Link To: September 24, 2008 Board Meeting

SEPTEMBER 17, 2008                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                  7:30 P.M.

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

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

Pledge of Allegiance.

Henning moved, 2nd by Kumbier to forego verbal reading of the August 13 & 27, 2008 meeting minutes.  Motion carried.

Kumbier moved, 2nd by Pattengale to approve minutes of the August 13 & 27, 2008 meeting as printed.  Motion carried.

Period for Public Comment:   Korey Kumbier reported completion of his Eagle Scout project to install park signs in Rochester Commons Park.  Landscaping around the base of the signs was not completed, but could potentially be used as a Eagle Leadership project next year.   Denman signed paperwork accepting the project and thanked Korey for his work.  Board members reiterated the Village’s appreciation noting the high quality of work. 

Department Reports:

Sheriff’s Department report.   A written report was reviewed showing the following statistics for August:  zero accidents; three speeding citations, three traffic citations, eleven parking citations and eighteen warnings were issued.  There were zero arrests.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  Twenty complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with sixteen additional complaints, originated twenty-seven on his own and performed follow up on two. He reported thirteen days, 119.5 hours and 1,199 miles driven.  Nine foot patrols were conducted. 

Deputy Prochaska was not present at the meeting.    Novy questioned whether Board members had any concerns that could be passed on.  None were stated.

Maintenance. Brian Krueger reported no issues for the preceding month.  Denman questioned how the tractor was performing.  Brian reported 1,150 hours on the tractor with no significant problems.  Pattengale questioned whether additional gravel could be placed in the parking lot immediately behind the municipal building before winter.  That area seems to be settling more than others.  Novy is to follow up with the bank on what work is yet to be performed this year.   Brian was directed to come through the Village after the Day in the Country event on September 20^th to empty garbage cans and clean up along Main Street.

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

John reported 85% of the sewers are already installed in The Settlement.  The Millgate sewer extension issue will probably not be resolved any time soon.   Consensus of the Board was to notify the Trail of Pines development of the importance of installing pavement before winter.  The developer is to be notified of possible coordination with the Village’s E. Spring Street project.

Building Inspection. Lee Greivell reported only two permits for August, one for interior remodeling and a sign permit for Pro Health Care.  They changed a few letters due to a change in their corporate name.  Lee reported that the Plan Commission reviewed a development proposal for construction of a convenience store/ gas station at the corner of Main Street and S. Millgate Drive.   The developer stated a desire to begin the project this winter.

First Reading:  Resolution #6-2008 regarding vacation of E. Fox Street west of S. Water Street

Resolution #6-2008 was read.  The street vacation will be referred to the Plan Commission for consideration and a public hearing will be scheduled for the November meeting. 

Resolution #7-2008 to request reconsideration of reestablishing the Western Racine County satellite sheriff stations formally located at Burlington Town Hall and Norway Town Hall

Stapleton moved, 2^nd by Henning to approve Resolution #7-2008.  Motion carried.  An invitation is to be extended to Sheriff Carlson to attend the October meeting to discuss this issue.

N. Rochester Street Bridge Project complaint:  Marvin Gauger

A complaint submitted by Marvin Gauger regarding restoration after the N. Rochester Street bridge project was reviewed by the Board.  Part of the complaint involved damage to a tree.  This was referred to Jeff Bratz, Western Racine County Sewerage District (WRCSD).  Any damage done to the tree would have occurred as part of the WRCSD sewer main upgrade project.  The rest of the complaint referred to ponding in the road right of way between his two driveway entrances.  The project engineer indicated the area where ponding occurs is outside of the scope of the project.  Gauger is claiming the culvert installed to the south of this area is too high and blocks the water from draining as it had in the past.  Consensus of the Board was to have the Village Engineer review the culvert elevations and report back his findings.

Recommendation to enclose Port-a-Potties:  Parks Committee 

Fencing proposals to enclose the port-a-potty pads in Rochester Commons and Pioneer Park were reviewed by the Board.  The Park Committee recommended approving the proposal from B & M Fencing for $1,675.00.  Board members discussed the purpose of fencing being to chain the port a potties down and prevent tipping.  They noted an upgrade to handicap accessible port-a-potties may have already solved that problem.  They are bulkier and more difficult to tip.  Planting around the port-a-potties was briefly discussed as an alternative to fencing.  Henning moved, 2^nd by Stapleton to hold off fencing around the port-a-potties and to re-address the issue in Spring.  Motion carried.

Application for Operator’s License (Rochester Mini Mart):  Deanna Beck;  Brenda Erb

Novy reported both applicants meet the requirements of an operator’s license and have clean background checks.  Pattengale moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to approve operator’s licenses for Deanna Beck and Brenda Erb.  Motion carried. 

Information on Firefighter/ EMT Compensation

Denman stated concern regarding a shortage of volunteer emergency medical technicians during the day shift.  He reported on conversations with the Fire Chief regarding possible hiring of a day-time technician and a compensation program for volunteers.  Compensation information provided by the Fire Chief was reported as follows: 

• Hourly pay rate for EMS calls:  $8.00 per hour/  $20,000 annual budget

• Hourly pay rate for Fire calls:  $8.00 per hour/  $21,840 annual budget

• One Full-Time EMS Technician:  $41,680 annual budget

• Total Annual Cost:  $83,520

It was noted this is a private fire company and it would be up to the company to hire an employee.   However, the Village would have to supplement the budget for this purpose. 

