Committee of Whole

CITY OF HORICON COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MARCH 11, 2014 The Committee of Whole of the City of Horicon met in regular session on March 11, 2014. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Neitzel at 6:01 p.m. Alderpersons present: Hady, Marschke, Pahl, Miller, Plautz, and Wieneke. Alderpersons absent: None. Mayor Neitzel led the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Appearances: None. Jane Carlson of Strand Associates gave a presentation on Horicon’s Wastewater Treatment Plan Phosphorus Compliance Schedule and Options. Jane reviewed the background leading to Horicon’s new phosphorus regulations relating to the newly issued WWTP Permit. Horicon must complete an Operational Evaluation Report compiling information to determine options to reduce phosphorus and/or treatment to remove phosphorus; this must be complete by December 31, 2014. A final Compliance Alternatives Plan must be submitted by December 31, 2017; once submitted the plan is followed and water quality is measured to ensure the improvements are working. If the treatment alternative is the best option, 2018-2019 is spent designing the new plant with construction in 2020-2022. Ultimately, Horicon has until 2023 to comply with phosphorus regulations of .06 mg/L. Jane reviewed potential compliance options including: watershed adaptive management, water quality trading, and a watershed variance. Motion by Plautz, second by Wieneke, to take agenda item #10, Fiber Optic Easement – John Deere, out of order. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Dan Muenchow of John Deere requested the Common Council grant John Deere an easement for the right-of-way on Chestnut Street in order for John Deere to install a new fiber optic line. The current fiber optic line utilized by John Deere is attached to the Lake Street Bridge and will be unusable when the Bridge is torn down. Dan gave a brief presentation outlining the existing fiber optic line and the route of the proposed fiber optic line. It was noted all operations at John Deere in Horicon would cease without the fiber optic line. Jim Bandsma, representing Horicon EMS, reviewed the process of selecting the new ambulance to be purchased as part of the 2014 Budget and requested the Common Council authorize the purchase of a Horton Ambulance with a Ford F450 chassis. Shawn Foster of Foster Coach Sales was also in attendance to answer any questions pertaining to the ambulance. Discussion was held relating to the purchase of the ambulance. Items discussed included: need for 4x4, maintenance issues with chassis, cost, and available discounts. Motion by Pahl, second by Marschke, to purchase a 2015 Ford F-450 cab/chassis with a Horton Ambulance from Foster Coach Sales, Inc. in the amount of $178,067.80, includes a pre-payment discount, per the 2014 Budget. All voting AYE. Motion carried. CITY OF HORICON COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MARCH 11, 2014 Discussion was held regarding parking on East Maple Street. Complaints have been received relating to inability of residents to park in front of their home, waste removal issues as the contractors have difficulty accessing the receptacles, and difficulties exiting driveways. Parking regulations on nearby streets were reviewed. Motion by Plautz, second by Wieneke, to establish 2-Hour Parking on the North side of East Maple Street between North Elm Street and North Hubbard Street; parking restrictions to be in effect 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. except Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Discussion was held regarding the fluoridation of Horicon’s water. It was noted Horicon has added fluoride to its water since 1951. It was questioned whether or not the addition of fluoride remains beneficial as fluoride is available in numerous forms. Studies indicating negative effects of fluoridation were discussed. Motion by Wieneke, second by Miller, to request the Common Council consider fluoride removal at their March 2014 meeting. Voting AYE: Wieneke, Miller, and Plautz. Voting Nay: Hady, Marschke, and Pahl. Mayor Neitzel voted NAY. Motion failed. Motion by Marschke, second by Hady, to authorize the write-off of uncollectible EMS/Fire invoices in the amount of $19,543.52 as summarized on distributed spreadsheet. All voting AYE. Motion carried. Don Neitzel of Kunkel Engineering reviewed a Preliminary Estimate of Cost for improvements to Robin Road and Pheasant Lane; included in the estimate was replacement of water mains. The age and construction of the water mains on Robin Road, Pheasant Lane, and adjacent streets were discussed as well as the number of water main breaks in the area. Consensus to determine the exact age and construction of the water mains and then determine if replacement of the water mains should be included in the Robin Road and Pheasant Lane Improvement Project. There were no operator license applications. Alderperson Keith Pahl left at 9:04 p.m. Non-Action Discussion: Joseph Adamson, Police Chief, announced a Drug Drop-Off would be held at the Safety Building on April 26th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; a spring bike registration will also be held at the same time. Jim Bandsma, Fire Chief, announced internet availability by the Fire Department and EMS at the Public Safety Building has been failing and inquired if infrastructure is the reason. CITY OF HORICON COMMITTEE OF WHOLE MARCH 11, 2014 Dave Magnussen, Public Works/Utility Supervisor, announced he will have a list of Spring/Fall mowers and their pay rates for the March Common Council meeting. He also gave an update on frozen services. Motion by Marschke, second by Plautz, to adjourn. All voting AYE. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m. _____________________________________ Kristen M. Jacobson, City Clerk-Treasurer