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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
July 9, 2007 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, and Christopher Birkett, Public Works Supervisor, were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to approve minutes of the June 11, 2007 meetings with the following correction:
“Rhoda Runzheimer addressed the Board. She expressed concern that this density issue keeps being raised again and again. She thought the issue was settled when revisions to the Land Use Plan were adopted.
(The correction was made at the request of Bob Willard). Motion carried.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve July disbursements as follows. Motion carried.
Town General Fund Disbursements:
Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:
Treasurer’s Report. Betty read the report as follows:
Mike reported the Honey Lake District will be holding a meeting to discuss resurfacing Honey Lake roads. This will most likely deplete their fund balance. They may also initiate special charges for this purpose. Betty reported on two delinquent personal property bills, one for Able Daves Chimney Specialists and the other for Jeffrey Munz. Consensus of the Board was to refer both bills to the Town Attorney for small claims action.
Sheriff’s Department. A written report was submitted showing the following statistics for June: one accident; twelve speeding citations, eleven traffic citations, fourteen parking citations and eleven warnings were issued. Complaint statistics were as follows: thirty-four complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with twenty additional complaints, originated fifty-four on his own, and performed follow up on twelve. He reported nineteen work days, 162.75 hours and 1,696 miles driven. Seventeen foot patrols were conducted.
Deputy Prochaska reported on several vandalism issues this Summer. There have been no traffic accidents involved with the STH 36 by-pass project. Traffic speeds are being heavily enforced in the construction zone. Some gang activity has been verified in the Honey Lake area. Mike reported several thousand dollars worth of damage to parks in Honey Lake as well. It was unknown whether the two issues were related. One accident occurred south of the Racine County Public Works garage on Academy Road. Residents in the immediate area stated concern about the curves and speed limit. They may be approaching the Town Board with these concerns.
As an informational item, Sergeant Kacmarcik reported on his observance of subdivision regulations while visiting in Texas. Local governments there adopt subdivision covenants by ordinance. This allows law enforcement to become involved when residents choose not to observe the restrictions. Board members took the information under consideration.
Public Works Department. Christopher Birkett’s written report was reviewed as follows:
Chris also reported on a Hickory Tree that had fallen into Oak Knoll Road the previous Saturday. Racine County Public Works pushed the tree out of the road. He will be cutting up the wood.
Engineering Report. John Tierney’ written report was submitted as follows:
Certified Survey Map – Land Division creating three parcels from two 33410 Washington Ave. Owner(s): Marc & Tammy Chart; Nick & Jacqueline Ahlers Tax Parcel(s): 014 031905057004 (11.19 acres ) & 014 031905002010 (13.38 acres)
Paul reported on Plan Commission consideration of the land division. They recommend approval contingent that passing soil boring locations be shown on the map and final approval by the Town engineer. Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to approve the Certified Survey Map for 33410 Washington Avenue with the same contingencies as the Plan Commission. Motion carried.
Request for Reconsideration of Operator’s License: Jennifer Schilling; Honey Lake Inn
Betty reported Jennifer’s Dept. of Justice background check, reviewed at the June meeting, showed an arrest record with felony charges for “Possession with intent- THC” in 2001. However, Jennifer has since submitted proof that this charge was reduced to a misdemeanor. She has no criminal offenses since then. Jennifer addressed the Board. She reported being only 18 at the time of the offense. She has matured since then and is raising a daughter. She requested reconsideration of the license.
Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the operator’s license for Jennifer Schilling due to verification that felony charges were dropped. Motion carried.
Town and Village of Rochester Cooperative Plan Revisions
Betty reported on legal revision to the plan based on information submitted from the last Joint Board meeting. Revised text was highlighted. Board members questioned the following sections:
Section 4, subsection C “Establish Mechanism for Joint Planning”. A clarification was requested. Board members would like the section to indicate that Town and Village Boards did not adopt or pass the “Town and Village of Rochester Land Use Plan 2020”. Rather, this was an action of both Plan Commissions.
