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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
September 8, 2003 REGULAR TOWN 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, and Colleen Holder, Treasurer, were also present.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to approve minutes of the August 11, 2003 meeting as printed. Motion carried.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to approve September disbursements as follows. Motion carried.
General Fund Disbursements:
Rochester Sewer Utility District #1:
Cutting Edge Lawn Care is to be contacted for an exact figure on charges incurred to cut grass in Case Eagle Park for the benefit of football leagues. The area used is under Racine County jurisdiction. Payment of charges should be placed on October’s agenda for discussion.
Colleen read the Treasurer’s report as follows.
Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to accept the report as given. Motion carried.
Public Works Department. Gary Beck reported on conversation with Gary Chart, public works supervisor. Gary and Betty are to check with Racine County as to snowplowing options this season.
Clerk’s Department. Several residents complained of Gypsy Moth infestation this summer and Betty questioned whether she should go to a DNR grant work shop on the subject. Consensus of the Board was to have the Clerk attend.
Sheriff’s Department. Sergeant Kacmarcik reported the following statistics for August: seven speeding citations, twelve traffic citations and thirty-nine warnings were issued. Complaint statistics were as follows: fifteen complaints were originated through calls directly to Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with ten additional complaints, performed follow up on four and originated twenty-nine on his own. Twenty-three foot patrols were conducted.
Deputy Prochaska reported an impromptu Bicycle Safety course was given in the Camelback Farms subdivision in conjunction with Deputy Graves (a.k.a. “Deputy Friendly”). Twenty children attended. Request was made by parents to install “Children at Play” signs throughout the subdivision. Gary instructed Deputy Prochaska to work with public works in establishing the number of signs needed for Camelback Farms and/or other subdivisions as deemed necessary. An additional bike safety clinic will be held at the Rochester Fire Station on September 20th.
Introduction of County Sheriff Robert D. Carlson
Sheriff Carlson reported on his recent appointment to the position after Sheriff McReynolds (previous) was elected County Executive. He is attending all local municipality meetings in an attempt to get to know local officials and wishes to continue the positive relationship the Town has had with the Sheriff’s Department in the past. He intends to run for election in 2006. Any questions were referred to Lieutenant Greer as Sheriff Carlson left to attend Town of Norway’s meeting. Appreciation for the introduction and visit were expressed. There were no questions.
Application for Kennel License to house three dogs: Dan Kimball, 919 N. River Road
Deputy Prochaska inspected the premises including a shed for shelter and a fenced in area on 6.2 acres. He recommended approval of the license for three St. Bernards. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the application for kennel license at 919 N. River Road. Motion carried.
Conditional Use Permit Application to occupy portion of an existing building to operate a daycare serving approximately 35 children: 29000 Evergreen Drive: Linda Seidler (Parcel #014-03-19-01-021-040)
Plans were shown for the day care center. It was verified State inspection is required before the day care center can open for business. Plan Commission minutes verified recommendation of approval at their September 2, 2003 meeting. Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to approve the conditional use application for 29000 Evergreen Drive to operate a daycare center serving approximately 35 children. Motion carried.
Land Division creating two parcels out of one: 2527 Beck Drive Owners: Gary J. and Amy J. Beck (Parcel #014-03-19-01-017-000: 28.32 acres)
Gary Beck (Sr.) removed himself from consideration of the issue due to conflict of interest. Gary Beck (Jr.) explained he would like to break out one lot before he applies to rezone the rest of his twenty-eight acres back to agriculture. This is for the future in case his son wishes to build on it; he is not selling the land now. Mike noted the parcel has only two access points off of STH 20 and questioned future use of access. Gary explained his plan is to use these as driveways only. He does not plan to divide the land again. There was further question on whether neighbors might complain about rezoning from R-2 to A-2. Gary explained he takes care to reduce the negative affects farming might have on his neighbors (smells, etc.). Neighborhood children often come over and visit the animals. He does not feel neighbors will object. Plan Commission minutes verified recommendation of their approval at their September 2, 2003 meeting. Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the land division creating two parcels out of one at 2527 Beck Drive. Motion passed.
Cutting back overgrowth on N. River Road
Explanation was made that a quote was obtained from the Kenosha Highway Department of $139.00 an hour for a man and rotary mower (with telescoping arm) to cut back the right of way. Gary Beck indicated concern over past use of this type of equipment because of the amount of brush left behind. He contends it may be the cheapest way of cutting back, but several complaints were received during past use. Consensus of the Board was to obtain alternative bids from several tree services for further consideration at the October meeting. The item was tabled.
Set date for Trick or Treat
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to establish Trick or Treat time as Sunday, October 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Set date for Budget Hearing
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to set the date for the budget hearing as Monday, November 17th at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried. Additional consideration was made to scheduling a date for budget proposals by the fire department and library. A tentative date and time was set for Monday, September 29th at 7:00 p.m. contingent on this being agreeable to the Village Board, library and fire department.
Fall Newsletter presented for addition or corrections
Discussion was held on a request for advertising in the newsletter by a local business. Consensus of the Board was not to allow advertising in the mailing. There was question on whether to include an insert on gypsy moth identification. This item was left to the Clerk’s discretion. Consensus of the Board was to approve the newsletter for distribution.
Period for Public Comment.
Bill Monnin questioned grandfathered use of farming on the Beck farm. It was explained the land was zoned residential in 1969 when the sewer came through. Since the land has been farmed continuously, farming is still considered allowable as a non-conforming use. Jane Babik questioned when the revised Land Division Ordinance would be available for review. It was explained the attorney was directed to have the document ready by September 22nd. Craig Campbell questioned the difference between the proposed land division ordinance and what is currently in place. He asked for explanation of how the majority of the town would benefit from proposed changes. He indicated removal of conservation requirements and restrictions against elongated lots could decrease the value of existing lots in the Town. Gary indicated the majority of townspeople spoke during recent elections by voting in Board members that promised not to make conservation subdivisions mandatory. Paul indicated that at public hearings on the ordinance; the majority of those in attendance were not in favor of conservation subdivisions being mandatory. The revised ordinance still offers this type of development as an option and gives the benefit of greater density to those who choose that type. Craig indicated towns where tighter controls were in place at the time of development currently enjoy a higher value for land than those that did not. He questioned how revisions to the proposed ordinance will help existing subdivisions increase in value. Mike replied the value of farm land is definitely lower when restrictions are great. Mike indicated the ordinance, as originally proposed, decreased land values for some and increased value for others. He does not feel it is good for any Town body to pass those kinds of ordinances. He contends the time to control growth is when a plan is presented. Craig indicated that at some point controls need to be in place; he noted communities that have adequate parks and open space are have higher values. Mike stated the time a parcel is brought before the Board is the time to regulate its affect; not beforehand. There was question on removal of a proposed requirement where a developer needed to present a conservation subdivision plan, regardless if his final intention was to develop a traditional subdivision. Mike indicated increased engineering costs were a significant reason in removing the requirement. Incentives have been written into the ordinance to utilize a conservation design if that is what a developer chooses to do. The Board feels this is sufficient. Jane stated a strong ordinance will force good development, protect the value of the land and offer less impact on the existing community.
Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried.
September 29, 2003 SPECIAL JOINT TOWN AND VILLAGE 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 from the Town Board; Denman, Karweik, Saunders, Degner and Henning present from the Village Board. Stapleton arrived at approximately 7:15 p.m. Weidert was absent.
Rochester Public Library 2004 Budget Proposal
Beverly Jensen, Library Board President, reported 2003 accomplishments as follows: the Library is now fully automated allowing internet access and ordering of books from libraries throughout the Lakeshores system; it surpasses other local libraries in program offerings; and is the only local library with Sunday hours. They are looking forward to the remodeling project in the rear room of the library. Handouts were given of proposed library space to be added in 2004.
2004 Budget figures were reviewed. There was question on an increase in the Equipment Repair and Maintenance category. It was explained a new copier is needed and they are considering installation of a two-line phone system. Increased Office Expenses were explained in that automation expenses were set up by the Lakeshores Library system to occur over time. Each year a specific amount of money is set aside by each library to go into a shared automation “pot”. This year’s required contribution accounts for an extra $1,000.00 in the budget. Each library’s contribution is based on circulation figures. An additional expense of $3,000.00 was budgeted for retirement benefits for employees. It was explained that with expansion of the library at least two of the employees are expected to be near full-time. The library feels it needs to offer some type of benefits to its employees. Wage expenses are up to accommodate more hours for employees and technical help with the computers. Internet line and access charges are paid to the State of Wisconsin for their T1 line. That amount is set at $1200.00.
It was requested a column for last year’s actual expenditures be included in next year’s budget proposal so it could be determined if funds were available to carry over.
Jane Babik explained the income portion of the budget. She indicated the LLS Resource Grant is a distribution of tax income collected from municipalities that do not support libraries of their own. This distribution is based on usage. The Town of Rochester’s amount is based on its equalized value times the County’s library tax rate of .28 per $1,000.00 of equalized value. Typically, the library has asked the Village to increase allocated funds at the same level of increase experienced by the Town. However, a request was made to limit increases this year. The library has limited their request to 13% rather than the 21% increase received from the Town. Through interlibrary agreements and loans, the library will receive compensation from the Waukesha Library System as well. It was explained that up until this year, Rochester was never automated; they were still operating the “old-fashioned” way. Through county funding, they were able to acquire computers and furniture. There are now six computers available for patron access. It was reported they are in frequent use by community children who do not have computers in their homes. Mary Stapleton, library director, reported the library currently meets only three out of six State standards for material selection. They continue to work towards compliance in all categories. In closing, a letter was delivered to Town Board members asking consideration of funding to furnish the library expansion planned for 2004. The Library’s proposal ended at 7:32 p.m.
Rochester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co. 2004 Budget Proposal
Dick Bosworth, Fire Chief, presented their 2002-2003 annual report indicating numbers are very close to those of last year. A FEMA grant throws income and expense figures off approximately $40,000.00 for purchase of radio equipment. When those funds are subtracted, income and expenses figures are very close to those budgeted for that time period. Mike Weinkauf indicated the Fire Company is rated at a “7” and congratulated the Fire Company in achieving this rating. It results in substantial savings in fire insurance for Rochester residents. It was reported the Fire Co. is short on volunteers right now and is working to recruit new members. Operation of the rescue squad is just breaking even in income minus expenses categories. In response to correspondence requesting a limit in budget increases, budgeted expenses went up only $2,400.00 (3%) for 2004-2005. It was indicated this increase should be sufficient. The Fire Company is fortunate in that most of their equipment is fairly new at this time. It was pointed out, however, that in five years they will be in need of a new tanker. As far as rescue squad operations go, they will purchase another one as soon as the newer one they have is paid off. There was question on marketing methods to solicit new volunteers. They have placed banners around town and are considering advertising in the paper for help. Three to four firefighters and two rescue volunteers are needed. There are two high school students involved in the junior firefighter program right now. The Fire and Rescue Company’s proposal ended at 7:58 p.m.
Paul Miller and Jim Simons (Town of Spring Prairie Chairman) were present representing the interests of Spring Prairie. They made request to Town and Village (Rochester) Boards to direct the Fire Company to change their budget year to match the fiscal years of the governments they serve. They indicated they will look into whether this is a possibility.
Discussion on possible creation of a joint water district
Denman questioned whether the Town had any plans in motion to create a water district along the Highway 36 corridor. Gary Beck indicated they have been holding off on considering such a utility until such time as it was known whether consolidation of the Town and Village will take place. Discussion took place on possibly doing some preliminary work to get a basic plan for the area. It was stated that even if consolidation happens, the planned service area will probably be the same. There was some concern expressed about not addressing the issue now as prime development properties along Highway 36 will most likely be annexed to adjoining municipalities where water is available. Consensus of the Town Board was to get preliminary cost estimates from the Town engineer and then decide whether further investigation was warranted. The southeast corner of STH 36 and CTH D was thought to be at the best elevation for placement of such a utility.
Degner moved, 2nd by Henning to adjourn at 8:23 p.m. Motion carried.
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