Community, Life and Public Safety (CLPS) Committee

Village of Weston, Wisconsin OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE VILLAGE COMMUNITY LIFE AND PUBLIC SAFETY (CLPS) COMMITTEE MEETING held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., in the Board Room, at 4747 Camp Phillips Road AGENDA ITEMS. 1. Meeting called to order by CLPS Chair and Village Trustee, Jim Pinsonneault, at approximately 4:30 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. 3. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum by Secretary Parker. Roll call indicated 7 CLPS members present. Member Present Pinsonneault, Jim {Chair} YES Ermeling, Barbara {Vice Chair} YES Alstad, Andrea YES Czerwonka, John YES Foss, Kim YES Lopes-Serrao, Luis YES Olson, Brent YES Village Staff in attendance, in-person: Gebert, Higgins, Brehm, Edmondson, Maguire, Meverden, Finke, Hunt, and Parker Village Staff in attendance, via Zoom: Crowe Audience Members in attendance, in-person: There was 1 audience member present, in-person. Audience Members in attendance, via Zoom: There were no audience members present, via Zoom. INTRODUCTIONS - Mission Statement Draft for CLPS [0:01:15 Zoom Meeting Recording] Each of the CLPS members and staff members gave introductions. PUBLIC COMMENT None. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS – NONE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED – NONE UNFINISHED BUSINESS – NONE NEW BUSINESS 4. Roles, Responsibilities & Goals of the CLPS Committee [0:04:31 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert pointed out the example mission statements that were provided in the packet. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 1 240805CLPS_240805 She stated we can start with the mission piece and then go more in depth on some of the things we want to tackle in the next year or goals that would fit within the respective ordinances. Pinsonneault asked for comments on the example mission statement. He stated as a way to give us purpose or a reminder of why we are here, the chosen mission statement will be noted on all future agendas so that we see it and are reminded of it. Ermeling questioned if this committee is for people requesting stop lights, signs, etc. Gebert stated potentially yes, and how this committee would start with all the vetting of the issues before making a recommendation to the Board (and any other pertinent committees). Czerwonka feels this is a good starting point. 5. CLPS-Related Municipal Ordinances (Links to External Webpage) [0:09:26 Zoom Meeting Recording] Higgins stated these are the ordinances that this committee would primarily be working under; though, she stated that Chapter 2 should have been added to this list as well and there could be others that come up. Higgins stated these were shared for them to start looking at now. She gave some examples of how each chapter relates to this committee, and that tonight, these are just for informational purposes only. We did not expect you to read through them all before tonight. Brehm commented about alcohol licensing and how the State’s proposed changes could effect Chapter 6. Pinsonneault stated our goal could be to have 1 or 2 of these per meeting to discuss. Gebert stated we can add that as an agenda item under Future Agenda Items, to focus on Chapter 6 at next meeting. a. Chapter 6 Alcohol Licensing b. Chapter 10 Animals c. Chapter 14 Buildings & Addressing Regulations d. Chapter 18 Businesses e. Chapter 34 Fire f. Chapter 38 Health & Sanitation g. Chapter 42 Law Enforcement h. Chapter 50 Nuisance i. Chapter 66 Solid Waste j. Chapter 90 Vegetation Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 2 240805CLPS_240805 6. Discussion and/or Action on Approving CLPS Mission Statement [0:16:05 Zoom Meeting Recording] Motion by Czerwonka, second by Olson: to approve the following mission statement: “The Community Life and Public Safety Committee evaluates and makes recommendations to the Village Board on matters related to safety, welfare, and livability within the Village and their impact upon Village of Weston residents.” Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (CLPS) Voting Pinsonneault, Jim {Chair} YES Ermeling, Barbara {Vice Chair} YES Alstad, Andrea YES Czerwonka, John YES Foss, Kim YES Lopes-Serrao, Luis YES Olson, Brent YES 7. Discussion of Current Enforcement Process & Partnership with Mountain Bay Metro Police Department (MBMPD) [0:17:37 Zoom Meeting Recording] a. The Guide to Residential Ordinances Edmondson explained this item is an overview of how we are handling the enforcement processes of the Village. She explained the updated Citizen’s Guide to Residential Ordinances, which is available on the Village’s website. She explained how most of our enforcement is complaint-based (where the resident either files a complaint online, through our Evolve system, or communicates directly with staff, and staff then enters the complaint in for them. She stated there are some situations (like sign violations) where staff will initiate the complaint when it is found. Foss questioned if someone calls in a complaint and wants to be anonymous, how that works. Edmondson explained there is limited information visible