Aug 25, 2009: PUBLIC WORKS

CITY OF ANTIGO
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD
AUGUST 25, 2009

Members Present: Alderpersons Cahak, Balcerzak, Darling, Kapusta and Zelazoski.

Members Absent: None

Others Present: Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services; Charley Brinkmeier, Civil Technologist/Surveyor; Bob Piskula, Street Commissioner; Julie Zack, Safety Coordinator; Gary Strand, Dairy Queen; Rusty Mehlberg, WACD/WATK; Scott Martin, MSA Professional Services, Inc.; Joyce Hochhalter, and Carol Schairer, Utility Clerk.

This meeting of the Public Works Committee was called to order on the above date at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall.  Alderperson Cahak served as Chairperson and Carol Schairer, Utility Clerk, recorded the minutes thereof.

1. Approval of Minutes from July 28, 2009 Meeting

Kapusta moved, Darling seconded, to approve the minutes from the July 28, 2009 meeting as previously distributed.  Carried 5-0.

APPROVED

2. Rock Landscaping in Right of Way in Front of Dairy Queen

Gary Stand from Dairy Queen addressed the committee wanting to add stone in the right of way where he has a problem getting grass to grow.

Alderperson Balcerzak questioned whether or not the City could grant this request as Dairy Queen is located on a state highway to which Dale Soumis, Director of Administrative Services, indicated that because it is a state right of way, the Department of Transportation would need to grant approval.

Charley Brinkmeier, Civil Technologist/Surveyor, indicated he would provide Mr. Strand with the contact information for the Department of Transportation for approval.

Darling moved, Kapusta seconded, to hold in committee until Mr. Strand and/or Mr. Brinkmeier speak with the Department of Transportation regarding addition of rock landscaping in right of way in front of Dairy Queen.  Carried 5-0.

HELD IN COMMITTEE FOR FURTHER INQUIRY TO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

3. Sidewalk Abandonment

Charley Brinkmeier provided the committee with a copy of a letter his office sent to the property owners on Mary Street.  Mr. Brinkmeier indicated that he received no response from this letter.

Joyce Hochhalter, 148 Mary Street, indicated that there is no sidewalk up to her property, then commences in front of her property.  Ms. Hochhalter agrees to abandon sidewalk.  Alderperson Darling noted that the property owners would be responsible for the cost.

Mr. Brinkmeier noted that during a previous meeting Mr. Hunter was in favor of abandonment.

Alderperson Balcerzak noted that he spoke with all but one property owner and it was a consensus that the sidewalk be removed, but there was question on who was responsible for the cost associated with it.

Charley Brinkmeier advised that he is unsure if a special assessment can be assessed for the removal to which the committee agreed to speak with City Attorney, Mike Winter, to see what, if anything can be done.

Alderperson Balcerzak commented that some of the homes have a good sidewalk and noted he cannot justify that homeowner having to pay to have the sidewalk removed.

Alderperson Kaupsta noted that he does not believe that anyone should be forced to remove their sidewalks.

Bob Piskula, Street Commissioner, noted that every kid should have a safe route to school and we are working within that program and questioned removing the sidewalk at all.

Darling moved, Zelazoski seconded, to abandon the sidewalk on Mary Street based on the City Attorney’s decision about whether property owners can be assessed for the removal.  Ayes: Cahak, Darling and Zelazoski.  Noes:  Kapusta and Balcerzak.  Carried 3-2.

RESOLUTION TO COUNCIL       
  
4. Any Other Matters Authorized by Law to be Discussed

None

5. Adjournment

Darling moved, Zelazoski seconded, to adjourn at 4:05 p.m.  Carried 5-0.

APPROVED

____________________                      _______________________                  
Vern Cahak, Chairperson                      Date

For more information, contact: Jaime Brown