Spending $40K on Consultant Sparks Debate on Council

A proposal to spend $40,000 to hire a consultant to review all city-owned buildings came under fire from some Common Council members Tuesday night, but was ultimately approved after an extended debate.

Jeff Muenkel, the city's director of development, recommended hiring Zimmerman Architectural Studios to conduct a study of the library, City Hall, and departmental buildings, like parks and public works.

The firm would survey staff and others who those buildings to determine needs, and how best each space could be utilized. Potential recommendations may include construction of new facilities, but could also point out more efficient use of the spaces, which would save the city money in the long run.

The 2012 budget estimated the cost of the study to be $50,000, but Zimmerman's costs came in at just under $40,000.

However, even with the reduced cost, aldermen argued that Muskego's buildings could be better and more immediately served by using the dollars to fix problems in a handful of facilities.

"We're not in the same position as the schools, where they had serious issues in several buildings that were built in 1906," said Alderman Dan Soltysiak. "I was opposed to it when it was first brought up in the budget process, and I still am. I don't know that this is something we need at this time. I would rather look at other buildings like park and rec, where there is a more immediate need, without having to go into a comprehensive study."

However, Alderman Neil Borgman and Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti said the study should include all buildings instead of just a handful.

"Basically, we don't know what we don't know. There may be better options for all of our buildings that we haven't realized," Chiaverotti said.

Borgman also scolded Soltysiak, saying: "You just haven't been listening if you don't know that the Muskego Police Department is cramped, that (City Hall) has half the staff that it used to, and that the library, although it's a newer building, has wanted to make changes as well."

He suggested that one recommendation could be to swap City Hall and police department buildings, which would result in significant savings.

Soltysiak responded by saying: "Some of those needs are real, some are perceived. I can't think of any buildings in this city, however, that need to be replaced."

Alderman Kert Harenda told Muenkel he would feel more comfortable if he had more information on what Zimmerman's method would be and that more people should be involved in their process. Muenkel pointed to the proposal from Zimmerman, which outlined much of that detail, and added that the city can still request additional meetings to tailor their needs.

The study, which was approved by a 4-2 vote, is expected to take approximately five months, including on site building reviews, meetings and interviews with staff and other users of city buildings, and potentially public input.