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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
March 8, 2004 REGULAR BOARD MEETING 7:30 p.m.
Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.
Gary Chart, Public Works Supervisor, and Betty Novy, Clerk, were also present. Colleen Holder, Treasurer, arrived at 7:45 p.m.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve minutes of the February 9, 2004 meeting as printed. Motion carried.
Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to approve February disbursements as follows. Motion carried.
General Fund Disbursements:
Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:
Public Works Report: Gary Chart discussed project limitations for repairs to Fernwood Drive. There was question on whether a portion of a concrete driveway existing in the right of way should be cut and replaced with asphalt to adjust to new surface grades. Gary visited the site and felt the driveway had enough slope on it and did not need to be cut. He suggested a 2” riser be placed on the sewer manhole and asphalt be shaped to slope away from the center of the intersection. Sarah Wilfert, Engineer, will make the adjustments. Mike requested an article be inserted in the June newsletter regarding driveway installations and other restrictions affecting road right of way.
Sheriff’s Department. Mike questioned whether vehicles extending into the road on Oak Knoll Road had been moved (last month’s meeting). Deputy Prochaska reported the car’s owners do not own the land across the street as previously assumed. They are, however, making arrangements with owners of that land to park their vehicles there in winter to avoid any incidents with snowplowing.
Deputy Prochaska then reported Sergeant Kacmarcik was unable to make the meeting due to a scheduling conflict. February statistics are not yet available but will be supplied in a written report as soon as possible. Deputy Prochaska reported response to many snow-related accidents in February. There were some complaints of suspicious people and tracks found in the snow around several houses on Academy Road. Deputy Prochaska indicated people should be vigilant in locking doors and remain observant of people in their neighborhoods. Statistics have proven 2004 to be busier in the winter months than 2003. There were 8 calls assigned in January 2003, compared to 19 in 2004. Several family problems were dealt with during the month of February as well. An article was included in the Spring newsletter regarding the bike registration program. Deputy Prochaska is looking forward to seeing what type of response is generated. Gary Beck indicated satisfaction that the article indicated bike safety clinics will be held in subdivisions. He noted children in subdivisions often forget to use caution when playing and biking in the roads. He would like attention focused on educating adults as well, particularly with the new bike trail running through the Town. Deputy Prochaska indicated the bike trail will present a challenge this year; he is attending a bicycle officer training session in May and hopes information gained will help him create additional bike safety programs. Enforcement on the bike trail will be a focus in Spring and Summer months so the trail remains safe for family activities. Mike questioned signage on bike trail crossings and suggested a flashing light be installed. Signage concerns should be taken up with Racine County Public Works.
Treasurer’s report: Colleen Holder reported balances as follows:
Introduction of Burlington School District Board Candidate: Yvette Landrum
Yvette introduced herself as a write-in candidate for the Burlington School Board. She recently spoke with the Department of Public Instruction about how to initiate change in a school district. The answer came back as service on the school’s board. This is why she is running. She reported a high rate of violence in the Burlington High School and would like the district to adopt restrictive policies on this. The High School currently has no police liaison officer. Though one was previously in service, that individual has taken maternity leave and the school stopped funding for the position. She has heard of several children being the victims of violence in the school. The teacher’s contract was approved without requiring supervision of hallways in between classes; this is when a lot of violence occurs. She would like to be part of negotiating that back into the teacher’s contract and would like to promote a zero tolerance policy in the schools with regard to drugs, alcohol, weapons and violence. Yvette asked for support in April’s election. Questions or comments were invited from those present. Yvette was thanked for introducing herself to the Board.
Fox River Prairie Lift Station site grading proposal
Paul Hollander, 29550 River View Parkway, addressed the Board regarding steep grading between his home and the lift station situated on his lot. He expressed opinion that the only solution to this situation is a retaining wall. Hollander presented pictures of his lot before purchase. The grade was level with the lift station building. The grade was raised five to seven feet when the home was constructed. There is only seventeen feet between his house and the lift station.
A proposal presented by Kaerek Builders to lessen the slope was reviewed, as well as written recommendation from Crispell-Snyder. The proposal was to correct the grade disparity by installation of an ice and water shield against the lift station building to a three-foot height. Fill would then be installed between the two structures. The Board did not like the concept of placing fill against the building’s wall and Crispell-Snyder did not recommend accepting the proposal. They recommended installation of a retaining wall .
Hollander presented a quote from Koch Kuts, LLC to install retaining wall between the two structures at a total cost of $7,373. He estimated a $6,000 cost for materials and equipment rental if he were to do the work himself. He is willing to do so. He stated the Town’s previous engineer (Jim Schilling) moved the structure and adjusted grades for the lift station building; but failed to adjust grades for the house. He also stated the engineer failed to amend the zoning permit when he changed the location of the building. This was verified with Racine County Planning and Development. When the house was being built, Hollander told the builder the foundation looked too high. However, a visit to Kaerek’s office verified the house was built according to the master grading plan of the subdivision. Hollander indicated he has no problems with the lift station being situated on his lot; his only problem is grading between the two structures. He proposes retaining wall as the solution to this problem and stated either Kaerek, the Town, or the Town’s engineer should have to pay for this. Kaerek’s suggestion is an ice and water shield and fill; he does not feel the added pressure of soil and water against the lift station building would be desirable. He knows the building was not designed with this in mind. The retaining wall solution would allow a six-inch slope away from his house to the wall (over 10 feet); the wall would be backfilled with gravel and perforated pipe to facilitate drainage towards the back of the property. Seven feet would remain level between the lift station and the retaining wall. Hollander reported on previous conversations with the developer, Town and engineer. He is frustrated because no one is taking responsibility for the problem. He indicated he may need to contact an attorney if the situation cannot be resolved soon. It is holding up his plans to landscape his lot and install a driveway.
Dan Snyder indicated Crispell-Snyder has been consistent in its recommendation that a retaining wall is the only way to correct the disparity in grading between the two structures. He stated the lift station was erected before the lot was sold and it is now obvious the property owner pointed out problems with grading to the developer. Dan stated it is the developer who sets the grades on the lots. Hollander indicated the master grading plan shows a finished elevation of 774’; the survey after the house was constructed shows the height of the basement wall at 775’.
Consensus of the Board was to discuss this item with the Town attorney to see whether the Town can require Kaerek to install the wall. Hollander indicated the developer should have seen the problem on the grading plans. Mike indicated terms of the developer’s agreement were broken when the lot was sold with the lift station on it. Crispell-Snyder should have informed the Town Board of the change in plans when the lift station was moved from its planned location on the outlot. When Paul Hollander bought the lot, he did not know the grades would cause a problem. Mike questioned whether the Town could stop issuing building permits until the problem was solved. He does not feel the Town should accept responsibility for mistakes made by someone else. Consensus was to set a closed session meeting to discuss the Town’s options with the attorney.
Dan Snyder indicated the Town has not gotten back to Kaerek regarding their proposal. Communication with their engineer, Mike Doble, indicated he was still looking into the situation. He suggested a letter be sent formally rejecting their proposal indicating a retaining wall should be provided in place along with a schedule for completion.
Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to send Kaerek a letter stating the Board reviewed their proposal of February 4, 2004 and found the proposal unsuitable; they would like to see a retaining wall constructed. Motion carried. Mike stated disappointment that Crispell-Snyder did not inform the Town the building was being moved at the time of construction; he would like to see better communication in the future.
2004-2005 Snowplowing Contract extension
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to extend the snowplowing contract to include the 2004-2005 season with Gunderson Excavating at rates stated in their proposal dated March 5, 2004. Motion carried.
Westwood Avenue and Waymar Lane connection radius
Sarah Wilfert referred to her email of March 5th regarding AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials) standards as applied to the radius required to connect Westwood Avenue and Waymar Lane. After further investigation, she found that Chapter 4 in the Town’s code of ordinances specifies a minimum of a 150-foot radius on Town roads. She indicated this is possible within right-of-way constraints, however back slopes will be steeper in some areas than what is preferred. Dan Snyder indicated the asphalt surface will be fine, the concern is the slope will be between 2.5:1 to 3:1 for about 250 feet of the ditch line. The only way to correct this would be for the Town to purchase additional right of way. It was agreed many other ditches in the Town already exceed this slope. Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to accept the engineer’s proposal for a 150-foot radius design. Motion carried. Sarah reported 2004 projects will be ready to put out to bid soon. There was discussion on whether Payne & Dolan will honor their bid amount offered for the N. Honey Lake Road project in 2003. Correspondence was directed to them stating specific contract clauses which place the cost of delays on the contractor. The Town is awaiting a response. Payne and Dolan will have a response in time for the April meeting. Consensus of the Board was to hold off bidding the project until it is known whether Payne and Dolan will honor last year’s contract. If not, N. Honey Lake Road is to be added to the project package.
Memorial Day Contribution
Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to contribute $50.00 towards the Rochester Memorial Day celebration. Motion carried.
Operator’s License Application: Carrie L. Mittelstaedt; Enve’ Salon & Spa
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve an operator’s license to Carrie L. Mittelstaedt. Motion carried.
Spring Newsletter: presented for correction or approval
Consensus of the Board was to approve the newsletter for distribution.
Use of Case Eagle Park Baseball Diamonds: Waterford Union High School
Correspondence was reviewed from Waterford Union High School requesting use of the Case/Eagle Park Baseball Diamonds with the understanding that they will compensate the Town for mowing costs. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to continue the agreement with Waterford Union High School for use of Case Eagle Park as the home field for girl’s softball. Motion carried.
Secondly, a request to place a temporary 8 x 12 storage structure with a gravel or block base on site was received. Consensus of the Board was to send copy of the correspondence along with a cover letter to Racine County Public Works offering Town approval for placement of the structure. There was some discussion of light installation at the fields. Gary reported on a conversation with Glenn Lampark (Racine County Public Works). When utilities are extended to service the pavilion they are constructing, the Town will be consulted on electrical requirements to light the fields.
Public Comment: Mike Weinkauf reported contact with the F.B.I. on an event they wish to hold at the Payne & Dolan gravel pit. “Arsenal Day” will be an opportunity for people to turn in old war sourveniors such as shells and grenades for detonation. This will be on the agenda in April.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adjourn at 9:13 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy Clerk
March 8, 2004 ROCHESTER SEWER UTILITY DISTRICT #1 BOARD 9:13 p.m.
Meeting was called to order at 9:13 p.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.
Betty Novy, Clerk, and Colleen Holder, Treasurer, were also present.
Resolution 1-2004 establishing the Doerr Building Sewer Rate
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to accept the building inspector’s recommendation and adopt Resolution #1-2004. Motion carried.
Gary reported on correspondence received from the County Executive regarding composition of the Western Racine County Sewerage District Board. The Town of Waterford is requesting that composition be changed. Consensus of the Board was to send the County Executive correspondence stating no desire to change the composition at this time.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy Clerk
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