Roll Call: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Wiza, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore

Excused: Ald. Hanson

Also Present: City Attorney Molepske, City Clerk Moe, Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice, Directors Gardner, Schrader, Euclide, Halverson; Police Chief Morris, Fire Chief Barnes, Assessor Kuehn, Transit Manager Lemke, Kari Yenter, Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette)

Index to these minutes:

2. Salute to the Flag and Mayor's opening remarks. 3. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Common Council meeting of December 18, 2006 and the Special Common Council meeting of January 4, 2007. 4. Persons who wish to address the Mayor and Council on specific agenda items other than a "Public Hearing" must register their request at this time. Those who wish to address the Common Council during a "Public Hearing" are not required to identify themselves until the "Public Hearing" is declared open by the Mayor. 5. Persons who wish to address the Mayor and Council for up to three (3) minutes on a non-agenda item. 6. Plan Commission meeting of January 8, 2007. 7. Public hearing - amendment of the zoning ordinance - Wellhead Protection Overlay District. 8. Ordinance on the above. 9. Public hearing - amendment of the zoning ordinance - Airport Height Overlay. 10. Ordinance on the above. 11. Public hearing- amendment of Wireless Communication Tower Ordinance. 12. Ordinance on the above.

13. Public Protection Committee meeting of January 8, 2007. 14. Personnel Committee meeting of January 8, 2007. 15. Board of Public Works meeting of January 8, 2007. 16. Traffic Ordinance: A) Stop sign on Carrie Frost Drive and John Joanis Drive. B) Stop signs on Carrie Frost Drive at Brilowski Road. C) Stop sign on Vine Street at Indiana Avenue North. D) Stop sign on Moses Crossing at Indiana Avenue North. E) Repeal - stop sign on Prairie Street at Park Street. 17. Finance Committee meeting of January 8, 2007. 18. Ordinance - Mayor's salary. 19. Resolution - reapportionment of special assessments for Bernard Landerman on Bonnie Bay Road. 20. Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meeting of January 8, 2007. 21. Reports: Police and Fire Commission meetings of January 2, 2007 and January 9, 2007. Statutory monthly financial report of the Comptroller-Treasurer. 22. Mayor's appointments - Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners - Appoint Carl Rasmussen. 23. Selection of Principal and Alternate Representatives to the Sewer Service Advisory Committee. 24. Adjournment.

2. Salute to the Flag and Mayor's opening remarks.

Mayor Wescott announced that ambulance negotiations between the City and County are scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2007 at 9:00 A.M. in conference room 1 of the Portage County Annex building.

Mayor Wescott has been notified that the City of Stevens Point is going to receive the Tree City USA Award and Growth Award. This is quite an accomplishment.

Mayor Wescott noted the Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant has been nominated for the National EPA Award.

Mayor Wescott also noted the Department of Transportation has announced that Portage County was awarded a Supplemental Transportation Rural Assistance Program (STRAP) grant. The grant is in the amount of $20,000.

Mayor Wescott reported Donna Bella from the Housing Department suffered a serious aneurysm and is at the Intensive Care Unit in Madison. Our thoughts and prayers are with Donna and her family.

Mayor Wescott closed with a thought from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King challenged America by extending his promise to all of our people.

3. Approval of the minutes of the Regular Common Council meeting of December 18, 2006 and the Special Common Council meeting of January 4, 2007.

Ald. Trzebiatowski moved, Ald. Slowinski seconded, for approval of the regular Common Council minutes of December 18, 2006 and the Special Common Council minutes of January 4, 2007.

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

4. Persons who wish to address the Mayor and Council on specific agenda items other than a "Public Hearing" must register their request at this time. Those who wish to address the Common Council during a "Public Hearing" are not required to identify themselves until the "Public Hearing" is declared open by the Mayor.

Mary Ann Laszewski Item #13 - Public Protection Committee meeting of 01-08-07
1209 Wisconsin Street Item #18 - Ordinance - Mayor's salary
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Marc Nicolas Item #13 - Public Protection Committee meeting of 01-08-07
241 Center Street
Rosholt, WI 54473

Doug Radtke Item #18 -Ordinance - Mayor's salary
3800 Heffron Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Reid Rocheleau Item #5 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
408 Cedar Street Item #13 - Public Protection Committee meeting of 01-08-07
Whiting, WI Item #18 - Ordinance - Mayor's salary

Ald. Mike Wiza Item #5 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
717 Franklin Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Ald. Roger Trzebiatowski Item #5 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
3309 McCulloch Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481

Dan Johnson Item #5 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
2148 West River Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

5. Persons who wish to address the Mayor and Council for up to three (3) minutes on a non-agenda item.

Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, said he hopes the Mayor will appoint a Water Street Citizen Advisory Committee within the next month. Mr. Rocheleau offered to serve on this committee. Mr. Rocheleau noted that he received a lot of compliments and positive feedback on the Village of Whiting and City of Stevens Point joining efforts on a sewage treatment plant. He voiced his concerns on the amount the City would charge the Village of Whiting.

Ald. Wiza announced he will hold an open forum on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. at Little Chubbies Vintage Blues and Chop Shop (former Blue Top).

Ald. Trzebiatowski would like to see discussion on agenda items before a motion is made.

Dan Johnson, 2148 West River Drive, is a candidate for Mayor. Mr. Johnson thanked Mayor Wescott for his twelve years of public service. He also endorses the Spectra Print move to the Woodward Governor building. Mr. Johnson will hold a meeting tomorrow evening at Bannach School starting at 7:00 P.M.

6. Plan Commission meeting of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of the Plan Commission minutes of January 8, 2007.

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

7. Public hearing - amendment of the zoning ordinance - Wellhead Protection Overlay District, was declared open by the Mayor.

Doug Radtke, 3800 Heffron Street, believes it is appropriate to change this ordinance. Mr. Radtke encouraged the City to get the approvals from George Kraft and Ray Schmidt in writing. He is also concerned that this was not brought to the attention of the Citizens Groundwater Advisory Committee.

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

8. Ordinance on the above.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Walther seconded, for approval of the ordinance amending the zoning ordinance.

Ald. Stroik agrees the approvals should be in writing.

Ald. Trzebiatowski agrees with the amendment to the ordinance.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Barber, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Robinson, Wiza, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

9. Public hearing - amendment of the zoning ordinance - Airport Height Overlay, was declared open by the Mayor.

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

10. Ordinance on the above.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Molski seconded, to approve the amendment of the zoning ordinance - Airport Height Overlay.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Wiza, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

11. Public hearing- amendment of Wireless Communication Tower Ordinance, was declared open by the Mayor.

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

12. Ordinance on the above.

Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of the amendment to the ordinance for the Wireless Communication Towers.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Barber, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Robinson, Wiza, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

13. Public Protection Committee meeting of January 8, 2007.

Marc Nicolas, 241 Center Street, Rosholt, is available for any questions on the Class "B" Beer and "Class C" Wine license for the New Mission Café.

Mary Ann Laszewski, 1209 Wisconsin Street, is glad to hear the Police and Inspection Departments have stepped forward in the past week to address the problem of abandoned vehicles in the city. Ms. Laszewski voiced some concerns she still had on abandoned vehicles in the city. The City is no longer depending on citizens to monitor and report these violations.

Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, believes the Police Department is better equipped to handle the enforcement of this ordinance. Mr. Rocheleau observed abandoned vehicles throughout the entire city. He does not agree with enforcement only when it is complaint driven.

Ald. Sevenich moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, to accept the Public Protection Committee minutes of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Stroik is satisfied with the action taken by the Inspection and Police Departments to help resolve this problem. The alderman is pleased that notices were first sent to some of the people in violation without fining them the first time.

Mayor Wescott said a lot of activity will take place in the next 30 to 60 days.

Ald. Sevenich takes different routes when traveling through her district and stops at the homes if she sees a problem.

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

14. Personnel Committee meeting of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Molski seconded, for approval of Personnel Committee minutes of January 8, 2007.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Wiza, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

15. Board of Public Works meeting of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, for approval of the Board of Public Works minutes of January 8, 2007.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Barber, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Robinson, Wiza, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

16. Traffic Ordinance:

A) Stop sign on Carrie Frost Drive and John Joanis Drive.
B) Stop signs on Carrie Frost Drive at Brilowski Road.
C) Stop sign on Vine Street at Indiana Avenue North.
D) Stop sign on Moses Crossing at Indiana Avenue North.
E) Repeal - stop sign on Prairie Street at Park Street.

Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of the traffic ordinance -stop sign on Carrie Frost Drive and John Joanis Drive, stop signs on Carrie Frost Drive at Brilowski Road, stop sign on Vine Street at Indiana Avenue North, stop sign on Moses Crossing at Indiana Avenue North, and repeal the stop sign on Prairie Street at Park Street.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Wiza, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

17. Finance Committee meeting of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, for approval of the Finance Committee minutes of January 8, 2007.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Barber, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Robinson, Wiza, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

18. Ordinance - Mayor's salary.

Mayor Wescott explained it will take nine votes of the body to do something with the ordinance. Mayor Wescott asked Ald. Wiza and Ald. Walther if it is their intent to vote this evening.

Ald. Wiza replied it is his intent to abstain from this vote.

Ald. Walther replied it is his intention to vote on this ordinance.

Doug Radtke, 3800 Heffron Street, stated the Mayor is the Chief Executive Officer for our city with a budget of over $22 million and over 200 employees. There are a lot of responsibilities associated with being Mayor and moving our city forward. The worst thing to do is not pay this person an appropriate salary for his efforts. Mr. Radtke opposes the proposed ordinance setting the Mayor's salary. He compared the salary with Wisconsin Rapids. Mr. Radtke suggested cutting the Mayor's salary by $75 for the first year and then increase it by 2.2%, 2.8% and 2.5% for the following three years. He further went on to review the cost of living and percentages of salary increases for the current Mayor.

