Present: Chairman Phillips, Alderpersons Sevenich, Molski, Moore

Excused: Alderperson Walther

Also Present: Mayor Wescott, City Attorney Molepske, C/T Schlice, Clerk Zdroik, Directors Disher, Gardner, Schrader Van Alstine; Alderpersons Pazdernik, Seiser, Kedrowski, Barr, Rackow, Nealis; Police Chief Carpenter, Personnel Specialist Jakusz, Mayoral Assistant Marciniak, Mike Jacquart (Journal), Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette), Larry Lee (WIZD)

1. License list.

Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Molski seconded, for approval of the new operator’s (provisional) license and taxicab driver’s license.

Ayes, all; nays, none. Motion carried.

2. Truck cruise - Truckin’ Buddies Club - Saturday, August 11, 2001.

The Truckin’ Buddies Club is requesting approval for a truck cruise through Stevens Point on Saturday, August 11, 2001. Attached are copies of the maps showing two different routes for the Public Protection Committee’s consideration.

Barb Strong, President of the Truckin’ Buddies Club said this is a well organized truck cruise where a lot of people show up. The proceeds from this event will go to the Portage County Humane Society.

Police Chief Carpenter stated the Police Department has no problem with this event. It is for a good cause. Due to some road construction coming up in the spring and summer, the Police Chief is asking that action be taken in July 2001 on which route to use for the truck cruise. The Police Chief recommends Route 1, as per attached map.

As has been in the past, the Police Department is asking the club members to provide the necessary volunteers to staff the intersections. Orientation and orange vests will be provided by the Police Department. Police Chief Carpenter stated two officers will help coordinate this event.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for approval of the truck cruise for the Truckin’ Buddies Club on Saturday, August 11, 2001, with the cruise route to be determined at the July 2001 Public Protection Committee meeting by the Police Department and Board of Public Works.

Ayes; all; nays, none. Motion carried.

3. Request to close a portion of Fourth Avenue between Isadore and Reserve Streets on Friday, February 23, 2001, from 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. - UWSP Centertainment Productions.

Police Chief Carpenter stated the Police Department has no objection to the request.

Fire Chief Barnes has concerns about the request to close a portion of Fourth Avenue between Isadore and Reserve Streets. The Fire Chief said Fourth Avenue is the primary response route from Station #1 (1701 Franklin Street) to the northeastern quadrant of the City which includes facilities such as St. Michael’s Hospital and the Airport. The Fire Chief went on to say that both ambulances and fire apparatus use this route. It also serves as an access point to St. Michael’s for ambulances that are transporting the sick and injured from the northwest quadrant.

Ald. Molski suggested using a portion of Reserve Street as the alternative site for the event.

Ald. Sevenich said she understands why the organizer of the event wants the Fourth Avenue site. It is close to the Health Enhancement Center.

Ald. Moore said Fourth Avenue is a very busy street and does not think it is a good idea to have the event held there.

Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Molski seconded, to deny the request from UW-SP Centertainment Productions to close a portion of Fourth Avenue between Isadore and Reserve Streets on Friday, February 23, 2001, from 8:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M., and instead use a portion of Reserve Street between Portage Street and Briggs Street in front of the University Center.

Clerk Zdroik reminded the organizers of the event that there should be no non-removable structures placed on that portion of Reserve Street to be closed, in case of emergency.

Ayes, all; nays, none. Motion carried.

4. Snow removal appeal - 1024 Reserve Street.

James H. Baker, the appellant, was present. He said the residents of 1024 Reserve Street received a special assessment invoice in the amount of $45.64 for snow removal. Mr. Baker feels the pictures showing the condition of the sidewalk showed no cause for a snow removal charge as they already had the sidewalk shoveled. The work that the City did was not necessary. He feels the walking path made is adequate.

Director Gardner informed the committee that the Inspection Department keeps track of the snow fall. On January 16 and 18, 2001, we got four inches of snow; on January 20, 2001, we got three inches of snow and on January 21, 2001, it was a just light dusting.

According to City ordinance, all sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice, the entire width of the sidewalk, within twenty four hours after snow ceases to fall except on those streets or portions thereof where no boulevard is located, in which case snow shall be removed within forty eight (48) hours. If such is not done, the City shall cause such snow to be removed or ice sanded and the cost shall be billed to the property owner. If not paid sooner, the cost shall be placed on the next tax statement of the property owner.

Ald. Rackow said the notice the City Clerk publishes every year sets forth the time limits to shovel the snow.

Director Gardner informed the Public Protection Committee that the Snow and Ice Removal Notice published by the City Clerk is published twice per newspaper starting in November in the Stevens Point Journal, the Portage County Gazette, and the Pointer.

Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, to deny the snow removal appeal for the property located at 1024 Reserve Street.

Ayes, all; nays, none. Motion carried.

5. Review of unpaid multiple dwelling licenses.

Director Gardner said the City issues approximately 300 housing licenses every year. Three sets of letters were sent out to property owners in November 2000 and January 2001 reminding them to pay their housing license.

As of today, February 12, 2001, there are three unpaid housing licenses. The plan is, if these three licenses are not paid within a week, a one day penalty of $135 be imposed upon the owners. The fine is a standard fee, plus costs imposed for violation of the Maintenance and Occupancy Code.

This agenda item is for information only and no action is needed from the Public Protection Committee.

6. Inspection Report.

Director Gardner reported the City is off to a good start on construction this year. The Inspection Report shows 96 snow removal citations issued for the month of January. The City will take care of slippery and hazardous sidewalks if deemed necessary by the City Inspectors.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to accept the Inspection Report and place it on file.

Ayes, all; nays, none. Motion carried.

7. Adjournment - 6:25 P.M.

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