Minutes 08-12-03.docPROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
SPECIAL MEETING
August 12, 2003
Approved: August 25, 2003
VOL. 54
NO. 11
A special meeting of the City Council of the City of Janesville held in the Municipal Building on
August 12, 2003.
The meeting was called to order by Council President Williams at 4:00 p.m.
Present: Council President Williams, Councilmembers Addie, Murphy, DeGarmo, Steeber, Brien
(arrived 4:15 p.m.) and Wellnitz.
1. General Background Information. City Manager Sheiffer presented general information pertaining
to the City 2000 Customer Satisfaction Survey, City demographics, the economy and City finances.
He informed the Council that Janesville has the second lowest equalized property tax rate of our
peer cities in Wisconsin. He provided the Council and media with the 2003 assessment values for
Councilmembers and Senior Management.
2. State Budget Fiscal Impacts. City Manager Sheiffer informed the Council we would lose
$999,995 in State aids in 2004. He reviewed his strategy for preparing the 2004 City budget. By
consensus, the Council agreed with the proposed budget plan and the proposed budget calendar.
3. Economic Development Strategy. Economic Development Director Doug Venable reviewed the
financial history of TIF District No. 3. He suggested that TIF District Nos. 7 and 12 allocate their
increment to TIF District No. 3. This would allow the TIF District No. 3 to breakeven and paybackthe
loan with interest that it received from the General Fund. By consensus, the Council requested that
this item be placed on their agenda. Mr. Venable reviewed Economic Development Policy No. 61
and our development strategy. He proposed several policy changes which would change industrial
development and downtown development incentives. By consensus, the Council requested that our
development policy be revised incorporating the proposed changes and placed on their agenda. City
Manager Sheiffer reviewed the feasibility of creating a TIF district for the downtown riverfront and
Monterey neighborhood. By consensus, the Council agreed to the creation of an advisory group and
the preparation of a feasibility study.
4. Goals, Priorities and Work Programs. City Manager Sheiffer reviewed the Administration's Goals
and Priorities for July 1,2002, through June 30, 2004, the 2002-2003 Annual Work Program and the
proposed 2003-2004 Annual Work Program. By consensus, the Council agreed to keep the same
Goals and Priorities and did not offer any changes to the proposed Annual Work Program.
5. Rotary Gardens Fees. By consensus, the Council requested that the proposed fee for Rotary
Gardens be placed on the August 25, 2003 Council agenda. Councilmembers Steeber, Wellnitz and
Addie requested a resolution be prepared authorizing the City Manager to allow admission fees in
the amount of $0.00 for residents and $4.00 for non-residents.
There being no further business, Council adjourned at 7:24 p.m.
These minutes are not official until approved by City Council.
Jean Ann Wulf
City Clerk-Treasurer