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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
May 10, 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.
Betty Novy, Clerk, was also present.
Colleen Holder, Treasurer, and Gary Chart, Public Works Supervisor, were absent.
Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to approve minutes of the April 12, 2004 meeting as printed. Motion carried.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to approve May disbursements as follows. Motion carried.
Town General Disbursements:
Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:
Treasurer’s Report: Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the printed report as follows. Motion carried.
Public Works Department. Gary Chart was not present. Betty reported that road right-of-ways need to be cut and Gary wanted to know who the Board would like to perform the work. Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to have Gary Chart get cost estimates from Racine County and Cutting Edge Lawn Care and to have the lowest bidder complete the work. Motion carried.
Sheriff’s Department. Sergeant Kacmarcik reported the following statistics for April: three accidents; eight speeding citations, four traffic citations and twenty-six warnings were issued. Complaint statistics were as follows: twenty complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with fifteen additional complaints, performed follow up on nine and originated nineteen on his own. Six foot patrols were conducted. In addition, a recent staff meeting confirmed that special attention will be given to Alpine Valley events this year. The Sheriff’s Department will arrange coverage. Deputy Prochaska reported a fatal vehicle accident that recently occurred on Washington Avenue is under investigation. The individual involved in a motorcycle accident on N. Browns Lake Drive is doing well and has had his hand reattached successfully. Another motorcycle accident on Washington Avenue caused damage to several trees. The individual is okay. Additionally, Deputy Prochaska reported increased activity on the bike trail. Unless otherwise directed, he will be addressing junk vehicles by way of complaints only this year. Bicycle Safety courses will be made available to residents soon.
Annual Report: Western Racine County Health Department
Cyndi Armstrong presented a flyer highlighting the annual report. Two full copies of the report were made available. Cyndi reported 87% of 12-35 month old children are up to date with immunizations, exceeding the department’s goal of 86%. Attendance at immunization clinics has been dropping; immunization coverage by most major insurances has been a factor in this. Children are getting immunizations at their physician’s office more often. Communication between the health department and physician’s offices is good in terms of keeping records up to date. In 2003, there were only three cases of Pertussis in the area; in 2004 there are already nine cases. The shot lasts three years and is given early in life; its effectiveness drops significantly by late grade school years. 2003 per capita health department costs for Town residents was $4.26. It should be noted the department was short-staffed for a significant part of the year. Costs will most likely increase in 2004. There were 14 births in the Town of Rochester in 2003; up from eight in 2002. In Western Racine County, the birth rate to single moms is up. Several programs have been established to address this situation. The department has started a website. The address is www.wrhd.org. It contains useful information and links to many other health resources. Teen pregnancy, a United Way fitness challenge, women’s personal safety workshops, and anti tobacco activities were some of the other items reported on.
Application for Pond Permit: Carl Von Bruchitsch, 35205 Oak Knoll Road
Carl Von Bruchitsch addressed the Board explaining he would like to build a fish pond on his land. He spoke with Racine County and the Department of Natural Resources to find out the required depth in order to accommodate the type of fish he will stock. A 10-foot depth was specified. Pond plans were submitted to the Town a few weeks ago. Sarah Wilfert, engineer, reported this as the first time the pond permit ordinance was utilized. She indicated that implementation brought about some concerns and that the ordinance could benefit from revision, particularly a difference in requirements depending on the size of a pond. Requirements for a small pond could be less stringent. However, she considered the Von Bruschitsch pond as falling under a “large” category. Plan review comments were as follows: the proposed pond does not comply with a specified 4:1 slope requirement; a 10-foot safety shelf should be installed at the top of bank; and contours should be shown on the site plan to show the spillway. Carl pointed out he has Miami Loam soil and has never seen standing water on his land; he did not feel drainage should be a big concern. Spillage from the pond will be directed into a land swale that was put in to carry water away from the lot line. Carl requested a variance be granted from the 4:1 slope requirement. He needs a 3:1 slope to get enough depth within the pond’s footprint. Some perceived problems with a 3:1 slope were that people could not get a footing on that steep of a slope and that side material would roll down to the bottom of the pond. Carl indicated the pond will utilize a geo-membrane liner; therefore siltation should not be a problem. The edge of the liner will come up above grade. He plans to install sod to the edge. Carl commented the engineer’s requirements seem to apply more to ponds in commercial type areas; he feels a residential site is a different situation. Board members agreed the 4:1 side slope specified in the ordinance should not be varied from. Carl indicated he won’t know exact slopes until he gets greater detail from the contractor who is installing the pond. Consensus of the Board was that Carl could go ahead with his pond if the plans meet the 4:1 slope requirement. Once plans are redrawn, they should be given to the engineer for review. Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to approve the pond permit based on engineer approval of a revised plan that meets the existing ordinance. Motion carried.
Award of Contract: 2004 Street Program
Bids were submitted as follows: Payne and Dolan, $149,995.00; and Black Diamond Group, $190,222.25. There was discussion on budget amendments necessary to provide funds to finish reconstruction of N. Honey Lake Road and the 2004 Street Program. Consensus of the Board was to have the Clerk prepare a budget amendment for the June meeting transferring an appropriate amount from the “Contracted Snow Removal” expense category to “Town Road Repairs” to cover anticipated costs. Sarah Wilfert explained seven sections of the 2004 Street Program bid package. Sections one and two include seal coating several streets, including the eastern portion of Evergreen Drive. There was discussion on condition of the shoulder on this section of road. Consensus of the Board was to have the attorney draft a letter ordering owners of three properties on Evergreen Drive to remove large stones that have been placed in the right of way. If not removed within 30 days, the Town is to have removal added to the contract and charge the cost of doing so to the property owners. Sections three and four provide for resurfacing Langmaid Street, Fairview Street and N. Westwood Avenue. There was question on how to handle a street light on Westwood Avenue that the Reesmans’ (property owner) have been paying for. It was noted the street light lies near a curve in a newly configured portion of the road. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul for the Town to take over payments on the street light effective June 1, 2004. Motion carried. Section five was to resurface the portion of Westwood Avenue lying in the Town of Burlington; Burlington has chosen to accept the bid minus shouldering and the project is to be awarded that way. Burlington will reimburse actual costs when known. Section six was to install the top layer of asphalt on Wayne Fuller’s subdivision (Way-Mar and Crossway Road). Wayne chose to contract for installation separately so that item is not to be included in the award. Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to award the 2004 Street Program contract to Payne and Dolan minus Section six (Waymar Land and Crossway Road) for a total of $124,428 minus additional deductions for shouldering on Section five (S. Westwood Avenue) which is to be excluded from the contract. Motion carried. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve an agreement with Crispell-Snyder for construction related engineering services for the 2004 Street Program at a cost of $12,900.00. Motion carried.
Ordinance establishing 25 m.p.h. speed limit in residential subdivisions
Deputy Prochaska reported on several speeding complaints encountered in the Greil-Mehring subdivision. Due to an inability to enforce speed limits in the subdivision, he must write tickets under reckless driving ordinances. These violations are more difficult to prove in court. Speed zones in subdivisions would be a more effective tool to deal with these types of problems. State Statutes allow Town’s to establish 25 m.p.h. speed limits in areas where driveways average less than 150 feet apart. The attorney indicated roads should be individually listed in such an ordinance, however preference was indicated by the Board and Deputy Prochaska to adopt a more general ordinance stating a 25 m.p.h. speed limit would apply wherever the average spacing of driveways was less than 150 feet apart and the speed limit is properly posted. Consensus of the Board was to have the attorney draft the ordinance.
Request for Compensation: Schaefer Snowplowing and Grading
Correspondence from Schaefer Snowplowing and Grading requesting additional compensation for cancellation of the 2003-2004 snowplowing contract and corresponding legal comments were reviewed. Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to direct the Town Attorney to send a letter to Schafer Snowplowing and Grading advising denial of their request. Motion carried.
2005 – 2007 Animal Control Contract: Countryside Humane Society
The contract renewal specifies a 55% increase over this year’s fee. Pat Hurley pointed out that the City of Burlington is researching other options because of their increase amount and a perception that west end municipalities are subsidizing the City of Racine’s animal control costs. Consensus of the Board was to contact the City of Burlington to discuss the results of their research. Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to table the contract renewal to look at other avenues. Motion carried.
Special Exemption (Outdoor Music) Permits for The Bunker, 29224 Evergreen Drive
May 15, 2004 2:30 – 7:00 p.m. “Support our
Troops Party”; June 26, 2004 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. “50th Birthday Party”; and July 4, 2004 12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m. “July 4th Celebration”
Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to approve Special Exemption Permits for the Bunker on May 15, May 31, June 9, June 26 and July 4th as noted. Motion carried.
Curl Annexation Issues
Correspondence was received from the Village of Rochester requesting reasons why the Town requested a stay of action on the annexation. Mike commented the Town considers this parcel a prime piece of real estate along the Hwy 36 corridor. Since consolidation is not a sure thing; the Town should explore entering an agreement with the Village that allows Town properties access to Village sewer lines. Consensus of the Board was to relay these thoughts through correspondence. The Clerk is to prepare correspondence for Board review and Gary’s signature on Tuesday.
Public Comment
Bill Monnin questioned whether the Hitch ‘n Post Saloon has applied for Special Exemption Permits when they have outdoor music. Pat Hurley confirmed they have in the past.
Wayne Schrader reported that D’Alie and Azarian children (Rodaza Drive) are shooting guns after school. He stated concern that someone is going to get shot. Bullet casings have been found on the Knutsen property. He stated they shoot up to 45 minutes straight and houses are all over. Wayne was directed to call the Sheriff’s Department when this is occurring.
Secondly, Wayne questioned allowable activities at the Oakes/ Jung gravel pit. He reported seeing flames from a brush pile shooting 30-40 feet high at 9:30 p.m. one night right next to his woods. Additionally, he saw headlights and two campers. The next morning he discovered evidence of a paintball party. Wayne reported on several conditions of the conditional use permit. Metal signs are supposed to be posted every 300 feet stating no trespassing and there is supposed to be a locked gate at the entrance. Instead, plastic signs are installed every 1,000 feet apart and many have been damaged. The installed gate has no post to chain it to; it is not being locked. He questioned how they can be allowed to continue to mine gravel when they are not meeting the conditions of their permit. Gary instructed the Clerk to notify Racine County of the complaint by letter.
The Clerk reported that Dick Bosworth had stopped in to let the Town know the Fire & Rescue Company will be paying off their ambulance loan soon. They wish to purchase a replacement vehicle for an older ambulance and have asked whether arrangements could be made again for each municipality to borrow monies on their behalf. Gary indicated that when figures are known, a joint town and village meeting should be scheduled with the Fire and Rescue Co.
Mike reported the Plan Commission discussed gravel pit permit fees at its last meeting. He wanted it noted that Payne & Dolan’s bid on this year’s road projects was $41,000 less than their competitor. He feels Payne and Dolan are good neighbors in the Town and would not like to see a tax per ton imposed as suggested at the Plan Commission meeting.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adjourn at 9:45 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy Clerk
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