02-16-99SPROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
STUDY SESSION
February 16, 1999
VOL. 49
NO. 24
A study session of the Janesville City Council held at the Municipal Building on February 16, 1999
at 7:00 p.m.
Council Vice President Brien called the meeting to order.
Present: Council President O’Leary (arrived at 7:45 p.m.), Councilmembers Brien, Murphy,
Schneider, and Stehura. Absent: Councilmembers Noll and Westphal.
1 A. Review of Special Assessment Fund-Storm Water management. Assistant City Manager Rogers
stated the Administration reported a deficit in the special assessment fund in the amount of $1.6
million in August of 1998. Since that date, the Engineering and Finance Departments have
been reviewing the special assessment fund finances and procedures. A report was prepared
to review the findings of the deficit and the prevention of any further deficit.
Finance Director Stinski reviewed the generally accepted accounting practices used in the
special assessment fund. He stated that all expenses are recorded as incurred but we are
prohibited from recognizing any future revenues until the are measurable and available. Since
the majority of our receivables are long term, we are unable to recognize revenue to offset our
expenses. In addition, we have future liabilities for final lifts in the amount of $770,000. If we
were allowed to recognize our long term receivables and our future liabilities the adjusted fund
balance for the special assessment fund would be $2,461,983 as of December 31, 1998. The
deficit is a combination of insufficient assessment rates, the allocation of the debt liability
between the general fund and the special assessment fund, deferred assessment carrying costs
and insufficient debt borrowing. To summarize, he stated we have identified the contributing
factors to the deficit, identified procedures that will prevent future deficits and our future plans
to reduce the deficit.
Assistant City Manager Rogers reviewed our policy on storm sewers. Over the past six years,
the City recovered 50% instead of 75% of our storm sewer costs. The storm sewer rates have
remained constant at $2,250 an acre for the last five years. In addition, there has been a
significant increase in storm sewer costs because of the lack of natural drainage areas. Storm
sewers contributed $1.2 million of the special assessment deficit. It is the Administration’s plan
to phase in new storm sewer rates and increase the recovery rate from 50% to 75%. The
Council asked various questions about the current and future financial condition of the special
assessment fund.
1B. Land use planning efforts. City Planner Cantrell briefly summarized his outline on land use
planning and requested the Council to use it as a guide for any questions they may have. A
discussion ensued concerning the 208 sewer service boundaries, the northeast critical area plan,
proper planning for drainage and citizen perception of City plans. Council expressed a concern
that citizens relied on Planning department plans and did not recognize that the plan was a guide
that may be changed. In addition, the use of R1 as a temporary zoning classification may
mislead the public. Council requested that we plan for the Hwy 11 corridor now that we know
where the highway will be built. Council President O’Leary suggested we use the word concept
instead plan on our future development maps. Also, he recommended that the Council review
the density allowed in R3 zoning. Councilmember Schneider requested that the Administration
explore creating a development plan with the surrounding townships.
1C. Council President O’Leary stated the Council would review the Master Plan for the Water
System at a future meeting.
2. Matters not on the agenda. Councilmember Murphy requested the Transportation Committee
minutes when the intersection of Kellogg and Beloit Avenues was discussed. Also, he asked
why the City allowed high density apartments near Midland Road and Hwy 14. City Planner
Cantrell stated this area was zoned R3 since 1970 and this level of density is allowed.
3. Councilmember Schneider moved to convene into closed session pursuant to Wisconsin Statute
Section 19.85(1)(c), for the purpose of considering employment, promotion, compensation or
performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has
jurisdiction or exercises responsibility.
Councilmember Murphy seconded the motion and it passed by the following vote: Aye:
Council President O’Leary, Councilmembers Brien, Murphy and Schneider. Nay:
Councilmember Stehura.
There being no further business the Council adjourned into closed session at 9:36 p.m.
These minutes are not official until approved by the City Council.
Jean Ann Wulf
City Clerk-Treasurer