The Meeting of the Common Council was called to order at 7:30 p

The Meeting of the Common Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2005. It was noted that the meeting had been announced and a notice posted at City Hall.

Roll call was taken, with the following members present: Mayor Jim Bialecki, Ald. Mike Giese, Ald. Diane Oldani Wulf, Ald. Gary Gonczy, Ald. Jim Olson, and Ald. Bill Leathen. Also present were: City Clerk Cari Burmaster, Land Use & Development Director Jason Gilman, Public Works Director Ron Lund, Human Resources Specialist Liz Green, City Attorney Gerard O’Flaherty, and Parks & Recreation Director Dan Wick.

Item 2 - Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was declared.

Item 3 - Approval of minutes from previous meeting.

Motion by Ald. Gonczy, second by Ald. Leathen, to approve the minutes from the previous meeting as printed and on file in the City Clerk’s Office. On voice vote, motion carried.

Item - PUBLIC INPUT: (limited to 3 minutes/individual)

Mayor Bialecki turned the agenda item over to anyone wishing to provide input.

Gary Hanson, president of the Onalaska Snowmobile Club, addressed the Common Council. Mr. Hanson said, “I would just like to thank the Council for considering reopening our snowmobile trail through the City. It would be very beneficial for our club and for the area. And, I brought some supporters with me this evening. And again, I just want to thank you for considering reopening our trail”.

Mayor Bialecki called twice more for anyone wishing to provide input. Hearing none, Mayor Bialecki continued on with the printed agenda.

Ald. Kim Smith joined the meeting.

Item 5 - REPORT FROM THE MAYOR.

A. Presentation of D.A.R.E. Essay award – Officer Lund.

Police Chief Randy Williams recognized D.A.R.E. Officer Terry Lund.

Officer Lund said, “As part of the culmination from D.A.R.A., Christina (Helgerson) had one of the top D.A.R.E. essays. I submit those essays every year. And this is the second time in my ten years as D.A.R.E. officers that one of our students from Onalaska was one of the two or three in the State of Wisconsin”

Officer Lund presented Christina with a plaque and read the inscription into the record:

“Presented to Christina Helgerson in recognition of your D.A.R.E. essay being one of the best in Wisconsin’s 2004-2005 essay contest. Congratulations on behalf of all the members of the Onalaska Police Department”.

Officer Lund presented Christina with a plaque inscribed with her essay. Officer Lund presented Christina with a memento of recognition from the Wisconsin D.A.R.E. Officers Association.

Officer Lund recognized Christina’s parents.

Noting that there were those in attendance with an interest in Agenda Item 9D, Mayor Bialecki recommended that that item should be addressed next. There was no objection.

Item 9 – BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS:

D. Coulee Snow Drifters request to reopen the snowmobile trail through the City.

Motion by Ald. Leathen, second by Ald. Wulf, to approve the proposed snowmobile trail with the understanding that all provisions, resolutions, policies and ordinances, be adhered to.

Under discussion, Ald. Giese recalled that the Board of Public Works also had recommended that signed statements should be received from all adjacent property owners.

Ald. Leathen recalled that it had been reported at the Board of Public Works that there were no objectors to the snowmobile trail and that the appropriate people had been contacted.

A representative of the snowmobile club reported that all signatures have been acquired with the exception of one resident. The club representative quoted the one exception as having said, “I’ve lived here 50 years and I don’t have to sign anything. My word is good”.

The club representative reported that club members met with the Mr. Hemker of Northwest Hardwoods and toured that property to demonstrate where the trail would run and where the signage would be located. The club representative said, “He’s fully in agreement with it”

Mayor Bialecki reported that he had discussed the proposal with Mr. Hemker who is in agreement with the trail and recommends that the issue should be reviewed in one year.

On voice vote, motion carried.

Ald. Gonczy requested that Agenda Item 10G be addressed next. There was no objection.

Item 10 – PLANNING COMMISSION:

G. PCID Amendment Determination requested by Nesnah Ventures, 3819 Creekside Lane, Holmen 54356, for the former Holiday Station site, 9432 STH 16, Onalaska (Tax ID # 18-3578-15).

