CITY OF BURLINGTON - CITY COUNCIL

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

Claude Lois, Mayor

Beverly Gill, City Clerk

Police Department Courtroom

September 4, 2007

On this Tuesday evening, Council President Robert Miller called the meeting to order at 7:17 p.m. starting with roll call. Roll Call: Robert Prailes, Peter Girolamo, Steve Rauch, Katie Simenson, Robert Miller, Tom Vos, Kent Strong and John Thate. Mayor Claude Lois was excused: Police Chief Scot Eisenhauer; Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel; Department of Public Works Utility Manager Connie Wilson; Department of Public Works Utilities Supervisor Dick Pieters; Budget Officer / Treasurer Bridget Lois; Fire Chief Dick Lodle; Library Director Gayle Falk; Building Inspector / Zoning Administrator Patrick Scherrer; City Engineer Tom Foht of Kapur and Associates, Inc; Interim City Administrator Mark Morien; and City Attorney Thomas Kircher.

Citizen Comments – None.

Chamber of Commerce Representative – No report.

Approval of Minutes –Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve the August 21, 2007 minutes. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Letters and Communications – Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Thate seconded to approve Communication A regarding Mayor Lois’ absence from this evening’s Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings; Communication B regarding a memo from Bridget Lois, Treasurer regarding GASB 45, "Other Post Employee Benefits". All were in favor and the motion carried.

Ms. Lois explained that the City’s Auditor, Patrick Romenesko had been talking with a technical advisor with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) regarding the City’s situation. It was determined that the City would be allowed to continue the audit process as usual with no change to procedure. She also explained that Mr. Romenesko would be further pursuing the issue with GASB 45 in reference to the self-insurance. Ms. Lois noted that she will keep the Council updated with the progress of this issue.

REPORTS BY ALDERMANIC REPRESENTATIVES AND DEPARTMENT HEADS

Alderman Thate questioned Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel if the City was responsible for the maintenance of Yahnke Road. If so, he questioned if some of the potholes on the road could be fixed as he has received several complaints. Mr. Gobel stated the DPW is filling in the holes and will continue to do so until the road is abandoned when the bypass is completed. City Engineer Tom Foht and Associates, Inc noted that in the Spring of 2008, the road will get a new layer of asphalt.

Alderman Vos asked if the DPW could please take care of the weeds surrounding the Industrial Complex sign in the Industrial Park. Mr. Gobel stated that he would take care of them. Alderman Vos also noted that he would like a letter from the City to be sent to the owner of Inland Dredge located in the Industrial Park for the excellent cleanup of his property.

Alderman Girolamo commented on the situation of the weeds throughout the City and the need to get them taken care of.

Council President Miller commented on the statues that are in front of Fat Daddyz Tats on Hwy 36. He felt that some of the items were rather large and looked somewhat dangerous. After discussing this issue with Building Inspector / Zoning Administrator Patrick Scherrer earlier today, it was determined that the City’s only recourse is to find out if they are for sale in order to be able to force them to move the items. Police Chief Scot Eisenhauer noted that he has spoken with the owner who has agreed to pull back some of the items.

Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel informed the Council that he received a verbal approval for the Clean Sweep Program. He noted that once he receives the approval in writing he will provide it to the Council during the budget process.

Fire Chief Dick Lodle informed the Council that the hiring process for the Fire Inspector has been completed. The new inspector will be starting on Monday and hopefully will be attending the next Council meeting to be introduced to the staff. He also informed the Council that the fire house has had trouble with roof leakage for the past two to three years. He explained that the intention was to budget for a phased process in the 2008-2009 budget for the roof replacement; however, recent leaks have led to the far eastern side of the building needing replacement immediately.

Alderman Girolamo commented that he received several calles from residents on burning in the City. Mr. Lodle explained that recreational burning is fine if it’s okayed by the Fire Department. Residents that choose to do recreational burning must have an extinguisher available as well as have the fire extinguished by 11:00 p.m. He also noted that burning of trash, paper or cardboard is not permitted.

Department of Public Works Utility Manager Connie Wilson reminded the Council of the bid opening for the WWTP Expansion on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 3:00. The bid opening will take place in the Council Chambers.

Interim City Administrator Mark Morien informed the Council that he recently spoke with Jeff Sanders of OMNNI Associates from Appleton, WI. He stated that he would like to have Mr. Sanders attend the September 18, 2007 Council meeting to discuss Conservation Subdivisions. Mr. Sanders would give presentation and then open the floor for comments. Mr. Morien suggested to the Council that the presentation be at 6:00 p.m. so the regular Council meeting can start at 6:30 p.m.

Alderman Girolamo wanted to thank the DPW for the removal of the curb at the Veteran’s Parking Lot.

REPORTS

Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to receive and accept reports 1-4. All were in favor and the motion carried. (These reports are on file at City Hall for viewing.)

