Meetings for March 10, 2008 and March 25, 2008.

MARCH 10, 2008                             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

Meeting was called to order by Gary Beck at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisors Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; Christopher Birkett, Public Works Supervisor; and John Tierney, Engineer; were also present.  

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Public Appearances:  State Assemblyperson Robin Vos

Robin Vos updated the Board and those present in the audience on state budget and financing issues.  The 2008-2009 biennial budget started with a deficit.  Decreased revenues are amplifying the problem.  Representative Vos opposes a tax increase on small business owners that is proposed by the Governor. He is proposing a cap on spending instead.   He asked that the Town of Rochester stay aware of its roots when and if consolidation with the Village of Rochester occurs.  After Caledonia incorporated as a Village, it used its extraterritorial plat review powers to block location of a business in the Town of Raymond.  Robin asked that Rochester stay aware of its roots as a Town and not take those types of actions against the Town of Burlington or Town of Waterford.  Paul Beere questioned how municipalities are to continue providing services under municipal levy limits imposed by the State.  Robin indicated costs in general are going up.  However, all levels of government should try to keeps costs down to reduce the property tax burden on State residents.    Robin indicated state shared revenue and transportation aid payments for both the Town and Village of Rochester will stay steady for both 2008 and 2009.  Robin was thanked for the visit and report.

Minutes.  Gary moved, 2^nd by Mike to approve minutes of the February 11, 2008 meetings.   Motion carried.

Paul moved, 2^nd by Mike to approve March disbursements as follows.   Motion carried.

Town General Fund Disbursements:

MARCH 10, 2008                             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:

Treasurer’s Report.   Betty read the report as follows: 

MARCH 10, 2008                             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

Betty reminded Board members the Annual Meeting of the Electors is scheduled for April 8^th.  Gary reported on communication with Racine County Public Works regarding installation of scoreboards at Case Eagle Park.  Runzheimer International is donating the scoreboard and installation costs.  The project is being coordinated by the Waterford High School Girls Softball coach.  Betty reported Racine County Public Works is working on an agreement regarding operational costs and maintenance of the scoreboard for future consideration.

Sheriff’s Department.  A written report was submitted showing the following statistics for February:  two accidents; four speeding citations, seven traffic citations, thirteen parking citations and nine warnings were issued.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  eleven complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with two additional complaints, originated ten on his own and performed follow up on one.  He reported nine work days, 78.5 hours and 710 miles driven.  Zero foot patrols were conducted. 

Deputy Prochaska reported being on vacation during the month of February.  That and cold weather contributed to reduced activity.  He reported on an industrial accident that occurred at Parkview Sand and Gravel.  An excavator and its operator fell through ice and were submerged under water.    Deputy Prochaska acted in his role as the Racine County Sheriff’s Department dive team captain for the event.  Many jurisdictions participated in recovery efforts.  Unstable ice and the size of the excavator caused difficulty in locating and retrieving the operator.   After four hours, he was recovered and transported to Burlington Memorial Hospital.   Unfortunately, he did not survive. 

Deputy Prochaska expects activity levels to pick up in March.  The warmer weather has already sparked several complaints.  He reported on contact with the owners of The Bunker, 29224 Evergreen Drive.  They are planning a Memorial Day event at the establishment and requested consideration to lift parking restrictions along State Highway 20 on that day.  It was noted the Town does not have jurisdictional control over the highway.  Their request should be referred to Racine County Public Works.

Betty questioned Sgt. Kacmarcik on where inquiries should be directed when incidents attract media attention like the incident at Parkview Sand and Gravel had.  She indicated reporters were asking to speak to the Town Chairman and/or Fire Chief.     Later, it was noted Sgt. Kacmarcik gave several interviews with news reporters.  Sgt. Kacmarcik indicated any inquiries should be directed to the Sheriff’s Department.  Deputy Prochaska asked whether Board members wanted to be updated when incidents of this magnitude occur.   Deputy Prochaska was directed to contact the Clerk with the information.  The information can then be relayed to Board members.

Public Works Department.   Christopher Birkett’s report was reviewed as follows:   

• Lift Station- Monthly exercise of lift station valves and generator. 

• Roads.   Current on snow events.  Started using salt/ sand mix now.  Seems to be working fine and no complaints have been received.    I would like to use the mix again next year to help with the budget.  Perhaps with a pre-treatment of salt brine on hills and curves.  Snowmelt and rain- spent about 1 ½ days getting water off roads.  Putting high water signs up where it collected.  Discussed road repair and ditching options with John Tierney.  The last of new street name signs for the year are up.

• Complaints and diggers hotline tickets are current.   Park will be opening up for ball games on March 18^th.  The bathrooms will not open until April.

Board members indicated interest in using the salt/sand mix next year.  Chris will get prices for that option.   Gary questioned placement of a port-a-potty at the ball diamonds for use by the high school softball team.  Betty indicated the port-a-potty has been ordered and will be in place March 18^th.

Engineering Report.  John Tierney’s report was reviewed as follows:

MARCH 10, 2008                             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

John reported on the general engineering services contract proposal.   Baxter-Woodman’s legal counsel and the Town Attorney cannot come to terms on several insurance items.  Consensus was to continue services on a job by job basis.

Annual Report:  Western Racine County Health Department

Kristin Schultz, Supervisor of the Health Department, addressed the Board.  She reviewed statistics printed in the 2007 Western Racine County Health Department Annual Report including costs, clinic attendance, environmental health visits, and communicable disease outbreaks.  She noted Western Racine County was fortunate to avoid several communicable disease outbreaks that other communities experienced in 2007.    Many residents were impacted by flooding this past August.  Environmental health calls increased as a result.  Grant statistics were shared.  The health department anticipates grant income of $273,000 for 2008.   Kristin indicated the health department is waiting for Wisconsin’s Electronic Disease Surveillance System to go online.  This will allow the department to go to a paperless system.

Jill Scheeley, Public Health Nurse, reported on statistics particular to Rochester.  Costs for the Town were $4.83 per capita.  Overall, immunization clinic participants increased from 469 in 2006 to 926 in 2007.   Increased participation is likely due to recent reductions in many insurance companies’s well child coverage.  Use of blood pressure clinics remains steady.    Environmental health hours in the Town increased from 3.5 in 2006 to 10.75 in 2007.  There were 19 births in the Town of Rochester in 2007, up from 14 in 2006.   

Site Plan Review to sell fireworks in a 20’ x 40’ canopy tent June 19 – July 6, 2008

Location:  2723 Beck Drive (Burger King parking lot)

Applicant:  American Fireworks;  Vince and Heather Siegel

Parcel Id#014031901021000

Paul reported on Plan Commission consideration of the site plan.  It was noted this is the same company that has performed fireworks sales at that site for six or more years.  No complaints have been filed regarding the location.  Fireworks will be locked in a storage container when the tent is not staffed.  Mike moved, 2^nd by Paul to approve the site plan to sell fireworks in a 20’ x 40’ canopy tent June 19 – July 6, 2008 at 2723 Beck Drive.  Motion carried.

Discontinuance of cul-de-sac area:  Westwood Drive

Betty reported on submission of a conceptual land division on Westwood Drive.  Racine County Planning and Development reviewed the division and suggested the town consider vacating the platted un-constructed cul-de-sac portion of Westwood Drive.    At the Plan Commission meeting, the applicant indicated the cul-de-sac had already been vacated when the road was connected to Way-Mar Lane.  Further research discovered that was not the case.    The circular right of way still exists and remains under Town ownership.    Only the paved surface of the road has been modified.  The Board directed Betty to contact the Town Attorney for information regarding the legal implications or responsibilities the Town incurs if the cul-de-sac area remains under Town ownership.  Information should also be requested on what procedure would have to be followed and what costs would be incurred to vacate the unnecessary portion of road right of way.  This information is to be reported at the April Board meeting.

MARCH 10, 2008                             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event:  Veolia Environmental Services Contract/ Cost sharing

Betty reported on attendance at the Clean Sweep Grant recipient meeting.   An executed contract was received confirming State funding up to $10,575 for the event.    A contract from Veolia Environmental Services was reviewed.  Veolia complies with State negotiated contract terms.  Betty proposed that costs be shared between the Town and Village of Rochester as they were the last time a clean sweep event was held.  Local costs were shared 50/50 on base charges, with collected material disposal costs shared based on the percentage of participants from each municipality.  She noted municipality of residence will be tracked at the event.   Gary moved, 2^nd by Mike to approve the contract for collection of household hazardous waste with Veolia Environmental Services and the cost sharing method as discussed.  Motion carried.

Evergreen Drive Reconstruction:  Parking Stall Options

Gary reported on meeting with Barry Lindau, owner of Freddy Bear’s Antique Mall, regarding closing the driveway access on Evergreen Drive for his store.   When they met, Gary suggested that Barry attend the Board meeting.  However, he was not present.  Gary reported that Barry is concerned over loss of the secondary driveway.  He may be modifying his building to lease one-half of it to another business.  He feels this scenario will benefit from the additional driveway.  Gary discussed the potential of Freddy Bear’s sharing the driveway owned by Maas & Sons that is northeast of the subject driveway.   Gary indicated concern about the closeness of Freddy Bear’s driveway to the intersection of Evergreen and STH 20.  However, he also informed Barry that the Town will only close the access if Barry is agreeable.    Gary will arrange a site meeting with Barry, the Town Board and Town Engineer to further discuss the issue.  Gary also reported meeting with the owners of other businesses on Evergreen Drive.    They are glad to hear the road will be reconstructed this year.

John Tierney indicated Baxter-Woodman will move forward with project design as if the driveway is staying.  This can be modified in the future if things change.

Set date for Board of Review (week of July 14^th)

Consensus of the Board was to set the date and time of Thursday, July 17, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., for review of the 2008 Assessment Roll and to hold Board of Review.

Set date for Joint Town-Village Board meeting to review consolidation ordinance revisions

Betty reported on receipt of the revised consolidation ordinance from Atty. John Hotvedt.  The corrections discussed at the January meeting were not made.  Betty is making the necessary revisions will sending it back for review.   In order to follow the timeline agreed on for 2008 public information meetings, the ordinance should be finalized by April.  A meeting to discuss the ordinance with the Village of Rochester Board is to be scheduled during the week of March 24^th.  Board members indicated flexibility as to the day of the week.

Period for Public Comment.    There was none.

Mike moved, 2^nd by Paul to adjourn at 8:53 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

March 25, 2008                      JOINT TOWN/ VILLAGE BOARD MEETING                         6:30 p.m.

Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present from the Town Board; and Chris Denman, Dean Stapleton, Russ Kumbier, Jim Henning and Mark Tamblyn present from the Village Board.   Bill Weidert and Dave Pattengale were absent.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.

2009 Law Enforcement Contract

Terms of the Town and Village 2009 law enforcement contract with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department were reviewed.  Total costs were listed as $96,904, down $100 from 2008 contract costs.  Paul Beere moved, 2^nd by Mike Weinkauf to approve the Town’s 2009 contract with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.  Motion carried.  Russ Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Mark Tamblyn to approve the Village’s 2009 contract with the Racine County Sheriff’s Department.  Motion carried.

Shared Parking Lot considerations

Betty Novy reported on conceptual parking lot plans prepared on behalf of Community State Bank that include a shared parking area on a portion of the municipal building’s lot.  She expressed the need for input regarding Village and Town willingness to participate in the paving project, cost sharing and maintenance.  Rough estimates indicated the municipal building’s portion of the proposed parking area to represent approximately 10% of the overall project.   Consensus of both Boards was to participate in the project and to offer 10% cost sharing on paving and future maintenance costs.

Fire Department parking lot resurfacing

Betty Novy requested confirmation of last year’s direction to bid out resurfacing the fire station parking lot with the Town’s 2008 Road Improvement program.  She also questioned whether the bid should be broken into options.  Consensus of both Boards was to include parking lot specifications with the Town’s 2008 bid package as two optional bids- one to resurface the entire parking lot and the other to resurface only east and southern portions (in relation to the fire station building).  Novy also reported on the engineer’s inquiry regarding the need for pavement borings.  Several individuals reported that the parking lot consists of only one layer of asphalt.  It would be helpful to know how thick the pavement is before drawing specifications for the project.  Costs for the borings were stated as approximately $600.  Consensus of the Board was to have the borings done before bidding out the project.

Review ordinance establishing terms of consolidating the Town and Village of Rochester:  Attorney John Hotvedt

Revisions to the draft ordinance were found compatible with previous direction given by Town and Village Boards.  Two additional revisions were requested.  Under Section 5 “Land Use”, “Moratorium on Plat Approval and Subdivision Regulations”, language should be reviewed to make sure it includes any developments that might take place under the Village’s Planned Unit Development ordinance.  Section 12 “Effective Date” should state a void date of November 7, 2008.  The attorney is to make these revisions and prepare ordinances for both Town and Village Boards to consider at their regular April meetings.

Establish Time Table and Outline for public meetings

A spring public information meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  Zoning maps and financial information are to be ready for presentation.  A newsletter dedicated specifically to consolidation issues and notifying residents of the meeting date and time should be mailed in advance of the meeting. 

Public Comment.  Patricia Gerber, owner of Maas & Sons, Beck Drive, addressed both Boards stating concern over boundary agreements with the Village of Waterford.  She stated her desire to remain in Rochester.  Patti was informed that there will be no mandatory annexations to neighboring communities as part of boundary negotiations.

Gary Beck moved, 2^nd by Jim Henning to adjourn at 7:33 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC