Author Archives: Erik Brooks

I love the holiday season in South Milwaukee, and it’s never too early to make your plans. In fact, you could say it already started with the Knights of Columbus craft show last weekend … and this Saturday’s Holiday Bazaar at the Grobschmidt Senior Center. More details on the Bazaar here.

Check out the full list of activities below (and in this PDF version).

New this year: Gallery Night on Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. Sounds really cool.

Mark your calendars, and merry Christmas, South Milwaukee!

Christmas lights are going up in coming days, and the first-ever Light Up South Milwaukee holiday lights contest is officially open!

Learn more on the city’s website — smwi.org/lightup. From it …

This year, Santa’s Elves will be looking to honor the South Milwaukee homes and businesses with the best outdoor holiday lights displays.  Winners will receive small cash prizes, a yard sign, and recognition on the city website and Facebook pages – and be the envy of your block, and city.

Beautification Committee members will judge entries for first and second place in the following categories:

• Griswold – You light up the whole neighborhood.
• Classical – Traditional decorations from holidays past.
• Themed – You have a running theme happening with your lighted display.

You can enter more than one address.  The more, the merrier!

All entries must be submitted by December 15th.  Judging will occur starting December 16th.

Winners will be notified by the contact information provided by the Facebook submission or the contact information provided on the entry form.

Let’s deck South Milwaukee streets with holiday cheer!

There are three ways to enter…

• Via an online form
• Post your entries our City’s Facebook page, using #LightUpSouthMilwaukee
• Email entries to lights@smwi.org

Enter a property or three or five (maybe your own) and spread the word!

Check out these South Milwaukee headlines …

• FBI Offers $5K Reward to Find ALDI Grocery Store Suspect (Fox 6)
• Hank Aaron State Trail Bridge to be Named After South Milwaukee’s Rick Grobschmidt (NOW)
• Wife Accidentally Shoots Husband in Stomach (NOW)
• South Milwaukee Referendum Passes, Adding 2 New Police Officers and Maintaining Paramedics (NOW)
• Four South Shore Communities Boast of Milestones, Plan for More Growth (NOW)
• Empty Storefronts Conference Scores Again (Urban Milwaukee)
• Ex Fabula Takes the Big Stage (Shepherd Express)

From the South Milwaukee Fire Department …

At approximately 4:20 this afternoon, SMFD responded to a 9-1-1 report of a house fire in the 2600 blk. of South Chicago Avenue. Upon arrival, SMFD units encountered a fire on the 2nd floor of the structure and an adult male in the back yard that was removed from the structure by bystanders prior to SMFD arrival. The occupant was transported to the hospital for possible smoke inhalation. Primary searches of the entire building revealed no further occupants. The fire was quickly knocked down and extensive overhaul was necessary to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. Assistance was received from our mutual aid partners. No injuries were reported to firefighting personnel and the cause is still being investigated. The 2nd floor and attic of the building suffered extensive damage leaving the building uninhabitable.

Voters spoke loudly and clearly tonight that they want to invest in our critical public safety services — and in the people who deliver them.

Indeed, today’s results are a victory for those who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Thank you to them — and to all of our employees for their work in delivering our first-class services every day.

You can see the full public safety referendum results here. Some highlights …

• It passed 2,112 votes to 1,084, 66 to 34 percent, with more than 2-to-1 support in the Third and Fourth Districts.
• At more than 28 percent, turnout was high — higher than the spring mayoral election and well beyond expectations.
• Strongest turnout was in the Third District, at more than 32 percent.

Thanks to everyone who voted today.

This result does not solve all of our budget problems — and does not address some of the issues, many of them out of our control, that got us here. But it helps.

We won’t have to keep doing what we’ve been doing when it comes to funding our paramedics — pulling money from our reserves to cover shortfalls. And we won’t have to keep doing what we’ve been doing when it comes to our police — operating with a too-lean department when we are being asked to do more and more.

Thank you.

Please vote in today’s public safety referendum, and weigh in on the future funding of our paramedic program and the potential addition of two police officers.

There is one question on the ballot …

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the City of South Milwaukee for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2018, is limited to .09%, which results in a levy of $10,774,142. Shall the City of South Milwaukee be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2018, by a total of 5.73%, which results in a levy of $11,381,095? 

Here is the ballot, and here are additional voting details …

• Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• First District voters vote at Divine Mercy School, 695 College Ave.
• Second District voters vote at Lakeview School, 711 Marion Ave.
• Third District voters vote at City Hall, 2424 15th Ave.
• Fourth District voters vote at Rawson Elementary, 1410 Rawson Ave.
• Not sure what district you live in? Here is a map.

Voter ID is required, and registrations are allowed at the polls.

From the city’s elections web page … 

Voters can register at the City Clerk’s office prior to the election date or at the polling place on Election Day. Voters should bring their Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID card when registering. If the information on your license does not list your current address, additional documentation with the current address will be needed to establish residency. A voter must have lived at their residence for at least 10 consecutive days prior to registering. 

More details on the referendum itself here — including fact sheets, data and a list of frequently asked questions. See you at the polls!

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From the South Milwaukee Street Department …

The annual fall leaf collection is underway. This process is weather dependent. This year we have yet to have a hard freeze which is needed for some species of trees to shed their leaves. Many trees are still full of leaves which is late for this time of the year. Due to this delay, the South Milwaukee Street Department will extend the final date to put out leaves from November 15 to November 26, Thanksgiving weekend. After this date, a final pass will be made throughout the city to collect the remaining leaf piles. Please do not add any leaf piles to the gutter after November 26, 2017, as they may not be picked up.  Leaves may also be taken to the Self Deposit Station. The $2.00 user fee will be waived if you are only disposing of leaves. 

Should a winter storm arrive before our final pass, the leaf collection equipment will be removed from the vehicles to install snow plows and leaf collection will end. Remaining leaves can be taken to the Self Deposit station and the $2.00 user fee will be waived if you are only disposing of leaves.  Your patience is appreciated. 

With the vote on the public safety referendum happening Tuesday, I wanted to thank the many, many people who have taken the time to learn more about the issues around our paramedic funding and police manpower.

As you consider your vote, I wanted to one last time call attention to the informational materials on the city website here … and specifically answer a few questions that I’ve heard a lot and seen around social media.

From the Frequently Asked Questions document …

If the referendum passes, will this lift the cap on the tax levy allowing the city to raise taxes annually without the input of the taxpayers?

No, any future increases are restricted by state-imposed levy limits. The City would need another referendum to make any increases beyond what is allowed by the state. There are no plans for another referendum at this time.

Has​ ​the​ ​City​ ​taken​ ​any​ ​action​ ​to​ ​reduce​ ​costs?

In the face of decreased state aids, levy limits and declining county funding for the paramedic program, the City has made a number of budget cuts since 2003 including the following staff reductions:

• 3 Firefighters;
• 1 Fire Inspector;
• 1 Police Officer;
• 1 Engineering Aide;
• 1 Clerk;
• 1 Public Health Nurse; and
• 2 DPW Workers.

Additionally the City has implemented a variety of other cost saving strategies with immediate and long-term impact. These actions include:

• Significant changes to the employee health plan, including increased employee
  contributions as well as higher deductibles and co-pays;
• Requiring that employees contribute more to their pensions;
• Freezing wages for some employees in certain years, including in 2017;
• Eliminating retiree health insurance for new civil service employees; and
• Taking advantage of technology to increase efficiencies – automated garbage collection,
• LED lighting to reduce lighting costs, investment in fiber optics and a new payroll system.

Why​ ​not​ ​explore​ ​service​ ​consolidation​ ​with​ ​surrounding​ ​communities?

The City has explored in the past – and will continue to pursue in the future – opportunities to partner with surrounding municipalities to find cost savings. Examples for potential streamlining and partnerships include fire and dispatch services, IT services and public health services.

At the request of municipal leaders in Cudahy, South Milwaukee and St. Francis, the Public Policy Forum released a study in September 2013 exploring the possibilities for sharing or consolidation of fire services. The report found there is already considerable service sharing and cooperation among the three departments. It also concluded that while there would be potential operational savings and long-term vehicle replacement savings, they must be weighed against the service-level issues that could arise with lower staffing models.

