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Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Mailbag: ECP
A Special Edition for Two Special Announcements
I’ve been sending out The Update every-other week to avoid clogging your inbox with ECP news. But, every once in a while the news builds up here in the office and I just have to share with you.
Over the past 72 hours, two projects that ECP and its partners have worked very hard at have come to fruition. The first is the Drug-Free Community Grant that Building A Safer Evansville has been working on for the last two years. As the Fiscal Agent and Grant Administrator, ECP will see Many changes over the next 10 years due to this partnership.
Secondly, the entry into the Prettiest Painted Places Contest that the Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce and ECP worked on has been accepted and the selection process is underway. The Paint Quality Institute has extended the entry deadline because of Hurricane Isaac and its effects on the South. Please keep the people of Plaquemines Parish, the state of Louisiana and others in the hurricane’s path in your thoughts.
In the meantime, I have included the press releases that have gone out to share the good news about happenings in Evansville. I hope you enjoy them and find a way to get involved in the good works to come.
Jim
Jim Brooks
Executive Director
Evansville Community Partnership
PO Box 321
Evansville WI 53536
608.882.0598
Evansville-wi.net
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Park Board: July 2012: "Peace Park Concept"
City of Evansville, Wisconsin
Park & Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville, City Hall
Monday, July 9thh, 2012 – 6:00pm
Minutes
1. Call to Order & Roll Call @ 6:02pm.
2. Motion by Courtier , Second by Merrit to approve Agenda as printed.
3. Motion by Courtier, second by Fuson to waive reading of June 11thh, 2012 minutes and approve as printed.
4. Refund to Becky Hurley from rental fees paid and not utilized was sent by city hall. Matter closed.
5. Chris Eager, citizen appearance, explained the Peace Park concept, brought pictures from other communities. There is a group of people gathering info and interest in the project to bring ideas forward in the future. They have a proposed site location, near entrance of park , northeast.
6. West Side Park moving forward, building trades class will begin work in September.
7. Aquatic report from Rick, daily numbers are up. Pool Party was successful.
8. Antes Cabin exterior work completed, first brick patio installed. Nice looking addition to the park.
9. Fourth of July Celebration and activities went well. Attendance down overall due to weather (high heat)
10. Clarity test done on the lake had a past 4’6” level, later test down to 2 Feet. Algae blooms still an issue. Fishing interest has increased, more people & families taking part.
11. Motion to Adjourn by Merrit, 2nd by Kreuger at 6:41pm
Next Meeting Aug 13th , 6:00pm 2012 at City Hall
Monday, August 27, 2012
Will Evansville Combine Administrator and Finance Positions?
City of Evansville
Finance & Labor Relations Committee
Special Meeting
Monday, August 13, 2012, 5:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St., Evansville, Wisconsin
MINUTES
I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Mason Braunschweig. Present: Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, and Josh Manring. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Finance Director Lisa Novinska, City Clerk Judy Walton, and City Administrator Dan Wietecha.
II. Approve Agenda. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Manring, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion approved unanimously.
III. Minutes of August 9, 2012. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Manring, to defer the reading of the minutes until the September regular meeting. Motion approved unanimously.
IV. Citizen Appearances. None.
V. Finance Director Position Description. Wietecha distributed copies of the Finance Director position description, noting it should be reviewed to make sure it is still current and accurately reflects expectations and job responsibilities.
FLR noted that the last time a department head position was hired, the Water & Light Committee actually took a clean sheet of paper (rather than merely updating the existing position description) and identified the key job responsibilities – both existing and with an eye to the future. Then W&L reviewed the existing position description to make sure it hadn’t overlooked something important.
FLR discussed the coincidence of having two leadership positions to consider within a short time frame and posed the possibility of combining the Finance Director and City Administrator positions. Such a combination would require delegating and realigning some duties for office staff. It could also allow creation of a new position to handle economic development, planning, and similar responsibilities.
VI. Finance Director Hiring Process. FLR noted that combining the positions would mean a longer transition period and stressed the need to keep some activities (eg: taxes and budget) from slipping through the cracks during the transition. They discussed delegating and balancing some responsibilities throughout the city hall staff and maintaining an appropriate segregation of duties. FLR questioned whether there would be enough work for a full-time economic development position.
FLR agreed with the “clean sheet of paper” approach to the Finance Director and Administrator position descriptions to identify appropriate job duties and priorities with a goal of combining the two. FLR emphasized that the City Administrator involves all departments, not just FLR; the full City Council should be involved in the discussion.
VII. Adjournment. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Manring, to adjourn the meeting. Motion approved unanimously at 6:55 pm.
Committee of the Whole Highlights: May 17, 2012
(ed.note: This is a portion of the minutes)
a. Ehlers Public Finance Seminar panel on economic development. Brooks
and Mayor Decker discussed their February 3
rd
participation in a public
finance seminar set up by Ehlers. During discussions of economic
development projects, some of the participants discussed situations where
members of a municipality were required to execute confidentiality
agreements with developers prohibiting the officials from speaking to anyone
about the project. Such shows the need to trust your front line officials but
also caused concerns with the stated policy of transparency. Mayor Decker
revealed that she and City Administrator Wietecha were asked to enter into
such agreements three (3) years ago but nothing came of it. It was noted
that the City needs development but under what circumstances?
Confidentiality agreements are more common, so it will be important to
determine the new City Administrator’s position on this issue. It was also
noted that agreeing to remain confidential might box out competitors and hurt
your bargaining advantage. It was also noted that constituents may be
angered by this backroom negotiating. The topic of confidentiality
agreements was added to the parking lot.
b. Procedure for city administrator hiring. Mayor Decker provided a report
on prior procedure used to hire City Administrator Wietecha. Braunschweig
elaborated. The City used a consulting firm (PAA) in 2006. The cost was
$5,000. Their current costs will probably be around $8,000. Other
consultants are more expensive. To start the process, the City, with PPA
help, created a job description. PAA advertised the position, collected
resumes, and analyzed the resumes to make sure that the minimum job
requirements were met. PAA then made a list of top candidates and
identified others as “wild cards”. The Council watched videos of the candidates and whittled the field to five (5) candidates. On a Friday, the
candidates were given tours of the City and met with Department Heads.
Department Head input was solicited by the Council. The candidates were
interviewed on Saturday and participated in a writing exercise. Discussions
were held and decision was made.
11. Break
12. Constructive Conflict. Mayor Decker rephrased this topic as Constructive Debate
Saturday, August 25, 2012
School Scoop: The Next Logical Step After You Demonize the Teach...
School Scoop: The Next Logical Step After You Demonize the Teach...: My friend sent me the link below and asked me what I think about easing teacher licensing rules. This has been on the radar for quite some t...
Friday, August 24, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Join Matthias in Oconomowoc this weekend!!
Join Matthias in Oconomowoc
August 18 & 19
10am-5pm
Don't miss out on the Oconomowoc Festival of the Arts, rated in the top 100 best art fairs in the country! Not only will you experience outstanding artwork, but also excellent entertainment. The three stages in the park will host dance ensembles, adult music entertainment, and soothing sounds of a piano. Children's activities and a food tent puts the cherry on top of a fantastic weekend with the family!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Blue Cross has IT jobs available
Information Technology Jobs
careers.bluecrossmn.com
Information Technology (IT) for Blue Cross is about connecting our members to information that helps them manage their health care and be their healthiest. IT also supports our interactions with health care providers, agents... Ed
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Evansville Chamber plans Celebration on August 23rd
Chamber Welcomes New Businesses,
Says Farewell to Dedicated Co-Op Student
Evansville, WI – The Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism invites the Community of Evansville and surrounding region to the Eager Economy Building ( 7 W. Main Street , Evansville ) for an evening of networking and celebration on Thursday, August 23!
Sponsored by Modaff Appraisal Services, the event will feature an official “welcome” to a number of newly located businesses with a round-robin of ribbon cuttings, as well as a Business After 5:00 networking event. The celebration will be open from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, and will feature a light meal, cake and refreshments for attendees. To cover the cost for food, cost to attend is $5.00 for members / $10.00 for non-members.
While the Chamber and community gear up to welcome new faces and businesses, we are also saying “farewell” to Abby Brzezinski, our dedicated Co-Op Student that has been working for the Chamber over the past year.
“Abby has been an integral part of this organization, and without her, I do not believe that the organized transition into this position would have been possible” said Mary Rajek, the Chamber’s Executive Director since January of this year. Mary continued, “She is an incredibly intelligent and talented individual – I cannot be happier for her as she begins this next phase in her life.”
Over the past couple weeks Abby has been busy training Laura Janisch as the Chamber’s new assistant. While the Chamber remains a dedicated supporter of the Co-Op Program offered through Evansville High School , and plans to continue working through this program in the future, lower program enrollment this year meant fast hire rates for participants.
“We had fully planned on working with a Co-Op Student for the 2012-13 year; unfortunately, the interviewees targeted different organizations. Luckily, Laura came highly recommended, just when we needed her” said Mary. “We are again fortunate enough to have a very talented young person in the office assisting with the day-to-day necessities associated with running a Chamber of Commerce.”
####
Mary Rajek
Executive Director,
Evansville Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism
Phone: 608-882-5131
Email: evansvillecoc@litewire.net
Web: www.evansvillechamber.org
Mailbag: Vinehout: "It's Time to End the Tax Dispute Between the States"
It's Time to Fix Tax Dispute Between the States
August 15, 2012 ~ Volume 6 Issue 32
“Please provide me with an update on the reciprocity issue between Minnesota and Wisconsin,” the woman from Prescott wrote to me. She worked in Minnesota for years and now must file two state tax forms.
The inconvenience and, in some cases, increased taxes paid, resulted from a break down in a long-standing agreement between the two states.
In 1968, Minnesota and Wisconsin entered into an agreement that allowed Wisconsin residents who worked in Minnesota to only file Wisconsin taxes. The same was true for Minnesota residents who worked in Wisconsin. The states would ‘settle up’ the difference later through a payment to the state owed tax money.
In 2009 then Governor Pawlenty stopped the agreement after Wisconsin failed to settle up with a timely payment of taxes owed the Gopher State. For the past few years those who work in one state and live in the other must file two tax forms. Sometimes they find themselves paying more in taxes.
The agreement not only affects employees. Wisconsin businesses who hire Minnesota residents are now required to withhold taxes due and make payments to Minnesota. The same is true for a Minnesota company hiring someone from Wisconsin.
Governor Walker and Governor Dayton inherited this problem. Former Governors Pawlenty and Doyle had been in negotiations since at least June of 2009 to resolve the breakdown between the states.
The problem began when Wisconsin’s revenue dipped precariously because of the recession. The state did not make payments on time. Minnesota wanted the cash. Governor Doyle attempted to renegotiate the payments due; even offering to pay up to $40 million in a sort of ‘penalty’ interest payments. But Minnesota wanted more.
According to the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau it appeared, with Minnesota’s own budget crisis, the state was using the negotiations to create a ‘one-time’ revenue increase to improve cash flow. Put another way, Minnesota was taking advantage of Wisconsin’s slow payment to better its own bottom line.
Either way, the governors could not reach agreement and the 40 year old agreement fell by the wayside.
I received a number of letters from constituents begging me to reinstate the agreement. One man asked why he had to pay for the ‘bickering between the states”. Another woman from rural Fountain City told me about farm losses due to a flood. Because Minnesota didn’t recognize her losses in Wisconsin, her family had to pay more than $3,000 in additional taxes. Many families similarly suffered.
It is not possible for a single legislator to reinstate the agreement. So every lawmaker representing the state border between Wisconsin and Minnesota has pressured the two governors to find a resolution.
Recently I joined Wisconsin lawmakers representing border districts in sending a new letter to Minnesota Governor Dayton asking him to honor a promise made last winter to resolve outstanding issues between the two states.
Both new governors initially seemed warm to resolving old differences. Wisconsin paid off the old bill owed to Minnesota. Talks were reopened and Governor Walker made several visits to western Wisconsin touting the new cooperation between the states.
Now a deadline looms for the deal to be completed. My legislative colleagues and I are concerned the goodwill between the states will not be translated to a new agreement soon enough to affect taxpayers in this coming year.
Wisconsin agreed to address the problems raised by Minnesota including to submit more frequent and more accurate payments. The state also agreed to pay an additional $55.6 million. Minnesota wants $40 million more. But Gopher State officials appear unwilling to provide any factual data to support the request for more money.
The time to resolve the differences between the states is now. Without an agreement in place by October, it’s impossible to repair the agreement for the coming 2013 tax year.
I urge citizens who work across the border to contact Governor Dayton and ask him to resolve this dispute in the next few weeks. Governor Dayton can be reached at toll free at 800-657-3717 ; by mail at 130 State Capitol St Paul, MN 55155; or by email at Minnesota Governor
* * * * *
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Janesville - Rock County: Paul Ryan Used Insider Information To Avoid 2008 C...
Janesville - Rock County: Paul Ryan Used Insider Information To Avoid 2008 C...: While most of us working saps were left to the merciless invisible hands controlling our modest mutual fund accounts and helplessly watch...
Sunday, August 12, 2012
New Finance Director for Evansville? Meeting set Monday, August 13
NOTICE: The special meeting of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the date, time and place stated below. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
Finance and Labor Relations Committee
Special Meeting
Monday, August 13, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to order and roll call.
2. Approval of Agenda.
3. Motion to defer the reading of the minutes of the August 9, 2012, regular meeting until the September regular meeting.
4. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed.
5. Discussion: Finance Director position description.
6. Discussion: Finance Director hiring process.
7. Adjournment.
Mason Braunschweig, Chair
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.
Agenda: Evansville School Board: Monday, August 13, 2012
EVANSVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board of Education Regular Meeting Agenda
Monday, August 13, 2012
6:30 p.m.
District Board and Training Center
340 Fair Street
Note, public notice of this meeting given by posting at the District Office, Levi Leonard Elementary School
Office, Theodore Robinson Intermediate School Office, J.C. McKenna Middle School Office, High School Office,
Evansville School District Web Site: Evansville.k12.wi.us, and by forwarding the agenda to the Evansville Review,
Union Bank & Trust and Eager Free Public Library
6:00 Two Board members are available to listen to the public on a drop in basis.
I. Roll Call: Dennis Hatfield Kathi Swanson Eric Busse John Rasmussen
Tina Rossmiller Sharon Skinner Nancy Hurley
II. Approve Agenda.
III. Public Announcements/Recognition/Upcoming Events:
• Back to School Days - August 15 and 16, 2012
• First Day of School – September 4, 2012
• September 24, 2012, Annual Meeting, 7:00 pm, High School Media Room
IV. District Administrator Report – What’s Happening in the Buildings/Departments.
V. Information & Discussion:
A. High School Parent Teacher Conferences.
B. 2012-2013 FFA Overnight Field Trips.
C. Soccer Underground Sprinkler System Update.
VI. Business (Action Items):
A. Approval of Staff Changes: Teacher Contracts, Occupational Therapy Contract, Administrator
Contract, and Teacher Resignations.
B. Letter of Appeal for Liquidated Damages.
C. Approval of Open Enrollment Exception Application.
D. Approval of Policy #523.1-Employee Physical Examinations.
E. Approval of a One Year Sage Waiver or Hiring of a Third Grade Teacher.
VII. Consent (Action Items):
A. Approval of July 9 Regular Meeting Minutes.
B. Approval of June Reconciliation Report and Bills.
VIII. Set August 27, 2012, Regular Meeting Agenda.
IX. Adjourn.
Mission Statement: The Evansville Community School District, in active partnership with families and the community, will
provide a positive learning environment that challenges all students to achieve personal excellence and
become contributing citizens of the world community.
Vision Statement:
Creating a culture of excellence in:
• Academic achievement
• Character development
• Pursuit of arts, athletics, and other activities
• Community engagement
• Highly effective staff
This notice may be supplemented with additions to the agenda that come to the attention of the Board prior to the meeting. A final agenda will
be posted and provided to the media no later than 24 hours prior to the meeting or no later than 2 hours prior to the meeting in the event of an
emergency.
Persons needing special accommodations or more specific information about the agenda items should call 882-5224, Ext. 3387, at least 24
hours prior to the meeting.
Posted: 8/9/12
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Mailbag: Axelrod: "The Go Back Team"
This morning, Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan stood on a platform in Norfolk, Virginia, and introduced themselves to the country as "America's Comeback Team."
"Go Back Team" would be more appropriate -- because a Romney-Ryan administration is the definition of a fast track back to the failed, top-down economic policies of the past.
In Ryan, Romney has selected a running mate best known for designing the extreme GOP budget that would end Medicare as we know it, and -- just like Romney's plan -- actually raise taxes on middle-class Americans to pay for an additional $250,000 tax break for millionaires and billionaires. As a leader of the House Republicans and a Tea Party favorite, Congressman Ryan has led the relentless, intensely ideological battle for these kinds of budget-busting policies that punish seniors and the middle class.
Today, Romney doubled down on those policies.
But most Americans don't know Paul Ryan. In the coming days, the other side will spend a lot of time trying to define Romney's choice and what it says about his candidacy -- so we put together a brand-new website on Romney-Ryan with everything you need to know.
Check it out, watch the video, and then show your support for President Obama and Vice President Biden by sharing it with friends and family.
If their records are any indication of how they'd govern, it's not looking good (unless you're a right-wing conservative in the top 5 percent of income-earners and NOT a woman or a worker counting on Medicare in your future).
This isn't a matter of opinion:
-- As an architect of the extreme GOP budget, Ryan will be Romney's biggest advocate for his plan to give more tax breaks to millionaires, paid for by $2,000 in higher taxes on middle-class families with kids.
-- The Ryan plan, which Romney said is "an excellent piece of work, and very much needed," calls for deep cuts in education -- from college scholarships to Head Start -- critical scientific research, and clean energy investments, all to help pay for those tax cuts.
-- Ryan authored the original plan to convert Medicare into a voucher program, costing seniors an additional $6,000 or more each year.
-- Ryan talks tough on balancing the budget, but his own plan would fail to do that for a generation. The burden of balancing any Ryan budget falls squarely on the backs of seniors and middle-class families -- while no one at the top is asked to pay even a dollar more.
-- Both Romney and Ryan are severely conservative, threatening to take us backward on women's issues and civil rights. Ryan cosponsored a bill that would ban common forms of birth control, in vitro fertilization, and abortions even in cases of rape or incest. He voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, voted against the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and sponsored a constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality.
On so many issues, Paul Ryan, like Mitt Romney, has taken extreme positions that are out of touch with the values most Americans share.
It's our job, especially in these first few days and weeks, to make sure voters get the facts on his record, and a clear picture as to what a Romney-Ryan administration would look like for regular people, when the slogans fade away and the real policy decisions they'd face as president and vice president are on the table.
Check out the new video and site on Romney-Ryan:
http://my.barackobama.com/Go-Back-Team
Thanks for everything.
Big day.
David
Nostalgia: 2008: Audio: "Living in the Flood Plain"--the meeting 10-29-2008
Gavel to Gavel Audio coverage of meeting----the purpose of the meeting was to explain the mapping process for Westside residents ---and to explain flood insurance etc. etc. Packed meeting of very concerned citizens who have faced bill bills for insurance and repair.....selected video tomorrow.
MP3 File
MP3 File
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Observer mourns the loss of Ron DeKelver
Funeral services will be held tomorrow,2PM, Friday, August 10, 2012 for Ron DeKelver at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Evansville. Ron was active with the Evansville Woodchucks and many other civic activities. He was an honored veteran, and military rites will be provided by the American Legion. May he rest in peace.
Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Evansville Finance Meets Thursday, August 9th
NOTICE: The regular meeting of the Finance and Labor Relations Committee for the City of Evansville will be held on the date, time and place stated below. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
Finance and Labor Relations Committee
Regular Meeting
Thursday, August 9, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to order and roll call.
2. Approval of Agenda.
3. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the July 5, 2012, regular meeting and approve as printed.
4. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed.
5. Motion to accept the City and W&L bills as presented.
6. Unfinished Business:
A. Discussion: 2013 Budget.
1) Fiscal Overview.
2) Finance Department Budget.
3) Attorney request to increase rates.
4) City-wide Operating and Capital Budgets.
B. Discussion: Personnel Policy.
7. New Business:
A. Motion to recommend to Common Council approval of Resolution 2012-13, Amendments to the 2012 Budget.
B. Motion to recommend to Common Council approval of Resolution 2012-14, In Support of the Preservation of Tax-Exempt Financing.
C. Motion to recommend to Common Council approval of Cellular Service Agreement with US Cellular through August 2014.
D. Discussion: Fiscal Policies:
1) Fund Balance Policy.
2) Post-Issuance Compliance Policy for Tax-Exempt and Tax-Advantaged Obligations.
3) Investment Policy.
4) Debt Management Policy.
E. Finance and Labor Relations Committee reference book.
8. Adjournment.
Mason Braunschweig, Chair
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City Clerk’s office by calling 882-2266 with as much advance notice as possible.
Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you.
Monday, August 06, 2012
Minutes: Economic Dev: Tourism: July 2012
City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee Subcommittee on Tourism
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, 6 PM
Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville, WI
MINUTES
1. Call to order at 6 p.m.
2. Roll call. Present: Sue Berg, John Decker, Mary Rajek, Dave VanDerHaegen; Ex Officio Sandy Decker, Jim Brooks. Guest: Sarah Bauer. Absent: Susan Farnsworth.
3. Motion to approve agenda. Rajek/Decker. Unanimous.
4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from June 5, 2012, and approve them as printed. Rajek/Decker motioned to amend minutes. Unanimous.
5. Citizen appearances. None.
6. 2012 and 2013 tourism budget.
a. The committee reviewed expenses against the 2012 budget of $12,000 from room tax dollars. Committed to date: $3500 for Discover Wisconsin 2-year extension; $1500 for Ice Age Trail/Discover Wisconsin program participation; $1350 for downtown floral baskets; $500 Civil War event; $500 fireworks; $250 Plein Aire support; $1197 barn quilt brochure; $571.43 tourism conference; $800 Rock County Guide, and $225 for State Fair expenses, or approximately $10,400.
b. The committee discussed an updated Evansville/Discover Wisconsin brochure, estimated at $1500 for 1000 copies, and producing a table cover for booth use, estimated at $300.
c. The committee heard a report that projected 2013 room tax dollars ranging between $6000 and $7000.
d. A preliminary review of 2013 projects included these expenses: $1500 for downtown flower baskets; $800 for Rock County Guide; $500 Civil War event; $500 fireworks, and $500 Plein Aire support. The committee discussed implementation of the tourism study, as well.
e. Committee members plan to continue the discussion at the next tourism committee meeting, set for August 7, 2012. Recommendations from the committee are due to Economic Development Committee Chairperson Jim Brooks prior to the August 20, 2012, meeting date for the EDC.
7. Advertising opportunities
a. Mary Rajek shared information about two advertising programs and associated costs. WEKZ radio (Monroe) offers sponsorship programs starting around $4800 a year. Gatehouse Media offers online banner advertising programs starting at $7200 a year.
b. Dave VanDerHaegen mentioned that Home Pages offers an opt-in advertising texting program starting at $1000 a year.
8. Bridge Historical Plaque application and update
a. Sue Berg reported that money to pay for the plaque has been raised; still needed is support to affix the plaque to the bridge. She will make calls to ask for support.
b. John Decker will work on the application for the Wisconsin Historical Marker program. The size of the plaque will be 16 x 24 inches.
9. JEM Grant
a. The committee decided to proceed with an application for a JEM grant in the “existing event” category for the Civil War / Rally ‘Round the Flag event set for May 2013. The goal is to submit a grant application November 1, 2012. Working on the grant application is a subcommittee consisting of John Decker and Jim Brooks, with possible assistance from Doug Zweizig.
10. Discover Wisconsin
a. Aug. 3, Discover Wisconsin will share its state fair space with several communities, including Evansville. Representing Evansville will be Jim Brooks, Dave VanDerHaegen and Blase Strobl. Larry Dobbs and Phil Woodworth donated a small barn quilt square painted in Green Bay Packer colors as a door prize.
b. Website banner advertising offer was declined by ECP and The Chamber.
c. Sandy Decker reported about 350 Discover Wisconsin/Evansville brochures remain. When updated brochures are printed, the new DW logo needs to be used.
11. Tourism activities
a. Plein Air contest: This new event was a success with 21 participating artists, 9 paintings sold to date, and enormously positive feedback. There will be an event next year.
b. Fourth of July: It was hot. Sales were down. Those who attended or participated enjoyed themselves.
c. Inside Out Days: Aug. 4 will have a new punch card program to drive patrons to businesses for a chance to enter a drawing for a prize; the Chamber is actively recruiting more participants as external vendors, too.
d. 14 South Artists Tour: Sept. 15-16, 2012.
e. Oktoberfest: Oct. 13, 2012, in the evening at Creekside Place. Business Expo is during the day.
f. Barn quilt brochure distribution: Dave’s Ace Hardware has a stack of brochures for distribution.
g. Historic Preservation Conference: John Decker will have a booth at the conference, Sept. 28-29 at the Madison Sheraton.
h. Rock County Fair: Mary Rajek and an assistant from The Chamber will run the community booth on July 26 (the day assigned to Evansville). Dave VanDerHaegen will be on hand for a few hours, too. Rajek will recruit donations for a prize drawing; included will be an Oktoberfest package of tickets for two, from Creekside Place.
12. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Rajek/VanDerHaegen.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Nostalgia: Jan 23, 2008: Past Results Do not Guarantee Future Performance
Ed. note: This is a post from The Traders Blue Book from 2008: It is one of the most popular posts.)
Past Results Do Not Guarantee Future Performance."
If you do not remember this phrase, you are probably too young to read this post.
In virtually every mutual fund brochure or prospectus for a unit trust of whatever investment, there is the caution...... after of course the investment representative has gone over the wonderful result if..... in theoretical terms..... you had invested ....$1....at the Crash of 1929 and invested that in this particular investment....you would have had the wonderful result listed above....." and after speaking of those wonderful theoretical results, there is the caution about ...."Past Results do not guarantee future performance..."
Recently, in Evansville, in our own school projections for future school demand for facilities, whether we looked at population projection or building permit historical data, nobody wanted to read the warning----"Past results do not guarantee future performance."
Even in the Evansville City budget, the city financial consultant, Greg Johnson, from Ehlers and Associates stated that "proceeding forward with no further General Obligation debt, the future seems to be no problem with debt capacity." The problem, of course, was pointed out by Fred Juergens, who counted 5 million in dreams that were penciled in on the capital investment budget for the year around 2009.
It seems we always, as human beings, want the pro forma future not to include the unfortunate expenses of the reality of the things on the horizon.
I could go on about flashing lights from dashboards of cars re warnings, but.....I think you get the jist. As a stress reliever, it is important to manage stress and ...a little denial is good. Sometimes....the denial gets too large.
Posted by Evansville Observer at 8:58 AM
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Rebecca DeMarb joins Kerkman and Dunn as partner:
Rebecca represents debtors and other interested parties in bankruptcy, state court receiverships, commercial litigation and out-of-court business reorganizations. She often serves as the receiver for operating and liquidating businesses, as well as in real estate matters. DeMarb has been certified in business bankruptcy by the American Board of Certification since 2005.
DeMarb joined Kerkman & Dunn as a partner to open the Madison office of the Milwaukee based firm in May of 2012. Previously, DeMarb has practiced at Murphy Desmond in Madison, Wisconsin, in Chicago at large firms and in her own firm in Madison and in her adopted hometown of Evansville, Wisconsin.
DeMarb works diligently to meet the needs of her clients in matters of debtor-creditor law. Her skills and knowledge have earned her inclusion on the Wisconsin Super Lawyers list in Debtor-Creditor Rights since 2008 and on the Top 25 Female Attorneys in Wisconsin by Super Lawyers in 2010.
Mailbag: Bear Trader Writes: The Reality Facing us
As I have pointed out before, the ACTUAL GDP has been declining steadily since last half of the year 2000, with only one quarter of growth (in 2004) since this "contraction" started. In real GDP there has been a GDP decline of about 30% since the year 2000. The USA population has increased more than 10% in this time, so GDP per capita has decreased to about 63% of what it was in the year 2000. If you use a reasonable figure of 40 million "immigrants" during this time the GDP per capita is 54% of what is was in the year 2000.
So if you are wondering why you are suddenly so much poorer, well, this is the reason. And, unfortunately, the really can be no realistic expectation of the situation improving. I expect GDP per capita to continue to decline at the present rate until conditions change and the rate of decline increases, probably markedly. And certainly the mainstream media and the political class will be of no help.
The reason I write is to suggest the attached link, which leads to a Power Point like slide show that neatly describes the situation we are all caught up in, which offers a real, but not easy, way out of this ugliness. The first step is to get past the "denial" stage of grief, then the "anger", to "resignation". We must face reality with courage and without illusion and delusion.
http://www.businessinsider.com/jon
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Mailbag; Some info on August 14 Primary Election
Be Prepared and Vote in August 14 Election
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin urges citizens to be prepared for some changes before voting in the August 14 primary election. This is the election when political parties will choose their candidates for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as state legislature and some county offices.
“For many races, the likely winner of the November election will be chosen in the primary election. Your vote in August can really make a difference,” said Andrea Kaminski, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network.
Many voters might be surprised to find they have a new polling place, and they might also be surprised by the names on the ballot. This is because of the new redistricting plan that has gone into effect since the June 5 recall elections.
“We strongly encourage voters to check their polling place and a sample ballot using the Voter Public Access website or by contacting their municipal clerk. Spending a few minutes ahead of time to prepare might save you considerable time on Election Day,” Kaminski said.
Absentee voting has already begun. You may cast a ballot at your municipal clerk’s office through August 9. Alternately, you may request a mailed absentee ballot, but be sure there is enough time for the clerk to process your request and send you a ballot, which must be mailed back and received by the clerk by August 17 in order to be counted.
The League reminds voters you can register to vote either in person at your municipal clerk’s office by the Friday before the election (August 10) or at the polls on Election Day. You will need to provide the number from your Wisconsin driver’s license, if you have one. If not, you can provide the number from your Wisconsin ID or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have none of these, you will be assigned a unique voter number. You will also need to provide proof of residence. According to the Government Accountability Board this can be a current and valid Wisconsin driver license or state ID card, a tax bill, a lease, a utility or cell phone bill, or a paycheck. It cannot be a sales receipt or a piece of junk mail. For a list of acceptable documents, go to the GAB website (http://gab.wi.gov/elections-voting/voters/registration-voting) or contact your municipal clerk or election commission.
To check your polling place, your registration or absentee ballot status, or to see a sample ballot, go to the Voter Public Access website (https://vpa.wi.gov/).
The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin Education Network is nonpartisan citizen organization that promotes informed and active participation in government. There are 16 local Leagues in Wisconsin. Find the League on Facebook.
8/5 Sun 5 - 6 pm "PPACA - What is the impact on Wisconsin?" - Madison. EVP Coffee, 3809 Mineral Point Road. Please join PNHP Wisconsin - The Linda & Gene Farley Chapter for a discussion about the Supreme Court ruling on the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Speaker will be Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action. Last month we discussed the initial reaction and potential outcomes of the Supreme Court upholding the majority of the PPACA. This month we look at the direct impact on the state of Wisconsin. We are fortunate to have Robert Kraig, Executive Director of Citizen Action - Wisconsin, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people of Wisconsin. Please join us! Our September forum will be with Dr. John Geyman. He will be delivering the Eugene Farley lecture at the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and has agreed to honor us with an event for the community-at-large as well. He is professor emeritus at the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine. He is past president of Physicians for a National Health Program and author of several books on the topic of health care. Light refreshments will be served. EVP will be closed to customers during our event. For more information or to join PNHP, contact: wisconsinpnhp@gmail.com
©2012 Wireman & Associates | 4001 Monona Dr, Madison WI 53717
Dogs and Trailers on Street Discussed
(Ed.note: This is an exerpt from June 2012 Public Safety Minutes)
5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed – Pam Ascencio, 441 Almeron and Ann Sellnow, 460 Almeron Street was present to speak regarding the dog issue at 435 Almeron Street. Ms Ascencio stated that one of the dogs is aggressive. Both speakers were advised to talk with the City Administrator Dan Wietecha. Chief McElroy spoke to the owner about this issue. She was advised to meet with the City Administrator. This is a planning issue. Chief McElroy state that all documentation went to the City Administrator. Gene Cratsenberg, 124 Highland, spoke regarding the trailers/campers being left on the street on Sherman Avenue and North Second Street and there are people living in them. Chief McElroy stated that they are to be moved within 48 hours. Kari Myrland representing the July 4 Fun Run talked about the run. Th
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
I and E meets Wed August 8th: Timebanks is on the Agenda
Explore the Benefits of Trading “Time” Aug. 8
Remember trading baseball cards? Take that concept, and apply it in a new: Trade the time it takes you to do something you’re good at, and get time from someone who’s good at something you want done. Interested?
Then Rock Hour Community is the option for you. It’s part of the international system of timebanks, in which people help each other out and receive credit for their time.
Talking about the new timebank in Rock County is Gary Messinger, the community outreach coordinator with both Dane County TimeBank and Rock Hour Community. Messinger will be speaking at the regular monthly meeting of the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club. Free and open to the public, the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville.
Timebanks are based on the belief that communities work better when everyone’s contributions are valued. “Instead of separating our community into those who need and those who provide, we recognize that we all have needs and gifts to share,” Messinger says.
“We have so many wonderful assets among the residents of our communities. It’s time to match unmet needs with unused resources. We each have talents and skills that someone else values,” Messinger adds. “By sharing them, we can strengthen our community hour by hour.”
As part of the presentation, guests will see the new website, rockhourcommunity.timebanks.org, and learn how to register. Afterwards, guests will be encouraged to introduce themselves, network and enjoy refreshments, sponsored this month by Evansville Farmer’s Market. Every Saturday through October, the Farmer’s Market will have produce, crafts, baked goods and other locally made items for sale. Located next to Creekside Place, the market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a list of vendors and wares, visit evansvillefarmersmarket.com.
More information about I&E Club can be found on www.linkedin.com. Search for Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club in the “groups” category. Or just contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com.