Posts
Note: I am re-posting this post and will continue to do so periodically until the election.
What promised to be an interesting and highly competitive race among five candidates for three seats became decidedly less interesting and less competitive in recent weeks with the withdrawal of alders Dennis Kugle and Jeff Wiswell from the race. Dennis announced his decision at the end of the council meeting on February 6, while alder Wiswell released a statement to the Herald Independent shortly thereafter. Their decisions left former alder Kathy Thomas, long-time Library Board President Mary O'Connor, and newcomer Brian Holmquist in the race.
However, and it is a significant 'however', both Kugle and Wiswell will still be on the ballot. When then-alder Bob Miller withdrew form the 2009 aldermanic contest, he made repeated emphatic announcements to that effect and still received almost 600 votes. It's not hard to imagine Kugle or Wiswell garnering at least that many votes despite withdrawing from the race.
The race is over before it started - probably.
Showing posts with label Monona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monona. Show all posts
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Get Smart - Raise Money for Winnequah School Students
Labels:
education,
Monona,
Volunteering
Robb Kahl recently passed along info about this event. Get Smart - or Show Off Your Knowledge of Obscure Useless Information as it might be called if one was a smarty pants - is a community-based trivia contest to be held at the Monona Community Center on March 10. The doors open at 6 p.m. Showing off your knowledge of obscure useless information begins at 7 p.m. The event benefits Winnequah School students.
Elaine Axtell Thomas adds:
"Hi Doug, I tried to comment on your blog, but I doubt it went through. I wanted to comment on the Trivia Night on March 10th...I'm on that committee and would encourage everyone to attend. For $20 a person or $200 for a table of 10 of one's dearest friends, it would be a great night of fun, food, and a silent auction, too. The money raised goes towards SmartBoards - expensive, but necessary learning tools for Winnequah School. Anyone interested can call Jennifer Kahl (I love how that sounds...) to sign up. Everyone is invited to attend, and it gives one and all the chance to show off trivia knowledge... Thanks!"
Elaine Axtell Thomas adds:
"Hi Doug, I tried to comment on your blog, but I doubt it went through. I wanted to comment on the Trivia Night on March 10th...I'm on that committee and would encourage everyone to attend. For $20 a person or $200 for a table of 10 of one's dearest friends, it would be a great night of fun, food, and a silent auction, too. The money raised goes towards SmartBoards - expensive, but necessary learning tools for Winnequah School. Anyone interested can call Jennifer Kahl (I love how that sounds...) to sign up. Everyone is invited to attend, and it gives one and all the chance to show off trivia knowledge... Thanks!"
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
2012 Budget Adjustments & Health Insurance Savings
Labels:
2012 budget,
dredging,
Monona
The City of Monona saved about $286,994 in 2012 premiums by switching health insurance providers. The city council has been struggling with how to use this savings. At our February 6 meeting, I proposed and the council approved a budget amendment to reduce borrowing for Monona drive Phase II construction by $143,800.
At the February 6 meeting, on a 3-3 vote the council rejected a proposal by alders Speight and Munson to use $75,000 for non-represented employee compensation after a contentious debate (alder Speight lobbed a 'corporatist' grenade and alder Busse responded with a J. Paul Getty reference!). Their amendment included $40,000 for merit raises and $35,000 to reimburse those employees for part of the new 5.9% retirement contributions. Budget amendments require a 2/3 majority, so Mayor Miller could not cast a tie-breaking vote. I don't think anybody was happy with that outcome.
Shortly thereafter, unbeknownst to one another, alder Busse and I began working on a possible compromise on employee compensation as well as the remaining health insurance savings. We learned about our separate efforts when we each contacted city administrator Pat Marsh. Jim and I sat down over coffee and worked out a compromise that we each could live with. Whether we could carry the rest of the council with use was an open question.
We had two goals in mind: 1) Reduce city borrowing in 2012 (the 2012 capital budget is significantly higher than it has been in the recent past and is projected for in the future) and 2) Increase non-represented employee compensation.
Last night, at our February 16 meeting, the council adopted 3 of our 4 proposed amendments and referred the fourth to the CDA.
A couple further notes:
Bear in mind that the reduced spending for health insurance premiums (compared to 2011) will carry over to future budgets (minus premium increases). Specifically, the reduction in borrowing for 2012 capital projects is a one-time event. In other words, most of the $168,431 we used to reduce borrowing in 2012 will be available for the 2013 budget for whatever uses the mayor and council choose.
