Committee of Whole

CITY OF HORICON COMMITTEE OF WHOLE JULY 9, 2013 The Committee of Whole of the City of Horicon met in regular session on July 9, 2013. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Neitzel at 6:00 p.m. Alderpersons present: Hady, Marschke, Pahl, Plautz, and Wieneke. Alderpersons absent: Miller. Mayor Neitzel led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Appearances: None. Motion by Hady, second by Wieneke, to take item #7, Northeast Drainage Study, out of order. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Mitch Leisses of Kunkel Engineering gave a presentation on an additional option to alleviate the flooding issues discussed in the Northeast Area Drainage Study. Discussion was held in regard to the current option presented, options previously presented in March, cost of the options, and financing of the project. Although an option was not selected, the Committee would like this placed on the July Council agenda. Kristen Jacobson, Clerk-Treasurer, announced a wage ordinance for the newly filled Police Lieutenant position will be on the July Council agenda. Jacobson clarified that funding for the position would come from the Police Patrol Budget. A budget transfer for funding of the position will also be on the July Council agenda. Discussion was held in regard to the Horicon Booster Club’s request for the City to fund the replacement of fencing at Discher Park. Originally the Booster Club had committed to funding the entire project but they no longer have funds available to complete it. Dave Magnussen, Public Works/Utility Supervisor, provided a quote of $3,281.79 to replace the fencing. The Committee requested Magnussen inquire if the quote could be lowered if the old fencing was reinstalled. The Committee would like to review the quote and look at financing at the July Council meeting. Magnussen distributed a quote for replacement of pumps at the Hubbard Street Lift Station and the Lake Street Lift Station, as well as an additional spare pump. Magnussen stated the pumps have been experiencing excessive run times, pump base leakage, and clogging. Discussion was held in regard to whether this was a budgeted item and funding. Replacement of the pumps is not in the 2013 Budget and Magnussen believes the City can use monies from the Lift Station Fund for the pumps. No action was taken. Magnussen distributed an update on the Lake Street Bridge Replacement provided by MSA. Discussion was held in regard to the railing previously approved by the Council. Magnussen stated there would be a small wall at the beginning of bridge with a black railing; it was noted the City had previously decided on a railing with a brushed aluminum finish. CITY OF HORICON COMMITTEE OF WHOLE JULY 9, 2013 Motion by Plautz, second by Wieneke, to select the Type C3 Railing in black for the Lake Street Bridge Design. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Previously the Council discussed residents paying for sidewalk repairs stemming from tree damage; if the resident was unwilling to pay for repairs the tree would be removed. Jacobson read Section 6-2-2(b)(3)(d) of City Ordinances that allows the City to require removal of a tree causing sidewalk damage, if the property owner objects to the removal, they (the property owner) are required to repair or replace the sidewalk at their expense. Motion by Plautz, second by Marschke, to approve a One Year Operator License for the year ending June 30, 2014 to Leah L. Lotz and a Two Year Operator License for the year ending June 30, 2015 to Grace M. Kaiser. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Non-Action Discussion: Joseph Adamson, Police Chief, announced the Police Department’s postage meter lease is expiring and a new lease would be presented at the July Council meeting for approval. Alexandra Harvancik, Librarian, announced the Library has created a Connections in the Community Initiative. With this Initiative the Library has conducted an event with the Horicon Marsh International Education Center and worked with the Horicon Historical Society to obtain historical items as well as the necessary device used to read the records. Harvancik thanked the Horicon Phoenix Group for allowing the Library to partner with them and offer Art in the Park in conjunction with the Phoenix Group’s Music in the Market held in Kiwanis Park on Wednesdays. Kristen Jacobson, Clerk-Treasurer, announced the City had received a Codification Portfolio from General Code. Included in the Portfolio is an editorial analysis which the City needs to complete. Mayor Neitzel inquired when the Committee would like to meet to work on creating an ordinance allowing chickens in City limits. After discussion a Committee of Whole meeting was set for July 15th at 6:30 p.m. for this purpose. Mayor Neitzel announced he had attended a luncheon at the Senior Meal Site in Horicon. He stated items discussed included the Lake Street Bridge, alley and street repairs, and grass/weed enforcement. Motion by Pahl, second by Marschke, to adjourn. All voting AYE. Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. _____________________________________ Kristen M. Jacobson, City Clerk-Treasurer