March 8, 2010                                    VILLAGE BOARD MEETING                             7:00 p.m.

 

Gary Beck called the roll as follows:  Paul Beere: Absent;  Gary Beck: Present;  Chris Bennett:  Present;  Ed Chart:  Present;  Chris Johnson:  Absent;  Bob Lancour:  Present;  Mike Weinkauf:  Present.

 

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; and Christopher Birkett, Public Works Director were also present.

 

In the absence of the Village President, Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Bennett to appoint Beck President Pro-Tem for the duration of the meeting.  Motion carried.

 

Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Minutes.  Bennett moved, 2nd by Weinkauf to approve minutes of the February 8, 2010 meeting as printed.  Motion carried.

 

Period for Public Comment (for items not on the agenda).  Patrick Haley introduced himself as a candidate for Racine County Supervisor Seat #20.  Haley indicated he served on the Town of Dover Board and believes there is a lack of communication with the existing county supervisor.  He is running to correct that situation and indicated, if elected, that he would attend Village Board meetings three to four times a year to keep open communication.  He also noted the Village’s meeting date and time is incorrect on the County website.  Novy will update the information with the County Clerk.

 

Department Reports:

Fire & Rescue. 

Asst. Chief Walter Henning addressed the Board.  He reported on response to a garage fire in Honey Lake that past Friday.  Mutual aid was initialized.  The stand-by generator is now operational at the fire station.  The fire company is reviewing a proposal by Paratech Ambulance to lease one emergency medical technician to staff the day shift Monday through Friday.  They are also checking with another ambulance company out of Illinois.  They plan to start paid staff July 1st and to stay within the $43,500 budgeted for that purpose.  The dry hydrants in Pioneer Park are operational.  Their fundraiser went well.  Through donations, they have purchased and are putting together a six-wheeler to assist with rescue operations in hard to access state wildlife areas.

 

Sheriff. 

Deputy Castillo submitted a written report showing the following statistics for February:  zero accidents; eleven speeding citations, four traffic citations, eight parking citations and seventeen warnings were issued.  There were three arrests, one misdemeanor and two ordinance.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  twenty-five complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Castillo assisted with six additional complaints, originated thirty-six on his own and performed follow up on twenty-eight. He reported eighteen working days, 153.5 hours and 1,242 miles driven.  Twenty-two foot patrols were conducted. 

 

Additionally, Castillo reported two incidents in Case Eagle Park.  Safety concerns were called in regarding two men in a parked car.  They were making walkers uncomfortable.  Secondly, some graffiti occurred in the park on signs, the dumpster, and the parking lot overnight.  Castillo is working on getting junk vehicles moved from the Fait property this Spring and will also be working to address other junk vehicles on Village properties.

 

Public Works.    Birkett’s written report was reviewed follows:

Lift Stations/ Sewer:  Weekly testing of stations.  Pump 2 is not getting worse.  L.W. Allen came out and we agreed to monitor it.  Televising quotes are in for first years work.  Manhole covers on Fox Knoll- will be ordering and replacing as soon as they come in.

 

Roads:  Starting on spring housekeeping shoulder touch up, brush removal, over head limbs, etc.  Potholes are ongoing and will be staying at that as time and potholes develop.  John Tierney and I will be reviewing some of our worst sections of road and coming up with a patch/ repair priority list.

 

Drainage:  Ongoing .  Racine County is open to working with us.  Rest of property owners will be contacted this month.

 

Animal Control. Took in a dog.  No chip/ tag or other ID.  I believe I found a home for him.

 

Engineer.  Tierney’s written report was reviewed as follows: 

 

Trail of Pines Condominiums:  Observe lift station testing when requested.  Review as-built drawings of sewer when submitted.

 

Coyote Territory Subdivision:  No activity this period.

 

Rookery Landing Subdivision:  No activity this period.  Continue monitoring drainage on Blue Crane Court.  Coordinate easements as necessary.

 

2009 Street Improvements:  In Spring, final landscaping and punchlist inspection.

 

Settlement of Rochester Condominiums:  Review revised plans as needed.

 

Ag School Drain Tile Study:  Prepared supplemental exhibit to review feasibility of a new storm sewer on Wade Street to resolve Ela wetlands flooding.

 

Town/Village GIS Zoning Map:  Awaiting consolidation of Village and Town Zoning Codes.

 

Zoning.  Schattner reported permits issued from December of 2009 and through February 2010 as follows: 

 

Notice of Zoning Violations were issued to: 

 

The following items are scheduled for the April 5, 2010 Village Planning Commission Public Hearing: 

 

The following items are scheduled for the May 3, 2010 Village of Rochester Planning Commission Hearing: 

 

Pond permit fees were also discussed.  The Village has been incurring approximately $1,000 in costs over the current permit fee.  Schattner provided information on how other municipalities handle the fee. 

 

Building Inspector.  Greivell reported two new single family home permits for the months of December through February and other miscellaneous permits.   He reported follow up on the Ouwens property.  The daughter reported the property is to be sold, and that the new owner plans to raze the home.  However, no timetable has been established.  Lancour moved, 2nd by Johnson to send a notice of housing code violation stating a deadline of 30 days to allow an inspection by the building
inspector and to produce information verifying the sale of the property and the new owner’s intent to raze the structure.  Motion carried.  Follow up direction was that if there is no compliance with the 30-day notice, raze procedures should be initiated.

 

Request for refund of Erosion Control Bond:  Adam Schaefer, 32820 Seidel Drive

Adam and Sheryl Schaefer addressed the Board with their request.  The building inspector reported that the Schaefer’s erosion control bond had not been refunded because some of their property is still disturbed and needs to be restored with grass.  Chart questioned what is holding the Schaefer’s back from restoring their land since their construction project has been completed for a couple of years.   Sheryl reported drainage problems as the issue.  The Schaefers’ are not sure which way to grade their lot because of standing water associated with a long term drainage problem.  They indicated they have been trying for three years to find a way to fix the drainage problem, but need the help of their neighbors.  Consensus of the Board was to refer the drainage issue to the Public Works Committee for further consideration.  Chart moved, 2nd by Bennett to refund the erosion control bond due to the unusual circumstances.  Motion carried.

 

Rochester Library Board request of consideration to construct Village Hall east of library

 

Beverly Jensen, Library Board President, addressed the Board.  She stated members of the Library Board would like to go on record supporting construction of a new village hall as an addition to the library.  She indicated this option would create an opportunity to share assembly hall space for library programs.  Board members accepted the information and noted there would be further discussion after results of the referendum election are known.

 

2010 Park Mowing Contract

 

Chart moved, 2nd by Bennett to renew the park mowing contract with Global Landscape contingent that mowing costs are held to 2009 prices.  Motion carried.

 

Sewer Televising Proposals

 

Birkett reported on Public Works Committee review of three proposals to televise 8,877 feet of sewer mains in 2010.  The committee recommended the televising contract be awarded to Ace Sewer Cleaners for $8,000.  Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Lancour to approve Ace Sewer Cleaners performing the work.  Motion carried.

 

Handicap Parking Space for Post Office (208 W. Main Street)

 

Birkett reported a request by the Rochester Postmaster to sign a handicap parking space in the on-street parking area adjacent to the post office.  Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Chart to post and sign an ADA compliant parking space in front of the entrance to the post office.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution #2010-4 adopting the 2010 Fee Schedule

 

Board members reviewed minutes of the Finance Committee meeting including an outline of recommended changes to the fee schedule.  Pond permit fees were not determined.  The two ponds processed in 2009 averaged over $1,000 each in zoning administration fees, for which the Village collected only $275.00 in fees.   This was in addition to engineering fees that were direct billed to the applicants.  There was discussion on ways to cut review costs, some of which involved referring ponds to the Public Works Committee for review.   Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Chart to table action on the 2010 Fee Schedule until such time as a pond permit process and fee is determined.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution #2010-5 authorizing Promissory Note Dated March 8, 2010 to borrow $73,544 for purchase of a  grass rig for the Rochester Fire Department

 

Bennett moved, 2nd by Weinkauf to adopt Resolution #2010-5 authorizing a loan of $73,544 from sewer utility funds over a ten year period at 3% interest as recommended by the Finance Committee.  Motion carried. 

 

Resolution #2010-6 designating public depository and authorizing withdrawal of Village monies for Escrow Accounts held at Community State Bank

 

Novy reported this resolution acts as a signature card for numerous holding tank escrow accounts held at Community State Bank.  The accounts still show Colleen Holder, previous Town Treasurer, as the signer.  Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Lancour to adopt Resolution #2010-6.  Motion carried.

 

Request to use Case Eagle Park softball diamonds:  Waterford Union High School

 

A written request from the Waterford High School athletic director was reviewed to utilize Case Eagle for the spring 2010 softball season.    Chart moved, 2nd by Weinkauf to approve the request.  Motion carried.

 

Receipt of information from Village Architect verifying a sprinkler system variance is not necessary for community halls with a capacity of less than 300 people as applicable to the proposed purchase and remodel of the ProHealth Care Building, 231 S. Millgate Drive

 

Board members formally acknowledged receipt of the information.

 

Set meeting date and time for consideration of April 6 Village Hall Building Referendum results to make determination of community support in regards to purchase of the ProHealth Care building

 

An amended timeline on the offer to purchase, prepared by the realtor, was reviewed.  A recommendation was provided that the Village consider taking care of some lesser issues before determining whether to proceed with the purchase.   The Village must make a determination of public support on whether to proceed with the purchase by April 8th, or the Village will lose its earnest money if it does not complete the purchase.   Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Bennett to hold a special meeting Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. to determine whether to move forward with purchase of the ProHealth Care Building.  Motion carried.

 

Determination of necessity of full Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for 231 S. Millgate Drive and authorization to proceed

 

Novy reported on prior discussion of this issue at the January 26th meeting.  The Village Attorney recommended a full Phase 1 Environmental Assessment be performed.  The Village Architect did not feel it was necessary.  The additional cost is $4,700.   The attorney’s recommendation is based on liability assumed by the Village should any environmental contamination be found on the site at a future date.   The architect’s recommendation is based on performance of a full Phase 1 assessment prior to ProHealth Care developing the site which showed no concerns, and local knowledge of the parcel that does not indicate the likelihood of environmental contamination.   Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Chart to release performance of the full Phase 1 environmental assessment as a contingency of the purchase of the building.  Motion carried.

 

Authorization to proceed with well water testing and well system inspection at 231 S. Millgate Drive

 

Novy reported a quote by Maas & Sons of $300 to perform well and water tests on the building.  Weinkauf moved, 2nd by Lancour to have Maas & Sons perform the tests.  Motion carried.

 

Authorization to forward proposed site plan for 231 S. Millgate Drive to Millgate Architectural Control Committee with request for approval of proposed changes and additions

 

Chart moved, 2nd by Lancour to forward the proposed site plan for 231 S. Millgate Drive to the Millgate Architectural Control Committee with a request for approval of the proposed changes.  Motion carried.

 

Discuss time limit on offer to purchase to obtain approval from the Wisc. Dept. of Commerce regarding building plans for a change of use of the building at 231 S. Millgate Drive as a Village Hall

                                        

Novy reported the deadline on building plan approval from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce on the offer to purchase is May 15, 2010.  This approval requirement was initially included because of the issue of whether or not the state would grant a sprinkler system variance on the assembly hall area.  Since this is not a problem, the Board should reconsider such an aggressive timeline on building plan approval.  The deadline necessitates an immediate contract with an architect to create a final plan set to obtain state approval.  Slowing down that part of the process will allow more time to analyze remodeling needs.  Consensus of the Board was to place this issue on the April 12th meeting agenda if the decision is made to move forward with the purchase of the building.

