REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
April 19, 1999
County-City Building
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gary W. Wescott, presiding

1. Roll Call: Present: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski

Also Present: Comptroller-Treasurer Schlice, City Attorney Molepske, City Clerk Zdroik, Directors Gardner, Van Alstine, Schrader; Police Captain Dowling, Deputy Fire Chief Koback, Assessor Kuehn, Transit Mgr. Lemke, Personnel Specialist Jakusz, Secretary Kari Yenter, Intern Katie Martin, Susan Kampmeier (Journal), Scott Krueger (WIZD)

2. Salute to the flag and prayer.

Mayor Wescott offered thoughts and prayers for the men and women in the armed forces. With a new term of office starting tomorrow, April 20, 1999, some of the elected officials of the City of Stevens Point will once again have the opportunity to serve the people that live in this great city.

3. Approval of minutes of the Regular Common Council meeting of February 15, 1999 and Special Common Council meetings of February 8, 1999, March 8, 1999, April 7, 1999 and April 9, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve the regular council minutes of February 15, 1999 and special council minutes of February 8, 1999, March 8, 1999, April 7, 1999 and April 9, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

4. *Persons who wish to address the mayor and council on specific agenda items.

Bob Decker Item #23 - Installing water service to Wells Marina
1830 California Avenue

Gerald O'Brien Item #7, #9, #16 - YMCA
155 Virginia Ct. only if there are questions

Marilou Myers Item #14 - No parking on west side of Strongs Ave.
1700 Strongs Avenue

Reid Rocheleau Item #14 - Railroad Crossing Gate
Village of Whiting resident

5. Public hearing - Law Enforcement Block Grant Funds, was declared open by the Mayor.

As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.

6. Resolution - authorizing Mayor to sign application for Law Enforcement Block Grant funds.

Ald. Aldinger moved, Ald. Walther seconded, to approve the resolution authorizing Mayor to sign application for Law Enforcement Block Grant funds.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

7. Public hearing -
A. Conditional Use - YMCA.
B. Rezoning - 1249 Portage Street
C. Conditional Use - Bed & Breakfast - 2141 Main Street

Mayor Wescott declared the public hearing open for the conditional use - YMCA, Rezoning - 1249 Portage Street and the conditional use - Bed & Breakfast - 2141 Main Street.

As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.

8. Plan Commission meeting of April 5, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Perlak seconded, for approval of the Plan Commission minutes of April 5, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

9. Resolution - Conditional Use - YMCA.

Ald. Barr moved, Ald. Aldinger seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

10. Ordinance - Rezoning - 1249 Portage Street.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Sevenich seconded, for adoption of the ordinance.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

11. Resolution - Conditional Use - Bed & Breakfast - 2141 Main Street.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

12. Ordinance - Parking Standards for Bed & Breakfast Establishments.

Ald. Pazdernik moved, Ald. Perlak seconded, for adoption of the ordinance.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

13. Public Protection Committee meeting of April 12, 1999.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, to approve the Public Protection Committee minutes of April 12, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

14. Board of Public Works meeting of April 12, 1999.

Marilou Myers stated she is the owner of the Turning Point Dance Academy, 1700 Strongs Avenue for the past 10 years. This is a business that the community is proud of and convenience and safety of the children are always top priority. If the no parking zone on Strongs Avenue in front of the dance studio is passed, the children would have to cross the street. Ten years ago when Mrs. Myers purchased the dance studio, the issue of parking was a big discussion. Mrs. Myers would have to provide adequate parking to accommodate the parking needs for the business. In order to provide a parking lot for the business, a house next to the dance studio was purchased by the Myers. For the safety of the children, they are not allowed to wait outside the building for their parents to pick them up. If the parking is removed in front of the business, it will not be possible for the children to continue to wait inside of the building as they will not be able to see their parents down the street. An alternative solution may be to put in stop signs on Strongs Avenue at Brawley Street to slow down the vehicles that are speeding down Strongs Avenue. The no parking zone on the west side of Strongs Avenue is not solving the problem, it is creating more problems. It is not convenient for disabled visitors. How about putting the no parking zone on the east side of Strongs Avenue across from the dance studio?

Reid Rocheleau agreed with Ald. Nealis on the issue to apply for a grant to install gates at the West Clark Street railroad crossing and also agreed with Ald. Phillips on the need for gates at the Water Street railroad crossing as well.

Ald. Phillips moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve the Board of Public Works minutes of April 12, 1999, with items 3A, 6, and 8 pulled for further discussion.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

Item #3A - No Parking Zone on the west side of Strongs Avenue south of Brawley Street

Ald. Kedrowski asked for the thoughts of the police department or engineering department on the issue of the no parking zone on the west side of Strongs Avenue south of Brawley Street.

Capt. Dowling stated two reasons why the no parking zone was considered; 1) complaint from the city transit department that buses are having a hard time getting through that area during the winter months and 2) pedestrian safety. Capt. Dowling stated he was not impressed with the arguments presented by Marilou Myers. Disabled persons can use the parking lot. It will be safer to remove the three parking spaces in front of the dance studio than to have children crossing the street between the vehicles. It's a minor inconvenience to the people using the dance studio.

Ald. Kedrowski asked if the east side of Strongs Avenue was considered for the no parking zone?

Capt. Dowling stated it was not considered.

Ald. Perlak asked if a five minute parking zone would be considered just to drop the children off at the dance studio.

Capt. Dowling said a “No Stopping, Standing, Parking” zone is more appropriate for that area to prevent children from running out between cars.

Ald. Niedbalski also suggested a temporary pick up zone on Strongs Avenue in front of the dance studio.

Ald. Nealis said the Turning Point Dance Academy is a good business and an asset to his ward. The stop signs on Strongs Avenue should be considered in the future.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, to amend the motion to “No Parking, Stopping, Standing” zone on the west side of Strongs Avenue south of Brawley Street.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

Item #6 - Railroad Crossing Gate Grant

Ald. Phillips asked that the railroad crossing on Water Street also be considered at this time to install railroad crossing gates.

Ald. Nealis said it would nice to see gates at all the railroad crossings in the City, but it's just not feasible.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Niedbalski seconded, to approve applying for grants to install railroad crossing gates on West Clark Street and Water Street.

Mayor Wescott stated last fall, city officials requested the Office of the Commissioner of Railroads to review the rail corridor passing through the city limits to determine whether additional safety equipment is needed at the crossings.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

Item #8 - Request to install sewer on approaches for HH bridge

Ald. Phillips said sewer service would only benefit eight to ten properties along Highway HH, if they ever developed. He added properties in that area are in the Wisconsin River flood plain and should not be filled in with developments which could in turn force overflow water into downtown Stevens Point in the event of a flood. We need to use common sense, it is not a developable property, the alderman said. We have plenty of property to the east of Stevens Point that is good, buildable property.

Ald. Rackow stated city officials must plan for the future, and that means installing the sewer service now in case development occurs in the future. In the past, we were told the city would never grow east of Minnesota Avenue and the north city limits would never extend beyond Maria Drive. Reserve Street North was thought to be too wet to build. Waiting until later to install the sewer service will cost more in the future because this area would have to be torn up again.

Ald. Walther supported installing sewer on the approaches for the HH bridge. The alderman stated he does not want to revisit this item again in 10 to 15 years from now.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Barr seconded, to approve the request to install sewer on approaches for the HH bridge.

Ald. Kedrowski expressed his support for the project to install sewer on approaches for HH bridge.

Ald. Nealis said this project will benefit his ward as it will bring the loop together but does not feel the land will be easy to develop.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Niedbalski.
Nays: Phillips. Motion carried.

15. Finance Committee meeting of April 12, 1999.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve the Finance Committee minutes of April 12, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

16. Resolution - Consideration and Adoption of an Initial Resolution Relating to Industrial Development Revenue Bond Financing on behalf of The Young Men's Christian Association of Stevens Point, Wisconsin Area, Inc., d/b/a/ Stevens Point Area YMCA. As required by state law, information regarding the expected job impact of the project to be financed with the bonds on the project site and elsewhere in the State of Wisconsin will be available at the time of consideration of the Initial Resolution.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Kedrowski seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

17. Resolution relating to Waiver of Section 66.521(11)(B)1. in connection with an Industrial Development Revenue Bond Financing on Behalf of The Young Men's Christian Association of Stevens Point, Wisconsin Area, Inc., D/B/A/ Stevens Point Area YMCA.

Ald. Pazdernik moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

18. Special Finance Committee meeting of April 19, 1999.

Clerk Zdroik read the minutes of the Special Finance Committee meeting of April 19, 1999.

Ald. Barr moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve the Special Finance Committee minutes of April 19, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

19. A Resolution Authorizing and providing for the issuance of $2,215,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 1999A, For The Purpose or Purposes Specified Therein; Providing For the Form And Contents Of Said Obligations; Fixing The Rates Of Interest Thereon; Levying Taxes; And Providing For The Sale Of Said Obligations.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Sevenich seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

20. An Initial Resolution Authorizing The Issuance Of Not To Exceed $1,450,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds.

Ald. Pazdernik moved, Ald. Perlak seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

21. A Resolution Authorizing And Providing For The Issuance of $1,450,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 1999B, For The Purpose or Purposes Specified Therein; Providing For The Form And Contents Of Said Obligations; Fixing The Rates Of Interest Thereon; Levying Taxes; And Providing For The Sale Of Said Obligations.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Kedrowski seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

22. Personnel Committee meeting of April 12, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Aldinger seconded, to approve the Personnel Committee minutes of April 12, 1999.

Ald. Phillips moved to pull item #5 for further discussion.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

Ald. Phillips stated no materials were included in the council packets regarding the tentative agreement with the Police.

Mayor Wescott asked Alderman Phillips if he was present at the Personnel closed session regarding the tentative agreement with the Police.

Ald. Phillips stated he was present.

Mayor Wescott asked if there were any hand outs at the closed session.

