CITY OF ANTIGO

FINANCE, PERSONNEL & LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD

FEBRUARY 15, 2012

Members Present: Alderpersons Balcerzak, Darling, Bauknecht, and Kapusta, Mayor Brandt

Members Absent: Alderperson Kassis

Others Present: Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services; Kaye Matucheski, Clerk/Treasurer; Eric Roller, Police Chief/Public Safety Director; Jon Petroskey, Fire Chief; Nick Salm; Bill Obenauf, Kent Trierweiler, Infrastructure Alternatives; and Jaime Brown, Administrative Clerical.

This meeting of the Finance, Personnel & Legislative Committee was called to order on the above date at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room, City Hall. Mayor Bill Brandt served as Chairperson and Jaime Brown, Administrative Clerical, recorded the minutes thereof.

1.  Approval of Minutes from the January 18, 2012 Meeting

Darling moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the minutes from the January 18, 2012 meeting as previously distributed. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

APPROVED

2.  Approval of Request for Refund of Right of Way Permit

Kaye Matucheski, Clerk-Treasurer, provided a memo indicating that Gordon Hayes of Digger’s Plumbing & Electric submitted a request for a refund of a right of way work permit in the amount of $35.00. Mr. Hayes was told what the City’s insurance requirements were as his present liability insurance and bond were cancelled. Mr. Hayes’ insurance agent called Ms. Matucheski to see what the requirements were and she explained what the City required. On Monday, January 6, 2012, the City received a Certificate of Insurance. Because Ms. Matucheski was out of the office on January 7, 2012 she had the Deputy Clerk-Treasurer call Mr. Hayes to let him know that the City needed an actual excavation bond for him not just a notation on the Certificate of Insurance. On January 8, 2012, Mr. Hayes came in to see Ms. Matucheski and had the bond that the City needed for his permit. Ms. Matucheski explained that it is what the City needed and she would forward a copy of the bond to the Street Department. Later during the day, the Public Works Technician called and stated that Mr. Hayes wanted a refund on his permit as he only completed the work up to the point of the right of way. Ms. Matucheski asked he put his request in writing to be forwarded to the committee.

Mr. Hayes provided a request indicating that on February 2, 2012 he applied for Permit #7009 to replace a water line at 126 Virginia Street in the amount of $35.00. He was not able to use that permit to do the work at this address because the City told him that they could not/would not accept the paperwork he had on file at the time and which he updated on Monday and Tuesday for his current City bond. He respectfully requests a full refund in the amount of $35.00 as he had to complete this project finally on February 7, 2012 without entering any portions of the City right of way.

Ms. Matucheski advised that Mr. Hayes has worked with the City before and is familiar with the process.

Alderperson Balcerzak noted that Mr. Hayes is aware of the process. He further noted that there was time involved with issuing the permit and he does not feel a refund should be given.

Kapusta moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the $35.00 refund for Permit #7009 for Digger’s Plumbing & Electric. Motion Lost 2-3, Absent 1. Noes: Darling, Balcerzak, Brandt.

MOTION LOST

3.  Approval of Funding Request for New Cattle Barn

Mayor Brandt advised that he has been approached by Langlade County to request waiver of the tipping fees for the demolition landfill, which is not something that can be easily accomplished. Staff has estimated the tipping fees to be approximately $5,000.

Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services, advised that there is a contract that exists between the City of Antigo and Krueger & Stienfest with regard to the demolition landfill. It would be easier to donate money to the project, which in return can be used to pay the tipping fees.

Balcerzak moved, Darling seconded, to donate $5,000 from the Economic Development portion of the Hotel/Motel funds towards the new cattle barn located at the Langlade County Fairgrounds. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL

4.  Approval of Funding Request for Relocation of Dairy Arena

Nick Salm provided a letter to the committee requesting consideration to use Discretionary Room Tax Revenue to move the Dairy Arena at the fairgrounds to a new location at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds to allow restoration and use for community events. This request is contingent on having a community group commit to using the structure after relocation. The octagon dairy arena at the fairgrounds is scheduled to be demolished to prepare the site for a new livestock barn and show arena at the fairgrounds. It is listed on the State of Wisconsin Register of Historic Round Barns of Wisconsin. The site lists the building in “excellent” condition.

Mr. Salm continued with his letter to state that there are a wide range of opinions on the current condition of the structure, however, a local contractor and two companies contacted to offer bids to move the structure found it to be in sound structural condition. Nate Heuss, Langlade County Public Property Director, prepared an estimate of costs to move the building to the new site, which is approximately $37,640. Local contractors have also been contacted with firm estimates for part of the work. Once the building is moved, fund raising will begin to restore the building to its original design as much as possible, including roof, doors, modifying for future use, painting and electrical. Mr. Heuss also provided an estimate of $28,350 to replace the roof. He also provided a cost estimate of $10,000 to remove the cupola at the top of the building assuming it is not structurally sound.

Mr. Salm’s letter indicated that background information is being provided to the City of Antigo in order to have reasonably sound information to consider using Room Tax Revenue to preserve a historic building and provide an opportunity for community organizations to come forward with proposals to use the building during spring, summer and autumn months for community activities. In the event there are no community groups willing to use the building after restoration and maintain it going forward, Mr. Salm recommends to let the building be destroyed to make room for the new livestock barn at the fairgrounds. The fundraising efforts to replace the old livestock barn with the new barn have been remarkable to date. It reflects the foundation of private support for community projects that are evident all over Langlade County. The new livestock barn fund raising is an indicator of a strong and vibrant community that all of us are proud to call home. It will also create opportunities to use the fairgrounds for multiple community events going forward.