1. Owner shall note that northernmost drive must be realigned if Farm & Fleet access is built. Owner shall pay for these improvements at the time this connection is made and enter into a development agreement insuring that Farm & Fleet access can be accommodated with the proposed site plan as submitted, reviewed and approved by City.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve with one condition the PCID Amendment Determination requested by Nesnah Ventures, for the former Holiday Station site. On voice vote, motion carried.

Mayor Bialecki recommended that Agenda Item 21 should be addressed next. There was no objection.

Item 21 - REPORT FROM TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:

A. Analysis of survey results and recommendations for Common Council.

Ald. Wulf turned over the item to Technology Advisory Committee Chair Chris Muller.

Chris reported that the Technology Advisory Committee is in the discovery phase of determining solutions for the maintenance of audio/visual equipment at City Hall. Chris anticipated that the Committee would make a recommendation by the end of the year.

Chris reported that the Technology Advisory Committee is beginning the process of developing a disaster recovery plan for the City of Onalaska technology. Chris reported that the goal of the plan is to restore computers, data and communications within 48 hours of any disaster. Chris noted that, with the help of IMS, the Technology Advisory Committee currently is reviewing plans from other organizations in the region.

Chris reported that the Technology Advisory Committee is continuing to analyze the results of the City Technology Survey.

Chris said, “One of the big things we found is that there needs to be a streamlining of the support process here at the City. One of the things that we’ve identified is an example that Kristi Abplanalp provided, where a support request was issued on September 12^th, but it was not received by IMS until September 21^st”.

Chris reported that IMS has a web-based issue resolution system that “should help speed up the process”.

Chris reported that it is the recommendation of the Technology Advisory Committee that the Engineering Department be directed to work with IMS to implement the system as a pilot program.

Ald. Gonczy reported that he has received telephone calls from individuals stating that the Common Council meetings can not be heard on the cable broadcast. Ald. Gonczy asked if there were a way to determine if the system is working before the start of the meetings.

Jason Gilman reported that there is a monitor in the control room adjacent to the Council chambers. Jason said, “I can usually here the audio coming out loud and clear on that. But, because there’s speakers in here too it’s not clear and people might have to turn their volume up a little higher”.

Chris reported that the Technology Advisory Committee is seeking local support for audio/video issues.

Ald. Gonczy reported that he been told by constituents that the proceedings cannot be heard over the television even with the volume turned up to the maximum.

REPORT FROM THE MAYOR (continued):

B. Shop Location.

Mayor Bialecki reported that City of Onalaska had investigated the possible acquisition of 4.5 to 5 acres of land from the Wisconsin National Guard near the Armory site. The National Guard has informed the City that it does not intend to sell the land. Mayor Bialecki added that another piece of land on the Armory site was proposed but it does not have adequate space for the City Shop.

Mayor Bialecki reported that the City currently is planning to build on the original site on the north side of Onalaska.

Mayor Bialecki reported that the location and the City Shop proposal would be presented to the Board of Public Works through the Capital Improvements process.

C. Jail Fees.

Mayor Bialecki reported that a number of communities have expressed concern over the rapid rise of jail fees: from $5/day in 2000, to $15/day in 2003, to $25/day in 2005, with a proposed 2006 rate of $50/day or $55/day.

Mayor Bialecki reported that this issue was discussed at the Joint Municipal Court Committee meeting. As a result, a subcommittee was designated to meet with the County Administrator and/or the County Board chair and related parties to discuss the issue.

Mayor Bialecki reported that he had attended a portion of that meeting. Mayor Bialecki said, “The long and the short of it is that at this time it appears that something else has come up here. Apparently the City of La Crosse and the City of Onalaska have been overcharged on jail fees, if I recall right, going back to the 1960s. I’m not sure what that amount is, but they are prepared to offer us credits which will substantially reduce next year’s budget to way before the 2005 level.

“Nonetheless, we will not be paying that $55 a day. I have yet to see the math and just how much we were overcharged over the years. (We’ll) bring that back here to decide what we’re going to do with that”.

D. 2006 Executive Budget and set up public hearing date.

Mayor Bialecki read into the record his letter dated October 11, 2005:

October 11, 2005

TO: THE HONORABLE COMMON COUNCIL

AND ONALASKA TAXPAYERS

The 2005 General Fund Operating budget was $6,740,724. Thus, to qualify for restraint dollars, the 2006 General Expense Fund Budget increase more than $350,518. The proposed budget puts the City under the restraint cap. State funding in 2005 was $203,168 compared to $200,145 for 2006, a decrease of $3,023.

