Common Council Meeting Minutes – August 18, 2020

COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS ‑ Council Chambers ‑ Kaukauna, Wisconsin – August 18, 2020.

Pursuant to adjournment on August 4, 2020 meeting of the Common Council of the City of Kaukauna was called to order by Mayor Penterman at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 with remote teleconference via ZOOM.

Roll call present:  Coenen, Driessen, DeCoster, Duda, Moore, Roehrig, Schell and Thiele.

Also present: DPW/Eng. Sundelius, Attorney Davidson, Planner Jakel, Principal Planner Watson Brunette, Police Chief Graff, Fire Chief Carrel, Library Dir. Theim-Menning, Finance Dir. Van Rossum, HR Dir. Vanderloop, IT Dir. Don Krause, Com. Coordinator Simonson, KU Feldt, Naturalist Nowak, and interested citizens.

One minute of silent prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag observed by the assembly with remote teleconference via ZOOM.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Moore to suspend the rules and waive the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of August 4, 2020.

All voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Thiele to adopt the minutes of the meeting of August 4, 2020 as presented.

All voted aye.

Motion carried.

Presentation of letters, petitions, remonstrances, memorials, and accounts.

Bills Payable

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Schell to pay bills out of the proper accounts.

Roll call vote:  Coenen-aye, DeCoster-aye, Driessen-aye, Duda-aye, Moore-aye, Roehrig-aye, Schell-aye, Thiele-aye.

Motion carried.

Public Appearances

Bruce Werschem, 1905 Hendricks Ave., Kaukauna, would like the Council to consider displaying banners and/or promotional materials around the City.  The City has spots to put at least 108 banners around town.  Mr. Werschem suggested the City create a committee to research this.

Business Presented by the Mayor

Presentation of new Kaukauna Municipal Brand by Guide Studio.

Principal Planner Watson Brunette introduced representatives from Guide Studio.  The project team from Guide Studio presented what the new brand looks like, the meaning, the symbolism, and what is planned to be done with it.  The process in which this brand was established was illustrated.

Mayor Penterman thanked Principal Planner Watson Brunette, the steering committee, and Guide Studio for the great job in coming up with this brand.  Council members also thanked everyone involved in the process of coming up with a brand that will be used years to come.

Recognition of Past and Current Mayors by Branding Committee.

Principal Planner Watson Brunette recognized current Mayor Anthony Penterman and past Mayors Gene Rosin, John Lambie and Ron Vandehey for helping to contribute to the City’s strong history that is embodied our new brand.   Present and former Mayors were presented with a plaque as a token of gratitude for their service to the City of Kaukauna.

Permission to allow St. Ignatius to sell Christmas trees in Farmer’s Market Lot. 

Motion by Roehrig, seconded by Schell to grant permission to allow St. Ignatius to sell Christmas trees in Farmer’s Market Lot.

All voted aye.

Motion carried.

Reappoint Aubrey Schweiner as a Kaukauna High School student representative to KATODA Board.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to reappoint Aubrey Schweiner as a Kaukauna High School student representative to KATODA Board.

All voted aye.

Motion carried.

Reports of Standing and Special Committees:

Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2020.

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS

A meeting of the Board of Public Works was called to order by Chairman Thiele on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. remote teleconference via ZOOM.

Members present:  Coenen, DeCoster, Driessen, Duda, Moore, Roehrig, Schell and Thiele.

Also present:  Mayor Penterman, Attorney Davidson, DPW/Eng. Sundelius, Eng./GIS Spec. Neumeier, Planner Jakel, Street Superintendent VandenHeuvel, Fin. Dir. Van Rossum, Police Chief Graff, Fire Chief Carrel, Rec. Dir. Malloy, HR Dir. Vanderloop, IT Dir. Krause and interested citizens.

1. Correspondence.

A letter from Quianna Mendoza, 1400 Peters Road, Kaukauna, was read regarding a snow removal bill.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Schell to put this item on the next Board of Public Works Meeting agenda for discussion.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

2. Public Hearing for the Levying of Special Assessments for Public Improvements on Plank Road and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96).

