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Regular City Council Meeting
November 19, 2007, 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, County-City Building
Mayor Andrew Halverson, presiding
Roll Call: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore
Also Present: City Attorney Molepske, City Clerk Moe, Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice, Director Gardner, Schrader, Euclide, Halverson; Police Chief Morris, Fire Chief Barnes, Transit Manager Lemke, Assessor Siebers, Kari Yenter, Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette), Jason Zencka (Stevens Point Journal)
Index to these minutes:
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7. Consideration of Resolution
- University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Master Plan.
Gerald O'Brien, 155 Virginia Circle, supports this important and critical resolution. He said it is time for the
university to move forward and expand again. Mr. O'Brien stated the university staff, students and activities all
contribute to our community.
Adam Lehmann, 1428 College, stated this university and community made him feel at home. He urged the Council to
approve the resolution.
Andrew Letson, 1428 College, said the university needs to expand in order to provide better service and offer more
opportunities.
Cindy Nebel, 1100 Phillips Street, said growth and change are important for both the university and City. Ms. Nebel
commended everyone for their efforts to work together and plan for the future. She said it is important to do the
homework so a good plan is developed. Ms. Nebel said the public needs to know all the options have been considered.
She does not feel the university has a good track record of following through on what they have agreed on.
Rick Whipp, 2016 Main Street, asked the Council not to pass this resolution. Mr. Whipp does not feel there was
enough communication on the exchange of ideas. He suggested forming committees to discuss the details.
Holly Ehrhardt, 1824 College Avenue, said the City and surrounding areas benefit from the activities of the university.
She said it is important to sustain and maintain effectively by keeping the university up-to-date and alive.
Zach Vruwink, Wisconsin Rapids, said this university stands out among other universities. He said there are many
opportunities for progress. Mr. Vruwink said the Master Plan is not perfect, however it is a foundation to move
forward.
Cathy Dugan, 615 Sommers Street, said the Master Plan is excellent. She said the university will be more visible.
Ms. Dugan asked the Council to honor the request of the neighbors to take more time before approving the plan.
She said quick action needs to be taken on the parking issues.
Bob Spoerl, 5201 Coye Drive, enjoys the diversity of this great community. Mr. Spoerl supports the Master Plan.
Gerry Zastrow, 328 Pond Street, supports the Master Plan. Mr. Zastrow said with this plan, the university will
grow resulting in more labor friendly jobs.
Jim Anderson, 305 Maple Bluff Road, stated if the City's forefathers would have said no to a plan to grow the university,
it would not have grown to what the university is today. Mr. Anderson noted that no plan is perfect but all options
were explored to create a good plan. He said if this plan is approved by the Council tonight, each issue will still
need to be reviewed by the Plan Commission and Council so there will be time for debate.
Brad Neet, 1862 Flowing Brook Court, was attracted to this community because of his job at the hospital as well
as the university and the diversity of this community. Mr. Neet said St. Michael's officials continue to work with
the university on options for the Master Plan. He said it is important to move forward with this plan.
C. J. Robinson, 1600 Fremont Street, said as a former alderman, he had many opportunities and invitations to participate
in open forums regarding the University's Master Plan. He said a lot of elements have been discussed. Mr. Robinson
said this plan provides a clear vision for the future.
Justin Glodowski, 916 West Street, asked that the Council look at the big picture rather than try to find reasons
to do otherwise. Mr. Glodowski said the core issue is whether the City and its hometown campus are going to move
forward. He said the Student Government Association would like to work with the City and neighbors to create a
better community.
Linda Bunnell, 410 Maple Bluff Road, said the Council has the opportunity to endorse a plan that will chart the
course for the future of this community. Ms. Bunnell stated the future of the university must remain competitive
within a market that provides more options throughout Wisconsin as well as outside the state. She said the university
needs new resident halls and other campus amenities that students have seen on other campuses. Ms. Bunnell said
UWSP most update and catch up with other universities. She said the Master Plan is a product of three different
plans that were brought forward by a well known firm. Ms. Bunnell said discussions and dialogue will continue on
the future of the university. She noted the parking structure was moved up to the first phase of the Master Plan.
