Minutes; Evansville Common Council: June 2011

Common Council

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 14, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
Creekside Place, 102 Maple Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES
1. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m. by Mayor Sandy Decker.

2. Roll call. Members present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Todd Culbertson, Cheryl Fuchs, Floyd Hayes, Barb Jacobson, Dennis Wessels, and Tony Wyse. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Clerk Judy Walton, City Attorney Mark Kopp, City Engineer Dave Sauer, Rock County Farm Bureau President Doug Rebout, Kelly Gildner of The Review, Youth Center Committee President Greg Kuelz, Eric Larsen, Bob Janes, Judy Whalen, Harlin Miller, Creekside Place Executive Director Dave VanDerHaegen, and three other members of the public.

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

4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to waive the reading of the minutes of the May 10, 2011 regular meeting and to approve them as presented. Motion approved 8-0.

5. Citizen appearances
A. Doug Rebout, Rock County Farm Bureau President, extended an invitation to the Focus On Agriculture event scheduled for Wednesday, July 13, 2011. He stated that this year’s focus in on education.

(Item #6E) Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Resolution 2011-10, Documenting Review of the 2010 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR). Dave Sauer explained the report and the grading system. He stated that the sections receiving less than the perfect score have been addressed by the recent upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant, adding that groundwater quality will improve with time. Motion approved 8-0.

Dave Sauer announced that the City of Evansville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant was recognized as one of the Top Projects for 2010 by The Daily Reporter and he presented a plaque for that recognition to Mayor Sandy Decker.

B. Public Hearing – Amending the City of Evansville’s Comprehensive Plan.
John Stockham presented his staff report and power point presentation. He reviewed background facts, maps, and reasons for city expansion.

At this time, Mayor Sandy Decker announced that Jeremy Job, who recently went full-time with the Evansville Police Department, would be stopping by to introduce himself shortly after his shift begins at 7:00 p.m.

Decker opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
Eric Larsen, 13535 West E Union Road, Evansville, addressed the Council with concerns on the projected 84 dwelling units as listed in Table 1 of the amendment and whether that number is attainable, and how the current and projected inventory was determined. He suggested tabling any action until more discussion occurs between the town and city on the projected growth areas.

Bob Janes, 8739 N Territorial Road, Evansville, read a prepared statement in which he expressed his opposition to the plan and asked that more time be taken to work on it.

There being no other public comments, Decker closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.

At this time Officer Jeremy Job introduced himself. He was recently hired as a full-time officer after being part-time since 2009.

Returning to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment, Decker moved discussion to the Council.

Braunschweig gave a brief background on the work done on this plan. He stated that the city planner on staff at the beginning of the plan advised the city to be cautious when approving land divisions outside the city limits in order to keep the city from becoming land locked, adding that would not only be bad for the city but also for the town. He stressed that this is just a plan, a plan that can be adopted and talks can continue with cooperation needed from both sides. He noted that attendance at the public hearings has gone done dramatically since the myths of unilateral annexations, immediate intense growth, and using up farmland have been eliminated. He stated that this amendment, at this time, is in the best interest of the city. He concluded by stating that in order to have an environment of cooperation, personal attacks should not be brought to the table.

Wessels agreed with moving forward with adopting the plan and continue to work on it.

Brooks stated that this plan acknowledges the current state; it identifies what can be served by the city. The city was due to review this plan and he feels it is beneficial to have a current plan adopted.

Hayes commented that he wasn’t sure this was right for the town and added that he doesn’t believe in forcing anything on anybody.

Wyse stated that he had considered voting to table the plan but by reviewing it himself, attending the meetings and through this discussion he understands that this is just a plan, adding that he believes there should be continued discussion on it. He stated that he was extremely disappointed with some of the language and attitude he heard tonight and wished to make it clear that he has not be influenced by anyone regarding the plan.

Culbertson commented that he doesn’t understand the negativity towards the plan and added that he has not been contacted by nor influenced by anyone from the city or town regarding the plan.

Fuchs agreed that this is just a plan and not set in stone and unchangeable. She stated that she doesn’t see how the plan can create problems for anyone.

Braunschweig presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Brooks to Approve Ordinance 2011-04, An Ordinance Amending the City of Evansville’s Comprehensive Plan. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Brooks] Motion approved 6-2 on a roll call vote with Hayes and Jacobson opposing.

C. Braunschweig presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Brooks to Approve Ordinance 2011-05, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 110 Subdivision and Other Land Divisions. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Brooks]
In response to questions from the Council on lot sizes and clustering, Stockham explained the components of the proposed ordinance amendment and the need for written guidelines. He stated that the amendment would set guidelines for new lots in the extra-territorial jurisdiction area yet allow for development. He noted that this amendment was recommended by the Unified Land Development Code Committee, a committee that includes Town of Union residents. Motion approved 6-2 with Jacobson and Hayes opposing.

