Submitted for Town Board Approval July 9, 2001

 

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

TOWN BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Municipal Complex - Assembly Room

Monday, June 25, 2001

 

MINUTES

 

I.                   CALL TO ORDER,  AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Town Chair Arden Tews called the Regular Meeting of the Town Board of Supervisors to order at 6:20 p.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Deputy Clerk Karen Tweedie noted the roll as follows:

 

PRESENT:

Arden Tews, Town Chair                                             Barbara Barczak, Supervisor #1           

Jerry Jurgensen, Supervisor #3                                 Robert Sprague, Supervisor #2

Russ Handevidt, Supervisor #4                                  Keith Kiesow, Fire Chief

George Dearborn, Dir. of Com. Dev.                         Carl Sutter, Town Engineer

Jeff Smith, Associate Planner                                     Patrick DeGrave, Administrator

Myra Piergrossi, Dir. of Finance                                 William Weiss, Police Chief

Greg Curtis, Town Attorney                                        Richard Eiberger, Assessor

Randy Gallow, Street Superintendent                       Karen Tweedie, Deputy Clerk

Paula Pagel, Deputy Treasurer                                   Steve Laabs, Wastewater Superintendent

 

EXCUSED: Jeanne Krueger, Town Clerk

 

ALSO PRESENT:      Nancy McFadden                  Betty Zaborsky                      Terry Pozolinski

                                    Bonnie Pozolinski                Jim Kriha                                Vic Lutz

                                    Carol Smith                            Chuck Smith                          Rich Bahr

                                    Jane Bahr                              Mike Cove                             Jeome Weller

                                    Gloria Weller                         Joe Trudell                            Jeff Schmidt

                                    Synona Meyer                       Pearl Zimmer                         John Strebe

                                    Bill Smith                               Debbie Smith                        Sue LaSage

                                    Mark Nelessen                      Jeff Schmidt                          William Ottow

                                    John Strebe                          Glenn McVickar                    Synona Meyer

                                    Jean Lally                               Jeff Zilkowski, rep. Century Oaks

                                    Cheryl Hentz, Fox Cities Newspapers

 

                                   

II.        AWARDS / PRESENTATIONS

                                               

III.              PUBLIC FORUM – NON-AGENDIZED TOWN RELATED MATTERS

Resident Jean Lally, 2590 Teakwood, was very upset with the water situation at her home and stated that McMahon Engineers had dug the ditches deeper which she felt did not help the situation.  After the storm (6/11/01), she had 22 inches of water in her basement with 2 commercial generators and 2 sump pumps operating.  She stated water was rushing so fast that they could not keep up. She felt that the pipe from Teakwood to Baldwin is undersized, and something must be done about her problem.  Chairman Tews viewed the Lally residence a few days later.

 

Resident, Bonnie Pozolinski, 2560 Teakwood stated that a home built near hers caused the natural water drainage to be blocked, thus, causing all the water to flow toward her house.

 

Resident, John Strebe, 171 Baldwin Ct., suggested the Town Engineer view these situations for themself.

 

Chairman Tews and Engineer Carl Sutter discussed the fact that they did re-ditch 5 years ago after holding a Public Hearing to correct these drainage problems however, the residents did not want to pay for the option that could have been the permanent solution. 

 

Resident, William Ottow, stated that in the 20 years he lived in his home, he had never had water in his house until this recent storm.  He expressed anger over the electricity outage that lasted 4 days in his area and killed his pet goldfish, which had been his “buddy” for many years.  Chairman Tews empathized with Mr. Ottow, but also stated that this was a 100-year storm which we may never experience again and the t/Menasha has no control over electrical outages.

 

Resident, Nancy McFadden requested the Town Board to investigate the elimination of the alerting siren vs. going to Nova.  She had contacted Jane Vande Hey’s office to discuss this issue.  Ms. McFadden also complemented staff for all their efforts during the storm.

 

Chief Kiesow told the residents there are three criteria for using the alert sirens:

1)  a tornado warning being issued by the National Weather Service,  2) a spotter observes a tornado, 3) 90-mph straight-line winds.

He stated the normal siren is heard 1.5 miles, whereas the super sirens reach 2.8 miles and  reminded everyone these sirens are designed for those outside, not inside and encouraged residents to purchase weather alert radios.

 

Paul Patrie of Baird & Co. reported on the borrowing for the General Obligation Promissory Notes in the amt. of $3,650,000.00 and the General Obligation Refunding Bonds in the amt. of $1,090,000.00.

 

IV.             DISCUSSION ITEMS

A.                 June 11, 2001 Storm and Related Town Response

Chief Weiss stated that 1/3 of his officers were on duty during Monday’s storm and reported in the entire storm area, there were neither deaths nor injuries.  80% of the calls received were calls inquiring when the power would be restored.  He reminded people of the fact that we should be thankful that people were not hurt.

 

Street Supr. Randy Gallow was called in shortly after the storm to begin cleanup and stated he learned a lot about how to prepare for the next one.  Mr. Gallow stated the Palisades area received the most damage with older trees that fell and trapped people at their homes for hours, therefore, cleanup began there first.  He further stated the Street Dept. worked until 4:30-5:00 a.m.  and informed the board that to date, over 400 loads of brush have been hauled, with another month of work expected. He thanked all town staff who went above and beyond their normal duties to assist in the storm cleanup and information.

 

Water Supt. Jeff Roth reported that the storm knocked power out to all three water plants therefore, they had to operate and monitor manually.

 

Wastewater Supt. Steve Laabs stated that all nine lift stations went out requiring pumps to be brought in.  Their department worked around the clock from 10:00 until 10:00 the next day.

 

Resident, Bob McBriar questioned the building permit process in regard to what guidelines are for compliance and approval.  Comm. Dir. George Dearborn gave a brief process description.  Mr. McBriar felt that drains from the property at 882 Valley Rd. caused runoff from commercial area unto residential property.  He further questioned, why unlicensed vehicles were allowed in the town’s back lot and why are weeds were not cut when the citizens are paying for a Weed Inspector and why there is junk sitting on someone’s property, and not being cleared?  Chairman Tews said he was not aware of this and would check into it.

 

B.                Stormwater Drainage Utility

Administrator DeGrave questioned a target date for the proposed storm water utility and suggested this time next year.    Chairman Tews felt that it should start with Public Hearings to notify citizens.

 

Admin. DeGrave asked whether Engineer Carl Sutter and himself should give a presentation at the Public Hearing for direction.  Both will be putting information together in this regard within the next month.  Supv. Jurgensen stated that in 1992 he looked at the plans and said that money had caused opposition however, felt that the storm water plan was a good venue.

 

Chief Kiesow stated that the Federal Govemment declared the t/of Menasha a federal disaster area making residents without insurance, or under-insured assistance eligible for assistance. (Brochure attached).   Chairman Tews also encouraged residents purchase weather station radios to alert them of bad weather.

 

V.                 OLD BUSINESS

A.                 010521-15:  Reconsideration of Century Oaks Conditional Use Permit Modification

Resident, Synona Meyer voiced her opinion on the fact that the Century Oaks people were at a meeting and received no result.

 

Jeff Zilkowski, Century Oaks representative, described the amenities of the smaller units, which most elderly seem to prefer.  They are the first of their kind in this area with a 2-year waiting list.  He also stated the need to reduce the size of the building floorwise, adding a second story and, therefore, reducing the price by one-third.

 

Resident, Jeff Schmidt stated the building’s height as a problem, with the appearance of the long, high building being seen in people’s back yards.  Resident Mike Cove, 1020 Highland, is opposed to the two-story stating it was too expensive and not appropriate for the location.

Residents Mark Nelessen and Jim Kriah, opposed the two-story building feeling money being the main problem.  Comm. Dir. George Dearborn mentioned that the look of the outside of the building might be able to be modified if desired.

 

Supv. Handevidt drove out to the property himself and felt that the height (33’) is blown out of proportion stating it is very comparable in height to most two-story homes in the Highland Park neighborhood.

 

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve the CUP modification for Century Oaks as submitted.  Motion carried on a 3-2 vote with Supvs.  Barczak and Jurgensen voting NAY and Supvs. Sprague and Handevidt and Chairman Tews voting AYE.

 

B.                010611-2: Final Resolution for Sidewalk Construction for Midway Road and Highway 47 (Valley Road to Midway Road)

MOTION: Supv. Jurgensen, second Supv. Sprague to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

C.                010611-13: Annual Bowling License

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

           

VI.      NEW BUSINESS

A.                 010625-1: Expenditures

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Jurgensen to adopt to approve with the exception of (none), as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

B.       010625-2:  Authorizing Town of Menasha to Borrow the Sum of $3,650,000 by Issuing General Obligation Promissory Notes Pursuant to Section 67.12(12) of the WI Statutes and Authorizing the Sale of the Notes

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Sprague to adopt to approve the authorization to borrow by issuing General Obligation Promissory Notes in the amount of $3,650,000.00, as submitted.  On roll call, motion carried unanimously with all board members voting AYE.

 

C.        010625-3:  Award Bid for Cold Spring and Jacobsen Road

MOTION:  Supv. Jurgensen, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve the awarded bid to Northeast Asphalt, Inc. in the bid amount of $1,219,423.50 as submitted.  On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously with all board members voting AYE.

 

D.                010625-4:  Approve Fox Cities Room Tax Commission Pledge & Securities Agreement

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supv. Handevidt opposing.

 

E.                 010625-5:  Approve Change Order #1 for Street Garage

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

F.                 010625-6: Approve Wage Increases for Crossing Guards, Tax Clerks and Poll Workers

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Sprague to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

 

G.                010625-7: Budget Transfer for Clerk/Election

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

H.                010625-8: Oakview Drive Cul-de-sac Repaving

MOTION: Supv. Jurgensen, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve OPTION 2 to construct a cul-de-sac at the east end of Oakview Drive, as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

I.                    010625-9: Annual Alcohol Beverage Licenses

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

J.         010625-10: Annual Amusement Licenses

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

K.         010625-11: Annual Cigarette License

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Jurgensen to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

L.         010625-12: Town Conditional Use Permit – MEG Mail Office, Freeze 1451 McMahon Dr.

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve the Town Conditional Use Permit as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

M.        010625-13:  Certified Survey Map – WI  DOT – West American Drive

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve the Certified Survey Map as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

N.        010625-14:  Site Plan Appeal – Thomas Juza Custom Home – 2000 Maplecrest Drive

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Handevidt to adopt to approve as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

VII.     ORDINANCES / POLICIES / AGAREEMENTS

A.        010625-1:ORD  Chapter 9.21 – Use of Town Hall    FIRST READING

Police Chief Wm. Weiss and Admin. Patrick DeGrave stated their support for this Ordinance thus discouraging unwanted groups from utilizing the facilities and being pro-active in the discouragement of various problems and destruction experienced by v/Little Chute.

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Barczak to accept the FIRST READING of the Ordinance, as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

VIII.           RESIGNATIONS / APPOINTMENTS

A.           010625-1:APP  Park Commissioner - Herb Horn

Supv. Handevidt again voiced his concern regarding term limits on commission and committee members stating he felt other citizens should be given a chance to partake in getting involved in town activities.

 

MOTION: Supv. Jurgensen, second Supv. Barczak to approve the reappointment of Herb Horn to the Park Commission for a seven year term, expiring June 30, 2008, as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supv. Handevidt opposing.

 

010625-2:APP  Planning Commissioner – Richard Ratchman

MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to approve the appointment of Richard Ratchman to the Planning Commission, expiring June 30, 2004, as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously, with Supv. Handevidt opposing.

