School Beat: Evansville School Board: Budget Consideration Begins: Highlight Half-Day Kindergarten: Audioblogger post pending

(Ed. note. The Observer will post audioblogger selections of this meeting as soon as some satellite problems are resolved. Click on the post to access the summary of the Supr. Carvins remarks. As always, participants who were at the meeting who wish to add to the post are welcome on the comment line. You may click on anonymous but after your comment list your name for the record. )

If you had only one Evansville School Board meeting to attend in recent memory, last night was probably the one you should have attended. It bodes well for the school district as it faces the Wisconsin school revenue caps because the school board was in listening mode and the parents were prepared and articulate in the point and counterpoint. Even Mr. Steve was in attendance and spoke.

Getting the numbers straight----The budget gap was presented by Supr. Carvin as $184,000 as one looked foreward---however, that presumed the board would approve the increase of 1 social studies teacher at the high school for a projected cost of $50,000. So, to compare apples to apples----the budget gap is $134,000. The decision to add the social studies teacher is one that the board will make, and is not a done deal.

The buildings committees have identified $75,000 in cuts that are possible as Supr. Carvin has asked for a broad %10 cut and asked the buildings to make suggestions as to where they should occur. The budget gap is now $59,000---for the upcoming year.

Supr. Carvin then went on a long list of cuts that are POSSIBLE. She noted that the school district is at the point where cuts looked for are as low as $1000. The first cut is a "no-brainer" and is a cut of SBC telephone costs that occur because of transition from the centrex system. The dollar saving is $6,400.
The budget gap is now $52,600.

The next item is a revenue increase due to middle school material fees and the revenue is $10,000. The budget gap is now $42,600.

The next item is a change in how the study hall coverage will be handled. The saving here is $10,854. The budget gap is now $31,746.

A varsity basketball assistant coach would be no longer salaried and the saving would be $2400. The budget gap is now 29,346.

Printing costs would be cut for a saving of $1500. The budget gap is now $27,846.

There would be a saving for some reduced course offerings in H.S.
There would be a increase of a fee for materials for K-5
The Elementary school GT-reading position of Nancy Kress will be vacant and the option is for "saving" if board decides to eliminate.

So----the bottom line is that the apples to apples comparison is that BEFORE any discussion of the half day kindergarten is begun and BEFORE and decision on the social studies position----the budget gap is relatively small and can be remedied.

Now---the debate on the half day kindergarten------

For purposes of full disclosure, I will have to admit that The Observer was one of Mr. Steve's classroom helpers some nine years ago when my daughter was in his class--in his class for exactly the reasons that the parents explained. Their presentations brought back the emotion of those days and refreshed my memory about the desire of parents to be able to make the best choices for their kids. Yes---- I did have to learn "The Grove Song." The words have escaped me, but I think I can hum the melody. Anyway----

Supr. Carvin explained that under the revenue caps, any new student is only "counted" for revenue purposes in a 1/3, 2/3, 3/3 sequence, meaning that if the state revenue per pupil were $10,000, the aid would only be $3300 the first year, $6600 the second and the full $10,000 the final year. This was enacted to aid those districts, which are many, that are in declining enrollment situations in order to soften the blow. The unintended consequence is that this formula harms districts such as Evansville with moderate growth because if we add 60 students in a year we only get revenue to support 20 of them---yet the resources have to be found to teach all of them----i.e. teachers etc to teach the 40 that are not bringing in revenue.

Cutting the half day kindergarden and substituting the full day would have the effect of doubling the revenue----16 students now count as 8 for revenue purposes. There would be a drop in the first year, and savings would only be $1000, but by the third year, it would total over $100,000.

The parents said: We want the choice that is best for our child
Supr Carvin said---We are forced to do this because of the revenue situation. No other districts near us offer half day, so there is no choice for parents.
The parents said: We want choices. Parents have made significant sacrifices for their kids already, and in your calculations you need to consider the loss of students due to this decision short and long term. Show us the numbers.

So, the parents, responded to the numbers questions of The Observer. They said on a numbers basis alone---if one factored in the loss of families due to decisions to home school or private school the children, it is possible that this could be a LOSE-LOSE transaction. The district might lose students long term and the parents who moved here to Evansville because of this program would have lost also.

One board member spoke to the parents and asked that they contact their elected representatives re the revenue caps. Art Phillips spoke also, and stated that this is a decision that the board will decide on. The board can and will evaluate what is best for the community and no revenue cap analysis alone will be the deciding factor. The board will and can make these decisions. That is what they are there for.

All parents who wished to speak did so. So there it is.

Should the Evansville School District cut the half day kindergarden---on what dollar saving analysis will this be based?
Should the Evansville School District add a $50,000 social studies position.

The questions remain. You make the call.

Supr. Heidi Carvin writes: RE: Discontinuation of half-day kindergarten

(Editor. letter is slightly abridged due to post line limit.)

--- "Carvin, Heidi" <carvinh@evansville.k12.wi.us>
wrote:

> Melissa,
>
> Thank you for the opportunity to correct some
> misperceptions in your
> email
>
> 1) Mr. Hoffenberg was aware before I spoke to
> him personally about
> his contract for next year, that the elimination of
> the stand alone half
> day program (which will be replaced with a parent
> option to send their
> child half day into a full day section) was a strong
> possibility. I have
> the utmost respect and appreciation for Mr.
> Hoffenberg. He is a
> wonderful teacher and I have certainly thanked him
> for many
> contributions he makes to our district. He was part
> of the team at the
> Kindergarten registration night on March 2 that told
> parents the
> elimination of that program was a real possibility.
> I could have decided
> not to continue my conversation with the person who
> has either misquoted
> me or through the retelling of the information has
> changed it to the
> point where it no longer matches my memory of it. I
> did indicate that I
> had an appointment to talk to Steve about his
> contract the next day.
> Because contracts go out March 15 by state law, I
> wanted him to know
> that we would be offering him a full time contract
> for next year. The
> day I received the parent phone call was the day
> that the administrative
> team prioritized the proposed budget cuts. Once that
> was done, they will
> be shared with the Board tonight as an informational
> item and taken to
> each building for their prioritization, discussion
> and ideas on
> additional ways we may find the $160,000 plus the
> money for a new Social
> Studies position. They will then come back to the
> board for action in
> April. This is the beginning of the process. None of
> this is a done
> deal.
>
> 2) The parents I talked to were very polite in
> their questions and
> I believe my responses were the same. I am sorry if
> in the retelling,
> they have been interpreted differently. I do recall
> that after a series
> of statements from one of them I said, "I am sure
> you don't mean that as
> a threat." And she replied that she did not. This is
> obviously an
> emotional issue for all of us. After making very
> difficult budget
> decisions each year I have been here, my
> recommendation to eliminate the
> stand alone option and replace it with an integrated
> option was not done
> lightly. The real target for parent frustration
> should be the state
> legislature which has put us in this position after
> more than a dozen
> years of revenue caps.
>
> 3) When it comes to budgeting, people often
> use slightly different
> numbers. Sometimes they round them, sometimes they
> transpose numbers.
> The increase in revenue over three years by
> eliminating the stand alone
> half day program is over $100,000. The exact amount
> will depend on the
> state revenue limits, the outcome of teacher
> negotiations, and changes
> in transportation costs.
>
> 4) We are not eliminating the ability of
> children to go half day.
> We respect the differences in family situations and
> child development
> and will continue to offer this option to parents.
> This option actually
> provides more flexibility since if during the year
> the parent decides
> the child is ready to attend full day, that is
> easily accommodated.
>
> 5) I agree that is it very hard to understand
> the way the state
> revenue formula works. But generally speaking
> increasing enrollment
> which is what happens when students who were only
> attending half day
> programs go to full day, increases the revenue the
> state provides beyond
> the cost of the program provided space is available.
> When the new
> buildings and grade configurations.
>
> 6) The enrollment at Levi Leonard is 450 and
> Theodore Robinson's
> is 378. Elementary schools with enrollments over 300
> typically have a
> full time principal. At 408 students our middle
> school is at a size
> where an assistant principal would typically be
> hired at least part
> time. At an enrolment of 518, our high school has a
> principal and a half
> time vice principal. The enrollment is projected to
> increase by about 40
> students next year at the high school which means we
> are at the size
> where the half time vice principal would be full
> time. Obviously, we
> don't have the funds to do that. Last year when our
> Curriculum Director
> resigned to take a higher paying position elsewhere,
> that administrative
> position was eliminated. I now share those duties
> with the Special
> Education Director and the building principals. Most
> other districts our
> size have a full time Curriculum Director. Our
> position was part time
> and now of course is gone all together.
> Administratively, we have
> absorbed the brunt of the budget cuts. Since 2002
> our district has
> increased in size by over 200 students.
>
> 7) Your information about my initial contract
> and Mr. Albrecht's
> leaving is inaccurate. I don't know where your
> information came from. I
> was never hired as an interim or vice
> superintendent. Dr. Hotter was the
> interim superintendent from the point of Dr.
> Albrecht's leaving to June
> 30 of 2003. I came on board July 1, 2003.
>
> 8) I don't believe summer school was
> eliminated for the reasons
> you describe. Ms. Olsen is on vacation this week,
> but I will get
> verification of my understanding which is, those are
> two very separate
> budgets and one would not impact the other. I am
> actually not aware that
> there were cost overruns. On a project of that size
> there are often
> budget changes based on cost throughout the project.
> Certainly when I
> was hired a year after the building opened, I did
> not hear of anything
> that wasn't done due to cost overruns. With all of
> the time dedicated to
> the moving and construction at all sites in the
> district, it simply
> wasn't practical to offer summer school. I am hoping
> to reinstate summer
> school because it is a real educational benefit to
> students and if done
> carefully under the state revenue formula operates
> on a break even or
> slightly revenue producing basis.
>
> 9) SAGE: We continue to evaluate SAGE, it is
> on the list of budget
> considerations. Particularly because the amount per
> student will
> increase next year, it looks like we can continue
> the program.
>
>
>
> 10) I share your frustration that our budget
> decisions can not be made
> with what is optimal for all students in mind. After
> more than twelve
> years of Revenue Caps which only allow our budget to
> increase by 2.3%
> while salaries/fringes are required to go up by
> 3.8%, transportation,
> insurance and utility costs by significantly more,
> the annual cuts of
> $120,000 to $200,000 are clearly having an impact on
> class sizes and
> services to students. Please contact your state
> representatives! If we
> could even have the Revenue limit raised to the 3.8%
> that
=== message truncated ===

