South Milwaukee Blog

Wrestlers, comedians and some terrific musicians. All in less than 48 hours. It’s why I love the South Milwaukee Performing Arts Center!

Here is a look at their upcoming schedule …

• Friday, April 6: Legends Roundtable: The Life and The Legend of ‘Da Crusher Lives On. 7 p.m.
• Saturday, April 7: St. Matthew Oak Creek presents John McGivern. 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, April 8: Knightwind Spring Concert. 3 p.m.
• Friday, April 13: 4 Guyz in Dinner Jackets: Now in Technicolor. 7:30 p.m.

And mark your calendars for the SMPAC’s May 23 Season Preview Party, two exciting new shows announced this week, presented by ACG …

• Oct. 26: Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary
• Oct. 27: Bruce Cockburn

Details on all shows here.

The Milwaukee County Traveling Beer Garden is returning to Grant Park this year: June 27-July 15 at Picnic Area 5 and the Brown Pavilion. Also planned for the South Milwaukee stop are a 5K and painting and wood project event.

Details were announced today.

From the Milwaukee County Parks Facebook page …

There are two seasons in Milwaukee, winter and Beer Garden season – and we can all agree, we’ve had enough of winter.

Beergardening season begins in April with the opening of South Shore Terrace Beer Garden, and will move into top gear on May 16 with the return of the Traveling Beer Gardens.

The two, simultaneously running, tours will travel to fourteen stops in Milwaukee County parks in 2018, and this year they’ll feature a few exciting changes – including the ability to take credit cards. Other new features include:

New Roll Out the Barrel format
New format for the Roll Out the Barrel tour – this year each stop will be for three weeks, which allows for the addition of a fifth stop. The Roll Out the Barrel tour will end at Juneau Park on Labor Day weekend – during the Harley Davidson 115th Anniversary

New Food Partnership with Iron Grate BBQ
Beer garden favorites including pretzels, bratwurst and Polish sausage will be available every night, and on opening nights, special events, and weekends throughout the summer, the Iron Grate BBQ food truck will also visit the beer gardens.

New ‘Oak Leaf’ Flight
Our exclusive beer partner, Sprecher, offers an ever-changing selection of craft beer and hard sodas at each of the stops on the tour – served from the unique Sprecher fire trucks and new this year will be the option to purchase a flight of all twelve beers available on the fire truck. The ‘Oak Leaf’ Flight will be served on a unique Oak Leaf shaped sharing board.

New Beer Gardening Gifts
New gifts for beergardeners will also be available to purchase at the Traveling Beer Gardens – including limited edition metal pints, a new design for the souvenir pint glass and a new Beer Garden gift card. Gifts, food and beer can all be purchased with a credit card this year too.

Here are the 2018 dates and locations:

Roll Out the Barrel Tour Schedule

• Greenfield Park, West Allis: May 16 – June 3
• Bender Park, Oak Creek: – June 6 – 24
• Grant Park, South Milwaukee: June 27 – July 15
• Doctors Park, Fox Point: July 18 – August 5
• Juneau Park, Milwaukee: August 8 – September 3

The Traveling Beer gardens open from 5pm-10pm weekdays and 11am-10pm on weekends. Last call at 9pm. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights.

Traveling Beer Garden 5k Run Dates
The Beer Garden 5k run series is expanding to six runs in 2018. The Thursday evening runs begin at 6pm and all participants receive a race t-shirt and a pint glass full of beer or root beer. 5ks cost $30 per race or $150 for the full series.
Registration is now open at https://buff.ly/2uWiCKf 

• Greenfield Park, May 17
• Bender Park, June 7
• Froemming Park, June 21
• Grant Park, July 12 
• Lake Park, July 26
• Juneau Park, August 23

#beerandpaint with Splash Studio Event Dates
New for 2018, Splash Studio will be bringing their #beerandpaint Mini Painting & Wood Projects events to the Traveling Beer Garden for seven dates.

• Juneau Park, May 27
• Bender Park, June 10
• Froemming Park, June 24
• Grant Park, July 15
• Doctors Park, July 29
• Lake Park, Aug 5
• Juneau Park, Aug 19

Headlines from today’s local election results …

• Turnout — at more than 34 percent of registered voters — was again strong in South Milwaukee, and I thank residents for stepping up to do their constitutional duty. We always seem to exceed local and state turnout figures in this city, and I love it.
• In South Milwaukee aldermanic contests, challenger Brett Breisemeister joined incumbent Craig Maass to win seats in the First District, beating incumbent Frank Van Dusen and challenger James Leavens. Aldermanic incumbents Pat Stoner, Ray Navarro, Joe Bukowski, Lisa Pieper, Peggy Clark and David Bartoshevich also won new three-year terms.
• Incumbents Jon Shelenske and David Maass won new three-year terms on the South Milwaukee School Board.
• In the District 8 Milwaukee County Board race, Steve Shea beat James Davies in South Milwaukee and overall, and will succeed incumbent David Sartori.
• In the statewide Supreme Court race, Rebecca Dallet defeated Michael Screnock in South Milwaukee and overall.

Check out full results here.

I want to congratulate all of the incumbent alderpersons who won tonight. Thank you for your service, and I look forward to continuing to work together with you to bring South Milwaukee’s promising, positive future to life every day.

I also thank Alderman Van Dusen for his service on the council, and for his service to this city. That will not be forgotten, and I wish him nothing but the best. And I welcome Brett, a member of our Plan Commission who I have gotten to know well. He will be a strong leader for his district and a champion of South Milwaukee’s positive future.

I also congratulate Steve Shea in his victory. Indeed, I supported his opponent in the race, but that doesn’t change the fact that Steve ran a strong campaign, worked hard and earned his victory. I look forward to working with him as mayor to move South Milwaukee and the entire South Shore forward. There is lots to do, together, in reinvigorating our parks, transit and other vital county services.

Today is Election Day! Please do your constitutional duty and vote.

There are contested races for South Milwaukee School Board, Milwaukee County supervisor, and Wisconsin Supreme Court; they will appear on all ballots.

• Here is a sample ballot for District 1, where there are four aldermanic candidates running for two spots on the April 3 ballot, in addition to the other races.
• There is also a contested aldermanic race in District 2.
• Here are sample ballots for District 3 and District 4.

And 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.
• Please remember to bring photo ID.
• For information on voter registration, polling locations, and to request an absentee ballot for future elections, visit MyVote.

Check out more details on the city’s elections web page … and look for more information on local results from South Milwaukee Blog later tonight or Wednesday morning.

And while you’re out, please thank a pollworker. These dedicated citizens bring democracy to life through their too-often thankless work.

See you at the polls!

Our biennial capital plan is much more than numbers on a page. It’s a chance to show real commitment to investing in our infrastructure, efficiency and priorities for future growth.

The plan approved by the South Milwaukee City Council in February — and the borrowing associated with it approved in March — is no different.

The council voted unanimously to borrow more than $7.3 million for a variety of projects. Among the items in the capital plan for 2018-19 being funded with the 10-year borrowing:

• More than $2 million in road repairs and replacements, including on Milwaukee Avenue at Nicholson, Marshall, Edgewood, Memorial, Juniper, Linden and Willow.
• More than $1.6 million for the stormwater utility, often to support main replacements with the aforementioned street projects;
• $1.2 million in Milwaukee Avenue streetscaping;
• $400,000 for new vacuum and dump trucks;
• $300,000 for hazardous tree removal, and another $50,000 for tree planting;
• $350,000 in sidewalk and alley repair and replacement, as we continue this annual investment;
• $300,000 for land acquisition, as the city continues to seek opportunities to strategically acquire properties for potential redevelopment;
• $250,000 to advance the Shoreline Park being developed along 5th Avenue at the former Northwest Barrel site;
• $200,000 in economic development costs, as we continue our work on redeveloping significant opportunity sites across the city;
• $100,000 to support improvements to Little League Park, including a new parking lot;
• $75,000 to bring our new city brand to life (more on that rollout soon); and
• $40,000 for a salt brine maker and tanks, as we explore moving to pre-treating our roads ahead of snow and ice storms next winter and beyond.

Check out the full plan here.

The borrowing portion of this is significant. We are able to bond for this money at just shy of 3 percent, a terrific interest rate that reflects our strong Aa2 bond rating – one recently reaffirmed by Moody’s.

