Minutes: Common Council: November 2010

Common Council

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 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, Diane Roberts, Dennis Wessels, and Tony Wyse. Alderperson Janis Ringhand was absent. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Clerk Judy Walton, Consigny Law Office Attorney Mike Faust, and several members of the public.

3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to move Item 9A to follow Item 4 and approve the agenda. Motion approved 7-0.

4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the minutes of the October 12, 2010, regular meeting and to approve them as presented. Motion approved 7-0.

9A. Resolution #2014-14. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Wessels to approve Resolution 2010-14, Committing Fund Balances of Special Revenue Funds. Wietecha explained that the concern with GASB Statement No. 54 is the possibility of having special revenue funds rolled into the general fund, which could adversely affect our participation in the expenditure restraint program. This resolution formally recognizes the EMS Fund, Library Fund and Cemetery Fund as special revenue funds, separate from the general fund. Motion approved 7-0.

5. Citizen appearances
A. Public Hearing: 2011 Operating Budget. Wietecha directed Council to the list of budget suggestions submitted to the city. He reviewed his recommendations pointing out that there would be no change to the proposed budget total.

Decker opened the public hearing at 6:42 p.m.

Eloise Eager, President of the Board of Trustees of the Eager Free Public Library and Kathi Kemp, Library Director addressed the Council with a request for a budget increase of $13,000.
The following people spoke in support of the request: Fred Juergens, President of the Friends of Eager Free Public Library; Vicki Lecy-Luebke, 13941 W Elaine Drive; Sandi Konkel, 340 Lincoln; Wally Shannon, 24 E Main Street (via written statement read by Kathi Kemp); Francette Hamilton, 17909 W Hwy 59; and Roger Berg, 102 E Main Street.

Sarah Bauer, 18309 W Emery Road, informed the Council that she has a contact name at WE Energies that may be helpful in finding a business to fill the Stoughton Trailer property.

Jeff Porter, 9748 N Riley Road, Evansville expressed his concern with raising taxes at this time.

John Morning, President of the Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, respectfully requested funds for the Chamber. The following members of the public spoke in favor of the Chamber’s request: Nicole Hamby, 318 S 2nd Street; Roger Berg, 102 E Main Street; Jeff Farnsworth, 125 Garfield; Steve Hagen, 420 W Main Street; Lori Allen, 803 Brown School Road; Bridget Larsen, 13535 W Union Road; Francette Hamilton, 17909 W Hwy 59; and Greg Helgesen, 16928 W Porter Road.

Kim Miller, 8 Sherman Court, commented that a community is attractive for what they offer, not just low taxes.

Decker closed the public hearing at 7:13 p.m.

Braunschweig presented the Second reading and made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve Ordinance 2010-08, Adopting 2011 Operating and Capital Budgets and Setting Tax Levies. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to amend the motion by amending the current proposed budget reflecting the changes as noted in the City Administrator’s recommendation in Item 5A1. Council discussed the individual changes. Amendment approved 7-0.

Braunschweig explained the budget process, identifying the items that needed to be cut in order to maintain a zero tax increase. Wyse commended the Finance Committee for their work on the budget. He suggested an increase for both the Library and the Chamber.

Wyse made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to amend the proposed budget to include $13,000 for the Library and $14,000 for the Chamber. Braunschweig and Jacobson commented that in order to consider this, $27,000 would need to be cut elsewhere. Council discussed the requests, recognizing their importance and weighing them against current economic concerns. Decker requested that if the Council was going to consider the requests for increases that they find a corresponding decrease, as she intended to veto any budget increase. Motion failed 2-5 on a roll call vote with Braunschweig, Brooks, Jacobson, Roberts & Wessels opposing.

Main motion, as amended, approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

Dixie Moll thanked the Council for the amazing and difficult job they do and stated that she has more respect for them, after this meeting, than she ever had before.

6. Reports of Committees
A. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Greg Kuelz stated that it has been agreed upon by the YMCA that virtually all the items at the center will be staying with the center. They are planning a meeting with the kids to explain the changes and to reassure them that the center is staying open. They have received a donated Wii. He thanked the Council for their support.

B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report
(1). Brooks made a motion, seconded by Roberts to accept the Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $822,011.60. 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 $530,351.03. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve Resolution 2010-13, Approving Contract Extension for City Engineer. Jacobson inquired as to whether this included any increase in the pay rate. Wietecha stated that they understand we expect no increase but at this time we do not know. With a 1-year extension approved by resolution, the city has time to review any forth coming contract. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve one-year contract with John Stockham of Stockham Consulting as City Planner. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(5). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Wessels to approve up to $2,932.74 to hire and train three part-time police officers. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(6). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve engagement of Johnson Block and Company, Inc., for the 2010 audit. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(7). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve 2011 purchase of services agreement with Rock County Humane Society. Culbertson asked for an explanation to the increase. Wietecha explained that the many different fees are being simplified into a flat fee. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

8:15 p.m. Council took a 5 minute break, reconvening at 8:20 p.m., Braunschweig returned at 8:25 p.m.

C. Plan Commission Report
(1). Update on Highway 14 Corridor Study. Decker stated there was a public information session on October 27th at the high school and they will be having an additional one in the spring. They are gathering data on traffic counts and areas with safety concerns.

(2). Public comment period on Wisconsin Rail Plan. Decker stated there is a public comment period until November 15th.

D. Public Safety Committee Report
(1). Wessels made a motion, seconded by Jacobson to approve appointment of Lieutenant Jay Koehler to a two year term to Rock County 911 Communications Commission and Chief Scott McElroy as alternate. Brooks asked if this was a change in the current appointments. Wietecha stated this is a nine member commission and four of the positions rotate. These positions are part of the rotation. Motion approved 7-0.

E. Public Works Committee Report
(1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to approve up to $29,522.50 for additional sludge removal at the wastewater treatment plant. Wietecha explained that there was more sludge removal than anticipated. The amount is within budget but over the contracted amount. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

F. Water & Light Committee Report. None

G. Economic Development Committee Report. Wyse stated that CEED is meeting quarterly unless a special meeting is needed.

H. Redevelopment Authority Report. None

I. Parks and Recreation Board Report. None

J. Historic Preservation Commission Report. Wessels stated there was a meeting last night and they are moving forward with the two proposed new historic districts.

K. Fire District Report. Jacobson stated that they had a great spaghetti dinner fundraiser with over 100 more served than last year.

L. Police Commission Report. None

M. Evansville-Union Implementation Committee Report. Brooks stated he has not heard back from the Town of Union regarding a meeting date.

N. Energy Independence Team Report. Decker stated they are meeting quarterly with the next meeting to be held in December.

O. Library Board/Liaison Report. None

P. Board of Appeals Report. Wietecha stated there is a meeting and public hearing scheduled for November 10th.

7. Unfinished Business. None

8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor. None

9. Communications from the City Administrator
A. Moved to follow Item #4

10. New Business. None

11. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. Roberts presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2010-09, Adopting State Criminal Code. [Sponsors: Wessels and Jacobson].

12. East Main Street Bridge Replacement Project.
A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to move to closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate the purchase of public properties and to not subsequently reconvene in open session. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote at 8:33 p.m.

13. Meeting Reminders
A. Next meeting date is Tuesday, December 14, 2010.

14. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adjourn at 8:50 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.