2. Salute to the Flag and Mayor's
opening remarks.
Mayor Wescott reviewed the good economic news for our community. The Mayor also reported the status of the ambulance
contract with Portage County.
Mayor Wescott noted that Director Euclide continues to mend.
Mayor Wescott reminded everyone that tomorrow is the Primary Election.
3. Approval of the minutes
of the Regular Common Council meeting of January 15, 2007 and Special Common Council meetings of January 22, 2007
and February 12, 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.
Norm Myers Sr. Item # 6 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
416 Union Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Scott Winn Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
907 Minnesota Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Tom Omernik Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1217 Minnesota Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Marcy Kirsch Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2801 Sims Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Dan Coble Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2901 Channel Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Dan Johnson Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2148 West River Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Rich Spreda Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2709 Prais Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Cathy Dugan Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
615 Sommers Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Doug Radtke Item #17 - Personnel Committee meeting of 02-12-07
3800 Heffron Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Reid Rocheleau Item #17 - Personnel Committee meeting of 02-12-07
408 Cedar Street Item #20 -Board of Water and Sewage Comm. of 02-12-07
Whiting, WI
Joe Clark Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2733 Main Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Liz McDonald Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1760 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Dustin Gwidt Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
3056 Water Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Andrew Halverson Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
3116 Jordan Lane
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Andy Janicki Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2127 Ellis Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Ross Cohen Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1554 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Jason Wendt Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1703 Division Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Sasha Vieth Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2127 Ellis Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Chris Diehm Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1547 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Madison Wiza Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
717 Franklin Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Sarah Hagedon Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
1001 Tanglewood Drive
Plover, WI 54467
Ron Carlson Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2417 Dixon Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Aaron Schiller Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2026 Madison Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Jami Gebert Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
2941 Kozy Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Casey Waite Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of February 5, 2007
216 Fifth Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Randy Stroik Item # 6 - Persons who wish to address Mayor and Council
433 W. Trillium Ct.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
5. Presentation of Commendation.
Mayor Wescott announced that Janessa Lepak won the state-wide Fire Prevention and Burn Safety contest.
Fire Chief Barnes stated the contest takes place every year. Janessa and her entire class submitted drawings for
the contest. There were a number of winners but Janessa was the grand-prize winner in the entire state.
Mayor Wescott congratulated Janessa. She was the grand-prize winner out of over 700 entries from the state of Wisconsin.
6. Persons who wish to address
the Mayor and Council for up to three (3) minutes on a non-agenda item.
Norm Myers Sr., 416 Union Street, stated his concerns on the way the city and county committee meetings are reported
in our local newspapers.
Ald. Stroik stated he tried to bring the Mayor's salary back for debate but was denied the right under the law
to reconsider the mayoral salary because he voted in the affirmative at last month's meeting.
7. Plan Commission meeting
of February 5, 2007.
Ald. Trzebiatowski moved, Ald. Robinson seconded, for approval of the Plan Commission minutes of February 5, 2007,
with item #6 pulled for further discussion.
Ald. Barber questioned the conflict issue of Fred Steffen's vote on item #8 at the Plan Commission.
Mayor Wescott said the District Attorney had reviewed the matter and concluded that Mr. Steffen has done nothing
illegal.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Mayor Wescott reported a consulting Engineer was hired to independently review whether there is sufficient room
at this location.
Director Schrader stated the City hired Rettler and Associates who design athletic facilities to review the area.
The conclusion was that there should not be a problem.
Scott Winn, 907 Minnesota Avenue, is in support of the skate park. Mr. Winn is excited to have this facility across
the street from his home. The skate park would be a great asset to the community.
Tom Omernik, 1217 Minnesota Avenue, supports the location of a skate park within the city limits but opposes the
location at Goerke Park. Mr. Omernik reviewed his reasons for opposing Goerke Park as the location for the skate
park.
Marcy Kirsch, 2801 Sims Avenue, believes locating the skate park at Goerke Park is inadequate and an incomplete
solution.
Dan Coble, 2901 Channel Drive, questions the procedure of the Skate Park Committee determining only one location
suitable for the skate park. It is unacceptable that the committee refused to consider other sites.
Dan Johnson, 2148 W. River Drive, stated a skate park would be a tremendous asset for our community. Mr. Johnson
still questions the location for the skate park.
Rich Spreda, 2709 Prais Street, said there are already a lot of sports and activities going on at Goerke Park.
Mr. Spreda is not sure that there is really a need for a skate park. It is important to recognize the needs of
the community versus the wants.
Cathy Dugan, 615 Sommers Street, said neighbors would be affected by the skate park. There is a need for a buffer
between the skate park and neighboring properties.
Joe Clark, 2733 Main Street, is concerned with the safety and traffic issues at this location.
Liz McDonald, 1760 Strongs Avenue, said the Committee is a group of volunteers trying to do good for the community.
Ms. McDonald asked the Council to take the recommendation of the Skate Park Committee, Park and Recreation Commission
and Plan Commission to locate a skate park at Goerke Park.
