Common Council Meeting

Common Council Meeting UW Whitewater, University Center, 190 Hamilton Green Way, 2nd Floor, RM 259, Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - 6:30 PM Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Please click the link below to join the webinar:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87863215809?pwd=aDK7ke2IcuNlxdu1dcZILGTtXGWamj.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US (Chicago) (Houston) Webinar ID: 878 6321 5809 Passcode: 319491 Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108. MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Council President Singer called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. ROLL CALL PRESENT Council President Patrick Singer Councilmember Neil Hicks Councilmember Brienne Brown Councilmember Lisa Dawsey Smith Councilmember Greg Majkrzak Councilmember Orin Smith Councilmember Brian Schanen City Manager John Weidl City Attorney Jonathan McDonnel Public Works Director Brad Marquardt City Clerk Heather Boehm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF AGENDA A councilmember can choose to remove an item from the agenda or rearrange its order; however, Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 2 introducing new items to the agenda is not allowed. Any proposed changes require a motion, a second, and approval from the Council to be implemented. The agenda shall be approved at each meeting even if no changes are being made at that meeting. Motion made to approve the agenda by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen GUEST SPEAKERS 1. Chancellor King UW Whitewater's Chancellor commented on the City of Whitewater and the UW's strong relationship. He explained 79% of students remain in WI after graduation and looks forward to future success with the city. 2. WSG President Bradley Douglas will speak about the Student Organization Freedom of Speech statement. Whitewater Student Government President Bradley Douglas spoke about the Student Organization Freedom of Speech statement. He stated that by adhering to these values, we can ensure that the voice of every Warhawk is heard. STUDENT ORGANIZATION FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION STATEMENT Student organizations at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater are in a unique position to advance the University's commitment to freedom of expression [link] and the ability of students to freely debate and discuss matters of public importance in the pursuit of greater knowledge. Through the programming they sponsor and the leadership they provide on campus, student organizations also contribute to the formation of a university community that embraces difference and fosters a sense of belonging among community members. In light of the differences that inevitably arise in our community, civil discourse refers to our responsibility to engage with one another respectfully about matters of public concern with the intent to expand knowledge and promote understanding. With this in mind, we are committed to the following values and will seek to hold ourselves to them when engaging in civil discourse: A commitment to free expression: In keeping with the University's commitment to protecting freedom of expression, we endorse freedom of speech as an essential right. This includes the constitutionally protected expression of viewpoints that some members of the university community may find unwelcome or offensive. We affirm that free Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 3 speech rights are especially important in a community that is dedicated to academic freedom, critical thinking, and the formation of informed citizens. Respect for difference and the inherent dignity of every person: Civil discourse requires mutual respect in the face of differences of opinion, viewpoint, and identity. Regardless of the differences and disagreements that may come to light in a community committed to freedom of expression, we recognize the inherent dignity of each individual and their right to express them.selves freely without being subject to personal attacks. Intention to understand: When confronted with expression that challenges us, civil discourse requires a willingness to learn and to seek to understand. This willingness is based on the acknowledgement that both speaker and listener can learn from engagement with one another and that neither has all the answers to questions of public concern. Inclusivity and empathy: As members of a university community committed to understanding, we acknowledge the importance ofinclusivity as both a core value and as a way to ensure the widest possible discussion. To foster an inclusive environment, we commit to listening and speaking with respect and care, seeking whenever possible to advance understanding rather than hinder it, and to build up rather than tear down members of our shared community. Optional Pre-Event Statement: We, the (insert org name) and host of this event, support and acknowledge the Student Organization Freedom of Expression statement. It is our expectation that all of those present with us today engage with one another in a manner that is respectful and with the intention of listening to understand, while also being mindful of the statements four values: A commitment to free expression Respect for difference and the inherent dignity of every person Intention to understand Inclusivity and empathy By adhering to these values, we can ensure that the voice of every Warhawk is heard at this event. CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any council members requests that an item be removed for individual consideration. Motion made to approve the consent agenda by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 4 Public Works Director Marquardt explained the rate increase for John's Disposal is 2.4% and already built into their contract and not a user fee. 3. Lake Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes from July 31, 2024. 4. Public Works Meeting Minutes from August 13, 2024. 5. Resignation of Jaime Weigel from the Landmarks Commission and the Library Board. 6. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Approval of 2025 Rate Increase for John's Disposal. -Public Works CITY MANAGER REPORT City Manager Weidl gave his bi-monthly update of City events and accomplishments, including reports from the following departments: Public Works, IT, Neighborhood Services, Library, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Human Resources. STAFF REPORTS 7. Brown Cab update-Finance Q3 Finance Director Blitch gave an update on the Brown Cab company. She explained in the past few months, Brown Cab did struggle with staffing issues causing shortened hours for the rideshare company. She did confirm that they are now have full staff and they will have more complete hours. There is one more year on their contract and will look at how they did over that year. HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS No formal Council action will be taken during this meeting although issues raised may become a part of a future agenda. Participants are allotted a three minute speaking period. Specific items listed on the agenda may not be discussed at this time; however, citizens are invited to speak to those specific issues at the time the Council discusses that particular item. To make a comment during this period, or during any agenda item: On a computer or handheld device, locate the controls on your computer to raise your hand. You may need to move your mouse to see these controls. On a traditional telephone, dial *6 to unmute your phone and dial *9 to raise your hand. Kristine Hayes (135 N Esterly Ave) commented on the Bird Scooters and wants Council to look into a way to keep them off the sidewalks. Jeff Knight (405 Panther Court) commented on the Discover Whitewater Series Race and thanked all participants and sponsors for the their involvement in the race. Susan Chandler (Lakeview Dr) commented on UW Whitewater students getting registered to vote and supports and would like to volunteer for the Warhawk Votes campaign. RESOLUTION Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 5 8. Resolution to Withdraw from the Wisconsin Public Employers’ Group Health Insurance Program-HR Motion made to approve the withdrawal from Wisconsin Public Employers' Group Health Insurance by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen ORDINANCES First Reading 9. Ordinance 2024-O-14 an ordinance revising the Junk Ordinance-Municipal Code Enforcement Motion made to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-14 revising the Junk Ordinace by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. 10. Ordinance 2024-O-15 an ordinance to amend 14.04.010 to Adopt the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code Amending to add Commercial Code and Appendices, § SPS 360- 391 and § SPS316, and their successors. -Municipal Code Enforcement Motion made to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2024-O-15 to amend 14.04.010 to Adopt the State of Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code Amending to add Commercial Code and Appendices, § SPS 360-391 and § SPS316, and their successors. by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Majkrzak. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. Motion made to waive 2nd reading of the above ordinance by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen Second Reading 11. Ordinance 2024-O-16 an ordinance to Repeal of Whitewater Ordinance 2.12.020 – Authority to Make Purchases-Finance Motion made to approve Ordinance 2024-O-16 to repeal of Whitewater Ordinance 2.12.020 by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 6 Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. CONSIDERATIONS 12. Discussion and Possible Action regarding forming a Spring Splash Task Force-Economic Development Director Motion made to approve forming a Spring Splash Task Force by Council President Singer, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. 13. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Starin Road Pedestrian Safety-Public Works/UW Motion made to close Starin Rd for two weeks, Monday thru Friday 6 am - 6 pm, October 7 thru October 18, 2024 as a trial run for permanent closer of that road during the timeframe, for pedestrian safety, by Councilmember Majkrzak, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith Voting Nay: Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 14. Councilmember Requests for Future Agenda Items or Committee items. Questions Councilmember Smith would like the Bird scooter contract looked at and how to keep them off the sidewalks. Should have Public Works committee look into this first. Also the Spring Splash task force, make sure the students and UW are represented on this committee. Councilmember Schanen would like the pedestrian traffic looked into on Main Street by Casey's and Walmart. Also the Winter Parking ban from 11/1-12/1. Councilmember Hicks would also like the Bird scooters looked into. Council President Singer would like someone to look into mid-block pedestrian crossing on Main Street. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 15. Review the reference to Chapter 10 in Ordinances 2024-O-05, 2024-O-06 Title 19 and 20.- Dawsey Smith Q2 16. Comparison of Public Comments-City Manager Q3 17. Financial Outcomes with Walworth County TLE. -Q4 Common Council Meeting Minutes September 17, 2024 Page 7 18. Turning radius on Franklin and Main-Dawsey Smith Q4 19. WAFC year-end financial update.- Hicks Q4 20. Audio/Visual System Updated in Council Chamber-Hicks Q4 21. Fitch & Associates WPD organizational and workload study findings.-PD Q4 22. Resolution to raise Permit Fees - Economic Development Director Q4 23. Edgerton Hospital Whitewater Clinic to Expand Services.-Singer Q4 ADJOURNMENT Motion made to adjourn at 8:17 pm by Councilmember Majkrzak, Seconded by Councilmember Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Majkrzak, Councilmember Smith, Councilmember Schanen. Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Office of the City Manager / City Clerk (262-473-0102) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. 2023-2025 City of Whitewater's 5 strategic goals: Build single-family homes, Communicate with the community without the newspaper, Support a thriving business community, Recruitment and retention efforts with a focus on diversity, and Prioritization of expenditures with available resources.