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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
May 6, 2002 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 4:30 P.M. Meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. with Gary Beck, Wayne Schrader and Nancy Klemko present. Betty Novy, Clerk, was also present. 2002-2003 Insurance Proposals: Rural Insurance, MSI Insurance, Laub & Horton. Coverage and premiums were compared. Gary moved, 2nd by Nancy to approve Laub & Horton’s coverage proposal. Motion carried. Gary moved, 2nd by Wayne to adjourn at 5:30 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by:
Betty J. Novy May 13, 2002 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 7:00 P.M. Meeting was called to order with Gary Beck, Wayne Schrader and Nancy Klemko present. Betty Novy, Clerk, Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Matt Prochaska, Jim Deluca, Building Inspector and William Phenicie, Town Attorney, were also present. Wayne moved, 2nd by Nancy to adjourn to closed session to discuss pending litigation as allowed by §19.85(1)(g). Motion carried. Gary moved, 2nd by Nancy to adjourn at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by: Betty J. Novy May 13, 2002 REGULAR BOARD MEETING 7:30 P.M. Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with Gary Beck, Wayne Schrader and Nancy Klemko present. Wayne moved, 2nd by Nancy to approve minutes of the April 15, 2002 regular board meeting as printed. Motion carried. Wayne moved, 2nd by Nancy to approve May disbursements. Motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: This was delayed until such time as the Treasurer arrived. Sheriff’s Department Report: Deputy Matt Prochaska reported twenty traffic citations being issued for the Town of Rochester during the month of April. In addition, nine written warnings were issued, six complaints addressed and two warrants served. A strategy to deal with junk cars has been developed. Procedures allowing enforcement of Town ordinances in the Honey Lake area have been determined. Deputy Prochaska indicated shifts may be adjusted in summer to provide coverage for any times seeming to need more attention. Responding to complaints on ATV operation on private roads, Deputy Prochaska explained he can write citations under the Town’s public nuisance ordinance, but this is heavily dependent on the time of day activity is occurring. Reckless driving may be another possibility. Wayne invited Matt to attend the May 21st meeting of the Honey Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District. Matt will check with Sgt. Kacmarcik as to availability. Developer’s Agreement and Final Plat: Fox River Prairie Subdivision. Mike Kaerek appeared representing Golden Fields Development. Attorney Phenicie explained the developer’s agreement is in final form and a letter of credit has been received dated February 25, 2002. Outstanding items are the final plat and restrictive covenants. The plat will not be signed until restrictive covenants are executed and given to the Attorney to record. Signature requirements were reviewed. Mike will drop off required documents at the Clerk’s office when they are ready. Arrangements will then be made to have appropriate parties review and sign documents. Westwood Drive Extension update: Atty. William Phenicie. Bill reported that no evidence has been brought forward changing the assertion that Richard Reesman is responsible for paving an extension of Westwood Drive as specified in the 1976 agreement executed by his father. It has become apparent the road will not be paved voluntarily; therefore a court order is recommended to force paving the road. Required improvements amount to approximately 36 feet of public road. Wayne moved, 2nd by Nancy to authorize Attorney Phenicie to pursue a court order requiring Richard Reesman pave the extension of Westwood Drive. Motion carried. Burlington-Wind Lake Pedestrian/Bike Trail: Rochester Bridge Crossings (Cecil Mehring, Racine County Public Works). Cecil explained the bike trail has been in planning for three to four years. It extends the Burlngton trail ending in Saller Woods out onto CTH “W” for a short stretch, then over the Fox River by means of a bridge, through Case/Eagle Park and then along Wisconsin Electric Power Company’s right-of-way until it crosses the Wind Lake Drainage Canal by means of another bridge. After that point, different alternatives are being explored to hook this trail up with an existing trail beginning on the east side of STH “20/83” (Beck Dr.). DNR certification proves these bridges will not impact flooding beyond 1/100th of a foot. Erosion control measures are specified in construction documents. The Fox River crossing will be a three-span bridge; the Canal crossing clear-span. Submitted bids for bridge work came in 20% lower than estimated, leaving adequate monies to do the bulk of trail work this year. Trail improvements are anticipated to at least reach CTH “D” this year, with possibility of reaching the canal if construction goes according to plans. CTH “W” will be widened by five feet on each side to allow for bike lanes in the area of specified bike path. Construction is anticipated to begin in June. Gary moved, 2nd by Wayne to approve site plans of the Rochester Bridge Crossings with no additional conditions being added other than those imposed by Racine County Planning and Development. Motion carried. Highway 36/20 Neighborhood Plan Recommendation (Ken Dahlstrom: Rochester Plan Commission). Ken explained recommendation for this plan was initiated when a developer came in wanting to develop the northeast corner of STH 36 and STH 20. Follow up with Julie Anderson of Racine County suggested a neighborhood plan be developed that inventories properties in the area, what they are zoned for and what the land use plan indicates they should be used for. Neighbors would then be given a chance to express feelings on how they would like this area developed. Ken explained the “Highway 36 Corridor Design Committee” is primarily focused on design aspects like lighting requirements, buffers, parking lots, signage, etc. It is not focused on what land will be used for. Ken suggested that instead of each parcel in this area being developed incrementally, it would be beneficial for the Town to have a plan that looks at the area as a whole. This would be particularly helpful when planning infrastructure requirements. Consensus of the Board was to contact Racine County indicating they would like to begin the neighborhood planning process for the area indicated “Urban Reserve” around the Highway 36/20 triangle in the Land Use Plan. The neighborhood plan should also include that area zoned “Light Industrial” just north of that designation. Assessor Proposals. James Deluca proposed a minimum three-year contract which would increase Building Inspection fees from 80% to 95% of permits written. This would include assessor services and be subject to a $32,000 minimum amount (annually). A one-time set up fee of $7,200.00 would allow for digital photography of Town properties, which would then be entered into assessment software. A read-only copy of the software would be installed on the Town’s computer. Jim indicated two employees would help perform these services. Other communities Jim has performed assessment services for include the Town of Paris, Town of Yorkville, Village of Union Grove and Town of Bristol. Kathy Romanak proposed an annual salary of $8,000.00 starting August 1, 2002 – July 31, 2003. “Use Value” agricultural parcels would be charged at $5.00 per parcel for each year’s roll (based on 2002 figures, this would have amounted to an additional $790). Salary would be reviewed annually. Kathy explained she has lived in the area for 18 years and currently serves as assessor for the Town and Village of Waterford, Village of Rochester and Town of Spring Prairie. For this reason, she is very familiar with values in the area. She has an office in her home and is available for phone calls locally. She will meet with residents at the Town Hall upon request. Property assessment cards would be maintained at her home. Values are entered on the MVS program supplied by the State of Wisconsin. Gary thanked both individuals for proposals. The Board will make a decision on this at the June meeting. Presented for discussion: House Numbering Ordinance. A draft ordinance was presented for input by Jim Deluca. Visual inspection recently proved many Town homeowners only post house numbers on mailboxes. This causes confusion for emergency services, particularly when mailboxes are clumped together. The proposed ordinance indicates a minimum size of house numbers (2 ½ inches wide by 2 ½ inches high) and a maximum distance from the center line of the street (80 feet). Input was already obtained from Deputy Prochaska suggesting penalty provisions be included for homeowners refusing to properly display house numbers. Gary expressed concern about duplicating Racine County efforts stating they must offer some type of regulation on this issue. They initiated the uniform house numbering system some years ago. Jim reported investigating this possibility with Racine County Planning staff, but no one seemed to know of any County codes which regulate house number display. Gary indicated the ordinance should specify the cost of house numbers supplied by the Town be paid for by homeowners receiving them. These costs should be incorporated in the ordinance by resolution so the Board can raise prices by way of resolution (vs. ordinance amendment). Jim will double check with Arnold Clements of Racine County to make sure County codes do not already regulate this. Jim will report back to the Board when information is verified. Crack-filling proposal: Oak Knoll Road. Jim Dignin reported cracking on Oak Knoll continues to occur, in part attributable to poor drainage and blocked culverts. Drainage on Fernwood is inadequate as well; several property owners have filled in their ditches. This has caused alligator cracking to occur in those areas. Tapered end-walls were suggested as a possible requirement for culverts. A proposal to perform crack filling on Oak Knoll Road for $925.00 was reviewed. Gary indicated crack-filling will not be considered until later in the season, after major projects are completed and the total budget impact known. 2002 Street Project Recommendations. Recommendation submitted by the Town Engineer was reviewed as follows: Shouldering: Abbey Lane, Beck Drive, Buck Drive, Fox View Drive, Hidden Circle, Honey Lake Road, Mather Street, Oak Street, Lowland Street, Clark Street, N. River Road, Oak Knoll Road, Schneider Lane and Ridge Line Road; Base Patching: Honey Lake Road; Seal Coat: Vergon Drive. Gary moved, 2nd by Nancy to have the engineer put recommended projects out for bid. Motion carried. Sponsorship of Youth Dance. Betty reported the Village of Rochester Board’s statement that the concept of each municipality sponsoring a youth dance by provision of police service and chaperones was discussed at a recent intergovernmental meeting. They expressed willingness to participate in this concept if the Town of Rochester was willing to co-sponsor. Gary and Nancy attended the same intergovernmental meeting. Consensus of the Board was it is best to hold off until such time as the Village of Waterford sponsors an event to see how it goes. Municipal Hall: Door Replacement. Quotes were provided from Mather’s Home Improvement at $1,664 and Thomas’s Home Improvement at $1,300. It was reported the Village of Rochester approved the quote supplied by Thomas’s contingent on 50% cost sharing by the Town of Rochester. Nancy moved, 2nd by Gary to approve Thomas’s Home Improvements proposal to do the work. Motion carried. Memorial Day Parade Contribution. Gary moved, 2nd by Nancy to approve a $50.00 contribution. Motion carried. Meeting Room Table Replacement. Several different sizes and shapes were discussed for replacement of the large table in the meeting room. Clerk is to check with the distributor for suggestions. Period for Public Comment: Jim Dignin reported several locks are missing from the diamonds at Case/Eagle. Gary has locks on order. Dumping of hot coals in grass around the diamonds has also become a problem. Consensus of the Board was to purchase several septic tank risers for a place to dump hot coals. These should be properly marked. Nancy moved, 2nd by Wayne to adjourn at 10:20 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by: Betty J. Novy May 24, 2002 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 3:30 p.m. Meeting was called to order at 3:40 p.m. with Gary Beck, Wayne Schrader and Nancy Klemko present. Betty Novy, Clerk, was also present. Holding Tank Permit Application: Gene Karlin, 420 Pine Grove Ave. Wayne Sargent, Professional Plumbing Installations, Inc., was present representing the property owner. The Karlin’s septic system is failing. Installation of a holding tank system was made contingency of sale to an interested buyer. Gary verified a $1,000.00 deposit check accompanied the application. Wayne moved, 2nd by Nancy to approve the permit. Motion carried. Nancy moved, 2nd by Wayne to adjourn at 3:55 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by: Betty J. Novy May 29,
2002 Meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. with Gary Beck, Wayne Schrader and Nancy Klemko representing the Town Board; Dean Stapleton, Shirley Degner, Dennis Saunders and Roger Kieffer representing the Village Board. Betty Novy, Clerk for both municipalities, was also present. Bid Opening Municipal Building re-roofing project. Bids were opened with the following results:
Consensus of the Boards was to go with an asphalt/gravel roofing system. However, both Boards indicated hesitancy to award the project to the low bidder. No one had heard of the company. Dean Stapleton suggested a performance bond be required. Consensus of those present was, although a good idea, it was too late to make this a requirement. Certificates of insurance were compared. Kraftsmen Roofing offered less liability coverage than Carlson Racine Roofing. Shirley Degner moved, 2nd by Nancy Klemko to accept Carlson Racine Roofing’s bid for an asphalt/gravel roof at $24,120.00. Motion carried. Roger Kieffer stated Carlson should send contract for the work incorporating a time frame and/or date of completion. Discussion of Future Building Plans. Copy of correspondence from the Secretary of State was distributed to Board members demonstrating delay of at least two years before consolidation of Rochester, Village and Town, could occur. That time frame was based on favorable changes being made to consolidation statutes. It was explained a Village building project to expand the Rochester Public Library Building was put on hold over two years ago when consolidation talks first began. It was the intention of the Village at that time to construct an addition which would expand library space, hold municipal offices, a community room and create additional storage space for public works equipment, etc. Current needs for expanded library space and interest in use of the building by the Rochester Historical Society has brought this issue to the forefront again. Since consolidation will not occur for at least another two years, the Village intends to begin planning for a construction project. Since both Town and Village co-occupy the current municipal building, there was question on interest of the Town in a joint building project that would move Town and Village office and meeting rooms to the library location. This would allow mutual use of community and meeting rooms by the Town, Village, Library and Historical Society. If not interested in this concept, the Town Board was questioned on preference to stay in the current Municipal Building, possibly purchasing the Village half. If both municipalities were to move, proceeds from sale of the Municipal Building could be used towards construction costs of a new facility. Building designs could incorporate such things as shared administrative space to allow cost sharing on capital purchases, i.e. copy machines and other technological needs the future may bring. A shared public meeting room would offer cost sharing on meeting room furniture and equipment. An exposed basement under the addition would allow storage of public works equipment and possibly law enforcement vehicles. Previous plans drawn up in 1994 were presented showing two alternative layouts to an addition at the library site; one addition illustrated Town and Village areas and one illustrated only Village area. At that time, plans were such that they expanded Village and Town space to approximately 2,000 square feet each, including a joint conference room. Currently the Village operates office and meeting space out of 923 feet (including garage); the Town out of 971 square feet. Communal space amounts to 2,975 square feet. Consensus of both Boards was favorable to a joint building project concept. However, both will need time to discuss space needs separately. When those items are defined, a request for proposals should be published for architectural firms to draw up a proposed plan. Gary Beck moved, 2nd by Shirley Degner to adjourn at 8:11 p.m. Motion carried. Submitted by:
Betty J. Novy |