South Milwaukee has also recently entered into an agreement with Cudahy and St. Francis to formally explore joint purchasing and sharing of fire department equipment and supplies. While partnerships like this and consolidation are worthwhile for South Milwaukee to consider – and city officials plan to explore additional partnerships going forward – initial assessments have suggested that cost savings would be limited. In addition, the process to pursue consolidation would take several years and would not be a viable option to address the budget shortfall the City will face starting in 2018.

Can​ ​the​ ​City​ ​create​ ​a​ ​dedicated​ ​fund​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​that​ ​the​ ​additional​ ​tax​ ​dollars​ ​will​ ​only​ ​be​ ​used​ ​for public​ ​safety?

The City currently has a segregated fund for paramedic services because revenue comes from a number of sources including existing property taxes, funding from Milwaukee County and fees collected for transports. The City is exploring the option to create a segregated fund for police services.

How​ ​will​ ​the​ ​new​ ​officers​ ​be​ ​used?

While a new police chief will make the final determination on how best to use the additional officers, following the retirement of Chief Wellens in January 2018, the current staffing plan calls for:

• 1 full-time Crime Prevention Officer focused on strengthening relationships with
  neighborhood groups and businesses to enhance existing prevention programs; and
• 1 full-time officer assigned to a “power-shift” assisting with additional call volume and increased need for police services throughout the City.

Check out these South Milwaukee headlines, starting with information on the crash pictured above on Saturday near College and North Chicago Avenues …

• Pedestrian Struck in South Milwaukee Crash (WISN)
• South Milwaukee Says Student’s GPS Issue Resolved; Parent Says ‘It’s Not’ (NOW)
• Suspected Milwaukee Kidnapper Faces 14 Charges (Journal & Courier)
• Family Hopes to Replace Van Stolen From Mother Whose Child Was Abducted (Fox 6)

Also, NOW has published a new police blotter.

Congratulations to Coach Marty Johnson and the South Milwaukee eighth grade girls’ basketball team, which just completed their second straight undefeated season en route to a SEC title. 26-0 as seventh and eighth graders. Not bad.

Go Rockets!

Congratulations to the Grobschmidt family for this terrific, and well-deserved, honor. From Rep. Jessie Rodriguez …

On Thursday evening, my colleagues and I unanimously approved Senate Bill 99, legislation that will name the bridge on the Hank Aaron State Trail after former state representative and senator, Richard Grobschmidt.

Rick was a lifelong resident of South Milwaukee and devoted public servant. He began his career in 1966 as a civics teacher at South Milwaukee High School. In 1985, he was elected to the state Assembly serving five terms before serving three terms in the state Senate. His accomplished career culminated in his role as Assistant State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Sadly, Rick passed away last year after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

During the public hearing last month, friends and family came to Madison to testify on SB 99, sharing heartwarming stories and fond memories that showed the positive impact Rick had on so many in our community.

Rick’s work ethic and fond memory will live on with the naming of the Richard A. Grobschmidt memorial bridge; a deserving honor for a great man.

Here is my previous post on this.

Thanks to Rep. Rodriguez and Sen. Chris Larson for shepherding this through the legislature. I will keep you posted on any fundraising necessary for the project.

Update: A visitation has been set for 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10, at Salvatore’s/Papa Luigi’s II, 1919 12th Ave. in South Milwaukee. Details here. 

South Milwaukee has lost a community treasure.

Karla Harris — one of the most dedicated community servants and volunteers I have ever met — has died after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 62 years old.

I have never seen someone so focused on helping others. Karla was tireless in her work to make her community, and world, a better place. She did so …

As a director for Lions International, building on more than two decades as a South Milwaukee Lion. As president of the South Milwaukee Police and Fire Commission. As executive director of the South Milwaukee Community Center. As volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross and Women’s Center. As a member of the boards of the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center, Wisconsin Make-a-Wish, the UW-Milwaukee School of Education, AFS International, and others. She even helped produce a rap video.

The White House took notice.

And this Champion of Change did all of this in addition to her professional career. Yes, Karla was a truly amazing woman, one who leaves an indelible mark and legacy on this city, and me.

She was, and is, an inspiration, and she will be missed deeply.

Rest in peace, Karla. The Heaven Lions Club is lucky to have you.

Do you have a memory of Karla? Please share it in the comments section of this post.

I will also keep you posted as to service details. Molthen-Bell & Son Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

For now, I share this from the web page established as Karla sought the coveted Lions International director post, which she won (of course) …

My dad was a Lion and I wanted to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I know of no other organization that can provide the impact that Lions Clubs International does. There are so many needs in our communities, in our country, in our world. As one person, I can serve and make a difference in my community. As a Lion, I join a family of people dedicated to serving.

I will never forget the moment I handed the little white cooler of corneal transplant tissue over to the surgical clerk. “Thank you,” she said, “someone will see tonight.”   Being a Lion has been the most rewarding volunteering experience I’ve ever had.  I will never forget the tears rolling down the face of the 80-year-old man in Mexico when he found that after 15 years, he could finally read again through the recycled glasses I had just placed on his face. Just like I will never forget the man who told me, “You have not just provided me a Leader Dog, you have given me back my job, my freedom, my life.” 

I will never forget why I am a Lion. I am Lion for life.

A life much too short.

Update: We’re moving the location of this event to 11th and Madison, the site of the South Milwaukee Downtown Market.

South Milwaukee Ace Hardware and Caterpillar employees are partnering to bring a bit of holiday magic to an empty lot. And they need your help.

Introducing the first-ever South Milwaukee Festival of Trees!

Here is how it will work …

• Ace is donating 40 Christmas trees that Caterpillar employees – as part of its We Are Caterpillar South Milwaukee group – will display at 11th and Madison Avenues, at the site of the South Milwaukee Downtown Market. (Note location change.)
• The trees are expected to arrive the week before Thanksgiving – as part of a larger donation Ace is making of 100 trees, with 25 each going South Milwaukee Human Concerns and Project Concern, and 10 going to the Beautification Committee for use around the city’s welcome signs.
• Starting around Nov. 18, local groups, organizations, businesses, and others will decorate the trees at the lot. All trees must be decorated by Dec. 8.
• The trees will then stand in the lot through Christmas.
• Caterpillar is also planning an event to celebrate the decorated trees for a date TBD in December. Look for more details soon.

Want to decorate a tree? Email Karin Wierman at Cat to sign up.

Tree “owners” can be anyone from local youth and school groups to adult organizations and businesses. As for guidelines on decorating, groups are encouraged to make the trees their own through theming and handmade decorations. Remember, decorations should survive the elements throughout December. The trees will not be lit

Please consider signing up, and joining this new holiday tradition … and thanks to South Milwaukee Ace and Caterpillar for stepping up to support this fun event.

Mark your calendars now for two special events honoring our veterans … the public is welcomed and encouraged to attend both.

• Friday, Nov. 10: South Milwaukee High School will host its annual Veterans Day program on Friday, November 10, 2017 in the high school fieldhouse at 1:30 p.m. Local veterans who would like to attend are asked to provide brief biographical information to the Veterans Day planning committee (please contact George A. Cleveland in the high school counseling office at gcleveland@sdsm.k12.wi.us) so they can be recognized during the program. Guests and families should arrive between 12:30 and 1 p.m. and proceed to the high school library for a brief welcoming reception before the veterans processional into the fieldhouse. The program lasts until approximately 3 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the library. Members of the community will need to check-in/register at the front office.
• Saturday, Nov. 11: The annual event led by the Veterans’ Council includes a march starting at 10:30 a.m. from American Legion Post 27 Van Eimeren-Kolonka at 920 Monroe Ave. to the Veterans Memorial on 10th Avenue South of Rawson, a brief ceremony at the memorial, and lunch back at the post.

Please consider attending one or both of these terrific events, and celebrate those who fought and fight our freedom.