 

NIMS Training Requirements for Elected Officials

 

Novy reported a need for elected officials to receive training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS).  FEMA offers most training online.  Compliance with certain levels is necessary should the Village expect to receive emergency management funding from the federal government in the future.   The courses provide instruction on a standardized approach to emergency management with the purpose of facilitating inter-agency coordination.  Consensus of the Board was to direct the Clerk to send email links for each recommended course to Board members and to reimburse each Board member the per diem meeting pay of $25.00 when they submit their course completion certificates. 

 

Set Date for First Meeting of Board of Review:  May 24 – May 27

 

Consensus of the Board was to schedule the meeting for Monday, May 24th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Members are to be appointed after the April election.

 

Authorization for Public Works Manager to obtain credit card with Community State Bank

 

Novy reported that Waterford Oil is discontinuing their credit program and the Public Works Manager will need a credit card to purchase gas for the Village truck.  Chart moved, 2nd by Weinkauf to authorize a credit card for Chris Birkett with a limit of $1,000.  Motion carried.

 

Correction and/or approval: 2010 Spring Newsletter

 

Consensus of the Board was to approve the newsletter for distribution with the addition of articles on junk cars and the  handicap parking space at the Rochester Post Office.

 

Correspondence was read from:

Feer Laroc LLC regarding possible purchase of the Coral Reef Property for a park- the Village President and Clerk are meeting with the owners on March 16th to obtain more information on this inquiry;
Wisconsin Dept. of Justice providing information regarding placement of Juvenile Sex Offenders- a copy of Senate Bill 548 was also provided.  This legislation may greatly impact municipal ability to enforce sexual offender ordinances;

League of Municipalities regarding New Municipal Officials Workshop & Regional Dinner Meetings;

Racine County Farm Bureau regarding a March 9, 2010 meeting on County Farmland Preservation Plan;

Wisconsin Emergency Management regarding an Emergency Response Seminar- March 23, 2010 at the Kenosha County Center;

Super Board Meeting Notice- March 24, 2010 at Evergreen Elementary School; and the

Governor’s Conference on Homeland Security & Emergency Management- March 30-April 1.

 

Public Works Committee:   Johnson reported all action items of the Committee were covered in the meeting.  Other than that, a different degreaser is being proposed for use in the E. Main Street lift station; the Ag School Drain Tile Study is ongoing; they discussed the pond permit process; and the intent of WRCSD to begin charging a connection fee for undeveloped properties.

 

Ordinance Committee:  Beck reported the committee did not meet for the month of February, but will be meeting March 15th to start review of the zoning code.

 

Honey Lake Protection and Rehabilitation Board:   Weinkauf reported members of the Honey Lake Board as:  John Lutz, Judy Correll, Jerry Schwarten, Roy Lightenfield, and  Rob McIndoe.  He reported a couple Board members are going to the Wisconsin Lakes Convention, that they had been having issues with snowmobiles around the lake this winter; that the Sugar Creek bridge on County Highway DD is planned for reconstruction between 2011 and 2012;  and that the Board is continuing efforts to get district records into an electronic format.

 

Western Racine County Health Department:   Bennett reported the health department has scheduled several adult vaccination clinics, and that they will be holding a pet clinic on March 20th at which they will be licensing pets for participating municipalities. 

 

Finance Committee Report:  Beck reported the recommendation of the Committee to approve all disbursements listed on the check detail of February 9, 2010 through March 8, 2010.  The Committee also reviewed cost allocations of fuel for the public works truck and public works cell phone.  They recommend fuels costs be split 15% sewer utility; and 85% village general; and that cell phone bills be split 50/50 between sewer utility and village general funds.  They also reviewed two delinquent personal property tax bills of businesses that no longer exist.  The bills have been charged back to each tax district so that the Village is only left with their portion of the bills.  The committee recommended that outstanding balances of $33.27 for Hickory Hills Cabinets; and $44.11 for Coral Reef Restaurant be wrote off.

 

Chart moved, 2nd by Bennett to approve the finance committee’s recommendations.  Motion carried. 

 

Bennett moved, 2nd by Chart to adjourn at 9:40 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer