PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE
Monday, June 11, 2007
Administrative Center – Room 3220
4:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Charles Spiker, Jim Berns, Leon Pfaff, Ralph Geary, Andrea Richmond, Jai Johnson
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Jeff Schroeder
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF & GUESTS: Dennis Osgood, Keith Back, Jim Speropulos, Mary Kaufmann, Brian Tippetts, Steve O’Malley, Jeff Bluske, Mike Weibel, Charlie Handy, Brian Fukuda, David Lange, William Shepherd, Bryan Jostad, Donna Hanson, Jerry Severson, Jeff Gustafson, Liana Escott, Sharon Hampson, Maureen Freedland, Tom Rauk, J. Terry Hanson, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Charles Spiker called the meeting to order at 4:01 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Berns, Johnson to approve minutes of May 7 and 17, 2007. Committee Chairman Spiker noted a needed correction to the May 7th minutes, that being the due date for reports from Summer Highway Conference attendees should be July, not June, as the conference is taking place this week. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION by Pfaff/Berns to receive and place on file the following Consent Agenda items:
Economic Development Fund Minutes of May 3, 2007.
Annual Solid Waste Summer Conference & Disposal System Meeting on July 11; registration deadline is June 30. Brian Tippetts noted this as the 18th Annual meeting; topics for discussion include: sustainability, resource recovery, and landfill redevelopment. Cost with lunch is $9.00.
Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Supervisors Tom Rauk and Maureen Freedland spoke in favor of the resolution re “Eco-County Designation Supported” listed as #7 on the agenda. Each noted the urgent need for research as well as education. Maureen also noted an upcoming 10-week study re “The Natural Step” and encouraged others to attend.
APPROVE CHECK REQUISITIONS/PURCHASE ORDERS OVER $20,000
Copy of check requisition information to be paid in June, 2007, was sent with the agenda. MOTION by Pfaff/Berns to approve the following check requisitions:
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$84,379.00 $24,008.12 $52,521.32 $33,482.86 $86,900.00 |
Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
UPDATE ON LAKE NESHONOC DOCKS ISSUE
Bill Shepherd reviewed the progress made on the Lake Neshonoc dock issues. Jim Speropulos showed maps of the three areas. Back in January, 2007, the County Board approved the sale of county riparian property, subject to DNR approval, adjacent to Shorewood Addition, Lake Road and Neshonoc Lake Addition to private property owners, and have the property surveyed and appraised by outside consultants to determine fair market value including pro-rata share of sale related costs, and the purchasers must comply with the La Crosse County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance. There are no issues with the areas known as Lake Road or the Neshonoc Lake Addition. In Shorewood Addition, there are six (6) potential properties that can be sold, leaving the county-owned peninsula and a strip of land to the peninsula as county-owned public access. There is one lot owner (known as lot #8) that is not happy with the final determination as there is no county riparian land available. He continues to leave his unattended boat parked along the county-owned shoreline which is not allowable. Also noted a building and a retaining wall on a couple of sites have to be removed.
Bill noted the sale of these 6 potential properties will have an easement attached to each Warranty Deed, noted as “Public Easement for Shorewood/Appendix 1”. Public easement is the only way the DNR will allow these sales. If the sale does not take place, then boat docks will not be allowed. All will be appraised using lake front lineal footage, total square footage, and the public easement; the public easement may decrease the value of the land. The appraisals are due by August 31st. Bill noted this process will not be done by negotiations; all will be at a fixed price due to fairness to all. There was a suggestion to include a due date to purchase on the selling contract. Jim Speropulos noted that if sales are delayed, property value will increase. Informational.
RESOLUTION RE ECO-COUNTY DESIGNATION SUPPORTED
Jai Johnson, as the requester of the resolution, spoke in favor of approving the resolution. She noted the need for a strategic plan – one that can be measurable. Main objectives of principles of sustainable community development are: (1) reduce dependence upon fossil fuels and extracted underground metals and minerals, (2) reduce dependence on chemicals and other manufactured substances, (3) reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems, and (4) meet the hierarchy of present and future human needs fairly and efficiently. MOTION by Johnson/Berns to approve the resolution. Discussion on the Fiscal Note and joint development of individual strategic plans for the County and City of La Crosse. Noted in-house staff will assist with the process, but a consultant will make sure that all are incorporated all into a plan. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
STATE DESIGNATED ALTERNATE ROUTE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY / I-90
Dennis Osgood noted the WI Dept. of Transportation is creating statewide alternate routes for the Interstate system. Jeff Gustafson of DOT was present to review the alternate route for La Crosse County. He distributed copies of “I-90 Corridor – La Crosse – Alternate Route Operations Guide”. There are 3 La Crosse County Roads that are part of the alternate plan, those being: “B” in Town of Campbell, “OT” (between SN & STH 35), and “C” in Village of West Salem. Town of Campbell and Village of West Salem have agreed with the alternate routes as proposed; “OT” has already been used for the recent bridge repair. Mr. Gustafson said the DOT will pay for the signage and placement as well as maintenance. MOTION by Pfaff/Richmond to give permission of using County Roads B, OT and C as alternate routes for I-90 in emergency situations. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused. Committee Chairman Spiker asked if this needed County Board approval. Bill Shepherd suggested a resolution be drafted. Jeff Gustafson said an agreement or memorandum of understanding is also needed between the State DOT and the County.
