Minutes 07-22-04.docPROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
SPECIAL MEETING (Study Session)
July 22, 2004
Approved: August 9, 2004
VOL. 55
NO. 8
Special meeting of the Janesville City Council and the Janesville School District held in the
Municipal Building on July 22, 2004. The meeting was called to order by Council President
Steeber and School Board President Sonntag at 6:30 p.m.
Councilmembers Present: Council President Steeber, Councilmembers Tim Wellnitz, Williams,
DeGarmo, Brien, Tom Wellnitz and Addie.
School Board Members Present: President Sonntag, Board Members Bailey, Engelbert, Rundle,
Severson, Vechinsky, Wolfe and Wyss. Absent: School Board Member Kolste.
Council President Steeber thanked everyone for attending the meeting. He stated that this was a
study session between the City Council and School Board only. A public hearing will be held at a
later date for public comment.
Presentation of the Monterey Park School Athletic Field Project. Assistant City Manager
Rogers stated that the Joint School District-City Shared Services Task Force has been
working together to reduce costs and improve services. The Task Force proposes that the
Council consider donating a portion of Monterey Park (proposed athletic field area,
Monterey Stadium and the park area immediately east of Monterey Stadium) from the City to
the School District.
As part of the agreement to donate land, the City would:
o No longer maintain the property which will result in an annual $20,000 budget
savings.
o Contribute $100,000 to upgrade the softball fields which is approximately 50% of the
cost.
o Be allowed to use the softball fields in Monterey Park.
o Be allowed to use the softball fields at Craig High School.
Doug Bunton, Director of Business Services, stated that the School Administration and
athletic interest groups believe that the proposal has merit and would support the transfer of
land. He provided two maps of the proposed land to be transferred and the proposed
improvements.
He outlined the following conditions to the land transfer:
The School District would allow the City the right of first refusal on the land if it
becomes surplus.
The School District would borrow $585,000 to construct a softball field, soccer field,
shot put pit and discus area.
Leisure Services summer programs would be scheduled at Monterey Park and Craig
High School.
The School District would continue to use Dawson Fields.
The public restrooms would be closed during the summer.
Men's fast pitch would be held at Monterey Park.
Jim Langkamp, Janesville School District Athletic Director, explained the impact the
proposed fields would have on high school track and field, softball and soccer.
Doug Bunton stated the School District would not add additional staff to maintain the fields,
but would reschedule and prioritize existing maintenance staff. The proposed facilities
would provide equality between the girls and boys teams. Also, they would be able to
charge admission to school athletic events like other schools in their conference.
Joint Discussion of Project with Janesville Board of Education. The Council and School
Board asked multiple questions and made comments on the proposal. Several
Councilmembers disagreed with the closing of the public restrooms.
The following information requests were received. CouncilmemberAddie requested that the
school develop a parking plan for Monterey Park and a safety rail be placed on top of
Monterey Stadium. Councilmembers Williams and Tim Wellnitz requested the current and
proposed School District fee schedule for school, city and non-city events. Councilmember
DeGarmo asked when the City's decision making authority would end if the land is
transferred.
Mr. Rogers stated that the next step would be to forward the proposal to the Plan
Commission for their recommendation. The City Council would then hold a public hearing
for citizen comment.
Mr. Bunton stated that the School District would take no action until the Council committed
to the transfer of land.
Council President Steeber and School Board President Sonntag thanked everyone for
participating.
There being no further business, Council convened at 8:06 p.m.
Submitted by:
Jean Ann Wulf
City Clerk-Treasurer