Minutes 7-23-12
PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN APPROVED 8/13/12
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 23, 2012
VOL. 63
NO. 12
Regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Janesville held in the Municipal Building on July
23, 2012. The meeting was called to order by City Council President Voskuil at 7:00 PM. Council
President Voskuil led the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Councilmember Liebert requested a moment of silence in remembrance of the shooting victims in
Aurora, Colorado.
Present: Council President Voskuil and Councilmembers Dongarra-Adams, Farrell, Kealy, and
Liebert. Absent: Councilmembers Severson and Steeber.
CONSENT AGENDA
City Council meeting minutes of: July 9, 2012 Special meeting and July 9, 2012 Regular meeting.
Licenses; and Recommendations of the Alcohol License Advisory Committee. (Refer to separate
agenda.)
Motion to approve final Certified Survey Map #12006-C, Greg Hanson, 2 lots along Beloit Avenue.
Financial statement for the month of June, 2012.
Authorization for the Administration to approve a worker compensation death claim of John
Somerville’s estate.
Authorization for the Administration to deny a liability claim from Phyllis Schemehorn in the amount
of $6,000.00.
Authorization for the Administration to approve a liability claim from Alliant Energy in the amount of
$6,142.74.
Council President Voskuil stated that all the items on the consent agenda would be approved if
there were no objections. There were none.
Special recognition: Action on a proposed resolution in commendation of Michael J. Gensler’s
twenty-four years of service to the City of Janesville. Councilmember Liebert moved to adopt said
resolution, seconded by Councilmember Dongarra-Adams and passed unanimously. (File Res. No.
2012-925)
Transit Director Mumma congratulated Michael Gensler on his retirement and informed the Council
that the City received a $3.8 million grant for a new transit center.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Requests and comments from the public regarding items on the Agenda not requiring a public
hearing. Lee Casper, 3437 Woodhall Dr., spoke against the sidewalk program and he believes that
Councilmembers should not be influenced by other Councilmembers on this issue.
2. Report from Sidewalk Task Force Committee and possible action on suspended 2012 sidewalk
program. Councilmember Liebert moved to approve the additional sidewalk as recommended by
the sidewalk committee at their July 11, 2012 meeting with an installation deadline of August 24,
2012. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Dongarra-Adams. Councilmember Kealy
offered a friendly amendment that the planned sidewalk on Wright Rd from Ruger Ave, to
Canterbury Ln. be constructed within the next 3 years. The friendly amendment was accepted by
the maker and seconder. The motion, as amended, passed by the following vote: Aye: Dongarra-
Adams, Farrell, Kealy and Voskuil. Nay: Liebert.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Update on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Janesville. Park Director Presny presented information
about EAB and the devastating effects they have on ash trees. He stated the City has 33,000 ash
trees and detailed the existing problem to either treat or take down the trees. In the future, Council
will receive updates on how the City will handle this situation. This is the first step in a process that
will last many years. The Council took no action and requested updates when more information is
known.
2. Action on a proposed advertising policy addendum to the Rock Aqua Jays Water Ski Club, Inc
lease agreement. Councilmember Dongarra-Adams moved to approve said addendum, seconded
by Councilmember Kealy and passed unanimously.
3. Authorization for the Police Department to accept an Office of Justice Assistance Grant entitled
Truancy Prevention: Teaming for Janesville’s Youth. Council President Voskuil moved to accept
the $50,000 grant with a $25,000 match, seconded by Councilmember Liebert and passed
unanimously.
4. A proposed ordinance allowing alcohol at Lincoln-Tallman House was introduced and scheduled
for a public hearing on August 13, 2012. (File Ord. No. 2012-517)
5. Requests and comments from the public on matters which can be affected by Council action.
Bill Mitchell, 4105 Skyview Dr., Robert Bellard, 842 Bluff, Beloit, Peter Apted, 324 S. Academy St.,
Paul Lembrich, 102 N. River St. and Jim Pardee, 3703 Murray Rd. spoke against the Green Tier
program. Jim Fowler, 4015 Wilshire Ln., stated that the EAB could be a $15 million problem and
recommended that the City be proactive on this issue.
6. Matters not on the Agenda. City Manager Eric Levitt stated that the Green Tier Program would
be on the August 27 Council meeting if there are two Councilmembers willing to sponsor it. Also,
he stated that ash trees would have to be treated annually in order to save them. Councilmember
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Liebert congratulated the Friends of Riverside Park who made the park’s 90 birthday party
successful.
7. Councilmember Liebert moved to adjourn, seconded by Councilmember Dongarra-Adams and
passed unanimously.
There being no further business, Council adjourned at 8:27 PM.
Jean Ann Wulf, Clerk-Treasurer