I can hear “Let it Go” running through my head already …
We have a new date for the Guardian Credit Union Movie in the Market showing of “Frozen.”
It’s Thursday, Sept. 25, following the South Milwaukee Downtown Market, around 7 p.m. This means it will done by in plenty of time to get the kids (including mine) to bed for school the next day.
The movie was cancelled last month due to the threat of inclement weather.
Mark your calendars … and get ready to show off those Anna and Elsa dresses.
Some local sports news …
Filed under South Milwaukee
Additional news and notes from Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting …
The council also approved a shift in how we handle the “fire hydrant rental fee.”
Fire hydrants cost money to maintain, and we have traditionally put that cost on the tax levy. In an era of strict levy limits, that has been a burden on our city budget, as these costs increase. (For example, between 2009 and 2011, the actual expense for hydrant rental went up by more than $160,000, so our budgets had to reflect this increase – and the increase over the levy limit had to be absorbed in other parts of the budget.)
Going forward, these fees will shift from the levy and be added as a fee on your water bill.
What does this mean for you? The average homeowners will now see a fee which is estimated to be $26.12 each trimester ($78.36 annually) on their water bill, with the rate set on the size of their water meters. The fee is actually smaller than what homeowners are currently paying through the levy. That can happen because nonprofits — exempt from property taxes — will now begin paying this fee, thus “spreading out” this cost across more entities, similar to how we handle other water and wastewater fees.
While I recognize the added burden this will place on nonprofits, I support this shift from levy to fee as a more sustainable approach for our budget. Shifting this expense to the water/wastewater bill does mean the 2015 levy will have to decrease by the same amount (more than $600,000). But by moving the hydrant rental fee now, the levy reduction will be based on the current year’s hydrant expense … avoiding the impact of future water rate increases.
The Public Service Commission will determine the exact rate to be charged for each meter size in the coming months. And I’ll keep you posted.
Filed under City Council, South Milwaukee
A big congratulations to Sts. Peter and Paul Polish National Catholic Church, which is celebrating 100 years in 2014.
We honored the church with a proclamation at Tuesday’s South Milwaukee City Council meeting.
And the church has scheduled a couple of events in September to celebrate …
Learn more here, and join me in wishing happy anniversary to this community institution and its members.
Filed under Community, South Milwaukee
More than 20 health-related vendors are expected at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market’s annual Health Fair, set for this Thursday, Sept. 4. Hours are 3 to 7 p.m.
The event is presented by South Shore Family Chiropractic.
Learn more on the market Facebook page and in this flyer.
Filed under Community, South Milwaukee, South Milwaukee Farmers' Market
As mayor, I want to work closely to build on our already strong partnership with the South Milwaukee School District.
That’s why I’m glad to report that the South Milwaukee School Board and City Council are holding a joint meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the district office.
The meeting actually begins with the district’s annual budget meeting, where they set their tax levy. (I’m looking forward to seeing what one of these meetings looks like.) Then we’ll meet together to talk about our budgets, construction and development updates and potential areas of collaboration.
Here is the formal agenda. I hope you can attend.
It only makes sense for our two governmental bodies to work together where we can. We are already doing that, and this is another example of that commitment.
(And a special thanks to Superintendent Rita Olson and School Board President Patricia Bordak for their work in organizing this. They brought forward the idea, and I’m happy we can make it happen.)
Filed under City Council, Schools, South Milwaukee
I’ll be taking a break from blogging this Labor Day weekend.
I hope you can enjoy the long weekend with your family and friends … and, while you do, don’t forget the reason for the holiday. According to the U.S. Department of Labor website, this day is “dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”
On this weekend, I give a special shout out to our city employees. We deliver first-class services in this city, and that’s a credit to their hard work and dedication. I am thankful for that.
To celebrate them and all workers, I might suggest a few South Shore events, check out Oak Creek Lionsfest or St. Francis Days. And, of course, the South Milwaukee football team travels to Westosha Central in Paddock Lake tonight. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!
Filed under Uncategorized
The city is making real progress as we begin to implement our urban forestry program.
Our Engineering and Street Departments — among others — are working hard to take on this new city service, and I’m proud of what’s they’ve done. As I’ve written before, I think this is the right thing to do, and I wholly support our work in this area. In fact, I want to see us expand it, creating a true urban forestry program that includes added manpower and a clear replanting plan.
But first things first: tree removal and pruning. Here is an update on how those are going …
Our city engineer has also put together a good Q&A document about our urban forestry efforts. Check it out here.
And I’ll continue to keep you posted on the progress we’re making.
Filed under City Services, Community, Urban Forestry
South Milwaukee alderpersons would see a $50 monthly pay raise spread over the next three years under an ordinance change under consideration.
Common council members are currently paid a base salary of $525 per month, with the council president making $575. They also receive $100 per month for expenses.
Under the ordinance passed 7-1 (with one alderperson abstaining) at the Aug. 19 meeting …
So it’s a $50 increase spread over three years.
This is the first increase in council pay since 2009. Before that, the last increase was in 2001.
And while I would have likely voted against it as an alderman — I’m not convinced this is the right time for a pay raise — it’s a reasonable compromise from what was first proposed at our July meeting.
The aldermanic raise still needs final passage before it becomes law. It got its first reading and passage at the Aug. 12 council meeting. It will be discussed again at Tuesday’s council meeting before potentially getting its second and third readings.
(By the way, mayoral pay is $925 per month, and the expense allowance is $125.)
Filed under City Council, South Milwaukee
Check out these South Shore headlines …
And NOW has published a new police blotter.
Filed under Community, Headlines, South Milwaukee
From the South Milwaukee Police Department:
Protect yourself before it’s too late.
We as individuals can take a number of steps to keep our homes and businesses secure to reduce the chances of becoming the victim of a crime. We can do this sometimes with little effort and little cost.
For a crime to happen and for you to be a victim, 3 elements need to be present. Those are the Desire, Opportunity, and Ability to commit a crime. We as individuals can only control one of the three and that is the Opportunity. A good Physical Security plan for your home or business is the best way to reduce or eliminate a criminal’s opportunity to make you the victim of a crime. The question is, do you want to do something to avoid being a victim now…or wait until after you have been a victim?
As a service to our homeowners and business owners, the South Milwaukee Police Department offers FREE Physical Security Evaluations of your property. This will include an in-depth evaluation, some additional helpful tips, and a report you get a copy of.
For information, or to set up your evaluation, please call the South Milwaukee Police at 414-768-8060 and ask for Officer Brian Fleming 8am-4pm or Mike Hill 4pm-12am.
Filed under Police, South Milwaukee
As the proud parent of two South Milwaukee School District students, I’m not surprised to hear this news …
The district has become the first in southeastern Wisconsin to earn school system accreditation from the AdvancED Accreditation Committee. From the press release …
This distinction by the most rigorous accreditation organization in the United States means that the School District of South Milwaukee and all of its schools meet international standards of quality and demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
The accreditation process involves three ongoing components: 1) meeting high quality standards; 2) implementing a continuous process of improvement; and 3) engaging in quality assurance through internal and external review. The system’s accreditation is for a five-year term with regular monitoring of progress and reporting occurring during the term.
Congratulations to the district and the administrators, teachers, staff and students who worked (and work) every day to help make this happen.
We have lots to be proud of in South Milwaukee, nothing more so than our schools.
Filed under Schools, South Milwaukee
Update: South Milwaukee 55, Milwaukee Marshall 24. That’s your final score.
New coach, same high expectations.
There may be big things in store for the South Milwaukee football team this season, with Derek Hoff taking over the reins after the Rockets finished 8-3 with a Woodland Conference East championship in 2013.
The season gets underway tonight with Milwaukee Marshall visiting Spaltholz Field. Kickoff is 7 p.m.
In other words, this should be a fun year. Learn more on the team website.
Go Rockets! See you tonight!
Filed under Schools, South Milwaukee, Sports, Uncategorized
I hope to see you at my next Meet the Mayor session this Saturday, August 23, at Moxie Fitness.
I’ll be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with no topic off limits.
Thanks to Tori and everyone at Moxie, 1234 Milwaukee Ave., for welcoming me.
And mark your calendar for my September event. Join me and a couple special guests — South Milwaukee School Superintendent Rita Olson and School Board President Pat Bordak — from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the South Milwaukee Downtown Market.
Filed under Brooks for Mayor, Local Business, South Milwaukee
That’s how much South Milwaukee Police Capt. Kallay, Lt. Fischer and Officer Hesse raised as part of the Dunkin’ Donuts cop on a rooftop activity last week.
The dollars go to the law enforcement Torch Run, which raises money for Special Olympics.
It was the department’s first year doing this — and it was the fifth-most funds raised among 14 participating departments in the area.
Congratulations, and thanks to everyone who donated. South Milwaukee steps up once again.
Filed under South Milwaukee
South Milwaukee Blog 