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TOWN OF ROCHESTER Link to Town Board Meetings
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Link to Town Board Meetings |
Link to: Special Meeting minutes, September 22, 2007
September 10, 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, 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 August 13, 2007 meeting. Motion carried.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve September disbursements as follows. Motion carried.
Town General Fund Disbursements:
Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:
Treasurer’s Report. Betty read the report as follows:
Betty reported a total of $34,050 billed for 2007 agricultural use penalties. The Town retains $17,025. A notice was received from Racine County Public Works regarding an upcoming Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funding meeting. Paul Beere volunteered to attend on behalf of the Town. Board members were notified of an upcoming intergovernmental meeting scheduled by the Village of Waterford. The meeting will be held Wednesday, October 10th at 6:30 p.m. and will involve local school board and municipal officials. Board members indicated intent to attend the meeting. A tentative date for the Fire Department/Library Budget meeting was set as Thursday, September 27th.
Betty also reported on a request made by the Building Inspector. The house located at 417 Shervin Drive sustained a large amount of damage earlier in the year when pipes burst and the structure was flooded. The owner did not become aware of the problem until a neighbor reported the water to local officials. The owner was then tracked down and notified of the issue. He had used the structure as a vacation home and did not live there full time. The Building Inspector noted several structural issues and mold. Instead of correcting the issues, the owner abandoned the property. It is now offered for Sheriff’s sale. A neighbor requested that the Town issue a raze order before the sale takes place so any potential buyers would know of its condition. The Clerk noted the raze order process is complicated and costly. Consensus of the Board was to allow the Sheriff’s sale to take place. It is the duty of anyone intending to purchase the property to investigate its status.
Sheriff’s Department. A written report was submitted showing the following statistics for August: three accidents; five speeding citations, five traffic citations, nine parking citations and twenty warnings were issued. Complaint statistics were as follows: thirty-eight complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with eight additional complaints, originated thirty-two on his own, and performed follow up on seven. He reported nineteen work days, 167.25 hours and 1,609 miles driven. Twelve foot patrols were conducted.
Sergeant Kacmarcik reported one accident on the STH 36 overpass bridge. The NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) bicycle event was held without any incidents. When questioned, Sgt. Kacmarcik indicated hours are on track for the year.
Public Works Department. Christopher Birkett’s written report was reviewed as follows:
In regards to tree quotes, Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to accepts T & T Tree Service’s quote of $2,250 to remove six trees. Motion carried. There was reference to an additional Hickory tree in the quote. Chris explained the tree exists partially on private property. Chris was directed to contact the property owner regarding removing the tree.
Chris also discussed Fox Grove drainage issues. He requested Board consideration of an amendment to the driveway ordinance. Currently, the Building Inspector determines culvert sizes while issuing driveway permits. Chris would like the ordinance to require additional review by the Public Works Supervisor. Since he is responsible for the roads, he would like more involvement in the process. Consensus of the Board was that Chris should work out the details with the Building Inspector and report back at a future meeting.
Engineering Report. John Tierney’s written report was submitted as follows:
John reported a meeting has been scheduled with the developer for Rookery Landing Estates on Tuesday, September 11th at 8:30 a.m. to discuss ways to prevent road flooding. Adjacent property owners Jim and Nancy Anderson were present at the meeting. They were invited to attend the meeting with the developer.
Gary acknowledged County Supervisor Gilbert Bakke who had stopped by to address the Board. Supervisor Bakke explained some confusion regarding supervisor districts that had occurred since re-districting after the 2000 Census. He represents all of the Town of Rochester that lies east of CTH W. He wanted the Board to be aware of that and questioned whether there were any issues he could bring to the County Board on behalf of Rochester. Mike questioned Bakke’s stand on the commuter rail project. Bakke indicated his concern about paying for it and then not using it. The business community is encouraging it claiming it will spur development. Bakke does not support a sales tax, but considers car rental taxes an acceptable alternative. Paul questioned the County’s park and recreation funding. He asked that Bakke request funding support from Racine County to light the ball diamonds at Case Eagle Park. Gary also requested consideration of ball diamond lighting. He also requested Bakke attempt to speed up the planned improvement schedule for Washington Avenue. The road is in need of repair as soon as possible.
Racine County purchase of Wetland Conservation area abutting Saller Woods
Correspondence was reviewed from Racine County stating acceptance of the wetland conservation area and agreement to pay for all necessary legal instruments to affect transfer of ownership from the Town to the County. County Board Resolution #2007-59 outlined Racine County’s intention to maintain the parcel as a conservation area that would be subject to all county park rules and regulations. Paul moved, 2nd by Gary to accept Racine County’s offer of $1.00 to purchase the wetland conservation area abutting Saller Woods. Motion carried.
Resolution # 8-2007 City of Burlington – Town & Village of Rochester Cooperative Boundary Agreement
Betty reported on notification from the Town attorney that the previous resolution submitted to the Department of Administration was not valid due to a missed deadline. The resolution needs to be adopted and submitted to the State for a second time in order to meet a statutory deadline which begins the boundary agreement process and initiates a timeline for completion.
Gary invited town property owners Michelle Edlebeck, Brian & Julia Geerdts, and Jimmy & Tamra Menken to address the Board. They had each received correspondence regarding their interest and/or willingness to be identified in the City of Burlington boundary agreement for possible attachment to the City. The correspondence notified these property owners that when the Town and Village of Rochester consolidate into one Village, they may not be able to receive municipal services like water and sewer from the City if they are not identified in the agreement. All attending residents stated they did not want to be identified in the agreement and that they want to stay in Rochester. Board members agreed to take their wishes into consideration when negotiating boundary agreement terms with the City.
The purpose of the resolution was clarified. The resolution simply authorizes participation in the boundary agreement process. Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to adopt Resolution #8-2007. Motion carried.
Resolution # 9-2007 Village of Waterford – Town & Village of Rochester Cooperative Boundary Agreement
Gary reported on recent meetings with Village of Waterford officials. There appears to be mutual agreement on several issues . Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adopt Resolution #9-2007. Motion carried.
Fox Grove Drainage/ Driveway and Culvert Procedures
John Tierney and Chris Birkett reported on water issues that have occurred at 2702 Fox Grove Road since construction of two new homes there. The water from those parcels is supposed to flow north to a drainage easement the Town holds between 2728 and 2734 Fox Grove Drive. The drainage easement empties into the Fox River. The property owners at 2724 Fox Grove expanded their driveway to create a parking area in front of the home. When the parking area was created, the end of the driveway culvert was asphalted in. Water is no longer able to drain through ditches to the easement area.
John and Chris recommended that the ditch be regraded and that the culvert under 2724 Fox Grove be replaced or extended to accommodate drainage. Chris was directed to get an estimate on reditching and culvert replacement for consideration in the 2008 Budget.
2008 Evergreen Drive Improvement Options
John reported on three alternatives for resurfacing Evergreen Drive north of STH 20/ Beck Drive as follows:
It was noted that expanded business use of the area has created the need for lane widening and improved parking facilities. Consensus of the Board was to have John prepare an engineering services agreement for Alternative 2 for the October meeting.
Extension of Subdivision Road Construction Deadlines
John provided a paving status report showing deadlines specified in developer’s agreements, the number of lots occupied, percent complete, etc., for all subdivisions currently in process. Two of the developments have final surface installation deadlines this year. John requested Board consideration to extend the deadlines due to slow build out of the subdivisions. Consensus of the Board was to have the town attorney draw up the necessary documents to change the deadlines to whenever the subdivision is 80% built out. John will check letter of credit amounts for the subdivisions and report to John as to whether balances are adequate.
Fire Station Parking Lot Quotes
Since quotes were not in yet, this item was tabled until the October meeting.
Period for Public Comment. There was none.
Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adjourn at 8:39 p.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer
September 22, 2007 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING 8:00 a.m.
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 a.m. with Gary Beck, Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.
Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.
The meeting was held on English Settlement Road adjacent to parcel 014031913002000.
Site visit regarding a permit application to operate a gravel pit on English Settlement Avenue, more specifically the south 300 feet of tax parcel 014031912002000 (1042 English Settlement Avenue); and tax parcel 014031913002000 in its entirety (vacant parcel immediately south of 1042 English Settlement Ave) Applicant: Reesman Group II
Greg Reesman and Greg Reesman Jr. were present. A topographical map was reviewed showing existing contours and final contours for when the site is restored. A large ridge of materials that now exists between the two parcels will be removed, leaving manageable slopes when it is all done. Greg Sr. explained the materials to be mined are sand and gravel. The pit has a high sand content which is good for sewer back fill. Their intention is to use this site’s materials for their excavating and grading business. They do not expect to sell materials to the public or other businesses. Materials will most likely be depleted and the site restored within five years. The site will not generate much traffic.
Final contours showed a depression on the Schwedler property. Board members wanted to be sure Karen Schwedler was aware of the plans and would accept the water. Greg explained he had an executed agreement with Karen to mine a specific area of her property. Karen is aware of final contours and has no concerns. She will be receiving revenue for every ton of material mined from her property.
Betty explained the public hearing, notification and review requirements associated with the gravel pit application. Consensus of the Board was to hold a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 8th, preceding the regular monthly meeting of the Board. Plan Commissioners are to be invited to attend the hearing.
Greg requested that the Plan Commission and Board meet again before November to take action. Consensus of the Board was to schedule a special meeting after the public hearing.
Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to adjourn at 9:10 a.m. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty J. Novy, CMC Clerk-Treasurer |