This bond rating is the result of a continuing legacy of strong, and conservative, financial management practices we all should be proud of. In other words, we are good stewards of taxpayer money. Because of it, we are able to invest in the future of our city.

4/18 Update: The suspect driver from our incident on 3/31/18 has been identified and arrested. Thank you to the Milwaukee Police Department, the Oak Creek Police Department, the Franklin Police Department and the citizens who helped bring this case to a resolution.

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

The person in the photos is wanted by the South Milwaukee Police Department for Reckless Endangering Safety and Fleeing Police. No Weapons were involved.

This is stemming from a suspicious activity call on 3/31/18, at about 9:19am in the 100 blk of N. Chicago Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located the vehicle which was occupied and parked. Officers made contact with the driver who then fled the scene. The driver then drove northbound into Cudahy on Packard Avenue. While SMPD officers were attempting to stop the vehicle, the driver then began to drive into the southbound lanes of traffic in attempt to elude officers at which time the pursuit was then terminated.

The vehicle is a 4-dr silver Honda Civic which had a stolen plate on the back. The driver is described as a thin white male in his 20’s.

The SMPD is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of this vehicle. Please contact the SMPD at 414.768.8060 with any information on the identity of the driver. Thank you.

In many ways, redeveloping a city comes to down money, and access to it. Obviously, if a deal doesn’t make sense financially, it won’t work, both for the business/property owner or the city.

A key job of any city — especially one focused on redevelopment, like South Milwaukee — is to determine creative ways to bring dollars to the table.

Our economic development team is working hard to do just that.

From the Bucyrus Foundation grant earlier this year to the work we’re doing in studying the future of our tax incremental financing districts to our strengthened relationships with key state agencies like the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, we are getting creative in bringing potential funding solutions to the table for the developers of today and tomorrow.

Add Economic Opportunity Zones to that list.

Last week, Gov. Scott Walker announced his recommendations for areas that could be eligible for funding as part of the new tool made available through the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. From his press release …

“We are excited to embrace Economic Opportunity Zones as a new tool to build on our track record of economic growth,” Governor Walker said. “Right now, more people are employed in our state than ever before in our history, and Wisconsin is at near record lows for unemployment. These recommendations reach communities across our state – urban, rural, and tribal – that are positioned for strong and sustained growth.”

The Economic Opportunity Zones Program is a federal community development tax incentive program which creates an incentive for businesses and community members to invest in designated EOZs. These investments will help communities in designated areas develop, and the return on the investment will have reduced tax liability.

Governor Walker recommended the maximum number of Economic Opportunity Zones: 120 recommendations within 44 counties in rural, urban and tribal areas. These designations were made based on recommendations from an interagency working group comprised of WHEDA, WEDC, DOA, and DCF; public comment; and an independent analysis conducted by a nationally respected consulting firm.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury will make the final selection for EOZs in Wisconsin based on the Governor’s recommendations. These designations represent ten years of potential private investment into these communities.

I wondered, what does that last sentence really mean?

This site provided some more information, although it sounds like a lot of details are yet to be worked out. From the FAQs …

A qualified Opportunity Fund is any investment vehicle organized as a corporation or partnership with the specific purpose of investing in Opportunity Zone assets. The fund must hold at least 90 percent of its assets in qualifying property. The U.S. Treasury must certify new Opportunity Funds and is responsible for prescribing regulations regarding certification. …

The statute allows for broad participation in the creation of Opportunity Funds with the goal of drawing a wide array of investors to support the broad variety of needs in low income communities nationwide. Any entity, including regional economic development groups, can establish a fund as long as they follow the guidelines set out by the statute and Treasury (forthcoming). …

The policy enables funds to be responsive to the needs of different communities, allowing for investment in operating businesses, equipment, and real property. For example, funds can make equity investments in or purchase the stock of a company if substantially all of the company’s tangible property is and remains located in an Opportunity Zone. Funds can take interests in partnerships that meet the same criteria. Funds can also invest directly in qualifying property, such as real estate or infrastructure, if the original use of the property commences with the fund or if the fund substantially improves the property.

I’ll keep you posted as the federal government considers including South Milwaukee in this redevelopment opportunity.

I’m excited we are being considered, for the future of this city.

Check out these South Milwaukee headlines …

• Group Working to Preserve 130 Years of Bucyrus History in South Milwaukee with a Museum (NOW)
• Proposed Soccer Facility in Former Bowling Alley Intrigues Plan Commission; Public Hearing Set for April 23 (NOW)
• Ambulance Involved in Medical Emergency Crash (CBS 58)
• South Milwaukee Library Getting a $107K Update (NOW)
• Police Investigating Possible Police Impersonator (NOW)
• South Milwaukee Portion of Oak Creek Parkway to be Reconstructed with $1 Million of County Funding (NOW)

Want to help the Bucyrus museum effort? Learn more here. 

From South Milwaukee Library Director Nan Champe …

A complete flooring upgrade and new paint throughout the South Milwaukee Library will close the facility April 15-29. The Library will resume normal operating hours Monday, April 30, 2018.

The new flooring will include walk off/highly durable carpet squares at all entrances, vinyl flooring in two meeting rooms and carpet squares throughout the rest of the library. The new flooring will help create natural walkways and space definition and provide easy maintenance and repair. The current carpet was installed in 1995.Warm and welcoming colors will be added to the walls throughout the library and will also help define key areas, such as the children’s library space.

During closing:

• Due dates for South Milwaukee-owned items will be extended through the closed period. Take advantage of the extended due dates by stocking up before the closing!
• The outside book drop will be open to receive returns. It will be emptied daily and items will be checked in.
• Don’t forget to use our digital services during this time: Overdrive, Hoopla and RBdigital Magazines. If you need help getting started, let us know.

This renovation project represents a significant capital investment in the library by the City of South Milwaukee. The total cost of the renovation is $107,000.The last major library renovation project, which included the building’s expansion, was completed in 1995 at the cost of $1.3 million.

Check out these headlines out of South Milwaukee …

Lots of (mostly positive) local news these days.

• South Milwaukee Portion of Oak Creek Parkway to be Reconstructed with $1 Million in County Funding (NOW)
• Vacant Bowling Center Could be Converted Into Indoor Soccer Facility (Business Journal)
• Click it or Ticket: South Milwaukee Police Warn Drivers to Buckle Up (Fox 6)
• South Milwaukee Woman Tries to Drive Home With Only Three Wheels (NOW)
• Bar Manager Kotke Has Had “Colorful” Journey to Harvard Business Lounge (OnMilwaukee.com)

And an update on Da Crusher statue … almost there!

• Da Crusher Group Nearly at Fundraising Goal to Erect South Milwaukee Statue (TMJ4)
• South Milwaukee’s Da Crusher Statue Could go on Display by Next Spring (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

From the South Milwaukee Police Department …

Because the Common Council and the SMPD want to make our streets safer for all drivers, we recently adopted Wisconsin State Statute 305 of the Transportation Code. This will allow us, by ordinance, to enforce vehicle equipment requirements such as taillights, headlights and bumpers, as well as restrictions on window tint. Vehicle equipment requirements make all of us safer so please spread the word!

Check out the state standards here.

Thanks to Chief Jessup for driving this small, but significant change.

Great news today from Milwaukee County Supervisor David Sartori …

MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Board adopted (12-4) Supervisor David Sartori’s resolution to direct just over $1 million to reconstruct the Oak Creek Parkway today, which means the project could get underway by early this summer.

“I thank my colleagues for supporting my efforts to repair the Oak Creek Parkway, which has been rated as one of the worst roads in Milwaukee County, and is a threat to public safety. The state of the parkway is so bad that it has to be shut down every time it rains. Some have argued that the only way to fix our roads is to raise the wheel tax, but I’ve shown that with creative problem solving and by working together, we can find other solutions. When I was elected I promised my constituents that I would fight for their interests as a county supervisor, and I’m proud that I was able to deliver on that promise,” said Sartori.

Preliminary planning for the repairs were completed in 2017, but funds for completing the project were not included in the 2018 County Budget.

Supervisor Sartori proposed transferring $1,074,992 from the debt service reserve fund to pay for the roadwork, an unusual but not unprecedented maneuver.

The 40-year old section of the parkway to be rebuilt is just over half a mile long and stretches from the railroad tracks east of Rawson Park to Chicago avenue in South Milwaukee.

Due to significant deterioration such as numerous potholes, cracks, and heaving, the Department of Administrative Services recommended immediate renovation in 2014.

The work will include putting down 4 inches of asphalt pavement on 8 inches of stone base, pouring concrete curbs and gutters, drainage and storm sewers, and other potential utility replacement under new pavement.  Storm water best management practices, green infrastructure, natural areas restoration and management shall be incorporated where applicable. 

Here is the actual press release.

I want to thank Supervisor Sartori for his leadership and advocacy on this issue, getting this measure passed at his last board meeting. Thank all of the supervisors, too — especially Supervisor Jason Haas, chairman of the Parks, Energy and Environment Committee — who supported and pushed for today’s outcome.

I also thank the Parks Department and administration, for their quick work in addressing the recent emergency patching, and for all of the planning, design, engineering and advocacy work that has gone into this project already. It’s close to shovel-ready … with those shovels now being able to move dirt with funding identified.

And, finally, thank you to all of the local residents who spoke up in support of the reconstruction. Your voices were heard. You made a real difference.

Now, let’s get this road fixed … finally!

I’ll keep you posted on a reconstruction timeline.

I love the community spirit of South Milwaukee, how so many people rally around problems with positive solutions.

Our churches lead the way.

First, it was First Congregational United Church of Christ and their monthly Community Meal, which continues the third Thursday of every month at 1111 N. Chicago Ave.

Now, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is stepping up to fight hunger — and bring the community together — with a free monthly breakfast, starting April 14.

Details below and here. Well done, St. Mark’s!

South Milwaukee has some terrific small, independent retailers … including a national-award winning jeweler.

Chris Jensen from C3 Designs recently won a first-place award in the 2018 CASE Awards, a national competition presented by the Jewelers of America.

Said Chris in the Wisconsin Gazette …

“My staff at C3 Designs and I were completely overwhelmed with joy when we found out my pendant had won first place,” Jensen says. “It was like I had won the Oscars, that’s why we are having a red-carpet theme party on April 13 to celebrate.”

Jensen was one of 57 jewelers participating in the competition. All entries were evaluated by a panel of expert judges to determine a winner in each category. The winners had their pieces displayed at the New York trade show from March 11 through March 13 in New York City.

“Jewelers of America is honored to showcase the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity of jewelers, like Chris Jensen, whose designs demonstrate the remarkable jewelry available for JA-member stores nationwide,” stated JA President & CEO David J. Bonaparte in a press release.

Jensen’s won the CASE Award with a sterling silver and 14K yellow gold penchat with a hand carved raw selenite crystal accented by a pear-shaped grossular garnet, and oval green tourmaline, andalusite and green tourmalines.

More details on the April 13 event from Chris …

It is all so extremely exciting. This is one of the biggest awards in the jewelry business, kind of like the Oscars. So accordingly we are hosting a red carpet party on Friday, April 13th. It is timed to be from 5 to 8 pm. We have a red carpet to put out front and theater poles with the red velvet. We are setting up a whole new display for the front windows. We will have free snacks and beverages for all who attend, popcorn might be appropriate. And will of course be showing off the pendant design and my new trophy. 

See you there!

Open communication with our residents, business owners and others is incredibly important in city government. Knowledge is power.

That is why I’m happy to announce the South Milwaukee Police Department has launched a new Facebook page. Please like it here.

Thank you to Chief Jessup for making this a priority, and to all of the officers who will work to make sure it becomes a relevant source of information going forward, on everything from crime updates to safety tips to information on programming to telling the positive stories of the first-class people of our department, and more.

For example, early posts have been around seeking the public’s help in identifying an armed robbery suspect, seatbelt enforcement, school safety, finding a lost dog, and sharing the “alter ego” our IT records clerk.

Expect more of the same going forward.

We need the public to be partners in policing in South Milwaukee, and we are happy to do our part in enhancing our communication platforms.

Please share the page on your social networks, and join the conversation!

And if you haven’t yet liked the South Milwaukee Fire Department Facebook page, please do (almost 4,000 people already have). I consider it best in class.