant will go toward the library’s English as a Second Language (ESL) project. News releases were put out on both grants. The ESL program has been very well received.
A citizen would like to donate a tree for the library grounds. An American elm is being considered. Need to check on susceptibility to Dutch elm disease.
A student is going to study energy usage at the library as part of an energy audit summer program. They will come up with suggestions for ways the library can save energy. The Board would like the student to give a presentation of their finding at a future Board meeting.
Justification information re the need for a children’s librarian is tabled until the June Board meeting. Will send the summary report with the agenda for the June mtg.
Discussed 3-year plan. K. Miller moved to accept the 3-year plan with the addition of a 4th goal to related to new technologies. K. Miller moved to accept the 3-year plan with the addition of a 4th goal to related to new and changing technologies.
Objective was to complete the digitization project and explore the business reference center. V. Lecy-Luebke seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried.
Mayor Sandy Decker was invited by E. Eager to meet with the Board to discuss the Library property. Discussed future plans. Mayor Decker also relayed a request from business community for a business resource center housed at EFPL. Will explore that idea and determine how we can meet that need now and in the future.
The year-to-date budget is on target. For the record, the Board loves the new library logo and are very happy with how it turned out.
K. Kemp introduced new Board Member Johanna Lema.
5. Adjourn.
V. Lecy-Luebke moved to adjourn the meeting. K. Miller seconded. All in favor, none opposed. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:45pm. Next meeting is June 24, 2008 at 5:30pm.














Minutes prepared by Trustee K. Miller.

Minutes: Evansville Park Board: June 2008

PARK & RECREATION BOARD MEETING MINUTES
Monday, June 16, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Evansville City Hall


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

Motion to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the May 19, 2008 minutes on a Farnsworth/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

Approval of the Agenda on a Farnsworth/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

No Citizen appearances.

SOLE Committee report – Gib reported that Jim Turner and Rod Courtier are cutting weeds and trees in the lake bed with a cutter the city loaned them. They are checking at Ace Hardware to rent a larger cutter to get more done. SOLE has been in touch with members of the DNR Lakes Division seeking support for the lake project. Next SOLE meeting is June 25, 6:00 p.m. at the Library.

ECP – Heidi Carvin was present to submit the ECP final report of activities for the 4th of July. Heidi also asked for the use of the Gator to haul trash, Ray stated it would not be a problem. We will contact Water & Light to see if their Gator is available also. Heidi requested that water be connected to the pavilion that food is served out of, Ray will comply, with the understanding that it would only be cold water, not hot.

Grove Society – no appearance.

Evansville Police Department – Officer Patrick Reese was present to discuss additional patrols in the park and security measures. The PD is usually able to find the suspects for vandalism if the incident is reported to them immediately. Ray will follow through on reporting any incidents. We also discussed using camera’s to record activity, Office Reese suggested we contact Rotary Gardens, since they have a surveillance system. Ray reported that All-Secure would charge $2-3,000.00 for 3 cameras that would require wiring. No action to be taken on security cameras at this time.

Chair’s report on City Committee’s and items of interest - Chair Ringhand reported that Administrator Wietecha discovered a discrepancy in the policy to reserve ball fields. The written policy states that you can not reserve fields more than 29 days before an event. Coaches have been signing up across the calendar at the beginning of the season, on occasion when no games are scheduled. We will look at this policy to determine what policy to follow in the future and bring the coaches in for their input. The 4th of July committee also reserves the park for their annual event, we need to determine if this should this be given preference.

Park Report – Ray Anderson reported that all parks are wet. Part of the creek wall washed out in the spill way area and will need immediate attention. West Side park parking lot is scheduled to be done by June 30 by R&K, all the paper work has not been turned in yet. Ray will follow up with R&K and City Engineer Dave Sauer. Playground equipment is scheduled to be constructed July 7-11. The grind rail for the skate park has not been installed yet. Ray reported that there is a lot of trash on the ground in this area.

Aquatic Report – Rick Hamacher reported that they are off to a slow start due to the rain and cool weather. Work will be done on some leaks in the pool, work can be completed with water in the pool. Pool Party scheduled for July 3. Albany has requested some “Mini-swim sessions” to take place on the off weeks when no regular swimming lessons are conducted. A schedule will be worked out with them. The new solar system is working very well on sunny days.

Old Business – none.

New Business – none.

Adjourn at 6:35 on a Farnsworth/Carlsen motion, unanimous.

Next meeting July 14, 2008, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, June 13, 2008

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.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Minutes: Finance Committee: June 5, 2008

City of Evansville
Finance & Labor Relations Committee

Regular Meeting
Thursday, June 5, 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 Council President Mason Braunschweig.

II. Roll Call. Present: Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig and Diane Roberts. Absent: Alderperson Tom Cothard. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Finance Director Lisa Novinska, and Administrator Dan Wietecha.

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

IV. Minutes of May 8, 2008, Meeting. Braunschweig 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. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve the Water and Light bills in the amount of $563,155.76 and authorize their payment. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

VII. City Bills. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve the City bills in the amount of $2,075,876.80 and authorize their payment. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

VIII. Unfinished Business. None.

IX. New Business:
a. Veolia Contract Revision. Wietecha indicated that the fuel surcharge was reasonable in light of significant increases in fuel prices. At current prices, the surcharge would cost the city about $5000 over the second half of the year. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to recommend Common Council approve the amendment to the contract with Veolia Solid Waste Midwest to impose a fuel surcharge. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote.

b. Position Descriptions. Wietecha explained that the revisions were generally minor updates to bring them in line with the work already performed and expected of the positions. The appropriate committees have also reviewed the updated descriptions. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve revised position descriptions for Water and Light Superintendent, Meter Reader, Water Plant Operator, Water Plant Operator In-Charge, and Public Works General Laborer. Motion approved unanimously.

c. Performance of Contract Professional Staff. Braunschwieg made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to meet in closed session per Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to evaluate performance of contract professional staff and to not reconvene in open session. Motion approved unanimously.

X. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to adjourn. Motion approve unanimously at 6:05.