City Administrator Overview: Common Council meeting 3-14-2006---TIF #6; Dean Community Center; & More

Memorandum

To: Mayor Ringhand and Common Council

From: Bill Connors, City Administrator
882-2263

Date: Mar. 10, 2006

Re: March 14, 2006, Regular Common Council Meeting
Overview of Selected Agenda Items and City Administrator’s Report


OVERVIEW OF SELECTED AGENDA ITEMS

Below is a summary of information the Common Council will discuss and consider at the Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, March 14, 2006. Copies of all ordinances, resolutions, and relevant supporting documentation are attached to the agenda provided by the City Clerk/Treasurer.

Rezoning 351 Union St.
The Common Council will consider rezoning the parcel at 351 Union St. from Residential District One (R-1) to Community Business District (B-3). This parcel is the second parcel south of Symdon Chevrolet. The parcel is occupied by a single-family rental unit, which, for the time being, will not change use. If the rezoning is approved, Symdon Chevrolet will expand its parking lot into the large back yard of this parcel. The parcel was one of several that, on the future land use maps in the Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan, were changed from single-family residential to commercial by a plan-amendment ordinance the Common Council recently adopted. The Plan Commission has recommended adoption of the rezoning ordinance.

Fee in Lieu of Parkland Dedication
The Common Council will consider adopting Ordinance #2006-5, which would change the formula for adjusting the amount of the fee in lieu of parkland dedication for new subdivisions from the increase in the total assessed value of land in the city during the past year to the average increase in the total assessed value of land in the city over the last three years. The Plan Commission has recommended adoption of this ordinance. If the Council adopts Ordinance #2006-5, it will consider adopting Resolution #2006-9, which would establish the fee in lieu of parkland dedication for April 1, 2006, through March 31, 2007, using the formula in Ordinance #2006-5. Resolution #2006-9 also declares that the city will adopt a new formula for increases in the fee in lieu of parkland dedication by January 1, 2007, to be effective starting with the period from April 1, 2007, through March 31, 2008. The Plan Commission has recommended adoption of this resolution.

Division of Commercial Lot on Brown School Road
The Common Council will consider approving a preliminary certified survey map (CSM) that would divide a commercial lot owned by John Morning, located on Brown School Road, into two lots. The Plan Commission recommended approval of the preliminary CSM with the following conditions: (1) Comply with all provisions of chapter 110 of the Municipal Code and state law; (2) Place the following notation on the face of the final CSM, “Depending on the zoning district classification(s) of adjoining parcels, it is possible that a bufferyard may be required along one or more of the property boundary lines to comply with city zoning standards. Where required, the bufferyard shall be installed when the parcel is develop;” (3) Submit a copy of the easement to the city for review and approval that will be filed with Rock County for the shared access between lots 2 and 3 and an easement between lots 1 and 2. At a minimum, the easements shall address long term maintenance of any roadway built within the easement and the rights and responsibilities of each party; (4) Depict intra-block drainages, if any, on the final CSM with arrows indicating the direction of flow along with the following notation, “Arrows indicate direction of drainage swale construction during grading and such swales shall be maintained by the lot owner, unless modified with approval of the city engineer;” (5) Obtain written authorization of the proposed subdivision from the public works department and the water and light department; (6) All on-site electrical, telephone, and cable service shall be placed underground; (7) The following notation shall be placed on the face of the final CSM, “If a commercial building is constructed on Lot 2 or Lot 3, it shall only be occupied when the City Council determines that necessary intersection improvements at J. Lindemann Drive and US Highway 14 have been completed or will be completed within nine (9) months of such occupancy;”(8) Within the next 30 days, the City Administrator must negotiate with D&D Development a written purchase agreement for the additional right of way for drive-by lane, and if that fails the city should move forward with condemnation of the additional right of way; and (9) The applicant must pay for the deferred assessment, if any, for Lift Station No. 5.

Budget Amendments
The Common Council will consider adopting four resolutions that would amend the adopted 2006 city budget. Resolution #2006-5 would increase the appropriation for payment of the converted farmland tax penalty. Farmland is assessed at a lower value based on “use value.” When farmland is converted to non-agricultural use, the owner of the farmland must pay a penalty to the county, which pays half of the penalty to the city or township within which the property is located. If the property was recently annexed, the city or village must pay half of the amount it receives from the county to the township. In 2004, the city received converted farmland tax penalty revenue from Rock County, but failed to pay to the Town of Union its share of the revenue. Resolution #2006-5 would amend the budget to appropriate money to make the overdue payment to the Town of Union.

Resolution #2006-6 would increase the appropriation for Phase 1 of the skate park from $10,000 to $20,000. Before the 2006 city budget was adopted, the Parks and Recreation Board had recommended appropriating $15,000 for this project, but as the result of a miscommunication, only $10,000 was appropriated. The additional $10,000 will come from an unallocated amount of un-earmarked capital funds for parks projects.

Resolution #2006-7 would increase the appropriation for clerk/treasurer computer equipment by $1,250 to purchase a projector and screen for projecting graphics and text during presentations.

Resolution #2006-8 would reduce the appropriation for renovating the building at 209 S. 1st St., a capital project, by $5,000, and increase the appropriation for the Dean Community Center cost center by $5,000 for equipment purchases, an operating expenditure. The city is renovating the building at 209 S. 1st St. to be the new home of the youth center and AWARE Agency. Because of contributions of building materials and skilled labor the Dean Community Center Advisory Committee has obtained, it appears that the building renovation project will not cost the full $50,000 appropriated. The Dean Community Center Advisory Committee would like to use the savings on the renovation project to purchase equipment for the new youth center.

Proposal for Creating TID No. 6
The Common Council will consider approving a proposal from Ehlers & Associates, Inc. regarding their fees for creating Tax Incremental District (TID) No. 6. The territory of TID No. 6 would include the more than 96 acres of land D&D Development has applied to annex at the southeast corner of CTH M and USH 14. To comply with state law, at least half of the territory of TID No. 6 must be zoned industrial. It appears the remainder will be zoned commercial, and the commercial zoning will be adjacent to USH 14. The city intends to use the tax increment generated by any commercial development within TID No. 6 to pay debt service on the cost of constructing streets, sanitary sewers, water mains, and other infrastructure for a new industrial park within TID No. 6. Using the tax increment from the commercial development to pay debt service on the industrial park infrastructure, rather than to subsidize construction of infrastructure for the new commercial lots along USH 14, would reduce the risk the city will undertake by issuing bonds to finance infrastructure construction in the new industrial park.

No Parking Zones
The Common Council will consider adopting Ordinance #2005-52, as amended by the Public Safety Committee. This ordinance would, among other things, establish as no parking zones (1) the east side of Exchange St. from E. Main St. to Water St. and (2) the south and east sides of Water St. from Allen Creek to E. Main St.


CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

The city has hired Eric Jepperson to be the new City Finance Director. Eric was an auditor with the state Department of Revenue, where he audited utilities, among other entities. Earlier in his career, he worked for a public accounting firm and audited municipalities. Eric’s first day is Monday, March 20.

The city issued only one building permit during February 2006. It has been a long time since the city issued only one building permit in a month. It appears rising interest rates have discouraged builders from constructing as many “spec” houses as they have during the past few winters. However, if the pace of housing construction returned to the level it was in 1999 through 2002, when the city issued 30 to 40 building permits for new single-family houses, rather than 50 to 70 building permits for new single-family houses, as the city issued during 2003 through 2005, that probably would be a good thing. The pace of residential growth needs to slow down a bit if the city is going to meet its goal of having the population grow by no more than 27% from 2005 through 2014.

It also would be a good thing if fewer of the new houses were “spec” houses and a larger proportion were based on “custom” orders, because “custom” houses tend to be higher valued than “spec” houses. Families that are interested in purchasing higher-value new homes tend to want to be able to customize the house to meet their own needs and desires, rather than purchasing a house that was designed based on whatever the builder thought would be easiest to sell. In addition, the risk involved in constructing a “spec” house encourages builders to make “spec” houses of lower value.

If 2006 were a year of exceptionally low residential growth, it could adversely affect the city’s budget for 2008. Construction during 2006 will become part of the property tax base as of January 1, 2007, which will be the basis for property taxes collected during 2008.

Increased expenditures in the 2007 city budget will be financed in large part by the increased property tax base generated by strong construction during 2005. It will soon be time for me to start working with the department heads to prepare the 2007 city budget.


cc: Department heads
City attorney
City engineer
City planner
Media

Mayoral Candidate Audiopost: Aikman Speaks

(Ed.note Short position papers on issues or audioposts are available on The Evansville Observer to all mayoral, aldermanic, and school board candidates at no charge. Contact the Observer at woulfe98@yahoo.com for further info.

Retraction: Mailbag: Re: Mr. Albrecht:

--- Melissa Hammann <Mhammann@charter.net> wrote:

> Dear Observer-I wish to retract all content of my
> previous letter regarding Mr. Albrecht because I
> believe I was mistaken.
>
> Melissa Hammann

(Ed.note. The observer will promptly remove content on notification of error. Observer will also moderate, block and edit content where editor deems appropriate.)

Shopping for a car------from the Evansville Pool

This summer Evansville pool goers will have a rare and unusual treat------they will
be able to select a fine new vehicle right from the Evansville pool grandstand. Yes----you can be watching your youngster in swimming lessons one moment, and then turn around 180 for a panoramic view of the latest of new car selection.

It would be helpful if the price numbers were a little larger-----and it sure would be helpful if the car dealership could have finance specialists at the poolside for helpful loan application and approval.

Maybe the loan info could be transmitted by a hand held computer----then, on the loud speakers----which one can hear for blocks----they could announce------"Mr. Johnson, your car loan has been approved." What a treat! And so efficient too!

It seems that whomever cleaned out the trees and brush between the park and the dealership was on a mission-----a mission to destroy every bit of buffer possible. After all---it would be difficult to shop from the pool with an obstructed view. That would impair commerce!

It sure is nice that folks in Evansville who are common folk have to worry about buffer and opacity factors but if you're in NASCAR or with the big boys you just never even think about it. No problem.

Developing Story: Freedom of the Press Forum Coming to Evansville

If you click on the post, you will see the Janesville Gazette editorial on Sunshine Week, or the celebration this week of open government. The Evansville Observer joins with the Gazette in calling for a reversal of the growing trend across all levels of government of inappropriate secrecy.

After the election in April, the Evansville Observer hopes to host here in Evansville a forum on the 1st Amendment and You-----what Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press means for you and why it is important for Evansville residents.

A celebrated speaker is being sought. Stay tuned.

"Volatility"------on the song; on the price parents and kids pay

Some years ago, I had the pleasure of working in a brokerage firm, and while I was selling conservative bonds and stocks, the gentleman in the office next to me, Elvin R, was a very heavy options player. Mostly the S&P 500 options. In that option, on very volatile days, one could lose thousands in just a few minutes.

Whenever there would be an extreme period of volatility, Elvin would go to the entrance of his office, and intone " VoLLLa TiLLLLa TTTTT". Just that short one word song would put terror in the hearts of rookie traders, including myself.

If you click on the link, and then scroll down to the natural gas spot pricing, you will see the chart of natural gas spot prices in the past year. You need to scroll down to the natural gas graph. It resembles a very high tent. In summary, the natural gas prices have spiked from $6 a 1000 btu to $16 a 1000 btu and then back to $6. Why does this matter to you?

Each fall, school districts have to plan ahead. They lock in an option but that price only locks them to January, when they have to lock again. For safety sake because it might go higher and they have only so much money.

The problem is that with the lack of regulation currently, with the locking process, the tent indicates to this Observer that schools, kids and taxpayers may be getting ripped off. The governors of Minnesota and Wisconsin have called for an investigation. So does the Observer.

The Observer thinks that school districts should be able to have enough regulation in matters of natural gas pricing so they do not have to pay excessive amounts for a product and be held hostage to speculation. This may bring back memories of Enron. Yes, and other energy trading schemes.

This especially rubs The Observer when school districts have to make cuts that in fact might not have been necessary if a fair energy price had been available.

I will leave it up to the experts to decide whether the markets were the "most efficient". My gut feeling is that they were NOT.

What do you think? You make the call.

"Fred" gets national attention; Not on war; Not on politics; On "All That Jazz"

Click on the post for the upcoming national attention that our very own "Fred", distinguished blogger from Evanville, and politico, and baritone sax player will gain when he plays on the CBS Morning show on March 20th.

This reminds me of the old Chinese saying, "He who seeks a thing directly.....will never attain it....."

One would have expected some recognition of "Fred's" political activities, but who wudda thunk---fame through the back door. Bravo.

Just Say No

The lead story in the Janesville Gazette this morn is "They can't say No," a story about repeat drunken driving offenders. This article was interesting to me because many years ago, I worked in Driver's License for the State of Minnesota and particularly handled the phones for the incoming lines for the driver evaluators that gave work license permits for those convicted of drunken driving.

Anyway, when I first glanced at the headline, I thought maybe the story would be about folks saying NO to budget increases.

In a recent post, I asked for folks to post comments on where they would cut $200,000 from the school budget. Only one person had suggestions, and suggested that the administrative was too top heavy and needed cutting.

This is a numbers question. What is the money amount and positions or programs that you wish cut? What are the fee increases that you hope for? The total of your answer should equal $200,000. The answers are due prior to Monday night. No exclusively word answers will be posted. It is numbers time.

The reason I say this is The Observer noted in the Monroe school budget saga that right up to the announcement of the 2 million dollar cuts that were necessary, folks were meeting in areas of Monroe schools to discuss NEW curriculum proposals. I have termed this phenomenon, the TWILIGHT ZONE of school budgeting. It is time to get real and talk numbers.

The comment line is open. For numbers.

Evansville School Board Meeting; Monday, Mar. 13--6:30PM---In Closed Session School Board will discuss land purchase for future

If you click on the post and then click on the March 13 meeting, you will see that prior to the public session on Monday, the Evansville School District Board will be meeting at 6:15PM to discuss in private session negotiations for purchase of land for future school use. You might wonder why?

The land that had been previously designated for future school on the westside on future land use maps, was found to be located in -----swampland or high water area. So...the school board is looking for some dry land.

The Observer salutes the looking for dry land. After all,"We are the Blue Devils, not the swamp dogs. We build on the high ground."

The Observer thinks that the time frame for the future use is in 15 years. Hopefully not much sooner.

The public will not be allowed into this private session. However, if you were, would you like to see an additional school location on the west or east side? Explain your answer.

Janesville Schools detail 1.8 million in cuts; Broad based cuts include sports budget and administrative support

Click on the post for the Janesville Gazette article detailing the cuts for the Janesville School proposed budget for the upcoming school year. The cuts are broad, with every level participating.

School Beat: Observer salutes Zweizig Planning Model; Proposes application to School Budget Planning

In the audioblogger post, The Observer reflects on the classic speech of Doug Zweizig called "Planning's Other Half," and how the principles that were described and subsequently implemented in the Union Smart Growth Plan can be effectively implemented in the Evansville School District to promote effective and harmonious resolution of the difficulties resulting from the budget squeeze caused by the State of Wisconsin funding formula.

Click on the link to access the original speech of Mr. Zweizig. Click on the audioblogger to access my reflection on the application of these principles.

As I understand the budget gap, the current gap is caused by the state forumla and is NOT personal. It will occur EACH and EVERY year until the formula is fixed. It is NOT caused by the board or the superintendent. The bad news is that it is about $200,000. The good news is that it is about $200,000. That is a small number compared to other school districts near us. Only continued moderate growth in the Evansville School district will prevent it from getting worse.

The above are the thoughts of the Observer and not any memeber of the school district. I have not been privy to the exact numbers that will be revealed on Monday night.

Revised : Mailbag: School Beat: Re: Discontinuation of half-day kindergarten; Writer has retracted conments re former Supr. Albrecht

( Ed. note: This letter has been edited for length and content to meet the blog requirements. Writer has retracted previous content re. former Supr. Albrecht )

--- Melissa Hammann
<Mhammann@charter.net> wrote:

> It has been brought to my attention that, due to
> budget constraints, the Evansville School District
> plans to discontinue offering the half-day
> kindergarten option. Furthermore, it is my
> understanding that even Mr. Hoffenberg was kept out
> of the discussions until Ms. Carvin had made the
> decision and offered him a full-time position next
> fall. Numerous reasons were cited, including the
> SAGE grant restrictions, reduced/free lunch program,
> bus transportation etc. Nobody seems to agree on
> the amount to be saved by this action. The amount
> seems to change depending on to whom you speak and
> at what time of day you speak to them. One parent
> even received 2 different quotes from the same
> person. There are numerous arguments against this
> move. Mine are four-fold: child based need,
> budgetary, the duplicitous approach used by the
> school district and the despicable treatment of an
> outstanding teacher.
>
> My first objection to eliminating the half-day
> kindergarten class is based on the need of the
> child. Some five-year-old children are not ready
> for a full day of school every day, but are eager to
> learn in a more challenging environment that that
> provided by pre-school. Of our three children, only
> one would have done well in a full day class.
> Fortunately, all three of our children have had the
> priviledge of enrolling in Mr. Hoffenberg's
> kindergarten class. Last fall we enrolled our
> youngest child. Will is a rambunctious boy whose
> educational needs have been met and exceeded by Mr.
> Steve's firm but fun guidance. I know that more
> than one family had to seek other options for their
> children because the demand for the half-day class
> exceeded the supply of openings. We feel especially
> fortunate that Will was able to benefit from Mr.
> Hoffenberg's vast experience.
>
> My second argument against dropping the half-day
> program at this time is budgetary. A mere 4 years
> after its inception, kindergarten "choice" is on the
> budgetary chopping block. Let us review the last 6
> years or so of school board fiscal decisions, shall
> we? Our oldest child had Mr. Steve in the pre-SAGE
> days when kindergarten was only half-day for
> everyone in Evansville. We were ecstatic with Mr.
> Hoffenberg's teaching skills. He paved the way for
> her very successful school career thus far. Our
> second child had Mr. Hoffenberg for Kindergarten in
> 2002. This was the first year that a choice between
> full day and half-day kindergarten was offered. I'd
> like to add that this was also the first year summer
> school was cancelled due to budget overruns on the
> new high school. I could NOT understand why the
> school district effectively doubled their
> kindergarten teacher salary and benefits costs at a
> time of budget crisis. How can it be fiscally sound
> to double your kindergarten staff salary and
> benefits during tight financial times? Apparently
> the SAGE grant and the free/reduced meal program
> with their almighty government funding carrot was
> the primary impetus for this move. Parents eager to
> reduce their daycare costs fell right into lock step
> with the school district on that decision.
>
> Next..... Nowhere in the entire discourse of expanding
> the grade school into the old high school, did
> anybody mention a second set of administrators being
> hired and suddenly, VOILA, there they were.
>
> This litany of fiscally ambiguous decisions is to
> illustrate to you how completely skeptical one
> remains when you begin to quote audacious figures
> for cost savings by expanding the half-day
> kindergarten class-room to a full day class-room.
> It is my understanding that the SAGE grant as it
> currently exists is in jeopardy. It seems that
> pinning budgetary hopes for monetary gain on an
> amorphous SAGE grant is like hitting a moving target
> at best and poor decision-making at worst. When
> the SAGE grant monies are no longer flowing, what
> will the school district be left with? An
> unmanageable kindergarten program and
> worse-than-ever blood between the school district
> and the community. I would be interested in the
> results of a simple budget exercise. Calculate the
> costs of all half-day kindergarten and compare them
> with the costs of all full day kindergarten. I'm
> just curious.
>
> My third issue with this.... incident is the
> sneaky, underhanded way ..... (it was) attempted to railroad it
> through the budget without citizen knowledge or
> input.

>
> Finally, and most importantly, I must speak out
> against (the) .... treatment of Steve Hoffenberg
> throughout this incident. It is despicable that you
> would treat an award-winning, incredibly talented
> and enthusiastic kindergarten teacher with such
> disrespect. ...... A pessimist would say that
> by treating him so callously, you force his hand to
> retire so you can hire some hot-out-of-school
> teacher on the cheap.............
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Melissa M. Hammann

Agenda--Evansville Common Council --Tues- March 14, 2006

Common Council

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, March 14, 2006, 6:30 p.m.

City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

AGENDA

Call to order.
Roll call.
Approval of Agenda.
Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of February 14, 2006, regular meeting and approve them as printed.
Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed.
Reports of Committees.
Evansville Community Partnership.
Plan Commission Report.
Second reading and motion to adopt Ordinance #2006-4, rezoning territory from Residential District One (R-1) to Community Business District (B-3).
Second reading and motion to adopt Ordinance #2006-5, amending the Municipal Code relative to parkland dedications.
Motion to approve Resolution #2006-9, setting a new fee in lieu of park dedication for April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007.
Motion to approve the preliminary land division application of John Morning (Application #2006-4) for a two-lot division on Brown School Road as shown on the preliminary certified survey map, based on a finding that the land division is environmentally sound and there are adequate public facilities available to meet the needs of the land division, provided the conditions listed in the staff report and conditions imposed by the Plan Commission are met prior to recording the final CSM with Rock County.
Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report.
Motion to approve W&L bills and authorize their payment.
Motion to approve the City bills and authorize their payment.
Motion to adopt Resolution #2006-5, amending the adopted 2006 city budget to increase the appropriation for converted farmland tax penalty.
Motion to adopt Resolution #2006-6, amending the adopted 2006 city budget to increase the appropriation for Phase 1 of the skate park.
Motion to adopt Resolution #2006-7, amending the adopted 2006 city budget to increase the appropriation for clerk/treasurer computer equipment.
Motion to adopt Resolution #2006-8, amending the adopted 2006 city budget to increase the appropriation for the youth center for equipment.
Motion to approve the Proposal for Creating Tax Incremental District No. 6 by Ehlers & Associates, Inc.
Public Safety Committee Report.
Motion to adopt Ordinance #2005-52, amending the Municipal Code relative to No Parking Zones, as amended by Public Safety Committee.
Motion to approve Bond Schedule.
Public Works Committee Report.
Water & Light Committee Report.
Economic Development Committee Report.
Evansville Redevelopment Authority Report.
Parks and Recreation Board Report.
Historic Preservation Commission Report.
Fire District Report
Unfinished Business.
Motion to remove from the table the motion to authorize commencement of a condemnation action to acquire additional right of way on the south side of USH 14 for a drive-by lane opposite J. Lindemann Dr. and to authorize the City Administrator to hire legal counsel recommended by the City Attorney to represent the city in the condemnation action.
Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor.
Motion to waive the seven-day notice requirement and approve the mayoral appointment of Roger Berg to the Smart Growth Implementation Committee.
Communications and Recommendations from the City Administrator.
New Business.
Motion to adopt Resolution #2006-10, making findings regarding vehicular access from USH 14 to land owned by D&D Development.
Introduction of New Ordinances.
First reading of Ordinance #2006-3, annexing territory to the City of Evansville, Wisconsin (D & D Development Property). [by application]
First reading of Ordinance #2006-6, amending the Municipal Code relative to replacement of damaged nonconforming structures so as to comply with 2005 Wisconsin Act 112. [sponsored by Ald. Hammann and Ald. Sornson]
Upon the proper motion and approval vote, the Common Council will convene in closed session pursuant to Sec. 19.85(1)(f), Wis. Stats., considering financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or investigation of charges against specific persons which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations, and will not reconvene in open session. During the closed session, the Council will discuss the recent discipline of one of the city’s police officers.
Motion to adjourn.
Janis Ringhand, 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.

"The Long War"---Donald Rumsfield vs. Sun Tzu (500BC)

Click on the post for an article on the speech by Donald Rumsfield titled "The Long War," given at the National Press Club. In the speech, Mr. Rumsfield theorizes that the current war on terror will be similar to The Cold War---in other words, it will be a very long one.

The article triggered my memory to the book, "The Art of War," by Sun Tzu, written in 500BC. I have read the sections on the audio post above. Yes---- my dear readers might smile thinking of The Observer armed in the struggle of ideas with only a mere writing pen and the small treatise "The Art of War." written so long ago. Whatever.

Click on the audio post to listen to the section:

Now you make the call. Did we learn anything from the Vietnam War or from Sun Tzu? Is the theory of Mr. Rumsfield fatally flawed?

You make the call.

Mayoral Candidate Sandy Decker announces "Meet and Talk with Sandy Decker" events

March 10, 2006---Real Coffee, 18 East Main Street, 5:00-7:00 PM

March 14, 2006--Real Coffee, 18 East Main Street, 8:00-10:00AM

March 17, 2006---Green Forest Family Restaurant--255 Union St, 8:00-10:00AM

March 22, 2006--Alberici's Delicatezza-- 155 Union Street, 5:00-7:00PM

"Walton" has the Blog Summit scoop

The blog summit is coming and Prof. Althouse is giving the keynote address. Click on the post for the story.

"Old and Historic" ----Two classic audioposts from The Evansville Observer

The Evansville Observer--News--Comment--Discussion--The Place your views are Heard AND Remembered

Monroe hires new City Administrator; Very experienced in Economic Development

Monroe has hired a new city administrator, Mark Vahlsing from Pine Island, Mn. Click on the post for the full story in the Monroe Times.

I checked on the web site of Pine Island, Mn., and they have a very straight forward web site with all the minutes of all council meetings, and also had all the municipal ordinances.

The new city administrator of Monroe also will also be performing the tasks of clerk-treasurer and human resource management as well as economic development and general management. I am not sure how common it is for city administrators to have this combination of responsibilities. It appears that Monroe will be saving some salary expense since they did replace a couple positions with their new administrator, but he is going to have a lot of duties.

It is comforting to The Observer that the new administrator began his career in New Prague, Mn. as an assistant city administrator. New Prague is the home of the famous New Prague Hotel, a classic German hotel with ornate honeymoon suites that the Observer and spouse escaped to during a brief honeymoon just 27 years ago. After feasting in The New Prague Hotel on German cuisine, we walked to the local theatre to see John Belusi in "Animal House." Yes, it was quite shocking for its time.

All in all, I feel that this guy will fit in with Monroe. He will have to get used to Berghoff beer and some extensive cheese, but I think he can do it.

Now that Monroe has gone city administrator, it is clear that those frontier days when city council members ran things loosly with just casual administration are gone. Make a note of it.