The proposed tax levy for the City's General Fund Operating budget is $3,963,787 for the year 2006 compared to $3,771,131 for 2005, an increase of $192,656.

The proposed tax levy for the City's Debt Service budget is $2,535,409 for the year 2006 compared to $2,276,022 for 2005, an increase of $259,387. $240,262 is being transferred from prior capital project issues to reduce the tax levy.

The proposed tax levy for the City's Refuse and Recycling budget is $832,577 for the year 2006 compared to $796,162 for 2005, an increase of $36,415.

The proposed tax levy for the City's Onalaska/Holmen Shared-Ride budget is $90,086 for the year 2006 compared to $82,661 for 2005, an increase of $7,425. Keep in mind that if services are extended to West Salem in the future, it will have minimal impact to Onalaska/Holmen.

The proposed tax levy for the City's Equipment/Replacement budget is $102,758 for the year 2006 compared to $92,078 for 2005, an increase of $10,680.

The proposed tax levy for the City's Joint Municipal Court budget is $34,858 for the year 2006, compared to $23,242 for 2005, an increase of $11,616. The cost of operation is prorated and shared by six other towns/villages.

The proposed tax levy for the Community Development Authority (C.D.A.) Omni Center budget is $313,000 for the year 2006, maintaining the same tax levy amount.

The proposed incremental levy for the Community Development Authority (C.D.A.) Parking Ramp is $122,289 for the year 2006 compared to $6,007 for 2005, an increase of $116,282. The incremental levy increase is due to strong growth in the Gundersen/Lutheran campus area.

Increased cost of petroleum products and Xcel Energy costs have adversely impacted all departments.

The proposed City of Onalaska overall tax levy is up 8.62% compared to 5.81 % for 2005. Based upon the estimated assessed valuation and the projected tax levy for the various City funds for the year 2006, the projected estimated mill rate would be $6.343491 per $1,000.00 assessed valuation, compared to $6.25564 in 2005, an increase of .087851. Based on a $100,000 home this would equate to an additional $8.79.

I ask the Common Council to consider the establishment of a regional library system in the upcoming years. This could be more cost effective and may be necessary if the State continues to mandate the property tax freeze and continues to lower funding.

I feel very strongly that these budgets carry out the wishes of the Common Council to stay within the expenditure restraints and demonstrate to the taxpayers that we are showing consistently strong financial operations, while keeping pace with the solid growth trends in the community.

Respectfully submitted,

(signed)

James S. Bialecki, Mayor

Mayor Bialecki noted that there is an attachment to the letter highlighting some areas of the budget.

Mayor Bialecki reported that the budgets as originally submitted were approximately $1.5 million more than allowable. The department heads were asked to make any possible reductions. Mayor Bialecki said, “I’m very happy to say that Mr. Wick in Park & Rec. as well as Chief Menches of Fire Department did indeed respond to that very deeply”.

Mayor Bialecki reviewed the significant changes in the 2006 General Fund Budget:

REVENUES:

- State Aid Shared Revenue – decrease of $3,024

- Building Permit Income – increase of $20,000

- Interest Income on Investments – increase of $59,000

EXPENDITURE:

- Recommend eliminating one Fulltime Police Position

- Recommend reducing one of the three fulltime clerical workers to a half time position.

- Increase in Gas Usage of $9,400 or 23.6%

- Increase in Electricity of $11,350 or 11.4%

- Increase in Health & Dental Insurance Premiums of $84,800 or 11.7%

- Increase in Contractual Attorney of $33,000 or 49%

- Increase in Workers Compensation (due to adjustments in the Fire Department) of $30,162 or 39.28%

- Increase in Unemployment Benefits of $24,540

- Eliminate one seasonal position in the Inspections Department for a decrease of $4,521

- Increase in Hydrant Rentals of $5,700 or 2%

- Increase in Dog Pound Fees paid to County of $5,231 or 13.65%

- Add one fulltime maintenance to the Parks & Recreation Department for an increase of $31,753 (effective May 1, 2006).

Mayor Bialecki noted that Dan Wick has eliminated three 1,040-hour positions.

- Add one fulltime firefighter to the Fire Department for an increase of $10,302.

Mayor Bialecki noted that Chief Menches initially recommended hiring two fulltime firefighters. Mayor Bialecki reported that Federal grant dollars are possible for the firefighter position(s).

Mayor Bialecki said, “We’re not certain that we’re going to get those grants and therefore I’m not going to count on them. Yet, I do feel strongly that we do need to look at hiring one more person. And the rationale behind that is, I think Chief Menches – as well as his predecessor Chief Skogen – have done an incredibly good job of taking care of Fire Protection services in this city, with what is now up to a staff of eight fulltime firefighters and I believe we have 25 paid part-time employees.

“The difficulties are that the part-timers do have very complex lifestyles. There’s also more and more mandates – primarily from OSHA - coming into fire departments. It’s getting more and more difficult for them to make training sessions. And, I don’t think that that’s unreasonable if you were to compare the City to cities with populations of say 8,000 or more, you’ll find that our staffing patterns are well in order here and it’s probably necessary to do this.

“It’s interesting, I had a question asked of me today, would we ever consolidate with the City of La Crosse Fire Department. That question was answered jointly by myself and Mayor Mark Johnsrud. In this case here, we have eight fulltime firefighters. The City of La Crosse staffs with 96 fulltime firefighters. In this case, their line staff are paid 40% more, upper management 25% more. While the ring of a joint department sounds nice, it would be definitely in the favor of La Crosse to do that, but a strong fiscal disadvantage for the City of La Crosse”.

Mayor Bialecki resumed his summary of the significant changes in the 2006 General Fund Budget:

- Debt Service – new debt increase of $195,000 or 7.58%

- Debt Service – used funds from Capital Projects to reduce debt for the past six years, decrease of $240,262

- Increase in Refuse & Recycling of $36,415 or 4.57%

- Increase in Shared Ride of $7,425 or 8.98%

- Increase in Municipal Court (mostly new software) of $11,616 or 50%

- Increase in the Equipment Replacement Fund of $10,680

- Increase in Gundersen Lutheran Parking of $116,282 (as a result of new valuation).

Mayor Bialecki reported that the budget will next be presented to the Finance & Personnel Committee at a date of that committee’s choosing. Mayor Bialecki reported that in the past the Finance & Personnel Committee has been considered on the first or third Wednesday.

Mayor Bialecki reported that in the past the Public Hearing on the Budget has been held as part of a Common Council, but one of the Council members might have a conflict with those dates. Mayor Bialecki suggested setting the public hearing on the budget for Monday, November 7, 2005.

Ald. Gonczy noted that he is the Common Council member with the scheduling conflict. There was discussion among the members regarding suitable dates.

Motion by Ald. Gonczy, second by Ald. Giese, to hold a public hearing on the 2006 budget for Monday, November 7, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. On voice vote, motion carried.

There was discussion among the members regarding a suitable date for the Finance & Personnel Committee meeting.

It was decided that the Finance & Personnel Committee would hold a special budget meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2005.

E. Fuel purchases.

Mayor Bialecki reported that the City’s refuse contractor had requested an increase in the contract due to the rising cost of fuel. Mayor Bialecki said, “That was rejected for two reasons. 1) there’s not a provision in our contract. 2) Three and a half years ago when prices went way, way down, even to 99-cents a gallon for awhile, nobody came to the front door to cut prices either”.

Mayor Bialecki reported that there had been discussion suggesting that the City of Onalaska could team with the School District to purchase petroleum products at a reduced rate for use in direct and indirect (Shared Ride and refuse hauling) services. Mayor Bialecki noted that this type of partnership could result in a credit or waiver of the Federal Excise Tax on fuel. Mayor Bialecki reported that he has mentioned this proposal to School District Superintendent John Burnett and Mr. Burnett has expressed some interest.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPROVAL AND/OR POSSIBLE ACTION FROM THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS/BOARDS:

Noting that there were those in attendance with an interest in the Plan Commission Agenda Items, Ald. Gonczy suggested that those item should be addressed next. There was no objection.

Item 10 - PLAN COMMISSION:

A. Rezoning application filed by Barbara Althoff and John Damm, Jr., 11468 Arroyo Oaks Drive, Los Altos Hills, CA from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-4 Multifamily Residential for the purpose of a low-density, multifamily project at 190 - 200 Marcou Road, Onalaska, WI (Parcel #s 18-3621-1 & 18-3621-2).

