FEBRUARY 20, 2008                       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, Mark Tamblyn, Dave Pattengale, Russ Kumbier and Dean Stapleton present.

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

Pledge of Allegiance.

Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to forego verbal reading of the January 9 & 16, 2008 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Henning to approve minutes of the January 9 & 16, 2008 meetings as printed.  Motion carried.

Period for Public Comment:   Bill Weber, 106 N Rochester Street, addressed the Board with his concerns regarding an adult family home that recently began operations at 109 N. Rochester Street. 

Novy reported on communication with Norah Gomez of the State’s Bureau of Assisted Living.  She confirmed the home was licensed for three to four developmentally disabled adults.  The license is issued to Reineke Care Homes, LLC.  The Village Attorney researched State Statutes on this subject.  Local municipalities may not restrict placement of an adult home in any residential district as long as they are no closer than 2500 feet to each other.  The only appeal process available is that the municipality may hold a hearing not less than 11 months after first licensure regarding the effect the adult family home has on the health, safety or welfare of the residents of the municipality.  Under this process, a municipality may order the home to cease operation until special zoning permission is obtained.  However, the order is subject to judicial review.

Bill questioned the license to Reineke Care Homes, LLC, contending this is a business operation that should not be allowed in a residential district.  He also questioned whether any information could be obtained regarding the types of disabilities being served by the home. 

It was noted medical information is generally confidential.  However, the Board agreed to research the Village’s ability to regulate placement of the home based on ownership by a business entity.  An attempt will also be made to find out what types of disabilities are being served by the facility.

Mary Stapleton, Library Director, addressed the Board.  She informed Board members that a special bus-museum will be at the library on Thursday, March 13^th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The mobile museum features an exhibit on Midwest Prisoners of War from World War II.   She also reported subscribing to several on-line databases that are now available to library patrons.  These databases offer repair information on automobiles, an antique pricing guide and professional testing services.  Dean Stapleton questioned Lee Greivell on a landlord-tenant dispute at 101 N. Front Street.  Lee indicated he is aware of some heating issues.  He encouraged the two parties to work it out among themselves.

Department Reports:

Sheriff’s Department report.  A written report was submitted showing the following statistics for January:  three accidents; nine speeding citations, eleven traffic citations, five parking citations and twenty-two warnings were issued.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  eighteen complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with thirteen additional complaints, originated thirteen on his own and performed follow up on three.  He reported eighteen work days, 148.75 hours and 1,598 miles driven.  One foot patrol was conducted. 

Deputy Prochaska reported a traffic stop in January resulting in drug charges for possession of 30+ grams of THC.  The individual was passing through the area on his way to Alpine Valley Ski Resort.  Despite record snowfall, traffic accidents have been low this winter season.

Maintenance.   Brian Krueger reported on the status of the Steiner tractor.  It has 1,000 operating hours on it and is in good condition.  He believes it will last another four to five years.  Brian reported keeping up with snow removal as best as possible.

Engineering.  John Tierney presented his written report as follows:

Building Inspection (Lee Greivell).    There were two building permits issued for the month of January.  One was a raze permit for the house behind Community State Bank and the Municipal Building.  Lee reported close proximity of a gas main to the sewer lateral.  The lateral was capped as close to the street as possible.  Stapleton questioned whether the approval on reconstruction of the Addis barn required removal of the second older barn on their property.  Lee did not remember that being a condition of approval, but will check the meeting minutes.

Engineering Services Agreement- Baxter Woodman Engineering

Novy reported all legal issues resolved.  Atty. Hasenstab recommended approval.  Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to approve the engineering services agreement with Baxter-Woodman Engineering.  Motion carried.

Replacement of Village Building Code Fee Schedule with

Wisconsin Uniform Building Code Fee Schedule

Lee Grievell requested that the Board consider adopting the Wisconsin Uniform Building Code Fee Schedule in lieu of the fee schedule in use by the Village.  Novy reported on review of the Village’s fee schedule in comparison to the State’s.   Only minor differences were found.  The State periodically reviews their fees so adopting the schedule will relieve the Village of this task.  It also creates consistency in fees among different municipalities.  Lee indicated electrical and plumbing fee schedules are maintained separately.  He would like to recommend updates to those fees as well.  They have not been updated for ten years.  Consensus of the Board was to proceed with updating the fee schedules for consideration at a future meeting.

Installation of Parking Stop near Post Office drop box

Novy reported observation by the postmaster that numerous individuals are driving on the sidewalk in order to put things in the drop box instead of parking their cars and getting out.  He is concerned and thought the Village might consider installation of a parking stop in front of the drop box in order to deter this type of activity.  Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Tamblyn to deny the request due to concerns regarding damage to snowplows and a potential tripping hazard.  Motion carried.  Board members directed the Clerk to suggest the post office consider moving the drop box.

Appointment of Election Official:  Karen Alexander, 600 Fox Knoll Drive

Henning moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to appoint Karen Alexander as an election official for 2008-2009. Motion carried.

Spring Newsletter presented for corrections or additions

Novy reported an article will be drafted for the front page on consolidation.  Pattengale moved, 2^nd by Weidert to approve the Spring newsletter for distribution.  Motion carried.

Correspondence was read from Racine County Emergency Management.   A Public Information Officer course will be held June 11-12 at the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy in Franklin.  Stapleton will attend, with Weidert serving as alternate attendee.

Committee Reports:

Street:  Tamblyn reported he will be following up with T & T Tree Service regarding removal of the willow tree on the Winski property.   Denman reported on recent communication with the Fire Chief.  The right of way on the end of Washington Street needs to be cleared to the drainage canal.  The Fire Department is unable to get past the brush to fill their truck.  Tamblyn will request that T & T complete the brush clearing in conjunction with Winski’s tree removal.   “No Parking” signage also needs to be replaced on Washington Street.  The current signs are faded.  Brian will be directed to replace the signs.

Consolidation:  Denman reported the committee met January 30th.  Terms were established that they will agree to for inclusion in Waterford and Burlington boundary agreements.  The attorney is revising the agreements.

Parks and Beautification.  Henning reported the committee met January 29th.  The library parking lot project will be put out to bid next month. 

Racine County Comprehensive Plan Multi-Jurisdictional Advisory Committee:  Pattengale reported the next meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 21^st.  The survey is done which lists Racine County’s strengths and weaknesses, including its ability to attract businesses.  The information can be found on the County’s website.

Finance Committee:  Weidert read the report.  Tamblyn moved, 2^nd by Pattengale to approve.  Motion carried.

Tamblyn moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to adjourn at 8:54 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer