Link to:    August 27 2008 Special Joint Board Meeting

AUGUST 13, 2008             REGULAR BOARD MEETING                           7:30P.M.

Chris Denman called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with Board members James Henning, Mark Tamblyn, Russ Kumbier and Dave Pattengale present. Dean Stapleton was absent and Bill Weidert arrived at 7:35 p.m.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer and Sandi Swan, Deputy Clerk Treasurer, were also present. 

Pledge of Allegiance.

Pattengale moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to forego verbal reading of the July 16 & 21, 2008 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to approve minutes of the July 16 & 21, 2008 meeting as printed.  Motion carried.

Period for Public Comment:   Korey Kumbier addressed the board and unveiled the signs that he completed for his Eagle Scout Project. He stated that the original project was projected to take 20-30 hours; however the project has taken 200 man hours. He hopes to install the signs next week.

Department Reports:

Sheriff’s Department report.   A written report was reviewed showing the following statistics for July:  zero accidents; seven speeding citations, five traffic citations, twenty parking citations and twenty warnings were issued.  There were one misdemeanor, seven ordinance, one OWI and 1 felony arrests.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  Thirty one complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with thirteen additional complaints, originated forty on his own and performed follow up on eleven. He reported twenty days, 176.25 hours and 1,764 miles driven.  Sixteen foot patrols were conducted. 

Deputy Prochaska reported overall traffic statistics are down. This may be attributed to the effect high gas prices have had on reducing traffic. He reported that the one felony arrest was a seizure of 1.3 grams of heroine off of a traffic stop. The assistance by the City of Burlington K-9 unit was able locate the substance. There may be more arrests due to that one stop.

He stated he will make his presence known and start enforcing stop sign violations in Weber Estates Subdivision.

Maintenance. Brian Krueger reported stop signs for Weber Estates Subdivision are installed. There are no lift station issues to report. Denman asked Brian to investigate a weed complaint along a fence line at 306 S. Rochester St.

Engineering Dept.  John Tierney addressed the board. He reported the following:

Building Inspection. Lee Greivell was absent. His monthly building permit report was provided for review.

Day in the Country Planning Event (September 20, 2008) Stacy Kopchinski

Stacy reported the date and time of the “Day in the Country” event as Saturday, September 20^th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The car show will be held again at the Library. The church will be sponsoring a craft show with 32 vendors. 

Chances Restaurant will have live music and be selling food outside.  Rochester Historical Society will have a stand in front of the Laughran house. The Girls Scouts will have activities in Pioneer Park and there will be a mini farmers market. Parking areas on Main Street will be blocked off with hay bales donated by Mike Weinkauf. She requested that the one-way section of S. State St. be closed to thru traffic for safety reasons. It has always been closed in the past for this event. Consensus of the board was to close the one-way section.

She stated they received donations from HyPro, Runzheimer Int’l and Lynch to pay for bands. Banners will be placed on two corners of Hwys. 36 & D.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Pattengale for the Village to pay for two port-a-potties for the event.  Motion carried.

Extraterritorial Plat Review: Certified Survey Map creating two parcels out of one; Location: S. Westwood Dr.; Owner/Applicant: Richard Reesman (Parcel #014-031914012000; 3 acres)

Tamblyn reported on Plan Commission review of the land division.  They recommended approval.  The Town Plan Commission and Board have also approved the division.

Henning moved, seconded by Kumbier to approve to approve the land division creating two parcels from one at S. Westwood Dr. Motion carried.

Agreement regarding vacation of E. Fox St. west of S. Water St.

Signatures were obtained from all abutting property owners to execute the agreement whereby the Willard Trust and Margaret Haus will cover all expenses with vacating the portion of E. Fox St. lying west of S. Water St.

Weidert moved, seconded by Kumbier to approve the agreement regarding vacating the portion of E. Fox St. that lies west of S. Water St. with the adjacent property owners absorbing the legal costs. Motion carried.

Referendum Language; Consolidation of the Town and Village of Rochester

Betty presented the Board with the referendum language to be placed on the November ballot and reported that the Town Board approved the language at their Board meeting Monday night.

The question which shall appear on the ballot is as follows:

“Shall the Village of Rochester consolidate with the Town of Rochester pursuant to the Village of Rochester Ordinance #3-2008 duly enacted  by the Village of Rochester on April 16, 2008.

____For Consolidation

____ Against Consolidation

Weidert moved, seconded by Tamblyn to approve the referendum language for the November election. Motion carried.

2009 Planning and Zoning Services: Racine County Planning & Development Proposal

A Racine County Planning and Development proposal to provide Planning and Zoning Services to the consolidated Village of Rochester was reviewed.  The cost for three-quarters of a year was stated as $31,617.   This was reduced from the original annual price of $42,156 based on an assumption that the legal authority to exercise zoning by the consolidated Village would not take effect until a new Village Board was elected in April of 2009. 

