**AMENDED
MINUTES**
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Spring Road School - Auditorium Approved
at the
Tuesday, April 11, 2000 Annual
Towns Mtg 7:00 p.m. 4/10/2001
MINUTES
Agendas were posted at the Municipal Complex, Fire Station 40, and Sanitary District No. 4. They were also mailed to the Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah public libraries.
Town Chair Arden Tews called the Annual Town Meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk Sprague noted those present as follows:
TOWN OF MENASHA ELECTORS PRESENT (156):
Carlene Sprague * Michael T. Schanke Tom Fahrenkrug
Jeff Roth * Gerald Van Oudenhoven Sharon Wyngaard
Elroy Wyngaard * Arden Tews * Orphie Hamilton
Lois Grundman Elgene Hesselman Jerry Jurgensen *
Steve Hetzel Jeff Ransv Karen Dahms
Richard Dahms Jim Cleveland * Arden Schroeder
Dolores Lynch Mike Lynch Lillian Faulks
Juanita Prahl Lee Schwandt Allen Nennig *
Barb Heeter Russ Handevidt Sandy Le Moine
Suzanne Derby Marty Olsen Kathleen Olynyk
Jeanne Krueger * John Schaidler Larry Fredrick
Barbara Hanson Richard Gawinski Diane M Miller
Norman A. Miller Jerome Nennig Charles O Gisy
Dawn O'Dell Jerry O'Dell Pam Kohler
Joe Nemecek Clarence Peterson Martha W. Andrew
Daryl Ohland David Post Randy Gallow *
Janice Banks Jerry Finch Jim Seubert
Carrie Seubert Dan Karls Debbie Thomson
Dennis Voss Janice Bombinski John Lautenschlager
Mark Ament Chris Lawter Michael Guralski
Sheila Brucks Ron Krueger * Roy Kuehn
Carol Fredrick Darlene Malueg Beth Malchow
Diane Smith Eileen Tews George Elwood
Kate Mc Quillan Diannne Gehrt Janet Mulvey
Larry Mulvey Wm. Otto Tom Schmidt
Cindy Phillips Mark Diersen Bob Mayon
Joe Trudell Linda Post Sally Du Charme
Michael Barth Cheryl Barth Len Kachinsky *
Paul Dahms Charleen Dahms Bridget Greuel
Glen Allen Todd Engleman David Resch
Scott Thomson Donna Peloza Rob Lewis
Paul Roth Earl Stahl Judy Lautenschlager
Brenda Gruett James Wruck Debra Scott
Richard Scott Dale Counihan Jeanne Bauer
Roger Bauer John Zaborsky David Fell
Janet Lashbrook Lisa Van Dyke Pat Mc Gee
Tom Mc Gee Sharon Sitor Jon Zcepke
Scarlet Harvath Pat Harvath Jerry Sitor
David Sellier Anne Donnellan Julianna Siewert
Kevin Gehrt Richard Damrow Jim Gray
Don Hess Hugh Richards Bill Hofacker
Steve Anderson Dorothy Anderson Roy Zuege
Peggy Ament Tom Keller Jeanne Groskreutz
Ron Ricks Carla Jeuasewicz Mike Van Dyke
Bev Jurgensen Al Hurlbert Alvin Bellmer
Dennis Jochman Kurt Holm Ken Schleinz
Sharon Rosenthal * Lisa von Neupert Bob Vitas *
Jane Bahr Emil Bigalke Linda Hess
Debra Nigh Gina Rosauer Bradd Seegle
Kathy Kiel Leo Kelly Donald Cox *
Pat McQuillan Pam Haertl Amy Haertl
Kris Koeppe Betty Zaborsky
* Residents who are also staff members.
NON-RESIDENTS PRESENT (24):
Joseph Hinterthuer * Grace Vander Velden * Steve Fahlgren
Steve Laabs * Joan Burrill * Jeff Smith *
Kim Jennings Susan Phillips * Richard Eiberger *
George Dearborn * Paula Pagel * Sharon Heschke *
Chris Schuds Mary Rauen * Roz Wittman *
Paul Mc Carthy Rod Mc Cants * Gaylene Nash *
Carl Gardner Bob Porath Sue Hermus *
Mary Heiting * Myra Piergrossi * Tami Thompson *
* Non-residents who are also staff members.
Chairman Tews introduced the Board and staff members present:
Jeanne Krueger, Supervisor #1 Jerry Jurgensen, Supervisor #3
Allen Nennig, Supervisor #4 Carlene Sprague, Town Clerk
Roger Clark, Town Attorney Bob Vitas, Administrator
Donald Cox, Fire Chief William Weiss, Police Chief
Ron Krueger, Park Director Randy Gallow; Street Superintendent
Richard Eiberger, Assessor
Grace Vander Velden, Director of Finance/Treasurer
George Dearborn, Director of Community Development
EXCUSED:
Robert Sprague, Supervisor #2
Chairman Tews called Carlene Sprague, Town Clerk forward to administer the oath of office to re-elected Jeanne Krueger, Supervisor #1, and Jerry Jurgensen, Supervisor #3.
Chairman Tews introduced Police Chief Wm. Weiss concerning the GRATE program.
Chief Weiss then addressed how the police department has been trying to minimize gang activity and how this presentation is encouraged throughout the school district. He introduced Roz Wittman, Administrative Lieutenant.
Administrative Lieutenant Wittman presented some of the history of the GRATE Program. This effort also involved the City of Neenah Police Department. There was a training session in Oshkosh and they are continuing their collaboration with multiple youth agencies and police departments in the area.
Chief Weiss stated he really wants to make an impact on our community and hopefully our youth will continue to be effected by these activities.
Chief Weiss continued to state that the Town of Menasha Police Department has continued with the re-accreditation. We do feel that we will be re-accredited at a ceremony in July of 2000 and have once again earned this title.
Fire Chief Cox explained the steps that the Town of Menasha Fire Department has completed to obtain Accreditation. He continued with the recent intense review of 3 investigators from around the country.
At the exit interview, the investigators stated they are in favor of issuing the Accreditation to the Town of Menasha Fire Department. If this happens the Town of Menasha will be the 1st Fire Department in the State of Wisconsin to be accredited. We would be the 24th in the nation, and we would be the 1st Fire Department in the country accredited that is a paid-on-call fire department.
Chief Cox then introduced Susan Phillips as the new Deputy Fire Chief.
Finance Director Grace Vander Velden presented the Town of Menasha with the GRATE Award. She stated that the Town of Menasha is the 2nd community in the State of Wisconsin to receive the GRATE award.
Grace Vander Velden introduced her staff, Myra Piergrossi, Tami Thompson, and Joe Hinterthuer, which she credits for the achievement of the GRATE Award.
Steven Fahlgren and Kim Jennings of Virchow, Krause and Co. LLP rendered opinion that all financial information is materially correct for the fiscal year 1999 audit. He provided a brief explanation of the financial statements included in the 1999 Annual Report and fielded questions from the audience. He provided an overview of the Management Letter, which addressed concerns and provided an unqualified opinion, which is the highest award a Town can receive. Mr. Fahlgren also commended the Finance Department and the Town of Menasha for their hard work and good ratings.
Auditor, Kim Jennings talked about the audit of the Utility District and recognized the Finance Department staff Myra Piergrossi, Tami Thompson and Joe Hinterthuer as well as Paula Pagel who worked very hard to obtain this rating.
John Schaidler, 623 E. Shady Lane inquired as to where it states the total Town's assessed value. Mr. Schaidler asked if the property that the Town is proposing to be a future park was in the total assessed value. Mr. Fahlgren stated it was on page 59.
MOTION: Russ Handevidt, second Bridget Greuel to adopt the minutes as submitted. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
A. 000411-1: Sale of Town Land - * Park Development Proposal
Attorney Roger Clark provided an overview on the land that was purchased in the 60's for landfill purposes. In 1999 the Town Board also intended to sell the land and gave a directive to the disposition of Town property.
John Zaborsky asked if there was authorization for the sale of Town land.
Attorney Clark stated yes.
John Schaidler asked what the value of this land might be.
The Board stated that there was an offer previously for $1.2 million.
John Zaborsky questioned if the vote this evening to sell Town land would include the property west of County CB?
Attorney Clark stated that the Town could sell any Town owned land with this vote. He continued to say that there was no State Statute that would allow the Electors to create a park. You can authorize the sale to the Park Commission and put conditions on it.
Barb Hansen inquired where specifically the proposed park land is located.
Mike Lynch, 1274 E. Shady Lane inquired about the recent publication in the Scribe which explained the approximate 10% increase in Town taxes.
Administrator Vitas stated that it was an error. It would be 10 - 12 cents / 1000 of assessed value which would spread across 10 years on the debt structure.
Mike Lynch stated that the Town of Menasha is experiencing an exceedingly rapid growing pace. In 1979, a park was proposed for this area. Everyone wants to preserve green space. It is presently zoned P-1 for public use of the land and it should be preserved for future generations.
Richard Damrow, 2565 Stroebe Island Drive was on the committee that reviewed the necessity of a new municipal complex. He agreed that the sale of Town land was proposed to reduce future debt.
David Fell stated that the proposed sale of Town land was to a developer who had an interest in building a sports complex. This would increase the traffic in the area.
