TOWN OF ROCHESTER
Racine County, Wisconsin
Municipal Office Phone:  (262) 534-5742;  Facsimile:  (262) 534-4084
Mailing Address:  203 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 352, Rochester, WI  53167

Link to Town Board Meetings

[ Home ]

Home
Up

Link to Town Board Meetings

August 8, 2005                                     REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; Christopher Birkett, Public Works Supervisor; and John Tierney, Engineer, were also present.

Pledge of Allegiance. 

Mike moved, 2^nd by Gary to approve minutes of the July 11, 2005 meetings as printed.  Motion carried.

Mike moved, 2^nd by Paul to approve August disbursements as follows.   Motion carried.

Town General Fund Disbursements:

Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:

Treasurer’s Report.  Betty read the Treasurer’s report as follows. 

There was brief discussion on sewer utility rates covering expenses.  This will be looked at for 2006 budget preparations.

Sheriff’s Department.  Sergeant Kacmarcik reported the following statistics for July:  zero accidents; eleven speeding citations, three traffic citations and twenty-nine warnings were issued.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  thirteen complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with ten additional complaints, and originated thirty-one on his own.  He reported 14 work days, 122.25 hours and 1,499 miles driven.  Sgt. Kacmarcik reported less hours in July due to vacations.   Additional coverage will be provided for several upcoming Alpine Valley events in August.

Report on inspection of 2910 Buena Park Road.   Betty reported communication made by Deputy Prochaska who was not present at the time.  Deputy Prochaska inspected the premises and found them to be secure with no evidence of vandalism.  A written report issued by the Building Inspector reported minimal progress on the house since communication with the property owner last year.  Jennifer Myhre, Andy Jungbluth and Ed Ela, owners of the property, were present.  Ed explained Jennifer and Andy were purchasing the land from him on a land contract.  Jenny explained they are in final approval stages for a construction loan and offered evidence of several contract proposals to do finishing work on the house.  They reported interior work is progressing, though this is not visible from the street.  In addition, they visit the property at least once weekly to cut down weeds.  They indicated their intent to do full restoration on the home and that special materials must be ordered to accomplish this.  This takes additional time.  Board members expressed concern that no visible progress and no inspections had occurred since last Summer.  They want to be sure improvements to the house progress and that the property does not become a hazard or attract vandalism.  Jenny indicated Board members may contact her at any time if they have a concern.

Public Works Department.   The Board reviewed Christopher Birkett’s written report for July as follows:

Lift Station:         

·         Standard exercise of values and generator. 

·         Pump #2 blew two breakers since the last meeting.  The pump was pulled and breakers reset.  No problems have occurred since then.

Park:                    

·        Increased garbage pickup schedule to once a week because the dumpster was attracting a lot of non-park trash.

Roads:                  

·         Stop signs and advisory/warning signs are in place at Beck and Sharon.  Stop bars will be installed by the
    County.

·         N. River Road repair is complete and the driving surface much better now.

·         Paving project on Abbey and Ridge Line is complete; they are still waiting on shoulder work.

·         Chris obtained several quotes on tree removal in the right of way, but needs to clarify with contractors as
    there was some difference in what each contractor quoted.  This item will wait until next month

·         Chris is working with “On the Cutting Edge” to get several lots in Honey Lake and Fox River Prairie
    mowed.

·         A culvert grate needs to be installed in Fox River Prairie Subdivision- some research is to be done on
   whether this is a responsibility of the developer

·         House numbers are started with approximately 50 installed at this time and another 70 ready to go.  Chris
    expects to complete this project by the end of September.

Certified Survey Map to create two parcels: 

Location: Gen. Secretariat of Franciscan Missions- 940 N. Browns Lake Rd.

Agent: Atty. Dennis R. Lynch

(Parcel# 014-03-19-15-004-003: 16.48 acres)

Betty reported on Plan Commission consideration of this item.   They recommended approval contingent on completion of the following items:

• The building envelope for Lot 2 needs to be displayed on the CSM.

• The existing private sewerage system serving Lot 1 needs to be located on the CSM

• The setback distances (from lot lines) for existing buildings on Lot 1 need to be shown on the face of the CSM.

Atty. Lynch presented an updated Certified Survey Map showing all items with the exception of a building envelope.  He explained an issue presented by the surveyor.  A-2 zoning calls for a setback that differs from more restrictive setback requirements on the charitable use being proposed for the property.  The concern was that display of the building envelope may conflict with zoning requirements in the future.  The convent use that is proposed requires a 50 foot setback from property lines; and A-2 zoning requires a minimum 15-foot setback.

Gary moved, 2^nd by Paul to approve the Certified Survey Map with the sewerage system and setback distances located as presented.  Motion carried.

Conditional Use Permit Application for construction of a Convent/ Religious Facility:

Location: Gen. Secretariat of Franciscan Missions- 940 N. Browns Lake Rd.

Agent: Atty. Dennis R. Lynch

(Lot 2, Proposed Certified Survey Map Parcel# 014-03-19-15-004-003: 4.6 acres)

Betty reported on Plan Commission consideration of this item.  The Plan Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use Application contingent that the following items be listed on the conditional use permit:

• The parking area is to be defined;

• That lighting is to be shielded to the west; and

• The drainage is to be directed to the west.

Additional considerations that did not make it into the motion were:

• The access drive is to be properly maintained, including cut back of brush and snow plowing, to accommodate year-round emergency vehicle access.

• Site lighting is to be attached to the residence and be motion sensitive.  Pole lighting or parking lot lights are prohibited. 

• There will be no connecting drive from Lot 1 to Lot 2 of the CSM.

• Structures are to be limited to those shown on the Site Plan.

Atty. Lynch explained the proposed use is a nine-bedroom convent to accommodate up to eight permanent residents and one guest bedroom.  An issue rose as to what address will be assigned to this property because it is gains access off a private drive/ easement.  Consensus of the Board was to contact Jay Henrichs, owner of the easement, and question whether he is agreeable to naming the access easement as a private road.  The Town would pay for road signage as the ability for emergency services to locate the property is a public safety concern . 

Joanna Storm, an abutting property owner, questioned where the septic system for the convent would be located.  Her concern was the difference in elevation from the septic location and her property.  She is downhill and was concerned if there would be a failure of the system in the future.    Gary informed Joanna the Town Board can only act on what is before them and not “what ifs”.  It appeared as though all reasonable concerns were addressed in recommended conditions and Board members concurred they could see no valid reason to deny the permit.

Mike moved, 2^nd by Gary to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to Racine County with the following conditions:

• The parking area is to be defined on the permit;

• Site lighting is to be attached to the residence, be motion sensitive and be shielded to the west.

• Pole lighting or parking lot lights are prohibited;

• Site drainage is to be directed to the west.

• The access drive is to be properly maintained, including cut back of brush and snow plowing, to accommodate year-round emergency vehicle access.

• There will be no connecting drive from Lot 1 to Lot 2 of the CSM.

• Structures are limited to those shown on the Site Plan.

Motion carried.

Recommendation for Address Change:  30710 Fox View Drive to 30815 Vergon Drive

(Property owners:  James and Donna Ronkoski.) 

A location map was shown to display how the house at 30710 Fox View Drive is accessed.  Despite a Fox View address, access is achieved from Vergon Drive via a shared driveway.  Fox View has a ravine drop off where this parcel abuts and access cannot be achieved from that road.  The home is obscured by trees and cannot be seen from either road.  Correspondence from Racine County provided recommendation that the address be changed to 30815 Vergon Drive to comply with the intent of the house numbering system and its intent to assist in property locates for the 9-1-1 emergency response system.  It was thought the best way to locate the house was to number the access point consistent with other house numbers along Vergon.  Consensus of the Board was to address correspondence to Mr. and Mrs. Ronkoski expressing their knowledge of the inconvenience, but for the purpose of public safety and welfare, the address is to be changed to 30815 Vergon Drive.  It was felt this would benefit both the Ronkoskis and emergency services.

Ditch Line Improvements:  29200 Evergreen Drive

Chris Birkett reported on his meeting with Pat Nolan, Racine County Public Works, to assess drainage in this area.  A 24” to 36” culvert runs under Evergreen Drive from the southeast, runs parallel to the road for about 50 feet, and then drains through private property to a swampy area to the north.   Uncontrolled vegetation growth in the drainage swale has built up and raised the elevation of the swale.  Chris indicated the ditch is still moving some water as evidenced by wash out of a small foot path that someone had put across the drainage swale.  It was also observed that a gas line runs through the drainage swale area;  Diggers Hotline marked the area for some work Waterford was doing.  It is unknown how deep the gas line is.  Chris’s contact with Hiram Miller, owner of 29200 Evergreen Drive, was such that Hiram is under the impression the Town is responsible to repair the drainage path due to some communication he had with the previous Public Works Supervisor.  His concern is that poor drainage through the path is undermining his parking lot.

Responsibilities as to maintenance of the drainage way were discussed.  A search was done on titles of the two properties through which the drainage swale flows.  There are no recorded easements which would put the responsibility of maintenance on the Town or another party.  The Town is only responsible to maintain the drainage path as it exists within the platted road right of way of Evergreen Drive.  After that, it is a private property owner’s responsibility to maintain- or at least not to obstruct- any drainage path. 