Betty reported that the Town Board tabled their discussion on Monday until a joint meeting could be scheduled with the Village Board in the later part of August. Denman requested that Novy find out in advance of the joint meeting what the revenues are that Racine County has collected over the past three years for zoning services in the Town of Rochester.

Consensus of the board was to table discussion until a joint Board meeting with the Town.

Dave Pattengale left the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

Repair /Replacement costs: Pumper 815

Quotes for the repair of the pumper/tanker truck were reviewed. The quotes showed that the frame repair far exceeded expectations that were given at the July 21, 2008 meeting. Discussion was held as to other possible options. Not replacing the truck could have an effect on the Fire Department’s rating which in turn could affect property owners’ insurance rates.

Consensus of the board was to table further discussion until a joint meeting with the Town of Rochester.

Bill Weidert is to find out the effects of a lower fire rating on an average homeowners’ insurance rate, prior to the joint meeting.

Roof/Patch Aluminum Treatment: Rochester Municipal Building

Betty reported that the Municipal Building was re-roofed in 2002. It is recommended to re-aluminize (paint) the surface every five years. The company that did the roof work inspected the roof and identified some areas in need of patching as well. The proposal to do the necessary work will cost $2,869. With cost sharing between the Town and Sewer utilities, the Village portion would be $350.00 with the Village Sewer Utility share being $725.00.  The 2008 general building outlay budget is $1,175, of which nothing has been spent to date.

Betty also reported that the Town Board approved the proposal at their Board meeting Monday night.

Tamblyn moved, seconded by Kumbier to approve the proposal of $2,869 and have the necessary work completed by Wisconsin Restoration, Inc. Motion carried.

2008-2009 Snowplowing Contract Extension: C & C Asphalt

Betty reported that C & C Asphalt has agreed to renew the contract at the same rates as last year. She added that Jeff Katz, from Racine County Public Works, informed her that bulk salts rates will be double this season as compared to last. The Town Board approved the contract extension and would like to use a salt/sand mix this year as it seemed to work well in the latter part of the season last year. C & C can provide the mixing. If conditions warrant it, C & C can still use straight salt.

Consensus of the Board was to also use a salt/sand mix as recommended by the Town Board.

Henning moved, 2^nd by Tamblyn to approve the snow-plow contract extension with C & C Asphalt for the 2008-2009 winter season. Motion carried.

Budget Resolution #5-2008: to amend categories to more accurately reflect 2008 actual and estimated
 

Betty reported that the Finance Committee reviewed the amendments and recommended approval at their July meeting.

Tamblyn moved, seconded by Henning to approve Resolution #5-2008. Motion carried.

Road Repair Proposal- E. Spring St.

A proposal from Pave-Tech, Inc was provided for review. The proposal provided the following two options:

-          Asphalt Overlay with a bid price of $2,136.00

-          Asphalt Road Reconstruction with a bid price of $3,883.00

John Tierney recommended the asphalt reconstruction with the installation of 3” of asphalt. The road right now has a thickness of 1 ½” which is equivalent to a driveway. He feels that 3” of thickness would hold up better with the commercial type traffic in that area. 

Weidert moved, 2^nd by Tamblyn to approve option two of the proposal to shape and compact the existing pavement and install 3” of asphalt with a bid price of $3,883.00. Motion carried.

Trick or Treat Hours

Betty reported that October 31^st is on a Friday this year. She added that the Town Board set a time for Trick or Treat on Sunday, November 2^nd from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Kumbier moved, seconded by Henning to set Trick or Treat hours for Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Motion carried.

Fall Newsletter Presented for Correction or Additions

A draft copy of the fall newsletter was presented to the Board for corrections and/or additions. Henning moved, seconded by Tamblyn to approve the Fall Newsletter for distribution as written. Motion carried.

Correspondence was presented from the City of Racine regarding regulation of the sale of fireworks urging local jurisdictions within Racine County to communicate with state assemblymen and senators to make changes to our state statues to put heavier restrictions and penalties on the sale and use of all types of fireworks.

A thank you note from the Rochester Historical Society for the use of the Municipal Building through out the year.

Committee Reports

Street: Jim reported that weed cutting is complete. Sidewalk repairs are done and the Rochester St. Bridge project is officially done.

Parks and Beautification: Russ reported that the signs for the park are done and will be installed next week. Swan will check with Roman’s Grading on obtaining stone for the landscaping around the signs.

Health Board: Betty reported that WRCHD received a $5000 grant for tobacco prevention. They are asking local municipalities if they can place wooden boxes out to survey people about a Smoke-free Wisconsin. WIC Clinic use is up and they are adding an additional clinic. WRCHD has also received a $1500 grant for car seats so they can offer free car seats to people in need. Cheryl Mazmanian is on the Board for the Countryside Humane Society and reported that contract prices will be going up. The Village’s contract will expire December 2008. Betty reported that the Town is possibly considering other sources.

