Minutes: Common Council; May 2012

Common Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 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. Decker asked for a moment of silence for Corporal Benjamin Neal. 2. Roll Call. Members present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Jon Senn, Cheryl Fuchs, Floyd Hayes, Barb Jacobson, Joshua Manring, and Ben Ladick. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Attorney Mark Kopp, EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver, members of EMS staff, Financial Advisor Greg Johnson (Ehlers Associates), and members of the public. 3. Approval of Agenda. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve the agenda with Item 8-A moved up. Motion approved unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to waive the reading of the minutes of the April 10, 2012, regular meeting and April 17 and 21, 2012, special meetings and to approve them as presented. Motion approved unanimously. 5. Citizen appearances. Mark Oyan introduced himself as the new owner of the bowling alley. He has been busy remodeling and expects to re-open in early June. 8-A Mayoral Proclamation: Emergency Medical Services Week. Decker read the Mayoral Proclamation of Emergency Medical Services Week, May 20-26, 2012. The proclamation was presented to the EMS volunteers, and the Common Council thanked them for their service. 6. Reports of Committees. A. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Wietecha reported they are getting close to closing out the school year; the advisory board and staff have done a great job revitalizing the youth center and gaining recognition in the community. There is youth center day at the Evansville Jays game on May 24. They are preparing for fundraising during the Fourth of July. B. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report. (1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $1,478,461.19. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. (2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve the Tax Collection Agreement with Rock County. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. (3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Resolution 2012-10, Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $460,000 Taxable General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2012A. Johnson explained the bonds are to refinance existing debt to take advantage of interest savings. He distributed and reviewed the Sale Report, noting this was a negotiated sale due to the size and term of the issue. It is a taxable issue, since it involves a development incentive. Net of annual paying agent fees, the savings will be about $60,000. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. (4). Johnson and Wietecha provided an overview of the city’s finances. Although Evansville does not currently have a rated bond issue, a comparison of financial benchmarks with other municipalities is favorable. When Evansville next issues debt of about $800,000 to $900,000 or greater, we should look into the value of having that bond issue rated. Reviews of debt structure, financial policies, property taxes, and general fund expenditures indicate that the city is in overall good shape. It is important to maintain a fiscal approach that emphasizes long-term stability. C. Plan Commission Report. No report. D. Public Safety Committee Report. Jacobson reported the new squad car was in service and the new ambulance would be picked up next week. EMS is putting on a “mock prom accident” later this week; CPR classes will occur over the weekend. They are still looking into Knox Boxes. (1). Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to approve Original Alcohol License application for a Class “B” Beer / “Class B” Liquor License for Romano’s Pizza Inc., Francesco Romano, Agent, 74 N. Sixth Street, Evansville, WI 53536, d/b/a Romano’s Pizza, 50 Union Street, Evansville, WI 53536, subject to passing any required follow-up inspections prior to license issuance. Motion approved unanimously. (2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to approve Alcohol Beverage License Renewal Applications as listed, subject to passing any required follow-up inspections prior to license issuance. Motion approved unanimously. Class “B” Beer/“Class B” Liquor Licenses a) 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. b) 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. c) 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. Class “A” Beer/“Class A” Liquor Licenses a) 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. b) 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. c) Kopecky’s Worldwide Foods Inc., James D Kopecky, Agent, 8017 N Ridge Court, Evansville, WI 53536, d/b/a Kopecky’s Piggly Wiggly, 8 County M, Evansville WI 53536. d) Madison Street Express Inc., Parminder Sekhon, Agent, 2644 Granite Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711, d/b/a All ‘N One, 104 S Madison Street, Evansville WI 53536. Class “A” Beer License a) Landmark Services Cooperative, Lee Dammen, Agent, 13912 W Northridge Drive, Evansville WI 53536, d/b/a Cenex Convenience Store of Evansville, 9 John Lindemann Drive, Evansville WI 53536. Class “B” Beer License 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. “Class C” Wine License 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. E. Public Works Committee Report. (1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to approve Resolution 2012-09, Repair of Railroad Crossing on East Main Street. Wietecha noted that the Union Pacific Railroad had not responded to negotiations. Motion approved unanimously. F. Water & Light Committee Report. Brooks reported that WPPI Energy had hired a new Energy Services Representative; we will start seeing him on a regular basis in about six weeks after his orientation. The electric rate case is still pending before with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. G. Economic Development Committee Report. Brooks reported that the Wisconsin Department of Tourism presented its report on April 30. A check-in meeting of the people working on the retail business recommendations is scheduled for May 10. The Economic Development Committee had a facilitated discussion with the Chamber of Commerce during its April 16 meeting and would discuss next steps on May 21. H. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report. I. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Fuchs reported that over the weekend a “milkiness” was seen in part of the lake; there was concern of a fish kill. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources did an initial investigation and expects it to pass. J. Historic Preservation Commission Report. No report. K. Fire District Report. Jacobson reported they will be looking into a pumper replacement in the future. L. Police Commission Report. Wietecha reported they are meeting May 16 to consider promoting from the eligibility list to part-time status. M. Energy Independence Team Report. Decker explained information on the wind turbine production. The State Energy Office held a meeting in Evansville and toured the Energy Fair on April 20. N. Library Board/Liaison Report. Wietecha reported that the board had hired an Assistant Director. They have also accepted Library Director Kathi Kemp’s resignation; her last day will be May 18. O. Board of Appeals Report. No report. 7. Unfinished Business. A. Jacobson presented the Second Reading and made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to approve Ordinance 2012-05, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Emergency Vehicle Parking. [sponsors Hayes and Jacobson]. Motion approved unanimously. B. Jacobson presented the Second Reading and made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to approve Ordinance 2012-06, Amending Chapter 82 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Weapons. [sponsors Hayes and Jacobson]. Kopp explained that this was to bring our regulations in line with state statute; the privilege exception is generally for defense of persons or property under the state criminal code. Motion approved 6-2 with Braunschweig and Brooks voting against. C. Jacobson presented the Second Reading and made a motion, seconded by Hayes, to approve Ordinance 2012-07, Amending Chapter 22 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Soda Water Beverage and Nonintoxicating Liquor Licenses. [sponsors Jacobson and Hayes]. Motion approved unanimously. D. Hayes presented the Second Reading and made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Ordinance 2012-08, Amending Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Emergency Medical Technician Volunteer Funds. [sponsors Braunschweig and Brooks]. Motion approved unanimously. 8. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor A. Mayoral Proclamation: Emergency Medical Services Week. Handled earlier in the meeting. B. State of the City. Decker presented the 2012 State of the City: 2012 State of the City Well over a year ago a local businessman suggested that I recap the City of Evansville work product of the past five years. He thought that our community would benefit from a summary of the many projects, initiatives, and changes that have happened. As I begin my seventh year as Mayor of Evansville, I believe it is time to look at our changing community. My family has often joked about my tendency to make lists. Did you read my most recent mayor’s column with the updated list of energy projects? I’ve added two more “green” businesses to the list in the last week. Those of you that attended the Committee of the Whole Meeting last month might have noticed my interest in the “Appreciating What Is” itemization exercise. I even admitted that I would use the list when writing this report. First, I want to share our community’s successes that are most gratifying to me personally. Tears came to my eyes as the votes on the Lake Leota dredging referendum were totaled on the presidential election night in November 2008. Seventy percent of the voters approved of spending scarce tax dollars in a rocky economy to restore our beloved Lake! The vibrant activity in Leonard-Leota Park today is remarkable and the Norman Rockwell visual of our youth walking to the Park, fishing pole and tackle box in hand, for an afternoon of outdoor enjoyment will always stay with me. The groundbreaking for Creekside Place is another personal highlight during my mayoral tenure. Evansville citizens opened their wallets during extremely difficult economic times to accomplish with private contributions a phenomenal enhancement to community quality of life. People often comment to me that they wonder what we did before Creekside Place. I am forever grateful to my neighbor Mary Peckham for her generosity and vision. Creekside Place boosts the vitality of our downtown and is a fantastic example of value-added infill development. I will never forget the day I saw an early cut of the Evansville episode of Discover Wisconsin. Our community was absolutely beautiful! Our lake sparkled, our downtown handsomely displayed its special historic character, and the program oozed small town charm. Discover Wisconsin visually captured a community that believed in itself. I am so fortunate to be blessed with these fabulous lasting memories. Since spring of 2006, there have been dozens of significant City infrastructure, equipment, facility, and service improvements, economic development efforts, and collaborations and advocacy activities. As I list them, I am also certain some items have been overlooked. City Infrastructure, Equipment, and Facility Improvements 1. Main Street reconstruction, which won the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Public Works Association 2009 Project of the Year for a Transportation Project under $5 million. 2. Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation Frank Busalacchi visited Evansville with a Transportation Enhancement Grant for $398,000 for restoration of the Main Street bricks and development of City bike trailways. 3. Madison Street road construction project, from the Park entrance to the south end of the City. 4. Intersection improvement at South Madison and Water Streets. 5. Bridge replacement on East Main Street. 6. Dredging of Lake Leota. 7. Waste water treatment plant upgrade, which was selected a Top Project of 2010 by the “Wisconsin Daily Reporter,” a daily business newspaper dedicated to construction news, and received a 2011 BUILD Wisconsin award from the Wisconsin Association of General Contractors. 8. Highway M infrastructure improvement project. 9. New electric substation. 10. South loop electric line rebuild. 11. Upgrade to electric lines along Highway 14 east of town. 12. Commenced multi-year urban electric line rebuild, burying residential lines. 13. Installation of 100kW wind turbine. 14. Street light upgrade to LED technology. 15. After consulting with national expert Dry Stone Conservancy, commenced multi-year creek wall repair project. 16. City Hall office remodeling. 17. City Hall re-roofing and tuck pointing project. 18. New fire station. 19. Old fire station adapted for relocation of police department. 20. Public Works Department consolidated into one location. 21. Remodeled Youth Center on South First Street. 22. Remodeled Dean Center Building on West Church Street for EMS Department. 23. Constructed additional Water and Light Utility garage/storage space. 24. Constructed new Police Department/EMS garage. 25. Storm water improvements on South Sixth Street. 26. New bathrooms at Countryside and Leonard-Leota Park. 27. Installed playground equipment, soccer field, and parking lot at Westside Park. 28. Purchased post office building to secure land for future library addition. 29. Heating and lighting energy-efficiency projects at Public Works facility. 30. Installed additional phases to solar hot water heating system at the outdoor pool. 31. Installed energy-efficient variable frequency drive pump for Well #3. 32. Purchased energy-efficient vehicles, including neighborhood electric vehicle, diesel-powered park mower, and flex-fuel snow plows. 33. New city welcome and way finding signage. City Service Strengths and Improvements 1. Affiliation with WPPI Energy in 2007. 2. City commitment to reducing energy costs through improved energy efficiency. 3. Mayor maintains dedicated office at City Hall 4. Relocation of Police Department to downtown. 5. Establishment of stormwater utility. 6. 2007 update to City Park & Outdoor Recreation Plan. 7. Five year update to Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan with inclusion of utility expansion areas. 8. Realignment of City Hall Staff. 9. Accounting software upgrade and consolidation. 10. Aggressive City pursuit of grant dollars with $6,000,000 in federal and state funding awarded to a variety of projects in the past six years. Significant grant administration absorbed at City Hall. 11. Better and timely financial information for internal decision making and cost control. 12. City-wide effort to reduce municipal costs and expenses. 13. Strength in financial fundamentals through economic and political turmoil, with healthy general fund balance and current general obligation debt at approximately 44% of debt capacity. Preliminary financial results for 2011 show a surplus; we have lived within the budget. 14. Common Council and management staff commitment to top-notch customer service and continuous drive for excellence. 15. Ongoing professional training and certifications of City Staff. 16. Selection of new City administrator, City clerk, City finance director, City planner, City engineer, and Water and Light Utility superintendent as circumstances warranted, with focus on community needs into the future. 17. Expanded and frequently updated city website. 18. Nearly weekly columns from City Hall in the Evansville Review. 19. City action to improve use of best practices, with city pursuit of police accreditation and utility RP3 designation. 20. Successful application for FEMA’s Community Rating System program, allowing citizen discounts for flood insurance. 21. Historic resurvey of city structures, resulting in designation of two new historic districts, making property owners eligible for historic preservation tax credits. 22. Participation of mayor in Local Government Institute Madison-area focus group on Roadmap for Government Transformation, exploring collaborations among units of government. Attendance at subsequent LGI Lean Government Conference. 23. Ramped up advocacy and leadership activities of City officials and staff, with participation on the League of Wisconsin Municipalities Advisory Committee on Legislation, memberships in the League Lobby Corps, leadership of the League Engineering and Public Works Track, participation in American Public Power Association Legislative Rallies and Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin Legislative Days, service on Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence Legislative Committee, representation on WPPI Energy Board of Directors and Community Relations Advisory Group, and attendance at Rock County Legislative Days in Madison. City Economic Development Efforts 1. Coordinated multiple meetings between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the local business community about traffic concerns at the intersections of Highway 14 and County M, and Highway 14 and J. Lindemann Drive. 2. Commissioned a Traffic Impact Analysis study for the Highway 14 intersections on the east side of the City at a cost of approximately $20,000. 3. North Union Street Redevelopment Master Plan was prepared by R.A. Smith and Associates at a cost of $8,750. 4. City Economic Development Summit in January 2008, facilitated by Whalen and Associates at a cost of $25,000. 5. Following investigation of several community economic development structures, CEED, the Council of Evansville Economic Development, was formed. The collaborative intent of CEED remains unrealized. 6. City and business community embraced the proposed North Prairie Productions soy biodiesel production facility, as well as the soybean crushing plant, with City planning, engineering, and legal efforts. Both projects were victims of economic conditions. Terry Whipple, keynote speaker at the Evansville Economic Development Summit, spoke of failure being a necessary part of success. Evansville was progressive and thinking big in working on these agricultural industrial business opportunities and Wisconsin Governor Doyle visited Evansville twice to bring state dollars to invest in these projects. 7. In addition to traveling to Evansville with Governor Doyle, Wisconsin DATCP Secretary Rod Nilsestuen also visited to attend 2007 Soybean Festival in Evansville to celebrate local agricultural tradition. 8. Championed the formation of the Evansville Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club. 9. Assisted the fledgling Evansville Farmer’s Market. 10. Established Tax Incremental Finance Districts 6, 7, and 8 in the last six years, with TID # 5 formed in 2004. Over $1,700,000 in direct incentives to ten specific businesses have been provided since 2006. In addition, more than $3 million have been spent on infrastructure improvements in the downtown area and more than $2 million of infrastructure improvements have occurred on County M. 11. Administered the Building Facade Improvement Grant Program, with $6,000 in grants to five individual businesses since 2006. 12. Cobblestone Inn and Suites was developed with TIF assistance. 13. The Heights at Evansville Manor was constructed with TIF assistance. 14. Utility energy-efficiency incentives offered to businesses, in coordination with WPPI Energy and Focus on Energy programs. 15. Revolving loan fund available for business projects. 16. Mayor greeted Governor Walker in Evansville when he delivered economic development funding to Stoughton Trailer. 17. Common Council established a room tax to provide community marketing dollars. 