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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2004, 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers - County/City Building
Mayor Gary W. Wescott, presiding
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Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
March 15, 2004, 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers - County/City Building
Mayor Gary W. Wescott, presiding
Roll Call: Present: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore
Also Present: Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice, City Clerk Zdroik, Directors Gardner, Schrader, Euclide, Halverson; Police Captain Dowling, Fire Chief Barnes, Assessor Kuehn, Transit Manager Lemke, Administrative Assistant Gebert, Kari Yenter, Kate Garsombke (Journal), Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette)
Index to these minutes:
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5. Presentation by Edward J.
Huck - Alliance of Cities.
Edward J. Huck gave a brief presentation on what is ahead for the State Legislature. Mr. Huck explained what has
happened, what is expected in the short run and what is expected in the long run for the State of Wisconsin.
6. Plan Commission meetings of
November 24, 2003, February 23, 2004 and March 1, 2004.
Ald. Phillips moved, Ald. Sowieja seconded, for approval of the Plan Commission minutes of November 24, 2003, February
23, 2004, and March 1, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
7. Public hearing - amending
zoning ordinance which would classify 3609 Stanley Street as "B-4" Commercial Zoning from "R-2"
Single Family, was declared open by the Mayor.
Randy Trzebiatowski stated the site plan for this project was not turned in on time. Mr. Trzebiatowski said there
are a few issues that still need to be worked on and requested to return before the Plan Commission next month.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
8. Ordinance on the above.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Rackow seconded, to direct Item #8 - zoning ordinance which would classify 3609 Stanley
Street as "B-4" Commercial Zoning and Item #10 - Resolution for a permit for a car wash as a Conditional
Use at 3609 Stanley Street back to the April Plan Commission meeting for further discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
9. Public hearing - request
for a permit for a car wash as a Conditional Use - 3609 Stanley Street.
10. Resolution on the above.
This item was directed back to the Plan Commission meeting in April, 2004.
11. Public Protection Committee
meeting of March 8, 2004.
Ald. Phillips moved, Ald. Sowieja seconded, for approval of the Public Protection Committee minutes of March 8,
2004, with items #1C, #1D, and #4 pulled for further discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Item #1D - Application for Class "C" Wine License - Jordan D. Kaiser, Mission Coffee House:
Jordan Kaiser, Mission Coffee House, disputed the Police Department's recommendation for denial of the Class "C"
Wine License. Mr. Kaiser said the reason for the recommendation of denial for the license was for personal reasons
which has nothing to do with the Mission Coffee House. The Mission Coffee House has been successfully operated.
Captain Dowling said the language was changed to reflect the applicant did not meet the criteria established by
the Public Protection Committee for licensing. The potential conflict would be for the single arrest that was listed
on the letter to Mr. Kaiser.
Ald. Seiser moved, Ald. Sowieja seconded, to approve the application for Class "C" Wine License - Jordan
D. Kaiser, Mission Coffee House, 1319 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja.
Nays: Ald. Sevenich, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Ayes - 4. Nays - 7. Motion defeated.
Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, to deny the application for Class "C" Wine License - Jordan
D. Kaiser, Mission Coffee House, 1319 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Ald. Sevenich noted the guidelines set by the Council states the applicant does not have possession of controlled
substance or drug paraphernalia conviction within the past three years.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Phillips, Stroik, Molski, Rackow, Barr, Sowieja, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: Ald. Seiser, Markham.
Ayes - 9. Nays - 2. Motion carried.
Item #4 - Request permission to use Crosby Avenue on Saturday, March 20, 2004 for the Day of Action Peace Rally:
Dan Pearson, 2425 Patch Street, is the contact person for the request to use Crosby Avenue on Saturday, March 20,
2004, for the Day of Action Peace Rally. Mr. Pearson noted the time was changed from 12:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. to
10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Ald. Phillips moved, Ald. Rackow seconded, to approve the request to use Crosby Avenue on Saturday, March 20, 2004,
starting at 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M., for the Day of Action Peace Rally.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Item #1C - Application for Class "B" Beer License - Portage County Youth on Ice
Mike Wimme, 2411 Shadowview Circle, is the Treasurer for the Portage County Youth on Ice and have three children
play hockey. Mr. Wimme stressed the reason for this request is to provide beverage services for expo events and
adult oriented activities. The intent is not to sell alcoholic beverages during youth athletic events. The Portage
County Youth on Ice members are willing to amend the license application to include "alcohol beverages not
to be sold at any youth athletic events". The Portage County Youth on Ice relies heavily on fund raising to
support the ice hockey facility and keep the costs of the youth programming down. The facility is ideal for expos
and events during off season time. Portage County Youth on Ice is asking for the same consideration that other
non-profit organizations have been granted.
Jim DeWeerd, 5364 Duncan Drive, understands the difficulty in trying to finance youth sports in this community.
This is an opportunity for the group to help complete and meet their financial goal. Mr. DeWeerd agrees alcohol
should not be sold during youth events but could be opened for other events such as expos.
Jaime Klasinski, President of Portage County Youth on Ice, supports the request and is available for any questions.
