Muskego Lake Park, Round II

The Muskego Common council convened again in a different venue with concerns over a purchase of two parcels of land along Janesville Road drawing a larger than average crowd.

Under new business on the council's agenda, the discussion item labeled "Reconsideration of Resolution 003-2012" was what drew a greater number of residents to the meeting, as what may have been perceived as a 'done deal' on Jan. 24 remained as a discussion item.

Mayor Kathy Chiaverotti explained that she had placed the discussion item to reconsider onto the night's agenda, and along with it the previous resolution, which passed on a contentious 4-3 vote, with Aldermen Dan Soltysiak, Kert Harenda and Neil Borgman opposing.

In the meantime, 3,400 signatures were collected and turned into the city clerk's office on a petition for direct legislation to halt a purchase and force a referendum. There has been some ambiguity if the petition would be effective, as a vote was already cast.

Complaints over phone calls not returned by aldermen were some of the newer complaints lodged against the council, in particular 4th district Alderman Keith Werner.

"I live in the fourth district, and I was handed a business card by my alderman, who told me if I had any questions, to call him. I did to no avail," said Barbara Stetler.

Others were upset with Aldermen Kert Harenda and Neil Borgman for talking with developer Art Dyer, who owns the Parkland Mall property and is currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against the city.

"What are two aldermen doing talking to Art Dyer, which could jeopardize the city's lawsuit," asked Bill Schneider, a former alderman.

The matter was not on the agenda, as no formal proposal has either been received from Dyer to the city, and could not be addressed by council.

"We are still at the drafting table," pointed out Debra Bolton, who opposed the earlier vote, and felt the opportunity to reconsider was a much less expensive way to make changes.

However, others said the complaints about spending only saw one half of the equation.

"It sounds like the word 'invest' has become a dirty word in this city. The cost of doing nothing comes at a cost as well," said Thomas Ralston.

Ultimately, with no motion to move discussion for reconsideration to the floor, the matter was dropped, and the existing resolution stood.