John Mosey, 1932 Briggs Street, is concerned what will happen to the property value of his home. Mr. Mosey also
voiced his concern on the parking problems in his neighborhood.
Armin Nebel, 1100 Phillips Street, is concerned with the encroachment of the university into the local neighborhood.
Mr. Nebel heard different uses for the land on Briggs Street if the homes are removed, but nothing is secure on
the use of this land. He asked that the neighbors also be supported in the efforts of not granting the Briggs Street
frontage for acquisition. Mr. Nebel feels more time should be taken on the Master Plan. He said the neighbors were
not part of the planning of this plan.
Julie Brazeau, 1701 Reserve Street, is in favor of the resolution. She said many jobs will be created during the
construction process as well as after the project is complete.
Ald. Heart moved, Ald. Walther seconded, approval of the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point Master Plan.
Ald. Myers asked if this plan is approved tonight, will each item still need to come before the Council before
starting construction.
Mayor Halverson said any aspect of the plan where the City has to engage its authority on the engineering design,
street landscapes, zoning, etc. will need to come before the Plan Commission and Council.
Ald. Wiza said parking is one of his primary concerns. He said Chancellor Bunnell would provide an answer to moving
the construction of a parking ramp to 2009 or 2010.
Mayor Halverson asked Chancellor Bunnell if she had an answer on the date for the construction of the parking ramp.
Linda Bunnell said the university plans to move the construction of the parking structure to Phase I which is before
any new buildings would be constructed.
Ald. Wiza was assured that no eminent domain or acquisition of these properties would be evoked.
Mayor Halverson asked Chancellor Bunnell on their use of eminent domain.
Linda Bunnell said the university plans to buy these properties. She said at this time, they do not intend to use
right of eminent domain along Briggs Street.
Ald. Wiza said most of the Master Plan is great.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to add as an amendment to the approval of the Master Plan that no eminent
domain be invoked and the City opposes the use of eminent domain in acquiring those properties.
Mayor Halverson said the amendment is taken as part of the original motion.
Ald. Stroik asked if the university can start buying the properties on Briggs Street.
Mayor Halverson said the buying of the homes would not need further approval from the City.
Ald. Stroik stated the university would maintain and rent the homes until all of them were purchased.
Mayor Halverson asked the Chancellor on her commitment in reference to once the properties are acquired, what the
intention of the university is on the maintenance for the property.
Linda Bunnell said it is the intention to continue them as rental property until the majority of the properties
are in the hands of the university.
Mayor Halverson said the university would be required to maintain the rental properties just like any other landlord
in the city.
Ald. Walther supports the University Master Plan.
Ald. Myers suggested not using eminent domain not only on Briggs Street but for any acquisition of property around
the university.
Ald. Moore supports a plan that benefits both the university and City.
Ald. Hanson said a neighborhood university association was discussed. He said the students feel they are also part
of the neighborhood as well as the university.
Ald. Heart supports the University Master Plan.
Ald. Brooks said when looking for a university, the appearance is one of the first things that you look at. He
is in support of the Master Plan.
Ald. Trzebiatowski said there are many excellent improvements with this plan but there is no logical sequence of
events.
Ald. Molski said the plan should be approved and changes will most likely occur along the way.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
8. Public Hearing - Conditional Use Request - 2101 Strongs Ave., to
construct an Accessory Building with a 1 ft. side rear setback.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
Judy Pflugradt, 2101 Strongs Avenue, asked for approval of this request.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
9. Consideration of Resolution
on the above.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, approval of the conditional use request - 2101 Strongs Avenue,
to construct an accessory building with a 1 ft. side rear setback.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
10. Public Hearing - Ordinance
Amendment - Zoning - Creation of Section 23.02(2)(d)3n - Creation of Conditional Use to reduce street setbacks
in "B-4" districts for properties surrounded on three sides by streets.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
11. Consideration of Ordinance
Amendment on the above.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, approval of the ordinance amendment.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
12. Public Hearing - Ordinance
Amendment - Zoning - classify 257 Second Street North as "R-2" Single Family from "R-4" Multiple
Family.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
13. Consideration of Ordinance
Amendment on the above.
Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, approval of the ordinance amendment - zoning - classify 257 Second Street
North as "R-2" Single Family from "R-4" Multiple Family.
Roll Call: Ayes: Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
14. Consideration of Resolution
- Sewer Service Plan.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, approval of the Sewer Service Plan.
Ald. Heart said this is an important move for the City.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
15. Consideration of Resolution
- Opposing closure of railroad crossing at Old Highway 18/Burbank Road.
Will Stites, 425 Bukolt Avenue, said it is important to keep the City connected to the rural areas. He said closing
the railroad crossing at Old Highway 18/Burbank Road would divert cyclists possibly forcing them on Highway 10.
Mr. Stites hopes the Council will support opposing the closure of the railroad crossing at Old Highway 18/Burbank
Road.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, approval of the resolution opposing the closure of railroad crossing
at Old Highway 18/Burbank Road.
Ald. Wiza would like to hear comments from Town of Stockton Board member, Jeanne Dodge, on the closure of the railroad
crossing.
Jeanne Dodge stated the Town of Stockton filed a petition with the Railroad Commissioner to leave this crossing
open. She said the Town would realign the intersection. Ms. Dodge said the Town is also petitioning for gates and
lights at this intersection. She said the hearing for this is delayed until February, 2008. Ms. Dodge is looking
for support from the City of Stevens Point.
Mayor Halverson said this crossing will be important for the City's future.
Ald. Trzebiatowski said now is not the time to close the crossing until the plans for the Highway 10 location are
finalized.
Ald. Heart noted this is a great opportunity for the City to support their rural neighbor.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
16. Consideration of Resolution
- Preserve Highway 10 Bypass Corridor at Interstate 39.
Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, to approve the resolution to preserve the Highway 10 Bypass Corridor
at Interstate 39.
Ald. Heart said the City needs to deal with the traffic and not push it on to our neighbors.
Director Gardner said this is a joint resolution will the Village of Plover.
Mayor Halverson stated there is a clear timeline and the City should know exactly what the primary route is for
the bypass. The Mayor said preserving this corridor is important for the City's economic well-being.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: Ald. Heart.
Ayes - 10. Nays - 1. Motion carried.
17. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Public Protection Committee meeting of November 12, 2007.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Public Protection
Committee meeting of November
12, 2007.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
18. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Finance Committee meeting of November 12, 2007.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Walther seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Finance Committee meeting
of November
12, 2007.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
19. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Personnel Committee meeting of November 12, 2007.
Ald. Hanson moved, Ald. Molski seconded, approval for the consideration of the minutes and actions taken at the
Personnel Committee meeting of November
12, 2007.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, to pull item #2 of the Personnel Committee minutes of November 12, 2007,
for further discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Ald. Wiza said the Council is not obligated to accept all of the consultant's findings at one time. He said there
are still some concerns on the pay plan and appeal process.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, to approve the pay plan in reference to the step grid as well as approving
the appeal process before the Council and the pay grade allocation.
Ald. Hanson said this is an equitable plan. He suggested including the pay grade allocation as part of the motion.
Ald. Hanson's suggestion was accepted and made part of the motion.
Ald. Heart would like clarification on the appeal process.
Charlie Carlson said appeal forms have been provided to Human Resources. He said the form will give everyone the
opportunity to ask for review. Mr. Carlson said once he receives the appeal form, he will make a recommendation
to the City and the Council can make the final decision.
Ald. Stroik asked if the plan was tweaked in any way.
Charlie Carlson stated all of the recommendations were his. He said the Mayor was in substantial agreement with
all the recommendations. Mr. Carlson said he made every recommendation on the placement of the individual position
on the pay grade.
Ald. Stroik noted that the Personnel Specialist position was changed to Human Resource Manager. He understands
that she would need to live in the city.
Mayor Halverson said a manager does not need to live in the city. He said only Directors and Department Heads need
to live in the city.
Ald. Stroik stated if the City is going to elevate the pay scale for this position, then the person should be required
to live in the city.
Charlie Carlson noted Ms. Jakusz was excluded from any conversation regarding the placement of her position.
Ald. Stroik asked why the Finance Director position was previously abolished if the City now wants to bring it
back.
City Attorney Molepske said it was abolished because the position really did not have any authority. He said the
Comptroller still made all the financial decisions. The Attorney stated the Finance Director ended up being a risk
manager so there really was no need for the Director.
Mayor Halverson stated at some time in the future, the City will need to consider a Chief Financial Director.
Ald. Heart asked if there is a timeline for the appeal process.
Mayor Halverson replied the appeals will need to be turned into the Personnel Office no later than two weeks from
today to keep the process moving forward.
Ald. Heart is concerned how the appeals process will work since Mr. Carlson claims he stands by every decision
he has made and the appeals are directed back to him. She also pointed out that Mr. Carlson changed the Personnel
Specialist position to Human Resources Manager because that is what he is most familiar with. The alderperson noted
at the same time, a decision was made on the Transit Manager position based on comparison with four communities
in which three of them do not have a public transportation system. She stated there better be more detailed review
so Mr. Carlson is familiar with the position during the appeal process.
Ald. Stroik struggles with the fact that a budget was just approved that cut services and staff but yet the City
wants to push to have this plan adopted. He suggested under the fiscal restraints, let the appeal process occur
and implement the plan in 2009.
Mayor Halverson disagrees that this is being rushed. He said this is something the non-represented staff have deserved
for years.
C/T Schlice stated a 3% increase is built into the budget for all City employees.
Ald. Stroik replied so only the amount of the step increase will need to cut from each department's budget.
Ald. Molski noted the current pay plan was never administered the way it was intended.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Myers, Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Slowinski, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
The following is the vote on the motion to approve the minutes and actions taken at the Personnel Committee:
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski,
Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
20. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Board of Water and Sewage Commissioners meeting of November 12, 2007.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Moore seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Board of Water and Sewage
Commissioners meeting of November
12, 2007.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
21. Consideration of Corrective
Ordinance - Amend description of Aldermanic District #6.
City Attorney Molepske explained the reason for the corrective ordinance is that some of the wards included in
the description last month were not needed.
Ald. Slowinski moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, to approve the amended description of Aldermanic District #6.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Slowinski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther, Myers.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
22. Consideration of Mayoral
Appointments:
Community Development Authority - Reappoint Barb
Kranig (expires 6-20-11)
City Plan Commission - Appoint Tony Patton (expires 5-01-10)
Cathy Dugan, 615 Sommers Street, asked if the Council received an explanation why Mr. Patton was chosen to be appointed
to the City Plan Commission.
Mayor Halverson replied he is a County Board Supervisor and business owner who understands planning and governmental
process.
Cathy Dugan responded then he has some practical experience.
Mayor Halverson prefers this over someone with an educational background. The Mayor wants someone who has been
in the trenches, understands business development and restraints.
Cathy Dugan relied you would prefer practical experience to an educational background.
Mayor Halverson said he would prefer it.
Ald. Wiza again asked that a brief summary of qualifications be included with the mayoral appointments.
Mayor Halverson asked for all of those in favor of the appointments:
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
23. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the:
Police and Fire Commission meeting of November 13, 2007.
Transportation Commission meeting of October 4, 2007.
Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded,
approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Police and Fire Commission meeting of November 13, 2007 and Transportation
Commission meeting of October 4, 2007.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
24. Consideration of Statutory
monthly financial report of the Comptroller-Treasurer.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Myers seconded, to accept the financial report of the Comptroller-Treasurer and place it
on file.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
25. Adjournment.
Adjournment at 9:25 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.