Finally, the remaining $39,000 hasn't been allocated yet. It may be that we can fund the renew Monona program from TID #6 payments. If so, then we could apply that $39,000 to further reduce borrowing or use it to amend the 2012 operating or capital budgets.
At the February 6 meeting, on a 3-3 vote the council rejected a proposal by alders Speight and Munson to use $75,000 for non-represented employee compensation after a contentious debate (alder Speight lobbed a 'corporatist' grenade and alder Busse responded with a J. Paul Getty reference!). Their amendment included $40,000 for merit raises and $35,000 to reimburse those employees for part of the new 5.9% retirement contributions. Budget amendments require a 2/3 majority, so Mayor Miller could not cast a tie-breaking vote. I don't think anybody was happy with that outcome.
Shortly thereafter, unbeknownst to one another, alder Busse and I began working on a possible compromise on employee compensation as well as the remaining health insurance savings. We learned about our separate efforts when we each contacted city administrator Pat Marsh. Jim and I sat down over coffee and worked out a compromise that we each could live with. Whether we could carry the rest of the council with use was an open question.
We had two goals in mind: 1) Reduce city borrowing in 2012 (the 2012 capital budget is significantly higher than it has been in the recent past and is projected for in the future) and 2) Increase non-represented employee compensation.
Last night, at our February 16 meeting, the council adopted 3 of our 4 proposed amendments and referred the fourth to the CDA.
- $56,000 for merit pay raises for non-represented, permanent employees not under contract (the city administrator and Public Works Director) in amounts as determined by the city administrator and $5,000 in spot merit bonuses for which the contracted employees would eligible. Passed 5-1 with alder Wiswell opposing.
- $3631 to equip the two squad cars that the council approved for purchase, but didn't fund equipping them.
- $21,000 for purchase of an unmarked police vehicle that the council had eliminated from the mayor's proposed capital budget. Passed 5-1 with alder Wiswell opposing.
- $39,000 as a loan to the CDA for the Renew Monona housing rehabilitation program. Referred to CDA and the city attorney.
A couple further notes:
The bid opening for Monona Drive one February 14th and R.G. Huston was once again the low bidder
at $3,341,382.92. Foth’s engineer estimate was $3,254,767.88. The
$86,615 difference is 2.67%. Monona will only pay a portion of that $86,615 because the overall project is being funded 50% with federal funds and 50% local funds. The county, city of Madison and city of Monona are paying the local 50% share.
Bear in mind that the reduced spending for health insurance premiums (compared to 2011) will carry over to future budgets (minus premium increases). Specifically, the reduction in borrowing for 2012 capital projects is a one-time event. In other words, most of the $168,431 we used to reduce borrowing in 2012 will be available for the 2013 budget for whatever uses the mayor and council choose.
Finally, the remaining $39,000 hasn't been allocated yet. It may be that we can fund the renew Monona program from TID #6 payments. If so, then we could apply that $39,000 to further reduce borrowing or use it to amend the 2012 operating or capital budgets.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Mary O'Connor City Council Campaign Statement
Labels:
Campaign 2012,
Monona
Here is Mary O's campaign statement, verbatim, unedited, and so forth:
O’Connor Campaign Announcement
Mary O’Connor recently announced her candidacy for Monona City Council. “I believe that the diversity of my volunteer experience in Monona has provided me with the background and preparation to be an effective member of the Monona City Council. I like to get things done and think I will bring a fresh perspective to the Council” says O’Connor.
An active supporter of the Monona Public Library, O’Connor is a long-time library board member and served as board President from 2000-07. During her time on the board, she helped oversee the $3.5 million library expansion project and many improvements in services and programming, which culminated in Monona’s being named the Wisconsin Library of the Year in 2010. Recently, as Treasurer of the Monona Library Foundation, she was heavily involved in their “Booked for Life” campaign, which raised $100,000 and earned a matching grant of $50,000 from the Madison Community Foundation. O’Connor has also been an active member of the Friends of the Library Board since its inception.