 

A.                010625-3:APP  Community Development Intern – Kristin Pirner

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Sprague to approve the appointment of Kristen Pirner as summer intern for the Community Dev. Dept., not to exceed 599 hrs., as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

IX.               APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A.                 Regular Town Board Meeting – June 11, 2001

B.                Building Committee Meeting  – June 11, 2001

MOTION:  Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Barczak to accept the minutes, as submitted. Supv. Sprague abstained due to his absence at the June 11th meetings. Motion carried unanimously.

 

X.                 CORRESPONDENCE

MOTION: Supv. Handevidt, second Supv. Barczak to accept the correspondence for filing, as submitted.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

XI.               REPORTS

A.     Town Administrator – No report

B.        Town Attorney – No report

C.        Town Clerk - Excused

D.        Town Board

1.     Barbara Barczak, Supervisor #1

2.     Robert Sprague, Supervisor #2

3.     Jerry Jurgensen, Supervisor #3

4.     Russ Handevidt, Supervisor #4

All Supervisors thanked all town departments and staff for their efforts in coming together to help out with the storm cleanup.

 

E.        Town Chairman

Chairman Tews spoke of comments from the Town Clerk regarding information received of a reported roofer conducting business from his home at 1130 Lakeshore Drive without a conditional use permit.

 

F.       Other Town Officials

George Dearborn, Dir. of Comm. Dev.  1) thanked the Board for allowing him to attend the Community Workshop  2) attended a discussion on Smart Growth; Rail issues, Wireless, Storm Water issues, etc.

 

Myra Piergrossi, Director of Finance reported on software programs the Finance Dept. had been looking at for conversion sometime this year.  The company, H.T.E. seemed to be most practical and flexible with alternatives of high technology i.e.: palm pilot usage, and direct payments through the Internet.  Cost is $90,000.00.  Another alternative is Incode, which does not have the amenities and has a cost greater, of $100,000.00.  There is currently $71,000.00 in the budget for this item with the contingency fund at approx. $100,000.00.  Chairman Tews asked whether this was a needed item this year, when tapping into the contingency fund for $20,000.00 would use up any additional resources for costs involved with the storm.  Director Piergrossi felt this conversion could take place in year 2002, but was concerned about it falling between the wayside when next year comes.  The upgrade is needed eventually, and asked whether she should continue looking at software.   All Board members agreed to study this at year’s end for budget purposes.

 

Keith Kiesow, Fire Chief  1) reported on the extent of the storm damage stating we probably would not experience another one like this in our lifetime.  2) 32 firemen assisted with chain saws to cut up trees and clear the way for people to get around the area.  3) due to the power outage, Fire Department and personal cell phones were used to communicate.  3) at least 460 homes were affected, 10 businesses and 10 vehicles.  4) approximately $1.4 million dollars damage declaring the t/ Menasha a disaster zone, which allows for federal assistance 5) Saturday, June 30th there will be a house burn and encouraged Board members to attend 6) regrettably reported that Firefighter Leo Grundman, due to medical problems, had his leg amputated below the knee.  He suggested the town do something nice for him to show our concern and our hope for a full recovery 7)  Neenah High School Co-op Program intern Ryan Hintz donated time from 11:30 to 4:30 daily.  Two students have expressed interest as interns this year and may need to pay them similar to what the Police Department pays their interns.  They receive pay for two hours and donate one hour. He encourages using interns for extra projects.

 

Street Supr. Randy Gallow-   1) stated extremely long hours his department endured working through the storm clearing debris from the street and driveways.  Although there is still a large amount of debris left to pick up, he prompted the Board to consider the rental of two trucks to assist in cleaning up the rest of the heavier hit areas in town, such as Palisades.

This would require a cost of about $5,000.00 to $6,000.00.  The board members requested a resolution for a budget transfer for the July 9th meeting.

William Weiss, Police Chief – No report

 

XII.             ANNOUNCEMENTS – Same as on Agenda

 

XIII.    MOTIONS BY SUPERVISORS

 

XV.           ADJOURNMENT

At 9:04 p.m., MOTION: Supv. Sprague, second Supv. Barczak to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Town Board of Supervisors.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Karen J. Tweedie, Deputy Clerk

Town of Menasha