Mary Ann Laszewski, 1209 Wisconsin Street, said every new Mayor, except in 1995 when it was rounded off, was given a steady salary increase. Out of respect for the position of Mayor and everyone who is running for Mayor, none of them should be asked to accept a shrinking salary during their first four years in office. The City will attract better qualified candidates if an appropriate salary and benefit package are offered.

Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, said this matter was complicated by waiting too long to discuss it. Mr. Rocheleau noted that by approving the Personnel Committee minutes this evening, the Council approved a 1.5% increase for non-represented employees as well as the Treasurer, Clerk and City Attorney.

Ald. Stroik moved, to keep the current Mayor's salary of $62,396.66 for year one of the next four year term and increase the salary 1.5% each year in years 2, 3, and 4.

The motion failed due to a lack of a second.

Ald. Robinson asked if the language of the ordinance must be included for this to be relevant.

Mayor Wescott answered yes and the City Attorney concurred.

Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, to amend the proposal for the Mayor's salary for the next four years being the first year having a decrease of .12% making it $62,321.32, the second year a 2.2% increase making it $63,692.40, the third year 2.8% increase making it $65,475.79 and year four a 2.5% increase making it $67,112.68.

Ald. Robinson asked what the legal reason is for not establishing the Mayor's salary similar to the way the department head salaries are established.

City Attorney Molepske said setting salaries are covered by state statue 66.0507. The City Attorney explained the state statute.

Ald. Trzebiatowski calculated the increases for each year.

Ald. Walther noted the reason for voting on this issue is he still represents the Second District and it is his responsibility to vote on this issue.

Ald. Barber asked Ald. Slowinski to explain how he came up with the percentage of increases.

Ald. Slowinski said he went back to Mayor Wescott's first term and used the same numbers.

Ald. Stroik is looking for a proposal that is middle of the road. He is against looking back 11 years to come up with an adequate salary.

Mayor Wescott stated 12 years ago there were no tax levy controls imposed on the municipality by the State of Wisconsin. He suggested not looking back for guidance but look forward in time.

Ald. Moore said the benefit package makes a huge difference to the value of the salary.

Ald. Robinson said the value of the position is very important. The alderman does not like the idea of asking the next Mayor to take a pay cut. He suggested denying this ordinance and send it back to committee for further discussion.

Mayor Wescott said this is an aldermanic decision.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Slowinski, Trzebiatowski.
Nays: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Robinson, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore.
Ald. Wiza abstained. Ayes - 2. Nays - 7. Motion defeated.

Ald. Barber moved, to set the salary at $63,000 for a four year period with benefits.

The motion failed due to a lack of a second.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to approve the ordinance as written before the Council tonight.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Barber, Molski, Walther, Sevenich.
Nays: Ald. Stroik, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Robinson.
Ald. Wiza abstained. Ayes - 5. Nays - 4. Motion failed.

Ald. Barber moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, to hold the salary at $62,396.66 in year one of the next term, in years 2, 3 and 4 increase the salary 1.5% each year. The salary for year two would be $63,347 or a $950 increase, year three would be $64,312 which is $1,915 increase from year one of the term, and in the fourth term $65,291.

Ald. Robinson believes this is the best proposal this evening.

Ald. Stroik reviewed the amount of increase.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Stoik, Barber.
Nays: Ald. Sevenich, Molski, Moore.
Ald. Wiza abstained. Ayes - 6. Nays - 3. Motion failed.

Mayor Wescott said if no action is taken tonight and it is not recalled next month, the salary will remain at $62,396 for the four years of the next term.

Ald. Stroik moved, to freeze the salary in year one and increase by 1% each year in years 2, 3 and 4.

The motion failed due to a lack of a second.

Mayor Wescott ruled that the Council has reached an impasse. The Mayor moved on to the next agenda item.

19. Resolution - reapportionment of special assessments for Bernard Landerman on Bonnie Bay Road.

Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Slowinski seconded, for approval of the reapportionment of special assessments for Bernard Landerman on Bonnie Bay Road.

Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Sevenich, Walther, Wiza, Robinson, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Barber, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.

20. Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meeting of January 8, 2007.

Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Robinson seconded, for approval of the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes of January 8, 2007.

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

21. Reports:

Police and Fire Commission meetings of January 2, 2007 and January 9, 2007.
Statutory monthly financial report of the Comptroller-Treasurer.

Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of Police and Fire Commission minutes of January 2, 2007 and January 9, 2007 and the statutory monthly financial report of the Comptroller-Treasurer.

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

22. Mayor's appointments - Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners - Appoint Carl Rasmussen.

Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, to approve the Mayor's appointment.

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

23. Selection of Principal and Alternate Representatives to the Sewer Service Advisory Committee.

Mayor Wescott named the surrounding areas included as members of this committee. The committee is currently in the process of rewriting the bi-laws.

Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Moore seconded, for approval of the selection of Principal and Alternate Representatives to the Sewer Service Advisory Committee as outlined in the memo. (The memo is attached.)

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

24. Adjournment - 8:20 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.