Link to:  October 17 2007 Regular Board Meeting

Link to:  October 30 2007 Special Board Meeting

OCTOBER 2, 2007      Special Joint Village and Town Board Meeting                             7:00 p.m.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m., with Gary Beck, Mike Weinkauf and Paul Beere present from the Town Board; and Chris Denman, Dean Stapleton, Russ Kumbier, Jim Henning, Mark Tamblyn and Dave Pattengale present from the Village Board.  Village Trustee Bill Weidert was absent.  Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer (Town and Village), was also present.

Rochester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co 2008 Budget Proposal

Dick Bosworth, Fire Chief, and Mike Kempken, Treasurer, presented Town and Village Boards with their 2006-2007 annual report and 2008-2009 budget proposal.  Jim Nickel also represented the Fire Company.

The 2006-2007 annual report contained the following statistics:

The budget request for 2008 - 2009 was $113,375.00 in anticipated expenses minus (-) $12,450 in anticipated revenues ($102,950).  This represents a -1.9% decrease from the 2007 funding proposal.

A truck replacement schedule was included with budget materials.  Replacement of a 1988 Grass Rig was scheduled for 2008.  Chief Bosworth indicated rig replacement can safely be delayed two more years. 

Rochester Public Library 2008 Budget proposal

Beverly Jensen, President of the Library Board, introduced Library Board members who were present (as follows):  Rachel Bennett, Arlouene Mulvey, Jill Haubrich, Wendy Ela and Cara Rogers.  Board member Jenny Wegener was absent.  Mary Stapleton, Library Director; was also present.

Beverly Jensen presented annual circulation data through August, for 2007 and previous years.   Through August 2007, the library circulated 25,153 items.  In comparison, circulation for January through August of 2006 was at 22,669 items.  A pie chart showed circulation by municipality.  25% of these materials were checked out by Village of Rochester residents; 31% by Town of Rochester residents; 21% by Waterford residents; and 14% by Burlington residents.  The remaining 9% was classified “other”, meaning residents of other Racine County municipalities.

Mary Stapleton presented the library’s 2008 budget proposal.   The overall budget showed a 2.5% increase from 2007.  The Lakeshores Resource Grant increased by over $2,000.  Proposed funding increases totaled $1,681 for the Town of Rochester; and $1,100 from the Village of Rochester.  Gas and electric amounts were questioned.  Mary reported utility budgets were increased to reflect the projected increases by WE Energies.  Payroll expenses are up; a new staff member was added to cover additional morning hours through the fall and winter months. 

Mary reported the Waterford High School linked its digital catalog to the Lakeshores System this year, providing catalog access to all Lakeshores library collections at the school through the inter-library loan program.  In turn, library subscribers now have access to materials in the school’s library.  The Burlington High School was already linked.  Twenty more library collections were added into the inter-library loan system this past year by merging Mid-Wisconsin Library System collections with the Lakeshores Library System digital catalog. 

Mary reported six computers available for public use at the library, with a planned purchase of four laptops before the end of the year.    Wireless access is available in the library and on the grounds.  Patrons will not be allowed to take the laptops out of the building.   The trend in library usage is towards providing public access to the internet.  Mary is encouraging the Lakeshores Library System to buy into more online databases.

Motion made by Beck seconded by Kumbier to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.   Motion carried.

Submitted by:

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

OCTOBER 17, 2007                   REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                   7:30 p.m.

Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with Board members Chris Denman, James Henning; Bill Weidert, Dave Pattengale, Russ Kumbier and Dean Stapleton present.  Mark Tamblyn was absent.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; John Tierney, Engineer; and Lee Greivell, Building Inspector; were also present.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to forego verbal reading of the September 19 and October 2, 2007 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Weidert to approve minutes of the September 19 and October 2, 2007 meetings as printed.  Motion carried.

Period for Public Comment:   There was none.

Department Reports:

Sheriff’s Department report.   A written report was submitted showing the following statistics for September:  five accidents; eleven speeding citations, five traffic citations, ten parking citations and fourteen warnings were issued.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  twenty-six complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with eleven additional complaints and originated twenty-seven on his own. He reported sixteen work days, 143.5 hours and 1,172 miles driven.  Seven foot patrols were conducted. 

Deputy Prochaska reported decreased traffic violations on Main Street and other areas.  Only one vehicle crash occurred since the change over of lanes on the STH 36/11 by-pass project.  Special attention has been given to enforcing speeds in construction zones.  There was some vandalism in Honey Lake resulting in $7600 of damage to the dam.  Deputy Prochaska is collaborating with the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department on the offense.  There were some parking issues with the Day in the Country event in September.  Deputy Prochaska will work with the business owners group in order to address the problems in advance of next year’s event.

Maintenance.   Brian Krueger reported no issues or concerns.   Mike and Mary Jasinski, present in the audience, requested that the Village’s snowplowing contractor be directed to take special care of the corners in Fox Knoll Subdivision this year.  Last year, their corner was continually damaged by plows.  Stapleton noted continual violations of the one-way traffic restriction on S. State Street and asked if Brian could install flashing lights by the restrictive signage.  Consensus of the Board was that flashing lights would not likely impact these occurrences.  Brian was reminded to keep storm drains and gutters clear of fallen leaves in the upcoming months. 

Engineering.  John Tierney presented his written report as follows:

Building Inspection (Lee Greivell).    Lee’s written report was reviewed showing miscellaneous permits for the month of September.  Lee reported he has been withholding occupancy permits for The Settlement until such time as utility issues are worked out.

Presentation of Appreciation Plaques:  Rochester Memorial Day Committee:  Bruce “Bo” Albright; Michael Jasinski; Mary Jasinski; Katherine Wiesend; Denise Wolf 

Michael and Mary Jasinski were present in the audience.  Denman presented appreciation plaques to acknowledge the crucial roles they have played in coordinating the Village’s Memorial Day parade and presentation each year.  Michael and Mary offered to deliver plaques to those participants who were unable to attend the meeting. 

Second Reading:  Ordinance #4-2007 “An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, s. 10.06(1) of the Village of Rochester Municipal Code to increase the Annual transfer of Sewer Operation and Maintenance Funds to the Sewer Replacement Fund”

Weidert moved, 2^nd by Henning to adopt ordinance #4-2007.  Motion carried.

Acceptance of Sanitary Sewer and Roadway Improvements and Reduction in Letter of Credit for Millgate Center

John Tierney reported on inspection of Millgate’s sanitary sewer installation.  He recommended acceptance of both sanitary sewer and road improvements.  He also recommended that Millgate’s letter of credit be reduced to $16,500.  Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to accept sewer and road improvements for Millgate and to authorize reduction of the letter of credit to the amount of $16,500.  Motion carried.   

First Draft:  Village of Waterford – Rochester Boundary Agreement

The draft agreement was reviewed.  Novy explained that this first draft includes several options for attachment of different parcels to the Village of Waterford.  The exhibits are not attached and the draft is more about format and options than final terms.  After discussion with Atty. John Hotvedt, section 4.03 “Provide Rochester with Waterford Water and Sanitary Sewer Service in Rochester Growth Area” will be struck from the document.  This section missed deletion from the template he had worked with.  

Novy reported on Town Board review.  They expressed the desire that property owners be given final say on any attachments.  They did not want time limits imposed where the property owner has no choice about the attachment.  Concern was also expressed about when section 9.04 “Special Assessments and Charges” would come into play.  Some clarifying language was desired to state Rochester would only collect special charges or assessments if a property had been attached to Waterford too late to affect issuance of the tax bill, and that the parcel was receiving the benefit of a service from Waterford.

Village Board members agreed with Town Board concerns.  Additionally, they requested that language be added allowing Rochester to supersede individual choice if services are needed by any one parcel within an area identified for possible jurisdictional transfer.  For instance, if sewer is needed by one parcel within an area identified for jurisdictional transfer, Rochester should be able to help determine the appropriate solution for the whole area.

2008 – 2009 Municipal Street Improvement Program Application;  Five Year Street Plan

Novy reported Village of Rochester chosen as one of four Racine County municipalities to qualify for MSIP funding in this program cycle.   Program funds between $15 -$16,000 will be available.  The exact amount is not known because of State budget delays.   To take full advantage, the application should be at least twice that amount ($32,000).  The grant program pays 50% up to the funding cap. 

John Tierney presented estimates to resurface Wade Street and Paul Street, between CTH FF and Stephanie Street.  The estimate of $41,000 included replacing a driveway culvert for the parking lot serving Rochester Commons Park. 

Novy presented several five year budget scenarios generated by the State’s WISLR program.  A five year street improvement plan must be submitted with the application.  The plan must include projects that are the subject of the application.  A “do nothing” scenario estimated maintenance needs at $46,174 over the next five year period. 

Consensus of the Board was to revise the five year plan using a $7,000 annual budget and to include Wade and Paul Street resurfacing for 2009.  Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Stapleton to submit an MSIP Application for resurfacing Wade and Paul Street, between CTH FF and Stephanie Street, in 2009 and to revise the five year plan as discussed.  Motion carried.

Clarification of discontinuance direction:  E. Fox Street right of way

Novy reported on discussion at the August Board meeting about discontinuing Fox Street between S. Water and the Fox River.  Some board members felt the Village should offer to discontinue the road at the Village’s cost, others felt those individuals who would gain land from the street discontinuance should pay costs associated with the procedure.  No clear direction was established.  Novy reported the last street discontinuance cost approximately $1,200.  Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to send letters to the abutting property owners inquiring as to their interest and whether they are willing to pay the costs of discontinuance.  Motion carried.

Rochester Plan Commission Appointments:  Roger Kieffer & Dennis Crombie

Henning moved, 2^nd by Stapleton to approve re-appointing Roger Kieffer and Dennis Crombie to the Plan Commission for three year terms.  Motion carried.

Contribution to N. Rochester Street Paving Project:  Western Racine County Sewerage District (WRCSD)

Novy reported on WRCSD’s rejection of the Village’s request to contribute 10% or $1,517.81 towards resurfacing N. Rochester Street as compensation for damage done to the road during their force main project.  Jim Joseph, Village representative on the WRCSD Board, submitted a proposal to complete repairs from a local paving contractor in the amount of $653.  Novy reported on Jim’s indication that WRCSD should agree to pay the amount stated in the proposal.  Weidert moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to request WRCSD reimbursement of $653.00 towards asphalt repair.  Motion carried.

Correspondence:  There was none.

Committee reports:  Street:  Street committee members reported on a recent meeting to prepare the 2008 budget proposal.  The committee may be willing to pay a portion of street funds towards paving a parking area by Rochester Commons Park.  Denman indicated he will be meeting with the engineer, building inspector and street committee chairperson to view an area in Fox Knoll subdivision where some residents complained about high water levels in a water retention area and to determine whether a shed recently built in that area had any impact.   Henning reported on construction meetings for the bridge project.  They expect to pour the bridge deck the week of the meeting pending weather.  Some concern was expressed about asphalt plant closings.  The project completion date was moved to November 15, 2007.  25 cement trucks will be needed to pour the deck.   Parks and Beautification:  Henning reported on the committee’s meeting last week to prepare the 2008 budget.  Kumbier reported about $200 needed for materials for an Eagle Scout project to build a sign for Rochester Commons Park.  Health Board:  Novy reported on scheduled flu clinics in the area and beginning work on a Western Racine County Health Plan.  Racine County Comprehensive Plan Multi-Jurisdictional Advisory Committee.  Pattengale reported no meeting of the committee since the last Village Board meeting.  Finance Committee:    Henning read the monthly report.  Pattengale moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to approve.  Motion carried.  A special meeting of the Finance Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, October 23^rd at 6:30 p.m. to draft the 2008 Budget.    A special meeting of the Village Board was scheduled for Tuesday, October 30^th at 6:30 p.m. to review the proposed budget before publishing the  public hearing notice.

Henning moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to adjourn at 9:11 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

OCTOBER 30, 2007                       SPECIAL BOARD MEETING                                   6:30 p.m.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. with Board members Chris Denman, James Henning; Bill Weidert, Dave Pattengale, Russ Kumbier, Mark Tamblyn and Dean Stapleton present. 

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.

2008 Budget Proposal:  Village Finance Committee

Finance Committee members presented a recommended tax levy of $185,598 for 2007, resulting in a $2.20 mill rate.  The budget provides for general operating expenses, as well as funding requests by both Park and Street Committees for 2008 projects.  In addition, a public works project fund balance will be carried forward to 2009 for Wade and Paul Street resurfacing. 

In conjunction with the proposed budget, the committee recommended increasing several license fees and re-financing a 2005 public works loan to provide funding for reconstruction of the N. Rochester Street Bridge.  Pattengale moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to accept the 2008 budget as prepared by the Finance Committee and to schedule such for a public hearing at the regular November meeting of the Village Board.  Motion carried.

Resolution #14-2007 to amend 2007 budget categories to reflect actual revenues and expenditures

Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Weidert to adopt Resolution #14-2007.  Motion carried.

Resolution #15-2007 to refinance sewer utility promissory note, dated June 15, 2005, and to provide funding for reconstruction of the N. Rochester Street bridge

Henning moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to adopt Resolution #15-2007.  Motion carried.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to adjourn at 7:21 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer