Minutes: Tourism; October 2012

City of Evansville Economic Development Committee Subcommittee on Tourism Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 6 PM Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI MINUTES 1. Call to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. Roll call. Present: Sue Berg, John Decker, Mary Rajek; Ex Officio Jim Brooks. Guests: Sarah Bauer, Brandon Rutz. Absent: Dave VanDerHaegen, Sandy Decker. 3. Motion to approve agenda. Decker/Rajek. Unanimous. 4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from August 7, 2012, and approve them as printed. Rajek/Decker. Unanimous. 5. Citizen appearances. None. 6. Marketing/promotional opportunities. a. Jim Brooks will represent Evansville Nov. 14 at meeting with Beloit CVB and potentially Janesville CVB to discuss the I-39/90 reconstruction/ expansion project and its impact on communities via detours. Discussion included how to measure impact, such as using car counts. DOT overview and updates are offered at www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/swregion/i3990/index.htm b. The walking tour handbook narrative is being updated by John Decker, Ruth Ann Montgomery and John Ehle. Three historic districts have been added in Evansville; properties from Grove and South First districts will be added, as will Lake Leota Park. Decker took several new photos. Decker and Brooks will look into Rock Hour Community Timebank or alternative services for a typist to key in the original handbook plus other materials. c. The Discover Wisconsin brochure will be updated and printed. Mary Rajek will update the list of businesses. John Decker has replacement photos for the cover and will review the history narrative. Jim Brooks and Sue Berg will review the remaining narrative and images. Berg will collect all the information and contact the original printer for an estimate. d. There is interest in encouraging the use of QR codes in the Evansville retail and historic districts. Rajek will survey local businesses about current use. 7. Retail Market Analysis Subcommittee Sarah Bauer and Brandon Rutz reported early results from business and consumer surveys, which are still available online. They also are studying marketing signage opportunities—such as billboards or digital signs--that would promote activities/shopping in Evansville. Signage was identified as a concern during the tourism assessment process. It was recommended that signage be addressed at the Economic Development Committee meeting, and that the Retail Market Analysis Subcommittee continue as a regular item on the Tourism Committee agenda. 8. Review of year’s activities Sue Berg presented a report of activities conducted since the first tourism meeting was held Sept. 20, 2011. The report is attached. 9. Tourism updates: a. Patrick Reinsma with the Wisconsin Tourism Department conducted a customer service workshop twice on Oct. 3, 2012, at Creekside Place. Dave Warren of Dave’s Ace Hardware assisted the presentation. About 14 people total attended. b. Sue Berg and John Decker represented Evansville Tourism at the Business Expo I October at Creekside Place. c. Information about significant Evansville events in 2013 was entered into the Tourism Department web site database prior to the Oct. 19 deadline for inclusion in the spring publication. d. In the Prettiest Painted Places national competition, Evansville was the only one out of seven Wisconsin communities to make it to final judging in its region. The contest generated national exposure for Evansville and all entries through Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and other national media. e. A late-September bus tour brought Columbia (South America) Beef Producers to Creekside Place for a late lunch and presentation in connection with their visit to the World Dairy Expo and Larson Acres. A second bus tour brought tourists to lunch at Creekside Place, plus a downtown historical tour with John Decker. f. 14 South Artists Tour and the Ice Age Trail had no updates. g. The State Fair winner of Evansville’s weekend package did come to Evansville to spend the night and attend Oktoberfest. This was also the person who won Beloit’s weekend package at the State Fair. h. Oktoberfest was successful with about 180 attendees, and about 60 different beers from approximately 20 breweries. i. The Health Fair was well attended and offered educational programs as well as vendor exhibits. j. Creekside Place plans to launch a monthly speaker series, possibly starting in December 2012. The Evansville Fund has indicated it will offer a grant to help underwrite expenses. k. The bridge historical plaque has been approved by the Wisconsin Historical Marker program, submitted to Sewah Monument Company foundry for manufacturing, and may be ready in November. A late spring or summer dedication was discussed. John Decker reported that additional historical markers may be pursued for Lake Leota Park, and the Theodore Robinson boyhood home, currently a private residence occupied by Tom and Mary Beaver who have indicated a willingness to have the home designated. l. Jim Brooks reported interest in developing a geocaching festival in the fall of 2013. m. The 150th anniversary of the railroad’s presence in Evansville will be commemorated July 2013. John Decker anticipates recruiting train aficionados Steve and Carol Culbertson and student Hayden Barlass. n. The year 2014 marks the 175th anniversary of settlement in the area; the year 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the community. 10. New business. Information has been collected for a 2013 master calendar list of pertinent tourism events and activities for Evansville. The calendar has been submitted to the Rock County Tourism Guide. 11. Next meeting. The Tourism Committee will set a schedule to meet every other month. The next scheduled meeting is proposed for 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at Creekside Place. 12. Meeting adjourned 8:02 p.m. Rajek/Decker.

Minutes; Common Council; December 2012

Common Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, December 11, 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. 2. Roll Call. Members present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Cheryl Fuchs, Floyd Hayes, Ben Ladick, Josh Manring, and Jon Senn. Alderperson Barb Jacobson was absent. Others present: City Clerk Judy Walton, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Attorney Mark Kopp, EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver, Library Director Megan Becker, Kelly Gildner of The Review, Greg Johnson and Maureen Manning of Ehlers and Associates, and members of the public. 3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Senn to move Item 7F(1) to up under Item 6 and approve the agenda. Motion approved 7-0. 4. Approval of Minutes. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Fuchs to waive the reading of the minutes of the November 13, 2012, regular meeting and to approve them as presented. Braunschweig noted that in Item 8F Seen should be Senn. Motion, with correction, approved 7-0. 5. Civility reminder. Monthly reminder that Council has committed to civility during meetings. 6. Citizen appearances A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Eagle Scout project (rostrum and flagpoles) in Maple Hill Cemetery. Montana Leggett, Boy Scout Troop 514, explained that he is working on his Eagle Scout project and would like to clean and repair the rostrum and hopefully add two additional flag poles. He gave a breakdown of the estimated costs. Braunschweig stated this was a very good project and it is admirable of Montana to have thought of it. Motion approved 7-0. B. On behalf of the Evansville Grove Society President, Mayor Sandy Decker presented the Sally Hardy Eager Award to the City of Evansville Park and Recreation Board for service to the community and historic preservation. Specifically in recognition of assistance in restoring the Antes Cabin, championing the appropriate restoration of the Allen Creek creek walls, and maintaining the historic structures in Leonard Leota Park. C. Gene Cratsenberg, 124 Highland, expressed his disappointment that the proposed ordinance relative to parking restrictions failed to pass last month. D. Pam Ascencio, 441 Almeron, stated that she has contacted an attorney regarding the boarding kennel she believes is operating next door to her and has been told that she can take legal action against her neighbor. 7. Reports of Committees A. Library Board Report. Becker reported that they conducted interviews for the Assistant Library Director on December 8th. B. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Wietecha reported that they are sending out a donation request letter. C. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report (1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Senn to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $803,340.40. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Resolution 2012-19, Resolution Providing for the Sale of $2,895,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes. Greg Johnson of Ehlers and Associates explained the purposes and funding sources for the notes. He distributed an updated handout as the loan to pay off the State Trust Fund Loan for the post office was pulled from the borrowing as it does not qualify for tax-exempt financing. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Senn to amend the motion changing the amount to $2,795,000. Amendment approved 7-0. Main motion, as amended, approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Manring to approve internal funding for purchase of new plow truck in amount of $148,000. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to renew engagement of Consigny Law Firm, SC as City Attorney for two years through December 31, 2014, at an hourly rate of $130. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (5). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve engagement of Johnson Block and Company, Inc. for independent financial audit for year ending December 31, 2012. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (6). Discussion: Administration Office. Wietecha spoke briefly on the draft City Administrator/Finance Director position description and organization chart update and asked Council for comments soon as the ordinance changes will have a first reading in January. D. Plan Commission Report. No report. E. Public Safety Committee Report (1). Hayes made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve acknowledgement and consent for assignment of Assignment, Assumption, and Collection Services Agreement from Lifeline Systems, Inc. dba Lifequest to Life Line Billing Services, LLC dba LifeQuest Solutions. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (2). Hayes reported that there is an upcoming “Wheel Against the Weeds” fundraiser and educational ride scheduled for May 11, 2013 and the Police Department and Police Commission are discussing creating a sergeant position. F. Public Works Committee Report (1). Moved to Item 6A G. Water & Light Committee Report. Brooks reported that he and Mayor Decker attended a meeting at WPPI two weeks ago and the concern was the preservation of tax-exempt financing. Additionally, the Commitment to Community funds will be reduced in 2013. H. Economic Development Committee Report. Brooks reported that they are continuing with the retail marketing analysis. I. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report J. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Fuchs reported that a Boy Scout Troop was in attendance as part of a merit badge requirement; West Side Park restrooms are getting closer to completion; an inquiry about an Eagle Scout project; and an inquiry about a baseball player memorial. Additionally, there was discussion about a recent newspaper article by Ted Peck about the good fishing at the lake which raised concerns that the lake could be over fished in a very short period of time. They are going to erect signs to request people to voluntarily keep their bag limit to 10. K. Historic Preservation Commission Report. Ladick reported that Baker Manufacturing is donating approximately $9,000 in engineering and machining for the canon restoration. Additional private contributions and contributions from the Evansville Fund have been made. Once completed, the canon will be relocated to city hall where it first was. L. Fire District Report. Senn reported that the new fire truck will be financed through Union Bank & Trust. They discussed representation per municipality and that discussion will continue. M. Police Commission Report. Next meeting scheduled for December 19th. N. Energy Independence Team Report. No report. O. Board of Appeals Report. No report. 8. Unfinished Business A. Brooks presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve Ordinance 2012-18, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Agricultural Zoning. [Recommended by Plan Commission]. Motion approved 7-0. B. Brooks presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve Ordinance 2012-19, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Annexation. [Recommended by Plan Commission]. Motion approved 7-0. C. Brooks presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve Ordinance 2012-20, Amending Chapter 16 of the Municipal Code Relative to Annexation. [Recommended by Plan Commission]. Motion approved 7-0. 9. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor A. Decker presented her Mayoral Proclamation in Appreciation of Dennis Cooper. B. Decker presented her Mayoral Proclamation in Appreciation of Nate Edwards. 10. Communications from the City Administrator A. Braunschweig made a motion seconded by Brooks to approve Agreement Between City of Evansville and Nicole L. Sidoff for Community Development Director. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. B. Wietecha stated he will be conducting performance reviews for department heads, non-represented employees and office staff by the end of the year. He asked Council to forward him any comments. 11. New Business. None 12. Introduction of New Ordinances A. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-21, Amending Chapter 62 of the Municipal Code Relating to Historic Preservation. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Ladick and Brooks]. B. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-22, Amending Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code Relative to Animal Impoundment. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Brooks and Manring]. C. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-23, Amending Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code Relative to Liquor Store Morning Operating Hours. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Hayes and Fuchs]. D. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-24, Amending Chapter 82 of the Municipal Code Relative to Disturbance of the Peace with a Motor Vehicle. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Hayes and Fuchs]. E. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-25, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code Relative to No Parking Zones. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Jacobson and Fuchs]. F. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-26, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code Relative to Abandoned Vehicles. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Hayes and Jacobson]. G. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-27, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code Relative to Winter Parking Restrictions. [Sponsors: Alderpersons Hayes and Jacobson]. 13. Meeting Reminder A. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 8, 6:30 pm, City Hall. 14. Adjournment. Hayes made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to adjourn at 7:42 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.

Minutes:Finance: Dec 2012

City of Evansville Finance & Labor Relations Committee Regular Meeting Thursday, December 6, 2012, 5:30 pm City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, Wisconsin MINUTES I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Mason Braunschweig. Present: Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig and Josh Manring. Absent: Alderperson Jim Brooks. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker and City Administrator Dan Wietecha. II. Approve Agenda. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion approved unanimously. III. Minutes of November 8, 2012. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to waive the reading of and to approve the minutes as presented. Motion approved unanimously. IV. Citizen Appearances. Wietecha said he would be conducting department head performance reviews in the next few weeks; FLR should get any comments to him soon. V. Bills. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to accept the City and Water & Light bills in the amount of $803,340.40. FLR had questions about petty cash, Janesville Police Department, and photocopy toner. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. VI. Unfinished Business. a. Administration Office. i. Position Description: City Administrator / Finance Director. FLR noted the updates to the draft position description for the combined City Administrator / Finance Director. ii. Organization Chart. FLR discussed the draft Organization Chart and proposed a couple minor changes for clarification. iii. Community Development Director. Wietecha said he had hired Nicole Sidoff as the best qualified for the Community Development Director position. Although the hiring decision is his authority, the contract document will be recommended to the City Council next week. b. City Attorney. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council to renew engagement of Consigny Law Firm, SC as City Attorney for two years through December 31, 2014, at an hourly rate of $130. FLR noted the increase rate had been included in the budget. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. VII. New Business: a. Plow Truck. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council approval of internal funding for purchase of new plow truck in amount of $148,000. Wietecha explained that fund balance would be better used on the truck rather than on the street portion of the Garfield project. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. b. 2013 Bond Issue. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council approval of Resolution 2012-19, Resolution Providing for the Sale of $2,895,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes. Wietecha explained that interest rates are at 50 year lows for municipal bonds, so several existing debt obligations are to be refunded in the new issue. Although the utilities comprise most of the project, the bond issue is a general obligation to achieve the lowest possible rates, all the while remaining within the city’s policy for debt limits. Ehlers Associates will attend next week’s council meeting to answer questions. Motion approved unanimously on a roll all vote. c. Financial Audit. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to recommend to Common Council approval of engagement of Johnson Block and Company, Inc. for independent financial audit for year ending December 31, 2012. Motion approved unanimously on a roll call vote. d. Community Service Clerk. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve hiring a Customer Service Clerk. Wietecha explained this is a union position and will be posted internally for three days. If we do not have interest from a qualified internal candidate, it will be advertised to the public. The intent is to emphasize the accounting and bookkeeping duties of the job. The position would not start until after the first of the year. Motion approved unanimously. VIII. Adjournment. Manring made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved unanimously at 6:00 pm.