6. Reports of Committees.
A. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Greg Kuelz reported that the 4th of July plans are proceeding quickly and said they are seeking volunteers to help cover the events.
He stated that, with the help of City Administrator Dan Wietecha, they are working on a budget and are anticipating being able to have two staff people this fall.

B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report.
(1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to accept the Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $643,151.09. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

(2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to accept the City bills as presented in the amount of $237,180.98. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

(3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Culbertson to approve upgrade to Clarity accounting and billing software. Wietecha reported that both the Water & Light Committee and the Finance & Labor Relations Committee recommended approval. He explained WPPI’s proposal for financing the upgrade and the positive effects the upgrade would have on staff. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

(4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adopt Resolution #2011-07, Borrowing $144,000 from State Trust Fund for Refinancing BCPL State Trust Fund Loan #02008047.01 (Post Office). Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

(5). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adopt Resolution #2011-08, Borrowing $159,000 from State Trust Fund for Financing East Main Street Bridge Replacement. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

(6). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adopt Resolution 2011-09, Authorizing the Issuance of a $330,000 General Obligation Promissory Note. Wietecha explained that the need for the borrowing was due to the cost of replacing the water main under the East Main Street Bridge being higher than originally planned and upgrading electric lines earlier than expected. He stated that by borrowing as a general obligation, versus a revenue bond, we are able to receive a better interest rate. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.

C. Plan Commission Report.
(1). Planner RFP update. Wietecha informed Council that there were 11 applicants and he anticipates interviewing 3 of them in late June.

D. Public Safety Committee Report.
(1). Wessels made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve Alcohol Beverage License Application for a Class “B” Beer/”Class B” Liquor License for Creekside Place Inc., David VanDerHaegen, Agent, DBA Creekside Place Inc., 102 Maple Street, Evansville, WI 53536. Motion approved 8-0.

E. Public Works Committee Report.
(1). (moved to follow Item 4A)

Wietecha stated that the Department of Transportation will be conducting an informational meeting during the Public Works Committee’s June 28th meeting regarding the East Main Street Bridge reconstruction project.

F. Water & Light Committee Report. Brooks reported that they are working hard to use the Commitment to Community funds wisely by the end of the year, LED lights are installed on the signs at the entrances to the city, and they are investigating variable speed pumps for the lift stations.

G. Economic Development Committee Report. Brooks reported that they are getting back to the Economic Development plan that was prepared by Judy Whalen a couple of years ago. They are working on bringing more tourism to the city and keeping those visitors here longer, and they are working on signage to use during the bridge reconstruction.

H. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report.

I. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Culbertson reported that they are close to killing the weeds around the lake and they are discussing refurbishing and moving the canon in the park.

J. Historic Preservation Commission Report. No report, but Wessels stated that there was a good turnout for the Civil War event.

K. Fire District Report. Jacobson reported that the firefighters have received additional training and education with a house burning, they are reviewing the building and public use policy, and they are experiencing a higher number of carbon monoxide calls.

L. Police Commission Report. No report.

M. Energy Independence Team Report. No report.

N. Library Board/Liaison Report. No report. Fuchs stated she was out of town and unable to attend the meeting.

O. Board of Appeals Report. No report.

7. Unfinished Business. None

8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor. Decker stated that she has been reading the book “Getting To Yes” that was provided by Kim Gruebling at the June 13th Joint Meeting and is half way through it. One item she has learned is to not respond to personal attacks.
A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to waive the seven-day notice on citizen appointments. Motion approved 8-0.
B. Culbertson made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve the Mayoral designations of Jeff Hanson, 535 Greenview Drive, as first alternate and Janice Turner, 233 West Church Street, as second alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals for 2011 and remove them from the Board of Review. Motion approved 8-0.
C. The special Council meeting to adopt the redistricting ordinance was set for Wednesday, July 6th at 7:00 p.m.
D. The Committee of the Whole meeting was scheduled for Monday, July 25th at 6:30 p.m.

9. Communications from the City Administrator. No report but Wietecha commented that although he was sorry to see Officer Scott Fields leave the Evansville Police Department, he feels Officer Jeremy Job will be an asset to our community.

10. New Business.
A. Report on proposed redistricting maps. City Clerk Judy Walton stated that according to the U.S. Census data, the City of Evansville grew from 4,039 residents to 5,012 since the last census. The Council reviewed the current and proposed ward maps, aldermanic district maps and a map outlining the areas that would change if the maps were acceptable. No changes were suggested.

11. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2011-06, An Ordinance Repealing and Recreating Polling Place, Wards, and Aldermanic Districts. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Wessels]

12. Meeting Reminders.
A. Special Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 6th, Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for July 25th, and the next regular meeting will be Tuesday, July 12, 2011.

13. Adjournment. Culbertson made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to adjourn at 8:27 p.m. Motion approved 8-0.

Dave VanDerHaegen, Executive Director of Creekside Place, gave a tour of the facility after adjournment.

Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk

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