Village Board Meeting Budget Hearing

VILLAGE BOARD MEETING BUDGET HEARING MINUTES November 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM Kronenwetter Municipal Center - 1582 Kronenwetter Drive Board Room (Lower Level) 1. CALL BUDGET HEARING MEETING TO ORDER President Chris Voll called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. A. Pledge of Allegiance Those in attendance recited the pledge of allegiance. B. Roll Call PRESENT Village President Chris Voll Trustee Ken Charneski (Arrived at 6:01 PM) Trustee Sean Dumais Trustee Alex Vedvik Trustee Chris Eiden Trustee Kelly Coyle Trustee Tim Shaw (Arrived at 6:10 PM) STAFF PRESENT Village Clerk; Bobbi Birk-LaBarge Community Development Director; Pete Wegner Finance Director: Lisa Kerstner Police Chief; Terry McHugh Fire Chief; Theresa O'Brien Director of Public Works; Leonard Ludi SPECIAL GUEST Village of Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewer District Director; Eric Donaldson 2. BUDGET HEARING C. 2024 Budget Presentation; Budget Overview Finance Director Lisa Kerstner explains the 2024 media budget notification was published to the media on November 10, 2023. Kerstner had since made changes to the line-item amounts published. Kerstner will publish the adjusted proposed 2024 budget on November 28, 2023. Finance Director Lisa Kerstner gave a presentation and overview of the 2024 budget. Kerstner explained that the budget will be directed towards promoting economic growth, investing in infrastructure, building an inclusive community, meeting service demand, and replacing outdated equipment. The proposed property tax rate was calculated to be $3.32 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Kerstner also explained how the proposed budget and projected revenues factor in undesignated funds, carryovers, and other sources of income.  Trustee Charneski raised concerns about the clarity of earmarking budget allocations for capital projects and the use of undesignated funds. Kerstner clarified the reasoning for certain budget categories and how money from undesignated funds can be designated to specific projects in the following year based on needs. A discussion also ensued about how undesignated funds can be labelled as a reserve fund and the need for determining specific projects for the capital projects fund. D. Public Comment and/or Questions There was no public comment or questions. 3. CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING President Voll closes the public hearing at 7:25 PM after the budget presentation and the request for discussions. No motions were made. 4. CALL VILLAGE BOARD MEETING TO ORDER President Voll called the regular Village Board Meeting to order. E. Roll Call PRESENT Village President Chris Voll Trustee Ken Charneski Trustee Tim Shaw Trustee Sean Dumais Trustee Alex Vedvik Trustee Chris Eiden Trustee Kelly Coyle STAFF PRESENT Village Clerk; Bobbi Birk-LaBarge Community Development Director; Pete Wegner Finance Director: Lisa Kerstner Police Chief; Terry McHugh Fire Chief; Theresa O'Brien Director of Public Works; Leonard Ludi SPECIAL GUEST Village of Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewer District Director; Eric Donaldson 5. PUBLIC COMMENT Please be advised per State Statute Section 19.84(2), information will be received from the public. It is the policy of this Village that Public Comment will take no longer than 15 minutes with a three-minute time period, per person, with time extension per the Chief Presiding Officer’s discretion. Be further advised that there may be limited discussion on the information received, however, no action will be taken under public comments. No public comment took place. 6. CONSENT AGENDA F. September 25, 2023, Village Board Meeting Minutes G. October 09, 2023, Village Board Meeting Minutes H. October 23, 2023, Village Board Meeting Minutes I. November 13, 2023, Village Board meeting Minutes The meeting minutes from the Village Board meeting on September 25, 2023; October 09, 2023; October 23, 2023; and November 13, 2023, were reviewed. There were no corrections or amendments to the minutes discussed. Motion made by Trustee Vedvik, Seconded by Trustee Shaw to approve the consent agenda as presented. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Charneski, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Motion carries 7:0 by voice vote. 7. REPORTS FROM STAFF AND VENDORS J. Treasurer's Report The Treasurer’s report was presented and discussed by Director Lisa Kerstner. Trustee Charneski questions all of the bank fees currently being charged. Kerstner indicated that Incredible Bank currently has an interest rate of 4.01% and LGI has an interest rate of 5.37%. Kerstner had previously communicated with Incredible Bank about their lower interest rate, and she also indicated that if the interest rate from Incredible Bank could not be increased to be closer to LGIP's rate, the village might start pulling funds from Incredible Bank. A discussion also occurred about bank fees. It was explained that bank fees were divided amongst the general fund and utilities and usually amounted to about $500-$800 per month. Trustee Charneski would like Kerstner to negotiate with the banks for better fees to save the village monies. K. Check Register 11/8-11/21 There were no questions or comments on the check register. 8. NEW BUSINESS L. Discussion: Village of Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewer District Director Eric Donaldson to discuss 53% Sewer Rate Increase Eric Donaldson, the Director of the Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewer District, was present to discuss a proposed 53% increase in sewer rates. The reasons for the proposed increase and its potential impact on the village were discussed. Donaldson explained they serve 5 communities for the sewer district. 10 years ago, a planning process was started to include 4 phases. Donaldson explained a rate structure has to be in placed by January 01, 2024. The commissioners approved a budget for 2024 budget and rates are already set. The debt retirement rates significantly went up. Donaldson mentions this is a 22- million-dollar cost. 100% of their revenue comes in for rate payors. The communities are all billed. The payment of their loans will be paid by the household monthly cost. Details about the timing and implementation of the proposed increase were also shared. The floor was then opened for questions and discussion amongst the board members. Trustee Vedvik questioned what phase they are in. Donaldson explained they are in phase 2 of 4. The next two phases are dependent on the DNR regulations. Vedvik requested some of those estimates be shared at the upcoming public forum. Donaldson explained the 22 million is being used for the updated motor control centers, there is 5 million dollars in the replacement fund, but it is not enough to cover the replacement cost of the outdated equipment. Kerstner asked if they are gradually increasing the percentages or increasing it all at once. Donaldson stated the rates set are the rates necessary to generate revenue to show the DNR they can make the payments on the loans. Trustee Eiden asked the estimates of phases 3 and 4. Donaldson stated those costs are included on the website (Rib Montani Metropolitain Sewage District) in the planning report. Trustee Dumais asked why we were not informed. Donaldson stated he communicated with all five communities in September and emailed whoever was the interim administrator at the time. M. Discussion and Possible Action: Resolution No.: 2023-014; A Resolution to Adopt the 2024 Budgets for the Village of Kronenwetter and Authorize the Levy of Taxes Thereof The board discussed Resolution No.: 2023-014 which proposed adopting the 2024 budgets for the Village of Kronenwetter and authorizing the levy of taxes. The board members deliberated on the proposed budget allocations, weighing the impact it would have on the village's essential services and development projects. The discussion also encompassed the expected revenues, particularly in relation to the anticipated property tax levies. The potential implications on residents and businesses were also considered to ensure an equitable tax burden. Trustee Vedvik mentions we are under 1/3 of Wausau's mill rate. Motion made by Trustee Eiden, Seconded by Trustee Coyle to approve resolution 2023-014 to adopt the 2024 budgets and authorize the levy of taxes. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Voting Nay: Trustee Charneski  Motion carried 6:1 by roll call vote. N. Discussion and Possible Action - Budget Amendment #3 The discussion focused on Budget Amendment #3. Finance Director Lisa Kerstner explained the village is looking for funds to hire Ehlers to perform a cash flow analysis. The board reviewed the proposed changes to the budget, analyzing the merits and potential consequences of each amendment. Some items of discussion included reallocation of funds to different departments, increase in spending for certain projects, and the impact of these changes on the overall budget. The board weighed the necessity of each amendment against their potential implications on the overall budget health and the delivery of public services. Motion made by Trustee Charneski, Seconded by Trustee Eiden to approve budget amendment #3. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Charneski, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Motion carried 7:0 by roll call vote. O. Discussion and Possible Action - Budget Amendment # 4 The board discussed Budget Amendment #4 which proposed changes to certain budget lines. A contentious point in the discussion was whether these changes were necessary or could potentially strain the Village's finances. Finance Director Kerstner explained these are budget adjustments for various funds to make the accounts balance out. Trustee Charneski does not see a good reason to perform a budget amendment for legal fees. Director Kerstner explained November and December legal fees due still need to be paid. Trustee Charneski Move to amend the $2000.00 in legal fees. Motion died due to no second. Motion made by Trustee Coyle, Seconded by Trustee Vedvik to approve budget amendment #4. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Voting Nay: Trustee Charneski Motion carried 6:1 by roll call vote. P. Discussion and Possible Action: Cancelation of December 25, 2023, Village Board Meeting President Chris Voll explained this year Christmas Day falls on the second village board meeting in December. The board discussed potentially cancelling the Village Board Meeting scheduled for December 25, 2023, due to the holiday. They acknowledged that conducting the meeting on a day when many members might be unavailable due to festive celebrations might lead to lack of quorum, thereby making it impossible to deliberate on important matters. While some members of the board expressed reservations, most agreed that cancelling the meeting would be appropriate under the circumstances. Motion made by Trustee Vedvik, Seconded by Trustee Shaw.to cancel the scheduled December 25, 2023, Village Board meeting. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Charneski, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Motion carries 7:0 by voice vote. Q. Discussion and Possible Action: Amendment to Ordinance Chapter 520 - Zoning; Section 520-121 Conditional Use Permits The board discussed possible amendments to Section 520-121 of Chapter 520 of the Zoning ordinance regarding Conditional Use Permits. The discussion focused on making the permits more accessible to developers and streamlining the process of application and approval. The board emphasized the need to strike a balance between easing zoning restrictions for the benefit of development and protecting the interests of existing residents. Some board members suggested consulting with lawyers or subject matter experts to improve the legislation process in this matter. Trustee Charneski mentioned the only one that had an issue with this amendment was Village Attorney Lee Turonie. Trustee Charneski mentioned Village Attorney Turonie makes statements that are not supported. Some board members mentioned the idea to form a committee tasked with reviewing and suggesting amendments to Section 520-121.  Motion made by Trustee Charneski, Seconded by Trustee Coyle to delay action until January 2024. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Charneski, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Voting Nay: Trustee Vedvik Motion carries 6:1 by voice vote. R. Discussion and Possible Action: Municipal Attorney Contract Renewal with Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson The contract renewal with the municipal attorneys Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson was discussed. The board went over the details of the services provided by the law firm and deliberated on their effectiveness and efficiency. They concluded that the attorneys had provided competent legal counsel and played a crucial role in helping the village navigate legal complexities. Based on their previous performance, the majority of the board agreed that the contract with Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson should be renewed. Motion made by Trustee Shaw, Seconded by Trustee Vedvik to approve attorney Wolfgram, Gamoke & Hutchinson for Municipal Court Attorney Servies for 2024. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Voting Nay: Trustee Charneski Motion carried 6:1 by roll call vote. 9. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES S. August 15, 2023, Administrative Policy Committee Minutes Trustee Charneski raised questions about the copier issue mentioned in the September 19th minutes. Clarification was provided that a new copier was purchased for the Village Office and the old copiers were moved to the Police and Fire Departments. Further understanding was requested on the language changes to be made in the FIN- 004 policy. The committee is still working on the language, and the final document is expected to be presented in the coming meetings. T. September 05, 2023, Utility Committee Minutes No comments or questions. U. September 19, 2023, Administrative Policy Committee Minutes Trustee Charneski asked where the copiers were distributed. V. October 10, 2023, Utility Committe Minutes The Utility Committee's meeting minutes from October 10, 2023, were brought up for discussion. No committee members raised questions or provided any comments. The collaborative summary developed by the committee was acknowledged and appreciated. W. October 24, 2023, Administrative Policy Committee Minutes President Voll thanks the committees for their minutes. 10. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA The agenda for future meetings was discussed. One of the key items suggested was a detailed discussion about the utilization of the Debt Service Fund, a point of ongoing concern (Trustee Vedvik). The Village would like to have a clear understanding of the restrictions and potential uses for this fund. An inquiry was also made about conducting a thorough background check on the newly hired administrator, similar to previous practice (Trustee Charneski). Another inquiry was made for a report on bank fees (Trustee Charneski). 11. ADJOURNMENT Motion made by Trustee Vedvik, Seconded by Trustee Coyle to adjourn. Voting Yea: Village President Voll, Trustee Charneski, Trustee Shaw, Trustee Dumais, Trustee Vedvik, Trustee Eiden, Trustee Coyle Motion carried 7:0 by voice vote. Meeting was adjourned at 8:52 PM. Minutes Drafted by: Clerk Bobbi Birk-LaBarge Village Board Meeting Minutes Approved on: December 11, 2023