1. Park Board

Minutes, July 19, 2007

2. Zoning Board of Appeals

Minutes, July 24, 2007

3. Historic Preservation Commission

Minutes, July 26, 2007

4. Committee of the Whole

Minutes, August 21, 2007

PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS

Alderman Girolamo moved and Alderman Vos seconded to approve pre-paids in the amount of $6,024.15 on August 23, 2007 and $35,728.71 on August 30, 2007 totaling $41,752.86 and vouchers in the amount of $392,009.75 on September 4, 2007 for a grand total of $433,762.61. Reimbursements were in the amount of $258.81 on

August 31, 2007 and Debit Card purchases in the amount of $20.94 for the WWTP; $20.98 for City Hall; $176.97 and $76.29 for the Fire Dept. and $35.39; $41.38; $80.34, $578.00; $214.94 and $25.99 for the Police Dept... Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Simenson, Rauch, Girolamo, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve the licenses and permits as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Operator’s Licenses

Drew, Katherine M.

Kendall III, John S.

Thole, Angina L.

Wells, Corinna A.

APPOINTMENTS

Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to approve the appointment of Jack Eckola to replace Ken Jaeger on the Community Development Authority – term to expire on November 4, 2009 and the appointment of Ed Johnson to replace Ken Jaeger on the Library Board – term to expire on July 1, 2008. All were in favor and the motion carried.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

None.

RESOLUTIONS INTRODUCED

  1. A resolution approving the purchase of a hydrostatic tractor/loader with bucket for $16,499.
  1. A resolution accepting the public water main at the Burlington Crossing Development.
  1. A resolution to authorize an increase to sewer user rates charged by the Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant.
  1. A resolution authorizing the City of Burlington, Wisconsin to borrow the sum of $1,500,000 by issuing General Obligation Refunding Bonds pursuant to Section 67.04 of the Wisconsin Statutes and authorizing the sale of the bonds.
  1. A resolution granting the use of City Park Funds for the construction of the pavilion at Devor Park, and awarding the contract for construction to Bob Riggs Construction, Inc. in the amount of $14,329.00.

RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED

Alderman Rauch requested a second reading of Resolution No. 39, A resolution approving the purchase of a hydrostatic tractor/loader with bucket for $16,499. Alderman Rauch moved and Alderman Vos seconded to adopt Resolution No. 39. Alderman Strong voiced his concern with this purchase as it was unplanned and unbudgeted for. He felt that this purchase should be held and the monies budgeted for in the 2008 Budget. Roll Call: Ayes: Simenson, Girolamo, Rauch, Miller and Vos. Nays: Strong, Prailes and Thate. The majority was in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 45, A resolution accepting the public water main at the Burlington Crossing Development. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to adopt Resolution No. 45. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Simenson, Girolamo, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Girolamo requested a second reading of Resolution No. 48, A resolution to authorize an increase to sewer user rates charged by the Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant. Alderman Girolamo moved and Alderman Simenson seconded to adopt Resolution No. 48. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Simenson, Girolamo, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 52, A resolution authorizing the City of Burlington, Wisconsin to borrow the sum of $1,500,000 by issuing General Obligation Refunding Bonds pursuant to Section 67.04 of the Wisconsin Statutes and authorizing the sale of the bonds. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to adopt Resolution No. 52. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: Girolamo. The majority was in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 54, A resolution granting the use of City Park Funds for the construction of the pavilion at Devor Park, and awarding the contract for construction to Bob Riggs Construction, Inc. in the amount of $14,329. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to adopt Resolution No. 54. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Simenson, Girolamo, Rauch, Miller and Thate. Nays: None. Aldermen Prailes and Vos abstained from voting due to conflict of interest. The majority was in favor and the motion carried.

MOTIONS

07-563

A motion to accept an Airport Hangar Lease between the City of Burlington and Denise Wright, located at 932 Alfa Taxiway. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve Motion 07-563 as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.

07-565

A motion to accept a Certificate of Appropriateness recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission for 597 N. Pine Street. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve Motion 07-565 as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.

07-566

A motion to accept a Certificate of Appropriateness recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission for 121 W. Chestnut Street. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to approve Motion 07-566 as presented. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Vos, Girolamo, Rauch, Miller and Thate. Nays: Simenson. The majority was in favor and the motion carried.

07-567 A motion to accept a Certificate of Appropriateness recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission for 148 W. Chestnut Street. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to approve Motion 07-567 as presented. All were in favor and the motion carried.

OTHER MATTERS

None.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

Council President Miller entertained a motion to enter into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.

Alderman Girolamo moved and Alderman Rauch seconded to enter into closed session at 7:47 p.m. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Rauch, Simenson, Girolamo, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION

Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Prailes seconded to reconvene into open session at 8:36 p.m. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Rauch, Simenson, Girolamo, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT

Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Prailes seconded to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 p.m. All were in favor and the motion carried

Adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Recording Secretary – Angela M. Hansen

 

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