1. Rezoning Fee of $150.00.

2. Park Fee of $1,120 per unit x 9 = $10,080.00, or land dedication per approval of the Park Board.

3. Topo Fee of $10.00 per acre x 2.58 = $25.80.

4. Storm Sewer Fee of $3,933.00 per acre x 2.58 = $10,147.41

5. Owner/developer shall submit a map detailing the layout of proposed structures along with a construction limit line/no disturbance area. Rezoning shall be subject to review of this plan.

6. Owner shall be aware of future Marcou Road improvements and shall coordinate all improvements including sidewalks with Public Works Department.

7. Owner/developer must pay all fees and have all plans reviewed and approved by the City prior to obtaining a building permit. Owner/developer must have all conditions satisfied and improvements installed per approved plans prior to the issuance of occupancy permit.

8. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

9. All conditions run with the land and are binding upon the original developer and all heirs, successors, and assigns. The sale or transfer of all or any portion of the property does not relieve the original developer from payment of any fees imposed or from meeting any other conditions.

10. Any omissions of any conditions not listed in the Plan Commission Minutes shall not release the developer/property owner from abiding by the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Code requirements.

11. Owner shall place a deed restriction on property to insure development is developed as presented and approved by the Plan Commission. Rezoning shall be contingent upon this deed restriction being submitted and approved by the City.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve with twelve conditions, the Rezoning Application filed by Barbara Althoff and John Damm, Jr., from R-1 Single-family Residential to R-4 Multi-family residential for the purpose of a low-density multi-family project at 190 – 200 Marcou Road.

Under discussion, Mayor Bialecki noted that it was the recommendation of the Plan Commission that this item shall be approved conditioned on a deed restriction.

On voice vote, motion carried.

B. Conditional Use Permit filed by Barbara Althoff and John Damm, Jr., 11568 Arroyo Oaks Drive, Los Altos Hills, CA for the purpose of constructing multiple buildings on the property located at 190 - 200 Marcou Road, Onalaska, WI (Tax ID #s 18-3621-1 & 18-3621-2).

1. CUP Fee of $150.00.

2. Owner shall abide by all conditions of Rezoning.

3. Roadway shall be 32’ wide minimum.

4. Owner shall submit building elevations for review and approval by City.

5. Sidewalks required – entire frontage.

6. Owner/developer must pay all fees and have all plans reviewed and approved by the City prior to obtaining a building permit. Owner/developer must have all conditions satisfied and improvements installed per approved plans prior to the issuance of occupancy permit.

7. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

8. All conditions run with the land and are binding upon the original developer and all heirs, successors, and assigns. The sale or transfer of all or any portion of the property does not relieve the original developer from payment of any fees imposed or from meeting any other conditions.

9. Any omissions of any conditions not listed in the Plan Commission Minutes shall not release the developer/property owner from abiding by the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Code requirements.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve with nine conditions the Conditional Use Permit filed by Barbara Althoff and John Damm, Jr., for the purpose of constructing multiple buildings on the property located at 190 - 200 Marcou Road. On voice vote, motion carried.

C. Rezoning application filed by Gateway Property Management LLC, David Barth, 135 Marigold Lane South, West Salem, WI 54669 from B-1 Neighborhood Business to B-2 Community Business for the purpose of a heating and air conditioning company at 1008 Oak Avenue South (Tax ID # 18-948-0).

1. Rezoning Fee of $150.00.

2. Green Fee of $246 + $33.00 per acre x .61 = $225.87.

3. Storm Sewer Fee of $5,506.00 per acre x .61 = $3,358.66.

4. Site Plan Permit required.

5. Owner shall disclose hours of operation, parking provisions and layout of project to minimize disturbance of residential area to the east.

7. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

10. Owner shall provide letter from BNSF Railroad for storm water drainage amendments.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve with ten conditions the Rezoning application filed by Gateway Property Management LLC, David Barth, from B-1 Neighborhood Business to B-2 Community Business for the purpose of a heating and air conditioning company at 1008 Oak Avenue South.

