The Meeting of the Common Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2006.  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. Jim Olson, Ald. Diane Oldani Wulf, and Ald. Kim Smith. Ald. Gary Gonczy was excused. Also present: City Clerk Cari Burmaster, Land Use & Development Director Jason Gilman, Financial Services Director Fred Buehler, John & Sophia Stout, and Evelyn Pertzsch.  Mayor Bialecki noted that Ald. Leathen would join the meeting via teleconference.

 

Consideration and possible action on the following items:

 

Mayor Bialecki suggested addressing Agenda Item 4 first. There was no objection.

 

 

Item 4 – Proclamation for Coulee Region Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month – April.

 

PROCLAMATION

Coulee Region Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month

 

WHEREAS, child abuse and neglect is a complex and ongoing problem in our society affecting significant numbers of children in Onalaska; and

 

WHEREAS, every child is entitled to be loved, cared for, and secure and to be free from verbal, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, it is our responsibility as adults to protect every child's inalienable right to a            safe, nurturing childhood; and

 

WHEREAS, our community is stronger when people become aware of child abuse and neglect prevention and become involved in advocating, supporting, and sustaining a culture that encourages family and community life where children can develop and flourish in a safe environment free from all forms of abuse and neglect; and

WHEREAS, our community faces a continuing need to support community-based programs that prevent child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and providing community support for families; and

 

WHEREAS, effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partner­ships among families, social service agencies, schools, religious and civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the business community; and

 

WHEREAS, twenty-four (24) organizations in our local community have as their purpose to prevent child abuse and neglect in this community; and

WHEREAS, Onalaska residents celebrate children, this community's greatest resource and the community leaders of tomorrow.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES S. BIALECKI, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF ONALASKA, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2006 as "Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month" in the City of Onalaska and commend this observance to the people of this community and ask for their vigilant efforts to love and protect our children.

 

Dated on this 28th day of March 2006.

 

In witness thereof, I have set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Onalaska to be affixed.

 

_______________________________

                                                                                                James S. Bialecki, Mayor

                                                                                                City of Onalaska

Seal:

                                    ______________________________

Attest:                                                                                     Caroline Burmaster, City Clerk

 

Mayor Bialecki reported that there would be a Child Abuse & Neglect program presented at City Hall on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.

 

Item 2 – Approval of agreement with Tod Edwards regarding Waterfront property.

 

Mayor Bialecki reminded that approximately ten years ago, the City began considering development of downtown Onalaska and the waterfront.  The Centering Onalaska group was formed as a result.  The City of Onalaska has worked to revitalize the downtown area and to acquire the waterfront area for development for recreational use.

 

Mayor Bialecki referred to a 2004 plan for development of the waterfront.

 

Mayor Bialecki reported that on March 28, 2006, two inspections were conducted of the waterfront area. There was found to be no wood-eating insects (termites) nor any asbestos issues.

 

Jason reported that City Building Inspector Calvin King would be performing an inspection of the property on Thursday, March 30, 2006.

 

Mayor Bialecki noted that the members’ packets include a copy of the agreement. The agreement references Exhibit A, which is a map of the two islands.

 

Mayor Bialecki reported that the agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney, Tod Edwards, and Mr. Edwards’ attorney.

 

Motion by Ald. Olson, second by Ald. Smith, to approve the agreement with Tod Edwards to purchase the waterfront property in the amount of $650,000.

 

Under discussion, noting that there was a member of the print press in attendance, Mayor Bialecki requested that the newspaper article regarding this issue should inform the public that until the transaction is finalized, the waterfront property still is privately owned.

 

On voice vote, motion carried three to one with Ald. Giese voting one.

 

Item 3 – Proceed with State Trust Fund Loan for possible purchase of property.

                                                                       

Mayor Bialecki referred to a handout, which is a copy of a report titled, “City of Onalaska Example Financing Plan” prepared by Robert W. Baird & Co. Mayor Bialecki recommended  the second option, with is a $550,000 State Trust Fund Loan. Mayor Bialecki explained that this method of financing would allow the loan to be paid off in advance.

 

Fred referred to a handout, which is a memo dated March 27, 2006, from Fred, to the Mayor and the Common Council, regarding Waterfront Acquisition Funding. Fred noted that in the 2005 Capital Projects Budget, $100,000 was budgeted for the waterfront acquisition. An additional $25,000 is available through a Paul E. Stry Foundation grant. Fred noted that in addition to the $650,000 purchase price, the City would incur closing costs on the property.

 

Motion by Ald. Giese, second by Ald. Wulf, to proceed with application for a State Trust Fund Loan for possible purchase of the waterfront property.

 

Under discussion, Mayor Bialecki reported that in addition to the Stry grant dollars, the City would petition the Department of Natural Resources for a grant of up to $175,000, the Scenic Byways program for a grant of up to $250,000, and the US Fish & Wildlife for a grant of up to $40,000.

 

Jason reported that the US Fish & Wildlife service is interested in purchasing the marsh portion of the property.  Jason reported that the US Fish & Wildlife service would conduct and appraisal and anticipates that the land would be appraised at $30,000 to $40,000. Jason noted that those figures were quoted several years ago.

 

On voice vote, motion carried unanimously.

 

Item 5 - Any other business that may come up subsequent to this notice

 

There being no further business to discuss, motion by Ald. Smith, second by Ald. Wulf, to adjourn at 6:46 p.m.  On voice vote, motion carried.

 

Recorded by:

 

Holly Traffas