On this Tuesday evening, Mayor Lois called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. starting with roll call. Roll Call: Aldermen Robert Prailes, Peter Girolamo, Steve Rauch, Robert Miller, Katie Simenson, Kent Strong, Thomas Vos and John Thate. Also present were: Police Chief Scot Eisenhauer; Department of Public Works – Streets and Parks Supervisor Larry Gobel; Fire Chief Dick Lodle; Department of Public Works Utilities Supervisor Dick Pieters; Department of Public Works Utility Manager Connie Wilson; Treasurer Bridget Lois; City Administrator Kevin Lahner; Building Inspector / Zoning Administrator Patrick Scherrer and City Attorney Tom Kircher.

Citizen Comments – None.

Chamber of Commerce Representative – Mr. Darrell Davis, Chamber of Commerce representative, informed the Council of several upcoming Chamber events including the Chamber’s Business After Hours being held at the Towne and Country Bowling Alley on February 21, 2008 from 5 – 7 p.m.; the Chamber’s New Look Award Ceremony and Double Elimination Cash Raffle on April 24, 2008 at The Cotton Exchange Restaurant; and the Home Expo on March 15, 2008 at the Burlington High School.

Approval of Minutes – Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve the minutes of January 15, 2008. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Letters and Communications – Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve Communication A regarding the Fourth Quarter Budget Report from Bridget Lois, Treasurer.

Ms. Lois gave a brief Power Point presentation of the Fourth Quarter Budget. She explained that the report included all General Funds (Clerk, Mayor & Council, Municipal Court, Administration, Finance, Elections, Assessor, Police, Fire, Building Inspector, Attorney, Streets, Parks, Plan Commission, and Garbage), Library, Wastewater, Water, and the Airport. Ms. Lois further explained that the numbers are through December 31, 2007, but are not final. The City has until the end of February 2008 to enter any revenues or expenditures from 2007, therefore it is expected that these numbers would change slightly. Ms. Lois stated that this report shows what the City spent through the end of December 31, 2006 (14/06 Prior YTD Actual) for each account. It also shows the budgeted amount for 2007 (14/07 Current YTD Budget) for each account and what has actually been spent in that account through the end of December, 2007 (14/07 Current YTD Actual). In addition, the report shows the variance or the amount that the department is over or under the budgeted amount, as well as the percent of budget dollars left to use or percent over budget.

All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Vos stated that he had received complaints about the jet engines revving up again at the Airport. Mayor Lois stated that the issue had been looked into from previous complaints and there is not much that can be done when the work on the engines is being done during the business hours of the day. He also stated that he would address this issue further if the revving continues on the weekends.

Alderman Rauch questioned if the City’s tornado sirens had gone off during the recent storms. Police Chief Scot Eisenhauer stated that the radio system at the Police Department was being repaired at the time of the storm and the Fire House’s system did not respond properly. He explained that during the monthly Emergency Government meetings, it is currently being discussed on how this new system should operate and its costs. He further explained that once a proposal is developed, he would bring it forward to the Council for their consideration.

Alderman Thate questioned if Mr. Gobel and the Street Department could address the extremely bad pothole situation on East State Street. Mr. Gobel stated that his crews are out pothole patching as best they can with the current weather conditions. He also noted that the plowing for tonight’s storm is being covered by four plows with the crews working in shifts. Alderman Thate also questioned if the median located behind Sentry, just before the railroad tracks, was to be taken out. Mr. Gobel stated that that median was mandated by the Railroad Commission.

Alderman Girolamo questioned if changing the parking overnight in the City lots to allow for plowing has helped. Mr. Gobel stated that right now the crews are still working out the best times to clear the lots and will continue to do so throughout this season.

Mayor Lois questioned what the status was of the City’s salt supply. Mr. Gobel stated that the supply is currently very limited. He explained that the annual budget typically allows for 800 – 900 tons, with the City usually getting 1300 tons to accommodate the season. He stated that the City is currently within a couple hundred tons of the 1300 ton amount, however if necessary, the Rochester shop could provide the City with additional salt.

Department of Public Works Utility Manager, Connie Wilson informed the Council that it is time for the vendors letters to go out for the upcoming Farmer’s Market season. She questioned if the Council wanted to move the Farmer’s Market location with the construction of the Veterans building commencing soon. Mayor Lois stated that he had spoken with Mr. Greg LeMieux of the Chamber of Commerce and he would like to work with Ms. Wilson on that issue and others regarding the Farmer’s Market.

Police Chief Scot Eisenhauer explained to the Council that he and the staff of the Police Department have developed watch areas for the City. He has assigned a sergeant to be accountable for activities and concerns of each of the four districts and each alderman in those districts. He further explained that this would increase the relationship with the Council and the officers, as well as the area residents.

Alderman Girolamo moved and Alderman Strong seconded to receive and accept reports 1-7. All were in favor and the motion carried. (These reports are on file at City Hall for viewing.)

Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to approve pre-paids in the amount of $3,839,624.75 on January 10, 2008; $24,866.73 on January 24, 2008 and $109,413.34 on January 31, 2008 totaling $3,973,904.82; vouchers in the amount of $201,596.42 on February 5, 2008 and Reimbursements in the amount of $320.24 on January 18, 2008 and $339.22 on February 1, 2008 for a grand total of $4,176,160.70. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Simenson, Prailes, Rauch, Girolamo, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to approve the licenses and permits including the one denial. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Brown, Karen L.

Casillas, Wendy A.

Coppernoll, Mary M.

Fleming, Joshua R.

Gemmel, Katherine M.

Lafler Sr., Lance L.

Maccaux, Brenda S.

Schaefer, Jennifer E.

Schneider, Anthony K

Florick, Michael A.

None.

None.

96. A resolution to consider authorizing fee assessments for Weights and Measures license holders for July 2006 through June 2007.

97. A resolution to consider approval of a bid award to Pierce Manufacturing Company for a Pierce Impel PUC Pumper for the City Fire Department for the not-to-exceed amount of $390,000, including the prepayment of $350,000.

98. A resolution to consider approving a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Commercial Horizons for property located at 980 Milwaukee Avenue.

99. A resolution to consider approving a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement between the City of Burlington and Foxtree Apartments General Partnership and RMF Real Estate Holding, LLC.

100. A resolution to consider approving a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement between the City of Burlington and Hillcrest Apartments General Partnership and RMF Real Estate Holding, LLC.

102. A resolution to consider authorizing the submittal documents required as application for the City of Burlington to become a Certified Local Government with the Wisconsin State Historical Society.

103. A resolution to consider approving a Letter of Engagement with Patrick Romenesko, C.P.A. for the 2007 Audit for the not-to-exceed amount of $25,300.00.

109. A resolution to consider authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Up to $957,910 Taxable Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2008, and Providing for Other Details and Covenants With Respect Thereto.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 96, A resolution to consider authorizing fee assessments for Weights and Measures license holders for July 2006 through June 2007. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to adopt Resolution No. 96. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 97, A resolution to consider approval of a bid award to Pierce Manufacturing Company for a Pierce Impel PUC Pumper for the City Fire Department for the not-to-exceed amount of $390,000, including the prepayment of $350,000. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Miller seconded to adopt Resolution No. 97. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Vos requested a second reading of Resolution No. 98, A resolution to consider approving a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Commercial Horizons for property located at 980 Milwaukee Avenue. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Simenson seconded to adopt Resolution No. 98. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 99, A resolution to consider approving a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement between the City of Burlington and Foxtree Apartments General Partnership and RMF Real Estate Holding, LLC. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Vos seconded to adopt Resolution No. 99. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 100, A resolution to consider approving a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement between the City of Burlington and Hillcrest Apartments General Partnership and RMF Real Estate Holding, LLC. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Simenson seconded to adopt Resolution No. 100. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Strong requested a second reading of Resolution No. 102, A resolution to consider authorizing the submittal documents required as application for the City of Burlington to become a Certified Local Government with the Wisconsin State Historical Society. Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Vos seconded to adopt Resolution No. 102. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Simenson requested a second reading of Resolution No. 103, A resolution to consider approving a Letter of Engagement with Patrick Romenesko, C.P.A. for the 2007 Audit for the not-to-exceed amount of $25,300.00. Alderman Simenson moved and Alderman Girolamo seconded to adopt Resolution No. 103. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Alderman Vos requested a second reading of Resolution No. 109, A resolution to consider authorizing the Issuance and Sale of Up to $957,910 Taxable Sewerage System Revenue Bonds, Series 2008, and Providing for Other Details and Covenants With Respect Thereto. Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Simenson seconded to adopt Resolution No. 109. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Girolamo, Simenson, Rauch, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: None. All were in favor and the motion carried.

26. An ordinance to consider amending the Official Traffic Map to create a "No Parking" zone on the northerly and southerly sides of E. State Street (STH 11) for Main Street to Brown Lake Drive (CTH W).

Alderman Simenson questioned if the four lanes created could be striped so that there could be a parking lane for the area residents. Mayor Lois stated that the lanes would be striped but the road would not be wide enough for a parking lane.

He also noted that the plans in place for improving the roadway include the installation of signalization at Hwy W and the repositioning of the median which should improve this intersection immensely.

Alderman Thate questioned when the striping would take place and expressed his concerns with the corner by First Banking Center, as well as the median issue. Mayor Lois stated that it would take place after the reconstruction.

Alderman Simenson expressed her concern with this project creating a hazard for the houses in this area, as they are so close to the new four lane intersection. She asked if it would be possible to wait to decide to put in the four lanes until the Bypass is complete, to see if that alleviates some of the traffic issues. Mayor Lois stated that this is a Department of Transportation program that is coinciding with the Bypass project and if we pass up this essential opportunity now, it may not be offered in the future.

Alderman Vos requested a second reading of Resolution No. 26, An ordinance to consider amending the Official Traffic Map to create a "No Parking" zone on the northerly and southerly sides of E. State Street (STH 11) for Main Street to Brown Lake Drive (CTH W). Alderman Vos moved and Alderman Strong seconded to adopt Resolution No. 26. Roll Call: Ayes: Strong, Prailes, Miller, Vos and Thate. Nays: Girolamo, Simenson and Rauch. The majority was in favor and the motion carried.

Mayor Lois informed the Council that the auction at Burlington Camping & Travel was a huge success, with items being sold worth $36,000, which would be donated to the new Veteran’s building project. Mayor Lois also noted that he has declared a snow emergency this evening to be in effect until the roads are cleared in the morning.

Alderman Strong moved and Alderman Simenson seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Recording Secretary – Angela M. Hansen