In addition to her library service, O’Connor currently serves as Secretary of the Monona Grove Education Foundation and as a Chief Election Inspector, helping to manage the St. Stephens’ polling site. As President of MG Sings, the Monona Grove High School choir boosters from 2007-09, she coordinated the annual Silver Stage Show Choir Competition which hosted 19 choirs and their supporters; and coordinated volunteers for the high school musicals. In addition, she served as a leader of both of her daughters’ Girl Scout troops and co-chaired the annual cookie sale in Monona for 12 years.
O’Connor believes that some of the critical issues facing the Council and community include:
· Maintaining city services in a time of severe fiscal constraint.
· Continued redevelopment of Monona Drive and the Broadway corridor, both to strengthen existing businesses and bring in new ones; thereby expanding Monona’s tax base and providing for a more vibrant community.
· Making Monona more attractive to young families which encourages investment in local housing and increases the school population.
· Continuing to support the needs of Monona senior citizens.
· Maintaining the city’s focus on sustainability which impacts city energy usage and lake preservation among other benefits.
· Improving Monona’s public transportation system.
· Working with other communities in the area to improve the quality of Lake Monona.
O’Connor is married to Bob Bocher. They have two daughters, both graduates of Monona Grove High School. Claire, her husband Andrew Pautz and their son Liam live in Minneapolis. Lauren is a student at UW-Madison. O’Connor received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UW-Madison and is currently employed as a librarian for UW-Extension.
Brian Holmquist City Council Campaign Statement
Labels:
Campaign 2012,
Monona
Brain Holmquist's campaign statement (unedited):
Brian believes in strong communities that are actively raising its youth, nurturing neighborhood relationships, and embracing and honoring its elders. He believes city council decisions should support the diversity of our residents. Brian understands the wisdom in creating and supporting opportunities and experiences to help people be healthy, caring and responsible throughout life. Not only does a community need to support our seniors to “age in place,” but we must make our housing attractive to families just starting out. Just like we have provided incentives for energy efficiencies, we should consider incentives for modifications to support our seniors to continue to live in their homes and transition into supported/assisted housing if needed. Additionally, we should be providing incentives for first-time home buyers to consider investing in a starter home that may need some renovations, rather than purchasing a newer home elsewhere.
Our transit system is vital for many of our seniors and disabled residents, and an asset for residents who work downtown. We need to maintain these services and look for opportunities to meet the needs of additional residents. Brian supports the recent expansion of routes and increased hours of operation.
Although Monona is a land-locked community, there continue to be options as we look at development and redevelopment. We need to finish our commitment to the Monona Drive revitalization and Broadway developments. These commercial projects will provide a financial base for our community in the future and in turn, keep our property taxes low. In addition to the Monona Drive and Broadway developments, we need to consider developing a true “city center” at the heart of our city. This “city center” would add light commercial space, provide a down-town feel and support a communal space[3] .
We have a wonderful asset in our lake access; however the current status of the lake is poor making it less accessible for recreation. We need to continue to look at ways we can improve the quality of our lakes through individual and community decisions. Realistically, this is a larger issue beyond just Monona. Therefore, we need to engage in active problem-solving with other communities throughout our watershed to make substantial changes that will increase the quality of all the lakes and rivers in our area.
For Immediate Release
January 8th, 2012
Brian Holmquist has announced his candidacy for Monona City Council. Brian and his wife, Rebecca Holmquist, have two small children, Acacia and Porter. Acacia is a 3rd grader at Winnequah Elementary School, and Porter is in the pre-school program at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.
Brian and Rebecca relocated to the Madison area in 2001. It was Monona’s Fourth of July Festival that initially drew their attention to this community. Monona’s parks, pool, library, schools, and established neighborhoods strengthened this attraction. The Holmquists were moved by what they saw as the legacy of Monona. They bought and moved into their home in 2006.
Brian works as an Occupational Therapist with the Madison Metropolitan School District serving students at Sennett Middle School and LaFollette High School. He also is a small business owner working with children, adolescents, and their families who experience significant emotional and behavioral challenges, including autism. Prior to his work with Madison Schools, he spent 10 years working in the inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric hospital at Meriter. He serves as the Chair of the Occupational Therapy Credentialing Board for the state of Wisconsin. He also serves on Monona’s Family Attraction, Retention, and City Promotion Committee. Brian is actively involved in the Parks and Recreational programs including coaching baseball and soccer teams. He is leading the effort to form a not-for-profit group, Friends of Monona Parks and Recreation, to support the Park and Rec’s efforts in facility projects and programming.
Brian Holmquist
508 Panther Trail
Saturday, December 10, 2011
2012 Capital Budget Amendments
Labels:
2012 budget,
capital budget,
Monona
The city council approved the 2012 capital budget with a number of amendments at the December 5, 2011 meeting. Here's what my notes show happened on the amendments.
The total 2012 capital budget will be $4,750,401 (of which about $2.3 million is for Monona Drive). Some items that remained in the capital budget may be funded from the city's reserve funds (i.e. not borrowed), based on the large savings the city will realize on group health insurance rates.
Amendment to reduce police car purchases from three to two (cut $26,000). Passed 3-2. I opposed.
Amendment to eliminate a new ambulance (cut $175,000). Failed 1-4. I opposed the amendment.
Amendment to reduce the proposed budget to $175,000 (from $250,000) for sanitary lift station in-place back-up generators passed 5-0.
Amendment to reduce reduce the proposed budget for SCADA system upgrade to $60,000 (from $100,000) passed 5-0.
Amendment to eliminate funding for 1/2 ton pickup failed for lack of a second.
Amendment to eliminate funding for pool concession area failed 2-3.
Amendment to transfer $25,000 from city hall rehab funding to valve maintenance machine passed 4-1. I opposed the amendment because I though the transfer should have come from some other Public Works item and not form the city hall rehab.
Amendment to reduce tree replacement funding from $45,000 to $30,000 passed 5-0. The revised funding is still more than we usually actually spend on tree replacement.
The total 2012 capital budget will be $4,750,401 (of which about $2.3 million is for Monona Drive). Some items that remained in the capital budget may be funded from the city's reserve funds (i.e. not borrowed), based on the large savings the city will realize on group health insurance rates.
Amendment to reduce police car purchases from three to two (cut $26,000). Passed 3-2. I opposed.
Amendment to eliminate a new ambulance (cut $175,000). Failed 1-4. I opposed the amendment.
Amendment to reduce the proposed budget to $175,000 (from $250,000) for sanitary lift station in-place back-up generators passed 5-0.
Amendment to reduce reduce the proposed budget for SCADA system upgrade to $60,000 (from $100,000) passed 5-0.
Amendment to eliminate funding for 1/2 ton pickup failed for lack of a second.
Amendment to eliminate funding for pool concession area failed 2-3.
Amendment to transfer $25,000 from city hall rehab funding to valve maintenance machine passed 4-1. I opposed the amendment because I though the transfer should have come from some other Public Works item and not form the city hall rehab.
Amendment to reduce tree replacement funding from $45,000 to $30,000 passed 5-0. The revised funding is still more than we usually actually spend on tree replacement.
Monona City Council Report - December 5, 2011
Labels:
2012 budget,
capital budget,
Monona
The Monona City Council met on Monday, December 5, 2011) and again had quite a heavy agenda. (My guess of adjournment at 11:30 p.m. was only six minutes off.)
City Council agenda or the complete city council packet.
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0 with numerous amendments. I'll see if I can figure out a way to report those and post it separately. We cut $156,000 from the 2012 capital budget. The total 2012 capital budget will be $4,750,401 (of which about $2.3 million is for Monona Drive. Some items that remained in the capital budget may be funded from the city's reserve funds (i.e. not borrowed), based on the large savings the city will realize on group health insurance rates.
f. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
2.New Business.
a.Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (International Association of Firefighters Local 311Contract; Group Health Insurance Plan).
b.Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
c.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1820 Approving Terms of Contract with International Association of FirefightersLocal311 (City Administrator). No action. Alder Busse requested more information on comparables.
d.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1821 Approval to Issue a Request for Proposals for Contracted Consulting Engineer Services (Public Works Director). No action.
e.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1822 Selecting a Group Health Insurance Plan(City Administrator). The city has obtained three proposals for a new group health insurance carrier. Note that this item is still under negotiation, so no data on the proposals is included. Each of the three proposals would result in substantial savings over our current carrier (WPS) and would provide the same level of benefits. No action.
City Council agenda or the complete city council packet.
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0 with numerous amendments. I'll see if I can figure out a way to report those and post it separately. We cut $156,000 from the 2012 capital budget. The total 2012 capital budget will be $4,750,401 (of which about $2.3 million is for Monona Drive. Some items that remained in the capital budget may be funded from the city's reserve funds (i.e. not borrowed), based on the large savings the city will realize on group health insurance rates.
f. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11). Passed 5-0.
2.New Business.
a.Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (International Association of Firefighters Local 311Contract; Group Health Insurance Plan).
b.Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
c.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1820 Approving Terms of Contract with International Association of FirefightersLocal311 (City Administrator). No action. Alder Busse requested more information on comparables.
d.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1821 Approval to Issue a Request for Proposals for Contracted Consulting Engineer Services (Public Works Director). No action.
e.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1822 Selecting a Group Health Insurance Plan(City Administrator). The city has obtained three proposals for a new group health insurance carrier. Note that this item is still under negotiation, so no data on the proposals is included. Each of the three proposals would result in substantial savings over our current carrier (WPS) and would provide the same level of benefits. No action.
Automated Trash Collection in 2012
Labels:
Monona
Monona Moves to Automated Trash Collection in 2012
Date: 12/02/2011
The City’s residential contract for curbside solid waste and recyclable materials collection expires December 31, 2011, and a new contract with Veolia Environmental Services will begin for 2012. As part of the new contract, the City will change to a fully-automated curbside collection program with with 65- or 95-gallon collection carts, similar to the blue recyclables collection carts we currently use.
The change to automated service for both recycling and trash collection will save about $144,000/year over the current system. This savings assumes about $65,000 in revenue from recycling "rebates", which will be based on market prices.
A few changes:
Large item pickup. The Contractor will operate a Bulk Waste Collection Program through a direct service request and transaction with the resident. Residents will have to contact the Contractor directly for collection of large items that do not fit into the solid waste cart, and for other large items and electronics residents would like to dispose of. The Contractor will then bill the resident directly.
Please contact Public Works Director Dan Stephany at (608) 222-2525 with any questions.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Dean House - Second Sunday Christmas Open House
Labels:
History,
Monona,
Volunteering
From the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society:
The splendid black walnut curved front stairway banister of the restored Dean House, 4718 Monona Drive will welcome guests with a lavish display of greenery, garlands, ribbons and ornaments at the traditional Second Sunday Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited Adding to the mansion's Victorian décor will be Christmas music by Mary Payton and a table of holiday cookies and hot apple cider. The public is invited to be the guests of the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society, which restored the 1856 house in the 1970's and continues to improve the 10-room country home of Madison civic leader Nathaniel Dean and his wife Harriet. A $2 donation will be appreciated.
Memorabilia on display will help visitors recall the fifteen years of activities of the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society volunteers and donors that provided the funds for the creation of the stairway and banister that is the crown jewel of the restored Dean House Re-creation of the stairway's 50 black walnut balusters and 27- foot handrail in 1988 was one of the challenges requiring an accomplished craftsman, as in the earlier use of the building as a club house for the golf course the stair railing had been lost. A Society Stairway Fund was created that grew through donations, Back Porch Concerts, Ice Cream Socials, sleigh rides and special fund-raising events, and a private donation of $1,000 to reach the $7,000 goal.
The newel post at the base of the railing was a rescue from the old Capital Hotel, which stood at 208 King Street in downtown Madison. It had been built in 1866 and was torn down in 1975.
For more information call 249-7920 or 222-5783.
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Monona City Council Preview - December 5, 2011
Labels:
2012 budget,
capital budget,
Dane County,
DaneCom,
Monona
The Monona City Council meets tomorrow night (Monday, December 5, 2011) and again has quite the heavy agenda. The over/under on adjournment is 11:30 p.m.
Finance and Personnel (FPC agenda) starts at 6 p.m. City Council (agenda) begins at 7:30 p.m. Go here for the complete city council packet.
1. Dane County Supervisor Robin Schmidt, Presenting an Update on the 2012 Dane County Budget.
E. Public Hearing.
1. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Capital Budget.
G. Council Action Items.
1. Unfinished Business (Approval Requested Unless Otherwise Noted).
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director) (Postponed 11/21/11).
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11).
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11).
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11).
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller) (Postponed 11/21/11).
f. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11).
2.New Business.
a.Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (International Association of Firefighters Local 311Contract; Group Health Insurance Plan).
b.Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
c.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1820 Approving Terms of Contract with International Association of FirefightersLocal311 (City Administrator).
d.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1821 Approval to Issue a Request for Proposals for Contracted Consulting Engineer Services (Public Works Director).
e.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1822 Selecting a Group Health Insurance Plan(City Administrator). The city has obtained three proposals for a new group health insurance carrier. Note that this item is still under negotiation, so no data on the proposals is included. Each of the three proposals would result in substantial savings over our current carrier (WPS) and would provide the same level of benefits.
Finance and Personnel (FPC agenda) starts at 6 p.m. City Council (agenda) begins at 7:30 p.m. Go here for the complete city council packet.
D. Appearances.
1. Dane County Supervisor Robin Schmidt, Presenting an Update on the 2012 Dane County Budget.
E. Public Hearing.
1. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Capital Budget.
G. Council Action Items.
1. Unfinished Business (Approval Requested Unless Otherwise Noted).
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director) (Postponed 11/21/11).
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11).
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11).
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee) (Postponed 11/21/11).
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller) (Postponed 11/21/11).
f. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief) (Postponed 11/21/11).
2.New Business.
a.Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (International Association of Firefighters Local 311Contract; Group Health Insurance Plan).
b.Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
c.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1820 Approving Terms of Contract with International Association of FirefightersLocal311 (City Administrator).
d.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1821 Approval to Issue a Request for Proposals for Contracted Consulting Engineer Services (Public Works Director).
e.Consideration of Resolution 11-12-1822 Selecting a Group Health Insurance Plan(City Administrator). The city has obtained three proposals for a new group health insurance carrier. Note that this item is still under negotiation, so no data on the proposals is included. Each of the three proposals would result in substantial savings over our current carrier (WPS) and would provide the same level of benefits.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Longest-Ever Monona City Council Meeting Finally Ends
Labels:
2012 budget,
Monona
I am pleased to report that the Longest-Ever Monona City Council Meeting has finally ended. The meeting was just slightly shorter than the NBA lockout. The meeting began at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2011 and ended just 192 hours later...
Or maybe it just seemed that way.
The full agenda is copied below. The careful reader will note that the agenda included both the second reading of the 2012 operating budget as well as the first reading of the 2012 capital budget. Mixed in for fun was yet more consideration of the Belle Isle dredging project, a revision to the Foth engineering contract for Monona Drive Phase Two, real estate acquisition (right-of-way) for said Phase Two.
Oh, yes, and DaneCom (ouch...just typing that gives me a headache), amending a couple ordinances, and banning weapons in city buildings.
The council meeting went until about 12:30 a.m. The council adjourned after getting a lot done, but not close to all of it. The items in bold blue font are the ones we acted on. The rest will wait for another day.
We adopted an operating budget and levy (increasing property taxes by about 1%), went forward with the Belle Isle dredging project with provision for alternate bids without Lagoon du Sud and with Cove Circle Lagoon, amended the Foth contract to reflect the increased work performed and made decisions in closed session on how to proceed with certain Monona Drive real estate acquisitions (right-of-way).
One other oddity: Alder Wiswell referred to Alder Speight and me as "Mr. Speight" and "Mr. Wood". It occurred to me that perhaps I had been recalled, but nobody told me - in which case, I could have gone home early. For a fellow who is generally a stickler for formality, Alder Wiswell repeatedly neglecting to employ our honorific struck me as passing strange.
A. Call to Order.
B. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Approval of Minutes from November 7, 2011.
D. Appearances.
E. Public Hearing.
1. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Operating Budget and Tax Levy.
2. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Capital Budget.
F. Consent Agenda.
1. Consideration Of 2011/2012 Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class C" Wine Application For Huang & Lin China Star, LLC d/b/a China Star Restaurant, 111 River Place, Monona, Wisconsin, 53716, Agent Ming Yi Huang, 5902 Juniper Ridge, McFarland, Wisconsin 53558.
2. Consideration Of 2011/2012 Arcade License Application For Rossi’s Pizza, 4503A Monona Drive, Monona, Wisconsin 53716.
G. Council Action Items.
1. Unfinished Business (Approval Requested Unless Otherwise Noted).
a. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1815 Adopting the 2012 Operating Budget and Establishing a Tax Levy (Mayor Miller).
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director).
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief).
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee).
2. New Business.
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee).
b. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1817 Determining the Scope of the Belle Isle Dredging Project (Public Works Committee).
c. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller).
d. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief).
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1819 Approving a Contract Amendment with Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC for Phase 2 of the Monona Drive Reconstruction Project (City Administrator).
f. Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (Monona Drive Phase 2 Land Acquisition).
g. Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
H. Miscellaneous Business.
I. Reports of Committees, Commissions, Boards, Mayor, City Administrator, City Attorney, and Department Managers.
1. Agendas, Supporting Documents and Minutes are Available on the Monona Web Page – www.mymonona.com.
J. Appointments.
K. Adjournment.
Or maybe it just seemed that way.
The full agenda is copied below. The careful reader will note that the agenda included both the second reading of the 2012 operating budget as well as the first reading of the 2012 capital budget. Mixed in for fun was yet more consideration of the Belle Isle dredging project, a revision to the Foth engineering contract for Monona Drive Phase Two, real estate acquisition (right-of-way) for said Phase Two.
Oh, yes, and DaneCom (ouch...just typing that gives me a headache), amending a couple ordinances, and banning weapons in city buildings.
The council meeting went until about 12:30 a.m. The council adjourned after getting a lot done, but not close to all of it. The items in bold blue font are the ones we acted on. The rest will wait for another day.
We adopted an operating budget and levy (increasing property taxes by about 1%), went forward with the Belle Isle dredging project with provision for alternate bids without Lagoon du Sud and with Cove Circle Lagoon, amended the Foth contract to reflect the increased work performed and made decisions in closed session on how to proceed with certain Monona Drive real estate acquisitions (right-of-way).
One other oddity: Alder Wiswell referred to Alder Speight and me as "Mr. Speight" and "Mr. Wood". It occurred to me that perhaps I had been recalled, but nobody told me - in which case, I could have gone home early. For a fellow who is generally a stickler for formality, Alder Wiswell repeatedly neglecting to employ our honorific struck me as passing strange.
A. Call to Order.
B. Roll Call and Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Approval of Minutes from November 7, 2011.
D. Appearances.
E. Public Hearing.
1. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Operating Budget and Tax Levy.
2. To Receive Public Input Regarding the Proposed 2012 Capital Budget.
F. Consent Agenda.
1. Consideration Of 2011/2012 Class "B" Fermented Malt Beverage and "Class C" Wine Application For Huang & Lin China Star, LLC d/b/a China Star Restaurant, 111 River Place, Monona, Wisconsin, 53716, Agent Ming Yi Huang, 5902 Juniper Ridge, McFarland, Wisconsin 53558.
2. Consideration Of 2011/2012 Arcade License Application For Rossi’s Pizza, 4503A Monona Drive, Monona, Wisconsin 53716.
G. Council Action Items.
1. Unfinished Business (Approval Requested Unless Otherwise Noted).
a. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1815 Adopting the 2012 Operating Budget and Establishing a Tax Levy (Mayor Miller).
b. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-629 Revising Title 8, Chapter 3 of the Monona Code of Ordinances Regarding Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling (Public Works Director).
c. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-630 Prohibiting Weapons in City Buildings (Police Chief).
d. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-632 Amending the Official Traffic Map Concerning No Parking on Winnequah Road (Public Safety Committee, Public Works Committee).
2. New Business.
a. Consideration of Ordinance 11-11-633 Amending Chapter 9 of the Code of Ordinances to Remove the Regulation of Massage Technicians (License Review Committee).
b. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1817 Determining the Scope of the Belle Isle Dredging Project (Public Works Committee).
c. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1818 Adopting the 2012 Capital Budget (Mayor Miller).
d. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1813 Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Dane County for the "DaneCom" Emergency Radio System (Police Chief, Fire Chief).
e. Consideration of Resolution 11-11-1819 Approving a Contract Amendment with Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC for Phase 2 of the Monona Drive Reconstruction Project (City Administrator).
f. Convene in Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute section 19.85(1)(e) Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session (Monona Drive Phase 2 Land Acquisition).
g. Reconvene in Open Session Under Wisconsin Statute Section 19.85(2).
H. Miscellaneous Business.
I. Reports of Committees, Commissions, Boards, Mayor, City Administrator, City Attorney, and Department Managers.
1. Agendas, Supporting Documents and Minutes are Available on the Monona Web Page – www.mymonona.com.
J. Appointments.
K. Adjournment.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Dredging Up the Past and Much, Much More
Labels:
2012 budget,
Budget,
dredging,
Monona
The Monona city council meeting on Monday, November 21 promises to be a test of endurance. Not only do we have the second reading of the 2012 operating budget with 18 amendments but we also have a first reading of the2012 capital budget. And just because we all loooove talking about dredging at Belle Isle, we will be revisiting that topic; it's always a popular item and usually brings out the islanders in force (pro and con).