DPW/Eng. Sundelius informed the committee that the property owners did receive notice of the public hearing of special assessments as required by state statutes and a publication was also placed in the Times-Villager.  A map of the project area was provided and assessment rates given. A final resolution authorizing the City to levy for special assessments will be addressed at the Common Council meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2020.  Ald. Moore asked about the timing sequence for the levying of special assessments and when the bids for this project were opened.  DPW/Eng. Sundelius explained the timing and the reasons for it.

Board of Public Works Chairperson Thiele declared the Public Hearing for the Levying of Special Assessments for Public Improvements on Plank Road and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96) open and asked if anyone via ZOOM wished to address the Board.  Chairperson Thiele asked two more times if anyone via ZOOM wished to address the Board.  No one appeared.  Chairperson Thiele asked if anyone present in the Council Chambers wished to address the Board.

Brad Bruegge, 310 Plank Road, Kaukauna asked about charges he will incur for his corner lot.  DPW/Eng. Sundulius stated all corner lot properties will receive a credit of 30% for the frontage, up to 50 feet of the corner lot.  Each property owner received an estimate of the special assessment charges in May.  This estimate did reflect the corner lot credit.

Chairperson Thiele asked if anyone else in the Council Chambers wished to address the Board regarding the levying of special assessments for public improvements on Plank Road and Green Bay Road (S.T. H. 96).

Don Gerrits, 1903 Green Bay Road, Kaukauna asked about when S.T. H. 55 was paved, why property owners were not assessed for the improvements.  DWP/Eng. Sundelius stated property owners were not assessed if on-street parking was not installed on that section of roadway.  The Department of Transportation does not participate in the costs of on-street parking and man hole cover adjustments.  Mr. Gerrits also stated he was not told about any special assessments until recently.

Brad Bruegge, 310 Plank Road, Kaukauna spoke again asking about why they are being assessed for the water and sewer six inches inside the sidewalk and the sewer lateral.  DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated as part of the water and sewer project, the mains are replaced and the sanitary water and sewer services are brought to the property line.  Property owners are given the option to have the City’s contractor complete the sanitary sewer and water lateral into the homes and that cost is special assessed back to the property owners.  The storm sewer laterals from the sump-pump discharge to the property line are not completed by the City because property owners can typically do this themselves or find someone to complete this at a cheaper cost.

Chairperson Thiele asked for the third time if anyone else in the Council Chambers wished to address the Board regarding the levying of special assessments for public improvements on Plank Road and Green Bay Road (S.T. H. 96).

Travis M. Weber, 1609 Green Bay Road, Kaukauna asked how much he would be charged as a property owner who does not have a sump-pump.  DPW/Eng. Sundelius stated the sewer laterals from the main to the property line are assessed even if the property owner does not have a sump-pump.  This is done for several reasons; if your house gets reconstructed, you have a leaky basement and you decide you need a sump-pump, or if the drain tile around your house is tied into the sanitary sewer line.  This eliminates property owners having to break up the concrete in order to fix these issues at a later time.  Property owners are not required to hook up a sump-pump if they do not need to.

No one else appeared.  Chairperson Thiele declared the Public Hearing for the Levying of Special Assessments for Public Improvements on Plank Road and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96) closed.

3. Street Excavation/Utility Permit Ordinance and Fees.

Eng./Gis Spec. Neumeier informed the committee the Engineering Department is recommending an update to Section 8.06 of the Municipal Code and an update to the existing Street Excavating Permit Application.  The current ordinance is outdated and does not provide the City adequate tools to manage the permitting within, or use of, the City right-of-way.  The Engineering Department is also recommending the use of a new permit application form for utility companies wishing to excavate in the City right-of-way.  Ald. DeCoster asked about verbiage in the Ordinance that required Council approval.  Eng./Gis Spec. Neumeier explained that this verbiage would be eliminated.

Motion by Moore, seconded by Coenen to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending Section 8.06 of the City of Kaukauna Municipal Code to incorporate provisions recommended by DPW/Eng., and to refer the draft ordinance to the Legislative Committee for review and recommendation to the Common Council.

Roll call vote:  Coenen-aye, DeCoster-aye, Driessen-aye, Duda-aye, Moore-aye, Roehrig-aye, Schell-aye, Thiele-aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Moore to direct City Staff to implement the new permit application form and fees for excavations within the City right-of-way.