Consensus of the Board was to have the Town attorney send correspondence to Hiram Miller explaining that it is in the best interest of both the Town and the Millers to open up the drainage swale, but that the Town cannot perform work on private property.  In that correspondence, it is to be explained that the Town is willing to work with Hiram to perform any required ditch repairs on Evergreen and within the road right of way to compliment any improvements he wishes to make to his own property. 

Automatic Door Installation Proposal

Betty explained the need to comply with HAVA (Help America Vote Act) legislation by installing some type of assist to the entrance door so that those with disabilities did not encounter any barriers when entering the building.  Compliance can come in one of two forms: either an automatic door opener or a doorbell system that one could ring when they need assistance.  A proposal from Wisconsin Automatic Door was presented for $1,575.00 for installation of an automatic opener unit and radio transmitters (Push to Open buttons); and another, from Weidert Electric, for $400.00 to bring electrical service to the door opening unit.   The existing latch would have to be “dummied” and a deadbolt installed.  Gary indicated a preference for a locking panic bar type of latch.  This item was tabled until a comparative proposal for the automatic door opener can be obtained.

2005 – 2006 Assessor’s Contract Proposal

The contract proposal included a 4% increase to the Assessor’s 2004 – 2005 base salary of $8,000.00 (to $8,300.00).  All other provisions were the same as the existing contract.  Board members concurred  Kathy Romanak has been doing an excellent job as assessor and appears to be well organized and responsive.  Mike moved, 2^nd by Paul to approve the contract and salary increase to $8,300.00 for 2005-2006.  Motion carried.

Applications for Operator’s License: 
Annette Flancher,  Sherry Southard, “The Bunker”

Betty explained Annette Flancher’s application has been withdrawn at The Bunker’s request because Annette will no longer be working there.  Sherry Southard has proof of holding an operator’s license within two years (in the form of a current license from the Town of Norway); and a clean background check.   Mike moved, 2^nd by Gary to approve an operator’s license for Sherry Southard.  Motion carried.

Period for Public Comment.  There was none.

Paul moved, 2^nd by Mike to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted:

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

August 24, 2005                     SPECIAL JOINT TOWN AND VILLAGE                         7:00 p.m.

BOARD MEETING

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with Gary Beck, Mike Weinkauf and Paul Beere present from the Town Board; and Chris Denman, Jim Henning, Judy Karweik, Dennis Saunders, Dean Stapleton and Mark Tamblyn present from the Village Board.  Bill Weidert was absent.

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, and Atty. John Hotvedt were also present.

Presentation and discussion on a “template” Boundary Agreement to be used in negotiating agreements with surrounding municipalities:  Atty. John Hotvedt

Atty. Hotvedt presented a template to use for boundary agreements with surrounding municipalities.  The template was modeled off successful agreements made between other municipalities in the State that have been approved by the Department of Administration. 

Highlights of document review were as follows:

·         Beginning sections define the parties involved, the area and the purpose of the agreement;

·         Based on review of successful agreements, Atty. Hotvedt established a 20-year term as the norm. 

·         Section 5 establishes the Growth Area/ Boundary Adjustment Area of the agreement;

·         Section 9 outlines how services will be provided and is left blank to be customized as appropriate;

Atty. Hotvedt gave an overview of the boundary agreement process.  To begin, resolutions are required of all municipalities describing their intent to participate in the process.  A minimum 120 day period is required for municipalities to draft and approve the agreement for public hearing.  After the public hearing is held, 60 days must pass prior to adoption.  These time frames allow the Department of Administration adequate time to review and take action on agreements.

Consensus of both Boards was to contact the Village of Waterford first.  Based on achieving a successful agreement with them, the second agreement would be pursued with the City of Burlington.  After that, agreements are to be pursued with abutting towns.

Denman reported on preliminary meetings with Village of Waterford representatives.  They stated one concern that the newly formed Village of Rochester would create a TIF district and compete directly with theirs.  They want a condition of the agreement to be that the Village of Rochester will not form a TIF district for at least eight to nine years.   They also presented a map showing a proposed growth area.  This information should be incorporated into the boundary agreement.

There was discussion on how to define boundary adjustment areas.  Consensus was that lines could be drawn on the map.  Once agreed upon, a legal description would be required for the area. 

Mike moved, 2^nd by Paul for Atty. Hotvedt to draft a resolution indicating intent to participate for Rochester and the Village of Waterford; and to collaborate with the Village of Waterford’s attorney regarding appropriate language.  Motion carried.

It was also noted that amendments to the agreement may be needed during its term.  A procedure for amendment needs to be specified in the agreement.

Gary moved, 2^nd by Mike to adjourn at 8:00 p.m.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer

Return to top of page