Under discussion, Mayor Bialecki asked if there were any items of concern with this project. Jason responded, “I think the only one that was a major issue was storm water drainage because the site really falls off to the west to the railroad property. And it’s my understanding that the railroad will not sign a letter indicating that they want more drainage on their site because they do have some problems down below. Mr. Barth is aware of this. I talked to him just this afternoon, in fact, and he is exploring ways to handle storm water on site”.

On voice vote, motion carried.

D. Rezoning request filed by Preferred Development LLC/David Clark, 2416 Cedar Crek Lane, John Lyche, 1820 Ironwood Place & James Warren, 2236 Evenson Drive from M-1 Light Industrial to B-2 Community Business District for the property located at 1447 Oak Forest Drive for the purpose of a trade and contractors office (Tax ID # 18-1002-2).

1. Rezoning Fee of $150.00.

2. Green Fee of $246.00 + $33.00 per acre x 1.7 = $302.10.

3. Storm Sewer Fee (per Eastgate deferral) of $5,506.00 per acre x 1.7 = $9,360.20.

4. Site Plan Permit required.

5. Owner to be aware of vision triangle requirements at Pinecrest and Oak Forest Drive.

7. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve with nine conditions the Rezoning request filed by Preferred Development LLC/David Clark, John Lyche, and James Warren, from M-1 Light Industrial to B-2 Community Business District for the property located at 1447 Oak Forest Drive for the purpose of a trade and contractors office. On voice vote, motion carried.

E. Conditional Use Permit request filed by Preferred Development LLC/David Clark, 2416 Cedar Creek Lane, John Lyche, 1820 Ironwood Place & James Warren, 2236 Evenson Drive for the purpose of constructing two structures on one parcel located at 1447 Oak Forest Drive (Tax ID # 18-1002-2).

1. CUP Fee of $150.00.

2. Owner shall be aware of vision triangle requirements at Pinecrest and Oak Forest Drive.

3. Site Plan Permit required.

4. Owner shall submit building elevations.

5. Owner/developer must pay all fees and have all plans reviewed and approved by the City prior to obtaining a building permit. Owner/developer must have all conditions satisfied and improvements installed per approved plans prior to the issuance of occupancy permit.

6. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

7. All conditions run with the land and are binding upon the original developer and all heirs, successors, and assigns. The sale or transfer of all or any portion of the property does not relieve the original developer from payment of any fees imposed or from meeting any other conditions.

8. Any omissions of any conditions not listed in the Plan Commission Minutes shall not release the developer/property owner from abiding by the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Code requirements.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Smith, to approve with eight conditions the Conditional Use Permit request filed by Preferred Development LLC/David Clark, John Lyche, and James Warren, for the purpose of constructing two structures on one parcel located at 1447 Oak Forest Drive. On voice vote, motion carried.

F. Annexation Petition submitted by Elmwood Partners Limited Partnership, La Crosse Country Club, ASI Holdings LLP, National Decorating Products, TBD Investments and Town of Medary for 184.73 acres at the north end of French Road and the La Crosse Country Club (Parcel #’s 9-41-0, 9-36-0, 9-37-0, 9-10-2, 9-56-1, 9-10-0, 9-10-1, 9-9-0, 9-8-0, 9-49-1 & 9-12-2).

1. ACT 317 Fees due.

2. Park Fee of $1,120.00 per unit.

3. Topo Fee of $10.00 per acre x $85.96 = $859.60.

4. Storm Sewer Fee

5. Interim zoning of R-1 Single Family Residential.

6. Owner shall be aware of permanent zoning requirements for golf course – P-1 Public & Semipublic District.

7. Owner shall provide City with a utility infrastructure feasibility plan. Annexation may be contingent on plan.

8. Owner/developer must pay all fees and have all plans reviewed and approved by the City prior to obtaining a building permit. Owner/developer must have all conditions satisfied and improvements installed per approved plans prior to the issuance of occupancy permit.

9. Owner/developer must notify the City prior to any utility connection to public utilities.

10. All conditions run with the land and are binding upon the original developer and all heirs, successors, and assigns. The sale or transfer of all or any portion of the property does not relieve the original developer from payment of any fees imposed or from meeting any other conditions.

11. Any omissions of any conditions not listed in the Plan Commission Minutes shall not release the developer/property owner from abiding by the City’s Subdivision Ordinance and Zoning Code requirements.

12. City shall pursue development agreement with Town prior to Council approval to extension of utilities on French Road. Annexation shall be conditioned upon City reaching agreement with Town.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Smith, to disapprove the Annexation Petition submitted by Elmwood Partners Limited Partnership, La Crosse Country Club, ASI Holdings, LLP, National Decorating Products, TBD Investments and the Town of Medary for 184.73 acres at the north end of French Road and the La Crosse Country Club.

Under discussion, Mayor Bialecki said, “It may be a good project but there’s a lot of questions that we need to ask; first of all about infrastructure costs, booster stations, et cetera”.

In response to a question from Mayor Bialecki Ron Lund confirmed that this item would come back before the Plan Commission at its next meeting.

On voice vote, motion carried.

H - Unified Development Code – Accessory Used/Misc. Standards.

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Leathen, to approve the Accessory Use & Miscellaneous Standards section of the Unified Development Code. On voice vote, motion carried.

Item 6 – FINANCE COMMITTEE:

A. Vouchers.

Motion by Ald. Smith, second by Ald. Olson, to approve Vouchers No. 2248 through No. 2454, expended since the last Common Council meeting of September 13, 2005, in the amount of $3,005,413.49. On voice vote, motion carried.

B. Recording Equipment for Interrogation.

Ald. Smith reported that Chief Williams made a PowerPoint presentation regarding this item to the Finance & Personnel Committee. Chief Williams has hardcopies of the PowerPoint presentation available for those who are interested.

C. Information and approval to purchase two digital cameras for evidence/accident investigations from Woodman’s Donation Account.

Motion by Ald. Smith, second by Ald. Gonczy, to approve the purchase of two digital cameras for evidence/accident investigations, with the funds coming from the Woodman’s Donation Account in an amount not to exceed $1,250. On voice vote, motion carried.

D. Authorization for Grant of M-16 Rifles.

Motion by Ald. Smith, second by Ald. Leathen, to approve the application for a grant to purchase M-16 rifles with the cost not to exceed $664.

Under discussion, Ald. Gonczy stated that he would vote against this motion. Ald. Gonczy reported that he had not attended the Finance & Personnel Committee meeting, but had watched it on television.

Ald. Gonczy said, “I know there was a lot of discussion about the cost of the training and how much the training was going to be, and there was discussion about going into overtime. And, the question I asked myself was, if we weren’t receiving these free, would we purchase these. When I thought that through, I would say, ‘No I wouldn’t’. So if we’re not purchasing them, do we really need them? And, as we get tightening up our budgets, we’re going to have to look at things that we really need. And, does this community really need – I think it was - eight M-16s? Basically I think the thing was, ‘We don’t want to be outgunned’. I don’t like to think of it that way. I like to look at is this something we really need. And, I think that’s what we have to go through in the whole budget cycle; are these things we need or are these things we want? And, just because they’re free – but what other costs that come? So, we’re going to have training next year. We’re going to have future training. So we’re just adding another weapon to the arsenal. I’m not saying that that’s not good, but I just don’t think it’s something we need now. And, if it’s not something we were willing to go out and purchase ourselves, then I think it’s something we should pass on”.

Ald. Leathen said, “The reason I’m going to support this is because, as Randy described it, this will allow a broader range of responses on the part of the Police Department. And, in effect, there will be situations where the lethality of the force that’s used by Police Department will go down rather than up. Randy mentioned the idea of using rubber bullets in some situations, whereas right now they might not tend to do that because, for whatever reason, they feel they’ve got to go to their maximum ability to generate weapons. I’m thinking that the net effect of this is a decrease in the lethality of the force, and I think that’s a good thing. That’s why I’m supporting it”.

Ald. Giese said, “I appreciate Councilperson Gonczy bringing up that issue of need and putting in perspective: If we had to buy them would we go get them? That does influence me. However, during the discussion with the Chief, I clearly asked for a response from him saying that was his administrator’s advice; that he in his judgement felt it was best for the force – and also challenged the fact that that would incur costs going into 2006 as well. So, I’m really voting for this in deference to the wishes of the administrator of the department”.

On voice vote, motion carried with one no vote from Ald. Gonczy.

E. Activate existing Onalaska Fire Department funds located in the Designated Fund Balance Account 100-34212 for two equipment expenditures valued at $2,762.

Motion by Ald. Smith,