The major topic of debate on the operating budget is whether to cut the Monona police department staffing by one uniformed officer as Mayor Miller has proposed - or not as Alders Speight, Wiswell, and I have proposed. Chief Ostrenga provided some interesting data on crime stats and staffing (officers/1000 population). Kudos to Alder Busse for digging up the same (or very similar) data on his own. Wally put together a very useful summary memo that is in our paper packets, but not online (I think).
Profiles of some of the MOPD staff can be found here. The officer whose job is on the line is Officer Jared Wedig, a smart, motivated young guy in whom we have invested a lot of money and time. I can't see cutting an officer when we can afford to fund the position.
By the way, the budget still incorrectly states that the amendment I am co-sponsoring would be funded entirely from the fund balance. My original email said I wanted to use the small amount of room under the levy cap (around $50,000) first and then use the reserve fund. I restated that at the first reading, but it hasn't been changed. Reinstating the position would cost about $77K.
About the working capital reserve fund or fund balance. Back in 2003 when Robb Kahl took office, the reserve fund had shrunk to about 7%. The bond rating folks lacked gruntlement. They weren't happy peas in a pod. It looked like a listing fiscal ship. With Robb's leadership, the council adopted a policy of keeping the reserve fund between 15% to 20%. That policy was fundamental in the city's attaining a strong fiscal condition and thus, an extremely strong bond rating. I supported that policy and still do.
At the end of 2011, the city will have $977,069 or a reserve percentage of 20.71%. If we keep the fund balance at 17.5% (smack dab in the mid-range of our policy), we will have $831,934. Thus, we have $145,135 available to apply to the city's operating budget. I would argue that is fiscally prudent and fair to taxpayers to return that $145,135 to the city's residents either in services or lower taxes.
See the box at the bottom of page 1 of the revised executive summary of the operating budget .
The major topic of debate on the operating budget is whether to cut the Monona police department staffing by one uniformed officer as Mayor Miller has proposed - or not as Alders Speight, Wiswell, and I have proposed. Chief Ostrenga provided some interesting data on crime stats and staffing (officers/1000 population). Kudos to Alder Busse for digging up the same (or very similar) data on his own. Wally put together a very useful summary memo that is in our paper packets, but not online (I think).
Profiles of some of the MOPD staff can be found here. The officer whose job is on the line is Officer Jared Wedig, a smart, motivated young guy in whom we have invested a lot of money and time. I can't see cutting an officer when we can afford to fund the position.
By the way, the budget still incorrectly states that the amendment I am co-sponsoring would be funded entirely from the fund balance. My original email said I wanted to use the small amount of room under the levy cap (around $50,000) first and then use the reserve fund. I restated that at the first reading, but it hasn't been changed. Reinstating the position would cost about $77K.
About the working capital reserve fund or fund balance. Back in 2003 when Robb Kahl took office, the reserve fund had shrunk to about 7%. The bond rating folks lacked gruntlement. They weren't happy peas in a pod. It looked like a listing fiscal ship. With Robb's leadership, the council adopted a policy of keeping the reserve fund between 15% to 20%. That policy was fundamental in the city's attaining a strong fiscal condition and thus, an extremely strong bond rating. I supported that policy and still do.
At the end of 2011, the city will have $977,069 or a reserve percentage of 20.71%. If we keep the fund balance at 17.5% (smack dab in the mid-range of our policy), we will have $831,934. Thus, we have $145,135 available to apply to the city's operating budget. I would argue that is fiscally prudent and fair to taxpayers to return that $145,135 to the city's residents either in services or lower taxes.
See the box at the bottom of page 1 of the revised executive summary of the operating budget .
I plan to propose that we apply both money from the fund balance and money from the property tax cap room to each and every amendment. More specifically, I plan to propose that we pro-rate the use of levy cap room and fund balance so that we apply the same proportion of property taxes and fund balance to each amendment. The proposed amendments total $130K. Assume we have $50K in levy cap room. We would apply 38.46% (50/130) from the property tax levy and 61.54% (80/130) from the reserve fund. That way the amendments are all on the same fiscal ground and rise or fall or on their own merits.
Out for now...
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