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Regular City Council Meeting
May 19, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, County-City Building
Mayor Andrew Halverson, presiding
Roll Call: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore
Excused: Ald. Myers and Ald. Slowinski
Also Present: City Attorney Molepske, City Clerk Moe, Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice, Directors Gardner, Schrader, Halverson; Police Chief Morris, Assessor Siebers, Design Engineer Saunders, Personnel Specialist Jakusz, Kelley Pazdernik, Kari Yenter, Gene Kemmeter (Portage County Gazette), Shenandoah Sowash (Stevens Point Journal)
Index to these minutes:
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Mayor Halverson thanked Director Schrader and all of the volunteers who helped with the City's 150th Anniversary celebration. The Mayor stated that Stevens Point was named the sixth best place to live in the United States. He announced that Fire Chief Barnes will be leaving the City shortly as he has accepted a position in Michigan. The Mayor stated items #14 and 15 will be postponed until June.
3. Consideration of the minutes of the Regular Common Council meeting of April 21, 2008 and the Special Common Council meetings of April 30, 2008 and May 12, 2008.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Moore seconded, approval of the regular Common Council minutes of April 21, 2008 and the Special Common Council minutes of April 30, 2008 and May 12, 2008.
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.
James Banovetz Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008, #26 - Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008, #27 - Board of Park Commissioners meeting of 04-30-08
3009 Parkway Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Laurie Schroeder Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
733 Minnesota Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Steve Smith Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
MSTC
933 Michigan Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Rory Suomi Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
2300 Fourth Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Cheryl Langreck Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
900 Minnesota Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Charles Stanley Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
900 Minnesota Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Tim Schierl Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008, Item #26 - Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008, Item #27 - Board of Park Commissioners meeting of 04-30-08
709 Ridge Road
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Jeff Bahling Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008, Item #26 - Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008, Item #27 - Board of Park Commissioners meeting of 04-30-08
3225 Yosemite
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Bill Nuck Item #26 - Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008, Item #27 - Board of Park Commissioners meeting of 04-30-08
1948 Plover Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Steve Chizzo Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
2525 Prais Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Joanne Suomi Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
2300 Fourth Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Jean Schwerbel Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
1209 Lindbergh Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
John Miech Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008, Item #26 - Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008, Item #27 - Board of Park Commissioners meeting of 04-30-08
217 Greenbriar Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Frank O'Brien Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
2209 Falcons Cove
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Greg Diemer Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
UWSP
Stephanie Hauser Item #7 - Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008
5735 Sandpiper Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Travis Nix Item #16 - Public Protection Committee meeting of May 12, 2008
1650 Okray Avenue
Plover, WI 54467
Jeremy Beaudry Item #19 - Board of Public Works meeting of May 12, 2008
2700 Fifth Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
5. Presentation by the 2008 Poppy Princesses.
Stephanie Homann recited "In Flanders Field" poem. She noted the poppy is the symbol of respect for all the blood shed for our country.
6. Persons who wish to address the Mayor and Council for up to three (3) minutes on a non-agenda item.
None.
7. Consideration of minutes and actions taken at the Plan Commission meetings of May 5, 2008.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Plan Commission meeting of May 5, 2008, with Goerke Stadium renovation pulled for further discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
James Banovetz, 3009 Parkway Drive, is an Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialist. He supports the renovation at Goerke Stadium. Dr. Banovetz said there is no question that field turf is a much safer surface. He said this type of turf field reduces brain and spinal cord injuries by 2/3 and broken ankle type injuries by 1/3.
Laurie Schroeder, 733 Minnesota Avenue, agrees with the need for new locker rooms, updating the turf and enlarging the concession stand. As a neighbor, Ms. Schroeder is concerned with the loss of green space just to put in a parking lot.
Steve Smith, MSTC Representative, requested postponement on the approval of the details of the parking lot until representatives from Mid-State and the City can work toward some solutions regarding the development of the parking lot.
Rory Suomi, 2300 Fourth Avenue, does not have an issue with the renovations but is concerned with the loss of green space for a parking lot.
Cheryl Langreck, 900 Minnesota Avenue, voiced her concerns on the loss of green space to add a parking lot. Ms. Langreck said she frequently uses this area for children activities.
Charles Stanley, 900 Minnesota Avenue, is disappointed with the short notice regarding this issue. Mr. Stanley said it is a shame to pave this green area.
Tim Schierl, 709 Ridge Road, said this is a great opportunity for the City of Stevens Point, community and local economy. Mr. Schierl encouraged the Council to support the renovation project.
Jeff Bahling, 3225 Yosemite, is available for any questions regarding the design of the project.
Bill Nuck, 1948 Plover Street, supports the Goerke Stadium renovation project.
Steve Chizzo, 2525 Prais Street, feels the overall project is commendable, but the loss of green space is a big issue and requires further study. He would like to know how the financing will be handled so all the funds are not available immediately.
Joanne Suomi, 2300 Fourth Avenue, is concerned with removing the green space for a parking lot. She wants to know if the use of the facility will continue to be free of cost.
Jean Schwerbel, 1209 Lindbergh Avenue, said this plan is a total financial disaster.
John Miech, 217 Greenbriar Avenue, supports the plan and is available for any questions.
Frank O'Brien, 2209 Falcons Cove, is here as a resource.
Greg Diemer, UWSP Representative, said the University supports the concept of the plan and benefits to the community.
Stephanie Hauser, 5735 Sandpiper Drive, supports the renovation project at Goerke.
Mayor Halverson read a letter from Tom Barrett, Executive Director of Convention and Visitors Bureau, in support of the proposed improvements to Goerke Field. The letter was placed on file.
Ald. Walther asked if the maintenance costs at Goerke Field and Goerke Park will reduce or increase after the renovations.
Director Schrader stated about $10,000 to $12,000 would be saved per year in maintenance costs. He said the new costs would be approximately $2,000 for leveling the surface, softener and water.
Ald. Walther said the majority of his constituents are in support of this plan without a parking lot. The alderman would like to set up a neighborhood group to work on a plan for parking.
Ald. Walther moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, to approve the Goerke Park renovation plan excluding the parking lot.
Ald. Wiza said the parking lot is the biggest concern. The alderman stated the bulk of this project will be paid for through sponsorship. He opposes turning the green space into a parking lot.
Ald. Trzebiatowski questions the need for a parking lot. The alderman said this green space has been a play area for many years.
Ald. Stroik understands the concerns with the loss of green space but the City has an opportunity to renovate with 90% of the funds coming from private sources. The alderman noted that in the future if it is determined that parking is needed, the City will bear the entire cost.
Ald. Moore said the Plan Commission determined that additional parking is needed with this project.
Ald. Brooks thanked Mr. Schierl for all the work he has done in putting this plan together. The alderman feels there is a need for the parking lot.
Ald. Heart asked what will be open to the public at Goerke Park.
Director Schrader said the current policy is that the track and stadium are always open to the public and the field surface is only open to varsity sports. He stated the entire area could be open to the public with the new surface.
Ald. Heart asked if it will also be a soccer field.
Director Schrader said that is correct.
Ald. Walther stressed the parking issue needs to be addressed.
Mayor Halverson stated this will be a Class A stadium. The Mayor said this is an opportunity that has all the merits that make it part of a solution to what is a greater problem. He noted the parking lot would produce approximately 120 spaces. The Mayor would not eliminate green space if he knew there was another logical choice.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to amend the motion to approve the Goerke Park proposal with the parking included in the concept and the design postponed until next month for authorization.
Ald. Brooks asked if the amendment guaranteed the placement of the parking lot in this area.
Ald. Stroik said it is fine if a new area, concept or design could be put together that is more acceptable.
Ald. Wiza noted parking on the street is legal. The alderman stressed that the green space is used a lot.
Ald. Heart said we are putting convenience over community. The alderperson encouraged the Council members to vote against the amended motion.
Ald. Stroik said there is time to work on the details of the parking lot. He said it would not be a good idea to remove the parking from the plan.
Ald. Walther said there is available parking to the south of Goerke Park.
The following is on the amendment to the motion:
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Stroik, Molski.
Nays: Ald. Brooks, Trzebiatowski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther.
Ayes - 3. Nays - 6. Motion failed.
Ald. Stroik asked if funding sources would be available to look at the parking structure in the future as the need arises.
Tim Schierl said he cannot answer that question.
The following is the vote on the original motion:
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks.
Nays: Ald. Moore.
Ayes - 8. Nays - 1. Motion carried.
8. Public Hearing -Conditional Use - Request of Chad Fisher, 444 West River Dr., to Operate an Electronic Amusement Business at 1036 Main Street.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
Chad Fisher, 444 West River Drive, was available for any questions.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
9. Resolution on the above.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, approval of the conditional use for Chad Fisher to operate an Electronic Amusement Business at 1036 Main Street.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
10. Public Hearing - Conditional Use - Request of the Salvation Army, 1600 Briggs St., to expand their building at 1600 Briggs St.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
11. Resolution on the above.
Ald. Brooks moved, Ald. Moore seconded, approval of the resolution for the conditional use request of the Salvation Army.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
12. Public Hearing - Conditional Use - Requests to Operate a Tavern at the Following:
A) Rhody's - 2301 Church St.
B) Holiday Inn - 1001 Amber Ave.
C) Pete's Sports Bar - 200 Division St.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
As no one wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
13. Resolutions on the above.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, approval of the resolutions for conditional use requests to operate
a tavern at Rhody's, Holiday Inn and Pete's Sports Bar.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks.
Nays: None.
Ald. Moore abstained. Motion carried.
14. Public Hearing - Conditional
Use -Request of Jason Glisczynski, 1920 Adams St., Plover, to Operate a Tavern at 2124 Rice Street.
This agenda item was postponed until June.
15. Resolution on the above.
This agenda item was postponed until June.
16. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Public Protection Committee meeting of May 12, 2008.
Travis Nix, 1650 Okray Avenue, said he was denied his operator license due to an OWI offense. He said his OWI was
over a year ago but the court process took eight months. Mr. Nix said he needs the license in order to keep his
job.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Trzebiatowski seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Public Protection
Committee meeting of May
12, 2008, with item #1E pulled for further
discussion.
Ald. Wiza asked if Mr. Nix pled guilty or not guilty.
Travis Nix said he pled not guilty. He said after plea bargaining, it was changed to no contest.
Ald. Wiza said the reason the court process took so long was because Mr. Nix pled not guilty.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
Ald. Stroik said the Council received a memo from Captain Dowling and asked the Police Chief to review it.
Chief Morris said the memo includes the establishments that had violations in the past 12 months. The Chief asked
the Council to consider issuing a six month license to Guu's and send the remaining establishments a notification
letter to take this very seriously.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Brooks seconded, approval of the license list in item #1E with the exception that the City
grant a six month license to Clark Place and Guu's as recommended by the Police Chief, move the CenterPoint MarketPlace
liquor license to the June agenda for a hearing on non-renewal and also send a recommendation to those establishments
to put them on notice that the City will be watching them in 2008.
Ald. Brooks asked what actions have to occur for an establishment to lose their liquor license.
City Attorney Molepske said it would be brought to the attention of the Public Protection Committee. He said they
would review the violations and if it warrants a non-renewal of their liquor license.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
17. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Personnel Committee meeting of May 12, 2008.
Ald. Hanson moved, Ald. Molski seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Personnel Committee meeting
of May
12, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
18. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Special Personnel Committee meeting of May 19, 2008.
Ald. Hanson moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Special Personnel Committee
meeting of May
19, 2008.
Clerk Moe read the minutes of the Special Personnel Committee meeting of May 19, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
19. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Board of Public Works meeting of May 12, 2008.
Jeremy Beaudry, 2700 Fifth Avenue, is in favor of revamping the airport leases. He does have a concern that the
new lease agreement will allow the lessee to remove their structure at the end of their term.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Board of Public Works meeting
of May
12, 2008, with item #10 pulled for further
discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Ald. Wiza said there will not be a clause in the lease agreement to allow the lessee to remove the property before
the lease is up. He does feel it would be appropriate to increase the lease fees.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Moore seconded, to affirm the action taken at the Board of Public Works meeting to postpone
the airport leases until next month.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
20. Ordinance Amendment
- Finance - Section 4.16 - Repealing gross receipt payments on municipal airport land.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Moore seconded, approval of the ordinance amendment to Section 4.16 - Repealing gross receipt
payments on municipal airport land.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
21. Preliminary Resolution
- Replacement of Clay Sanitary Sewer Laterals and/or Galvanized Water Services - Project # 03-08 - for all properties
fronting upon both sides of Fourth Avenue from Second Street to 180 feet west of Lee Street.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Walther seconded, to introduce the Preliminary Resolution - Replacement of Clay Sanitary
Sewer Laterals and/or Galvanized Water Services - Project # 03-08 - for all properties fronting upon both sides
of Fourth Avenue from Second Street to 180 feet west of Lee Street.
Ald. Brooks asked what type of material is used for the replacements.
Director Halverson replied the clay laterals are replaced with plastic.
22. Public Hearing - Replacement
of Clay Sanitary Sewer Laterals and/or Galvanized Water Services - Project # 02-08 - for all properties fronting
upon both sides of Shaurette Street from Church Street to Plover Street; and all properties upon both sides of
Plover Street from Division Street to Ellis Street.
The public hearing was declared open by the Mayor.
Eric Bluemner, 1757 Plover Street, asked if there is a way to defer the costs of this project for a longer period
of time.
Mayor Halverson said the assessments can be paid right away or defer for five or ten years with interest.
Mel Holyoak, 1749 Plover Street, asked what the cost will be for his property.
Design Engineer Saunders stated the assessment for that property is $837.33.
As no one further wished to speak, the Mayor declared the public hearing closed.
23. Final Resolution on
the Above.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Heart seconded, to accept the resolution.
Ald. Stroik would like the property owners notified even if they are not getting an assessment.
Director Halverson said the costs vary for this project. She said the assessments are based on the actual costs.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
24. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Special Finance Committee meeting of April 21, 2008.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Special Finance Committee
meeting of April
21, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
25. Consideration of minutes
of the Special Joint Finance Committee/Community Development meeting of April 21, 2008.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Walther seconded, to approve the minutes and affirm the actions of the Special Joint Finance
Committee/Community Development meeting of April
21, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
26. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Finance Committee meeting of May 12, 2008.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Hanson seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Finance Committee meeting
of May
12, 2008, with item #5 pulled for further
discussion.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Moore, Brooks, Stroik, Molski, Trzebiatowski, Heart, Wiza, Hanson, Walther.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Ald. Heart asked how much the project in 1981 was short and what the City was responsible for.
City Attorney Molepske said some of the pledges were not collected. He noted that some of the pledges were verbal
and some written and no one was really in charge of collecting those commitments.
Ald. Heart asked if the City is confident that we have signed pledges of $670,000.
Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice said as of Friday, we have $670,000.
Ald. Heart is concerned that some of the projected money would not come through and the City will be responsible
for it.
Mayor Halverson said the City will not authorize the release of any funds until we know we have signed pledges
that are guaranteed for the amount equal to the amount of money that is released.
Comptroller/Treasurer Schlice reiterated that nothing will be released until we know that the funds are there,
the bids are approved, and there is authorization for that portion of the project. The Comptroller/Treasurer noted
that the shortfall of funds from the previous project was covered by room tax.
Ald. Wiza asked Mr. Schierl for his comments on the funds.
Tim Schierl said in this case, the citizens will be getting something from the City in return for their pledges.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Wiza seconded, to approve item #5 and authorize the funding of Phase I of the project with
the initial funding to be advanced from City funds with reimbursement from future borrowing for this project. The
initial amount that will need to be funded is estimated at $1,063,309 for turf and a contingency of $104,911.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
27. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Board of Parks Commissioners meeting of April 30, 2008.
Tim Schierl is available for any questions.
Ald. Wiza moved, Ald. Walther seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Board of Parks Commissioners
meeting of April
30, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
28. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Board of Water & Sewage Commissioners meeting of May 12, 2008.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Brooks seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Board of Water and Sewage
Commissioners meeting of May
12, 2008.
Ald. Heart asked if the report on nitrates is available.
Director Halverson said the well is not back in yet.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
29. Ordinance Amendments
- Amending Schedule of Sewage Service Rates.
A) Amendment to Subsection (2)(a) of Section 13.17 of the Revised Municipal Code.
B) Amendment to Subsections (2)(f) and (3) of Section 13.17 of the Revised Municipal Code.
C) Amendment to Subsection (2)(d) of Section 13.22 of the Revised Municipal Code.
Ald. Moore moved, Ald. Stroik seconded, to approve
the amendments to the schedule of sewage service rates.
Ald. Moore said the increases are necessary for the Water and Sewage Department to remain fiscally responsible.
Ald. Wiza would like to be assured that the rate increases are no way reflected to the fact that three Streets
Department workers were assigned to the Water Department.
John Andres of Virchow Krause said the increase that is being recommended is just over $900,000. Mr. Andres noted
it would not be necessary to increase the rates if the replacement of sewer mains were not needed.
Roll Call: Ayes: Ald. Walther, Hanson, Wiza, Heart, Trzebiatowski, Molski, Stroik, Brooks, Moore.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
30. Consideration of minutes
and actions taken at the Police and Fire Commission meeting of May 13, 2008.
Ald. Stroik moved, Ald. Molski seconded, approval of the minutes and actions taken at the Police and Fire Commission
meeting of May
13, 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
31. Consideration of the
statutory monthly financial reports of the Comptroller-Treasurer for February and March 2008.
Ald. Molski moved, Ald. Brooks seconded, to accept the statutory monthly financial reports of the Comptroller-Treasurer
for February and March 2008.
Roll Call: Ayes all.
Nays none. Motion carried.
32. Adjournment.
Adjournment at 9:06 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.