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, Tuesday, September3, 2024, at 5:00 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 5:00 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, Maguire, Finke, Hunt, and Parker Village Staff in attendance, via Zoom: Crowe, Falkowski Board of Trustees Members Present: President Maloney. 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. PUBLIC COMMENT Jeff Krentz, 4608 Kellyland Street, was present. He stated there are few establishments that get permits to allow them to have noise (outdoor events) later than what is normal. He stated his primary issue is with Arrow Sports Bar. He stated when they get permits to allow for outdoor music in the evenings, on the weekends, he can hear (his house is a mile away from there) the penetrating bass which gets really annoying. He stated that last year they ended at 10pm, but this year they were allowed to play until 11pm. He pointed out Kelly Club has also been allowed to have an outdoor music event until 11pm. He is under the impression that the code only allows them to do this until 10pm. He is asking that we not allow that kind of noise, in a residential area, to play that late at night. He does not see there being a benefit to the Village to allow this to go as late into the night. Krentz pointed out, at the recent Board Meeting, how President Mark Maloney, who lives across the river, commented he can hear it too. He asked that we take the area residents into consideration along with considering whether this late of events is a benefit to the Village or not. Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 1 240903CLPS_240903 MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS [0:06:05 Zoom Meeting Recording] 4. Approve Minutes from the August 5, 2024, CLPS Meeting. Motion by Ermeling, second by Lopes-Serrao: to approve the August 5, 2024, CLPS meeting minutes. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (PC) 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 WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED None. ACKNOWLEDGE REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS [0:06:58 Zoom Meeting Recording] 5. Code Enforcement Update Higgins stated just a staff report to update on what has been happening. Motion by Lopes-Serrao, second by Czerwonka: to acknowledge the Code Enforcement Update Report. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (PC) 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 UNFINISHED BUSINESS 6. Discussion and/or Action on Expansion of ATV/UTV Operation on Village Roadways [0:08:07 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert stated there is a map included in the packet. The map shows which roads would be open, and if the Committee approves this, it would then go to Village Board for approval. We would also have to make an ordinance adjustment to reflect this. She stated it is easier to refer to the map than Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 2 240903CLPS_240903 list all the roads within the ordinance. She provided some examples of some of the ordinance language that Chief Hunt would like to see added to the ordinance. Hunt described some of the roads where portions are proposed to be open, but with portions of those same roads that will be closed (such as Ross Avenue). He stated there have been no complaints in the Village of Rothschild, and since the roads opened, there has only been 1 accident in Kronenwetter. Wodalski commented on the short section of Schofield Avenue, from Old Costa/Teagan and Fuller, and how that section of Schofield Avenue is the only connection for those roads, so it will cause a pinch point, where the Village is separated from east to west, unless you go all the way around to Shorey Avenue to Alderson Street. Hunt does not have an issue with that small section of Schofield Avenue, but it is up to the Committee if they want to open that up. Ermeling feels they should avoid Schofield Avenue, as that could cause some confusion. Maloney pointed out they can cross Schofield Ave, but just can’t travel along Schofield Ave. Hunt stated that if the officers are unsure, they would just refer to the map. Lopes-Serrao was reading through Kronenwetter and Rothschild’s ordinances and wants us to be somewhat consistent with those. As far as prohibiting open intoxicants, there was nothing in those two ordinances about prohibiting it. Hunt stated if this ordinance passes, then Rothschild and Schofield will do the same. Hunt stated that the UTV/ATV clubs are in support of this. Pinsonneault requested the map be updated to include our subdivisions, or add language to add new subdivisions. Pinsonneault commented on the verbiage in the draft ordinance stated “of not more than 2,000 Pounds”, and how that should be changed to 3,000 pounds. Finke stated the licenses for these is through the DNR, not the DMV. Gebert stated we will update the weight and that they need to have the DNR license. Maloney stated there are two different licenses, one for public street use and one for private property use. Motion by Lopes-Serrao, second by Olson: to recommend to the Village Board to approve the ordinance as presented with the changes discussed and the map for the expansion of the ATV/UTV routes in the Village. Gebert clarified the changes discussed tonight are: add Green Tree and Arrowhead roads, changing the weight limit to no more than 3,000 pounds, and adding that they have to have a WI Driver’s License and DNR Regisration. Q: Ermeling questioned if this includes the section of Schofield Avenue discussed. Lopes-Serrao clarified that his motion did not include the changes on the map (to include the small section of Schofield Avenue). Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 3 240903CLPS_240903  Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (PC) 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. Update on Pedestrian Traffic on Camp Phillips Road, Between E. Everest Avenue and Westview Boulevard [0:26:55 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert pointed out the memo in packet, explaining her discussion with Wodalski, who informed her the bridge deck over State Highway 29 still has plenty of life span, and that there will be some maintenance efforts occurring there, not any reconstruction. She stated that when the time comes for the State to reconstruct, the Village will strongly encourage the addition of pedestrian accommodations. It was explained to her that this was the reason the pedestrian bridge was constructed. We have a TAP grant for pedestrian and bicycle, and we will add in there that we would like those accommodations, and Wodalski will reach out to members of the northcentral region of the DOT to explain to them that we are adding this into our master planning for when the bridge deck is replaced, which may not happen until 2030. 8. Discussion and/or Action on Amendments to Ordinances for Enforcement of Municipal Citations in Reference to Crimes on Cell Phones. [0:29:10 Zoom Meeting Recording] Hunt stated a request from the school officers to handle crimes on cell phones in schools, as because of the ages of the kids, they do not have much of a recourse on this. If we get an ordinance in place, we can use the municipal citations to try to curb the behavior, through municipal court. He stated these crimes are occurring on a daily basis. Hunt stated regarding the operator’s license requirements, this would allow them to issue a municipal citation to the first or second time offenses through municipal court, which would not damage their overall driving record over some of those more minor offenses. Gebert stated these proposed ordinances will need to come back up next month, as for now we just wanted to bring before the CLPS for their comments. Hunt stated regarding the security ordinance, this has to do with school officers noticing that kids are purposely propping locked doors open, in order to allow individuals who are not permitted in the schools to enter, which creates a security issue. If this ordinance is created, it would allow the officers to cite these kids through municipal ordinance. It was pointed out that all of the draft ordinances presented, with the exception of the cell phone ordinance, are from the Village of Rothschild. Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 4 240903CLPS_240903 Motion by Ermeling, second by Czerwonka: to table these ordinances until the next meeting in October. Question by Lopes-Serrao on if we have had discussions with Social Services on the cell phone ordinance. He assumes these kinds of issues would be referred to DSS to work with them on the issues. Hunt can follow up on that. Lopes-Serrao questioned if with the OWL ordinance if the practice is used mostly for 1st time offenses or also for repeating offenses. Hunt stated that this is used across the board, depending on the situation, and officer discretion. Hunt stated he has not seen this being abused. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (PC) 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 Future Exploration of Commercial Building Inspections Program. [0:39:00 Zoom Meeting Recording] Maguire gave an update since last meeting, where he and Higgins met with E-Plan Exam, where they learned that E-Plan Exam is not accepting any new partnerships until 2025. The Village would have to have a commercial inspector on hand before partnering. He pointed out that City of Wausau received a 10% return on plan review fees with their partnership with E-Plan Exam (we would see between 5% and 10% return). With this, Maguire suggested to table this topic until 2025. Alstead questioned how long of preparation time needed to get certified. Maguire stated it is just passing the State exam and the next exam is in December. The cost is $1,200 for the course and online test. Maguire described the State’s plan review process. Pinsonneault confirmed we have the funds in our current budget where Maguire could go ahead and take the test. Maguire stated within 1 hour radius there are 6 commercially certified building inspectors, Wausau being the closest, who has helped us with commercial electrical inspections. They charge us $100/hour. Ermeling suggested Maguire could go ahead and take the test. Maguire stated now with Meverden on staff, they are making sure they are going in two different directions (not traveling together) and being more productive. With the new building we have there is not as much time needed on maintenance. He believes we have enough capacity to take on commercial building inspections. Pinsonneault confirmed if we are too busy for a particular commercial inspection, we could reach out to a 3rd party inspector to cover. Maguire stated as a delegated community, we could ask for assistance with the State for back up. Olson questioned if there is something we can do now to reserve a spot with E-Plan Exam, or any concerns that many other municipalities will be doing the same, where they may not be able to work with us. Maguire stated E-Plan Review is looking to expand and add more staffing. Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 5 240903CLPS_240903 Maguire will bring this next month with additional numbers. NEW BUSINESS 10. Discussion and/or Action of Current Traffic Patterns around Weston Elementary School [0:39:00 Zoom Meeting Recording] Pinsonneault stated he requested this to be on the agenda. He pointed out how school just started, and we installed the pedestrian crossing flashing lights on Camp Phillips Road, and feels it does not help all the traffic to slow down. He feels we need to educate the parents to route traffic around to Ross Avenue, then to Timber Street, and then to Sternberg Avenue (versus going right off from Camp Phillips Road to Sternberg Avenue). Hunt stated Officer Loveless is based at Weston Elementary School this year and is aware of the concern and handling traffic flow. Maloney stated if parents follow the bus route (circling around from Ross Avenue), it would be okay. He feels traffic is still driving too fast on Camp Phillips Road. He stated with the lights, he was hoping for LED lights that would catch your attention better (and how some make it appear your picture is being taken). Maloney feels a round-a-bout on Ross Avenue and Camp Phillips Road would help slow traffic down. Gebert stated the circular driveway will be removed when the County takes on the road improvement project. Maloney pointed out that this may be a County road, but these are our kids. 11. Discussion on Additional Municipal Ordinance Amendments [0:57:33 Zoom Meeting Recording] - Operator’s License Required - Discussion on Changes to Security on School Property Olson stated he likes this idea for first-time offenders, but would not be in favor for criminal violations. Hunt stated if someone does not get license, the 1st time would be a municipal citation, then a criminal one. Hunt will get some statistics on citations issued and bring back next month. Hunt pointed out that when municipal citations are issued, the fines paid go back to the municipality general fund, not the department. Motion by Ermeling, second by Foss: to defer action on these until October. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes: 0 Abstain: 0 Not Voting: 0 Result: PASS Member (PC) 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 Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 6 240903CLPS_240903 12. Discussion and/or Action on Proposed Amendments to Chapter 6 Alcohol Licensing [1:03:45 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert pointed out the brief memo from Clerk Brehm. She stated this was the first ordinance on the list of ordinances to review and amend. Gebert stated that we still need to maintain our own ordinance, in case there is an operator who wants to operated just in the Village of Weston. Brehm stated the State is still working out how the State licenses are going to work. It is still in the process of being created by the State. Applicants will need to sign up through the Department of Revenue’s website. Will still be a lot of local operators coming to Weston for a Weston-only license. Pinsonneault questioned Hunt if there is any language that they would like added or changed (such as the Delta products). He pointed out the references to EMPD need to be fixed. Gebert stated we can be bring this back as a future agenda item, having to do with zoning for a dispensary. 13. Discussion and/or Action on Interest in Presentation Regarding Reintroduction of Public Transit Service in the Village of Weston [1:09:10 Zoom Meeting Recording] Gebert stated she is a member of the Transit Work Group (TWG), of Marathon County MPO and Metro Ride (includes Weston, Rothschild, Schofield, Rib Mountain, and Wausau). She learned that back in 2018/2019 there were some discussions on potential routes, but the group was not successful. Now a Subgroup has been developed to see if there is any interest to develop transit outside of the Wausau area. She pointed out the presentation about the workgroup in the packet, and that the routes shown are only examples. She stated the subgroup recognizes the importance of public transportation for those who don’t have access to a vehicle, but that there are also costs incurred by the municipalities. Gebert stated that the members were asked to bring back to their Boards certain questions that will help them to understand the interest of the municipalities. Lopes questioned if we could put out a possible survey to community. He feels before, there was a lack of proper information, where people did not have a good understanding of what the bus service was offering. Ermeling stated people are interested in the service, but they do not want to pay for it. Maloney explained the costs when we had the bus service previously, and how if we are going to talk about this now, we need to look at how to get the buses into the neighborhoods. It was commented that the bus service we had previously was meant for as a special destination. If we had a bus service that would go into the neighborhoods and take residents to their jobs, it would work. Maloney stated to have one to bring people to the new Greenheck Turner Community Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS None 14. REMARKS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS [1:20:30 Zoom Meeting Recording] Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 7 240903CLPS_240903 Gebert announced we do have an opening for a Trustee position, as Trustee Hartinger resigned. She stated we have an announcement posted on social media platforms, looking for an individual to fill the vacancy until that term is up for election. ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA [1:21:35 Zoom Meeting Recording] Pinsonneault stated we had 3 agenda items deferred tonight. Gebert stated she also has noted for next agenda the fee schedule, permits and number of hours necessary, and dispensary/Delta 9. She commented to Parker that on the next agenda, to move the Mission to standing Agenda Item #4, so that it gets read. Maloney thanked the Committee Members for becoming a member of the committee and for their service. a. Next Regular Meeting Date – Monday, October 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Gebert brought up the November 4th meeting, which is the night before the General Election. She asked if the committee would be willing to either meet on October 28th or November 6th. After some discussion, it was decided the group would meet on October 28th, at 5pm (for the November meeting). ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ermeling, second by Czerwonka: to adjourn at 6:25 p.m. Jim Pinsonneault, Village Trustee and CLPS Chair Jami Gebert, Village Administrator Valerie Parker, Recording Secretary Mtg_BOT_240916_Consent_Minutes_CLPS Valerie Parker updated @ 9/9/2024 3:14 PM Page 8 240903CLPS_240903