REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Council Chambers
November 15, 1999
County-City Building
7:00 P.M.
Mayor Gary W. Wescott, presiding

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 Chief Carpenter, Fire Chief Ugorek, Water/Sewage Adm. Disher, Assessor Kuehn, Transit Manager Lemke, Personnel Specialist Jakusz, Design Engineer Yauch, Adm. Asst. Bumgarner, Kari Yenter, Susan Kampmeier (Journal), Scott Krueger (WIZD), Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette)

2. Salute to the flag and prayer.

In observation of Veteran’s Day, Mayor Wescott asked that everyone take a moment to pause in silence for all that have served our country.

3. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Common Council meeting of October 18, 1999.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Aldinger seconded, to approve the regular council minutes of October 18, 1999.

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

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

None.

5. Plan Commission meeting of November 1, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Kedrowski seconded, for approval of the Plan Commission minutes of November 1, 1999.

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

6. Resolution - amending Tax Increment Districts One and Three.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Barr 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.

7. Public hearing on a request to operate a vehicle storage facility as a conditional use at 2200 Patch Street, was declared open by the Mayor.

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

8. Resolution on the above.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Barr 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.

9. Resolution - renaming streets located west of the Wisconsin River to include "West" as a prefix.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Nealis 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. Public Protection Committee meeting of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Perlak seconded, for approval of the Public Protection Committee minutes of November 8, 1999.

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

11. Personnel Committee meeting of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for approval of the Personnel Committee minutes of November 8, 1999.

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

12. Board of Public Works meeting of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Aldinger seconded, for approval of the Board of Public Works minutes of November 8, 1999, with item #4D - speed limit on Highway HH and item #5 - 10th ward bow hunting pulled for further discussion.

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

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Sevenich seconded, for approval of the speed limit as stated in the Board of Public Works minutes of November 8, 1999, and also include the recommendation to the County concerning the placement of intersection approach warning signs on Highway HH going east and west for the West River Drive intersection.

Mayor Wescott read the motion for item #4D - speed limit on Highway HH of the Board of Public Works minutes of November 8, 1999.

Chief Carpenter stated the police department spoke with the Sheriff’s Department to strongly urge the 25 MPH speed limit on Highway HH.

Ald. Barr asked the two aldermen who are also representatives of the County Board to carry this message to the County Board.

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

Ald. Phillips asked if a letter was sent to Consolidated Papers reference the bow hunt on their property? If a letter was sent, what was Consolidated Paper’s reply?

Director Van Alstine said Consolidated Papers do not want bow hunting on their property for liability reasons.

Ald. Phillips asked City Attorney Molepske, what is the liability to the city?

City Attorney Molepske said we have a recreation immunity statute as far as our open areas are concerned. The hunter would have liability if he would shoot someone.

Ald. Phillips asked the City Attorney what he would recommend? Should we stay away from hunting on Consolidated Paper’s property?

Mayor Wescott asked Ald. Phillips if he is asking if the municipality can grant hunting on Consolidated Paper’s property?

Ald. Phillips asked would Consolidated allow hunting on their property if they went under the City of Stevens Point liability?

City Attorney Molepske stated the immunity is granted to any property owner in the state. The city attorney is not aware of any hunter being any where near the Green Circle.

Director Van Alstine stated the hunters are restricted to no hunting within 150 feet from the Green Circle.

Ald. Phillips asked what would you recommend to just hunt on city property and forget hunting on Consolidated Paper’s property?

City Attorney Molepske stated if Consolidated said no, it is their land, we do not have much to say. We take care of the city property, the attorney said.

Mayor Wescott read the motion for item #5 - 10th ward bow hunting from the Board of Public Works minutes of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for approval of item #5 - 10th ward bow hunting as presented in the Board of Public Works minutes of November 8, 1999.

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

13. Public hearing - Special Assessment - Installation of Sanitary Sewer Lateral and/or Water Service and/or Storm Sewer Lateral - West Clark Street, Clark Street, West River Drive, Division Street and Second Street, was declared open by the Mayor.

Jane Goudreau, 157 W Clark Street, asked the council to reconsider the special assessment charges for installation of sanitary sewer lateral and/or water service and/or storm sewer lateral for West Clark Street, Clark Street, West River Drive, Division Street and Second Street. Mrs. Goudreau also questioned the amount of her assessment compared to the amount of the assessment for her neighbor.

Mayor Wescott declared the public hearing closed.

14. Final Resolution on the above.

Director Van Alstine stated the policy for water and sewer replacement has been in effect for approximately 15 years.

Ald. Niedbalski asked Director Van Alstine to explain to Mrs. Goudreau why her assessment is $1800 and the neighbor’s assessment is only $600.

Director Van Alstine said he had already explained to Mrs. Goudreau the difference in the charges. Director Van Alstine then explained how the assessments are determined for the installation of sanitary sewer lateral, water service, and storm sewer lateral.

Mayor Wescott asked Director Van Alstine how many homes in the reconstruction area are subject to special assessments?

Director Van Alstine said approximately 12 property owners are affected on West River Drive. Between the west city limits and Division Street on Clark Street about 20 to 25 property owners will be affected. If the current laterals meet the code, the city will replace the laterals at no cost to the property owner. If the current laterals do not meet the code, the laterals are replaced at the owner’s expense.

Mayor Wescott asked Director Van Alstine what code he was referring to?

Director Van Alstine replied it is the code passed by the city in 1936. The city would no longer use clay pipes.

Ald. Nealis asked when the letter was sent to all the property owners were the property owners given an option to pay the assessment over a period of five or ten years?

Mayor Wescott responded, yes.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Kedrowski seconded, for approval of the final resolution.

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

15. Public hearing - Special Assessment - Installation of Sanitary Sewer, Water Main and Appurtenant Services - east side of Brilowski Road from its intersection with Old Highway 18 and Area Assessment east of Brilowski, south of Wal-Mart and north of Wisconsin Central, was declared open by the Mayor.

Mike Worzalla, 7726 Fifth Street, said his property is located in the Town of Hull. With the low prices of corn and hay, Mr. Worzalla would be forced to sell his property if he had to pay the special assessment of $22,000.
Director Van Alstine stated the special assessments for installation of the sanitary sewer, water main and appurtenant is deferred until such property is annexed to the city.

Mayor Wescott declared the public hearing closed.

16. Final Resolution on the above.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Niedbalski seconded, for approval of the final resolution.

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

17. Ordinance - traffic.
99-09-A Traffic Signals Southbound on Pinecrest Avenue at the intersection with Wilshire Boulevard.

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

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

18. Finance Committee meeting of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Barr moved, Ald. Pazdernik seconded, for approval of the Finance Committee minutes of November 8, 1999, with item #2 pulled for further discussion.

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

Ald. Phillips asked what rate of pay will the person filling the vacancy in the assessor’s office receive for the first 18 months or until state certification is received?

Mayor Wescott said the employee has 18 months to achieve state certification for an Assessment Technician.

Ald. Phillips asked if the state certification is one of the qualifications for this position?

Mayor Wescott replied it would be considered a qualification.

Ald. Phillips asked what is the rate of pay for this qualified person?

Personnel Specialist Jakusz stated per labor agreement, the rate of pay for the Assessment Technician is $13.23. When an employee posts into a position in that labor unit from a lower paying classification, there is a pay differential. After 90 days, the employee receives full rate of pay per contract.

Ald. Phillips stated he did not know it was in the labor contract. It just does not seem fair to the other employees. This person starting in the assessor’s office will receive a higher rate of pay and may not even qualify for this position after 18 months.

Personnel Specialist Jakusz said this employee is taking a risk. If the employee can not pass the state certification within 18 months, the employee can no longer hold this position.

Will this employee still receive the pay rate of $13.23, asked Ald. Phillips?

Personnel Specialist Jakusz said per labor agreement, yes.

Ald. Niedbalski moved, Ald. Rackow seconded, for approval of item #2 - request to refill vacancy in the city assessor’s office of the Finance Committee minutes of November 8, 1999.

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

19. Board of Park Commissioners meeting of November 3, 1999.

Ald. Nealis moved, Ald. Aldinger seconded, for approval of the Board of Park Commissioners minutes of November 3,1999.

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

20. Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meeting of November 8, 1999.

Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for approval of the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes of November 8, 1999.

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

21. Reports of various officers and commission.
Comptroller-Treasurer’s report - September 1999.
Police and Fire Commission minutes of November 9, 1999.

Ald. Phillips moved, Ald. Perlak seconded, to accept the reports and place them on file.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.

22. Mayor’s appointments.

STEVENS POINT ARTS COUNCIL

[3 year term - expires 12-31-2002]
Appoint Ann Whipp, 2016 Main Street
Reappoint Gerald McKenna, 1709 Audrey’s Lane
Reappoint Jack Curtis, 717 Green Avenue

[2 year term - expires 12-31-2001]
Reappoint Charles Emerson, 310 Canterbury Drive, Plover WI 54467
Reappoint Mrs. Tina Peters, 145 Virginia Circle
Reappoint Lois Feldman, 4008 Sunset Fork

[1 year term - expires 12-31-2000]
Reappoint Gerald O’Brien, 155 Virginia Circle
Reappoint Patty Adamski, 3117 Della Street

STEVENS POINT HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE

[5 year term - expires 07-17-2004]
Reappoint Susan Klish, 2900 McCulloch Street

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

[unexpired term M. William Lundgren - expires 06-20-2002]
Appoint Marge Molski, 800 St. Paul Street

Correction: The October Appointments for Tony Patton, Jerry Bartosz and Jack Curtis for the Telecommunications Commission are two year terms expiring 10-01-01, not one year terms as originally approved.

Ald. Pazdernik moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for confirmation of the appointments.

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

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

None.

24. Adjournment - 7:40 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.