Jefferson City Council - Minutes - 1999

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MINUTES

The Tuesday, November 2, 1999, meeting of the City of Jefferson Common Council was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Mayor Brawders. Members present: Ald. Wagner, Ald. Coffman, Ald. Oppermann, Ald. Wenzel, Ald. Johann, Ald. Tennyson, Ald. Stevens and Ald. Beyer. Also present were City Administrator Schornack, City Attorney Scheibel, Police Chief Besel, City Engineer Ludwig and Clerk/Treasurer Parlow.

None.

Nancy Haberman, 536 East North Street, spoke to the Council in support of the Proposed Debt Issuance for the New Senior Community Center. Nancy stated that she was asking the Council Members to vote YES on both resolutions. Haberman noted that the City had already spent $12,000 towards the project.

Hilde Will, 324 North Elizabeth Avenue, addressed the Council regarding the newly formed "Friends of the Senior Center". She noted that the group had recently elected the Board of Directors. Will stated that the group would support and provide funding for programming and operating costs of a new center.

Dave Carnes, 405 North Main Street, addressed the Council regarding the Proposed $1.2M Debt Issuance for a New Senior Center. Mr. Carnes felt that an estimated 6% tax levy increase for the sole purpose of a senior center facility was outrageous. He noted that at 15% tax levy increase would mean that the owner of a $100,000 home would pay approximately $90 more for City taxes than last year. Carnes then cited that in an average week, the Senior Center is visited by 93 people, equating to 230 participants a week (including the Nutrition Site participation). He noted that this is slightly over 1% of the total population of Jefferson. Carnes acknowledged that the current site is small and does have other inadequacies. However, he also acknowledged the fact that the entire lower level of the City Hall building could be remodeled to accommodate a much larger center. Carnes did not discount the possibility of building a new facility in the future and he encouraged the Council to begin saving towards a new facility. He asked the Council why the project was being pushed through so quickly and why so many questions existed over crucial information such as operational costs. Carnes also asked if a feasibility study had been done at the current site. He felt that many other financial issues such as: street repair, equipment purchases and a new bathhouse need to be addressed before we begin thinking about new City facilities. Carnes urged the Council to maintain and repair what the City does have before adding an additional facility. He concluded by asking the Council to take their time when making such a huge financial decision and make sure all citizens are represented in their decision.

Jim Van Lieshout, 229 Meadow Court, addressed the Council regarding the partial release of land owned by Foremost Buildings Inc. Mr. Van Lieshout was speaking on behalf of Premier Bank. Mr. Van Lieshout told the Council that the land in question was not currently being used by Foremost Buildings, but an adjacent property owner. It was discovered that the land belongs to Foremost Building after a survey was done earlier this year. Mr. Van Lieshout indicated that Foremost Buildings is willing to exchange the piece of property for $3,500 worth of window installation. He indicated that the value of the windows far surpassed the value of the land to Foremost Buildings Inc.

Ald. Tennyson, seconded by Ald. Wagner moved to confirm the following Mayoral appointment. Motion carried on a voice vote.

A. Housing Authority (remainder of term 5/1/2001) Myrtle Herrmann

The Mayor then read a proclamation in support of the VFW annual sale of Buddy Poppies.

The Mayor then read a proclamation naming November 1999 as National Hospice Month.

Ald. Oppermann introduced Proposed Ordinance #11-99 for its second reading.

An Ordinance to Repeal & Recreate Section 14.01(7) of the Municipal Code Related to Building Permit Fees.

The Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Wisconsin, does ordain as follows:

1. BUILDING CODE

7. FEES FOR BUILDING PERMITS. The fees for building permits shall be as follows:

1. Minimum Permit Fee for All Permits $ 25.00
2. Residence: New One Family $375.00

New Two Family $475.00

3. Buildings: Apartments, Three Family & $ .12/sq ft or

Over, Accessory, Local Business, fraction

Office Buildings, Institutional, thereof for all

Additions, Or Alterations Thereto floor areas

4. Manufacturing or Industrial (Office areas $ .08/sq ft or

to be included under No. 3) fraction thereof

1. Permit to Start Construction of Footings and

Foundations:

a. One and Two Family $50.00

b. Multi-Family and Industrial/Commercial $75.00

6. All other Buildings, Structures, Alterations, $25 minimum

Repairs where square foot contents or $5/$1,000

can't be calculated of value

7. Wrecking or Razing $25 minimum+

(Building Inspector may waive fee, if $1/100 sq ft

structure is condemned)

8. Moving Buildings Over Public Ways $50 +

$2/100 sq ft principal  buildings

$30 + $2/100 sq ft accessory buildings

confirm continued failure to correct

municipal code violation, or other

special inspection

Re-inspection-additional inspection $30.00

necessary to verify correction of

code violation

 

10. Wisconsin Uniform building Permit Seal $25.00

1. Occupancy Permit:

a. Residential – only Multi-family $25.00/unit

b. Commercial and Industrial $50.00

12. Zoning permits', pools, fences, signs and $25 minimum or

other required zoning permits $5/$1,000 value

1. Plumbing:

a. Automatic washer $ 5.00

b. Sink, dishwasher, garbage disposal $ 5.00

c. Water closet, lavatory, urinal $ 5.00

d. Laundry tray $ 5.00

e. Bath tub/shower $ 5.00

f. Hot tub, spa, whirpool, wash fountain $ 5.00

g. High pressure boiler $25.00

h. Drinking fountain sillcock $ 5.00

i. Floor drain, sight drain $ 5.00

j. Water heater, water softener $ 5.00

k. Sump pump, ejectors or pump $ 5.00

l. Manhole $10.00

m.Catch basin $ 5.00

n. Sprinkler heads $ .25

o. Sanitary building drain $10.00

Over 75ft. (add'l per ft.) $ .35

p. Storm building drain $10.00

Over 75ft. (add'l per ft.) $ .35

q. Sanitary sewer lateral $25.00

Over 100ft. (add'l per ft.) $ .35

r. Storm sewer lateral $25.00

Over 100ft. (add'l per ft.) $ .35

s. Water lateral $25.00

Over 75ft. (add'l per ft.) $ .35

t. Other permits $25.00

 

2. HVAC

a. Commercial Heating, Ventilating & Air $.02/sq ft

Conditioning for all areas

EXCEPT

unheated garages

b. One and Two Family Heating, Ventilating $.02/sq ft

& Air Conditioning for all areas

EXCEPT

unheated garages

1. Gas, Oil, Electric & Coal Furnace and Boiler

One & Two Family-First 150,000 BTU $15.00

Commercial-First 150,000 BTU $25.00

All Over 150,000 BTU $3.00/50,000 BTU

2. Air Conditioning

One and Two Family $15.00

Commercial $25.00

All Over 36,000 BTU $2.00/12,000 BTU

e. Fireplace and Wood Burning Stove $15.00

f. Electric Baseboard, Wall Unit and $1.25/KW

Cabinet Unit

g. Duct Work Alteration $20.00

h. Other permits $25.00

1. ELECTRICAL

a. Light switch and convenience outlet or $ .35

communication device

b. Power receptacle over 150 volts $ 5.00

over 30 amps $ 6.00

c. Lighting fixture $ .50

d. Temporary or permanent service, switch $25.00

alteration

Over 200 amps-additional per 100 amps $ 5.00

e. Refrigerating unit-per hp (4.00 minimum) $ .25

f. Heating furnace $ 5.00

g. Electric unit heating device (including $ 2.00

remote thermostat)

h. Air conditioning-per hp (5.00 minimum) $ .25

i. Combination heating and air condition- $10.00

ing unit

j. Feeder and sub-feeder-per 100 amp $ 5.00

capacity

k. Each motor, per hp $ 1.00

over 100 hp $ 2.50

l. Dispenser-gas, fuel oil, permanent $ 6.00

vending machine & well pump

m. Each generator and similar device $ 1.00

over 500 kw $ 2.50

n. Swimming pool (electrical wiring and $25.00

grounding)

o. Neon sign-per transformer (4.00 mini- $ .50

mum)

p. Florescent tube sign – (4.00 minimum) $ .15

q. Plug-in strip, trolley duct, trolley wire, $ .50

ect.

r. Wireway, busway, underfloor raceway $ .50

or auxiliary gutter

s. Visual electric signal or communication $ .50

device

t. Other permits $25.00

Minimum fee $25.00

Reinspection fee $25.00

Failure to call for inspection fee $25.00

Ald. Wagner introduced Resolution No. 101.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson that the consent agenda for November 2, 1999 is hereby adopted.

The consent agenda for tonight includes:

• Approval of Annual Contract with Municipal Software Inc. for accounting software services.

• Vouchers Payable for November 1999 in the amount of $199,971.72. Payroll Summary of November 5^th in the amount of $72,783.51.
• Council Minutes for the regular session meeting of November 2, 1999.

• Licenses as recommended by the Regulatory Committee.
  A. Operator's licenses.

2. Special Class B licenses.

Ald. Wagner, seconded by Ald. __________ moved to recommend Resolution No. 111. On call of the roll, motion carried unanimously.

Ald. Wagner introduced Resolution No. 102.

WHEREAS, God in his infinite mercy, has chosen to call from this life, Ramona "Mona" Olsen, and

WHEREAS, Mona served the City of Jefferson for many years as an election worker, and

WHEREAS, Mona was a most dedicated and helpful citizen of this community, and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, by this resolution, extends its sympathy to the family of the late Ramona "Mona" Olsen, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the bereaved family.

Ald. Wagner, seconded by Ald. Stevens moved to recommend Resolution No. 102. The Mayor and Council stood in honor of Mrs. Olsen and reflected with a moment of silence.

Ald. Johann introduced Resolution No. 103.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin that there shall be issued pursuant to Chapter 67 of the Wisconsin Statutes, general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000 for the public purpose of constructing and equipping a senior community center.

Ald. Beyer asked for an explanation of the two resolutions on the debt issuance.

City Administrator Schornack stated that the two resolutions reflect the legal procedure the City must follow to comply with State Statutes. Schornack noted that once the people have a chance to vote, the Council will have one more turn to vote on a final resolution to issue G.O. Debt.

Ald. Wagner stated that the he understands that the City does not have the money now, but he does not see the City having any more funds two to three years from now. Wagner stated that he looks at the Center as a payback for the elders of the community. He also stated that he is in support of the center because people of all ages will be able to utilize the facility.

Ald. Oppermann then acknowledged the pursuit for a larger center, but that it shouldn't be done with blinders on. Oppermann stated that he feels that "too many operational costs are unknown". He questioned how this addition would effect the City's capital improvement plan, how would it effect those on fixed incomes, and how the building would be used. He questioned if a new facility is the best option. Oppermann stated that he felt the feasibility study was done backwards, with the desired outcome chosen by the Committee and those who could potentially gain from the building of a new facility. He noted that much needed projects such as: Center Street, Wisconsin Drive, North Dewey Avenue and Watertown Avenue were either removed from the budget or in jeopardy of being funded do to budget constraints. Oppermann urged the Council members to take some time and get some hard core numbers before they make a costly decision. He stressed taking care of the City's existing facilities and infrastructure and for the Council to operate within the City's financial limits. Ald. Oppermann suggested that the Council answer some of the "unanswered" questions and put the Senior Center to a vote at the City's regular April election. He added that this would save the cost of a special election and would allow the Council time to gather much needed information. He stated that he was not proposing putting the seniors "back on the shelf" because he agrees with the seniors in concept, just not at this time.

Ald. Johann stated that she is in support of a new Senior Center and that she did not believe the Council was acting with blinders on. She felt the Council was starting to act like the Federal Government. She stated we need to fix what's broken, so we should be proactive on a new center, not reactive. She stated that with staff help she was confident that a new center would not increase the tax levy up to15%.

Ald. Johann, seconded by Ald. Tennyson moved to recommend Resolution No. 103. On call of the roll, motion carried by a vote of 4 to 4. Ald. Coffman, Ald. Oppermann, Ald. Wenzel and Ald. Beyer cast the dissenting votes. The Mayor broke the tie in favor of the resolution.

Ald. Stevens introduced Resolution No. 104.

WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Jefferson County, Wisconsin (the "City"), has heretofore duly adopted a resolution entitled: "Initial Resolution Authorizing $1,200,000 General Obligation Bonds of the City of Jefferson for Senior Community Center" (the "Initial Resolution"); and

WHEREAS, the Common Council deems it to be necessary and desirable to direct the City Clerk to call a special election for the purpose of submitting the Initial Resolution to the electors for approval or rejection.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City as follows:

Section 1. Special Election Date. The City Clerk is hereby directed to call a special referendum election to be held in the City on December 7, 1999 for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the City the proposition of whether the Initial Resolution shall be approved.

Section 2. Notice to Electors. The City Clerk is directed to give notice by:

(a) causing a Notice of Special Election substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to be published in the Daily Jefferson County Union in the issue published on the fourth Tuesday before the special election.

(b) causing a Notice of Referendum (which includes the facsimile of the sample ballot) in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B to be published in the Daily Jefferson County Union in the issue published immediately preceding the special election. Said notice shall also be posted in each polling place positioned so that it may be readily observed by electors entering the polling place or waiting in line to vote.

If the City uses an electronic voting system employing a ballot label and ballot card, the election notice set forth in Exhibit B shall also include a true, actual-size copy of the ballot label and ballot card in the form in which they will appear on election day.

Section 3. Polling Places and Hours. The City electors must vote at the special election at the times and polling places at which they cast their ballots in regularly scheduled elections as specifically set forth in the election notice attached hereto as Exhibit B.

Section 4. Special Election Officials. The election officials appointed to conduct regularly scheduled elections in the City shall conduct the special election.

Section 5. Official Referendum Ballot Form. The ballot to be used at the special election shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.64(2) and 7.08(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes. The ballot shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C.

The City Clerk shall cause to be printed sufficient ballots for use at said special election, both as actual ballots in those polling places which do not use voting machines and as absentee ballots where voting machines are used and as specimen ballots (the latter to be of a different and easily identifiable color from the actual ballot).

The City Clerk shall receive applications for absentee ballots and initial the same when issued to qualified absentee voters.

Section 6. Canvass. The returns of the special election shall be canvassed in accordance with the provisions of Section 7.53, Wisconsin Statutes.

Ald. Wagner asked if he could make any amendments to the resolution.

City Administrator Schornack stated that no changes could be made to either resolution and that the referendum would be a binding referendum.

Ald. Stevens felt that it was appropriate to let the people decide if they wish to have a new Senior Center. Ald. Beyer also felt the referendum is a good idea.

Ald. Oppermann asked what a special election costs the taxpayers. City Clerk/Treasurer Parlow indicated that the election will run somewhere between $800-$1,000.

Ald. Stevens, seconded by Ald. Johann moved to recommend Resolution No. 103. On call of the roll, motion carried by a vote of 6 to 2. Ald. Coffman and Ald. Wenzel cast the dissenting votes.

Ald. Oppermann introduced Resolution No. 105.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Wisconsin that the Mayor and City Administrator are authorized to sign a partial release of real estate mortgage for Foremost Buildings, Inc.

Ald. Oppermann asked if anyone had investigated the impact of the "sale" on the River Walk project.

City Administrator Schornack stated that negotiations for the River Walk with Foremost were not going well and therefore the exchange of this property probably wasn't too much of a concern.

Ald. Oppermann indicated that he knew the proposed new owner and that he is opposed to the River Walk project.

Ald. Tennyson asked if the City could condemn the property.

City Attorney Scheibel stated that the City could condemn property, but would need to compensate the owners for the value.

Ald. Oppermann stated that the City had went on record earlier that the City would not go in "people's backyards"

Jim VanLieschout of Premier Bank stated that Foremost was not in favor of the River Walk due to the vandalism they have experienced, the heavy industrial equipment in their lot and the close proximity to their industry. Mr. VanLieschout indicated that he felt the property being transferred was too narrow for a River Walk any way.

Ald. Oppermann, seconded by Ald. Stevens moved to recommend Resolution No. 105. On call of the roll, motion carried on a 7 to 1 vote, Ald. Beyer cast the dissenting vote.

Ald. Coffman introduced Resolution No. 106.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Wisconsin that the sanitary sewer collection system study is accepted.

Gene Laschinger of Town and Country then gave an overview of the sanitary sewer collection system study. Laschinger indicated that this study began in 1997 and its purpose was to examine the City's collection system, its historical flow and its port flow. He stated that they had identified three major service areas and gave the firm's recommendations for improving the City's collection system. Laschinger noted that the only area of real concern at this time is in the Wisconsin Drive/Riverview Drive area. He noted that Town and Country is currently working on the this project and investigating an under the river siphon which may help serve the New Middle School.

Ald. Coffman, seconded by Ald. Tennyson moved to recommend Resolution No. 106. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Ald. Wenzel introduced Resolution No. 107.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson that the claim submitted by Dan and Barbara Oschmann concerning rain water entering their home on May 16 and 17, 1999, is hereby disallowed and the City Administrator is hereby directed to serve a notice of disallowance on claimant and,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no action on this claim may be brought after 6 months of service of this notice.

City Administrator Schornack indicated that this disallowance is very similar to the one done earlier this year for the Markwardt's claim. Schornack indicated that this claim is now in the hands of the attorneys and will most likely continue. Schornack indicated that the storm sewer project in the Puerner/Marion area will continue as soon as the easement is obtained.

Ald. Tennyson asked who approved the grade for the home.

Ald. Wenzel stated that a grade is set, almost always, between the builder and the owner. This avoids liability being placed back on a municipality or its employees.

City Administrator Schornack added that this was a 100-year rainfall event.

Ald. Wenzel, seconded by Ald. Beyer moved to recommend Resolution No. 107. Motion carried on a voice vote.

Ald. Beyer introduced Resolution No. 108.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson that the following 1999 budget adjustments are hereby authorized:

Ald. Johann indicated that the vote was unanimous at Finance Committee.

Ald. Beyer, seconded by Ald. Tennyson moved to recommend Resolution No. 108. On call of the roll, motion carried by a vote of 7 to 1, Ald. Coffman cast the dissenting vote.

Ald. Tennyson introduced Resolution No. 109.

WHEREAS, the City of Jefferson is interested in planning or developing urban forestry management activities as described in the Wisconsin Urban forestry Grant application; and

WHEREAS, financial aid is required to carry out the project;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Jefferson shall budget a sum sufficient to complete the entire project, and

HEREBY AUTHORIZES Cyndi Keller, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to act on behalf of the City of Jefferson to;

Submit an application to the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for any financial aid that may be available; sign documents; and take necessary actions to undertake, direct and complete the approved project.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Jefferson will comply with state and federal rules for the programs; may perform force account work; will provide or be responsible for 100% of updating plans or ongoing operations and will obtain from the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approval in writing before any changes are made in the proposed project.

Park, Recreation and Forestry Director Keller outlined the benefits of the grant. She noted that the grant would supply the department with a computer program which is Y2K compliant.

Ald. Tennyson, seconded by Ald. Stevens moved to recommend Resolution No. 109. On call of the roll, motion carried unanimously.

Ald. Stevens introduced Resolution No. 110.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson, Wisconsin that the City Administrator is authorized to sign an agreement with Environmental Resources, Inc. to furnish and install grating at the biotower influent channel.

Ald. Stevens, seconded by Ald. Wenzel moved to recommend Resolution No. 110. On call of the roll, motion carried unanimously.

Chief Besel reported:

• On the Endl/Kapperman fire on West Candise Street
• That a car fire started after a resident parked their car over a pile of dry leaves.

City Engineer Ludwig reported:

• On the progress of North Jackson Avenue.
• On the status of the Fish Ladder, the total cost is estimated at $774,000—35% of the cost to be borne by the City.
• On the progress of the Rotary Park Boat Dock.
• On the installation of storm sewer on Windsor Terrace.
• On the negotiations with Schweiger regarding their storm water problem.

City Clerk/Treasurer Parlow reported:

• That the City Hall Office is busy with the budget process, updating of the Municipal Code Book, a Municipal Year End Review, preliminary tax roll preparation and the special election.

City Administrator Schornack reported:

• The Budget Committee will be meeting for their third time next week. We must have the Committee of the Whole Meeting soon to make sure we comply with the fifteen day public notice requirement.

Ald. Oppermann asked if the City could establish a Facility Committee that would oversee the building, maintenance and repair of all City Facilities.

City Administrator Schornack stated that if the Mayor approved, staff & counsel could draft an ordinance for a new standing committee. The Mayor agreed that the Committee was a good idea.

Ald. Coffman, seconded by Ald. Tennyson, moved to adjourn the November 2, 1999, meeting of the City of Jefferson Common Council. The motion carried on a voice vote.

These minutes of the November 2, 1999, meeting of the Common Council are uncorrected. Any corrections made thereto will be noted in the proceedings at which time the minutes are approved.