[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Jefferson 8-6-2002 by Ord. No. 7-02 as §§ 1.01 to 1.03, 1.05, 1.06, 3.02, 3.10 and 11.01 of the 2002 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Boards, committees and commissions — See Ch. 14.
Common Council — See Ch. 25.
Municipal Court — See Ch. 33.
Departments — See Ch. 40.
Emergency management — See Ch. 46.
The City of Jefferson, Wisconsin, operates under the Mayor-Council form of government under Ch. 62, Wis. Stats.
[Amended 10-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-05; 1-7-2014 by Ord. No. 11-13; 11-21-2017 by Ord. No. 14-17]
A. 
The Mayor shall be elected in even-numbered years for a term of two years. A total of eight alderpersons shall be elected for terms of two years each. Four alderpersons shall be elected in even-numbered years. Four alderpersons shall be elected in odd-numbered years. Once the terms for alderpersons elected from aldermanic districts has expired, all alderpersons shall be elected at large. The term of all alderpersons shall commence as provided by law.
B. 
The annual salary paid to the Mayor shall be $7,200 per year. The Mayor shall also submit his/her out-of-pocket monthly expenses which shall be paid after the Finance Committee's review and approval. The annual salary paid to the alderpersons shall be $3,000 per year.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Original § 1.02(2), Municipal Judge, which immediately followed this subsection, as amended 12-3-2002 by Ord. No. 14-02 and 9-21-2004 by Ord. No. 13-04, was deleted 10-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-05. See now § 33-2.
[Amended 10-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-05; 1-16-2007 by Charter Ord. No. 21-06]
The following officials shall be appointed in the manner and for the term indicated:
Official
How Appointed
Term
Administrator
See § 68-4
Indefinite
Clerk/Treasurer
See § 68-5
Indefinite
Assessor
Common Council
2 years
Attorney
Common Council
1 year
Building/Zoning Inspector
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
1 year
Director of Public Works/Engineer
See § 68-9
Indefinite
Election officials
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
2 years
Forester
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
Indefinite
Plumbing Inspector
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
1 year
Recreation Director
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
Indefinite
Sewage Treatment Plant Operator
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
Indefinite
Street Superintendent
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
Indefinite
Superintendent of Utilities
Utilities Commission
Indefinite
Weed Commissioner
Mayor, subject to confirmation by Council
1 year
A. 
Office created. The office of City Administrator is hereby created.
B. 
Appointment and term. The City Administrator shall be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the Common Council from a list of not fewer than three nor more than five candidates, such list to be presented to the Common Council by the Personnel Committee after coordination with the Mayor. The City Administrator shall serve as an at-will employee for an indefinite term, subject to removal at any time without reason and without cause by a majority vote of all members of the Common Council.
[Amended by Ord. No. 11-04; 3-20-2007 by Charter Ord. No. 3-07]
C. 
Duties.
(1) 
The Administrator shall carry out the duties as they are set forth by City ordinance and in accordance with such instructions as may be issued by the Council, in addition to other duties as are assigned herein, and he/she shall be responsible for carrying out the directives and policies of the Mayor and Council, subject to statutory limits which may apply. The Administrator shall have clear authority to administer the day-to-day operations of the City government subject only to the restrictions noted above.
(2) 
In addition to the general duties and responsibilities previously set forth herein, the City Administrator shall:
(a) 
Carry out all directives of the Common Council which require administrative implementation, reporting promptly to the Mayor any difficulties encountered therein.
(b) 
Be responsible for preparation of the annual City budget, in accordance with such guidelines as may be provided by the Common Council and in coordination with all department heads, the Finance Committee and the Mayor. This budget shall be submitted to the Common Council for approval on a date set by the Council.
(c) 
Keep informed concerning developments in the field of municipal administration and, from time to time, submit recommendations or suggestions to improve the municipal government.
(d) 
Keep informed concerning current state and federal legislation affecting the City of Jefferson and submit appropriate reports and recommendations to the Common Council.
(e) 
Keep informed concerning the availability of state and federal funds for local programs and assist department heads and the Common Council in procuring such funds.
(f) 
Make recommendations to the Common Council on appointments and promotions of key personnel.
(g) 
Be responsible for the administrative direction and coordination of all professional employees of the City of Jefferson, to include the Director of Public Works/Engineer, City Clerk/Treasurer, Assessor, Building/Zoning Inspector, City Attorney, Health Officer, Public Welfare Director, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Librarian, and Parks, Recreation and Forestry Director.
(h) 
Serve as a personnel officer for the Municipal government. As such, he or she shall see that complete and up-to-date personnel records, to include specific job descriptions for all City employees, are kept. He or she shall, in conjunction with department heads, evaluate personnel performances on a regular basis; recommend salary and wage scales for City employees not covered by collective bargaining agreements; develop and enforce high standards of performance by City employees; assure that all City employees have proper working conditions; and work closely with department heads to promptly resolve any personnel problems or grievances.
(i) 
Work closely with all department heads to assure that such personnel and other City employees receive adequate opportunities for training to improve their knowledge and skills and act as the approving authority for all requests by City employees to attend conferences, meetings, training schools, etc., pertaining to their employment.
(j) 
In coordination with the Mayor, set the agenda for all meetings of the Common Council, together with such supporting data as may be required. Nothing herein shall be so construed as to give the City Administrator authority to limit or in any way prevent matters from being considered by the Council.
(k) 
Assist the Mayor as required in the performance of his duties.
(l) 
Meet regularly with the Mayor to keep him currently informed about the activities of the Administrator's office.
(m) 
Keep the Common Council currently informed about the activities of the Administrator's office, either by written report or oral briefings at regular meetings of the Council.
(n) 
Keep informed concerning current developments pertinent to the responsibilities of the City Plan Commission, advise the Mayor and the Common Council on matters before this body, and serve as Secretary of the Plan Commission.
(o) 
Serve as purchasing agent for the City, supervising all purchasing and contracting for supplies and services in conjunction with the Finance Committee.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
(p) 
Establish procedures to facilitate communications between citizens and the municipal government to assure that complaints, grievances, recommendations, and other matters receive prompt attention by a responsible official and to assure that all such matters are expeditiously resolved.
(q) 
Act as press officer for the City. As such he or she shall be the principal spokesperson on all matters within his or her authority and responsibility and shall assure that the news media are kept fully informed about the operations of the City government.
D. 
Assistance. All officers and employees of the City Hall shall cooperate with and assist the City Administrator so that the municipal government shall function efficiently and harmoniously.
E. 
Residency. The City Administrator shall establish residency within the City of Jefferson within six months from the date he commences his or her employment as City Administrator.
[Added 5-20-2014 by Ord. No. 2-14]
A. 
Office created. The office of the City Finance Director/Treasurer is hereby created.
B. 
Appointment and term. The City Finance Director/Treasurer shall be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the Common Council. The City Finance Director/Treasurer shall hold office for an indefinite term, subject to removal for cause by a three-fourths vote of all members of the Common Council, pursuant to § 17.12(1)(d), Wis. Stats. The appointment may be terminated by the City Finance Director/Treasurer upon 90 days' written notice to the Mayor and Common Council prior to such termination/resignation.
C. 
The City Finance Director/Treasurer shall carry out the duties of City Treasurer as it is set forth by statute and by City ordinance, and the duties of City Finance Director as identified in the City Financial Director/Treasurer Job Classification, which may be amended and include, but is not limited to:
(1) 
Financial statements: responsible for preparing and overseeing monthly and annual financial statements/reports by department heads.
(2) 
Budget: coordination and preparation of the annual operating budgets for all general funds, special capital and enterprise funds, prepared by department heads; formatting of budget for review by Administrator, Finance Committee, and Common Council; attend and participate in the Finance Committee budget preparation meetings; overseeing preparation of enterprise budgets for the City, including Wastewater Utility and Stormwater Utility.
(3) 
Taxes: formulate tax rates and other required DOR filings.
(4) 
Fixed assets: maintains all aspects of City's Fixed Asset System.
(5) 
Payroll: oversee payroll preparation and completion.
(6) 
Tax incremental district: prepare, with Administrator, budgets for all tax increment finance districts; monitor the increment of each of the respective districts to ensure that they are meeting requirements; oversee all aspects of the tax increment district, and accounts payable and receivable, including, but not limited to, all bond and municipal revenue obligation requirements.
(7) 
Other tasks and responsibilities: maintain computer/software replacement schedule; oversee all aspects of City-issued loans; as required, attend Common Council and board meetings; provide monthly financial reports to the Administrator for submittal to the Finance Committee and Common Council.
[Amended 10-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-05; 5-20-2014 by Ord. No. 2-14]
A. 
Office created. The office of City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer is hereby created.
B. 
Appointment and term. The City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer shall be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the Common Council. The City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer shall hold office for an indefinite term, subject to removal for cause by a three-fourths vote of all the members of the Common Council, pursuant to § 17.12(1)(d), Wis. Stats. The appointment may be terminated by the City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer upon 90 days' written notice to the Mayor and Common Council prior to such termination.
C. 
Duties.
(1) 
The City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer shall carry out the duties of City Clerk and City Deputy Treasurer as they are set forth by statute and by City ordinance and in accordance with such instructions as may be issued by the Common Council, in addition to such other duties as are assigned herein.
(2) 
In addition to the general duties and responsibilities previously set forth herein, the City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer shall:
(a) 
Perform general accounting-related tasks; prepare invoices; post general ledger entries; health, dental and life insurance; prepare manual checks.
(b) 
Process bi-weekly payroll; maintain personnel-related records and benefit information.
(c) 
Oversee all licensing procedures.
(d) 
Maintain and process personal property; share responsibility with the tax collection process.
(e) 
Facilitate all aspects of elections; responsible for all SVRS activities.
(f) 
Oversee the preparation and distribution of Council packets; prepare and distribute meeting minutes, notes, exhibits and other Council-related documents; responsible for taking minutes of meetings; prepare Committee Meeting information and disseminate to appropriate individuals.
(g) 
Prepare and maintain a variety of reports, documents, manuals and correspondence; draft resolutions and ordinances, as needed; update and distribute the Municipal Code Book and City manuals.
(h) 
Oversee record retention procedures; maintain public records, fulfill open record requests and regulate meetings in accordance with open meeting laws.
(i) 
Handle all annexation paperwork and related processes (filing with state DOA, etc.); process all rezoning and vacation requests.
(j) 
Prepare state assessment and associated forms; coordinate all assessment activities, including the Board of Review.
(k) 
Other duties as assigned.
[Amended 5-20-2014 by Ord. No. 2-14]
The Common Council may appoint one or more Deputy Clerk/Treasurers to whom the Finance Director/Treasurer or the City Clerk/Deputy Treasurer may delegate any of the foregoing duties and who may act in the absence of the City Clerk/Treasurer.
[Amended 10-18-2005 by Ord. No. 17-05; 5-20-2014 by Ord. No. 2-14]
A. 
Bond eliminated. The City elects not to give the bond on the Finance Director/Treasurer Clerk/Deputy Treasurer provided for by § 70.67(1), Wis. Stats.
B. 
City liable for default of Finance Director/Treasurer or Clerk/Deputy Treasurer. Pursuant to § 70.67(2), Wis. Stats., the City shall be obligated to pay, in case the Finance Director/Treasurer and Clerk/Deputy Treasurer shall fail to do so, all state and county taxes required by law to be paid by such Finance Director/Treasurer or Clerk/Deputy Treasurer to the County Treasurer.
Whenever the Assessor, in the performance of the Assessor's duties, requests or obtains income and expense information pursuant to § 70.47(7)(af), Wis. Stats., or any successor statute thereto, then such income and expense information that is provided to the Assessor shall be held by the Assessor on a confidential basis; except, however, that the information may be revealed to and used by persons in the discharging of duties imposed by law; in the discharge of duties imposed by office (including but not limited to use by the Assessor in performance of official duties of the Assessor's office and use by the Board of Review in performance of its official duties); or pursuant to order of a court. Income and expense information provided to the Assessor under § 70.47(7)(af), Wis. Stats., unless a court determines that it is inaccurate, is, per § 70.47(7)(af), Wis. Stats., not subject to the right of inspection and copying under § 19.35(1), Wis. Stats.
A. 
The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall have supervision and control over all employees assigned to the City Street Department and Public Works Department.
B. 
The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall have charge of and supervision over all public property of the City, including all streets, parks, parkways, sidewalks, municipal buildings, garages, storage buildings and all other property of the City not specifically assigned to some other officer.
C. 
The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall have charge of and be responsible for the care, maintenance and operation of the streets and sidewalks and drainage thereof. All construction, repair or extension of any pavement, building and all other construction, repair or maintenance work conducted by the City shall be done by or under the supervision of the Director of Public Works/Engineer unless specific direction to the contrary is made by the Common Council.
D. 
The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall also have charge of and be responsible for the condition of all motor vehicles, trucks, and other equipment of the City, except vehicles operated by the Police and Fire Departments, and shall be responsible for all buildings or places in which such equipment is housed or kept.
E. 
Appointment and term. The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall be appointed by a two-thirds vote of the Common Council from a list of not fewer than three nor more than five candidates, such list to be presented to the Common Council by the Personnel Committee, after coordination with the Mayor. The Director of Public Works/Engineer shall hold office for an indefinite term, subject to removal by a majority vote of all the members of the Common Council. The appointment may be terminated by the Director of Public Works/Engineer upon 90 days' written notice to the Mayor and Common Council prior to such termination.
[Amended 2-17-2009 by Ord. No. 1-09]
A. 
General duties. The Health Officer, under the supervision of the District State Health Officer, shall:
(1) 
Make an annual sanitary survey and maintain continuous sanitary supervision over his territory.
(2) 
Make a periodic sanitary inspection of all school buildings, restaurants, dairies, grocery stores, meat markets, and place of public assemblage and report thereon to those responsible for the maintenance thereof.
(3) 
Promote the spread of information as to the causes, nature and prevention of prevalent diseases and the preservation and improvement of health.
(4) 
Enforce the health laws, rules, and regulations of the State Board of Health, the state and the City, including the laws relating to contagious diseases contained in Ch. 252, Wis. Stats.
(5) 
Take steps necessary to secure prompt and full reports by physicians of communicable diseases and prompt and full registration of births and deaths.
(6) 
Keep and deliver to his successor a record of all his official acts.
(7) 
Make an annual report to the State Board of Health and to the Common Council and such other report as they may request.
B. 
Materials and supplies. The Health Officer may procure, at the expense of the City, all record books, quarantine cards and other materials needed by the Board of Health, except such as are furnished by the State Board of Health.
A. 
The City of Jefferson shall appoint election officials in December of even-numbered years (in accordance with state statutes).
B. 
The City of Jefferson shall allow for the selection of two or more sets of officials to work at different times on election days and permits the Clerk/Treasurer or his/her designee to establish different working hours for different officials assigned to the same polling place [§ 7.30(1), Wis. Stats.].
C. 
The City of Jefferson shall allow a pupil who is 16 or 17 years of age, who is enrolled in grades nine to 12 in a public or private school, who has a grade point average of at least 3.0 or the equivalent, to serve as an inspector at the polling place serving the pupil's residence with the approval of the pupil's parent or guardian and of the principal of the school in which the pupil is enrolled [§ 7.30(2)(am), Wis. Stats.].
[Added 4-15-2003 by Ord. No. 5-03]
Pursuant to § 6.27, Wis. Stats., any elector offering to vote at an election held in the City shall have previously registered with the City Clerk/Treasurer.
[Amended 10-16-2012 by Ord. No. 13-12]
A. 
Purpose and mandate. The City Council find and the City of Jefferson requires that it is necessary, convenient and proper, in order to provide for the health, safety, general welfare, and emergency needs of the citizens, that certain essential City officials and employees, after the effective date of this section, be able to report to work within reasonable specified times.
B. 
Scope and application:
(1) 
Unless otherwise provided by contract, this section shall apply to the following essential City of Jefferson response personnel: the Fire Chief and all fire department personnel, the Chief of Police and all police officers, the Director of emergency medical services (EMS) and all full-time EMS personnel; and the Director of Public Works and all public works personnel.
(2) 
This section shall not apply to any City employees not listed above.
C. 
Reporting requirement. Fire, police officers, public works personnel, and emergency medical services personnel shall reside within a forty-five-mile radius of the Main Street/Racine Street intersection, within 180 days of employment, and shall maintain this forty-five-mile radius during their tenure. This restriction shall also apply to the Director or Chief of the aforementioned departments.
[Amended 6-6-2023 by Ord. No. 4-23]
D. 
Reporting requirement transition.
(1) 
Personnel to whom this section applies who reside outside the reporting requirement on the effective date of this section shall establish residency within such requirement upon the change, sale, transfer or conveyance of the person's residence, or the person's employment with the City shall be forthwith automatically vacated.
(2) 
Personnel to whom this section applies who reside within the reporting requirement on the effective date of this section shall not establish residency outside such requirement, or the person's employment with the City shall be forthwith automatically vacated.