Roll call vote:  DeCoster-aye, Driessen-aye, Duda-aye, Moore-aye, Roehrig-aye, Schell-aye, Thiele-aye, Coenen-aye.

Motion carried.

4. Open bids for Project 2020-Grignon Mansion Exterior Improvements.

Planner Jakel provided background information on Project 2020-Grignon Mansion Exterior Improvements.  In addition, recently the gutters have been cleaned and roof guards were to be put up.  The contractor found that the gutters were deteriorated and guards could not be installed.  Improvements such as these will be evaluated and possibly added to the project list.

Motion by Schell, seconded by Moore to accept no more bids and open bids received.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to have Planning Department come back with a recommendation on the bids in two weeks.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried.

5. General Matters.

Mayor Penterman updated the Board on the Redhill’s Landfill projects and the odor coming from the landfill.  A new pump was installed recently and improvements in the smell should be noticed soon.  A quote to install a berm on Haas Road was received and this project will be scheduled.

Motion made by Roehrig, seconded by Coenen to adjourn.

All members voted aye.

Motion carried

Meeting adjourned at 6:57 P.M.

Sally Kenney

Clerk

Motion by Thiele, seconded by Schell to adopt the Board of Public Works Meeting Minutes of August 17, 2020 as presented.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Regular Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2020.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by DeCoster to receive and place on file the Heart of the Valley Metropolitan Sewerage District Regular Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes of July 22, 2020.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the Industrial Park Commission Meeting Minutes of July 22, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

1000 Islands Environmental Center Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2020.

Motion by Driessen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the 1000 Islands Environmental Center Meeting Minutes of July 16, 2020.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Operators/Bar Tenders License – The following applicants have applied for an operator’s license for the license year 2020-2022 and have been recommended for approval based on their record check by the police department:

Motion by Duda, seconded by Schell to grant the operator/bar tender licenses.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Reports of City Officers.

Presentation by Jeff Belongia, from Huntington, on the 2020 General Obligation Bonding and 2010C Refunding Results and Ratings.

Finance Director Van Rossum introduced Jeff Belongia from Huntington.  Mr. Belongia provided information on the 2020 General Obligation Bonding 2010C Refunding Results and Ratings.  The interest rates and credit ratings were presented.  An all-inclusive interest rate of 1.32% was obtained, which is the lowest rates have been in 40 years.

Award bid for Project 2020-Grignon Mansion Exterior Improvements –this item was pulled from the agenda.

Fire Report

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the July 2020 Fire Report.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Ambulance Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to receive and place on file the July 2020 Ambulance Report.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried. 

Police Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Moore to receive and place on file the July 2020 Police Report.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Deposit Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Schell to receive and place on file the July 2020 Treasurer’s Deposit Report.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Building Inspection Report

Motion made by Coenen, seconded by Moore to receive and place on file the July 2020 Building Inspection Report.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Presentation of Ordinances and Resolutions.

Resolution 2020-5237 Authorizing the issuance and sale of $9,800,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2020A.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to suspend the rules and waive the reading of Resolution 2020-5237 Authorizing the issuance and sale of $9,800,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2020A.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to adopt Resolution 2020-5237 Authorizing the issuance and sale of $9,800,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2020A.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Resolution 2020-5238 Final Resolution Authorizing the Public Improvements on street and utility assessments on Plank Road (S.T.H. 96) and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96).

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to suspend the rules and waive the reading of Resolution 2020-5238 Final Resolution Authorizing the Public Improvements on street and utility assessments on Plank Road (S.T.H. 96) and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96).

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Motion by Coenen, seconded by Roehrig to adopt Resolution 2020-5238 Final Resolution Authorizing the Public Improvements on street and utility assessments on Plank Road (S.T.H. 96) and Green Bay Road (S.T.H. 96).

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Consideration of Miscellaneous Business.

Ald. Roehrig thanked Fin. Dir. Van Rossum for his work in saving the City money in the annual bonding process.

Ald. Thiele had the opportunity to attend the ground breaking for the David and Rita Nelson Family Heritage Crossing over the Fox River.  Planner Jakel was instrumental in getting this off and running.  This trail will be a wonderful addition to the trail system.

Adjourn

Motion by Roehrig, seconded by Moore to adjourn.

All Ald. voted aye.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

Sally Kenney

Clerk