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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JUNE 19, 2012

The Village Board of the Village of Combined Locks was called to order by Village President John Neumeier. Trustees in attendance included: Ruth Wulgaert, Beth Sewall, Jim Ponto, and Roger Kirch. Rick Strick and Justin Krueger were absent.

Also in attendance were: Village Administrator Sean Hutchison, Public Works Foreman Ryan Swick, and residents George Bosch, Kevin Carney, and Tony Krysiak.

The first item on the agenda was to review and consider approval of Resolution 2012-14 regarding the special assessment policy. The Administrator reminded the Board of the street maintenance funding options discussed at the previous meeting. He noted that Rick Strick had sent an email sharing his opinion that the cost should be part of the tax levy. He also provided a chart showing the cost to live in Combined Locks and the surrounding municipalities. With the utility rate increases over the past year, Combined Locks has gone from being one of the cheapest places to live to being one of the most expensive. He asked the Board to keep this in mind as they discuss and consider a decision for street maintenance funding. The Administrator reminded the Board that one option for street maintenance funding is to borrow the funds, long- term, and levy the debt within the tax rate. This would result in a tax increase of $18 per year (compounded) for a minimum of 10 years, and this increase is only for streets. It does not include possible increases for other operational costs such as street lighting. Another debt option, as proposed by J. Ponto, is to levy $220,000 every year and earmark it for street maintenance. The debt is paid back each year, and the affect on property owners is a tax increase of $127.50 for a home assessed at $150,000 and $212.50 for a home assessed at $250,000. Again, this increase is only for street maintenance and no other operational costs. This option eliminates more long-term debt and allows the option to terminate the process if it is not working as expected. The Administrator recommended that the Board directly assess the abutting property owners 80% with each street project leaving the Village to cover the sidewalk replacements and 20% of each street project. Depending on the street project, estimated assessment costs to property owners would range from $300 per year, plus interest to $1278 per year, plus interest over a 5 to 8 year period. The options were discussed at length. J. Ponto made a motion to levy an estimated $220,000 each year and pay if off each year. R. Wulgaert seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. It was noted that this decision maintains the Board’s philosophy that all taxpayers pay equitably, whenever possible.

The next item on the agenda was to review and consider approval to repeal and recreate ordinance section 3-2-14 regarding the cost of streets, sewer, sewer and water taps, grading, graveling, and paving. Due to the decision previously made, this repeal is not needed. The amount to levy will be part of the annual budget.

The next item on the agenda was to review the criteria to open the gate at the rear of the Kimberly High School allowing traffic through Hidden Ridges Way. The Administrator presented a draft of a letter to be sent to the principal of the Kimberly High School. It basically outlines the desire of the Board to keep the gate used as an emergency access point only. The matter was discussed. The Administrator was instructed to meet with the Police Chief to define 2 what constitutes an emergency. The letter is to be revised based on the information gathered from the meeting and presented for approval at the next Board meeting.

In other general business, R. Wulgaert asked the Administrator to gather information regarding the Police presence in Combined Locks and the fines issued in Combined Locks before and after the merger. It appears that there is less presence and the fine revenue has definitely decreased. This information will be gathered as soon as possible and presented to the Board.

J. Ponto made a motion to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting and commence the 2nd Quarter Water Commission Meeting. B. Sewall seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Committee of the Whole