Ordinance Committee: Dave was not present to report. Betty stated there are a few ordinances to work on; however, they can wait until September.

Racine County Comprehensive Plan Multi-Jurisdiction Advisory Committee: Dave was not present to report.

Finance Committee: Denman read the Finance Report. Kumbier moved, seconded by Weidert to approve as read. Motion carried.

Kumbier moved, seconded by Tamblyn to adjourn at 9:32 p.m. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandi Swan

Deputy-Clerk Treasurer
 

AUGUST 27, 2008               JOINT TOWN/ VILLAGE BOARD MEETING                             7:00 p.m.

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

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.

Town Chairman Jim Simon and Town Supervisor Roy Lightfield were present representing the Town of Spring Prairie.

Pumper and Tanker Repair Replacement:  Rochester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company

Fire Chief Tim Dahlberg provided a frame repair estimate for Pumper/ Tanker 515.  The estimate was $32,100.  Included in the estimate was a statement that the price could vary after the project began.  When adding mechanical repairs, total repairs were estimated at $41,000.  Consensus of all Boards was not to invest $41,000 in repairs towards the 1980 Pumper/ Tanker.

There was discussion regarding purchase of a new truck.  Tim informed Board members that new NFPA standards go into effect January 1, 2009 that impact exhaust system requirements and add approximately $10,000 - $15,000 to the cost of new fire trucks.  Due to the high price of steel, an 8-10% overall cost increase is also expected. 

Replacement schedules of front line emergency vehicles were discussed.  In 2015, a new tanker will be needed.  In 2020, a new engine will be needed.  Board members did not agree to invest $600,000 in a new back up pumper/tanker.  A preference was stated to invest in a back-up vehicle solution that would last approximately three to four years, with a goal to research and purchase a new engine in that time frame.  The front line engine could then be demoted to back-up.  Several Board members presented information obtained on used fire trucks.  This information was passed on to the Fire Chief.

Tim was directed to research purchase of a used fire truck to be utilized as a back-up pumper/ tanker in the $100,000 price range.  Parameters of the search were established as follows:  the fire truck should be a 1995 model or newer, have at least a 1,000 gallon tank capacity; and have a crew cab. 

Board members offered additional direction that any vehicle considered for purchase must be inspected by an independent inspection company to verify compliance with DOT operating standards.

Disposal of Retired Fire Trucks

Tim addressed the Board regarding disposal of 1971 and 1980 fire trucks.  Consensus of all Board members was to authorize disposal of the vehicles for the highest value obtained by either selling them for scrap or trade-in value.  Proceeds obtained for disposal of the vehicles are to be put towards purchase of a newer vehicle.

2009 Planning and Zoning Services

A Racine County Planning and Development proposal to provide Planning and Zoning Services to the consolidated Village of Rochester was reviewed.  The cost for three-quarters of a year was stated as $31,617.   This was reduced from the original annual price of $42,156 based on an assumption that the legal authority to exercise zoning by the consolidated Village would not take effect until a new Village Board was elected in April of 2009.  Betty reported on confirmation by the Town Attorney that legal authority to exercise zoning in the area that is now the Town would actually be transferred to the consolidated village once positive results of the referendum election were confirmed.   That would increase the annual price of the county providing 2009 planning and zoning services to $42,156.   

Annual zoning permit revenues for the years 2005-2007 were reviewed, along with 2008 to date.  Even when charging double fees, revenues averaged less than half of the proposed cost of the county providing the service.   Betty reported on proposals the Village received in 2006 for building inspection and zoning services.  There are firms which provide these services for a percentage of fees collected.  Board members agreed they did not want to make up a $20,000 shortfall for this service each year.   Mike Weinkauf moved, 2^nd by Russ Kumbier to solicit proposals for planning and zoning services as of November 4, 2008 provided the consolidation referendum passes.  Motion carried.

Proposals are to be solicited as three options:  Building Inspection Services; Planning and Zoning Services; Combination of Building Inspection and Planning and Zoning Services.

Salt/ Sand Use:  2008-2009 Snowplowing Operations

The Town Board’s approval of using a salt/ sand mix for 2008-2009 snowplowing operations was discussed.  It was noted salt costs have more than doubled since the 2007-2008 season.  The Town Board approved use of the salt/sand mixture at the discretion of the Public Works Supervisor.  An option to use straight salt is retained if weather conditions warrant its use.    Russ Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Jim Henning to authorize use of salt/sand mix on Village roads for the 2008-2009 season unless conditions warrant use of straight salt.  Motion carried.

Gary Beck moved, 2^nd by Mike Weinkauf to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer