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.