Minutes 01-11-10
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
REGULAR MEETING APPROVED: January 25, 2010
JANUARY 11, 2010
VOL. 60
NO. 29
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Janesville held in the Municipal Building on
January 11, 2010. The meeting was called to order by Council President Truman at 7:00 PM.
Council President Truman led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: Council President Truman, Councilmembers Brunner, McDonald, Perrotto, Rashkin,
Steeber, and Voskuil.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of the regular meeting of December 28, 2009.
Minutes of the closed session of July 13, 2009.
Licenses and Recommendations of the Alcohol License Advisory Committee.
Council President Truman removed 4M Ventures from the Consent Agenda. He stated that all
other items on the consent agenda would be approved if there were no objections. There were
none.
Councilmember Brunner moved to postpone 4M Ventures liquor license amendment until the Police
Department completes their investigation on licensing violations, seconded by Councilmember
Steeber and passed unanimously.
Donation from Janesville Conservation Club, Inc. Bill Boyd presented the Council with a $2,000
check to be used for park improvements.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Requests and comments from the public regarding items on the agenda not requiring a public
hearing. Richard Frank, 1119 Elida St., expressed concern about the ice chunks generated by the
snow plows and felt that the City should assist citizens that are unable to remove the snow from the
sidewalk free of charge. Andreah Briarmoon, 339 S. Locust St., opposed the changes in
enforcement actions of snow-covered sidewalks and believed the current system is effective. (New
Business #4).
2. Requests and comments from the public on matters which can be affected by Council action.
Andreah Briarmoon, 339 S. Locust St., expressed concerns on how elections are handled and the
requirements for recounts; requested a Citizen Board of Appeals pamphlet be created; requested
Ward supervisors be placed on the spring ballot; requested a date be set for the Board of Review.
3. A proposed ordinance amending the City’s Building, Vehicles and Traffic, and Housing
regulations regarding fees for re-inspections received its second reading and public hearing.
Andreah Briarmoon, 339 S. Locust St., and Richard Frank, 1119 Elida St., spoke against the
amendment. The public hearing was closed. Councilmember Steeber moved to adopt said
ordinance, seconded by Councilmember Brunner and passed unanimously. (File Ord. No. 2009-
447)
NEW BUSINESS
1. Presentation of results from City of Janesville Police Department Opinion Survey. Police Chief
David Moore and Dr. Susan Johnson, presented the results of the survey. Overall, citizens feel
safe and are satisfied with police services. No action taken.
2. Snow removal report. John Whitcomb, Interim Director of Public Works, explained the City’s
snow and ice control goals, objectives, and procedures. No action taken.
3. Action on a proposed resolution approving the lease of parking spaces in the Parker Drive/Wall
Street parking garage. Councilmember Steeber moved to adopt said resolution, seconded by
Councilmember Rashkin and passed unanimously. (File Res. No. 2010-666)
4. Discussion and direction to staff on proposed changes to enforcement actions regarding snow-
covered sidewalks abutting private property. Councilmember McDonald moved to eliminate mailing
a letter to non-compliant property owners, and for staff to either speak directly with the occupant or
leave a snow removal notice on the door, seconded by Councilmember Steeber and passed by the
following vote: Aye: Brunner, McDonald, Rashkin, Steeber, Truman, and Voskuil. Nay: Perrotto.
5. Action on proposed amendments on Council Policy #68 regarding investments. Councilmember
Steeber moved to approve proposed amendments, including an amendment to have the City
Manager designee responsible for overseeing the investments instead of the Assistant City
Manager/Director of Administrative Services. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
McDonald and passed unanimously.
6. Council President Truman scheduled a study session on economic development on February 18,
2010 at 5:30 PM.
7. Council President Truman scheduled a study session on solid waste on February 11, 2010 at
5:30 PM.
8. Matters not on the agenda. Councilmember McDonald thanked staff for a good job on snow
removal. Council President Truman requested the council agenda format be changed by moving
comments that can be affected by Council action to the end of the meeting. In addition, he
requested more seating in the front of the Council Chambers and better seating for the press.
9. Motion to adjourn. Councilmember Steeber moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember
McDonald and passed unanimously.
There being no further business, Council adjourned at 9:20 PM.
These minutes are not official until approved by the City Council.
Jean Ann Wulf
Clerk-Treasurer