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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesPROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL CITY OF OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN C) fH[<n 7H REGULAR MEETING held Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Esslinger presided. PRESENT: Council Members Burk Tower, Dennis McHugh, Harold Buchholz, Tony Palmeri, Jessica King, Bob Poeschl and Mayor Esslinger ALSO PRESENT: Mark Rohloff, City Manager; Pamela Ubrig, City Clerk; Lynn Lorenson, City Attorney; and Dave Patek, Director of Public Works Council Member Tower read the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Andy Becker and Beth McDonald from Lourdes High School. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ordinance 09 -439 Approve Zone Change from C -2 General Commercial to C -1 Neighborhood Business 1726 and 1738 North Main Street (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Resolution 09 -440 Approve Submittal of 2010 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan (Plan Commission Recommends Approval) There were no appearances and the Public Hearing was CLOSED. MOTION: ADOPT (Poeschl; second, Buchholz) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the Committee would allocate the funds without approval from Council. Darryn Burich, Director of Planning, stated that the combined consortium would allocate the placement of funds. 1 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Deputy Mayor Palmeri urged Council to change the process and have Council approve where the funds were allocated. He questioned why non profit groups allocated funds and were granted funds. Mr. Burich explained that funding sources were not City funds, that they were contributed by Winnebago County, the Oshkosh Community Foundation and the United Way. He stated that the process of allocating would begin in December. Mr. Rohloff explained that it would be a long process for Council to determine the recipients due to limited funds. Council Member Tower stated that he was opposed to the prior way of allocating funds as it was political and time consuming. He explained that there was a selected group of citizens that reviewed applications and each application required approximately thirty to forty minutes for review; then each one was ranked according to a point system and then the consortium group would meet approximately three hours to allocate funds. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the applicants were allowed to speak at the meeting in December. David Buck, Principal Planner /CDBG Coordinator, stated that there was no opportunity for applicants to speak. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that he had concerns with the meeting being closed. Mr. Rohloff stated that the meeting qualified as an open meeting. Ms. Lorenson explained that the open meeting policy would not allow applicants to speak. Mayor Esslinger stated that he was concerned that there was no opportunity for the applicants to speak and that elected officials should be allocating the funds. He urged Council to move forward and change the process in the future. He suggested that the consortium allocate funds and then bring them to Council for final approval. Ms. Lorenson stated that a resolution needed to be brought forward to the process change. Mr. Rohloff explained that changing the method to allocate funds would be conducted at a later meeting as the resolution was to allow $98,000 for allocation. Mr. Burich explained that if Council had final approval there could be potential risk of loss of contributions. Council Member Tower urged changes to begin next year as the process for this year had begun in September. Council Member King explained that the change could cause additional burden to the non- profits groups. She stated that she would support having an open meeting. 2 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned the process regarding how applicants were ranked. Council Member King urged Council Members to attend the meeting in December and investigate the current procedure prior to changing the process. She stated that she believed delegating the allocation of funds to the consortium was the correct thing to do. Council Member Tower suggested having Council Members serve as City representatives on the committee. Mayor Esslinger explained that he was not questioning the ability of the consortium members with their decisions; however he believed that elected officials should have final approval as to where funds were allocated. CONSENT AGENDA Approval of Minutes from November 11, 2009 Council Meeting. Approval of Bills presented by the Finance Director. Receipt and Filing of Museum Board Minutes from October 1, 2009. Receipt of Claim filed with the City's Insurance Company Church Mutual Insurance Company (Zion Lutheran Church) for property damages alleged from water and debris back -up. Resolution 09 -441 Approval of 2010 Business Improvement District Operating Plan and Budget Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned what building had a decrease in the assessment. Mr. Rohloff stated that the decrease was regarding the Chase Bank property. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned the revenue compared to expense. Council Member Tower stated that $63,000 was in the reserve fund. Resolution 09 -442 Approval of Initial Resolution for Special Assessments for Sanitary Sewer Laterals for Murdock Avenue Resolution 09 -443 Approval of Change Order Number 2 for Public Works Contract Number 09 -01 with Feaker and Sons Co. Inc. for Installation of Sanitary Sewer on Pearl Avenue +$48,927.84) Resolution 09 -444 Approval of Change Order Number 1 for Public Works Contract Number 09 -13 with Buteyn- Peterson Construction Co. for Tipler Storm Water Improvements +$16,005.30) 3 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Resolution 09 -445 Authorize Submission of an Application to Wisconsin Small Cities Community Block Grant Emergency Assistance Program for South Park Pond Expansion and James Road Detention Basin Resolution 09 -446 Disallow Claim by American Family on behalf of Brian and Anne Kienert (for property damages alleged from a sewer back -up) Resolution 09 -447 Disallow Claim by Victoria Towns (for injuries alleged from tripping on the sidewalk) Resolution 09 -448 Approve Appointments to the Housing Authority Resolution 09 -449 Approve Special Class "B" License, Combination "Class A" License, Premise Transfer Combination "Class B" License, Operator Licenses and Secondhand Article Dealer License MOTION: ADOPT CONSENT AGENDA (McHugh; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger ACTION TAKEN ON ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS Ordinance 09 -450 Amend Ordinance for Snow Emergencies; Create Limited Snow Emergency; Define University Parking Area; Amend Parking Regulations during Snow Removal Operations FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Ordinance 09 -451 Change Council Meeting Time in December 2009 FIRST READING; LAID OVER UNDER THE RULES Resolution 09 -452 Set Referendum to Allow Dogs in City Parks MOTION: ADOPT (Buchholz; second, Poeschl) LOST: Ayes (3) Palmeri, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (4) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, King Jane Ryan, 1318 Faust Avenue, questioned why allowing dogs in the parks would be a referendum question and urged Council to vote on the issue instead. She suggested increasing pet licenses to cover cost for installation of waste stations throughout the parks. Sue Jones, 1339 Winnebago Avenue, urged Council to support allowing dogs in parks and that it should be a Council decision not a referendum question. She stated that allowing dogs parks would help control the geese problems. M PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue stated that the Council should vote and that if it did not work out it could be changed. Mayor Esslinger explained that it was an advisory referendum question and that Council would need to have final approval of the issue. Deputy Mayor Palmeri explained that the referendum would provide information for Council to analyze their decision on. He stated that the majority vote would provide direction for Council. Council Member King stated that her concerns for the referendum question were it did not include alternatives such as; if the animals needed to be leashed and what parks would be included. She stated that there needed to be more information included in the question and urged to have a survey completed. She explained that she supported the petition process. Council Member Tower stated that he would not support the resolution due to the issue should be significant; ballots should not be used as a survey; it was limiting in nature and he felt the new Parks Director should have input regarding the issue. Council Member McHugh stated that he would not support the resolution as it was not a significant issue for a referendum question. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that the issue was significant due to the emails received where citizens were emotionally involved. He explained the petition process was not adequate since it could be signed by any citizen within the City. Mayor Esslinger questioned clarification regarding domesticated animals. Ms. Lorenson stated that it was not defined in chapter six of the municipal code book. Council Member McHugh stated that he would not support the resolution because there needed to be further explanation regarding consequences for not following the rules and restrictions pertaining to pool and basketball or baseball areas. He stated that he had concerns with passing an ordinance that would not be enforced. Mayor Esslinger stated that he would support the resolution. Council Member Buchholz questioned the cost increase of a referendum question on the ballot. Ms. Ubrig explained the approximate cost would be $2,000 to $3,000 and the ballot cost would be divided among the County, City and School District depending on what each entity had on the ballot. Council Member Buchholz stated that he would not support the resolution. 5 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Council Member Poeschl stated that he would support the resolution as it was the citizens right to vote. Resolution 09 -453 Adopt 2010 City Budget MOTION: ADOPT (Buchholz; second, McHugh) MOTION: AMEND TO RESTORE THE FULL $65,000 TO THE LIBRARY BUDGET FOR MATERIALS (Palmeri; second, Poeschl) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger; Noes (1) McHugh MOTION: AMEND TO ADD AN OBJECTIVE STATEMENT TO PUBLIC WORKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED IN 2010 TO IDENTIFY STRATEGIC LOCATIONS FOR UNDERGROUND POWER LINE RELOCATION REGARDING STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE 2011 -2014 CIP (King; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger MOTION: AMEND TO ADD AN OBJECTIVE TO THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT TO CREATE A SUSTAINABILITY PLAN IN 2010 (Poeschl; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that the library has had its share of hits over the past years in the budget process. He explained that the library was one of the best in the state and urged Council to support the entire cost for materials. Council Member McHugh questioned the increase amount for the two cents on a $100,000 home. Mr. Rohloff stated that it would be one dollar per one hundred thousand. Council Member Buchholz stated that he would support the amendment; however, he was concerned with other department budgets as well. Council Member McHugh stated that other departments took cuts and for that reason he would not support the amendment. Council Member King stated that she was satisfied with the Parks Department memo regarding how they would meet the needs of the parks within the next year. Il PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Council Member Buchholz questioned why Council Member King suggested the 2011 -2014 CIP budgets in the amendment. Council Member King explained that due to the extensive research and early notification would require a year to plan the impact cost of projects. Council Member McHugh questioned if underground wiring was part of each new project conducted in the City. Mr. Patek stated that in new residential subdivision it was included. Council Member McHugh stated that it cost $217,000 to install the wiring underground at the previous Miles Kimball site for the townhouses. Mr. Patek explained that that project was a TIF project and was included as a goal for that project. He explained that the projects being addressed were for the remaining streets to be reconstructed. Council Member McHugh questioned if a street was to be repaved would that require homeowners to pay the cost of underground wiring. Council Member King explained that she was not suggesting that it take place in every reconstruction project; however to indentify proper locations for underground wiring. She stated that this had been an issue of concern within the community. Mayor Esslinger stated that he would support the amendment as it would provide an analysis for sustainability. Council Member McHugh questioned if there was a $15,000 cost for creating the sustainability plan. Council Member Poeschl stated that he removed the dollar amount from the sustainability amendment. He questioned the time frame for the construction of a Central Garage. Mr. Patek explained that they had been gathering additional environmental information on the City's property and now they would begin the request for statements of qualifications from architect so they could review options to build on an existing site or move to an alternate site. Council Member Poeschl questioned the objectives. Mr. Rohloff stated that it would be viewed as part of the CIP. Mr. Patek stated that on page 163 the Central Garage was listed with an explanation regarding the steps for the process to build a new Central Garage under the objectives to be accomplished next year. 7 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Council Member Poeschl urged the building to be constructed as an energy star facility Mr. Rohloff explained the first step was to determine the size and location and the next step would be determined if it would be an energy star facility. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if 09 -453 included the operations budget and the CIP. Mr. Rohloff stated that it included the entire operating budget, not the CIP. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that he would support the resolution. He acknowledged staff for their work regarding the budget. He stated that he had concerns that the budget was not performance based. He stated that currently it was an incremental based budget and it was assumed that departments would stay at the same level with slight increases or decreases. He stated that performance base models were difficult as it added pressure on the Council and staff to provide clear priorities for what was desired. He stated that he had hoped the strategic planning process would move the City closer to the performance based budget. He stated that the performance based budget was more productive. Mr. Rohloff stated that he agreed with Deputy Mayor Palmeri except that a performance based budget was not as difficult as perceived. He stated that he would continuously work at improving the budget document to enable the Council and the public to better understand the City's budget. Deputy Mayor Palmeri thanked the Finance Director for providing the cost of consulting costs. He explained that the cost for consulting was over $220,000 with most of the cost relating to labor relations and attorney services. He stated that that area needed to be reviewed more closely. Council Member Tower stated that he was concerned with how to bring the four elements of the vision study, branding study, strategic plan and the budget together. Resolution 09 -454 Approve 2009 Tax Levy MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, McHugh) MOTION: AMEND CITY OPERATIONS FROM $28,756,100 TO $28,768,800 (McHugh; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger Peggy Steeno, Director of Finance, explained the change of $28,756,100 to $28,786,800; the increase of $30,700 to accommodate the library materials. PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Resolution 09 -455 Approve 2009 Tax Rates and Levy MOTION: ADOPT WITH AMENDMENTS (PROCEDURAL) BY FINANCE DIRECTOR (see resolution for actual numbers) (Palmeri; second, Poeschl) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger Ms. Steeno provided the tax levy update to Council. Council Member Tower questioned the State credit. Ms. Steeno stated that last year's amount was 129.50 cents and the new rate was 1.264. Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, stated that since the bus fair had increased ridership had declined which indicated a problem regarding sustainability goals. He explained that it conflicted with three sustainability dimensions; environment, economic and social. He questioned a wheel tax, which would require voter approval through a referendum. He stated that it would be a means of offsetting the bus fair and increase ridership. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned the increase of tax dollars per a $100,000 home. Ms. Steeno stated that the tax bill for a $100,000 home with the lottery credit and the first dollar credit was projected to be $2,165.09. She stated that the bill last year was $2,142.50 therefore the increase was $22.59. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the increase included all entities. Ms. Steeno stated that it did. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned what the City's portion of that was. Ms. Steeno stated that the City's portion was $17.30 and she explained that the lottery credit and first dollar credit would be deducted from that. She stated that the lottery credit was $64.06 and the first dollar credit was $56.15 which would come off the bottom of each bill. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if there would be a reduction in services for 2010. Mr. Rohloff explained that there were four positions eliminated; the parking meter technician; two positions due to the automated recycling and a vacant position in the Finance Department. E PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Resolution 09 -456 Approve 2010 Capital Improvement Plan (Plan Commission Approved with a Condition) MOTION: ADOPT (Poeschl; second, Buchholz) MOTION: AMEND TO INCLUDE SIDEWALKS ON VENTURE DRIVE (Esslinger; second, Palmeri) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger MOTION: AMEND TO MOVE STREET IMPROVEMENTS FOR FRANKFORT STREET AND HARNEY AVENUE TO 2011 (Poeschl; second, King) LOST: Ayes (2) King, Poeschl; Noes (5) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, Mayor Esslinger VOTE ON RESOLUTION AS AMENDED CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, stated that he was concerned with the inconsistencies of the Community Vision and Comprehensive Plans Directives to bury the utilities. He stated that having utilities above ground conflicted with terrace trees. Wilber Scoville, 324 Shorelane Street, stated that fixing plugged sewers was a higher priority than landscaping. Brittany Crane, 78 Frankfort Street, stated that she had concerns with the increase in taxes regarding the potential improvements and the burden the increase would have on homeowners in that neighborhood. Mayor Esslinger explained that the cost could be made in payments. Mr. Rohloff explained that there would be public meetings held and information provided to homeowners regarding the cost. Peter Jungbacker, 1215 Bay Shore Drive, explained that cost had not been addressed for underground utilities. He stated that in the Vision Plan it was determined that underground utilities were important. He requested Frankfort Street and Harney Street be withdrawn from the 2010 CIP. He explained that underground utilities would allow for more green space which would allow for a larger terrace space. Council Member Poeschl questioned if Mr. Jungbacker wanted those streets pulled from 2010 and added to 2011 CIP. Mr. Jungbacker stated that was what he had suggested. 10 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Deputy Mayor Palmeri explained that the Comprehensive Plan stated that the City would try to coordinate with utility providers and property owners to place overhead lines underground during street reconstruction projects. He stated that delaying the projects would not decrease the cost. He questioned the justification of removing two streets and not all the streets that were included in the 2010 CIP. Mr. Rohloff explained that underground utilities required numerous hours of planning. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned the cost increase of the assessment to property owners regarding underground utilities. Mr. Patek explained that assessments were based on the property's front foot. Mr. Rohloff stated that it would be a significant increase. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the value of the property would increase with underground utilities. Mr. Rohloff explained that it would make the properties more marketable. Council Member McHugh suggested the street construction to be included in the 2010 CIP and underground utilities to be included in the 2011 or 2012 CIP. Mr. Rohloff explained that to add underground utilities after street improvements were made would be tearing up the new street improvements. Council Member McHugh stated that construction for underground utilities could be completed without disturbing sidewalks and streets. He stated that he supported underground utilities. Mr. Rohloff stated that there needed to be more discussion regarding the entire project of underground utilities. Council Member McHugh stated that the neighborhood needed the work and questioned what the consequences would be for not completing the work in 2010. Mr. Rohloff stated that the consequence to Harney Avenue and Frankfort Street would be minimal due to their size. Council Member McHugh questioned if the Public Works Director agreed with that. Mr. Patek stated that the Visioning Plan included underground utilities on 9 Avenue, not all streets. He stated that the cost would be significantly different pertaining to all streets verses the gateways to the City. Council Member Tower stated that he would support pulling the two streets due to the economy and that it would conflict with the City's determination to fix the streets. 11 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Council Member Poeschl questioned the age of the street for Harney Avenue and Frankfort Street. Mr. Patek stated that the utilities were almost 100 years old. He stated that sanitary sewer on Harney Avenue was built in 1887 and 1892; on Frankfort Street the sanitary sewer was built in 1900 and 1937 and storm sewer built in 1900. Council Member Poeschl stated that this was one of the oldest neighborhoods in the City. He stated that neighborhoods needed to be safe and clean and this was a step in that direction. Mr. Patek explained that streets in that neighborhood had been reconstructed and questioned the improvement on Franklin and Frederick Street that had been recently completed. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that there was no doubt that there was an improvement. He explained that the condition of homes needed to be improved. Mr. Patek stated that the appearance had increased significantly. Council Member King stated that for sixteen months the neighborhood had been discussing being a pilot regarding terrace trees and terrace planning by community donors and partners. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if power lines being underground should be included in the petitions for residential neighborhoods. Mr. Rohloff stated that would be acceptable. Mr. Patek stated that the petition form completed by residents requested various improvements. He explained that Public Works emphasis was to fix the utilities at the time the streets were repaired. Deputy Mayor Palmeri stated that he would support the removal of the two streets from the CIP. He questioned if there was a law regarding progressive taxation do to income disparity. Mr. Rohloff stated that the taxation portion could not be changed; it could be reviewed as a special assessment policy. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if it was within the Council's power to allow those with limited income to cover the cost of the street repair and not the cost of underground utilities. Mr. Rohloff stated that would be within the Council's power for special assessments. Deputy Mayor Palmeri urged the Council and staff to review that possibility. 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Mr. Patek explained that in other communities block grant funds were utilized to offset the cost in lower income neighborhoods. Deputy Mayor Palmeri urged the option to use community block grant funds to remove blight areas be reviewed. Mr. Rohloff explained that CDBG funds were limited. Council Member McHugh stated that the neighborhood was in need of street repairs and then proceed in the future with underground utilities. Council Member Buchholz stated that there were not enough residents from the neighborhood to receive a fair senses regarding if they should continue with the streets or remove them. Council Member Poeschl questioned if this was in the CIP because of the Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating PASER) and if it was a petition. Mr. Patek stated it was due to the PASER rating and the age of the utilities and it was not petitioned. He stated that Shorelane Street had been petitioned in June of 2009, the other two streets were recommended by Public Works. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if letters were mailed to the residents on Frankfort Street and Harney Avenue. Mr. Patek explained that the first notification sent out was regarding a neighborhood meeting for the Capital Improvement Program. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if there would be another public hearing. Mr. Patek stated that the next public hearing would be regarding the assessments. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if the nature of the work would change through the process. Mr. Patek stated that the Council had a common practice to install concrete pavement. Deputy Mayor Palmeri agreed that the Council did not know what the majority of the residents in that neighborhood wanted. He questioned if residents had the right to encourage underground utilities to be included in the project. Mr. Patek stated that he needed to discuss that option with Wisconsin Public Service, the cable and the telephone companies regarding the design, and then create a proposal to offer to the residents in the neighborhood. Mr. Rohloff explained that there was nothing to preclude additional informational meetings with the residents and the CIP could be amended at any time. 13 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Mr. Patek explained that the City would be proactive by gathering the information and presenting it to the residents to see if they would be interested, then come back to Council with a senses of majority and Council would then determine how Public Works should proceed. Mayor Esslinger stated that options needed to be analyzed further. He explained that residents in the neighborhood could not afford the cost. Council Member Tower suggested approving the CIP as is, meet with the residents to gather their consensus and then request further action from Council. Resolution 09 -457 Authorize City Manager and Director of Finance /City Treasurer to Express Official Intent Regarding Capital Expenditures to be Reimbursed from the Proceeds of Obligation MOTION: ADOPT (Palmeri; second, Buchholz) CARRIED: Ayes (7) Tower, McHugh, Buchholz, Palmeri, King, Poeschl, Mayor Esslinger CITIZEN STATEMENTS Steve Barney, 1335 Summit Avenue, stated that City measured greenhouse gas emissions, starting with the municipal facilities and the rest was being worked on. He encouraged the Council to add GHG goals as a performance goal in the strategic plan. He stated that the City had opportunity to apply for grants. He complimented Council Member Poeschl regarding the central garage and urged the City to follow through with constructing the new facility as an Energy Star facility. COUNCIL MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS, STATEMENTS AND DISCUSSION Council Member King explained that due to a petition received requesting leashed dogs be allowed in South Park, she suggested South Park as the designated test. She urged Council to investigate each park individually. She encouraged others with issues to petition and come before Council. Deputy Mayor Palmeri questioned if Dr. Nollenberger could have the issue included as an item in his next City survey. Mr. Rohloff stated that he would bring that topic to his attention at their next meeting. He explained that per Council's request a meeting with East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission would be conducted early next year. Mayor Esslinger stated that the fee issue needed to be addressed and questioned if staff needed time to gather information regarding their fees. Mr. Rohloff stated that he would discuss the issue with staff and then get back to Council. He stated that workshops would take place after the 1 St of the year. 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Mayor Esslinger thanked Oshkosh Corporation for their recent presentation and administration that attended. He also thanked Nash Gill the owner of City Center Hotel for the Taste of India event. CITY MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS, STATEMENTS AND DISCUSSION Mr. Rohloff stated that the City was proceeding with the purchase of hybrid buses. He stated that ACOM would be working with the City to design storm water detention basin at North High School. He stated that the trails would be maintained in the design and he would provide information as the process proceeds. Council Member Poeschl questioned the difference between an arborist and a forester Bill Sturm, City Forester, stated that they were basically the same; arborist was usually associated with urban forestry and forester was a larger planner of activities related to forestry management. Council Member Poeschl questioned if they both had the same knowledge. Mr. Sturm stated that technically they would have the same knowledge; however a forester may have more expertise in areas involving larger tracks of forested land and arborist was more of a technician. Council Member Poeschl questioned why the City would subcontract when the City had a forester on staff that knew the forest better than the subcontractor would. Mr. Rohloff explained that currently Mr. Sturm was filling the vacancy of two other positions as well as his own. Council Member Poeschl stated that he had concerns as to how funds were being spent regarding hiring out contractors when staff could provide the service needed. Council Member McHugh questioned if the newer buses cost more to operate and were less efficient. Chris Strong, Director of Transportation, explained that there had been an analysis completed regarding the difference of function between hybrid buses and conventional buses. He stated that the hybrid buses offer improved fuel economy. He stated that the challenge was with cost associated with different systems on the bus such as battery storage; however there would be no issues with a starter, regenerative breaking systems and things of that nature. He stated that hybrid buses were a new technology therefore there was not experience with long term cost. He stated that the ongoing cost would be equivalent to conventional busses. Council Member Buchholz requested an update regarding the two recent commissions; Urban Wildlife and the Budget Advisory. Council Member McHugh stated that there was a meeting scheduled for the Urban Wildlife Committee. 15 PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMON COUNCIL NOVEMBER 24, 2009 Mr. Rohloff stated that recruits would continue through December and then provide names to Council in January. Council Member Buchholz urged administration to proceed with the budget committee as quickly as possible. MOTION: ADJOURN (Esslinger; second, McHugh) CARRIED: VOICE VOTE The meeting Adjourned at 9:23 p.m. PAMELA R. UBRIG CITY CLERK 16