18. Tourism Subcommittee of the Evansville Economic Development Committee was established to develop plans to best leverage community marketing dollars, assuring fiscal accountability through the Economic Development Committee to the Common Council. 19. Purchased three year marketing package with Discover Mediaworks at a cost of $36,000 that included the Evansville episode of Discover Wisconsin. 20. New City tourism brochure developed, printed, and reprinted at a cost of approximately $4,500. 21. Room tax dollars purchased Evansville page in annual Rock County Tourism Guide. 22. Total commitment of $8,000 towards Chamber Business Directory and Community Guide for inclusion of city information over the past five years. 23. Participated in seven Coffees with the Mayor, with invited local business owners, hosted by the Evansville Chamber. 24. Attended numerous ribbon cuttings for the business community in cooperation with the Chamber. 25. Chamber business members serve on the City Tourism Subcommittee, the City Economic Development Committee, and served on the Discover Wisconsin Creative Committee. 26. An inventory of business properties, including vacant spaces and sites, an action item in the Evansville Smart Growth Plan, is currently underway by the Chamber, with $3,500 in designated City funds. 27. Mayor attendance at the 2010 Wisconsin Economic Summit Series, three summits focused on new state economic development and competitive strategies, the state deficit, and moving Wisconsin forward. 28. Thrive investor for the past two years. Attendance at all Advance Now economic summits in Madison as the Advance Now regional economic development strategy of Thrive was developed. 29. Economic Development Committee and Chamber hosted Thrive presentation of Advance Now initiative in Evansville. 30. Participation in Rock County 5.0 initiatives, including legislative days at the Wisconsin capitol. 31. Two-year extension of Discover Mediaworks contract approved that maintains DW website presence and brochure distribution at trade shows, with a cost of $3,500. 32. City will collaborate with the City of Janesville and the Janesville Convention and Visitors Bureau to purchase Rock County segment of regional Discover Wisconsin Ice Age Trail episode. Local room tax of $2,000 allocated for the Evansville contribution to the segment. 33. City championed Creekside Place as needed meeting space and downtown infill development and successfully applied for Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 for Creekside Place. 34. Commissioned Retail Market Analysis by Ady Voltedge at a cost of $8,800 to generate improvement in the local retail business sector. 35. Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett visits Evansville to participate in the Evansville Rally ‘Round the Flag Civil War Weekend. 36. Tourism Subcommittee spearheaded City participation in the new Wisconsin Department of Tourism Destination Assessment program. 37. Tourism Subcommittee has requested participation in the Wisconsin Department of Tourism customer service training program. 38. Participation in Tree City and Bird City designation programs, providing backdrop for nature-based community assets. 39. Promotion of inclusion of Evansville in completion of the Ice Age Trail through Rock County. 40. Established and enhanced City image as a Wisconsin Energy leader, with competitive state selection of the City as a 2009 Pilot Energy Independence Community. 41. City Historic Preservation Commission, with support of the Evansville Grove Society, champions the historic character of the community, one of the community assets needing attention according to the Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan. The City has placed much effort into downtown revitalization. 42. Assistance in downtown beautification, providing funds for flower baskets and donating utility staff time for changing street banners and hanging holiday lights. 43. Public works department donates staff time hauling picnic tables, delivering barricades, and addressing other needs for festivals and community events. 44. Completion of restoration of Baker Office Building, located at the entry of Leonard-Leota Park, serving as a distinctive local visitors’ center and local history museum. 45. City hosted meetings of the Wisconsin Association of Historic Preservation Commissions, Wisconsin Council on Local History, WPPI Board, Wisconsin Office of Energy Independence Legislative Committee, State Energy Office of Wisconsin regional seminar on community outreach and education, and the Southern Region Wisconsin Waste Water Association, showcasing our community. Many times I have stated that “Evansville is on the move.” These lists speak volumes; we have certainly not been marking time! These activities are in addition to everyday services expected by residents, such as street plowing, upkeep of the parks, providing water and electricity, and ensuring public safety. Here are projects already identified for 2012 or on the near horizon. Projects for 2012 and beyond 1. Pursue railroad crossing improvements on East Main Street. 2. Select new city administrator. 3. Handle six elections with changing political boundaries and voter rules. 4. Complete police department accreditation and utility RP3 application process. 5. Continue multi-year project of repairing creek walls. 6. Construct bathroom/shelter at Westside Park. 7. Continue multi-year urban rebuild plan, burying residential electric lines. 8. Continue outdoor lighting improvements, converting historic-style street lights to LED technology. 9. Update five-year Park and Recreation Plan, including prioritization of potential projects. 10. Complete update of five-year electric utility plan. 11. Paint East Main Street water tower. 12. Encourage continuous professional and skills development of City Staff. 13. Better utilize capital budget for policy and fiscal planning. 14. Champion civility in City matters and throughout the community. 15. Accomplish additional “lean” initiatives. 16. Continue to seek grant opportunities. 17. Survey residents about City services and other issues, an idea proposed at the recent Committee of the Whole meeting. Possibility exists for piggybacking with 10-year complete update to Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan envisioned for 2014-15. As we move through 2012, there are some realities to be acknowledged. The first is that change is constant. Status quo is moving backwards. British mathematician and philosopher Alfred Whitehead stated: “The art of progress is to preserve change amid order and preserve order amid change.” Whitehead was speaking about maintaining balance and stability while undertaking change. The City has successfully maintained stability in the political and economic turmoil of the past few years, staying fiscally strong while undertaking the many changes I have just listed. Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch advises to “lead change before you have to.” We have a Common Council with many new faces. This is an opportunity for fresh ideas, new patterns of communication, and leadership development. Similarly, changes to our technical staff bring new ways of approaching projects and work methodology. These new personnel provide fresh viewpoints that can increase our capabilities. In Committee of the Whole meetings, we are building a foundation for future teamwork by providing general information on the roles and procedures for municipal officials and staff, as well as specifics of Evansville’s infrastructure and fiscal situations. We will be exploring transparency and accountability as facets of our roles as stewards for our residents and taxpayers. Our discussions of and focus on the components of teamwork will enhance our ability to make the best decisions for our community. This afternoon Dan Thompson, Executive Director of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, asked me to serve on a panel at the August League Chief Executives Workshop in Green Bay. The discussion topic is the working relationship between the chief executive and the governing body (Council). Dan and I have had past conversations about the complex issues facing municipalities while dealing with significant churn in governing bodies. He applauds our proactive efforts to build our teamwork skills. Excellent knowledge and management capabilities will be required to best address the municipal impacts of the continuously changing economic and political environment. Evansville is fortunate to be served by officials and staff willing to invest effort on improvement activities. It bodes well for our city. C. Decker noted the community effort for planning and fundraising to support the Honor Flight would be occurring over the Memorial Day weekend and during the Fourth of July. 9. Communications from the City Administrator. Wietecha noted a couple items had come forward without time to come through the Public Safety or Finance Committee meetings. A. Jacobson made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Advanced Life Support Agreement with Fitch-Rona EMS District. Beaver explained that this would cover intercepts for Medicare and Medicaid calls. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. B. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs, to approve EMS interfund loan. Wietecha explained that the budget included financing about $132,000 of the new ambulance purchase. With the new ambulance due next week, an interfund loan from the General Fund is the best option. At 4.0 percent over seven years, the annual cost would be around $22,000; this is less than prior annual costs around $25,000. The final numbers will vary based on the actual purchase price and funds available for a November 2012 payment. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. 10. New Business. None. 11. Introduction of New Ordinances. None. 12. Meeting Reminder. A. Committee of the Whole: Thursday, May 17, 6:00 pm at Creekside Place. B. Next regular meeting: Tuesday, June 12, 6:30 pm at City Hall. 13. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Manring, to adjourn. Motion approved unanimously at 8:15 pm.