online for the public to see. She explained we use the complainant information for communicating with the complainant where we are at in the process, and how staff will not just give out their information. She stated if a case needs to go to Municipal or Circuit Court, the complainant may be called in as a witness. She explained how some issues take many steps to completely be brought into compliance. Gebert commented about the length of time, when it comes to something that may take longer to take care of, the final message on compliance to the complainant will come after completely taken care of. Pinsonneault stated this document revision looks good. 8. Discussion on Expansion of ATV/UTV Operation on Village Roadways [0:26:25 Zoom Meeting Recording] Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 3 240805CLPS_240805 Hunt stated there is a growing popularity for ATV/UTV operation on public roadways. He stated how more and more communities are opening up more (if not all) of their roads to ATV/UTV usage. He pointed out Rothschild has opened up all of their local roads up to STH-29. Hunt stated the issue that keeps coming up is connectivity between adjacent municipalities. Hunt stated he was contacted by Paul Zielsdorf (in attendance), who resides in Schofield, who asked if Weston would consider opening up more, or all, roads to allow for the connectivity. Hunt is proposing we open more roads up, until there is a problem. Lopes-Serrao commented how this has been discussed a couple times in the Public Works Committee. He pointed out some of the areas of Weston that have been opened up, due to resident requests. He stated there was hesitation of opening up the roads west of Fuller Street. He stated how we have been since piecemealing, adding the roads in as the requests come in. Hunt questioned what committee will be reviewing this, and he questioned if we want to be more proactive and open the roads, or wait for requests to come in. Lopes-Serrero feels it should be through this committee. Gebert stated with such a multifaceted topic, the item would likely go before both PW and BOT. Hunt stated that signs are not an issue, they are not even signing the open roads in Rothschild, as most people already know, or they look up a map online. Hunt stated as far as alcohol, he does not believe you can have an open intoxicant in the ATV/UTV. If caught, it would be a DNR violation. The violation would likely be issued by MBMPD though. Olson stated he does not have a strong opinion, and how they are all over already now, and we should allow it. Paul Zielsdorf, 552 Ross Avenue, Schofield, present in the audience introduced himself and explained how he got involved in this discussion with the City of Schofield. He stated Schofield is planning to open all roads to ATV/UTV, though their committee is waiting to see what Weston is doing first. He has a proposed connectivity map that he could share with us. When Weston decides to open more, the City will follow suit. It was stated ATV/UTV’s are not allowed on any state-owned roads. Higgins stated this is all under Chapter 82. She stated the BOT and the Public Works Director have had concerns with major arterial roads (Schofield Ave, Ross Ave, etc.) in the past. Ermeling commented how she has seen ATV/UTV’s simply driving up and down the roads, not going anywhere, because they couldn’t. Hunt stated that people do use these now to commute to work, etc. Hunt stated the ordinance states people can’t just ride up and down the road (race). He stated if she is seeing this, she needs to call MBMPD. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 4 240805CLPS_240805 Czerwonka stated we could suggest other thoroughfares between the communities, such as Jelinek Ave, Alderson St, Volkman St, Neupert Ave, etc. Lopes-Serrao suggested we postpone this until the September meeting, where we can list it on the agenda, giving the public a chance to be made aware of the discussion. He stated he would prefer we give the public a chance to weigh in. Alsted asked if there is an age limit to ride, or when helmets are required. Hunt stated you need a driver’s license. Anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet on an ATV. He stated he would have to check the UTV regulations. Alstad stated that she lives off of Alderson Street near the Schofield Industrial Park, and with all the semis, she does not support opening up that road. Hunt pointed out that you still have motorcycles, which are just as dangerous. Finke commented that CLPS should consider that up north ATV/UTV is very popular, and how it has a big economic impact. We could increase our economic impact here, if we open them all up. Motion by Lopes, second by Foss: to table this to the next meeting until a proposed map can be developed and drawn. Question: Hunt questioned who is in charge of making the map. Ermeling suggested Hunt be in charge of drawing the map, and that we invite the Public Works to our next meeting, so that they can make their public comments too. Gebert suggested to Hunt to hand draw something and we can have Nate Crowe create a digital copy, and staff can include it in the next packet. Finke commented that there are ATV/UTV clubs that put together area maps to give out to riders. Olson suggested to bring that local club into the next meeting. Motion carried. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (CLPS) Voting Pinsonneault, Jim {Chair} YES Ermeling, Barbara {Vice Chair} YES Alstad, Andrea YES Czerwonka, John YES Foss, Kim YES Lopes-Serrao, Luis YES Olson, Brent YES 9. Discussion and/or Action on Pedestrian Traffic on Camp Phillips Road, between E. Everest Avenue and Westview Boulevard. [0:54:38 Zoom Meeting Recording] Hunt explained this is just for a discussion point. He stated for any pedestrians who are staying in any of the hotels on either side of STH-29, there is no pedestrian accommodation for crossing over STH-29 to get to the other side. Higgins stated this is the reason the Birch St. pedestrian bridge went in. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 5 240805CLPS_240805 Hunt stated at some point the State/County will need to reconstruct Camp Phillips Road, and when that happens, we want to see some pedestrian accommodation added. Higgins stated the County is having discussions on Camp Phillips Road, from Weston Avenue to Ross Avenue, with staff. Gebert stated if the committee’s recommendation is that we draft letter for review next month, to the effect that “as the County Highway Department is looking at this, these would be considerations…”. This draft is what we would then recommend to the BOT to send to the County. Motion by Ermeling, second by Alsted: A recommendation to send a letter to the County, requesting that when doing work on Camp Phillips Road, they add a path for pedestrians. Pinsonneault clarified, the motion is to draft a letter to forward to BOT, who would then forward to the County Highway Department, stating for when Camp Phillips Road (County Road X) is reconstructed, to provide pedestrian accommodations across State Highway 29, to connect to the existing pedestrian facilities. Question: Ermeling questioned if this should go before Public Works too? Gebert stated since just a letter, we could provide a copy of the letter to them; however, if Wodalski joins us next month for the ATV/UTV discussion, he could then share it with them as well. Motion carried. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (CLPS) Voting Pinsonneault, Jim {Chair} YES Ermeling, Barbara {Vice Chair} YES Alstad, Andrea YES Czerwonka, John YES Foss, Kim YES Lopes-Serrao, Luis YES Olson, Brent YES 10. Discussion and/or Action on Amendments to Ordinances for Enforcement of Municipal Citations in Reference to Crimes on Cell Phones [1:00:30 Zoom Meeting Recording] Hunt stated this may fall under their Section 42, and how when working with schools they are realizing we need an ordinance drafted for students who are committing crimes to others through their cell phones. He stated they need to be able to write citations to the violators, and deal with them in municipal court, since they can’t be dealt with criminally, as they are juveniles. Hunt will draft something and bring back next month. No motion was taken. 11. Discussion on Old Castle Glass Noise Complaint [1:03:10 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert pointed out the memo in the packet. She explained this was a conversation at the Board of Trustees meetings. She stated we wanted to bring the committee up to date on this issue, and how this discussion may be a stimulus to potential changes for our ordinances. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 6 240805CLPS_240805 Meverden explained how, back in January, staff received a noise complaint from a resident on Scott Street. Staff spent a lot of time trying to get decibel readings from his residence and was never able to capture anything beyond the noise threshold (85 decibel, for 4 hours). He stated the only time it was loud was when they produced a certain type of glass, which was always done during the day, for a period of 1 – 1.5 hours. Meverden stated the resident was calling the Police department when it was too loud for him, and when they took readings, they could not get anything either. He stated the resident expressed that he was having issues sleeping. Higgins stated the original ordinance was amended in the early 2000’s. This came out of a focus committee of residents and business owners. The 85-decibel reading came from there. She stated this is a quality-of-life issue for residents but also an economic issue for the business as they need to operate. She stated we are going to have to get business owners and residents in the room to figure this out. Meverden stated for a period of time, Old Castle had a semis parked along that side of their property, it was moved and not put back. Maguire pointed out he lives about 2,000 feet from Old Castle Glass. He stated when they release their pressure and blow off steam for about 90 seconds, that you can hear from a distance. Pinsonneault stated he can hear the steam releasing. He stated he has heard it after 11pm, and how it should not be happening after 10pm. Higgins stated the focus committee came up with the decibels. Gebert feels 85 is a common reading in other ordinances. Olson asked where the levels were at, when staff read them. Meverden stated as high as 60’s. Pinsonneault confirmed the reader has to be calibrated. Gebert stated PD also has a sound meter, and were getting similar readings. Higgins stated the resident also complains of vibrations, but we don’t have anything to measure that. Cerwonka asked what times of day the complaints come in. Meverden stated all hours of the day. Lopes- Serrao confirmed only the 3 neighbors have made the complaints, no one else in the surrounding neighborhoods. Meverden stated this resident went around to all the neighbors about this, and only the 3 of them came to a meeting. Olson questioned what prompted the complaints. Maguire stated those started after the trailers moving. Meverdan pointed out the code states “unnecessary noise”. Lopes-Serrao asked if Old Castle considered putting the trailers back. It was stated how the trailers were moved after some upgrades to their system occurred, and now they might be in the way there. Maguire stated most of the noise is the louvers opening and forcing air into the building to cool the glass being produced. He stated it is like a whistling sound passing through the louvers. He stated there is a 6-foot-tall wooden privacy fence along the property line. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 7 240805CLPS_240805 12. Discussion on Future Exploration of Commercial Building Inspections Program [1:23:05 Zoom Meeting Recording] Maguire stated the Village does not have a commercial building inspection program, only a commercial electrical program, as it is required by the State. All commercial buildings, additions, build-outs, etc. fall under DSPS review. He feels this would be an important program to take on. He stated to do this, we would have to request delegation from the State, and we would have to have a licensed commercial building inspector taking care of those inspections along with the plan reviews. Cerwonka questioned the steps for a new commercial project. Maguire stated the first step is the plans get sent out to Madison, to DSPS, for plan review. Once we receive the state approval letter the Village issues a building permit. Then the State Building Inspector, who currently covers a 7-County region, oversees the inspections of the commercial building. He stated there is a threshold of 25,000 cubic feet, where any commercial building under that threshold does not have to go to DSPS for plan review. There is an occupancy-related threshold too, where different types of occupancy’s have a different threshold. Maguire commented how the challenge with all of this is the State Building Inspector lives in the La Crosse area, and is only in Weston about 1 day per week. Maguire stated how the limited days that the State Inspector is around causes project delays, which is where it would be good to have a Commercial Inspector on staff. Pinsonneault explained that since his new building was around 50,000 cubic feet, that his building plans were not even looked at until they were stamped by the State. Pinsonneault commented how in order for the State to look at the plans they have to be stamped by an engineer, since it is commercial. He stated how it takes a long time to get the approvals of the State. He was led to believe he needed a State plumbing inspection, but after he was finally able to start building his building, there was never a plumbing inspection that took place. He stated the only inspections he had was the electrical inspection and the final occupancy inspection. He stated when he worked with the State inspection, all the inspector really cared about was the handicap parking availability, and ADA compliance inside. Maguire stated other than the holdup with the State, he does not see an issue with how we do it now. He commented we are already tight on staff time now. He asked what the cost would be for another building inspection, and how we would have to charge more in building permit fees to make up for that cost. Higgins stated that our inspectors are on site on those projects already, but just do not have jurisdiction to perform the inspections. Maguire brought up the E-Plan Exam company, they offer a cost sharing program, where with the revenue they make off of the plan reviews, the Village would receive a portion of it back. He stated their fee schedule is the same as the State’s, but we receive a portion of it. He stated if we were able to offer in-house plan review (but through this company), we would cut the wait time of the commercial property owner, in half, which is a huge benefit. With this, from a plan review standpoint, this would not impact staff time. Pinsonneault is concerned about the staff time to go out and be inspecting all of these commercial project. Maguire feels that he, Meverden, and Tatro can handle this. He pointed out that he and Meverden are salaried, not hourly. Finke feels it would be good to have a commercial building inspector on staff, and explained about how a while back, they came across a commercial building with questionable structural integrity. However, they did not have the authority to shut that building down, and that the State inspector could not get there for another 3 Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 8 240805CLPS_240805 weeks. He said they ultimately had the project shut down, only because there was a health issue that the Health Department was able to shut them down. Alstad questioned the process of becoming a designated community? Maguire stated we have to ask permission from DSPS to allow us to be in charge of the commercial building inspections. Ermeling feels we can’t handle the cost of hiring of any more staff, and asked what other benefits will we see beyond the business being able to have their inspections faster. Maguire stated one of us on staff would need to be a commercially certified building inspector, which is passing a test by DSPS or having an International Code Council (ICC) test past, that they would provide to DSPS. Once that takes place, then we send a letter to DSPS requesting to be a community delegated, and here is our commercial building inspector. Maguire stated we could look at adjusting our fee schedule, which has not been adjusted since 2017. Higgins stated because the State takes so long, we have been giving an early start footing and foundation permit. Higgins stated how the State is looking at changing the threshold cubic footage from 50,000 cubic foot threshold to 100,000 cubic foot threshold. It was stated how with the Caribou Coffee building, being only about 9,000-10,000 cubic feet, they did not need State review. With the building, the only authority we had was to inspect the footings and electrical. It was stated that because it is under the State threshold and our not having authority, there was no plumbing inspections and no inspections on the general building. Maguire stated if he sees something, he does contact the State. He stated we have no enforcement power. Ermeling is concerned on how it will affect our budget, the amount of staff time to do this. She would not be in favor if this causes extra cost on the Village. Maguire confirmed to Olson that if we partner with E-Plan Exam, there would be no cost on our part for the plan reviews, as they collect the needed fees. He pointed out again that we would also receive a portion of the fees they collect, and their fees are the same as the State’s. Pinsonneault asked staff to bring back what estimated resources are needed by staff. Ermeling stated she would like to see numbers. Finke stated from a standpoint of SAFER, it would be great to have someone here to talk to on the commercial stuff. He pointed out that Rib Mountain currently uses E-Plan Exam. Ermeling would like staff to bring back information on how this is going to work out, and how much time will be needed, and what the added costs would be. Gebert stated we can add the request under “Future Items” on this agenda. There was discussion on how we currently assist with building inspections at Rib Mountain right now. Gebert stated Rib Mountain is training someone new, and when trained our services wouldn’t be needed any longer. Maguire stated if we do our own Commercial inspections, then when a municipality requests inspection assistance, it would probably be on a case-by-case basis. Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 9 240805CLPS_240805 Pinsonneault questioned if there is a 3rd party that we could work with. Maguire stated there are. Czerwonka questioned the average number of commercial buildings. Higgins stated can provide. As far as residential buildings we have been averaging about 100 – 120 residential inspections per month. Higgins gave a summary of the number and type of permits we have been seeing. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. 13. REMARKS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS [1:55:20 Zoom Meeting Recording] Lopes commented on the 4:30 p.m. meeting start times. He stated he works until 4:30 p.m. He stated if we could consider a 5:00 p.m. start time, that would be easier. Higgins stated that the reason we went with 4:30 p.m. is that typically, evening meetings get scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. She stated so if there is a special 6:00 p.m. meeting, and if our meeting is at 5:00 p.m., we could be pressed for time. Ermeling stated if something like that comes up, for those instances, we could always move the time for that particular one back to 4:30 p.m. Olson and Czerwonka also stated 5:00 p.m., or later, would be better. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA [1:57:15 Zoom Meeting Recording] We will start the meetings going forward at 5:00 p.m. Due to the Labor Day holiday, the next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 3rd. *Take a look at Chapter 6 *Continue ATV/UTV discussion *Traffic patterns around Weston Elementary *Commercial building inspection: the staff time commitment, how to make it work, cost associated, cost for E-Plan Exam, or possibly a 3rd party inspector. *Any ordinances ready for amendment a. Next Regular Meeting Date – Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT Motion by 6:30 Lopes-Serrao, second by Ermeling: to adjourn at 6:30 p.m. Jim Pinsonneault, Village Trustee and CLPS Chair Jami Gebert, Village Administrator Valerie Parker, Recording Secretary Mtg_BOT_240819_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 4:52 PM Page 10 240805CLPS_240805