Teresa Timerman, 4009 Jay Court, opposes the request for the Class "B" license for the Portage County
Youth on Ice. Ms. Timerman believes adults do not need to drink beer at the Youth Sports Complex. The Youth Sports
Complex is a youth focused location that should send a clear message to our youth by not having any signs of alcohol.
Chris Seefeldt, 1990 Polonia Road, supports the request. Ms. Seefeldt stated even though this is a Youth Sports
Complex, the youth activities will not be going on during the time of the beer sales.
Marv Hafenbreadl, 525 Wadleigh Street, reminded the Council this is the same group that raises funds at the Riverfront
Rendezvous by selling beer for the benefit of the city. It would be very wrong of the Council to say this group
cannot sell beer to benefit themselves but it is all right for this same group to sell beer to benefit the City.
Jeff Peterson, Vice-President of Portage County Youth on Ice, stated hockey is a very expensive sport. Portage
County Youth on Ice uses whatever venues they can to offset these costs.
Anne Hoffmann, 1745 Church Street, has concerns about this request. The average individual has no idea what is
going on. Ms. Hoffmann has not heard the details or plans of how the sellers will be trained, how will they market
the sales, how will the hours be set, or how will this organization guarantee that underage persons will not have
access to alcohol. There are plenty of valid reasons why the Council could deny this license.
Stacey Powell, 2600 Bush Court, says it seems like this community links alcohol with sports. Although the intent
of this license is not malicious, Ms. Powell believes this organization does not see the secondary effects a license
will have on our community and youth.
Eric Berens, 5461 Conifer Drive, is in favor of granting the Portage County Youth on Ice the privilege of a Class
"B" license. The youth have learned teamwork and responsibility by being a member of this association.
The organization deserves the ability to defray the costs of operating the facility and providing these opportunities
in the future. These people are leaders in this community who can be trusted.
Ald. Sowieja moved, Ald. Barr seconded, for approval of the application for a Class "B" Beer License
for Portage County Youth on Ice, Inc., at 801 Badger Drive, in which beer will not be served during youth sporting
events.
Ald. Sowieja said these are responsible individuals who want the opportunity to do what is best for the children.
There are many licenses that are issued for family events. It is a personal responsibility to act appropriately
around children. The easiest thing to do is to blame a problem on society as a whole. This organization is taking
the responsibility of not serving beer during youth activities.
Ald. Barr suggested visiting the entire venue of the selling alcohol at family events. However, until this is done,
it would be unfair to deny this group this ability to raise funds. The alderman feels this group is being targeted
because the word youth is in the title.
Ald. Walther was originally concerned with this request, however, now feels comfortable with the way the motion
was made.
Ald. Rackow noted the Council must remember that alcohol is a legal product that is heavily taxed and raises significant
revenues for various governments. It was already agreed that beer will not be sold during youth sporting events.
Ald. Molski is comfortable issuing the license with the addition that beer not be sold during youth sporting events.
Ald. Stroik would like the level of comfort knowing all the guidelines are covered within the Class "B"
license and this group will need to follow all the rules. Can this organization have volunteers serve beer from
the concession stand without additional licenses, Ald. Stroik asked?
Clerk Zdroik stated the individual must be licensed to serve beer. The agent, Chris Seefeldt is already a licensed
bartender. Ms. Seefeldt must be there at all times during the sale of beer or additional licensed bartenders are
required.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: Ald. Seiser.
Ayes - 10. Nays - 1. Motion carried.
12. Board of Public Works
meeting of March 8, 2004.
Ald. Sowieja moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for approval of the Board of Public Works minutes of March 8, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Phillips, Stroik, Molski, Rackow, Barr, Sowieja, Seiser, Markham, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
13. Traffic -
9.05(j) 83. No Parking Here to Corner Sign on the south side of Jefferson Street 58 feet from the corner of East Avenue.
9.05(j) 109. No Parking Here to Corner on the east
side of Strongs Avenue from a point of 45 feet north of Court Street.
Ald. Sowieja moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, for adoption of the traffic ordinance.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
14. Public hearing - levying
special assessments for Assessor's Plat Number 6, was declared open by the Mayor.
Jody Szymanski, Secretary of Carriage Condominium, would like clarification on the ownership of one of the properties.
Gary and Nancy Buse are no longer the owners of the property.
Assessor Kuehn stated because of the problems with the legal descriptions, the Laskowski/Buse sale has not been
recognized. The ownership has not been transferred on the Buse property to Laskowski. It is clearly the intent
of the Laskowskis to purchase the property from Buse. The Assessor believes the Laskowskis would like to construct
an apartment building on this property. This has all been put on hold, hence the Assessor's Plat came about.
Jody Szymanski agrees the Assessor's Plat is needed. The total cost is $1600 which is equally divided by 14 property
owners. Ms. Szymanski would like to propose the cost be divided between the three properties equally.
Assessor Kuehn explained the way the statute reads it is a special assessment against the property owners. There
are twelve owners of condominium units in Carriage Condo. Those twelve owners in turn have twelve deeds to their
properties. The other two abutting property owners also have a deed to their property. There are fourteen property
owners upon which the law provides for this special assessment to be levied. According to the City Surveyor, the
assessments go to the property owners. The Carriage Condominium Association is not an owner.
Jody Szymanski said most of the residents of Carriage Condominium are in their 60's and are living on fixed incomes.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
15. Final Resolution on
the above.
Ald. Rackow asked if the cost for the Assessor's Plat is divided equally among the property owners or is it based
on the assessed value of their property?
Assessor Kuehn said it is an equal division among the property owners.
Mayor Wescott noted all resolutions are reviewed by legal staff before being presented to the Council.
Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Phillips seconded, for adoption of the final resolution.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Phillips, Stroik, Molski, Rackow, Barr, Sowieja, Seiser, Markham, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
16. Special Board of Public
Works meeting of March 15, 2004 - Airport Improvements.
Ald. Sowieja moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, for approval of the Special Board of Public Works minutes of March 15,
2004.
Clerk Zdroik read the minutes of the Special Board of Public Works meeting of March 15, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
17. Resolution petitioning
the Secretary of Transportation for Airport Improvement Aid.
This agenda item was tabled and returned to the Plan Commission and Common Council meetings in April.
18. Authorize Mayor to accept
Agency Agreement and Federal Block Grant Owner Assurances.
This agenda item was tabled and returned to the Plan Commission and Common Council meetings in April.
19. Finance Committee meeting
of March 8, 2004.
Ald. Barr moved, Ald. Seiser seconded, for approval of the Finance Committee minutes of March 8, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Phillips, Stroik, Molski, Rackow, Barr, Sowieja, Seiser, Markham, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
20. Resolution - approving
membership in the Wisconsin Local Government Telecommunications Coalition.
Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Seiser seconded, for adoption of the resolution.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
21. Personnel Committee
meeting of March 8, 2004.
Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Molski seconded, for approval of the Personnel Committee minutes of March 8, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
22. Ratification of the
2003-2004 Tentative Labor Agreement with Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International
Union Local 205. (Water Department)
Ald. Rackow moved, Ald. Molski seconded, to ratify the 2003-2004 Labor Agreement with Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco
Workers and Grain Millers International Union Local 205.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Phillips, Stroik, Molski, Rackow, Barr, Sowieja, Seiser, Markham, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
23. Board of Park Commissioners
meeting of March 3, 2004.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Seiser seconded, for approval of the Board of Park Commissioners minutes of March 3, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
24. Resolution Adopting
the 2004-2009 City of Stevens Point Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, for adoption of the resolution.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
25. Board of Water and Sewage
Commissioners meeting of March 8, 2004.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for approval of the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes of
March 8, 2004.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
26. Ordinance - amending
Schedule of Sewage Service rates.
Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Markham seconded, for adoption of the ordinance.
Ald. Phillips questioned the rates increasing by 20 percent on the meter chart. The alderman recalls the rates
increasing just one year ago.
Director Halverson said when rates are established the costs to provide the service are taken into consideration.
The new automated meter reading system is being implemented.
Ald. Phillips understood it to be that the last time the rates were increased was to accommodate the new meters.
The meters have already been changed.
Director Halverson said the rates are established from all the costs involved with operation maintenance.
Ald. Phillips stated with the new meter reading system, the costs were suppose to decrease.
Director Halverson said the Water Department was still not able to decrease any staff members. The Director stated
the new automated system has not been fully implemented yet.
Ald. Phillips asked if the costs will go down when the new system is fully implemented?
Director Halverson said she cannot answer that for sure.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Markham, Seiser, Sowieja, Barr, Rackow, Molski, Stroik, Phillips, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
27. Reports:
Police and Fire Commission meeting of March 9, 2004
and Special Joint Meeting of the Police and Fire Commission and Portage County Public Safety Committee of March
9, 2004.
Comptroller-Treasurer's report - December 2003.
Transportation Commission meetings of February 18, 2004 and March 11, 2004.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Walther seconded, to accept the reports and place them on file.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
28. Mayor's appointments
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Stevens Point Arts Council - Appoint Professor William Lawlor, 2508 Simonis Street as the City of Stevens Point Poet Laureate
Appoint Maxine Hogan, 2001 Michigan Avenue (Expires 03-16-07)
Department of Public Works - Appoint F. Joseph Euclide
as the Director, 1515 Strongs Avenue (Expires 12-31-05)
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Seiser seconded, for confirmation of the Mayor's appointments.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
29. Persons who wish to
address the mayor and council for up to three (3) minutes on non-agenda item.
Norman Barber voiced his concerns regarding the South Side Construction Project.
Reid Rocheleau voiced his concerns regarding the reassessment process in the City of Stevens Point.
Ald. Seiser said there are logical reasons why the lower end housing in the City have increased in assessed value.
There is just a higher demand for the lower end housing. The alderperson suggested if any city property owners
have a concern about their assessment, they should contact the City Assessor.
Mayor Wescott clarified the proper appeals process for city property owners contesting their assessed value.
Mayor Wescott noted this is the only unit of government that has an agenda item that permits citizens who wish
to address the Council on a non-agenda item.
30. Adjournment - 8:50 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.