03-19-12 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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when it is done as well. The motion carried 6-1, with Councilor De Forest voting in opposition. File 8067 c. The Council deferred action on a resolution approving improvements within Wootton Park located at 1451 Fourth Street upon request of the City Manager until a date to be determined later. File 8067 d. Manager Arft presented a resolution to support the 2012 School District of Beloit Referendum for Facility Improvements, which includes a $70 million bond issue for infrastructure. He said that the Council does not normally take action on the business of another governing body, but this is an exception because the quality of the school system directly impacts the quality of life in the community. Councilor Luebke made a motion to adopt the resolution, and Councilor De Forest seconded. Councilor De Forest said she agreed that economic development is intertwined with the quality of the school district. She also pointed out that this is simply a resolution of support, and the Council supports other organizations' efforts often. Councilor Haynes said that an impediment to economic development has been the negative perception of the school district and that he is in favor of the referendum. Councilor Van De Bogart said that he supports the referendum as an individual and a City Council member. He said that the first two questions people ask when looking to locate in a community are about taxes and schools and that this is an investment in Beloit's future. Councilor Spreitzer said he will vote in favor of this and that the Council has an obligation to act on this item and lead the community. He said he will vote yes and encouraged residents to vote yes on April 3rd. Councilor Luebke said that we need to give the community's students every advantage possible and that the school district continues to make great strides. Councilor Newnham thanked the Beloit Daily News for its dedication to thoroughly covering the referendum for the public. He said, as separate governing jurisdictions, the Council should not be involved in the School District's business. President Leavy said that the Council is not interfering but lending support for a project of great magnitude. He said that parents always want things to be better for their children than it was for them and that some of the schools have not changed in 30 years. He said the Council and the City need to do all they can to support the school district because the students represent the City of Beloit. The motion passed 6-0, with Councilor Newnham abstaining. File 8535 e. Manager Arft presented a resolution authorizing Riverfest Relocation from Riverside Park to the property owned by the City and known as Riverbend, located at 217 Shirland Avenue and 55 Water Street. Councilor Van De Bogart made a motion to adopt the resolution, and Councilor Luebke seconded. The motion carried 7-0. File 7779 f. Manager At presented a resolution approving a Side Letter to the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Beloit and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal employees (AFSCME) Local#643 Transit. Mr. Arft indicated that this is a follow-up to the fire union contract, which included compensation for the phased-in Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) contribution. He said that there may be credibility issues in future transit negotiations if the proposed side letter, which provides the transit union workers with a three percent pay increase starting March 1, 2012, is not approved. Councilor Luebke made a motion to adopt the resolution, and Councilor Newnham seconded. Councilor Van De Bogart said that he does not think this is a good idea at this time because it creates a disparity among employees. He said that the Council should not attempt to undo all of the effects of Act 10 with their pocketbook because there is not enough to go around. He suggested that the item be laid over. Councilor De Forest said that credibility is important and that she appreciates how the transit union was the first union to negotiate. President Leavy questioned what would change if the Council laid this item over. Councilor Spreitzer said that he is in support of the idea, but that he does not see the point in approving this until the final union contract is approved. Councilor De Forest made a motion to lay this item over until the police union contract comes to the Council for action. Councilor Van De Bogart seconded. The motion carried 4-3 by a roll call vote with Councilors De Forest, Haynes, Van De Bogart, and Spreitzer voting in favor and Councilor Leavy, Luebke, and Newnham voting in opposition. File 6094 12. At 9:10 p.m., Councilor De Forest moved to adjourn the meeting, and Councilor Haynes seconded. The motion carried. 7-0. iI L �— Rebecca S Houseman, Ci,, lerk www.ci.beloit.wi.us Date approved by Council: 04-02-12