Ald. Phillips answered there were hand outs.

The Mayor then asked Ald. Phillips if he was given a hand out?

Ald. Phillips stated he was given a hand out and gave it back. The alderman asked if all the other alderpersons received the contract proposals.

Mayor Wescott asked how many alderpersons were not able to attend the Personnel closed session regarding the tentative agreement with Police.

Two alderpersons stated they were not present at the closed session.

Ald. Phillips asked if the two alderpersons not present at the closed session were given contract proposals.

The Mayor stated perhaps they have met with the Personnel Specialist or they may have called to inquire as to what was discussed in the closed session.

Ald. Phillips said we need to take a better look at the contract proposals, we can not make a decision in only ten minutes of viewing the proposals.

Ald. Kedrowski was present at the closed session and is comfortable with voting on the tentative agreement with the Police.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Rackow seconded, to approve the tentative agreement with Police.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Niedbalski.
Nays: Ald. Phillips. Motion carried.

23. Board of Park Commissioners meetings of March 3, 1999 and April 7, 1999.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve the Board of Park Commissioners minutes of March 3, 1999, and April 7, 1999, with item #3 of the March 3, 1999 meeting pulled for further discussion.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

Ald. Nealis said the renters of the boat slips at the Wells Marina are requesting the water services and will be the main users, therefore, they should pay for installing the water service possibly through rental fees.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to approve installing water service near the Wells Marina to be paid by the renters of the boat slips.

Ald. Kedrowski asked if the fee will cover the yearly usage or just the installment of the water service?

Ald. Nealis stated the fee would be just for the installment of the water service.

Ald. Niedbalski said the timing and finances of the request to install water service should be at budget time as there is no way to budget this item now.

Ald. Rackow stated rental fees are high enough to cover the installment of the water service. The renters of the boat slips are not the only people benefiting from this service. The alderman also suggested looking into a device to auto shut off the water after a certain length of time to prevent the water from running for long period of time.

Ald. Aldinger asked how much would it cost to install the water service?

Director Schrader answered it would cost approximately $1,000 to $1,200.

Ald. Niedbalski asked what the annual water costs would be?

Director Schrader said the annual water costs would be $120 to $150.

Ald. Nealis stated we will still be paying for the water usage.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: Ald. Sevenich, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger.
6 Ayes. 5 Nays. Motion carried.

24. Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meetings of March 8, 1999 and April 12, 1999.

Ald. Aldinger moved, Ald. Sevenich seconded, to approve the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes of March 8, 1999 and April 12, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: Phillips. Motion carried.

25. Telecommunications Commission meetings of February 22, 1999, March 15, 1999 and April 15, 1999.

Telecommunications Commission meetings agenda item was corrected.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, to approve the Telecommunications Commission minutes of February 22, 1999, March 2, 1999, March 15, 1999 and April 5, 1999.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

26. Resolution regarding regulation of rates charged for basic cable service.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for adoption of the resolution.

Ald. Rackow gave an explanation of the rate adjustments.

Mayor Wescott explained under the proposal, rates for the 14 channel broadcast basic package would go up from $6.76 per month to $8.22 per month, effective June 1, 1999. This is a 21% increase in the broadcast basic rate in the City of Stevens Point. The majority of the rate hike consists of a $1.11 premium to cover the costs associated with the $5 million fiber optic cable upgrade.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Pazdernik, Perlak, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Aldinger, Nealis, Phillips, Niedbalski.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

27. Ordinance - traffic.
9.06(a) Stop Sign: Northbound on Union Street at the intersection with Maria Drive.

Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Niedbalski seconded, for adoption of the ordinance.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Niedbalski, Phillips, Nealis, Aldinger, Rackow, Barr, Kedrowski, Perlak, Pazdernik, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

28. Reports of various officers and commission.
Transportation Commission minutes of March 10, 1999.
Police and Fire Commission minutes of March 9, 1999 and April 13, 1999.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, to accept the reports and place them on file.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

29. Mayor's appointment.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Appoint Jack Curtis 717 Green Avenue
(Unexpired term Doxtator - expires 10-01-99)

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for confirmation of the appointment.

Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

30. Persons who wish to address the mayor and council on non-agenda items.

Reid Rocheleau expressed his concerns regarding the installation of sewer on the approaches for the HH bridge.

31. Adjournment - 8:15 P.M.

The meeting minutes reproduced on this website are derived from the computer files used to produce the official minutes for the City of Stevens Point, but are unofficial. The minutes on this web site cannot be certified under s. 889.08, Wis. Stats., and cannot be considered prima facie evidence under s. 889.04, Wis. Stats. Certain tables, maps, and other documents that are a part of the official minutes are not included in the files reproduced on this website. Please consult the printed minutes, available in the City Clerk's Office, for the official text. The decisions made by City of Stevens Point boards, committees, and commissions (other than the Police & Fire Commission) are advisory only and are not binding on the City until affirmed at a meeting of the Common Council. Some of the minutes on this web site might not be approved by the Common Council as of today.