Mr. Salm’s letter finished by noting hopefully saving the historic round bard at the fairgrounds will be another indicator that not only makes way for the future, but recognizes the value of preserving part of our history that touches nearly every person in Langlade County. Taking the initial steps to allow for preservation of the livestock arena will hopefully encourage community groups to step forward with practical plans for use. Again, if those groups are not found, the community has at least been given the opportunity to save the building and the City of Antigo can be a positive force to encourage saving this historic building.

Mayor Brandt indicated that he has spoken to the County today and they have not accepted the proposed location Mr. Salm is referring to as this is the handicap parking area for the fairgrounds. The County has stated that they have a time table and will proceed.

Mr. Salm advised that he has spoken to Shane Krueger who will work with movers to relocate the building. The Fair Secretary has also indicated there may be alternative parking for handicap access. Mr. Salm believes the County will look at this again with a renewed interest.

Alderperson Balcerzak indicated that he feels the County needs to grant permission for the relocation before the City can act on this.

Mr. Soumis noted that this money is public funding and does not feel this request is appropriate for this money. He further believes that there needs to be a group interest shown in utilizing the building, not just speculation.

Mayor Brandt noted that a group needs to show how they will attract events with this property and also agrees that this does not qualify for the Economic Development portion of the Hotel/Motel funds.

Mr. Soumis further commented that appropriations for projects such as this are typically done at budget time in July.

DENIED FOR LACK OF MOTION

5.  Approval of Funding Request for Brochure for Summer Music Program

Mr. Salm advised that the Music in the Park group are in the process of developing a brochure for their summer concerts and are requesting funding for this purpose. The brochures will cost $300 for 2,500 or $375 for 5,000. Mr. Salm advised that people came from the Twin Cities last year as well as the Madison area.

Mr. Salm advised that this program is growing and it is anticipated that the Knights of Columbus will be doing food during some of the programs.

Mayor Brandt advised that the City already waives the shelter fees for Monday and Thursday night Music in the Park, which amounts to approximately $1,000 per year.

Balcerzak moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the funding request in the amount of $375 for brochure printing for the summer music program with funding derived from the Economic Development portion of the Hotel/Motel funds. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL

Mr. Soumis requested that a tag line be added to the bottom of the brochure noting where the funding was coming from. Mr. Salm requested that Mr. Soumis send him an e-mail containing what language he would like included and it can be done.

6. Approval of Infrastructure Alternatives Proposed 2012 Budget for Water and Wastewater Services

Bill Obenauf, Infrastructure Alternatives, provided a proposed 2012 budget for water and wastewater services. The projected annual billing for the water treatment facility in 2011 was $498,439 and for 2012 is $508,109. The projected annual billing for the wastewater treatment facility in 2011 was $540,691 and for 2012 is $577,002.

Mr. Soumis advised that this is always received by the City in February. Mr. Soumis noted that there have been improvements completed at both plants which have reduced some costs; however, other costs have increased due to Department of Natural Resource requirements.

Mr. Obenauf explained that there is an approximate 1% increase in labor fees.

Darling moved, Bauknecht seconded, to approve the proposed 2012 budget for water and wastewater services as presented by Infrastructure Alternatives. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL

7. Approval to Purchase Digital One Shot Cameras for Squad Cars

Eric Roller, Police Chief/Public Safety Director, requested approval to purchase Digital One Shot cameras for the squad cars. His department has been putting money each year towards a new forensic camera, which was purchased last year. There is approximately $1,000 left in the CIP for this purchase and Chief Roller would like to utilize this CIP fund for the digital camera purchase. Chief Roller would like to purchase five cameras at an approximate cost of $200 per camera.

Darling moved, Balcerzak seconded, to approve the purchase of five Digital One Shot cameras for squad cars with funding derived from the department’s CIP fund. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

APPROVED

8. Approval of Purchase of Alaris IV Pump for Ambulance

Chief Petroskey provided a memo requesting to use CIP funds for an Alaris IV Pump that he ordered for the ambulance. He had to have the order in before the meeting to receive the discount from Langlade Hospital. He is working with Langlade Hospital to purchase the Alaris IV pump to match the pumps they are using. By doing this, they will streamline operations for patients that have IV’s and need a pump. Langlade Hospital and Aspirus Wausau Hospital have both switched to these pumps and by the ambulance department changing they will be able to continue patient care more efficiently. Chief Petroskey has discussed this with Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services, and Mr. Soumis told Chief Petroskey to order the pump because of the discounted price and to explain the situation to the committee. The total cost for the IV pump will not exceed $4,000.00.

Darling moved, Kapusta seconded, to purchase an Alaris IV pump for the ambulance through Langlade Hospital with funding derived from CIP funds in an amount not to exceed $4,000. Carried 5-0, Absent 1.

APPROVED

9. Approval of Forest Fire Suppression Agreement with Department of Natural Resources

Chief Petroskey provided a memo and an agreement from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for mutual aid and fire suppression services. This agreement is to update any previous agreements. The DNR has many variations of mutual aid agreements throughout the State of Wisconsin and is in the process of updating all of their agreements. In the agreement under Section 8, Chief Petroskey would like to use Option 1. This option states “No payment of providing forest fire suppression on all initial attack forest fires.” The reason he prefers this option is to provide the City of Antigo 10 extra points on the Forest Fire Protection (FFP) grant that he applies for annually. The City has received the FFP grant for many years and for 2012 the City received $1,200. The City’s insurance company, CVMIC and City Attorney Michael Winter will have an opinion on the agreement by the committee meeting.