Search This Blog

"Flooding Was What We Expected": The Movie

The Wind of Change

Seek The High Ground

Monday, January 31, 2011

Minutes; Evansville Planning Commission: December 2010

City of Evansville Plan Commission
Regular Meeting
Monday December 6, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES

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

2. Roll Call. Members present: Mason Braunschweig, Sandy Decker, Matt Eaton, Carol Endres, John Gishnock, Bill Hammann, and Diane Roberts. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Clerk Judy Walton, City Planner John Stockham, Ron Combs of Combs & Associates, John Morning, and Bob Janes.

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

4. Approval of minutes.
A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to waive the reading of the minutes from the November 1, 2010 regular meeting and approve them as printed. Motion approved 7-0.

5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed. None

6. New Business.
A. Minor Amendment – Morning Ridge PUD and Final Plat. Stockham reviewed his staff report and power point presentation which included a map showing 2 options (A & B) for the location of driveways. He reported on the history of the property and the prior plat approval which included driveway limitations. Ron Combs, John Morning, and the Commission discussed the width and location of potential driveways, traffic flow, and safety. Hammann made a motion, seconded by Endres to approve a minor amendment of the PUD and Final Plat for the Brown School Subdivision that allows Option A on all 5 lots and Option B for lots 1, 4 & 5. Motion approved 7-0.


7. Old Business.
A. Comprehensive Plan Amendment. Stockham presented several different maps which included potentially serviceable areas, a property line map, neighborhood growth areas, and current zoning. Braunschweig reported that the Public Works Committee reviewed the areas identified on the future sewer service area map and found them to be doable and realistic. The Commission discussed the future land use plan in detail, suggesting additional industrial use south of the public works shop. Stockham stated the next steps would be to prepare a phasing plan, develop extraterritorial jurisdiction platting policies, set the public hearing date, hold the public hearing and then adopt the final comprehensive plan amendment.

8. Report on other permitting activity by City Planner. Stockham stated the calls he has been receiving include inquires regarding home occupations and questions from appraisal companies.

9. Report on the Unified Land Development Code Committee. None

10. Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission. Decker stated the two new historic districts were approved unanimously by the State Historical Society and they recommended them for inclusion in the National Register.

11. Report of the Evansville-Union Implementation Committee. Next meeting is scheduled for December 15th.

12. Report on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations. None

13. Report on Board of Appeals actions relating to zoning matters. Stockham stated there was a meeting on November 10th for a side yard variance request on Porter Road. It was determined that the applicant was able to complete his project without the need of a variance. Therefore, the board denied the request.

14. Report on proposed Rock County PACE Program. Decker reviewed the draft Rock County PACE (Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements) Program map with the Commission. She pointed out a possible conflict between the area identified as Allen Creek and the city’s future land use map.

15. Enforcement Report. None

16. Next regular meeting date. Monday, January 3, 2011

17. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts to adjourn at 7:27 p.m. Motion approved 7-0.

Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk

The minutes are not official until approved by the Plan Commission at their next regular meeting.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Minutes; Evansville Common Council: December 2010

Common Council

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 14, 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 (arrived late). Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Attorney Mark Kopp, and several members of the public.

3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to move Item 8-A to follow Item 5-A and approve the agenda. Motion approved 6-0.

4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to waive the reading of the minutes of the November 9, 2010, regular meeting and to approve them as presented. Motion approved 6-0.

5. Citizen appearances.
A. Commending Janis Ringhand. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve Resolution 2010-16, Commending Janis Ringhand for her Service to the City of Evansville. Motion approved 6-0.

B. Recognition of Evansville Community Partnership (Item 8-A). Decker read Mayoral Proclamation in Recognition of the Ten Year Anniversary of Evansville Community Partnership. Tom Calley accepted the Proclamation on behalf of ECP.

C. Snowmobiles. Gene Heiman stated that snowmobiles are currently using an unmarked trail along County Road M to access his tavern and he thinks the visibility, traffic, and grocery store access make it a dangerous route for snowmobiles. He would like to see a trail similar to what had been used in prior years along Brown School Road; he would put up a temporary fence to help mark the trail. Heather Halvensleben said the current use along County Road M does not cause noise problems and that the Brown School Road alternative would cross private property without express permission. The Common Council indicated that the issue should return to the Public Safety Committee; their next meeting is January 5.

6. Reports of Committees:
A. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Greg Kuelz said the transition from the YMCA contract to handling in-house was going well and a Youth Center Coordinator had been hired as a limited term employee. They have received a number of donations from the community due to the increased visibility of the Youth Center. Alderperson Tony Wyse arrived at this time.

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 $637,642.76. 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 $491,428.31. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to hold certain 2011 Budget expenditures until later in the year. Wietecha explained that to hold some expenses until later in the year when we hope to have a better sense of the State’s budget, in particular shared revenues. Additional contingency budget planning will occur over the next few months. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to recommend to Common Council approval of Resolution 2010-15, Amending the City of Evansville Fee Schedule. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to amend the wording of the motion “to approve” the resolution rather than “to recommend approval.” Amendment approved 7-0. Motion as amended approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

C. Plan Commission Report. No report.

D. Public Safety Committee Report.
(1). Wessels made a motion, seconded by Culbertson, to approve Intergovernmental Emergency Ambulance Service Contract. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.

(2). Wessels stated the Police are planning for a prescription medication drop-off, will be a license outlet for the Department of Natural Resources, and several officers will participate in the Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics.

E. Public Works Committee Report. No report.

F. Water & Light Committee Report. Roberts said their December meeting had been rescheduled to December 22.

G. Economic Development Committee Report. Wyse said their December meeting would include a tour of Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly on December 21.

H. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report.

I. Parks and Recreation Board Report. No report.

J. Historic Preservation Commission Report. Decker indicated that the Wisconsin Historical Society had approved the two historic districts and recommend their nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

K. Fire District Report. Wyse will act as alternate in Ringhand’s absence. If he is unable to attend a meeting, he will call Brooks as alternate.

L. Police Commission Report. Wietecha said three part-time officers had been approved for hire pending completion of physical, drug screening, and psychological exam.

M. Evansville-Union Implementation Committee Report. Brooks stated they are meeting December 15.

N. Energy Independence Team Report. Decker stated energy audits had been conducted for most city buildings and are being reviewed with staff.

O. Library Board/Liaison Report. No report.

P. Board of Appeals Report. No report.

7. Unfinished Business:
A. Wessels presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Roberts, to approve Ordinance 2010-09, Adopting State Criminal Code. Kopp explained that the ordinance would clean up the penalty provisions to make sure they were internally consistent. Motion approved 7-0.

8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor.:
A. Moved to 5-B on the agenda.

B. Decker noted that it is time for annual performance reviews and alderpersons should forward any comments or concerns about the City Administrator to her or to Braunschweig.

9. Communications from the City Administrator. No report.

10. New Business. No report.

11. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. Roberts presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2010-10, Prohibiting Synthetic Cannabinoids. [Sponsors: Wessels and Jacobson].

12. Meeting Reminders
A. Next meeting date is Tuesday, January 11, 2011.

13. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Motion approved 7-0.


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

Monday, January 3, 2011

Minutes: Public Safety: December 2010

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
Wednesday, December 1, 2010 6:00 P.M.
Regular Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Room
31 S Madison Street

MINUTES


1. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Wessels at 6:00 p.m.
2. Chair/Alderperson Wessels conducted roll call. The following persons were present: Alderperson Jacobson, Police Chief Scott McElroy, and EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver.

3. Motion by Jacobson, second by Wessels, to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed.

4. Motion by Jacobson, second by Wessels, to approve the November 3, 2010 regular meeting minutes as printed. Motion passed.

5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed - None
6. Old Business - None
7. New Business
a. Motion to approve Operator’s License Applications for: None
b. Police Chief McElroy feels that the city should follow suit with Milton and Clinton in creating an ordinance relating to synthetic marijuana. City attorney expressed that local control and immediate enforcement ability are great reasons to adopt an ordinance. Motion by Jacobson, second by Wessels, to approve adopting a city ordinance relating to synthetic marijuana use. Motion passed.

c. Chief McElroy has been working on the PD becoming a licensing agent for the DNR licenses. Motion by Jacobson, second by Wessels, to approve the police department becoming a registered agent for the DNR for boat, ATV, and snowmobile registrations and hunting, fishing, trapping and harvesting licenses and park stickers. Motion passed.

D. The police department and Jennifer Braun of Partners in Prevention are working toward having the PD become a collection point for unwanted, unused and expired prescription medicines. Motion by Wessels, second by Jacobson, to approve becoming a medicine drop off location. Motion passed.

8. Evansville Police Report – The police department had 983 calls for service for November 2010, compared to 1191 in November of 2009. There were 58 license plate transactions in November. The PD is now listed on the DMV website as a registration agency. The police department will be participating in the statewide “Booze and Belts” traffic safety campaign December 10 through 18. Articles provided for “Behind the Badge” and placed on the website this past month were the “Booze and Belts” Initiative and “Texting While Driving Law” that goes into effect on December 1, 2010. The TRACS system is still experiencing problems and continues to be a work in progress getting the “bugs” worked out.

The police department is working toward creating an “Evansville Emergency Monitoring System” or (EEMS). The system is an automatic dialer that residents have connected to their phone. This would be ideal for elderly residents with medical conditions, the handicapped, someone living alone, etc. The resident would wear a pendant that they would activate for immediate assistance. The department would then respond to the call for assistance.
The police department is also working with Tammy Pence of Alzheimer’s Support Center in Rock County to host a training seminar on Alzheimer’s Elder Abuse, etc. tentatively planned for March 30, 2011 at the Evansville High School.

We are continually working on Accreditation. Two new part-time officers, Margaret Wirth and Jeremy Schmidt, were appointed in November. Officer Nankee, Jones, Job and Reese have committed to participating in the Special Olympics “Polar Plunge” in Madison in February 2011. The team, called the “Law Dogs”, are looking to raise $75 each and would like your support and consideration in participating in the cause. All staff is scheduled for range training December 16, 2010.

9. Evansville Medical Service Report – Mary stated that we had 34 runs for the month of November 2010. Recruitment is still a priority in the department, and there is one potential student for the upcoming semester. Mary and Zach attended a Life Quest conference at Wisconsin Dells. New Medicare laws and guidelines were covered that are in the works, along with new HIPPA laws. The service also received a report card on how well we are doing with collections and completion of run report information.

10. Motion by Wessels, second by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.


Dennis Wessels, Chairperson


Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.

Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.