Harry Pelton asked if there was anyone from the Park Commission that could explain what the proposed uses would be in this area. Would it have ball diamonds or just a nature park?
Roy Kuehn stated that he would like to see it remain a nature park and feels the land should be preserved for future generations.
Joe Nemecek stated that about 1,000 trees were planted from the DNR. There is a lot of rock in this area and would only accommodate small improvements such as trails. He would like to see it remain a natural area.
Martha Andrew stated that everyone here is ready to decide about the park land. Let's vote.
Town Clerk, Carlene Sprague stated that we would need a formal motion from the Electors.
Jerry Finch advised Town Residents to be careful with what is stated on the motion because the Electors can call a Special Meeting and reverse what is voted on tonight.
Lee Schwandt, Nennig Road stated that there are not a lot of people here tonight. There are a lot of people missing that are not represented and would like to vote. He proposed a delay tonight and a possible referendum vote in the future so that all the Town's people can vote.
MOTION: Martha Andrews, second Roy Kuehn to donate the Town land east of County CB to the Park Commission as a nature park with restrictions.
MOTION TO AMEND Donna Peloza, second Dave Fell to include that the property remain as park property for not less than 50 years.
Attorney Clark read the resolution and explained that an equal amount of people could schedule another meeting or come back at the next Annual Town's Meeting and change the direction of tonight's vote.
Much discussion ensued.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Ron Krueger stated that there is a very grey area when describing "Nature Parks". You may want to develop a pool in the future. We have a committee of 12 studying the possibility of this and what kind of uses we would have.
Carol Fredrick, Jacobsen Road stated that her yard used to be a natural area until County CB came along. The wildlife will not stay. She would like to see it become a Referendum question in November.
Wm. Otto, Dunning Street was glad to see that there is an Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the possible uses for the proposed park property. Let's think about all the issues, like the expense of building another garage and the expenses not offset by the sale of Town land. He agrees that the sale of Town land had been discussed in the past. He would like to see it go to a Referendum or keep it undeveloped.
Debra Nigh, Beethoven Way asked what the full implications would be if we did not sell the land and how the expenses would effect our tax base.
Bridget Greuel, Jacobsen Road stated that there are 14,000 other residents that are not here to express their vote regarding the Town property. It's not right to have representation by a special interest group without representation for the whole Town. Let's ask the Town Board to put this on a referendum vote this fall.
Martha Andrew withdrew her original motion. Roy Kuehn withdrew his second.
Donna Peloza withdrew her amendment to the original motion. David Fell withdrew his second.
MOTION: Martha Andrew, second Jerry Finch to donate immediately Town land that is east of County CB to the Park Commission with the restriction that the Park Commission must work with the Town's Advocacy Group to maintain it as a nature and wildlife park.
Larry Fredrick asked about the tax levy and if the Town Board will need to raise taxes to produce 2 million dollars. There is 1 million dollar loss over not selling the Town property which would have reduced the Town's debt. Now we still need an additional garage.
Suzanne Derby, stated that this is her 1st Annual Meeting and with so many changes happening so rapidly. We should preserve the land and she would like to see it voted on tonight.
Bill Hofacker, 1902 Susan Ave has lived here 4 years. It used to be a nice peaceful area. Now there are bulldozers and as development expands the green space will diminish. Let's preserve the Town property for future green space.
Barb Hanson called the question.
MOTION: Martha Andrew, second Jerry Finch to amend her own motion to change the "donate", to "authorize" them to sell immediately the property east of CB and north of Shady Lane for the immediate transfer of the proposed land to the Park Commission.
Attorney Clark explained that the vote could only approve the authorization for the Town Board to transfer this property to the Park Commission.
MOTION: Martha Andrew to withdraw her motion, Jerry Finch would not withdraw his second.
Much discussion ensued.
MOTION: John Schaidler, second Paul Roth to table the original motion of Martha Andrew and Jerry Finch.
MOTION: John Schaidler, second Martha Andrew to adopt Attorney Clark's verbiage that reads:
The Annual Town meeting hereby authorizes the Town Board to dispose of the parcel of land located east of CB and North of Shady Lane being approximately 63 acres only by sale to the Town Park Commission. No sale shall be made to any other entity. This grant of authority limited to purpose and effect and shall be continuing. The Town Board shall not dispose of the property in any other manner without further authorization of the Annual Town Meeting. The sale to the Town Park Commission shall limit the Park Commission to develop it only as a Nature Park or natural area.
Joe Nemecek called the question
A vote was taken by show of hands. In favor 102. Against 31
B. 000411-2:
Authorization for Addition to Street/ Park Garage
MOTION: Harold Pelton, second Bob Vitas for the authorization of the Town Board to build a Street / Park garage.
MOTION: Larry Fredrick, second Lee Schwandt to amend the motion for the building not to exceed 1.1 million dollars.
David Fell stated that in his opinion we don't really need a garage. We need to say no to capital projects.
Debra Scott, 1235 Woodgate Lane requested that this motion be brought back in a referendum.
Lisa Van Dyke, 1341 Martingale Lane questioned if there was more than 1 bid.
Street Superintendent, Randy Gallow stated no, this is only an estimate. We will get bids before we build.
Kate McQuillan, 916 Jacobsen Rd questioned why the garage needed to be heated.
Randy Gallow stated for the longevity of the vehicles and equipment that would be housed in the garage.
Russ Handevidt questioned how are we going to know that only 1.1 million will be spent?
Arden Tews stated that the Town Board would become the Building Committee for the new garage.
Russ Handevidt you ran the Town $600,000 over when you built the Municipal Complex.
Bob Vitas disputed Russ Handevidt claims. He stated that this claim has already been investigated by the District Attorney's office.
Martha Andrew questioned the monthly costs to heat the building.
Randy Gallow responded $2,000 - $3,000 monthly.
Jerry Finch stated that this building is something that the Town has to build.
Harold Pelton called the question.
Chairman Tews called for a voice vote.
A voice vote showed an overwhelming majority in favor of the amendment of 1.1 million dollars for the building.
A voice vote for the original motion carried overwhelmingly in favor of building a garage for the Street / Park Department.
C.
000411-3: Town Clerk Position -
Appointed or Elected/Full-time vs.: Part-time
Town Clerk, Carlene L. Sprague explained what her current position involves. She stated that we had just completed the Spring Election and this is our renewal time for bartenders' licenses and liquor establishments, amusement and cigarette licenses. She reviewed how the Deputy Clerks have not remained in their position and there is no continuity for the Department.
Also in 1999 the Town Clerk was appointed as the Utility District Secretary, and she stated that the position needs to be changed to full time.
MOTION: Russ Handevidt, second Donna Peloza to have the Clerk's position change to full-time.
AMEND THE MOTION: Jerry Finch, second Barb Scott to amend
the original motion to include a salary of $35,000
Carlene L. Sprague then reviewed the salaries in the surrounding communities. The Clerk in the City of Appleton is full time and makes $59,089 and has 2 Deputy Clerks, the City of Menasha is full time and makes $39,300 to $48,000 depending on years of experience and has 1 Deputy Clerk. The City of Neenah is full time and makes $43,069 to $58,000 depending on years of experience. The Town of Grand Chute makes $49,512 and has 1 Deputy Clerk.
AMEND THE AMENDMENT: Jerry Finch, second by Bridget Greuel to raise the wages for the Town Clerk to $39,500.
Bill Otto asked the Ex-clerk Jeanne Krueger to explain what this position was in the past. Bill felt that full time is appropriate and verified that the previous clerks were part time.
Jeanne Krueger, Supervisor #1 stated that she would like to see this remain elected and full time.
Chairman Tews stated as an elected position, the Town Clerk would have to answer to the electors.
Attorney Clark stated that if the Town Clerk remains elected, the job would not specify how many hours a day that job would require. As an appointed position, the hours on the job would be spelled out.
Suzanne Derby, E. Shady Lane spoke in favor of having an appointed Clerk's position, but as an elected position the Town Clerk would have to answer to the Town's people.
Bridget Greuel stated that there would be more review of an elected Town Clerk, as that position would have to answer to the people. If the position were not handled well, the Town people would not re-elect that person.
MOTION: Bridget Greuel, second Dale Counihan to split the question. First, full time at a wage of $39,500. Second elected versus appointed.
Attorney Clark stated that these changes would become effective April 2001 and then would become a full time position at the wages of $39,500.
A voice vote carried in favor by an overwhelming majority to split the question.
Park Director, Ron Krueger stated that an elected Clerk would be the keeper of all Town records and would represent the Town's people.
A show of hands for the full time position and a salary of $39,500 resulted with 81 in favor - 14 against.
Bill Otto stated that if the position is currently an elected position why change it. Let's leave it elected.
Donna Peloza stated that she would not like to give up another elected position. Let's keep this elected.
Jerry Finch called the question.
A show of hands for retaining the Town Clerk's position as elected was an overwhelming majority in favor.
MOTION: John Schaidler, second Larry Fredricks to set the meeting for Tuesday, April 10, 2001, at 7:00 p.m., in the Municipal Complex Assembly Room, 2000 Municipal Drive. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
MOTION: Jerry Jurgensen, second Arden Tews to adjourn the Annual Town Meeting at 10:22 p.m. Motion carried on a unanimous voice vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Carlene L. Sprague, Town Clerk 000411 Annual