Common Council Meeting

Common Council Meeting Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190 *In Person and Virtual Tuesday, December 03, 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: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81242575354?pwd=IthBeu1LMggdhKv8EPkyyVJdHFz8So.1 Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US Webinar ID: 812 4257 5354 Passcode: 767507 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 Brian Schanen City Attorney Jonathan McDonnel City Manager John Weidl Public Works Director Brad Marquardt City Clerk Heather Boehm ABSENT Councilmember Greg Majkrzak Councilmember Orin Smith PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 2 APPROVAL OF AGENDA A councilmember can choose to remove an item from the agenda or rearrange its order; however, 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 and move item 31, the Tanis Properties Development Agreement to Open Session, by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 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 Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 1. Approval of Common Council Meeting Minutes from November 7, 2024. 2. Police and Fire Commission Meeting Minutes from July 1, 2024. 3. Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes from October 21, 2024. 4. Park Board Meeting Minutes from August 21, 2024 5. Urban Forestry Meeting Minutes from July 22, 2024, August 26, 2024 and September 23, 2024. 6. CDA Meeting Minutes from October 17, 2024. 7. Joint Review Board Meeting Minutes from November 1, 2023. 8. Employee Bonuses 9. Update on MFA 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 10. WAFC year-end financial update. -Parks Parks Director Boehm gave an update on the financials for the 2024 year end for the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 3 11. Update on Walworth Avenue Temporary Limited Easements- Public Works Public Works Director Marquardt gave an update on the Temporary Limited Easements. 12. Job Performance and Satisfaction References for Gilbank Construction Inc, for Bunk House Remodel- FD City Manager Weidl pointed out the Job Performance and Satisfaction References that were in the Council Packet were all in order and Gillbank Construction Inc, is a qualified contractor for the Bunk House Remodel. 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 There were no public comments at this time. RESOLUTION 13. Resolution Creating the City of Whitewater Trippe and Cravath Lake District- Parks Kurt Zipp Chair of the Lakes Advisory Committee presented on why the City of Whitewater should form a Lakes District. Council decided to postpone the vote for the Lakes District until the December 17, 2024 Common Council meeting when all Councilmembers will be present. Support Memo from Eric Olson below: 12/2/2023 To: City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee From: Eric Olson Director, Extension Lakes Our office was asked by City of Whitewater staff to summarize some points about Lake Districts as elected and appointed officials consider forming a new district to help benefit Trippe and Cravath Lake. Extension Lakes at UW Stevens Point has been assisting communities form lake districts since Wisconsin lawmakers first created statutes that allow for them to be created and operated 50 years ago. Lake districts have proven to be a popular option for raising funds needed for lake care, there are now over 260 lake districts across the state with four to five new districts formed annually. Lake districts are primarily formed because a local community desires a dedicated funding stream for relatively expensive projects like integrated aquatic plant management, maintenance of dams and other infrastructure, and acquisition of lands that are important for public access or protecting water quality. Governance of the lake district budget is unique in that all residents of a district and property owners in a district have a Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 4 direct voice in shaping the budget by participating in the annual meeting. This, coupled with a levy rate cap, historically has helped calm concerns that a new lake district will result in “runaway taxes” for impacted landowners. I am optimistic that a lake district can help create an increased focus on the rehabilitation of Trippe and Cravath Lakes to the benefit of the residents of Whitewater. Feel free to reach my office with any questions or concerns you have about lake districts in Wisconsin. Eric Olson Director, Extension Lakes 715-346-2192 cc: Jennifer Jefferson, WI DNR Lake and Rivers Team; Heidi Bunk, WI DNR Regional Biologist Jeff Knight (405 Panther Ct) Wants the lakes district board to have representatives from all districts of the city. Don Huntington (Lake Lorraine) voiced his concerns about the deterioration of Trippe and Cravath Lakes. Jill Gerber (234 S Pleasant St) suggested putting the Lake District referendum on the ballot with the school district and Police Safety referendum. Also would like the cost spelled out clearly as well. Ginny Coburn stated the committee is made of volunteers that live on the lake. Also commented that there would no money commitment now, that is decided at the annual meeting and every year there is an annual meeting with discussion on what to accomplish with the lakes. 14. 2025 Salary Resolution-Finance Motion made to approve the 2025 Salary Resolution by Councilmember Brown, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen ORDINANCES First Reading 15. Ordinance 2024-O-26 an Ordinance amending Section 9.12.010 to allow dogs off leash at the Whitewater Bark Park inside the fences- Parks Motion made approve Ordinance 2024-O-26 an ordinance amending section 9.12.010 to allow dogs off lease at the Whitewater Bark Park inside the fences by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen Motion made waive the second reading of the above ordinance by Councilmember Brown, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 5 Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen Second Reading 16. Ordinance 2024-O-24 an Ordinance to the City of Whitewater Municipal Code Chapter 19, specifically Section 19.48.020 Institutional District Uses, adding Libraries, Municipal Buildings, Public and Semi Public Uses. -Municipal Code Enforcement Motion made to approve Ordinance 2024-O-24 an ordinance to the City of Whitewater Code 19, specifically Section 19.48.020 Institutional District Uses, adding Libraries, Municipal Buildings, Public and Semi Public uses, by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 17. Ordinance 2024-O-25 An ordinance amending Section 1.21.010 Schedule of Deposits to Increase Bond Amount for Violations of Chapter 11.56.010(4) General Parking Violations- Finance Motion made to approve Ordinance 2024-O-25 amending Section 1.21.010 schedule of deposits to increase bond amount for violations of Chapter 11.56.010(4) General Parking Violations by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen CONSIDERATIONS 18. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Cost of Installation for the Safe Haven Baby Box- FD Motion made to award the installation contract to J.H. Findorff & Son Inc, by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen. 19. Discussion and Possible Action to recommend approval of WAFC HAVC bid to Southport Engineering in the amount of $276,100 for repairs to Leisure Pool air handler, duct work and control replacement.- Parks Motion made to approve the WAFC HVAC bid to Southport Engineering in the amount of $276,100 for repairs to the Leisure Pool air handler, duct work, and control replacement by Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 20. Discussion and Possible Action regarding WAFC Capital Campaign-Parks Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 6 Motion made to approve the hiring of Sweeney Research as consultants for a WAFC Capital Campaign not to exceed $23,000 by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen 21. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Review of Updated Permit Fees- Economic Development Director Motion made to approve the updated Permit fees by Councilmember Schanen, Seconded by Councilmember Brown. Voting Yea: Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen Voting Nay: Council President Singer 22. Discussion and Possible Action regarding Public Comment Feedback- Finance Motion made to direct staff to draft an ordinance with the below amendments with the framework listed in the packet by Council President Singer, Seconded by Councilmember Hicks. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen Motion made to amend shall to may sign in by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Dawsey Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith, Councilmember Schanen Chuck Mills (366 Whiton) asked the Council if he chooses to speak during a meeting on a topic and if new information was presented, can he get up and speak again. Jill Gerber (234 S Pleasant) wanted to support Chuck Mills comment. Wants public to speak after Council speaks. Motion made to amend motion to add a second public speaking period if the majority of the Council agrees by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Schanen. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith. Voting Nay: Councilmember Schanen. 23. Councilmember Requests for Future Agenda Items or Committee items. Questions Councilmember Schanen would like the Window Ordinance to come back that was discussed at the Alcohol Licensing Committee, as well as the Chapter 19 and 20 clean up. Councilmember Hicks would like the Public Comment discussion to incorporate the Boards and Committees as well. He would also like to see PollCo or some other sort of polling or surveys be brought back to poll the public. Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 7 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 24. Resolution to raise Permit Fees - Economic Development Director December 17, 2024 25. Debriefing of 2024 General Election- Schanen December 17, 2024 26. Starin Road Pedestrian Study- Schanen December 17, 2024. 27. Update from Landmarks Committee regarding Starin Park Water Tower- Schanen May 2025 28. Ordinance to create Alternates for all Committees in order for all Committees to make Quorum- Hicks December 17, 2024 29. Public Safety Referendum question- December 17, 2025 30. Audio/Visual System Updated in Council Chamber-Hicks December 17, 2024 CLOSED SESSION Adjourn to Closed Session, TO RECONVENE, pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Items to be discussed: CS-31. Development Agreement with Tanis Properties, LLC - Economic Development Director This was not discussed in Closed Session. CONSIDERATIONS 32. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Development Agreement with Tanis Properties, LLC - Economic Development Director Motion made to approve the Development Agreement with Tanis Properties by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Dawsey Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey Smith Voting Abstaining: Councilmember Schanen ADJOURNMENT Motion made to adjourn at 8:40 pm by Councilmember Hicks, Seconded by Councilmember Dawsey Smith. Voting Yea: Council President Singer, Councilmember Hicks, Councilmember Brown, Councilmember Dawsey 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. Common Council Meeting Minutes December 03, 2024 Page 8