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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
May 9, 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, 2nd by Paul to approve minutes of the April 11 & 25, 2005 meetings as printed. Motion carried.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve May 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.
Public Works Department. Chris reported no word yet on who will be repairing the bank collapse on N. Honey Lake Road. Brett May of Payne & Dolan is getting back to him. Excavating the ditch on Oak Knoll Road is scheduled for May 10th. Chris received one quote for shoulder work on Oak Knoll and expects two more in the weeks ahead. Speed limit signs are going up well. Hunters Glen Road and Royal Hill Road have been staked, as well as streets in Fox River Prairie subdivision. Chris continues to fill pot holes as they develop and pick up trash along roadsides. Some vandalism occurred in Case Eagle Park; kids drove in certain areas and ripped up the grass. An estimate to repair the damage and reseed was received from Cutting Edge Lawn Care at four to five hundred dollars. Consensus of the Board was to bill repair costs to the perpetrators. The Clerk is to check with Atty. Hotvedt as to the correct procedure.
Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Prochaska reported the following statistics for April: one accident; eight speeding citations, sixteen traffic citations and twenty-three warnings were issued. Complaint statistics were as follows: thirty-four complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with seventeen additional complaints, performed follow up on seven and originated twenty-two on his own. He reported 19 work days, 169.5 hours and 1,872 miles driven. Deputy Prochaska reported increased activity in April and May, including recent investigation of a burglary (with force) and robbery. An individual received their fifth drunk driving arrest after driving off the ditch on N. Honey Lake Road. A graph was presented showing calls for service performed under contract time from 2002 to the present. It clearly showed call volumes increasing. He questioned whether special attention should be given to the junk ordinance this year. Consensus of the Board was to handle complaints on a case by case basis rather than performing a sweep.
Certified Survey Map creating two parcels Location: 34315 Academy Road Owners: Joseph & Barbara Carini; Agent: Gary Foat (Parcels #014-03-19-18-012-000; and 014-03-19-18-012-001: 157.6 acres)
Betty reported on Plan Commission consideration of the land division. They recommend approval without any contingencies. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the Certified Survey Map dated April 6, 2005. Motion carried.
Request for one-month extension on Final Plat Approval: Rock Ridge Subdivision
Location: 28601 (Approx)
Rowntree Road
Steve Kempken addressed the Board. He reported the final plat is done with the only open issue being how to address maintenance of a drain tile utilized by the subdivision in the declaration of protective covenants. A drain tile agreement from 1950 was recently discovered by Chris Birkett (an abutting property owner). The agreement stated responsibilities of repair as 50% to the first party, consisting of eight parcels in the Town of Dover served by a 12 inch tile; and 50% to the third party, consisting of four parcels in the Towns of Dover and Rochester served by an 18 inch tile. The subdivision is included as the “Kipp” property in the agreement. It represents 25% of the second 50% responsibility towards repairs. Chris Birkett and Dick Rehberg, abutting property owners; and Steve Kempken, developer, felt this cost sharing method would be appropriate to include in protective covenants as a responsibility of the homeowner’s association. Dick Rehberg requested copy of the restrictive covenants once they are drafted.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to grant SKSK’s request for a one-month extension with stipulation or direction given to the Town’s attorney that the homeowner’s association, or developer until such time as the homeowner’s association takes over, shall pick up 25% of the 3rd party’s responsibility as stated in the 1950 agreement. Motion carried.
2005-2006 Town Insurance proposals: Rural Insurance; Agent: Harold Recard Harold Recard addressed the Board. Harold reported the Town had Rural Insurance up until three or four years ago. Rural Insurance carries the endorsement of the Town’s Association and represents over 600 towns in Wisconsin. Bid specifications requested an A or better rating. Rural has a B++ rating. The insurance policy covers acts of terrorism, but does not charge a premium for it. Workmans comp is included and liability coverage includes hired and non-owned automobiles. Computer virus damage recovery is also covered. The total premium was listed as $8,913.00
Laub & Horton; Agent: Michelle Strauss Michelle Strauss addressed the Board. Michelle reported Laub & Horton covers over 700 public entities. She serves as the agent for the Towns of Dover, Yorkville, Bristol and Sharon. This is the Town’s current policy. She stated property insurance has no co-insurance penalty or penalty for being underinsured. It also provides flood insurance. Valuable papers such as tax rolls are also covered, including the cost of reassessment if assessment records are destroyed. Breakdown systems coverage is provided for the lift station, but not normal wear and tear. Sewer back ups are covered if the Town is determined legally liable. As to vandalism, there is only one deductible for any occurrence. Liability coverage is at $3,000,000 per occurrence with a $6,000,000 annual aggregate. The average coverage for municipalities the Town’s size is $2,000,000/ $3,000,000. She feels the Town’s coverage is adequate because of municipal liability limits provided in State Statutes- however, she noted there are no limits when sued on federal rights issues. Law enforcement coverage is provided if named in a law enforcement suit; this could come into play because of contract services with Racine County. All insurance companies are required to provide terrorism insurance and this is included. Auto liability coverage is offered over and above any individual’s own insurance. The total premium was shown as $6,956.50.
Steffens Insurance; Agent: Jim Steffens The proposal offered by Steffens Insurance was tabled until such time as Jim Steffens arrived.
Sanitary sewer televising results & request for
reduction of letter of credit:
The sanitary sewer televising report was
reviewed. The report stated all lines coming into manhole seven (just outside
the lift station) were blocked. Fifteen buckets of debris were removed. Gary
moved, 2nd by Mike to bill Golden Fields Development for televising
the sewers and required cleaning at the invoice amount of $2,770.80. Motion
carried. Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to authorize reduction in the
letter of credit amount to the 5% maintenance amount specified in the
developer’s agreement
Ordinance #1-2005; providing for amendment and
adoption of Chapter XVI-
Betty reported the ordinance is to support installation of new house numbers. Delivery is expected late May. Consensus of the Board was to provide a notice of ordinance requirements to property owners upon installation of the house number. Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to adopt Ordinance #1-2005 amending “Street Names and Numbers”. Motion carried.
Shouldering Proposal: Oak Knoll Road
Chris explained only one proposal has been received from Payne and Dolan. B.R. Amon and Racine County will provide estimates next month. Chris will request an alternate quote from Payne & Dolan specifying crushed asphalt for the shoulder material. Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to table proposals for next month. Motion carried.
N. River Road project: Financing Options
Board members discussed the estimated cost of $518,750 for reconstruction of N. River Road. Betty reported an annual road maintenance budget of $125,000 was developed to keep up with routine resurfacing, seal coating, etc., but does not include reconstruction of N. River Road. The Board considered project financing and the likelihood of levy limit legislation proposed with the State budget bill. Loan payments required annually may exceed the percentage allowed by proposed legislation, even with cuts in other budget categories. Betty reported on interpretation of the proposed legislation at a recent conference. It was a financial consultant’s opinion that debt and associated debt payments incurred prior to this legislation passing will be exempt from the limitation.
Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to look into financing options for N. River Road at the amount of $518,750.00 for a ten-year term. Motion carried.
2005-2006 Town Insurance proposals: Steffens Insurance; Agent: Jim Steffens Jim Steffens did not appear to explain the proposal. The submitted bid offered coverage through Continental Western Insurance and matched minimum specifications of the other two proposals. The annual premium was $7,972.00.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to renew coverage with Laub & Horton. Motion carried. Betty was directed to send letters to other bidders thanking them for their proposals.
Public Comment
Mike reported on proposals by Racine County to charge for the increased cost of county-wide dispatch. The proposal favored at this time will result in additional charges totaling $25,267.87 to Town taxpayers: $8,726.63 in the form of the Town’s shared of increase in Racine County’s tax levy; and $16,541.24 in user fees to be provided through the Town’s tax levy. Mike commented this cost increase will be borne by west end municipalities, while some east end municipalities will incur as much as half a million dollars in savings. West end municipalities are unhappy with the proposal.
John Tierney reported 2005 street project design and specifications are almost complete. He will schedule the bid opening before the June meeting.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer
May 10, 2005 SPECIAL JOINT VILLAGE AND 5:00 p.m. TOWN OF ROCHESTER BOARD MEETING
Meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present from the Town Board; and Chris Denman, Dean Stapleton, James Henning, Mark Tamblyn, Dennis Saunders, Judy Karweik, and Bill Weidert present from the Village Board.
Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer was also present.
2006 Law Enforcement Contract Options: Racine County Sheriff’s Department
Sgt. Bob Kacmarcik, Sheriff Bob Carlson and Captain Jim Formolo were present. Denman reported on recent consideration to consolidate two separate law enforcement contracts currently held by Village and Town into one 2,080 hour contract for 2006. Original consideration was based on 2005 contract prices. Concern was expressed when a large increase was presented for the 2006 Town contract. Denman question how the increase was calculated. It was noted the 280 hour Village contract did not increase at the same percentage.
Sgt. Kacmarcik explained the different categories that make up contracts costs, including salary, insurance, mileage, retirement and administrative costs. The two largest increases in the Town’s contract amount were insurance and mileage. Insurance costs were raised $1,734. 2005 mileage was charged as 14,625 miles at .35 per mile. In the 2006 contract, mileage is charged as 22,000 miles at .405 per mileage. This represents an increase of $3,792 but is more reflective of actual miles driven under the contract.
When questioned on whether deputies pay a portion of health insurance premiums, it was confirmed they do pay a portion through payroll deduction. Sheriff Carlson explained there are no additional costs placed in the contract proposal. This is the actual cost of placing a deputy on the road.
Board members pointed out that contract officers provide additional coverage and back up to routine patrol deputies assigned to the west end of the County. They stated additional officers are a benefit to the Sheriff’s Department and wondered whether contracted officers are taking the place of deputies the Department would have to finance if the contracts did not exist.
Sheriff Carlson agreed contracted officers supplement officers already assigned to the area and give an additional presence to the west end of the County. However, if contracts were not in place, an additional officer would not be assigned. There is no room in the Sheriff’s Department budget to finance additional positions.
Denman commented that even though the west end of the County is experiencing the most growth, the County Executive has been talking about reducing coverage to the west end because of budgetary concerns.
Sheriff Carlson reported his department lost seventeen positions through the last two budget cycles. When questioned on whether the County would have to supply more officers if current contracts were cancelled, Sheriff Carlson indicated they would not. Officers assigned to the area would need to spend less time on routine patrol and more time proceeding from call to call.
Sheriff Carlson predicted more of the Sheriff’s Department resources will be directed to the west end of the County in the future. East end police departments continue to expand. However, he noted the Sheriff’s Department does not duplicate services provided by east end departments, instead they augment their services. Many calls are still made to the Sheriff’s Department for back up or special services. Additionally, activity on the Interstate (I-94) continues to require a significant portion of their resources.
Board members questioned whether the County Board perceives contract officers as justification for assigning less officers to the west end of the county. Sheriff Carlson indicated the County Board does not get involved in allocation of resources; they leave that to Department staff.
Board members questioned whether some kind of discount could be offered on the contracts as other municipalities that do not have contracts are reaping the benefits of additional officers in the area.
Sheriff Carlson indicated the contract represents the cost of staffing. He has no other place in his budget to finance additional officers.
Board members asked again if there could be some kind of credit. They would like to keep both Town and Village contract hours rather than dropping the Village’s 280 hours. They believe there are benefits to everyone by having an extra deputy assigned to the area. However, the increase in costs has caused them to question whether the benefit is worth it.
Sgt. Kacmarcik stated he has spent eight years administrating local contracts and it has put him in the position of seeing statistics for both northwest and southwest patrols. He reported when an officer is dedicated to a community, he sees a much higher activity level. Quality of life issues such as trash, litter, and junk receive attention. In addition, community ordinances are reviewed and revisions recommended making them enforceable. A dedicated person brings the level of service up. Most crimes are misdemeanors. Public safety plays a role of making the community orderly. Most offenses are not felonies. Sgt. Kacmarcik indicated it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of increased presence because a lot of things don’t happen that maybe would have if an officer was not present.
Mike Weinkauf commented county-wide dispatch costs are increasing. The most recent proposal on how to handle these increases makes the Town and Village responsible for a portion of costs. He feels contracted services may need to be cut in order to pay increased dispatch costs.
Gary Beck indicated his concern that if the Town and Village cut back on contracted services, they may not be able to get them back when they need them. He reported this happened once before when the Town backed out of snowplowing services with the County’s Public Works Department. It ended up costing the Town a lot of money to go with a private contract.
Dean Stapleton stated the intent of the meeting is to request some consideration from the County when figuring 2006 contract costs. Chris Denman questioned whether some pencil sharpening could be done. If Sheriff Carlson would be willing to look over the numbers and see if there are some areas that can be adjusted. Town and Village would like to maintain 2,080 contract hours but costs need to be more reasonable.
Sheriff Carlson indicated it would be difficult because of the many budget cuts the Department has had to endure. The County Executive is already talking about cutting 30 more positions this year. He indicated he would like to help maintain the service level of west end municipalities, but noted contracted municipalities are also getting significantly more service than they would without a contract.
Mark Tamblyn stated he feels in the foreseeable future, the Sheriff’s Department will go from two to three zones in order to serve the west end of the County. The reality is the population is growing on the west end and things are going to change.
There was a question about whether State Statutes regulate how many officers a Sheriff’s Department needs to provide based on population figures. Some research will have to be done on the issue.
Judy Karweik questioned whether Town and Village Boards would be better off putting pressure on the County Board to ensure better coverage on the west end of the County.
Sheriff Carlson stated he will take 2006 contract figures back and look at them again. He will see if any adjustments can be made. Sheriff Carlson, Sgt. Kacmarcik and Captain Formolo left the meeting at this time.
Board members identified mileage as one of the largest dollar increase areas and suggested the Sheriff’s Department consider reducing costs in that category by deducting mileage from the Sheriff’s substation to Rochester daily- or by placing a vehicle at the Rochester public works garage or fire station in order to reduce these costs. They also discussed the benefits of establishing a municipal court in Rochester as more citation revenue would stay in the community to help offset costs of the contracts. It was the consensus of both Boards to pursue this concept in the future.
Cooperative Boundary Agreement progress
Board members discussed progress of preliminary meetings with the Village of Waterford on boundary agreements. An area was identified for possible future annexation on the northeast side of the intersection of state highways 36 and 20. This area is desired as a connection point off of STH 20 for a future frontage road serving commercial development along state highway 36. Consensus of both Boards was that this area is acceptable to identify as a gray area in a boundary agreement with Waterford. Those property owners could choose to annex to the Village of Waterford during the effective period of the agreement.
Paul moved, 2nd by Gary to adjourn at 6:35 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer
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