COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
7:00 PM
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007
COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 431 W. MAIN STREET
CITY OF PRINCETON, WISCONSIN
1. Call to order and roll call.
Mayor Schneider called the meeting to order at 7:17 PM. In attendance were Alderpersons, Rowley, Hardt, Kallenbach, Kallas, Bednarek, Director Schoemann, Administrator Rath and Mayor Schneider. Alderperson Galatowitsch was absent.
2. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
3. Public Hearing.
A. Open public hearing.
Mayor Schneider opened the public hearing.
B. Electric Bill dispute – Joyce Neubauer.
Joyce Neubauer explained the nature of the matter, noting that the Chief of Police had opened her windows when responding to a call by neighbors for a possible fire. Neubauer went on to explain that this act caused her electric bill to increase significantly. Lee Williams stated that the Chief did the right thing and the bill should be upheld. Utility Clerk Nickel advised regarding the history of the residents bills, both recent and extended history. Chief Metoxen noted that if he would have called the Fire Department there would have been even greater costs. Administrator Rath recommended that Council deny the claim considering the alternatives that could have resulted in greater costs than those incurred.
C. Close public hearing.
Mayor Schneider closed the public hearing.
4. Appearances from the public.
· Cheryle Nickle 213 Wisconsin St. Request for Alderpersons to announce their names before speaking for convenience of Channel 19 viewers. Also everyone should show respect for each other during discussions.
· Amy Hardt 222 S. Farmer St. Request for extension of fence permit to be placed on next agenda.
5. Consent calendar:
A. Minutes for approval: May 22, 2007
B. Licenses for approval:
i. Liquor License Renewals.
ii. Operators License Renewals.
C. USDA Invoices for approval:
i. Kunkel #0639 – May 25, 2007 - $1,000.00
ii. Kunkel #0640 – May 25, 2007 - $3,845.00
iii. Kunkel #0310 - May 25, 2007 - $764.00
iv. Quarles and Brady – Statement #1333843 – 2,557.00
v. R.G. Schmitt – River Road Watermain Pay Application 1 - $85,171.30
vi. R.G. Schmitt – River Road Watermain Pay Application 2 - $26,748.29
D. Checks for approval:
i. General Fund
ii. Utility Fund
Mayor Schneider noted that in the minutes for approval, item 5.D. should be revised to have Alderperson Galatowitsch in favor. Schneider also inquired the purchase of a new radar by the Police Department. Chief Metoxen explained that the radar gun from the old squad was inoperable and could not be transferred. Alderperson Bednarek asked if there would be further approval by USDA for all Kunkel Engineering bills. Administrator Rath confirmed that USDA would be approving the bills. Alderperson Bednarek motioned to approve 5.A.-D. with the changes to minutes as noted and 5.B. provided that all debts to the
City are met before approval. Alderperson Hardt inquired the issuance of a check to Jon Hawkins for $250. Director Schoemann explained that this was a reimbursement for mileage and such for his efforts throughout the semester. Mayor Schneider noted that in his opinion this was more of a thank you, since Jon was not paid for his work throughout the semester. Schoemann went on to note that the $250 covered roughly 300 hours of work during the semester, which adds up to $1 per hour, a significant savings to the City. Carried 5-0.
6. Officer Reports:
A. Mayor.
Mayor Schneider announced the “Celebration” on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, schedule for June 16 in celebration of the end of construction.
B. City Administrator.
Administrator Rath updated the status of items on the last Committee of the Whole agenda, including job descriptions and the Employee Handbook, both of which are off to the Union for approval. Rath went on to explain that a grant request was being made for current USDA funding. This money would cover current projects and has been managed closely with the USDA.
C. Public Works Director.
Director Schoemann informed Council on the status of multiple projects including the Main Lift Station stairs addition, which is finally underway; the River Rd. watermain which is coming close to an end; and the Water Treatment Plant where the kinks are continuing to be ironed out. Also Schoemann noted that everyone should keep an eye out for his articles in the Princeton Times Republic. Finally, Schoemann informed that there had been a Tree Board meeting on June 6, and from that meeting Staff received direction to remove several trees throughout the City and send letters accordingly.
D. Police Chief.
Chief Metoxen spoke avout the new squad car, which is now in service. Metoxen went on to describe the potential for Homeland Security Grants to update security cameras at the school. Metoxen also noted that Flea Market traffic was successfully maintained over the holiday weekend.
Alderperson Kallas then thanked Chief Metoxen for his efforts in opening windows at Joyce Neubauers residence, which could have saved several homes.
E. Ambulance Director.
Director Williams updated Council on grants for which she was applying for. Williams went on to inform Council on the status of the upgrade to IV Tech capabilities.
7. Commission and Board Reports:
A. Library Board.
Director Duhr informed the Council of current maintenance matters and upcoming events at the Library.
B. Fire Association.
Alderperson Bednarek noted that the previously scheduled meeting was rescheduled for June 20, since there were communities who were not represented.
C. Community Center
Mayor Schneider noted that a few more items remained to be accomplished, and by the end of the summer there should be a recommendation to the Council.
8. New business.
A. Consideration of Committee of the Whole recommendation to “maintain status quo for hiring and firing procedures.”
Alderperson Bednarek noted that the Council simply wants to be involved in the final selection process and more informed in a termination case. Bednarek went on to indicate interest in a sharing of responsibility. Administrator Rath then stated that this requires no change in ordinance, only that there be better communication for final approval. Alderperson Hardt noted that better communication and shared efforts are what is needed. Bednarek then inquired Alderperson Kallas’ opinion. Kallas stated that it was up to the Council and what they want to do, stating further that he had already voiced his opinion on the matter. No further action was taken.
B. Consideration of utility bill adjustment for Joyce Neubauer regarding claim against City.
Discussion ensued regarding the issues and avoided costs of Fire Department. Alderperson Bednarek motioned to not reimburse Joyce Neubauer, Alderperson Hardt seconded. Carried 5-0.
C. Consideration of Ordinance 2007-07 “On Ordinance to Repeal and Recreate Section 7-2-19 ‘Outdoor Sports and Beer Gardens Activities Regulated’ of the Municipal Code of the City of Princeton.”
Chief Metoxen began by voicing his interest in allowing flexibility to this ordinance as there have been no problems to date. He went on to note that if we want to be open to tourism, then we need to be flexible. Alderperson Kallas noted that his point was not regarding parades and festivals, or one time events, but only in regards to businesses serving in plain sight. Mayor Schneider noted that these privileges can be revoked at anytime. Alderperson Bednarek moved to approve Ordinance 2007-07 as recommended by the Committee of the Whole, seconded by Alderperson Kallenbach. Roll Call vote was taken and carried 3-2 with Hardt and Kallas opposed.
9. Communications.
Administrator Rath read communications regarding Operation Backpack as well as a letter from the Wisconsin Health Project and the Lewin Report.
10. Adjourn.
Mayor Schneider adjourned the meeting at 8:27 PM.