Minutes; Evansville Common Council: May 2010

Common Council

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 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, Barb Jacobson, Janis Ringhand, Diane Roberts, and Dennis Wessels. Absent: Alderperson Tony Wyse. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Clerk Judy Walton, City Attorney Mark Kopp, Gordy Andrew-13430 W County A-Evansville, Dorothy Helgesen-602 N Sixth St-Evansville, Bill Hurtley-41 S 5th Street-Evansville and several others that are listed within the minutes.

3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve the agenda. Motion approved 7-0.

4. Approval of Minutes. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to waive the reading of the minutes of the April 13, 2010, regular meeting and April 20, 2010, special meeting and to approve them as presented. Motion approved 7-0.

5. Citizen appearances.
A. Jeff Roe, on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Program, presented the City with their 9th consecutive Tree City Award. He commended the work done by City Forester Dave Wartenweiler.

B. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Citizen Participation: opportunity to comment on housing, public facilities, and economic development needs.

(1) Staff Report. Wietecha explained that along with the local fundraising underway by Creekside Place, for Creekside Place Community & Senior Center, they are interested in approaching the State of Wisconsin for a grant through the Community Development Block Grant Program. He explained the components of the CDBG process.

Creekside Place Consultant Kurt Saterbak stated that Jeff Farnsworth, Chris Eager, and himself recently met with Department of Commerce staff. It was determined that this project qualifies for grant consideration and the suggested application amount is $500,000.

(2) Public Hearing. Decker opened the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.

Attendees speaking in favor of Creekside Place Community and Senior Center were:

Robert Olsen, 495 W Liberty Street, former City of Evansville Mayor, referenced a city-wide survey regarding housing needs that was done during his tenure. The results showed that there were more people 60 years of age or older living in Evansville than any other city in Wisconsin, per capita. Two successful housing projects followed and he sees this project as a similar need. All community members will benefit by having this facility and seniors especially will be able to get out of their homes and be more active in a safe and happy environment.
Larry Dobbs, 65 N Sixth Street, former Council Member, commented on the successful fund raising and overall community support. He is looking forward to having a facility that can accommodate special events as this is not an option today.

Rich Modaff, 103 S Third Street, former Council Member, stated this facility will be an extension of the redevelopment of the city, it fills a need and everyone will benefit from it.

Nancy Greve-Shannon, 131 S Third Street, Evansville School District Teacher, expressed her excitement for Creekside Place for her students and for herself.

Diane Skinner, 263 Garfield, owner of Kelly House (an assisted living facility), and founding member of Primetimers, stated this will be a great facility for a resource center for seniors to learn about programs available to them. Additionally, it will provide an affordable place for special event activities.

Fred Juergens, 401 Badger Drive, former Council Member, current Woodchuck, voiced his support of the project and his agreement with the comments already made.

Attendees voicing their support for Creekside Place Community and Senior Center for the record were:

Jeff Farnsworth, 125 Garfield Avenue, Capital Campaign Advanced Gift Chairperson
Justin Schott, 220 S Sixth Street, Capital Campaign Community Gift Chairperson
Ann Olsen, 495 W Liberty Street
Bob Olsen, 495 W Liberty Street
Mary Libby, 16325 W Cain-Libby Road, President Creekside Place
Gene Bass, 8328 N Cemetery Road
Rich Modaff, 103 S Third Street
Jim & Jean Kopecky, 8017 N Ridge Court
Chris Eager, 120 Grove Street, Capital Campaign Chair
Judy Bratzke, 118 Joshua Drive, Capital Campaign Secretary
Larry Dobbs, 65 N Sixth Street
Dorothy McElroy, 314 Higgins Drive
Jack McElroy, 314 Higgins Drive
Mel Janes, 8208 N Cemetery Road
Ruth Janes, 8208 N Cemetery Road
Sandy Konkel, 340 Lincoln
Kelly Gildner, The Evansville Review

No one spoke in opposition.

Decker closed the public hearing at 6:51 p.m.

(3) Discussion by City Council. Ringhand, previous Executive Director of Creekside Place, stated her full support for the project and her gratitude for all the hard work already done. Roberts concurred. Brooks stated this is another step in the re-vitalization of the city. Decker stated she received a letter of support from the Evansville Grove Society. Braunschweig stated his support, adding it will help the entire city. Wessels stated his support and thanked those that have worked so hard on this project. Culbertson stated his support and agreed with the comments that have been made. Jacobson stated her support and is looking forward to the needed facility.

(4) Motion. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve Resolution 2010-08, Authorizing Submission of a Community Development Block Grant Application. Motion approved 7-0.

6. Reports of Committees
A. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Greg Kuelz, President of the Youth Center Advisory Board, stated the Board is re-energized. Attendance continues to be good and the previous gender imbalance of attendees is equalizing. He reported on the numerous upcoming activities and fundraising efforts.

B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report.
(1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to accept the Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $897,745.33. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to accept the City bills as presented in the amount of $681,014.03. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

C. Plan Commission Report. None

D. Public Safety Committee Report.
(1). Wessels made a motion, seconded by Ringhand to approve Alcohol Beverage License Renewal Applications as listed, subject to passing any required follow-up inspections prior to license issuance. Attorney Mark Kopp stated that an amendment to the motion could be made if any Council Member wished to vote on any license renewal separately. There being none, motion approved 7-0.

Class “B” Beer/“Class B” Liquor Licenses

a) Night Owl Food & Spirits Inc., Gregory P. Ardisson, Agent, 217 N Sixth Street, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a The Night Owl Food & Spirits Inc, 19 E Main Street, Evansville WI 53536

b) Pete’s Inn Inc., Linda A. Church, Agent, 555 S Fifth Street, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Pete’s Inn Inc., 14 N Madison Street, Evansville WI 53536

c) Outlaw Inc., Ronald A Walmer, Agent, 10901 N East Union Road, Evansville, WI 53536, d/b/a Evansville Bowl, 108 E Main Street, Evansville WI 53536

d) Frank Romano, 74 N Sixth Street, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Romano’s Pizza, 50 Union Street, Evansville WI 53536
e) Evansville Memorial Post #6905 of the Veterans, Gordon R. Ringhand, Agent, 412 Fowler Circle, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a VFW Memorial Post #6905, 179 E Main Street, Evansville WI 53536

Class “A” Beer/“Class A” Liquor Licenses

a) Kopecky’s Worldwide Foods Inc., James D. Kopecky, Agent, 8017 N Ridge Court, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly, 8 N County M, Evansville WI 53536




Class “A” Beer/“Class A” Liquor Licenses (continued)

b) Goodspeed Gas ‘N Go Inc., Bradley N Goodspeed, Agent, 6045 N Eagle Rd., Janesville WI 53548, d/b/a Goodspeed Gas ‘N Go Inc., 350 Union Street, Evansville WI 53536
c) Francois Oil Co Inc., Steven J. Merry, Agent 151 Robinson Rd, Oregon WI 53575, d/b/a The Grove Quik Mart, 230 E Main Street, Evansville WI 53536
d) Madison Street Express Inc., Parminder K. Sekhon, Agent, 2644 Granite Rd, Fitchburg WI 53711, d/b/a All ‘N One, 104 S Madison Street, Evansville WI 53536

Class “B” Beer License

a) Evansville Hotel Group, LLC, Bradley E. Moellenberndt, Agent, 622 E Countryside Drive, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 715 Brown School Road, Evansville WI 53536
b) Real Coffee at Daun LLC, Daun M. Fugate, Agent, 8644 W State Road 81, Beloit WI 53511, D/b/a Real Coffee at Daun LLC, 18 E Main Street, Evansville, WI 53536

Class “A” Beer Licenses

a) Landmark Services Cooperative, Lee A. Dammen, Agent, WI, d/b/a Cenex Convenience Store of Evansville, 9 John Lindemann Drive, Evansville WI 53536

“Class C” Wine Licenses
a) Real Coffee at Daun LLC, Daun M. Fugate, Agent, 8644 W State Road 81, Beloit WI 53511 d/b/a Real Coffee at Daun LLC., 18 E Main Street, Evansville, WI 53536
b) Evansville Hotel Group, LLC, Bradley E. Moellenberndt, Agent, 622 E Countryside Drive, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 715 Brown School Road, Evansville WI 53536

(2). Wessels made a motion, seconded by Jacobson to approve an amendment to Pete’s Inn Inc. Alcohol Beverage License to include their request for August 7, 2010 - Sidewalk Days Chamber Event and August 21, 2010 - 1990 Class Reunion Event. Motion approved 7-0.

Wessels reminded Council of the Bike Rodeo scheduled for June 12th.

E. Public Works Committee Report. None

F. Water & Light Committee Report. None

G. Economic Development Committee Report. None

H. Redevelopment Authority Report. None

I. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Ringhand stated that bass and walleye are being stocked next week.

J. Historic Preservation Commission Report. None

K. Fire District Report. None

L. Police Commission Report. None

M. Evansville-Union Implementation Committee Report. None

N. Energy Independence Team Report. None

O. Library Board/Liaison Report. None

7. Unfinished Business
A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to remove from the table and approve Ordinance 2010-02, Amending the Zoning Code Related to Landscaping, Signs and Parking. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Roberts] Motion approved 7-0.

8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor
A. Mayor Decker presented her Mayoral Proclamation, proclaiming the week of May 16-22, 2010 as Emergency Medical Services Week

B. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the seven-day notice on citizen appointments. Motion approved 7-0.

C. Ringhand made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Steve Christens, 15 North Second Street, for a two-year term to the Historic Preservation Commission. Motion approved 7-0.

D. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Sylvia Schneebeger, 490 West Church Street, for a five-year term to the Housing Authority. Motion approved 7-0.

E. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Tom Moon, 671 Windsor Lane, for a three-year term to the Economic Development Committee. Motion approved 7-0.

F. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Ringhand to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Dixie Moll, 127 North Sixth Street, for a three-year term to the Youth Center Advisory Committee. Motion approved 7-0.

G. Culbertson made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointments of Harlin Miller, 123 South Fifth Street, and Steve Stacy, 108 Water Street, for three-year terms to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion approved 7-0.

H. Wessels made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Eric Pease, 215 South Sixth Street, as Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Motion approved 7-0.

I. Culbertson made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Jeff Hanson, 535 Greenview Drive, to a three-year term as alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals and as First Alternate for 2010. Motion approved 7-0.

J. Wessels made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral Appointment of Janice Turner, 233 West Church Street, as Second Alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for 2010. Motion approved 7-0.

K. Mayor Decker presented her May 11, 2010 Report on the State of the City as follows:

This evening I present my fifth State of the City Report. The learning curve for local government leadership is no longer so steep. Our governmental challenges, however, are great and growing.
Let me begin by highlighting 2009 activities. While the audit for the year will not be completed for another month or two, preliminary results show that we came in under budget. Unaudited general fund expenses were under budget by $65,500. Aggressive monitoring and management of revenues and expenses by our City Staff produced a positive result for our community.
I applaud all of our Staff for belt-tightening within departments. They have carefully watched expenditures; supply and equipment purchases have been postponed. Within the past two years, every Department Head has participated in cost reduction by foregoing an annual wage increase.
Evansville celebrated the grand re-opening of Lake Leota last July and fish re-stocking is underway. In early October we celebrated the grand opening of the beautifully restored Baker Office Building, now home to the Grove Historical Society, Evansville Community Partnership, a local history museum, and a visitors center. Community collaboration brought these multi-year projects to successful conclusions.
Attractive new Welcome to Evansville signs were installed at entrances to the City. Restoration of the dry stone walls along Allen Creek continued.
The Evansville Police Department relocated downtown in the former fire station. A central location better serves the community, as was discussed in our Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan.
Implementation of the Evansville Economic Development Plan adopted in 2008 continued with the formation of CEED, the Council for Evansville Economic Development. CEED includes representatives from the Evansville Economic Development Committee, Chamber of Commerce, Evansville Community Partnership, and School District. CEED is currently working on a manual that outlines the various economic development components, structures, and responsibilities in Evansville.
We continue to see entrepreneurial activity and investment in Evansville. Despite the current economy, we have welcomed new businesses and seen additional investments in and expansions of existing businesses. Unfortunately, there have also been some economic casualties.
Last year City Hall devoted substantial effort in coordination of several grant opportunities. The waste water treatment plant upgrade began, with completion scheduled for later this year. Evansville received $3,450,287 in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, also known as ARRA. Our community was also awarded $568,000 in ARRA funding for improvements to County Highway C west from First Street to the City limits. This project was just recently started. At completion of this project, road improvements to the east-west and north-south main thoroughfares in Evansville have been accomplished. The East Main Street Bridge replacement is now scheduled for 2011.
Application was made for an Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant, an ARRA program, for lighting retrofits at the Public Works Garage and LED lighting upgrades for City street lights. We were recently notified of an award of $133,496 for the project. Using a $50,000 grant award from the U.S. Department of Energy that was administered by the Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence, the City worked year-long to develop a 25 x 25 plan to utilize renewable resources for 25% of municipal electricity and transportation fuel use by the year 2025.
Evansville has been aggressive about seeking grants. In the past four years, we have been awarded more than $5 million in grants. According to the Legislative Research Bureau, in fiscal year 2005-06, Wisconsin ranked 42nd among the states in federal grant payments per capita to state and local governments. Citizen tax dollars are used in establishing a multitude of grant programs. Other states are benefitting from our tax dollars. It is in the best interest of our residents to bring grant dollars to Evansville; our dollars will fund another community’s projects if we don’t secure them.
The Evansville Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan was adopted in June 2005. Next month the Plan will have been in effect for five years. The Plan calls for a complete update in 2014, when results of the 2010 Census are available. A five-year interim review of the status of the goals and objectives included in the Implementation Chapter of the Plan is nearly complete and will be discussed in the next few months at the Plan Commission and the Common Council.
Our Comprehensive Plan has not gathered dust on a shelf. I will highlight just a few of our larger accomplishments that were identified as objectives of the Plan.
The waste water treatment plant upgrade addresses the Plan goal to “maintain a sanitary system that is capable of serving the needs of the growing City population.” Rather than undertake a short-term fix to address increasing state treatment requirements, the Council approved the long-term upgrade that accomplishes the Plan goal.
Lake Leota restoration has occurred. It is a significant accomplishment towards the goal “to preserve, protect and expand the natural resources of Evansville for the use and enjoyment of present residents, visitors and future generations.”
Much effort has been focused on the implementation goal “to expand economic development opportunities to ‘grow’ and diversify the local economy and improve the City’s quality of life. “ The adopted Economic Development Plan, which includes the formation of the Evansville Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club and CEED, is one of the supporting objectives. Continuous City website improvements to provide additional demographic and community information, is another.
The City has been aggressive in the use of tax incremental financing to assist local businesses. There are currently four active TIF districts. Since January 2005, the City has provided $1,879,201 in direct TIF assistance to local businesses. Just over $1,000,000 of this amount was for downtown redevelopment projects. The City just approved an additional $13,000 for restoration of 1 East Main Street. In addition, more than $3 million has been spent on infrastructure in the downtown area and more than $2 million of infrastructure improvements have occurred on County M. Also, the City has spent $25,000 for Whalen and Associates’ assistance in developing the Economic Development Plan, $20,000 for a Highway 14 traffic impact analysis on the east side of Evansville to address business traffic concerns raised by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and $8,750 for a redevelopment master plan along Allen Creek, another Comprehensive Plan objective.
A number of businesses have utilized the City Building Façade Improvement Grant Program. The City also has a business revolving loan fund program. The City is utilizing a variety of economic development tools to assist and grow the local economy.
Two interrelated Plan goals, to “revitalize the downtown to enhance its historic charm, mix of businesses, walkable amenities, and tourist potential,” and to “create a destination point for residents and visitors,” have received serious attention. The redevelopment TIF district #5 has been successful in jumpstarting many of the downtown improvement projects.
Many community interests have been hard at work promoting heritage tourism, including the Grove Historical Society, the Robinson Society, local historian Ruth Ann Montgomery, the City, the Eager Free Public Library, the Chamber of Commerce, the Evansville Community Partnership, and the Evansville School District. New community festivals and events like the Harvest Windmill Festival, Windmills on Parade, and Main Street Art Crawl enhance community vitality and promote our local economy.
Creekside Place volunteers, numbering well over 100 citizens, are working diligently to establish a community center in the heart of our community that will bring vibrancy to our downtown. It will also improve the quality of life, building community bonds in Evansville, a goal previously mentioned.
The Common Council committed room tax dollars to a marketing package through Discover Mediaworks. The Discover Wisconsin Evansville television episode will air in seven states next month. Radio spots are scheduled over the next two years. This promotion is timely as businesses continue to be impacted by the current economic environment.
The Comprehensive Plan is being actively used as a guide to community development. Additional Plan discussion will occur in the coming months as committee review of implementation activities is completed.
We face a challenging future. The Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance reports that the State of Wisconsin has had structural deficits in the last seven biennial budgets. The Wall Street Journal reports that Credit Default Swaps are trading on Wisconsin; there is financial speculation that our state will default. “Governing” magazine discusses the hyperpartisanship of the Wisconsin Legislature which stymies any substantial legislative efforts.
Our local budget is vulnerable to financial decisions and activities of the State Legislature. Intergovernmental revenues are approximately 29% of our annual general fund budget. Cuts in state shared revenue, transportation aid, or the expenditure restraint program will have direct and possibly severe impacts on our budget. Federal legislation adds more complexity to our future budgeting.
Fiscal impacts to local governments typically lag the economy by 18 to 24 months. Economic volatility and stubborn unemployment continue. Budget stresses will be with us for awhile. Local governments are service-intensive. Well over half of our budget is labor-related expense. Budget reductions while minimizing impacts on staff will be challenging. I repeat my goal of avoiding staff reductions while navigating through the impending budget constraints.
As we go forward, we are operating from a starting position of strength. The City has maintained a sufficient general fund balance. Ehlers, our financial consultants for decades, points out that the health of fund balance is critical to municipal fiscal health and creditworthiness. The City has been watchful of its use of debt. The current general fund debt is 41% of allowed debt capacity.
The accomplished projects, activities, and efforts I have mentioned, as well as others, will buffer Evansville from short-term stagnation and deterioration of resources. We will use limited financial resources wisely to maintain our valuable community assets. Community stakeholders, working collaboratively, will need to identify and develop better methods to provide and protect our City’s important resources going forward.
I have great confidence in our Common Council. Coming from diversified backgrounds, our Council is practical, frugal, and operates in the best interest of our community.
Our City Staff is diligent and capable. The Common Council and our City Staff will need to be collaborative, flexible, nimble, and innovative in adapting to changing circumstances that may happen suddenly. Maintaining the status quo is not likely. Changes in revenue will necessitate changes in expenditures.
Citizen input will be welcomed and needed. City government represents you. This year we will again solicit citizen suggestions for ways to enhance revenues, reduce expenses, and provide cost-efficient, effective services. I encourage everyone to participate in the conversation.
Behind Wisconsin’s current fiscal situation are many longer-term demographic and economic challenges that need attention. Our state has a rapidly aging population, a declining income base, a brain drain of talent, and significant infrastructure repair needs, to identify a few. There are a variety of groups working to move our state in a new direction, such as the Wisconsin Way consortium. The plans under development aim to return our state to economic competitiveness. We must work collaboratively, “sifting and winnowing” the best ideas from the many groups to begin improvements. We cannot afford turf battles or partisan entrenchment. Every citizen needs to become aware. Our situation is serious and it will take all of us to accomplish successful change.
Just minutes ago, we approved committee appointments of several citizens. For the first time since I have been mayor, all committees are filled and I have a waiting list of residents extremely interested in serving our community through committee work. In the current atmosphere of antipathy towards government, Evansville has an active, engaged citizenry that is willing to invest time and talent in making our community an even better home.
I have frequently spoken of the strong volunteer ethic in Evansville. The many wonderful community projects and events that occur are testament to this fact. The community bonds that are developed and strengthened each year make Evansville a truly special place.
A partnership of citizens and our City government will ensure that Evansville will address the challenges at hand and maintain our fiscal and community strengths through appropriate dialogue and decision-making. Together we will keep Evansville strong, secure, and a terrific home.

9. Communications from the City Administrator. Wietecha stated he is sending a spreadsheet of goals and objectives of the Smart Growth Plan to the Park Board Committee and Historic Preservation Committee for review.

10. New Business. None

11. Introduction of New Ordinances. None

12. Eminent Domain Proceedings
A. Ringhand made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to move to closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate the purchase of public properties. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote at 7:40 p.m.

No action taken

Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Ringhand to return to open session. Motion approved 7-0 at 8:00 p.m.

B. No motion regarding the purchase of public properties.

13. Meeting Reminders
A. Next meeting is Tuesday, June 8.

14. Adjournment. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to adjourn at 8:00 p.m. Motion approved 7-0.

Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk

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