APPROVE PURCHASE OF SALT FOR 2007-2008 VIA STATE BID
MOTION by Richmond/Geary to approve the purchase of salt for 2007-2008 from North American Salt in amount of $42.50/ton based on the State Contract. Per the contract agreement, the County will be purchasing 4,500 guaranteed tons with an additional 1,000 tons on an as-needed basis by April 30, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
PURCHASE OF NEW HAUL TRUCKS
Dennis Osgood reviewed noting 4 new haul trucks were budgeted in the 2007 budget - Machinery Fund. But based on new trucks coming out with new engines and there have been some known problems with them, he would like to purchase from availability on the dealer lots vs. seeking bids based on particular specifications; he foresees a possible savings of about $60,000. MOTION by Richmond/Pfaff to approve the process of receiving proposals from dealers for four (4) new haul trucks based on availability on their lots. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO LA CROSSE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PARK DECLARATION OF PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
Charlie Handy reviewed. He noted the City of La Crosse has requested amendments to the La Crosse International Business Park Declaration of Protective Covenants. There are 3 areas relating to: (1) additional retail allowed on lots 1-4 located along Highway 16, (2) setting a consistent submittal deadline for plans, and (3) encourages the use of rain gardens and infiltration as a stormwater management tool. County staff has reviewed and have no concerns with the amendments. MOTION by Johnson/Richmond to approve the resolution that approves the amendments to the La Crosse International Business Park Declaration of Protective Covenants as set forth on May 10, 2007. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
RESOLUTION RE APPROVAL OF DIRECT ANNEXATION OF COUNTY FARM TO VILLAGE OF WEST SALEM
Charlie reviewed. He noted this is a result of discussions at the County Economic Development Fund Board meetings and with the Village of West Salem relating to the need of supplying utilities to the business park parcels as they are developed. This has been an assumption that annexation would be pursued as part of developing the business park. Brian Fukuda noted recent discussions with the Village and Town of Hamilton Chairman and there are no issues with it. MOTION by Berns/Richmond to approve the resolution which authorizes the County Board to sign and submit a petition for direct annexation to the Village of West Salem of the 194 acres, more or less, as shown on the attached map. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused.
UPDATE FROM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND BOARD FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHASE 2 OF THE LAKEVIEW BUSINESS PARK
Charlie noted back in 2003, the County Economic Development Fund (formerly Business Fund) purchased 80 acres from the County to develop Phase 1 of the Lakeview Business Park. Most of the large parcels have sold or in the process, and it’s time to look at developing Phase 2 of the park. With the recent EDA grant of $1.1 million, that will help with the next phase. He noted this as an update/informational and will need to consider the next steps on how to development Phase 2.
APPROVE BID(S) FOR JAIL MODIFICATION
Jim Speropulos reviewed noting this was approved a few months ago. It’s for repairs and remodeling of the Law Enforcement Center & Courthouse which includes: bunk repairs, window screen repairs, table repairs, and new ceiling in the loading dock/kitchen area. This also includes replacement of water coolers in the building that were budgeted in 2007. Three bids were received and he recommends the approval of the low bid from Market & Johnson. MOTION by Richmond/Berns to approve the bid from Market & Johnson, Inc., in amount of $99,034 to do the repairs, as noted, in the LEC & Courthouse building, including water cooler replacements. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused. Other bids were: Fowler & Hammer, Inc. @$112,567 and Voss & Sons Construction @$133,542.
TAX DELINQUENT PROPERTIES PROCESS
Jim Speropulos noted four departments (Facilities, Zoning, Corporation Counsel and County Treasurer) deal with tax delinquent properties or abandoned parcels. A listing was sent with the agenda that includes minimum bid amount on most, some with recommended appraisals, and two that the City of La Crosse is interested in. Most are small parcels/strips of land that are not buildable. Where there is significant size and the possibility of being buildable, four municipalities were contacted as to their interest; if interested, these parcels would be offered for sale to them. On those that might be buildable, recommendation to get an appraisal on them. Supervisor Richmond raised concern as to why not advertise all the properties. MOTION by Pfaff/Johnson to move forward with the public sale of these properties as listed. Discussion continued. Supervisor Geary noted if not full size lot that is not buildable, why appraise and put minimum bid on them – it’s supply and demand; better to get rid of them vs. not on the tax roll. Jim noted the parcel on N. 9th Street in La Crosse has total of $54,000 assessment value due to back taxes and demolition costs. Committee Chairman Spiker suggested a written procedure be in place; he ruled what the committee is voting on is a procedure, including those being appraised. Supervisors Pfaff and Johnson withdrew their motion. Continued discussion. David Lange noted per State Statutes, need to have an appraised value and publish as a Class III Notice; this is the way it’s always been done; the debate is whether to get appraisals on some of them; some values are just unknown. The goal is to get these properties back on the tax roll. Liana Escott, of City of La Crosse, said the City is interested in two properties, those being on Salem Road and on South 14th Street. MOTION by Spiker/Berns to approve the list as distributed, including the suggested appraisals, negotiate with the City of La Crosse on the two parcels, and bring back a resolution. MOTION by Richmond/Geary to amend the motion by advertising all of the listed properties, including 2 additional appraisals. Roll call vote: Richmond-yes, Geary-yes, Berns-yes, Spiker-no; Pfaff-no; Johnson-no; Schroeder excused. Motion on the amendment FAILED on 3 to 3 tie vote. Roll call vote on the original motion: Spiker-yes, Berns-yes, Pfaff-yes, Johnson-yes, Richmond-no, Geary-no; Schroeder excused. MOTION CARRIED on 4 to 2 vote.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
None requested
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Berns/Pfaff to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Schroeder excused. The meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder