November 17, 2008 CONSOLIDATED BOARD OF TRUSTEES 7:30 p.m.
Christopher Denman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere, James Henning, Russell Kumbier, Dave Pattengale, Dean Stapleton, Mark Tamblyn, Bill Weidert and Mike Wienkauf present.
Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.
Request to rename Evergreen Drive east of State Highway 20 to Capt. Rhett W. Schiller Memorial Drive: Dick Tremmel
Dick Tremmel addressed the Board regarding the above referenced request. He reported the previous day as the second anniversary of Capt. Schiller’s death in the Iraq war. Capt. Schiller is buried at St. Thomas Cemetery and has a memorial on display at The Bunker, 29224 Evergreen Drive. Beck reported speaking with some of the business owners along Evergreen Drive regarding the various expenses they would incur if the street name changed. Dick indicated he may be able to offer financial assistance to business owners for associated expenses. He also indicated flexibility in phasing in the name change. One option discussed was to post two street names for a period of time.
There was also discussion regarding re-naming the road something more general, such as “Veteran’s Drive”, so as not to detract from the memory of other area residents who had lost their lives in wars. Board members stated willingness to provide further consideration to re-naming the road if Dick could obtain letters of support from all business owners that would be affected by the change. Dick will report back if he is able to do so.
Proposal to hire a day-shift EMT (Emergency Medical Technician): Rochester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company
Fire Chief Tim Dahlberg addressed the Board. He reported back the decision of company membership not to direct any revenue derived from rescue calls towards financing a full time employee. He reported concern that while some surplus funds are available now, they may run short meeting future equipment and supply needs if those funds are redirected. He also reported over $130,000 spent from rescue revenues in the past few years to fund tools, equipment and improvements to the fire station.
The need to hire a day-shift EMT was discussed. Rochester and other area departments are having problems with the availability of day time volunteers. Tim indicated the need is great, but the fire company has legal concerns about becoming an employer. They need time to define the job, qualifications and what their responsibilities will be. They also want to talk to other departments about possible problems that arise when beginning an employment situation like this. Additionally, they want to explore what options are available in terms of working with other departments to enhance daytime coverage in the area.
Board members requested that the Fire Company provide monthly or bi-monthly reports similar to what the Sheriff’s Department provides. They would like updates on call volume and department needs.
Novy reported on financial concerns. A change may be needed in how rescue revenue is used in order to accommodate hiring and annual payroll for an emergency medical technician. The State imposed a two percent maximum increase to municipal tax levies. Rochester’s operational costs continue to exceed this percentage. For the past couple of years, the amount allocated towards street maintenance has been decreased to accommodate the shortfall. Adding $45 - $50,000 to Rochester’s operating budget to fund an additional employee is not feasible at this point in time.
The State exempts debt payments from tax levy limit calculations. Capital purchases can be made by incurring debt. While the Fire and Rescue Company may pride itself on funding its own ambulances, it may be better to shift those purchases to the municipality and redirect that money towards funding an employee. Rochester can then increase its tax levy by the amount of debt payments to purchase vehicles as needed. It was noted an agreement between Rochester and the Fire Company would be needed in order to document this type of arrangement.
Dahlberg indicated the fire department will continue to work with other communities on a short term solution for day-time shortages while continuing to plan for a future hire to address long term needs.
2009 Animal Control Contract
Christopher Birkett addressed the Board. Birkett reported some start up costs to perform animal control services locally. Any costs incurred for a claimed animal can be billed to the animal’s owner or whoever adopts the animal. Birkett indicated that upon Rochester’s appointment of a humane officer, the County humane officer will no longer have jurisdiction in the municipality. The question arose regarding the possibility of a large animal seizure situation. Birkett indicated if this situation ever arose, he would line up several shelters to take whatever amount of animals they could handle. A call list for that scenario will be established. Birkett also noted two other individuals who could step in should he be absent. A holding area can temporarily be created in one of his barns, however future plans should include a Village owned facility. Novy will request email addresses from dog license holders and other interested citizens to relay information on animals that are picked up. That should help reunite animals with their owners.
Birkett indicated no-kill shelters and animal rescue operations will be contacted when animals are not picked up or adopted. In order to accommodate local provision of animal control services, the Village Board will have to adopt an ordinance that establishes the position of humane officer; provides an appeal process for abatement orders; and establishes fees.
Board members representing the previous Village Board: Kumbier moved, 2nd by Weidert not to renew the animal control contract with Countryside Humane Society with additional direction that an ordinance appointing a humane officer be in place by January 1st, 2008. Motion carried.
Board members representing the previous Town Board: Beere moved, 2nd by Weinkauf not to renew the animal control contract with Countryside Humane Society with additional direction that an ordinance appointing a humane officer be in place by January 1st, 2008. Motion carried.
2009 Public Health Service Contract
Terms of contract renewal and associated price increases were discussed.
Board members representing the previous Town Board: Beck moved, 2nd by Beere to renew the public health service contract with the Western Racine County Health Department. Motion carried.
Board members representing the previous Village Board: Tamblyn moved, 2nd by Henning to renew the public health service contract with the Western Racine County Health Department. Motion carried.
2009 Garbage and Recycling Services
Novy reported the Town’s contract with Veolia Environmental Services expires July 1, 2009. In order to properly charge garbage fees on the 2008 tax roll, costs must be known to continue the service past the contract expiration date. Veolia submitted a proposal to combine Town and Village contracts for 2009. The proposal contains a significant cost increase to what is currently charged. An alternate proposal was submitted by ASDA Services. Two more proposals are expected in time for the budget hearing. Consensus of the Board was to delay consideration of the proposals until the December 1st meeting.
Insurance Proposals: Continental Western – Laub & Horton
Novy reported on insurance proposals submitted by Continental Western and Laub & Horton. Uniform coverage specifications were used. Continental Western submitted the lowest bid and provides occurrence based liability coverage. Laub & Horton was slightly higher and provides claims made liability coverage. Weidert, an insurance agent by profession, indicated his opinion that occurrence based is the better coverage. Both insurance proposals include coverage for the consolidated village and library.
Board members representing the previous Town Board: Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Beere to accept the proposal of Continental Western to insure the consolidated village. Motion carried.
Board members representing the previous Village Board: Henning moved, 2nd by Stapleton to accept the proposal of Continental Western to insure the consolidated village. Motion carried.
Motion passed.
Selection Process:
Zoning and Building Inspection Proposals for the Consolidated Village
Zoning. Board members discussed the qualifications and experience of John P. Schattner, JPS Consulting Services. John previously worked for Racine County Planning and Development. Consensus of the Board was that John is best suited to provide zoning services because of his familiarity with the Racine County zoning code.
Board members representing the previous Town Board: Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Beck to accept the zoning administration proposal of JPS Consulting Services for $70.00 per hour and to appoint John P. Schattner as Zoning Administrator for the consolidated village. Motion carried.
Board members representing the previous Village Board: Stapleton moved, 2nd by Pattengale to accept the zoning administration proposal of JPS Consulting Services for $70.00 per hour and to appoint John P. Schattner as Zoning Administrator for the consolidated village. Motion carried.
Motion passed.
Building Inspection. Board members discussed building inspection proposals. Consensus of the Board was to provide consideration to Rochester’s existing building inspectors first. Interviews are to be set up with Lee Greivell, L & M Inspections, LLC, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and James Deluca, Municipal Services LLC, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1st The interviews will precede the 2009 Budget Hearing scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Schedule organizational meeting for Consolidated Finance Committee
Novy reported the Consolidated Finance Committee will begin its function of approving payables and investments for the consolidated village effective January 1st. A meeting was set for Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss operational procedures and to establish a uniform fee schedule for the village.
Kumbier moved, 2nd by Pattengale to adjourn at 9:44 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC
Clerk-Treasurer