Section 4, subsection D “Orderly Urban Growth”. Concern was expressed over use of the term “compact” and how it affects rural density development occurring outside of the more densely populated (compact) area of the Town and Village. The section also requires Village approval of any development occurring in the Town. The Town Board felt a non-voting Village representative on the Town’s Plan Commission was sufficient. They do not want development in the Town burdened with approval requirements from the Village for the duration of the agreement.
Mike indicated he does not support any language in the agreement which devalues land in the Town. These sections are to be submitted to the attorney for review and clarification.
Under section 16 “Taxation and Budget”, the possibility of adding a cost sharing agreement for maintenance of Town and Village parks was identified for discussion at the next Joint Board meeting.
Joint Resolution #1-2007 “Authorizing the submittal of a state grant application and the subsequent appropriation of Village and Town Funds for a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program for the Village and Town of Rochester”
Betty reported Rochester held only one hazardous household collection event when grant funds were awarded in 2002. Another grant application was submitted in 2005, but denied. This application is for funding a Clean Sweep event in 2008. Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to adopt Joint Resolution #1-2007 to apply for a 2008 Clean Sweep grant. Motion carried.
Petition for 2008 County Bridge Aid
Betty presented a memorandum from John Tierney explaining proposed replacement and re-routing of a culvert under Evergreen Drive so that it eliminates a 90 degree turn in the drainage system serving the road. This would be in conjunction with a re-surfacing project scheduled for next year. If approved, County Bridge Aid covers 50% of the cost. Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to approve submitting an application for 2008 County Bridge Aid for replacement and re-routing of a 36” culvert under Evergreen Drive. Motion carried.
As a sidenote, Gary reported a meeting had been set by the Village of Waterford to discuss connection of Evergreen Drive at the Village/Town boundary. Board members were invited to attend Friday, July 13th at 9:00 a.m. at the Waterford Village Hall.
Application for 2008 Urban Forestry Grant
Chris Birkett reported on submittal of an “Intent to Apply” form for the grant. His project description includes the following elements:
Education. Develop, print and provide additional postage to mail insert with Town newsletter that educates residents on proper placement of trees and shrubs outside of road right of ways; feature information on Arbor Day and encourage tree planting; educate residents on the Emerald Ash Borer.
Evaluation. Perform survey of trees within road right of ways with a licensed arborist. Identify hazard trees and limbs. Eradicate imminent hazard trees and invasive species, including buckthorn, prickly ash, etc.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the application for an Urban Forestry grant for $2,500.00. Motion carried.
Tree Planting Location: Case Eagle Park
Chris Birkett reported on a request received by Racine County Public Works to plant a memorial tree for James Stobber in Case Eagle Park near the baseball diamonds. The request was submitted by the Waterford High School Softball Team. Chris met with Jim Metzger (Manager of Park Planning, Racine County Public Works) to discuss potential locations. A central location between the two diamonds and the parking lot was identified. Consensus of the Board was to approve this location contingent that plans be checked to ensure that future placement of a pavilion or extension of water lines do not conflict with the location.
Case Eagle Baseball Diamond Lighting Estimate
A memorandum from John Tierney was reviewed showing cost estimates of $169,925 for construction materials and labor to light both baseball diamond fields at this time; or $122,364 to light one field at this time with costs to light the additional field estimated at $58,560 some time in the future. Betty reported a current park fund balance of $47,000. As subdivisions platted in 2006 fill in, an additional $25,000 will go into the fund. Because of changes in State law, park fees will not apply to new subdivisions. Gary reported interest by some local organizations to donate towards lighting the ball fields. Betty is to create a cover letter detailing cost estimates and current available funds. It was also noted that when lights are installed, user fees will have to be considered to cover the cost of operation and maintenance.
Period for Public Comment: Gary questioned Erla Mae Clearmont on how the Mute Swan issue was progressing. Erla reported “adopting” 40 swans through a DNR process to stop their destruction.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to adjourn at 8:41 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer
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