Evansville Traffic Hazard noted; Citizens advised; A short history of stop signs

At the recent Evansville Planning Commission meeting, one of the longest discussions related to the problem of the intersection of Hwy 14 and John Lindeman drive, or the turn to McDonald's. Drivers who stop to turn left are in danger of being rear ended because there is no drive around lane to the right. The city, the developers of the land next to the new Ace and citizens are all anxious for the necessary land to be acquired, and by forced eminent domain if necessary, to make this drive by lane a reality as soon as possible. However, this may take a while---- Maybe a year or longer.

Why is this important to know? As a driver you need to know that this is a hazardous situation. Speeding cars coming in to Evansville from Janesville make the situation worse.

Could the recently acquired radar trailer be used out there to slow down incoming traffic? Could a warning flashing sign be used to warn drivers of the hazard? The Observer does not know. I will leave others to decide if anything can be done.

There was some talk of the developer across from McDonalds wanting another intersection---I assume on Hwy 14 to access the proposed commercial and industrial development. The short history of stop signs is that the DOT likes to wait till there is evidence of need----in the case of the stop signs at M and Hwy14, the original plan was to put in the wiring but not the lights during the recent construction. Two tragic car accidents on Hwy 14 that took three lives changed the DOT's idea. They put the lights in immediately.

The reason I mention it is that you do not want to be the statistic at that drive by lane. Drive safely.

If you have further info on this matter and were at the meeting the other night, feel free to comment. You make the call.

The Saga of Fontana; The rest of the story

Some time ago I wrote several articles on the saga of Fontana---using the blog search feature of the blog, you can retrieve these. To summarize, the whole city of Fontana was involved in a dispute between the Fontana Police Chief and the city administration. The dispute became so heated that the city moved to completely dismantle the police department since they were unable to resolve the controversy. I did want to write a bit on "the rest of the story." Some good news for all to know.

The Institute for Public Safety, a program funded by the Department of Justice, provides instruction for police departments across Southern Wisconsin in the support of Community Based Policing. They were contacted and came to the aid of the Fontana community.

If you click on the post, you will see that this institute offers at no charge to the police departments, seminars on topics such as "Complaint Intake" and "Integrity and Ethics." These seminars can involve the police department as well as the city staff and the citizens of a community.

What a wonderful resource at no charge to all of Southern Wisconsin. What wonderful news that Fontana has made the step forward to heal the divisions that had made progress forward difficult. Bravo Fontana.

Wireless "Piggybacking"--the growing trend; Some pitfalls

Many wireless users are just using the signal of wireless owners that happen to be nearby. Most folks don't protect their system from entry. Such use saves the user the $40 fee for setup. One of the downsides, according to this article, is that it makes the ISP host user liable for the activities of the person latching on.

So, what are your thoughts on this all you wireless users? Is piggybacking theft? or no problem.

Click on the post for the full article in the Wisconsin State Journal.

You make the call.

Althouse Corner: Islam and Democracy? Compatible?

Prof Althouse seems to have incredible range of interests---from American Idol to the Supreme Court. Here is an interesting analysis on Islam and Democracy. Enjoy.

Evansville Police Commission--Agenda--3-13-2006

EVANSVILLE POLICE COMMISSION

Notice of Meeting

and Agenda

Monday, March 13, 2006

Please take notice that the next meeting of the Evansville Police Commission will take place on March 13, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor of the Evansville City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin. The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1. Roll call.

2. Approval of minutes of February 20, 2006 meeting.

3. Citizen appearances, other than on agenda items listed below.

4. Motion to reconsider all of the action items from the February 20, 2006 meeting [i.e., Items 2 (approval of minutes of January 24, 2006 meeting), 4 (approval of Chief's report), 5 (approval of new eligibiity list), and 7 (approval of appointment of part-time patrol officers)].

5. Chief's report, including proposal for psychological testing of candidates.

6. Approval of new eligibility list.

7. Approval of extension of offer(s) of employment to part-time patrol officer(s).

8. Discussion of potential items for future agenda, without taking action thereon.

9. Adjournment.

John R. Decker, Secretary

Wisconsin and other Midwestern States call for energy price regulation; "Wild West" trading to blame----- not supply and demand

Click on post for the latest as the governors of the Midwest, including Wisconsin call for regulation.

Even if we had other forms of energy generation, such as cow manure, if there was no regulation we might have an "option trading" mentality like the "wild west" where some trader in New York would be trading the "Cow Power Oct 90" and we could have a real manure shortage develop. It might just be a "virtual" manure shortage, but the result would be artificially high prices.

I don't know about you, but I am not going to take another 40% increase in natural gas prices with just mild protest for next winter. The real amazing thing is how meek the American people have been about all this. Yes, this was the area that Jimmy Carter was right about. Yes we have been dumb in the past. But...we could move at double speed to change..we could move to the uptempo game... It seems pretty lethargic to me as to the response we are getting from the everyday folk.

How about you? You make the call.

PIF Corner ( Paid in Full)---"Ambulance " has the scoop

Let's see, you work hard and pay the bill in full. The vendor does not post the payment but turns you in to Homeland Security. What's wrong with this picture? "Ambulance" has the answer. Click on the post for the details.

Why no Kurds got gas masks;

Click on the post for an article from Boston News that may explain why no gas masks were given to the very vulnerable Kurds prior to the Iraq invasion.

Congress moves to provide financial aid to "Virtual" on-line college students; "Classroom" and "meeting" definitions are changing

Last week congress moved to allow financial aid for college students who are taking college classes via an on-line university. This is a strong signal for all of education to utilize both virtual and real.

Click on the post for the article that details the action of Congress.

Evansville Planning Commission approves strip mall development off Brown School Road; Traffic and sidewalk concerns voiced

John Morning, developer, presented to the Evansville Planning Commission a proposal for a strip mall or multi-tenant commercial building off Brown School Road. It would be in two phases, with the first building to be the one closest to Hwy 14.

The property is zoned Regional Business District, or B4. The property does adjoin the parcel in the Town of Union which has been used as a gravel pit. There will be a buffer between the gravel pit and the development.

As far as the design standards of the building, the city planner, Tim Schwecke indicated that the building met most of the "Big box" standards that are currently in the process of drafting. I believe that in the proposed "big box" standards, any building over 5,000 sq. ft would come under the architectual guidelines. As I understand it, much of the "back" of the building which would face Hwy 14 will be blocked in view by a berm and trees.

Much of the discussion, almost an hour, was about the timing of the development. As you may remember, Mr. Mourning did put $35,000 in a letter of credit for the bypass lane to be constructed at J. Lindemann and Hwy 14, but the city has been very close to going to eminent domain to get posession of the land, or in the alternative annexing the land at the request of D&D development.

It is unclear what the cat and mouse game is all about. It may be a negotiating tactic of D&D but it is providing a lot of stress to the city, the developers such as John Morning and the drivers that risk collision on Hwy 14.

The Planning commission considered delaying the approval of Mr. Morning's project till the bypass lane was put in. There were even two votes on a motion by Aikman and Vrstal. However, this would have delayed the project for a year possibly and maybe even longer at a time when old and new businesses of Evansville need space. Ultimately the Planning commission approved the development and instructed the city to proceed to eminent domain to get the extra land needed for the bypass lane if the city did not get the cooperation of D&D.

Click on the audio post to hear Mr. Morning urge the commission not to delay when he had paid the money for the bypass lane.

The second issue was the sidewalk or lack thereof on Brown School Rd. The developer wanted the same deal given to Ace, namely that they would put in the sidewalk when the Ace and the Bank were also required to. At the end of the night, the planning commission instructed the City Administrator to talk to the bank about either putting the sidewalk in or the city would.

Evansville has asked for commercial development, not just residential. It is coming to the East side. It is coming soon.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to the Observer.

If you attended the meeting and would like to add anything to these minutes, feel free to add it on the comment line.

"Ambulance" covers the freedom of speech beat; Or, why the 1st amendment is "inconvenient."

"Ambulance" has an article on a proposed law in Delaware regarding blogging. And, he has some comments suggesting that free speech can be inconvenient for some.

Click and enjoy.

Evansville Planning Commission Minutes--March 6, 2006 6:00PM

Plan Commission

Regular Meeting

Tuesday, March 6, 2006, 6:00 P.M.

City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ringhand at 6:00 PM. Present were: Mayor Ringhand, Ald. Aikman, Ald. Hammann, Cheryl Dickert, Gil Skinner, Dave Sauer, and Jeff Vrstal. Staff present: Tim Schwecke, City Planner; Bill Connors, City Administrator; and Jim Beilke, Clerk/Treasurer. Ald. Cothard and Sornson were present in the audience.

Approval of Agenda.

The consensus was to move agenda item 7(D), Preliminary Land Division Application, after agenda item 5, Citizen Appearances. The amended agenda was approved.

Approval of Minutes.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to waive the reading of the February 6, 2006 Minutes and approve them as printed. Motion carried.

Citizen Appearances Other Than Those Agenda Items Listed. None.

New Business

Ald. Hammann introduced the preliminary land division application to divide the subject property off of Water Street – Tom and Tracy Gibbs (Application #2006-7). Tracy Gibbs asked Commission to table this item.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to recommend to the Common Council the approval of the division of the subject property into the lots as shown on the preliminary CSM, based on a finding that the land division is environmentally sound and there are adequate public facilities available to meet the needs of the land division, provided the conditions listed in the staff report (and other conditions as may be imposed by the Commission) are met prior to recording the final CSM with Rock County.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to table the application until additional information is provided to show the land division is environmentally sound. Motion passed.

Unfinished Business.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion regarding amendments to the City’s floodplain regulations so as to be consistent with state and federal requirements. Ald. Hammann and Aikman agreed to be sponsors. Ald. Hammann discussed the possibility of prohibiting manufactured homes in the floodplain area (listed on page 7 and 28 of the draft ordinance). Mr. Schwecke said state law prohibits the city from banning manufactured homes from parts or the entire city, but the city can establish design standards for all houses, including manufactured homes, that would force manufactured homes within the city to be more consistent with houses. Ald. Hammann discussed the possibility of prohibiting private sewer systems in the floodplain area (listed on page 9 of the proposed ordinance). Mr. Sauer recommended not prohibiting private sewer system but making them comply with the building codes.

Mr. Schwecke led the discussion regarding the repeal of a state requirement that county shoreland zoning applies to lands annexed in a city or village. If the governor signs the bill, property owners in the city would not be restricted regarding location of buildings or removal of vegetation near a stream or lake. The city could adopt its own ordinance regarding lot size and building setbacks from a stream or lake, and the city’s ordinance could be less restrictive than Rock County’s ordinance, which is more restrictive than state law. Mr. Schwecke recommended that the city review its ordinance regarding shoreland zoning.

New Business.
John Morning presented the preliminary land division application for a two-lot division on Brown School Road (Application #2006-4). Mr. Morning does not want this project to be responsible for the drive-by lane on HWY 14 as recommended in the staff report (item 7), because he has no control of the subject land.

Mr. Schwecke recommended several conditions for approval as listed in his report: (1) Comply with all provisions of chapter 110 of the Municipal Code and state law; (2) Place the following notation on the face of the final CSM, “Depending on the zoning district classification(s) of adjoining parcels, it is possible that a bufferyard may be required along one or more of the property boundary lines to comply with city zoning standards. Where required, the bufferyard shall be installed when the parcel is develop;” (3) Submit a copy of the easement to the city for review and approval that will be filed with Rock County for the shared access between lots 2 and 3 and an easement between lots 1 and 2. At a minimum, the easements shall address long term maintenance of any roadway built within the easement and the rights and responsibilities of each party; (4) Depict intra-block drainages, if any, on the final CSM with arrows indicating the direction of flow along with the following notation, “Arrows indicate direction of drainage swale construction during grading and such swales shall be maintained by the lot owner, unless modified with approval of the city engineer;” (5) Obtain written authorization of the proposed subdivision from the public works department and the water and light department; (6) All on-site electrical, telephone, and cable service shall be placed underground; (7) The following notation shall be placed on the face of the final CSM, “If a commercial building is constructed on Lot 2 or Lot 3, it shall only be occupied when the City Council determines that necessary intersection improvements at J. Lindemann Drive and US Highway 14 have been completed or will be completed within nine (9) months of such occupancy.” Mr. Schwecke recommended item 7 to deal with problems associated with increased traffic in this area. Mr. Schwecke recommended item 3, so that maintenance of the road is clearly the property owners.

The Plan Commission discussed how to move this project forward and maintain public safety at the intersection at J. Lindemann Drive and US Highway 14. This project will bring in new businesses to this area and increase traffic at this intersection. Currently, the intersection is dangerous and needs a drive-by lane, or four-way intersection that includes a drive-by lane, to improve public safety. The land needed for the drive-by lane is in the Town of Union and is owned by D&D Development. Mr. Morning tried to purchase the land for the drive-by lane from D&D Development and was turned down. D&D Development has filed an application to annex the land into the city. Mr. Morning does not want his project tied to the drive-by lane because he does not have the ability to acquire the land. The city does though condemnation. Roger Berg, 75 Exchange St., recommended that the city start condemnation after 60 days if the land is not annexed. The Plan Commission discussed whether there could be circumstances that might delay annexation of the property and how approving this project would exacerbate the dangerous intersection situation.

Ald. Hammann noted that payment of the deferred assessment, if any, for Lift Station No. 5 should be added to the motion.

Mayor Ringhand opened the public hearing at 7:01 PM. Ald. Sornson favors moving the project along and starting condemnation after 90 days if the land for the drive-by lane is not annexed. Ald. Cothard reported the developer would miss this construction season if the project does not start soon. He favors approving the preliminary land division application and securing the land for the drive-by lane at a later date. Scott Rogers, 13349 W. Northfield Crossing, stated the Town of Union told him the land that is the subject of the land division is “unbuildable” due to the proximity to the gravel pit. He expressed concerns about what type of businesses where going in the new mall and how businesses would affect his neighborhood. Mayor Ringhand closed the public hearing at 7:05 PM.

Mayor Ringhand reported the land that is the subject to the land division has been zoned commercial for many years. She favors tabling the matter for 30 days to see how far D&D Development progresses with its annexation during those 30 days. The consensus was to move the project along and bring a final answer to the issue of acquiring the additional right of way for the drive-by lane within 30 days.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to recommend to the Common Council the approval of the division of the subject property into the lots as shown on the preliminary CSM, based on a finding that the land division is environmentally sound and there are adequate public facilities available to meet the needs of the land division, provided the conditions listed in the staff report and the following additional conditions are met prior to recording the final CSM with Rock County: (1) within the next 30 days, the City Administrator must negotiate with D&D Development a written purchase agreement for the additional right of way for drive-by lane, and if that fails the city should move forward with condemnation of the additional right of way and (2) the applicant must pay for the deferred assessment, if any, for Lift Station No. 5. Motion passed 6-1 on a roll call vote, with Mr. Vrstal voting against.

Mr. Morning presented the conditional use application for a group development on a single parcel on Brown School Road (Application #2006-5). Two multi-tenant commercial buildings are proposed.

Mr. Skinner raised the issue that many types of businesses could occupy these proposed buildings. Some business, such as a restaurant, would have to apply for an additional conditional use permit according to the Municipal Code.

Mayor Ringhand opened the public hearing at 7:42 PM. Mr. Rogers expressed concerns about how a restaurant would adversely affect the neighborhood. Mayor Ringhand reported that any restaurant would be required to apply for a conditional use permit from the Commission, and any concerns could be addressed then. Mayor Ringhand closed the public hearing at 7:44 PM.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, and to act on the application (not defer to a later date). Motion passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to approve the application based on the findings as contained in the staff report and the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed use outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any. Motion passed.

Mr. Morning presented the site plan application to construct two multi-tenant commercial buildings (strip mall) on Brown School Road (Application #2006-6). This project will bring in new businesses, create jobs, and increase tax base. Mr. Morning reported that the project will be phased, and this site plan application is for both buildings.

Mr. Schwecke recommended applicant (1) obtain approval from the city engineer for stormwater and drainage and (2) add a four-foot wide band of masonry on the back of the building at the southeast corner so as to wrap the corner in masonry.

Mr. Morning said the rear elevation drawing in the packet contains an error—it was not supposed to show any masonry on the rear of the building, because the rear of the buildings is not visible and masonry adds cost. Additionally, he wants the sidewalk under the canopy of the building. The site plan shows the landscaping under the canopy and the sidewalk next to landscaping beyond the canopy. The consensus was to move the sidewalk under the canopy and move the landscaping from under the canopy to a raised landscaping bed along the drive-thru lane. Commissioners noted that a light plan and sign permit needed approval for this site plan. Commissioners raised the issue of requiring sidewalks by the street, so that customers could walk to the businesses in the strip mall. Mr. Morning reported there are no sidewalks on the properties to the west of the subject property on the same side of Brown School Road. Thus, any sidewalk on the subject property would dead end. Currently, the city is negotiating with the other property owners in this area to put in sidewalks. The consensus was the applicant must agree to build sidewalk connections on subject property when the adjacent property owners put in their sidewalks.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to approve the site plan application (including both buildings) with the following conditions: (1) No masonry on the rear sides of the buildings except a 4-foot-wide vertical band of masonry on the southeast corner of the first (southwest) building; (2) Obtain approval from the city engineer for stormwater and drainage; (3) Submit a lighting plan to the city engineer for approval; (4) Submit a sign permit application for approval; (5) Move landscaping away from the fronts of the buildings to a raised landscaping bed along the drive-thru lane; and (6) Applicant must construct sidewalk along Brown School Road when sidewalk is constructed on properties to the west on the same side of Brown School Road. Motion carried.

Roger Berg presented the zoning code map amendment for 351 Union Street (Application #2006-10). This amendment to change the zoning to Community Business District (B-3) is consistent with the recent Future Land Use Map amendment. Mr. Berg reported the current plan is to leave the residential house alone and use the backyard for a commercial use—expansion of the parking lot for Symdon Chevrolet.

Mayor Ringhand opened the public hearing at 8:34 PM. Ald. Sornson expressed support of local businesses and favors passing the motion. Mayor Ringhand closed the public hearing at 8:35 PM.

Motion Hammann, seconded by Skinner, to recommend to Council the adoption of Ordinance #2006-4 as drafted based on the findings contained in the staff report and on the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed zoning classification outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any. Motion passed.

Mr. Schwecke presented the subdivision code text amendment to revise the requirements for setting the fee in lieu of parkland dedication. He reported that the Commission wanted to adjust the way we set park dedication fees by averaging the percent change of the last three years, which is presented in the proposed ordinance. He prepared the ordinance amending the Municipal Code relative to parkland dedications and resolution establishing fees in lieu of making park and recreation land dedication. Mr. Connors reported we could incorporate cost of land and equipment to build a park and divide the cost by among the lots in new subdivisions.

Mayor Ringhand opened the public hearing at 8:41 PM. No one appeared. Mayor Ringhand closed the public hearing at 8:42 PM.

Motion by Hammann, seconded Sauer, to recommend to Council the approval of Ordinance #2006-5, amending the Municipal Code relative to Parkland Dedications, as drafted. Motion passed.

Ald. Hammann led a discussion regarding a resolution of the Evansville Common Council setting a new fee in lieu of park dedication for April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. He wants a new formula for park dedication by January 1, 2007.

Motion by Hammann, seconded by Sauer, to recommend to Council the approval of Resolution #2006-2, establishing fees in lieu of making park and recreation land dedication, as drafted, with the an amendment that a new formula for park dedications be in place by January 1, 2007. Motion passed.

Mr. Schwecke led a discussion regarding 2005 Wisconsin Act 112, which revises state statutes relating to local ordinances governing the reconstruction of a damaged structure. State law was changed last week relative to how local zoning regulations treat nonconforming structure if they are damaged or destroyed. The Plan Commission recently adopted an ordinance allowing nonconforming structures to be reconstructed. There are minor differences between the text in the recently amended Municipal Code regarding reconstruction of nonconforming structures and the new state law. The new state law did not deal with reestablishing nonconforming uses in damaged or destroyed structures, which was an additional subject matter addressed in the recent ordinance. Mr. Schwecke recommended that the city adopt an ordinance making the Municipal Code consistent with the new state law. Ald. Hammann and Sornson agreed to sponsor the ordinance.

Mr. Schwecke led a discussion regarding landscaping and bufferyard requirements. He reported the landscaping and bufferyard provisions of the Municipal Code lack flexibility, and it was problematic applying them. He recommends incorporating more flexibility in the code by establishing when and how the city can deviate from the standards, so that the code would provide both certainty and flexibility. The Commission instructed staff to revise the landscaping code.

Preliminary Development Presentations. None

Report of the Evansville Redevelopment Authority.

Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission.

Report of the Evansville Large-Scale Commercial Development Study Committee.

Mayor Ringhand reported the Committee has a rough draft ordinance, regulating large-scale development, and will hold a public hearing on April 20, 2006.

City Planner’s Report.

Mr. Schwecke reported some of the architectural design standards might be integrated into the work of the big-box study committee. The issue regarding Tom Nonn was turned over to the city attorney.

Adjournment

Motion by Hammann, seconded Skinner, to adjourn, carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.

Prepared by:

James A. Beilke

City Clerk/Treasurer

The Minutes are not official until approved by Plan Commission at the next regular meeting.

Rededevopment Authority discusses Handicap Accessability

Last week at the Redevelopment Authority meeting, there was discussion regarding a proposed wording requiring all buildings that were aided in the TIF district to meet ADA handicap accesability guidlines.

Mr. Dave Wartenweiler, the builing inspector, reviewed with the RA how the ADA rules are applied in cases of remodeling, and had suggestions. He also reviewed the past projects and went over the entrances to these buildings and his analysis. I thought the discussion was interesting and have posted the audio for all to hear.

Click on the audio to play the tape. Enjoy.

Park Board: " Fred " has the scoop on the latest meeting

Click on the post for the first draft of the minutes of the park board meeting last week. The parks, pool and the skate park are covered. Enjoy.

Evansville Bloggers in the News--Gina Duwe covers the Blogbeat

Gina Duwe has written an article on the bloggers of Evansville. Click and enjoy.

The Badger Coach surprise; RA struggles with tax increment, low commercial assessment environment; "Equalized Value" vs. "Assesed Value" noted

The Tuesday night Redevelopment Authority meeting on Tuesday night dealt with a review of the tax increment numbers for the Badger Coach renovation and what these numbers might mean for the future--specifically for the planned restoration of the Old Ace Hardware building.

The details are difficult to follow sometimes but worth the digging. I have included four audio posts that cover this portion of the meeting and would like anyone at the meeting that has additions to post comments to help with this written summary.

Under the TIF agreement entered into between the developer and the city, the property that was assessed at $56,587 would be assumed to have a resulting equalized valuation of $206,587 after all the renovation was completed. However, after investing over $200M in the project(only $24,000 was TIF money), when the assessor did the assessment, it came in at $143,443. That is $63,000 below what was expected. Under terms of the agreement, if this happened, the developer would pay back a proportional part of the TIF money to the city.

The developer asked that he pay the "amount" whether in "tax" or in "offset" that equalled what he agreed to pay as opposed to a repayment of any TIF money. The Redevelopment Authority agreed to "cure" the agreement with the developer to allow this.

The bigger issue in the discussion was the implication of all this to the new proposed project for the Ace. In the Badger Coach case, because of low assessments and valuation of commercial buildings in the downtown, after investing $200M in a building, only half of that was delivered in value that would be measured for tax increment purposes---or in otherwords, in terms that the taxpayer would benefit from.

Because the "equalized" valuation made the numbers even starker than anticipated, even the Observer was stunned to see how difficult tax increment benefit would be to achieve in the downtown. Listeners can hear Mr. Hagen wonder what the point is of having invoices sent to the Redevelopment Authority if they bear so little relationship to the final valuation.

Mr. Otterstein stated that it is legal for a developer to agree to pay an "offset" to guarantee a stream of income to a city even if the assessment is below what would be necessary to make the numbers add up on an increment basis for the taxpayer. However, if the new Ace restoration did have an assessment of 1.4 million, it would appreciate only at 2% per year and it would be a long time till it reached the 1.9 that had been the cost.

In cases of central business decay, it is also the case that an objective of restoration is to avoid an even worse scenario----even lower commercial valuation of even worse decay.

Mr. Decker commented that the Badger Coach example was so clear that with a similar situation but larger numbers coming with the Ace restoration, developers were certainly on notice of the difference of "equalization" definitions and could not plead ignorance for future agreements where the issues were the same.

This is a developing story. The numbers were so stark on the Badger Coach case that the issues that the discussion raised will be part of the continuing story covered by The Observer. This is the dollars and cents discussion The Observer had called for and I am pleased to see it begin. Stay tuned.

Redevelopment Authority: Part 4: Decker Cautions Developer on notice of equalized valuation issue

Energy Corner: Turning Cow Manure into Gasoline

O.K. here is the story we have been waiting for.

If we hear within 48 hours that there has turned up a shortage of cow manure, we know that maybe all energy prices are just manipulated. However, the idea of the marketing tag lines is interesting....maybe " turning manure into a better life for all.".....O.K. you can think of some.

You make the call.

Evansville Planning Commission---Agenda--March 6, 2006

Evansville Plan Commission

Regular Meeting

Monday, March 6, 2006, 6:00 p.m.

City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI

AGENDA
Call to order
Roll call
Approval of agenda
Approval of minutes
Motion to waive the reading of the February 6, 2006 minutes and approve them as printed
Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed
Unfinished business
Discussion regarding amendments to the City’s floodplain regulations so as to be consistent with state and federal requirements
Discussion regarding the repeal of a state requirement that county shoreland zoning applies to lands annexed in a city or village
New business
Preliminary land division application for a two-lot division off of Brown School Road – John Morning (Application #2006-4)
Initial presentation by applicant
Staff report
Initial discussion by Plan Commission
Public hearing
Final discussion by Plan Commission
Closing comments by applicant
Motion to recommend to the Common Council the approval of the division of the subject property into the lots as shown on the preliminary CSM, based on a finding that the land division is environmentally sound and there are adequate public facilities available to meet the needs of the land division, provided the conditions listed in the staff report (and other conditions as may be imposed by the Commission) are met prior to recording the final CSM with Rock County
Conditional use application for a group development off of Brown School Road – John Morning (Application #2006-5)
Initial presentation by applicant
Staff report, if any
Initial discussion by Plan Commission
Public hearing
Final discussion by Plan Commission
Closing comments by applicant
Motion and roll call vote to act on the application (not defer to a later date)
Motion to approve the application based on the findings as contained in the staff report and the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed use outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any
Site plan application for a strip mall development off of Brown School Road – John Morning (Application #2006-6)
Initial presentation by applicant
Staff report
Plan Commission discussion
Motion to approve the application with conditions as contained in the staff report (and other conditions as may be imposed by the Commission)
Preliminary land division application for a two-lot division off of Water Street – Tom Gibbs (Application #2006-7)
Initial presentation by applicant
Staff report
Initial discussion by Plan Commission
Public hearing
Final discussion by Plan Commission
Closing comments by applicant
Motion to recommend to the Common Council the approval of the division of the subject property into the lots as shown on the preliminary CSM, based on a finding that the land division is environmentally sound and there are adequate public facilities available to meet the needs of the land division, provided the conditions listed in the staff report (and other conditions as may be imposed by the Commission) are met prior to recording the final CSM with Rock County.
Motion to table the application until additional information is provided to show the land division is environmentally sound
Conditional use application for a group development on Lot 1 of Westfield Meadows Subdivision – Gordon Ladwig (Application #2006-8)
Withdrawn by applicant on March 3, 2006 at 3:00 pm

Site plan for a group development on Lot 1 of Westfield Meadows Subdivision – Gordon Ladwig (Application #2006-9)
Withdrawn by applicant on March 3, 2006 at 3:00 pm

Zoning code map amendment for 351 Union Street – Roger Berg (Application #2006-10)
Initial presentation by applicant
Staff report
Initial discussion by Plan Commission
Public hearing
Final discussion by Plan Commission
Closing comments by applicant
Motion to recommend to Council the adoption of Ordinance #2006-4 as drafted based on the findings contained in the staff report and on the conclusion that the public benefits of the proposed zoning classification outweigh any and all potential adverse impacts, if any.
This agenda item was related to the development project on Lot 1 of Westfield Meadows subdivision and has been removed from the agenda
Subdivision code text amendment to revise the requirements for setting the fee in lieu of parkland dedication
Initial presentation by staff
Initial discussion by Plan Commission
Public hearing
Final discussion by Plan Commission
Motion to recommend to Council the approval of Ordinance #2006-5 as drafted
Discussion regarding a resolution of the Evansville Common Council setting a new fee in lieu of park dedication for April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007
Motion to recommend to Council the adoption of Council Resolution #2006-2, as drafted

Discussion regarding 2005 Wisconsin Act 112 that revises state statutes relating to local ordinances governing the reconstruction of a damaged structure
Discussion regarding landscaping requirements
Worksheet for landscaping points
Flexibility and appropriateness of some current standards (e.g., bufferyards between business and industrial zones)
Preliminary development presentations – none
Report of the Evansville Redevelopment Authority – none
Report of the Evansville Historic Preservation Commission – none
Report of the Evansville Large-Scale Commercial Development Study Committee – none
City planner’s report
Update on Common Council actions relating to Plan Commission recommendations
Update on proposal to adopt architectural design standards
Update on fiscal impact analysis
Update on traditional neighborhood development (TND) standards
Enforcement – Tom Nonn, dba Badger Cycle
Motion to adjourn
Mayor Janis Ringhand, Plan Commission Chair

Please turn off all cell phones while the meeting is in session. Thank you!

Re: TV coverage

--- Fred Juergens <FredJuergens@charter.net> wrote:

> CUUE and Evansville are getting local TV coverage!
> I was interviewed
> on camera about 2:30 this pm by a reporter from
> Channel 27-Madison
> (ABC) for a spot about the referenda in Evansville
> relative to troop
> withdrawal. I understand that Ron Gay was
> interviewed as well, and
> that a camera crew also took pics around E'ville's
> city hall.
>
> Look for the spot, if you get this in time, this
> evening, March 3rd on
> the 6 PM local news. It may come just after the
> weather segment, says
> the reporter, but that could change.
>
> I also got a hint that Channel 27 may cover our
> educational forum on
> March 29 at the Evansville Public Library. Stay
> tuned.....
>
>
> Fred Juergens, President
> Citizens United of Union/Evansville
>

Observer tours with WYSO Concert Orchestra; Salutes 40th Anniversary of WYSO

On Wednesday, The Observer was pleased to be a chaperone for the WYSO tour that took the orchestra on tour of three intermediate schools----Mt. Horeb, Mazo and Cross Plains, to play a concert for each three schools.

WYSO is a non-taxpayer funded organization organized by Prof. Rabin 40 years ago and dedicated to musical excellence. It features four orchestras that are auditioned for, and over the past 40 years over 3000 students from 4th to 12th grade have participated in these orchestras. Most of the instruments involved are larger than the kids as I observed. Anyway, I was pleased to be on the "Brass Bus", bus #3. I was part of the detail that moved some of the percussion stuff at each gig, and after a full day of it, I am not sure I am ready for the world tour. Anyway----

My daughter, Molly, is in the entry level orchestra. Being a WYSO students involves the committment of practicing 33 Saturday mornings a year for three hours in Madison. Kids come from all over Southern Wisconsin for this effort. Tuition is about $400 to $500 per year depending on orchestra, and the tuition only covers about a third of the cost.

Evansville has a proud tradition of WYSO members. Students from EHS who were seniors helped Molly with tips on what she needed to improve on prior to audition, and encouraged her to make the effort. Her teacher, Mr.Z, has been supportive in making it possible to make the committment to the additional orchestra.

There is really a whole new world in the "brass bus." Horn players are a breed all apart and I learned that they do need a lot of confidence so when the maestro beckons for their section they can do their thing with confidence.

I urge any parents that have a youngster interested in music to explore WYSO and ask their teacher at school for more information or click on the post for info from the web. Enjoy.

Redevelopment Authority--Badger Coach- part 3

Redevelopment Authority--Badger Coach Part 2

Redevelopment Authority--Tuesday--Badger Coach pt 1

Rep. Brett Davis introduces bill re Virtual Schools;

Click on post for the latest on virtual schools and who is properly licensed to teach in them. Brett Davis has introduced the legislation.

Economic Development minutes-2-28-2006

CITY OF EVANSVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Minutes

Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Second Floor, Evansville City Hall

5:30 p.m.

1. Roll call. Present: Gene Bass, Roger Berg, John Decker, James Otterstein. Absent: Chairperson Aikman, Ald. Anderson, Dean Arnold. Also present: Greg Sanders and Wendy Soucie of Sortis, LLC and (for the latter portion of the meeting) City Administrator Bill Connors. The committee asked John Decker to facillitate the meeting.

2. Approval of agenda. The committee reviewed the revised agenda, dated February 24, 2006. Without objection, the revised agenda was approved.

3. Approval of minutes. Motion by Bass, second by Berg, to approve the minutes of the January 24, 2006 minutes, as distributed. Approved by voice vote.

4. Citizen appearances, other than on items listed below. None.

5. Presentation by Sortis. Greg Sanders and Wendy Soucie furnished a presentation on Sortis's proposal to establish a "branding" program for Evansville, and to seek grant funding to defray a portion of the cost of the program. The committee asked Sortis to focus initial attention in the presentation on grant funding possibilities, due to the press of approaching deadlines for certain grant applications. Ms. Soucie reviewed the various potential grants identified by Sortis.

In discussion, the committee noted that its annual budget is $5,000, and that any required local "match" funding beyond the committee's budget would require a supplemental appropriation from the Common Council. Mr. Connors observed that there is little leeway in the City's current budget for additional project funding.

Mr. Otterstein suggested the time may be appropriate for the Evansville community to commission a trade market study to evaluate (among other things) spending patterns in town and out-of-town, and to enable one to guage the potential for increasing local trade and commerce, and in which particulars. He observed that the Community Development Department of the University of Wisconsin Extension had considerable experience in conducting such studies, and would be available to conduct a study for Evansville. The extent and depth of the study could be varied, along with attendant cost. Mr. Sanders observed that R.A. Smith also had experience in such activities, and could provide an alternative project proposal and cost estimate.

The committee and Ms. Soucie focused attention on which of the grant sources identified by Sortis would be most amenable to furnishing funds in connection with a trade market study.

Following extended discussion, the committee reached consensus on the following course of action:

a) Mr. Otterstein will contact the University of Wisconsin Extension to obtain materials and cost quotations for a trade market study, and furnish those to the Chairperson Aikman and to Mr. Decker as soon as possible.

b) Sortis will contact R.A. Smith for similar materials and cost quotations, and likewise furnish them as soon as possible.

c) Sortis will obtain grant application materials for the Business Opportunity Grant Program sponsored by Wisconsin Rural Development, and for the Community Based Economic Development Program sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce, and will evaluate the nature of the information which will have to be gathered locally to complete the grant applications.

d) Sortis will also contact the Department of Workforce Development for the most recent measure of community household median income, and check to see that Evansville still falls within the eligibility standards for a Wisconsin Rural Development grant.

e) Prompt attention will need to be given to application work, as the deadline for the Wisconsin Rural Development grant application is around May 27, 2006 (Sortis to confirm due date).

f) Mr. Decker will consult with Chamber of Commerce president Barbara Patterson to discuss the trade market study proposal and learn of the interest of the Chamber of Commerce in participation and promotion.

g) The committee will plan to take action at its regular March 21, 2006 meeting, with the expectation it may be necessary to recommend to the Common Council the adoption of an authorizing resolution at the Council's regular April 11, 2006 meeting.

6. Question and answer for Ms. Soucie. Covered under item 5, above.

7. Discussion of potential new commercila and industrial development. Mr. Connors advised that D&D Development has presented an annexation petition to the City for approximately 96.83 acres of land in the southeast quadrant of US Hwy 14 and CTH "M." Maps showing potential street and lot locations, and potential commercial and light industrial zoning districts were distributed. Following discussion, Berg moved, second by Bass, for the Economic Development Committee's expression of support for the annexation petition. Approved unanimously on voice vote.

8. Adjournment. Motion by Berg to adjourn, second by Bass. Approved by voice vote at 7:29 p.m..


Respectfully submitted,


John Decker, Member


Note: Committee minutes are not official until approved at a subsequent meeting.