Dustin Gwidt, 3056 Water Street, is here on behalf of the skateboarders. There is a need for a place for the skateboarders
to go. The location has been reviewed many times. Mr. Gwidt supports the creation of a skate park.
Andrew Halverson, 3116 Jordan Lane, said the central location of Goerke Park is the reason the skate park should
be developed there. Mr. Halverson supports the development of a skateboard park.
Andy Janicki, 2127 Ellis Street, had previously submitted a letter on behalf of the Student Government Association
Senate supporting a skate park being constructed in Goerke Park.
Ross Cohen, 1554 Strongs Avenue, supports the development of a skate park at Goerke Park. Mr. Cohen supports Goerke
Park as the location because of the closeness to the students.
Jason Wendt, 1703 Division Street, said there is a need for the skate park. Mr. Wendt is not sure an ideal location
for the park will ever be found. This location will work.
Sasha Vieth, 2127 Ellis Street, is the Co-Chair of the Skate Park Committee. Ms. Vieth is in favor of the skate
park for the youth of this community.
Chris Diehm, 1547 Strongs Avenue, said most agree there is a need for a skate park. Mr. Diehm refuses to believe
there is not room for a skate park in the City of Stevens Point. He also refuses to believe that Goerke Park is
not a suitable site for the skate park.
Madison Wiza, 717 Franklin Street, encouraged the Council members to vote in favor of a skate park at Goerke Park.
Sarah Hagedon, 1001 Tanglewood Drive, urged the Council members to let the skateboarders have their skate park.
Ron Carlson, 2417 Dixon Street, said the number of skateboarders is increasing. Mr. Carlson stated there is still
no place in the city for the skateboarders to go. He believes Goerke Park is the best site for the skate park.
Aaron Schiller, 2026 Madison Street, submitted a petition for the need to build a skate park in Stevens Point and
it was placed on file.
Jami Gebert, 2941 Kozy Street, said the Skate Park Committee have exemplified what it means to be a young professional
in this community
Casey Waite, 216 Fifth Avenue, supports the development of a skate park.
Ald. Robinson said the committee formed almost two years ago to determine whether there was a need for a skate
park. The results were overwhelming. The next step was to review the site criteria. The alderman reviewed the sites
that were considered. He stated any reasonable objection has been met.
Ald. Robinson moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of the Stevens Point Skate Park Committee proposal to construct
a skate park at the southeast corner of Goerke Park.
Ald. Trzebiatowski moved, Ald. Walther seconded, to divide the question to: a) develop a skate park, and b) put
it at Goerke Park.
Ald. Robinson asked the Council to respect the determination made by the Skate Park Committee, Board of Park Commissioners
and Plan Commissioners.
The following is the vote on the motion to split the question.
Ald. Stroik would like to know if rollerblades can be used at the skate park as well.
Ald. Robinson said the skate park would be designed for skateboarders, in-line skates and BMX bikers.
Ald. Walther does not oppose the skateboard park but feels Goerke Park is already overcrowded.
Ald. Sevenich supports the skate park but does not like the location at Goerke Park.
Ald. Trzebiatowski agrees there is a need for the skate park but opposes the location at Goerke Park. There are
alternative options for the skate park.
Ald. Stroik asked how many seats does Goerke Park hold.
Director Schrader said there are about 3,800 seats at the park.
Ald. Stroik asked how many children can use the skate park at a time.
Chris Diehm replied several dozen.
Ald. Barber would like to know more about the use of in-line skates and BMX bikes at the park.
Ald. Robinson said skate park is the generic term for a facility that has all of these activities.
Chris Diehm said most skate parks are designed for BMX bikers, in-line skaters and skateboarders because they all
use the same equipment.
Ald. Barber questioned if Iverson Park or Bukolt Park are too tranquil for the location of a skate park. The alderman
also stated both these locations have more parking available.
Ald. Robinson said when looking at the site criteria, none of the locations had the best of all the criteria.
Ald. Wiza stated there are pros and cons with every site. This site seems to have the least amount of negatives
associated with it.
Ald. Trzebiatowski feels there are two conflicting problems within this area. The alderman asked what is prohibiting
the City from placing the equipment for the skate park within the ice rink area and remove the equipment during
the winter season.
Director Schrader replied it is not possible with this size of equipment.
Ald. Robinson stated locating a skate park in Goerke Park is important for our youth.
Mayor Wescott reminded the Council members that both the Park Commission and Plan Commission voted in the affirmative
on this proposal.
10. Public hearing - request
to construct Multiple Family Development at 3616B Doolittle Drive as a conditional use, was declared open by the
Mayor.
Roland Hawk, Engineer for Point of Beginning, is available for any questions.
Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, stated it is false to limit discussion to three minutes on public hearings.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
11. Resolution on the above.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, for approval of the request to construct Multiple Family Development at
3616B Doolittle Drive as a conditional use.
12. Public hearing - request
to construct Multiple Family Development at 1701 River View Avenue as a conditional use, was declared open by the
Mayor.
Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, would like this item returned to the Plan Commission for additional consideration.
Mr. Rocheleau voiced his concerns stating that Mr. Steffen had a conflict of interest with this development.
Mary Ann Laszewski, 1209 Wisconsin Street, voiced her concerns with the development of multiple family housing
at 1701 River View Avenue. Ms. Laszewski has concerns with street access, setback and buffer issues.
Roland Hawk, Point of Beginning, stated all the submitted plans for this development met the City's conditions.
The access on Highway HH is a requirement for this property.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
13. Resolution on the above.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Sevenich seconded, to approve the project with the newly handed out resolution which includes
a fourth condition being a fire hydrant be installed as shown on the map and the owner agrees to reimburse the
city for fire hydrant maintenance.
Ald. Wiza had questions on the placement of the buildings, street access and the issue of two lots.
Director Gardner reviewed the zoning requirements and setbacks.
Ald. Stroik questions the placement of the units. The alderman does not agree with the 10' setback.
Ald. Sevenich said the plans include landscaping along the east and west sides of the property. The alderperson
would also like landscaping along the hill.
Director Gardner noted landscaping is already planned for this area.
Ald. Barber would like to know what the setback is between buildings.
Director Gardner estimated the distance between the buildings as approximately 70 feet.
17. Personnel Committee
meeting of February 12, 2007.
Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Robinson seconded, for approval of the Personnel Committee minutes of February 12, 2007,
with item #1 pulled for further discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Doug Radtke, 3800 Heffron Street, said the statutes state there are three options. We can have an elected Assessor,
appointed Assessor or Assessor by contract. Mr. Radtke compared the status for Assessor with other communities
of similar size. There are both disadvantages and advantages with each type of Assessor.
Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, voiced his concerns on assessments and the hiring of an Assessor. Mr. Rocheleau
suggested returning this issue back to the Personnel Committee to talk about and consider the options available.
Assessor Kuehn discussed the difference in assessments for other communities compared to Stevens Point. Ms. Kuehn
stated it would be a mistake to privately contract for an Assessor. She encouraged the Council to fill the position
with a well qualified individual who would be a City employee.
Mayor Wescott pointed out that the City's governing documents provide for the election by the City Council of an
Assessor for a two year term.
Ald. Robinson moved, Ald. Slowinski seconded, to proceed with filling the vacancy by submitting a job posting for
a full-time City employee and another with a RFP for contractors.
Ald. Robinson stated he believes in filling the role with a full-time City employee but he does think it is important
to look at alternative proposals.
Mayor Wescott stressed the City's charter provides for the election by the City Council of an Assessor for a two
year term. The retirement of the current Assessor does not change the City's governing documents.
Ald. Stroik asked what would happen if the City finds a favorable contract that works for Stevens Point.
Mayor Wescott does not believe the City will find one but if one is found, the Council would have to change the
City's governing document.
Ald. Molski said there is a need to have an Assessor in the City on a daily basis.
Ald. Trzebiatowski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to divide the question to: 1) advertise to fill the Assessor's position
and 2) write and prepare a RFP for contractual assessors and report back to the Personnel Committee after the RFP
is prepared.
The following vote is on the motion to divide the question.
Ald. Wiza pointed out all the City is doing is soliciting bids to see what options are out there.
Mayor Wescott noted the RFP would first have to be approved before soliciting bids.
Ald. Moore asked can we not contract out if we have an Assessor in line anyway so isn’t this completely a moot
point?
Mayor Wescott said if the City has a full-time Assessor and wishes to hire contracted services for other aspects
that is the discretion of the Council.
Ald. Stroik asked what is the cost to prepare the RFP.
Mayor Wescott said there will be staff time and advertisement costs.
Ald. Trzebiatowski asked if the City is obligated to wait until after soliciting bids before hiring a full-time
Assessor.
Mayor Wescott replied the Council is not obligated to wait.
The following is the vote to write and prepare RFP for contractual services.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Molski seconded, to approve amending the ordinance as presented with the addition that this
ordinance take effect on January 1, 2007.
19. Board of Park Commissioners
meeting of February 7, 2007.
Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, for approval of the Board of Park Commissioners minutes of February 7, 2007.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
20. Board of Water and Sewage
Commissioners meeting of February 12, 2007.
Reid Rocheleau, 408 Cedar Street, voiced his concerns on the way the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meeting
is conducted. Mr. Rocheleau said the Village of Whiting and the City of Stevens Point are both protecting their
turf and not negotiating in good faith.
Mayor Wescott reviewed the statements made by Village President Jerry Walters that are included in the Board of
Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes.
Ald. Robinson moved, Ald. Moore seconded, for approval of the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners minutes of
February
12, 2007.
Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded,
to accept the reports and place them on file.
Ald. Walther pointed out the increased ridership and revenue for 2006.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
22. Remarks from Assessor
Kuehn.
Ms. Kuehn was the Assessor for the City of Stevens Point for the past 28 years. She worked through three city-wide
re-evaluations. The Assessor highlighted some of her accomplishments. She will miss the contact with city employees
and wished everyone the very best.
23. Adjournment - 10:40
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.