Novy reported on information obtained at a recent local government seminar regarding volunteer fire departments.  70% of the fire departments in the United States are volunteer.  Changes in volunteerism have affected staffing throughout the country.  Novy indicated the importance of local municipalities assisting fire companies or departments to promote and recruit volunteers was stressed at the seminar.  A state program to reward volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician service was also briefly discussed.  Board members agreed there should be more communication between the fire company and the municipality on these issues.  It was noted a monthly report would be appreciated, especially to keep the Board updated on equipment issues.

Denman stated his purpose was only to make the Board aware of the issue at this time.

Meeting Format:  Consolidation Information Meeting September 24, 2008 

Novy questioned whether Board members would like anything special prepared for the public information meeting.  As previously discussed, the format will be open question and answer.  Board members indicated the outline of events presented at the May meeting should be summarized with print outs available for review.  State Representative Robin Vos should also be invited to attend.

Correspondence: 

“The Settlement” homeowners submitted a request for verification that financial guarantee on file for  “The Settlement Condominium Development” applies to the roads and curbing in the development.  John Tierney indicated curb and gutter is not covered in the financial guarantee, but the final lift of asphalt will be.  Novy is to issue a response letter with that information.   

Town of Waterford Sanitary District #1 copied the Board on a request to reopen the WRCSD contract in 2010.

Baxter-Woodman copied the Board regarding outstanding paving and drainage issues for Trail of Pines Condominiums. 

Racine County Planning and Development submitted written confirmation that they were informed of Rochester’s choice not to continue with their services next year.

Committee reports:

Street:  Henning reported nothing new.  Board members requested follow up on removal of the Winski willow tree (T & T Tree Removal service).

Parks and Beautification.  Kumbier reported on installation of park signs noting landscaping will not be performed until next year to allow for settling of the dirt.  They will be gluing the retaining wall block base down to secure it in place.

Health Board:  Novy reported the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23^rd.

Ordinance Committee:   Committee members agreed to wait until budgeting was over to address requested ordinance amendments.

Racine County Comprehensive Plan Multi-Jurisdictional Advisory Committee:  Pattengale reported the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will be scheduling Plan Commission workshops in the upcoming future.  Tamblyn would like to be notified of the date.

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

Tamblyn moved, 2^nd by Kumbier to adjourn at 8:56 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

SEPTEMBER 24, 2008          JOINT TOWN/ VILLAGE BOARD MEETING             6:30 p.m.

Town Chairman Gary Beck called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m., with Chris Denman, Russ Kumbier, Jim Henning, Bill Weidert, Dave Pattengale and Mark Tamblyn present from the Village Board;  and Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present from the Town Board.  Village Trustee Dean Stapleton was absent. 

There were no representatives present from the Town of Spring Prairie.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.

Purchase of Used Fire Truck:  Rochester Fire Department

Fire Chief Tim Dahlberg addressed the Board with report of a used fire truck for sale by Eastway Emergency Vehicles in Ottawa Canada.  A purchase price of $85,000 was negotiated for a 2500 gallon tanker that was completely refurbished in 1995.  It is built on a 1983 Kenworth chassis and has a stainless steel body.  Only the pump motor is original.  A third party inspection was being performed that day. 

The truck is subject to the same credentialing standards as the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), except that the name of the authority is different in Canada.   NFPA standards date trucks from the refurbished year.   The vehicle should be acceptable as a back-up pumper for seven years.  The engine has 45,000 miles on it and 3,030 operating hours since refurbished in 1995. 

Tim Dahlberg and Jack Biermann, Assistant Fire Chief, indicated willingness to fly to Ottawa, Canada and drive the truck back if the third party inspection proved good and expenses were reimbursed.  Airfare was available for $157.50 a ticket.  The return trip would require reimbursement of fuel and any other costs to travel about 850 miles.   They expect to complete the trip in one day.    If purchased, the truck will have to be equipped with a generator and be decaled for Rochester.   Total costs are not yet known, but expected to be less than $100,000.

Board members indicated this scenario much better than outlay of over $500,000 for a new vehicle that would be utilized for back-up purposes only.  The replacement schedule for front line vehicles was discussed.  Board members indicated the schedule should be bumped up so that vehicles are replaced on a ten-year rotational cycle from now on, with front line vehicles demoted into a back-up position at the end of their 20 year life.  It was also suggested that the fire company look at used vehicles in the future as an acceptable alternative to new front line vehicles.  If vehicles can be purchased when two to three years old, a lot of taxpayer money could be saved.

Tim reported on a recent visit by a FEMA representative.  She offered to help him write a grant for vehicle replacement.  Tim is planning to work with her to submit an application.

Town of Rochester Board:  Paul Beere moved, 2^nd by Mike Weinkauf to approve purchase of the fire truck from Eastway Emergency Vehicles contingent on positive inspections by both a third party inspection firm and the Fire Chief.  Motion carried.

Village of Rochester Board:  Russ Kumbier moved, 2^nd by Dave Pattengale to approve purchase of the fire truck from Eastway Emergency Vehicles contingent on positive inspections by both a third party inspection firm and the Fire Chief.  Motion carried.

It was noted a cashiers check will be necessary in order to pick up the truck.  Consensus of both Boards was to cut checks for their respective shares, with each municipality covering one-half of the Town of Spring Prairie’s share which is to be reimbursed when final costs are known.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer