The Evansville Observer Archive: The unofficial history of Evansville, Wisconsin from 2005-2013: Thousands of Video and Audio and Articles; Free: To Search scroll to the Search this Blog line and enter name of person, topic, or issue. Then scroll up to see all articles. Or use Google Search by topic. Enjoy.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Minutes; Plan Commission: Nov 2012: Community Dev Director an Appointment from Mayor
(ed.note: This is a section of the Nov. minutes)
10. Report on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations. Wietecha explained that the selection panel for the Community Development Director would include the Mayor as chair of Plan Commission, chair of Economic Development Committee, Council President, Rock County Planning Department, Baker Manufacturing, and the City Administrator. They would review the applicants and sort them into A, B, and C categories based on qualifications. Interviews of the A category are expected after Thanksgiving. The position is the City Administrator’s to appoint.
Evansville Plan Commission Meets MONDAY, Dec 3rd:
NOTICE
The regular meeting of the Evansville Plan Commission will be held on the date and time stated below at City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
City of Evansville Plan Commission
Regular Meeting
Monday, December 3, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Approval of agenda
4. Approval of minutes: Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from November 5, 2012 regular meeting and approve them as printed.
5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed.
6. New Business
a. Site Plan Review for Delong Company addition, 340 Union Street (parcel 6-27-866).
i. Initial Staff Comments
ii. Plan Commissioner Questions and Comments
iii. Motion
b. Preapplication concept discussion, 170 South Union Street (parcel 6-27-676.1, owned by – Roger Berg) – potential Planned Unit Development District (PUD) Rezoning Request.
i. Initial Staff Comments
ii. Discussion from potential applicant
iii. Plan Commissioner Questions and Comments
c. Symdon Chevrolet site plan, 351-369 Union Street (parcels 6-27-835, 6-27-836, 6-27-837 combined).
i. Initial Staff Comments
ii. Plan Commissioner Questions and Comments
iii. Possible motion
d. Update on Community Development Director hiring process; discussion of option for Vierbicher month-to-month contract in interim.
7. Report on other permitting activity by City Planner
8. Report on the Unified Land Development Code Committee
9. Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission
10. Report on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations
11. Report on Board of Appeals actions relating to zoning matters
12. Enforcement Report
13. Discuss and set next Plan Commission meeting date – please bring your calendar.
14. Motion to adjourn
Mayor Sandra J. Decker, Plan Commission Chair
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the 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.
Mailbag; Wireman: Concert Update
JOHANNES BRAHMS is at the UNIVERSITY NOT Overture
Ein Deutsches Requiem, op. 45
Choral Union and UW Symphony Orchestra
Beverly Taylor, conductor Olivia Pogodzinski, soprano Benjamin Li, baritone
Friday, December 7 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Mills Concert Hall
Mosse Humanities Building, 455 N. Park Street
Tickets: $15/General Public and $8/Students and Seniors
Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office; 608-265-2787
Remaining tickets at the door
Christmas concert this weekend at Overture. after the dress rehearsal last night I was so impressed with the overall fun event that I decided to share the data below. Again, the cheap tickets in the upper balcony are fine for hearing.
pre-concert free choral sing in lobby 45 minutes before concert
Concert It starts with the youth choir walking through the aisles with candles (I assume flashlights but pretty spectactular and singlng arr. Rutter - O Come Immanuel
the soloists are great. Because the conductor came to Madison from the opera world and knows people, we often get soloists who have just or are about to debut at the Met.
Handel - For Unto Us a Child is Born - Messiah
Mozart - Laudamus te
Bach/Gounod - Ave Maria
Yon - Gesu Bambino
Good King Wenceslas
Schubert - Mass in A-flat - Gloria, Cum Sancto
Handel - Hallelujah - Messiah
INTERMISSION
Tchaikovsky - Waltz of the Flowers - Nutcracker
Gregson - Make a Joyful Noise
Adam /arr. Ryden - O Holy Night
Thomas - This is That Time of the Year
Darby - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Amundson - Reindeer Rock
Mt. Zion - A Christmas Greeting
Mt. Zion - Little Drummer Boy
Mt. Zion - I Wanna Know What Love Is
Bass - Sing We Now of Christmas
Stephenson - We Wish You A Merry Christmas
In case you missed this..Rembrandt, Van Dyck , Gainsborough and others in special exhibit at Milwaukee Art Museum through Jan. 13 from a private collection in London. I have not seen this but the last time I went to one of these private collections WOW.
©2012 Wireman & Associates | 4001 Monona Dr, Madison WI 53717
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Mailbag: Grassroots writes:
Our Communities are Strong and Resilient!
Come celebrate the gifted people and organizations in Dane
County. Inspire each other by sharing what is working in our
faith communities, schools, organizations and
neighborhoods.
You’ll leave feeling energized about the work you do every
day, even more inspired by new ideas, and filled with…pie!
Join community leaders, clergy, grassroots organizers and a
guest from Indianapolis for conversation, reflection and
connection!
Friday, December 7th
1 :30 pm to 4:00 pm
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
1501
Gilbert
Road
Enjoy the story of Indianapolis’s Broadway United Methodist Church. Broadway has partnered with the
Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood to establish practices that take note of, celebrate, and build on the
gifts and capacities of every neighbor. In a community often labeled “poor and dysfunctional” they have
discovered common interests in entrepreneurship, the arts, cooking, leadership, health,
and so much more!
DeAmon Harges the original “Roving Listener” who is a neighbor and staff member of the Broadway
Church will join us. His role is to listen and discover the gifts, passions and dreams of citizens in his
community, and to find ways to utilize them in order to build community, economy, and mutual
“delight.”
Interested?
Please
RSVP
to:
amanda.lovdane@gmail.com
516
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wireman; Same Day Voter Registration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Andrea Kaminski, Executive Director
November 28, 2012 608-256-0827; kaminski@lwvwi.org
Beware of Partisan Efforts to Restrict Voting
By Andrea Kaminski
The role of elections officials is to help citizens exercise their right to vote. The League of Women Voters has placed observers in the polls statewide in four elections over the past 15 months. They have consistently commented on the dedication and professionalism of our poll workers, almost all of whom bend over backwards to ensure that all qualified citizens have the opportunity to cast a ballot and have it counted. We wonder how many local elections officials the Governor surveyed before he concluded that Election Day Registration is “difficult for them to handle.”
Wisconsin can be proud of its high voter turnout for the general elections on November 6. With 2.9 million citizens voting, our state as usual ranked near the top in citizen participation. People know that Election Day is the one time when all citizens are equal in the greatest democracy in the world.
Yet some politicians are talking about introducing new legislation to restrict voting in our state. They have said they will introduce new voter ID legislation, despite the fact that two judges have ruled the last voter ID law unconstitutional.
Additionally, Governor Walker last week told an audience in California that he may push for an end to Election Day Registration (EDR) in Wisconsin. He said this would take a burden off local election officials. Yet EDR allows many first-time voters to participate and ensures that recent moves or name changes do not impact a citizen’s ability to vote. It has worked well for Wisconsin for more than 30 years. Any attempt to eliminate EDR would be an attack on voting rights, and it certainly cannot be justified as a solution to a problem that does not exist. We’ve been down that road before, with the voter ID law.
In our democracy it is the job of the legislature to write and pass bills, and then the Governor has the power to sign a bill into law. Lawmaking should be done with humility and accountability. Legislation should address real problems and seek to fix them. In the process of introducing new legislation, lawmakers should seek public input – from their constituents, citizens in Wisconsin, not from potential donors in California or the national media.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Wireman: Mailbag: Events, Concerts Upcoming
SUNDAY 11/25 LAST DAY FOR
Offering of the Angels: Paintings and Tapestries from the Uffizi Gallery closes 11/25
also see
The Golden Age of British Watercolors, 1790–1910 closes 12/2
Christmas concert at Overture on Fri. Nov. 30 ,7:30 sat. 8 & sunday. 2:30 We are singing gloria and sancto from Schubert's Mass in A-Flat Major, selections from Messiah, carols, other pretty stuff. The youth choir and the gospel choir will also sing. Carol Sing along in hall before it starts (you can just come to the free sing along). Tickets for concert are not expensive and you can hear beautifully from the very top row in the balcony. This is a great concert for kids of all ages.
The U.W. choir is singing the Brahams requieum the next Friday and Sunday evenings also at Overture.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
OpEd: "Grassroots" is the real story
It is real that the Recall Walker Campaign was unsuccessful---but in the process of gathering together, the progressives of Wisconsin have created a network that is far more significant that any one candidate that has been successful...and far more significant that any battles waged, even the Presidential campaign. It is a mustard seed gathering power...and it is something to be watched as it unfolds its strength...make a note of it.
Christmas and Customer Service Begin with "C"
If you listen to the pundits on Wall Street over the past months, there is a lot of baloney that the traditional retail outfits, whether it is Sears, J.C. Penny, Best Buy or Radio Shack, just cannot compete with "Amazon" which has wonderful robots to pack their products and ship them.
One of the very real facts of life in technology, is that things break or do not work properly some times----and dealing with a robot or an impersonal return via mail is difficult. One of the very strong positives of our local community is the strong customer service skills in many of them.
Whether it is car repair or computer laptop purchase, in our family, members come home and purchase locally. They value the responsiveness and the trust of the locals. So---shop local and enjoy the Christmas holidays.
OpEd: Public Expenditures must mirror Private Enterprise Success/Failure:
Every year, public employee types in governmental institutions budget for the future in a one year or even five year capital expenditure plan. For example, the plan for Evansville is published in the city website. One of the older council members from years gone past, used to call these plans "dreams" that would be reviewed to see where we were as the dreams came up. Some governmental employees and servants see these plans as cast in stone.
I would submit that in cities where the ratio of indebtedness is higher than the norm, and at a height that requires a level of taxation by property tax that makes it unattractive for the stranger from afar to purchase a home in that city----that it should be declared that the capital expenditure budget is officially a "dream". Without the success of commercial enterprise, expecially in Evansville which has declared the expansion of commercial as critical to the proper balance of property taxes in our fair city---public expenditure, public plans for "infrastructure" or "projects" must WAIT till the reality of commercial success has bloomed. It must wait till the past burdens of failed TIF districts have been eased by real growth--- such as TIF #5 which has a negative balance of $1,600,000. These large negative numbers send a signal that the wisdom of the past is in question and needs to be reviewed. The purpose of government is to serve the families of a community and not destroy them. Make a note of it.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Mailbag: Vinehout: "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep"
Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep
“Count your blessings instead of sheep, I tell my clients,” my sister, the psychologist, told me. “New research shows we can actually reprogram the brain by focusing on the positive.”
The cutting edge research is known as “neuroplasticity.” Researchers found the brain actually sets up new ways for impulses to travel.
When we learn a new activity or a new way of thinking or speaking, neurons housed in that area of the brain sends impulses to the nerve cell’s fibers or dendrites that secrete chemicals to create a new route connecting nerve cells in a different way. This research is known as the development of “neuro-pathways.”
Taking up a new activity – golfing or learning a new language – and practicing it again and again, creates a well-defined pathway for the brain to follow. The same is true for developing a more positive focus on life; hence my sister’s advice to her depressed clients to count blessings not sheep.
My conversations with constituents over the past few weeks led me to think ways to heal the state from the onslaught of negative ads, mailings and campaign rhetoric. Republicans and Democrats alike feel anxiety about the election results.
Let us take Thanksgiving to count our blessings.
Everywhere I go people tell me they are relieved Election Day has passed.
Democrats are thankful for winning the presidential race and adding more U.S. Senators including Senator-Elect Tammy Baldwin. Republicans are thrilled they again have complete control in the Wisconsin statehouse. They are picking out more spacious offices and dividing up committee chairmanships.
So to count our blessings: Election Day is over. Both sides can declare victory.
Now begins the hard work of governing. My sister’s advice to her clients may be good advice to my colleagues. If we all try new cooperative behaviors and, with time and practice, develop a well-worn pathway to repeating that behavior, perhaps we can start with the work of governing.
We can be thankful all of the candidates talked of compromise and bi-partisanship and hopeful they will remember the will of the electorate as elected officials.
We can be thankful the attention of the state has turned from politics to deer hunting.
In my world the deer grew fat and tall eating my alfalfa. State-wide populations seem to rebounding. George Meyer, Executive Director of Wisconsin Wildlife Federation told a local NBC news affiliate: “My prediction is the deer harvest will be up.” Meyer said gun hunters should be ready for a “good hunt”.
DNR officials touted a mild winter, good fawn survival and a reduction in antlerless deer permits as reasons to expect good results in the field. DNR expects more than 600,000 hunters in the woods – about ten percent of Wisconsin’s population.
We can be thankful for the 80,000 deer donated by Wisconsin hunters over the last 12 years. These deer amounted to more than 3.6 million pounds of ground venison for Wisconsin food pantries statewide. The numbers come from the Wisconsin Venison Donation Program and its affiliates Hunt for the Hungry and Target Hunger. More than 120 meat processors are ready to accept donations and distribute the venison. You can get more information about this program at the DNR website: dnr.wi.gov (keyword, "Deer Donation").
Hunters who donate their deer remind us of the importance of looking out for those less fortunate as we enjoy the bounty of our state. Victims of Hurricane Sandy are still cleaning up and putting their lives back together.
Hurricane Sandy reminds us to be thankful for the simple things in life; turning on the lights, a warm house, a comfortable bed, clean clothes, food in the kitchen and nearby family and friends.
As we bow our heads to give thanks, let us remember the victims of Hurricane Sandy and give them assistance through a donation to the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/donate
Remembering our blessings need not end after Thanksgiving. As psychologists tell us, taking time on a regular basis to remember and see the good around us actually helps us improve our own mental health. Something we can all do; including those of us who work in the statehouse.
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Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 316 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Toll Free: (877) 763-6636 or
(608) 267-2871
Minutes: Library Board: October 2012
Eager Free Public Library
Board of Trustees
Meeting Minutes from October 30, 2012
1. Call to Order
Board President Susan Kruser called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Trustees
present: Susan Kruser, Gwen Clendenning, Kim Miller, Vicki Lecy-Luebke,
Wally Shannon (arrived 5:50)
Absent: Eloise Eager, Bob Flaherty
Also present: Library Director Megan Becker
2. Minutes Approved
Miller moved to approve the minutes of September 25. Clendenning seconded.
Motion passed.
3. October Bills
Discussion. Clendenning moved to accept the bills as presented. Miller seconded. Roll call vote. Ayes: Kruser, Miller, Clendenning, Lecy-Luebke.. Motion passed.
4. Librarian’s Report
a. Budget/Circulation
Becker provided the Board with excellent graphs showing comparisons among the circulation of children, young adult and adult materials for the years 2011 and 2012. Between the months of January and September, 66,498 items have been checked out.
We have currently spent 72% of our yearly budget. (Outside hose is
broken but will wait until spring to fix it.) The Friends of the Library
have offered to buy e-readers. Megan attended the Wisconsin Library
Association meeting and learned about the various types we may want
to consider.
b. Programming
Good attendance reported for the various activities held: Author John Olsen (45 attendees), Friends Movie Night (23 attendees), Fire Safety
(15 attendees), Book Club (3-5 regular attendees). Many more activities
are in the works for November.
c. Library WishList
Efforts are being made to gain wider attention. In addition to posting on Homepage, bookmarks also include items on WishList.
d. Extermination/Pest Control
Becker received estimates from two companies. It was decided to pass on
hiring an exterminator at this time.
e. Monetary item left at library will be handed over to the police.
5. Old Business
Gift money needs to be separated from the City account so that donors can feel
secure that the money is being used for the library. The Fidelity account is
the only one left that needs to be addressed.
6. New Business
a. City Liaison Report
Megan was introduced to the city council. She will eventually
transition into the liaison position. She received a very warm welcome
and is looking forward to working with them.
b. Treasurer’s Report
None to report at this time
c. Gift Policy
Ruth Ann Montgomery fund is handled through the Friends of the Library.
d. No Build Easement
Discussion about owner of property and alternatives.
e. Gifts/Donations
Becker will check with Ruth Ann Montgomery about the purpose of a monthly $5.00 check the library receives. An organized method for
gifting needs to be developed.
f. Assistant Director
Job description was reviewed and discussed. Becker will post immediately, with applications due November 30. Miller, Kruser, and
Lecy-Luebke will assist Becker with selection of candidates to interview.
Interviews will take place the morning of December 8.
7. Adjourn
Miller moved to adjourn the meeting. Clendenning seconded. All approved.
Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Minutes by Trustee Lecy-Luebke
Note: Minutes of the Library Board of Trustees are not official until approved by the Library Board of Trustees at a meeting called and noticed for that purpose.
Agenda: Library Board: Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012
NOTICE
A regular meeting of the Eager Free Public Library Board of Trustees for the City of Evansville will be held on the 27th day of November, at 5:30 p.m., at Eager Free Public Library, 39 W. Main St., Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council might be in attendance.
Eager Free Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting Tuesday, November 27, 2012 5:30 p.m. At Eager Free Public Library, 39 W. Main St., Evansville, WI 53536 AGENDA
If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, please contact the library at 608/882-2260. 1. Call to order.
2. Approval of all October meeting minutes. Open session minutes from 10/30 (attached).
3. November bills (roll call vote).
4. Librarian’s Report
Budget update & Circulation statistics
Programming update
Library WishList
Building Maintenance
-Fireplace
Computers
-New ones to replace old and slow ones
-New FlexNet Agreement with StarTech
Elevator Testing
5. Old Business
Fidelity Account
-Dividend Use
Gift Policy
6. New Business:
City Liaison’s Report
Treasurer’s Report
No Build Easement
Gifts/Donations
Assistant Director/Health Insurance Coverage
Strategic Planning
7. Adjourn.
Next meeting: December 18, 2012.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Mailbag; Wireman: Why no Walmart on Friday
DON'T SHOP AT WALMART ON FRIDAY. (I never do anyway but...) or show up for action alert below.
Walmart workers around the country are working to get better wage and working conditions. Remember, this is the firm that the Supreme Court said was too big for them to rule on the discrimination claims of their female workers because it would hurt the economy if the women won.
Walmart workers start at $8 an hour. After six years they get $10.60 which is five cents more than the minimum wage in 1968. They want $13 something plus better working conditions.
Action Alert 1: Stand in solidarity with Walmart workers
Background: Across the country, Walmart workers are standing up and speaking out for decent wages, safe workplaces, regular hours and respect. Instead, the company -- which employs 1.4 million people -- is retaliating against employees. This Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, more Walmart workers will go on strike across the U.S. The workers are asking for community support through creative, nonviolent solidarity actions.
Take Action: Join a Walmart protest or organize your own this Friday, November 23. In the Madison area, gather at 8:45 am next to the lot of the Walmart Supercenter on Royal Ave in Monona for a prayer vigil organized by the Interfaith Center for Worker Justice and South Central Federation of Labor. In Milwaukee, meet at 6:00 am at 5800 W Hope Ave (the former Lowe's parking lot).
Contact for more info: ICWJ, 608-255-0376, organizer@workerjustice.org
Monday, November 19, 2012
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Economic Development Meets Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
NOTICE
A regular meeting of the Economic Development 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 may be in attendance. Please silence all cell phones and electronic devices during meeting.
City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee
Monday, November 19, 2012, 6:00 PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St. Evansville, WI
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Roll call.
3. Motion to approve agenda
4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the September 17, 2012 and October 15 regular meetings and approve them as printed.
5. Citizen appearances, other than listed agenda items.
a. Southern Wisconsin Ag Group presentation
6. Chamber report.
a. Chamber website review
7. Tourism subcommittee report (Sue)
a. 2012 Accomplishments
8. Update on City Budget
a. Rail Study Discussion
b. Community Development Director Process
9. Retail Market Analysis Study Update
a. City-edge Sign Discussion and possible team formed
10. New Business
11. Meeting Reminder: Next regular meeting December 17, 2012, 6:00 pm
a. Summit Action Plans—Setting Priorities
12. Motion to adjourn
--Jim Brooks, Chairman
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Mailbag: Vinehout: What to look for in an Affordable Health Ins Exchange
Here is What to Look For in an Affordable Health Insurance Exchange
“Don’t worry about the deadline,” a Legislative colleague recently told a group in Menomonie. “Preparations are being made to make sure Wisconsin creates an exchange.”
Under the federal health care law, states had to provide detailed plans for creating an exchange by November 16th. However, Governor’s in several states, including Wisconsin, indicated they were delaying plans until after the presidential election.
The election outcome made it clear Wisconsin must move forward on creating an exchange or the federal government will step in and create one for us. Fortunately, federal regulators extended the deadline to December 14th for Wisconsin to deliver its “blueprint” for an affordable health insurance exchange.
A properly created exchange will give small business owners, farmers and self-employed folks the same bulk-buying power enjoyed by large companies. The exchange creates a virtual marketplace allowing for apples to apples comparison on private insurance plans. Information is available in an easy to understand searchable website; something like Expedia or Orbitz.
The idea behind the exchange is to make buying insurance more transparent and competitive and, through competition, drive down costs.
I introduced bills in the last two sessions to create a state-wide insurance exchange. As the Governor and his administration finalize plans for Wisconsin’s exchange they should take a hard look at the bill I wrote and use it as a blueprint. My bill clearly defines the important aspects of a good or well-designed exchange.
First, the website must have clear and comparable information on cost and quality. Information on the cost and quality of health practitioners is just as important as the price of a policy.
The exchange must focus on holding down health costs. The exchange should require companies to meet certain rules so businesses can make real apples to apples comparisons. Standards should be set for minimum coverage. Hidden costs and companies trying to wriggle out of commitments must be forbidden.
Some may be tempted to make the exchange part of state government – perhaps housed in the Department of Health or the Office of Insurance. This is a mistake.
To gain the confidence of consumers and the trust of insurance professionals and health providers, the exchange must be insulated from the political influence. The way to do this is to create an independent authority similar to the very successful Health Insurance Risk Sharing Program (HIRSP).
The board members governing the exchange must have no financial interest in the insurance or health field, but they must be knowledgeable about the industry. They must comply with state ethics and conflict of interest laws. The exchange should be subject to open meetings, open records and auditing laws. Unlike the current Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, the Governor must not serve as chairmen of the board; however, the board should regularly report to the Legislature, the Governor and the people of the state.
A well-designed health insurance exchange should preserve the important role insurance agents have within the health system. Agents act as the human resource department for small and busy business owners. The agent can sort through information and help owners make the right decision for their company. The agent can also play an important marketing role for the exchange. It would be wise for the Governor to seek out the agent community and work together with these leaders who work in every community across the state.
The single biggest step Wisconsin political leaders can make is to provide small business owners with affordable health insurance. We should stop making affordable health insurance a political issue and start making it a reality for Wisconsin business owners. The coming deadline is the Governor’s opportunity to move Wisconsin forward. Let’s make sure we get the job done right.
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Olde Fashioned Christmas Coming This Weekend to Evansville
Downtown Evansville
Celebrates
"Olde Fashioned Christmas"
Visit Allen Creek Gallery during
Olde Fashion Christmas Days
November 16th, Friday Night -Horse Drawn Wagon Rides 5-8 pm
November 17th, 9 am to 12 pm- Santa Visits, youth crafts, and many other activities
Downtown Merchants will be open with lots of specials
Allen Creek Gallery will be open for all the festivities!
So stop by to take a gander at the new art. They're limited, and we have a feeling they'll disappear fast!
"Stop in, enter our drawing, and see our specials on Matthias James Pottery during the event"
Fair Trade International Craft Sale THIS Saturday
St. Paul Parish will be hosting the Fair Trade International Craft Sale this Saturday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the lower level of St. Paul Parish on the corner of First and Garfield Street. All the products sold were handmade or grown by artisans and farmers in poverty-stricken areas around the world. These items, including: jewelry, scarves, ornaments, Nativity sets, children’s books and toys, bowls, baskets, glassware, and much more are gorgeous and unique and very reasonably priced. Food items, including: soup mixes, coffee, tea, and a whole variety of chocolates are so good. Best of all, when you buy one of these beautiful gifts you’re actually doing good in the process – what could be better than that? Your purchase helps your sisters around the globe provide a better standard of living for themselves and their children. What a great gift that is.
If you can’t make it to the sale this Saturday, please consider stopping at the SERRV store at 2701 Monroe St. in Madison where you’ll find these products and a whole lot more.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
OpEd: Back to the 50's
Just a little moment to glance back in time---Oh what a wonderful decade the fifties were----ya the troops were coming home from the Korean War...and there was a lot of austerity...hard time getting jobs..retooling the factories....But then about 1955 things began to pick up...folks got over blaming President Truman for all their troubles...they began looking at little ramblers..called "cracker boxes", that sold for $10,000 for the basic model, but $12,500 for the modern kitchen....Yup these are the exact ones that are selling in vast quantities all over America for $200,000....but I digress...
These were also the days when the first package cake mixes were introduced...and built in dishwashers...I remember how excited my mom was about the new Jiffy line of cake mixes...But on the flip side...all through the decade of the fifties, with yes those Mercury coupe autos that high school guys had Buddy Holly songs playing loudly on, with the dice hanging on the rear view mirrors, and that seemed really cool....and yes the baldy look or the greaser look was in....
Then the politics said we had to "get the economy movin again" and Kennedy did just that and got involved with the Vietnam war....and we have been at war ever since...and I just think its high time we got....Back to the 50's....Really it was a lot of fun.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Mailbag: Prof Cooper: Writes from Siciliy
Hello Everybody,
I learned two interesting things about food and drink on my first day in Sicily, three weeks ago. I would like to share these with you.
I went to lunch with my student, Erin Peterson, and Dr. Boris Behnke, a volcano geologist based in Catania. We went to a little local place across the street from the geology office, one that is frequented by the office staff. As we entered, Boris started schmoozing the restaurant workers, greeting them and shaking their hands. Very Sicilian.
We ordered from a deli-like counter where three or four options were available. Erin ordered pizza and soda. Boris ordered pasta with meat sauce and a beer. I had the same. It was delicious!
After lunch, the waiter offered us coffee or dessert. That’s when I learned lesson number one: According to Boris, no self-respecting Sicilian ever orders cappuccino after the noon hour. It is strictly a morning drink.
Then he suggested caffe crema. I said if he has one, I’ll have one, and Erin did, too.
Served in a small cup, caffe crema is a soft gelato - cold, creamy, silky-smooth, sweet, and coffee-flavored, and it is fabulous! I have been searching for it elsewhere ever since.
Part of the problem is the name. I looked up caffe crema on Wikipedia and found something entirely different. I did learn, however, that Sicily is famous for great gelato, and I saw references to coffee-flavored gelato that sounded like caffe crema.
So, if you ever get the chance, try this delicious gelato, by whatever name you find it. And remember, no cappuccino after noon – it ain’t Sicilian!
I thought it was appropriate to pick up the lunch tab. Three entrees, two beers (or was it four?), a soda, and three caffe cremas, all for 15 euros (about $20).
I love Sicily!
I’ll see you soon,
Dennis
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Friday, November 09, 2012
Minutes: Common Council: October 2012
Common Council
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
MINUTES
1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Sandy Decker.
2. Roll Call. Members present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Mason Braunschweig, Jim Brooks, Cheryl Fuchs, Floyd Hayes, Barb Jacobson, Ben Ladick, Josh Manring, and Jon Senn. Others present: City Clerk Judy Walton, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Attorney Mark Kopp, Library Director Megan Becker, Library Board Wally Shannon, and members of the public.
3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve the agenda. Motion approved 8-0.
4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs to waive the reading of the minutes of the September 11, 2012, regular meeting and the September 15 and September 26 special meetings and to approve them as presented. Motion approved 8-0.
5. Civility reminder. Decker stated that this item is a regular reminder that Council has committed to civility during meetings.
6. Citizen appearances
A. Public Hearing on Class A Liquor License Quota. Wietecha explained that the proposed amendment would increase the number of Class A liquor licenses that may be issued.
There was no initial discussion by Council for clarification and Decker opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m.
Wally Shannon, 131 S Third Street, Evansville asked what other communities our size have for a quota. Decker responded that it varies greatly with some communities allowing none, some with 1 per 1,200 population, and some with a certain number that could not be exceeded.
The following people spoke in favor of the amendment:
Lee Dammen, Cenex Convenience Store, 9 Lindemann Drive, Evansville
Edward Hall, 15837 West Highway C, Evansville
Duane & Sue Nettum, 16 W Main Street, Evansville
Kolleen Onsrud, 409 S 1st Street, Evansville
Michelle Peck, 260 S 6th Street, Evansville
Sue Farnsworth, 125 Garfield Street, Evansville
Braunschweig presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Manring to adopt Ordinance 2012-11, Amending Chapter 6 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Class A Liquor License Quota. [Sponsors Braunschweig and Manring]. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
B. Pam Ascencio, 441 Almeron Street, stated that she still has a commercial boarding kennel next door to her home and she hears dogs barking all day.
7. Reports of Committees
A. Library Board Report. Wally Shannon informed the Council that Rebecca Smith contacted him and could not follow through as Library Director. He stated the board then selected Assistant Library Director Megan Becker as the new Director.
Becker reported that the Library is seeing a lot of traffic and computer use. Approximately 45 people attended the presentation by Author John Olson.
B. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Ladick reported that things are going great at the center. They are enjoying their new kitchen; attendance of girls is now outnumbering the guys; and the kids did a good job decorating the downtown windows for homecoming.
Senn added that his daughter and her friends enjoy the center a great deal.
C. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report
(1). Brooks made a motion, seconded by Hayes to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $1,006,003.52. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
(2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve advertising to hire the Community Development Director. Jacobson stated she was not in favor of this because there were no checks and balances in place.
Motion approved 6-2 on a roll call vote with Hayes and Jacobson opposing.
(3). US Cellular Contract.
a. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Cellular Service Agreement with US Cellular through October 2014. Wietecha stated this is a renewal of our business account for 2 years. Ladick recused himself from voting stating he has a conflict of interest. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote.
b. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Partner Employee Discount Program with US Cellular. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
(4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Business Banking Agreement with Union Bank & Trust Company. Wietecha stated this is essentially for the online banking system which allows us to perform our own wire transfers for debt payments and uploading our payroll file. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
D. Plan Commission Report. No report.
E. Public Safety Committee Report. Jacobson reported that the EMS had 87 calls in September; the Police Department is checking out new cameras for the squad cars, working through digital issues, and now have an ATM in their lobby. She added that Justin Schott is interested in having a 5K run on Thanksgiving.
F. Public Works Committee Report. No report.
G. Water & Light Committee Report. Brooks reported that the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) application has been submitted by Mark Sendelbach and there is an upcoming MEUW dinner on October 18th.
H. Economic Development Committee Report. Brooks reported that the 2 customer service sessions held on October 3rd were good sessions.
He reported that Brandon Rutz has joined the committee.
I. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report.
J. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Fuchs reported that work continues on the creek walls; plantings are being done on the lake shore; piers will be coming out this week; Westside Park bathrooms are coming along with help from the Building Trades class; and disc golf continues to be discussed.
K. Historic Preservation Commission Report. Ladick reported that they had an application for a side deck replacement and another for a roof replacement.
Decker added that Leonard Leota Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District.
L. Fire District Report. Jacobson reported that upcoming fundraising includes the spaghetti dinner. They passed their budget with an increase of 2.1%. Manring asked if there was anything in particular that was causing the budget increase and she responded that they are increasing the amount they set aside for truck rotations and they need to purchase more pagers.
M. Police Commission Report. No report.
N. Energy Independence Team Report. No report.
O. Board of Appeals Report. No report.
8. Unfinished Business
A. Braunschweig presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Brooks to adopt Ordinance 2012-10, Amending Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Appointed Officials. [Sponsors Brooks and Braunschweig]. Motion approved 8-0.
B. Jacobson presented the second reading and made a motion, seconded by Hayes to adopt Ordinance 2012-12, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Parking Restrictions for Camping Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, Trailers, and Certain Other Vehicles on Public Streets. [Sponsors Jacobson and Fuchs].
Braunschweig questioned why this amendment was presented. Jacobson stated a citizen expressed concern that these types of vehicles cause safety concerns when parked on the street for a long time and make it difficult for snow removal.
Braunschweig stated that out of town relatives would not be allowed to keep their recreational vehicle on the street and there were no exceptions for that.
Hayes made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to table this item so the Public Safety Committee could add stipulations. Motion approved 7-1 with Brooks opposing.
9. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor
A. Decker asked Council to forward her any comments on the 2012 Annual Conference Proposed Resolutions.
B. Decker asked that anyone planning to attend the WPPI Executive Breakfast at the League Conference to let her know by tomorrow.
C. Decker informed the Council that she attended the Lean Government Conference a couple weeks ago and an article on that will be in the newspaper and on the city website.
10. Communications from the City Administrator
A. Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig to approve Resolution 2012-15, Designating Authorized Parties to Sign for Transactions Involving City Bank Accounts and Investments. Motion approved 8-0.
B. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve Assessment Agreement with Associated Appraisal Consultants (three year contract renewal). Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
C. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks to approve Revaluation Agreement with Associated Appraisal Consultants (commercial properties). Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
D. Wietecha explained that US Cellular is requesting changes to their antenna equipment at the water tower. The current lease allows for changes, subject to city approval. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to approve amending the lease agreement, contingent on it being brought back for review by Council. Motion approved 8-0 on a roll call vote.
E. An update on the railroad crossing was requested by Hayes and Wietecha responded that the work would be done in late October.
11. New Business. None
12. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-13, Adopting 2013 Operating and Capital Budgets and Setting Tax Levies.
B. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-14, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Handicapped Parking Requirements and Parking for Combined Uses. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
C. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-15, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Definitions for Zoning. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
D. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-16, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to the Requirements for All Uses in the LL-R12, LL-R15, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
E. Braunschweig presented the First Reading of Ordinance 2012-17, Relating to Hosting Gatherings Involving Underage Possession and Consumption of Alcohol. [Sponsors Brooks and Hayes].
13. Meeting Reminder
A. Budget Hearing and next Regular Meeting, Tuesday, November 13, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
14. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Hayes to adjourn at 7:29 p.m. Motion approved 8-0.
Prepared by Judy Walton, City Clerk
The minutes are not official until approved by the Common Council at their next regular meeting.
Evansville Common Council Meets Tuesday, Nov 13, 2012
Common Council
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 13, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI
Agenda
1. Call to order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the October 9, 2012, regular meeting and to approve them as presented.
5. Civility reminder.
6. Citizen appearances
A. Public Hearing: 2013 Operating Budget.
(1). Staff report.
(2). Initial discussion by Council for clarification.
(3). Public hearing.
(4). Final discussion by Council. (Any changes to the budget must be included in the motion. Changes to the levy will affect the tax rate and that rate will be recalculated by the Finance Department)
(5). Second reading and motion to approve Ordinance 2012-13, Adopting 2013 Operating and Capital Budgets and Setting Tax Levies.
7. Reports of Committees
A. Library Board Report
B. Youth Center Advisory Board Report
(1). Motion to allow Boy Scouts to hold an overnight event at 209 S. First St. (Youth Center) in January 2013 with a $100 security deposit.
C. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report
(1). Motion to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented.
(2). Discussion: Administration Office.
a. Draft: City Administrator / Finance Director position description.
b. Draft: Changes to City Code.
c. Draft: organization chart update.
d. Community Development Director hiring process.
(3). Motion to approve Resolution 2012-18, Approving Amendments to 2012 Budget.
(4). Motion to approve Addendum #1, Electronic Data Compliance, to Agreement for Maintenance Assessment Services with Associated Appraisal Consultants, Inc.
D. Plan Commission Report
E. Public Safety Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve Purchase of Services Agreement with Rock County Humane Society for 2013.
(2). Motion to approve the Original Alcohol Beverage License Application for a Class “A” Beer/“Class A” Liquor License for Susan L. Nettum, 118 Teddy Street, Brooklyn, Wisconsin 53521, dba The Artful Gourmet, 16 West Main Street, Evansville, Wisconsin 53536.
F. Public Works Committee Report
G. Water & Light Committee Report
(1). Motion to approve Resolution 2012-16, In Support of the Preservation of Municipal Utility PILOTs.
(2). Fact Sheet: Advanced Metering.
H. Economic Development Committee Report
(1). Tourism Advisory Committee Update.
(2). Ice Age Trail Update
I. Redevelopment Authority Report
J. Parks and Recreation Board Report
K. Historic Preservation Commission Report
L. Fire District Report
M. Police Commission Report
N. Energy Independence Team Report
O. Board of Appeals Report
8. Unfinished Business
A. Motion to remove from the table Ordinance 2012-12, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Parking Restrictions for Camping Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, Trailers, and Certain Other Vehicles on Public Streets. [Sponsors Jacobson and Fuchs].
(1). Motion to adopt Ordinance 2012-12, Amending Chapter 122 of the Municipal Code, Relative to Parking Restrictions for Camping Trailers, Recreational Vehicles, Trailers, and Certain Other Vehicles on Public Streets. [Sponsors Jacobson and Fuchs].
B. Second Reading and motion to adopt Ordinance 2012-14, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Handicapped Parking Requirements and Parking for Combined Uses. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
C. Second Reading and motion to adopt Ordinance 2012-15, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Definitions for Zoning. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
D. Second Reading and motion to adopt Ordinance 2012-16, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to the Requirements for All Uses in the LL-R12, LL-R15, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
E. Second Reading and motion to adopt Ordinance 2012-17, Relating to Hosting Gatherings Involving Underage Possession and Consumption of Alcohol. [Sponsors Brooks and Hayes].
F. Report: League of Wisconsin Municipalities Annual Conference.
G. Update: US Cellular antenna equipment at water tower.
9. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor
A. Motion to approve mayoral appointment of Judy Walton as City Treasurer.
B. Motion to approve mayoral appointment of Jeff Vrstal, 284 Franklin Street, as alternate to the Board of Appeals for an unexpired term ending in April 2013.
C. Motion to approve mayoral appointment of Jeff Vrstal, 284 Franklin Street, as First Alternate to the Board of Appeals for 2012.
D. Mayoral Proclamation In Recognition of Veterans Day, 2012
10. Communications from the City Administrator
A. Motion to approve Final Agreement with Every Survivor Trust.
B. Motion to approve 2013 membership renewal in Evansville Chamber of Commerce.
C. Discussion: City Hall exterior project.
D. Discussion: Capstone Ridge monument sign.
11. New Business
12. Introduction of New Ordinances
A. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-18, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Agricultural Zoning. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
B. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-19, Amending Chapter 130 of the Municipal Code Relative to Annexation. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
C. First Reading of Ordinance 2012-20, Amending Chapter 16 of the Municipal Code Relative to Annexation. [Recommended by Plan Commission].
13. Meeting Reminder:
A. Regular Meeting: Tuesday, December 11, 6:30 pm, City Hall.
14. Adjournment
Sandra J. Decker, Mayor
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the 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.
Minutes; Park Board; October 2012
City of Evansville, Wisconsin
Park & Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville, City Hall
Monday, October 8th, 2012 – 6:00pm
Minutes
1. Call to Order & Roll Call @ 6:03pm. Missing, Fuson & Withrow
2. Motion by Courtier, 2nd by Krueger to approve agenda.
3. Motion by Krueger, 2nd by Merrit to waive reading of September minutes.
4. Citizen Appearances. Todd Campbell appeared to further discuss Disc Golf @ park. Discussed costs/fundraising, advertising, involving the schools, leagues & tournaments. Decided on 9 holes to start with, can add 2nd nine at later date.
5. Creek wall restoration continues, another $20,000 is set aside for next year, Kendall Wethal in charge of labor. He has picked out stone by hand to match.
6. West Side Park Bathroom walls up, Ray provided a picture of progress.
7. Discussed future needs of pool. 0-Depth pool does not comply with ADA standards. Need more info from Witecha.
8. New Business: Extension being added to handicap pier. Kyle Allen doing cement work. Piers coming out end of October for season. Discussed resurface of BB & tennis courts. They need it badly, but would cost $25,000. Play structure needs repair at Countryside park. Ray will check it out. Bathrooms being closed up next week.
9. Motion to adjourn, 7:02 by Courtier, 2nd by Merrit.
Agenda; Park Board: Monday, Nov 12, 2012
City of Evansville, Wisconsin
Park & Recreation Board Regular Monthly Meeting
Evansville, City Hall
Monday, November 12 th, 2012 – 6:00pm
AGENDA
1. Call to Order & Roll Call
2. Motion to approve Agenda as printed
3. Motion to waive the reading of the October 8th, 2012 minutes & approve them as printed
4. Citizen appearances, relating to Park & Recreation, not listed agenda items
a. denise Eager : Discussion and possible motion on Peace Park Project
b. Discussion and possible motion on disc golf
5. Lakeshore Restoration Progress
6. West Side Park, bathroom Update
7. Aquatic Report
a. Discussion on future needs relating to budget
b. 0-Depth Pool
9. Chair's report from other Committees/Common Council
a. Discussion on 2013 Budget
10. Reports/Updates on projects or Maintenance
11. Old Business
12. New Business
13. Motion to adjourn
Next meeting Monday, Dec 10th, 2012 - 6:00 pm, City Hall
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Markets: OpEd; The Move to health foods: Dean Foods Analysis
Recently Dean Foods launched WWAV, or Whitewave Foods as a separate company---you may know this company as the one that has the non-milk milk in the milk section....and I heard the President of Dean say on the business channel that all of the growth of Dean over the past year has been in this segment--in short...consumers are moving to a more healthy option...
And he also mentioned that "Morningstar" or more possibly known for the Morningstar Veggie patties for breakfast, or the Spicy Black Bean burgers, will possibly be spun off or sold in the future also. These have been identified as very popular areas for future growth.
Make a note of it.
Mailbag; Vinehout Writes re; School Report Cards
New Report Cards Grade Local Schools
Every student received a report card at the end of the first quarter. This fall every school also received a report card.
The Department of Public Instruction recently released report cards on almost all of Wisconsin’s over 2,000 schools. High schools, middle schools, elementary schools and charter schools are all rated.
The report card gives a grade from 0 to 100. The grade is based on four priority areas: student achievement, student growth, on-track and post secondary readiness including attendance, ACT participation and graduation rates, and closing gaps among disadvantaged and disabled students.
Most of our area schools scored average or above average; an exception was the Whitehall Middle School where over half of the students are economically disadvantaged.
Digging deeper into a school’s numbers shows the changing face of our communities. The first real public look we have of a changing community is in the elementary school.
Look at Arcadia: one third of the high school students and over half of the elementary students are economically disadvantaged. Only 14 percent of high schoolers are Hispanic but one third of the elementary students are Hispanic.
The changing make-up of students creates challenges for schools. Disadvantaged students learn best with one-on-one education. In schools with tight resources, teachers often don’t even have a classroom aide, let alone staff for one-on-one education.
Increasing poverty across the state and declining enrollment in many of our schools only exacerbates an already broken school funding formula.
Recently the Senate Education Committee met in Madison to discuss the problems facing schools. One of those to testify was Todd Berry, President of Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
Mr. Berry spoke of the problems facing schools with declining enrollment. School aid is based on the number of students. As schools lose students, aid drops. The drop in state aid is faster than schools can cut costs. The effect is a dramatically lower budget for smaller schools.
One remedy for this problem is funding known as “sparsity “- money for schools that serve a sparsely populated area. In 2007 I amended the state budget to create this change in the school formula. Unfortunately the Governor cut “sparsity” aid by ten percent in the current school budget.
Increasing money for “sparsity” is one of the changes proposed by State Superintendent Tony Evers in his Fair Funding for Schools plan. Another change is additional money for schools serving a large number of disabled or economically disadvantaged students.
Our local schools face challenges much greater than those in years past. More students come from poor homes, more students speak English as their second language and more students come to school with significant disabilities. The state aid payments to schools must recognize these students cost more to educate.
Grading schools on their performance is only part of the answer to solving the challenges. The other part is making sure the money going to schools flows in a way that makes the most sense.
Measuring the needs and basic costs to open the school doors must be part of the formula for success.
There’s a vigorous discussion about changing the formula, but it has been tough for me to pigeon hole my colleagues into committing their vote for a change.
It’s going to take committed communities to back real change in our school formula to make elected officials respond to local needs.
Meanwhile many are taking a look at the school report cards and comparing schools.
One of the local superintendents reminded me the report card is a year-to-year comparison of the same school; not a one-year comparison across schools. But of course everyone did compare across schools this year.
“The real test,” the superintendent told me, “is how well the kids do when they graduate. I took a break one day from my budget numbers and walked down the hall. I looked at each class photo from years passed and knew what happened to each student. Did they graduate from college; did they get a job? Where did they go to work?”
“This is the real life test on how well a school did; and frankly, how well a community did at raising their children.”
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Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 316 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Toll Free: (877) 763-6636 or
(608) 267-2871
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Mailbag: Barrett: Remember To VOTE TODAY!!!
Today, everything we have been working for and fighting for is at stake.
This race could not be tighter, especially in Wisconsin. We've got to get as many voters out to the polls today as we can.
First Lady Michelle Obama emailed me today to remind me that we can always be doing something to help our leaders win this election.
The most important thing you can do is make your voice heard and VOTE TODAY!
But, if you've already voted:
1. Remind your friends to vote on Facebook
2. Sign up for a canvassing shift and bring your neighbors to the polls
3. Call voters and encourage them to cast their ballot
We are only hours away from determining whether we take this country backward to the failed old policies of the past or forward with President Obama, Tammy Baldwin, and all the other Democrats on the ticket.
So, grab your neighbors, your family members, and your friends and head to your polling place to cast your ballot right now!
Your determination, your commitment, and all your hard work––it all comes down to today.
Let's show President Obama, Tammy Baldwin, and other Democrats that we've got their back!
Tom Barrett
P.S. -- The more people you share this message with the bigger an impact you can make on this election day, so be sure to forward this email to your friends and family.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Minutes: Public Safety: October 2012
Public Safety Committee
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 6:30 P.M.
Regular Meeting
Evansville City Hall Council Room
31 S Madison Street
MINUTES
1. Chairperson Jacobson called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll call of committee and staff members present was: Chairperson Jacobson, Alderperson Hayes and Fuchs, and Chief Scott McElroy, Mayor Sandy Decker and EMS Coordinator Mary Beaver. Others present: Pam Ascencio, 441 Almeron Street
3. Motion by Jacobson, second by Fuchs, to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed.
4. Motion by Fuchs, second by Hayes, to approve the September 5, 2012 regular meeting minutes as printed. Motion passed.
5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed – None
6. Old Business - None
7. New Business
a. Motion to approve the Operator’s License application(s) for:
1. Elizabeth Brittan
2. John W Walczak
3. Shanna L Wehri
4. Rosemary Ann Lockman
Motion by Jacobson, seconded by Hayes, to separate a. 1. from a. 2, 3 and 4 and approve the operator’s license for Elizabeth Brittan. Motion passed.
Motion by Jacobson, seconded by Hayes, to withdraw a. 2, 3 and 4 from the agenda. Motion passed.
Motion by Fuchs, seconded by Hayes, to table approval of operator’s licenses for John Walczak, Shanna Wehri and Rosemary Lockman until the November 7, 2012 meeting. Motion passed.
b. Discussion and possible motion regarding Knox Box. Committee questioned if this would require an ordinance. Committee would like further information on price and locations.
c. Discussion and possible motion regarding rates for EMS charges. Committee is recommending no action.
d. Discussion regarding pedestrian traffic on roadways. Committee is requesting the Police Department to remind pedestrian’s to use sidewalks.
e. Discussion of the capital and operating budgets. Mary and Scott both addressed the Finance Packet that included the City Administrators comments.
Pam Ascencio, 441 Almeron Street, was present to discuss the animal situation on her street. Police told her that they need two complaints. She stated she has called three to four times and was told there was nothing the police department could do. Scott stated that he will look into it and correct action will be taken. Scott said they will always respond but need two complaints for an arrest. Scott advised her to call him in the morning with dates and times. She also addressed the Ferrell cat issue and do cates need to be vaccinated or not?
Floyd asked about requirements for a 5K run on Thanksgiving Day. Justin from the Health Club is inquiring.
8. Evansville Police Report
There were 1179 calls for service in the month of September 2012 compared to 1133 in September of 2011. The month of September had 56 license plate transactions.
All officers will be attending the fall in-service training September through November, 2012. Officers Reese, Jones and Chief McElroy attended a legal update on September 19 at BTC, and Officers Laufenberg and Reilly attended four hours on September 4, 2012. November 1 Officers Laufenberg and Nankee will be at a Pharmaceutical Diversion training. Officers Job and Strupp will attend the MATC Search Warrant Execution on October 15 and 16. Radar training at MATC will be attended by Officers Reilly and Anacker October 9 through October 12, 2012. Active Shooter October 8 and Drug ID class October 29 will be attended by Officer Nankee. The department is short on part-time officers and plans to hire later this year or early 2013. We are waiting for approval to advertise from Mayor Decker. On-site evaluation for accreditation has been tentatively set for November 2013.
“Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown campaign on drunk drivers was August 17 through September 3, 2012. The radar trailer continues to be left out as weather permits. Police staff forwarded signage issues throughout the city to the Dave Wartenweiler, Public Works Director to repair or address. In the month of July, the PD marked 32 parking units throughout the city. Seventeen more were marked on October 2, 2012. Files continue to be scanned. Information continues to be placed on the website.
The digital system is back in service. The approval of the server for the Rock County Records Management System is scheduled for September 13, 2012 at the County Board Meeting. Spillman will be coming in late October/early November to setup the server. The kickoff for the Spillman RMS project will be October 10 at 9am in the IT Training room at the Health Care Center. Two staff members will be attending this meeting.
The accreditation process has been recalculated for total cost per the Mayor’s request for the 2013 Budget. The cost for retrieving photos/video and copying records to DVD/CD has been included and fees set to be consistent with the RCSO. This is time consuming and these requests are becoming standard procedure.
9. Evansville Medical Service Report
There were 24 calls for service in the month of September, 2012.
EMS will have a booth at the October 12, 2012 Health Fair being held at Creekside Place. EMS continues to provide standby coverage for the Evansville High School Football home games.
Mary is working with the Police Department to get TB tests for their staff. Scott will get back to her with a time schedule. The department is beginning their refresher/licensure for the 2014 license renewal. Half of the training is online with the other half as hands-on class time.
There is one person enrolled in the EMT class for this fall at Blackhawk Tech and another individual who is licensed and training within our department.
The budget has been submitted and presented to Council. There were a few changes made by City Administrator Wietecha that will be brought before Finance on Thursday, October 4, 2012. They were for insurance, retirement and worker’s compensation insurance.
The new radio system is still being worked on. The department did a Fire/EMS test last week and all went well. Mary is still participating in the weekly conference calls. Mary just received the Fire Department’s radio numbers and the bill for the OJA Grant. She will be forwarding their request for payment.
10. Motion by Hayes, second by Fuchs, to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson
These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting
I and E Club Meets Wed Nov. 14
Nov. 14, Hear Tips for the I&E D.I.Y’er
For the do-it-yourself inventors and entrepreneurs, take heart. An Evansville entrepreneur is willing to share tips about finding money—through kickstarter.com—and being your own help desk.
Everyone is invited to the Nov. 14 meeting of the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club. The guest speaker is Greg Marshall, inventor of everything from indoor residential water falls to mass-produced beer steins.
Networking and refreshments are included at the meeting, sponsored by freelance business writer Halina Zakowicz with Haelix Communications.
The I&E Club meets once a month, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Creekside Place, 102 Maple St., Evansville. The meetings are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or suebergsolutions@gmail.com. Or visit www.LinkedIn.com and go to “groups” to find Evansville Area Inventors and Entrepreneurs Club.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Wireman: Info on Pres Obama's Visit: Parking and Details etc
OBAMA IN MADISON ON MONDAY (SATURDAY he's in MILWAUKEE at 11 on Sat. WHERE: Delta Convention Center; 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee you need a ticket Click here to RSVP! if that doesn't work try e-mailing info@barrettformilwaukee.com or calling an Obama office)
MONDAY IN MADISON
IT'S FREE BUT YOU NEED A TICKET barackobama.com/madson2012
The Madison rally for President Barack Obama and "The Boss" is this Monday morning and will be held off the Capitol Square on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (the City County Building).
President Obama is expected to speak mid-morning. Gates would open at 7 a.m., with the event running between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m., according to the permit application. Street closures start on Sunday at 8 am and will not reopen until 6 p.m on Monday. See below.
PARKING INFORMATION FOR PRESIDENT OBAMA'S VISIT TO MADISON
The City of Madison will provide Special Event parking at all City of Madison parking garages and the gated area of Brayton Lot to accommodate visitors for President Obama's visit to Madison on Monday, November 5th.
The Special Event rate of $5 must be paid upon entry, and is payable with cash only. Special Event parking will begin at 6 AM at all locations. Visit our link bit.ly/cityparking to determine real-time availability for City-operated parking.
The Government East (Doty St.) garage and the gated area of Brayton Lot will be used exclusively to accommodate DIS/VET parking. The Capitol Square North (Webster/Mifflin St), Overture Center, State Street Capitol (Madison College/MATC), and State Street Campus Garages (Lake Street and Frances Street) will be used to accommodate all other parking.
We encourage attendees from the Campus and Madison community to walk, bike or use public transportation, as there is limited space available in City of Madison parking garages. For public transportation route planning, visit Madison Metro's link trip.cityofmadison.com/ to create your own route.
The Dane County Parking Ramp renamed Capitol Square South Ramp (behind the Inn on the Park) has coined operated meters. A change machine is located on the street level stairway.
Street Closures for Presidential Visit
Downtown streets will be closed beginning Sunday, November 4th through Monday, November 5th.
Closure(s) starting 8 AM, Sunday, November 4th:
• The 100 and 200 blocks of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
Closure(s) starting at 11 AM, Sunday, November 4th:
• Main Street, Doty Street and Wilson Street, (all) from Carroll Street to Pinckney Street
Closures starting at 3 AM, Monday, November 5th:
• The entire inner Capitol Square
• The 100 blocks of W. Washington Avenue, State Street, Wisconsin Avenue and E. Washington Avenue, and the 100 and 200 blocks of S. Pinckney Street
• The 200 block of S. Carroll Street
• W. Wilson Street between Carroll Street and Hamilton Street
• Inbound W. Wilson Street between Broom Street and Henry Street
Attendees of the event are encouraged to use Madison Metro and walk to the event as parking in the area will be limited.
Please use the following link to see a map of these street closures:
http://www.cityofmadison.com/trafficEngineering/documents/PresVisit2012DwntwnStClosures.pdf
Please forward this email to your friends.
Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/obama-rally-monday-will-be-on-martin-luther-king-jr/article_db0bf91a-2515-11e2-a5f7-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz2B62f8CCK
ENJOY!!!!
Sources:
DMI and the BID (Business Improvement District)
City Transportation/Parking Dept.
Dane County wbsite
Friday, November 02, 2012
Mailbag; Vinehout Reports Re: Hearing on Elections
Report from a Public Hearing on Elections: Put Voters First
“I’m not going to touch that machine,” the aging farmer told the poll worker. “I want to make sure my vote is properly counted.”
The poll worker gently tried to persuade the farmer. But to no avail. He took his paper ballot and pencil into the voting booth and voted like he had for six decades.
Many people across the state echoed this farmer’s concerns at a recent public hearing I chaired of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Elections and the UW System.
My goal for the hearing was to explore concerns about elections from both sides of the aisle. By any measure the hearing was very successful. Almost 80 people testified, registered or sent written testimony. People from Marquette County to Lake Geneva; from Eau Claire to Kenosha sent thoughtful letters or gave passionate testimony.
I was amazed at the diversity of those who submitted written testimony. People were of all political persuasions and walks of life. Some identified themselves as poll workers, attorneys, Evangelical Christians or political scientists. Most were concerned citizens who wanted paper ballots counted at their polling place in every election.
During the hearing, the Governmental Accountability Board (GAB) testified on the progress made in educating the public and clerks about proper processes leading up to, on Election Day, and following an election. Many changes in Wisconsin and an unprecedented number of elections made difficult work for the GAB and local clerks. Both state and local governments operate with tight budgets and few staff. Things are more complicated by court actions that declared unconstitutional the Voter ID law of 2011.
The GAB responded to citizen confusion with two education campaigns - “Back to Basics” for election officials and “Voter Education 101” for voters. In addition, a Voter Information Center is active on the GAB website (http:/gab.wi.gov/voters). Voters can update their voting information at a new website called “My Vote Wisconsin” (myvote.wi.gov).
Prior to much testimony about touch screen voting machines, GAB Director Kevin Kennedy discussed machines.
Wisconsin moved to voting machines because of the volume of voters and the speed at which election results can be known. He discussed machine validation. He agreed machines are aging but said machines have withstood hundreds of recounts.
Mr. Kennedy shared his confidence that Wisconsin was fully prepared for a smooth election, saying. “The conduct of fair, transparent elections provides the foundation for public confidence in its elected representatives.”
This confidence was not echoed by many who testified.
Some testified about voter fraud. Documented cases of fraud are very rare. The most common problem is convicted felons who can vote only after they served their time on probation or parole.
Others testified about the proper counting of votes. People were concerned about the reliability and security of voting machines; especially touch screen machines.
Citizens provided detailed accounts of problems uncovered in citizen vote counts. Barbara With, who testified, was so concerned about abnormalities in elections she wrote a recently published book about the problems entitled; Steal this Book, Not My Vote.
The main concern was technology had outpaced our ability to “adopt rigorous methods to approve or disprove its accuracy or reliability,” said one member of the Wisconsin Grassroots Network that led the citizen vote count this summer.
Some of those testifying advocated for the use of more technology. Paul Malischke suggested the state modernize voting registration by allowing “instant-check registration” on a secure website that is later verified by municipal clerks. Advocates discussed problems related to access for disabled voters.
Several members of the Grassroots Network suggested the Legislature make certain election officials have the authority to verify voting machines. People also asked for the Legislative Audit Bureau to investigate the “vulnerabilities of election technology”.
Andrea Kaminsky of the League of Women Voters discussed the League’s work and concluded, “Election Day is about the Voters. It is the time when citizens of the greatest democracy in the world go to the polls, register if we need to, and cast a ballot for the candidate of our choice. It is one time when we are all equal. We urge you to continue to “put voters first” as you consider the many issues raised in today’s hearing.”
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Sen.Vinehout@legis.wisconsin.gov State Capitol Room 316 South - P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882 Toll Free: (877) 763-6636 or
(608) 267-2871
Allen Creek Gallery Sale this weekend---reception tonight---
Special for our Facebook and Email Friends!"
Friday Night Reception
November 2, 2012
4 pm to 8 pm
Join us for some beverages an appetizers and celebrate with us the sale weekend.
Sale items will be available for purchase
Evansville Board of Appeals Meets Nov 7, 2012
NOTICE
The regular meeting of the Evansville Board of Zoning Appeals will be held on the date and time stated below at City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. Notice is further given that members of the City Council and Plan Commission may be in attendance.
City of Evansville Board of Zoning Appeals
Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 5:30 p.m.
City Hall (Third Floor), 31 South Madison Street
AGENDA
1. Call to order
2. Approval of agenda
3. Approval of minutes
A. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes from June 4, 2012 meeting and approve them as printed
4. Action Items
A. Public Hearing concerning a variance request for 705 & 709 Brown School Road (parcel 6-27-959.A2) to allow for a reduced minimum lot width, reduced street frontage, reduced rear yard setback, and reduced paved surface setback than is otherwise required by section 130-827 of City ordinances.
i. Initial Staff Comments
ii. Public Hearing
iii. Board of Zoning Appeals Questions and Comments
iv. Motion
5. Motion to adjourn
Eric Pease, Chair, City of Evansville Board of Zoning Appeals
Requests for persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the 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.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Mailbag: Progressives: Wireman: Oregon TONIGHT: Firefly Coffeehouse
TONIGHT Please join MARK POCAN tonight at the Oregon Area Progressives Open Mic Night as we rally to Get Out The Vote
What: OAP Open Mic Night and GOTV event
When: 6:00-8:00pm
Where: Firefly Coffeehouse, 114 N Main Street in Oregon, WI
This Election Day is all about turnout. Join the Oregon Area Progressives and me tonight as we work to GOTV on November 6th!