We are sure seeing our share of road runs and bike races, which is great for the community, and this run helps a great cause:
RC2 Half Marathon in Ripon April 25
The fifth annual Ripon College/Ripon Community (RC2) Run/Walk will take place Saturday, April 25. All proceeds benefit the Ripon Area United Way and local Kiwanis clubs.
Participants can choose from a half-marathon, 10K and 5K races. There is also a free Kids' Race for children under 10 years old.
Each race will begin and end at Ripon College's Storzer Physical Education Center and wind through the city of Ripon. The 10K and half marathon courses also extend to the surrounding countryside.
A $15 registration fee is required for the 5K, $20 for the 10K, and $25 for the half marathon. There is also a family rate, where all members of an immediate family can register for a flat rate of $35. T-shirts are included in the registration fee. Registration forms are available online at www.ripon.edu/RC2.
Joe Hatcher, professor of psychology at Ripon College, founded the event in 2004 as part of a class he teaches on motivation. Students who are training for the race this semester are enrolled in an exercise science class taught by Jack Christ. Every year students utilize the theories of motivation taught in these courses as they train for the event. Christ has 33 students enrolled in his class this semester, but the participation of United Way and Kiwanis signals a growing community involvement as well.
"In addition to having more runners from across the area this year, we'll also be approaching local businesses for their help in supporting the United Way and Kiwanis," Hatcher added.
Organizers will approach local businesses with options to sponsor runners at rates of 25 cents to several dollars per mile.
"Given the great programs supported by the Ripon Area United Way, we wanted to give their 2009 campaign a running start," Hatcher said.
Jack Christ, professor of leadership studies and exercise science at Ripon College, Chris Schattschneider, sports medicine coordinator at the Ripon Medical Center, Amanda Knutson, a senior at Ripon College and the Ripon College Office of Community Engagement are collaborating to plan the event.
For more information or to register, visit www.ripon.edu/RC2 or contact the Office of Community Engagement at (920) 748-8153.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
ANOTHER ROAD RUN FOR RIPON
ANOTHER REFERENDUM INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Tuesday March 31 - 06:30 PM
Referendum Informational Meeting @ RHS room 167
WEAC SPENDS $573,618 ON DPI CANDIDATE
In campaign finance disclosures filed Monday, the political action committee of the Wisconsin Education Association Council reported spending more than a half-million dollars in TV and radio buys in support of superintendent of public instruction candidate Tony Evers.
Nearly $180,000 of the $549,418.15 reported by the state’s largest teachers union PAC in the latest filing already had been reported in advance of the Feb. 17 primary, in which Evers finished just ahead of opponent Rose Fernandez.
In addition, WEAC contributed $8,625 to Tony Evers for State Superintendent on Feb. 2 and last week reported spending $15,575 for other expenses related to the campaign.
(That’s $573,618 altogether, folks.)
From Bootsandsabers.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Superintendent to appear on WRPN-AM
From WRPN-AM:
We are happy to announce we will be having Ripon School Superintendent, Richard Zimman, on the show this coming Thursday (we believe at 8:15am) to discuss the upcoming referendum for the district. We also will be taking listener questions, both live and through email. If you have a question you would like us to ask, please email it before 8:00 Thursday morning to either news@wrpnam.com or studio@wrpnam.com
If you would like to ask the question directly to Dr. Zimman, you may call 748-5111 or toll free at 1-800-867-1610 that morning. Keep in mind, we are looking for direct questions that are about the referendum only and can be answered by Dr. Zimman. We will not tolerate any swearing, insults, mockery or any other form negative comments on the air. We are also not here to get into debates or arguments on the air. In other words, please be respectful and tactful when asking your question. This will be a great opportunity for anyone who has questions to get them out in the open, and give Dr. Zimman a chance to give a one-on-one answer.
We hope to hear from you!
30 state school districts seek more taxpayer funds
By Amy Hetzner - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Amid one of the worst economic periods the country has seen in years, 30 Wisconsin school districts are poised to ask taxpayers to open their wallets wider.
The majority of the 43 referendum proposals on April 7 local ballots seek to allow the districts to exceed state-imposed revenue limits to finance current programs. Others, such as the $68.85 million building program proposed for the West Bend School District, request the ability to issue debt to pay for maintenance or new facilities.
But with the state of the economy, and the failures of all nine school referendum proposals on the Feb. 17 ballot, districts likely face a hard sell this year, observers say.
“They do need more revenue, and they’re going to the taxpayers to ask for it, but this is also the wrong time to do that,” said Michael Birkley, legislative director for Wisconsin Property Taxpayers. “With people being laid off all over the place, now is not the time to ask and to invest more in education.”
To West Bend Superintendent Patricia Herdrich, however, from a financial standpoint, now is the perfect time for her district's two-question building referendum.
Falling interest rates have lowered the projected tax impact of the referendum, and construction bids are likely to be favorable for the district, she said.
“Recognize that the board’s obligation is to advance the best recommendations to the community,” Herdrich said. “The community has to make the decision, so the community will decide the context for the best schools in West Bend.”
The West Bend district had postponed its referendum proposals, which initially were slated for the November ballot, because of concerns about how last fall’s financial news would affect voters.
The district should delay them again, West Bend resident Bart Williams said.
“I’m hearing from all my friends and neighbors, ‘Hey, I can’t afford this,’” he said. “That definitely trumps any trumpeting of low construction costs or bond debt or whatever.”
In addition, Williams said, the tax burden on residents is likely to grow even without the referendum’s passage. Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget proposal, which uses federal stimulus dollars to keep education funding at current levels, means property tax increases would be needed to pay for any increases in spending next school year.
Even so, some argue that now is not the time to back off from investing in education.
Mary Kay Waldman, a parent working with a pro-referendum committee in the Maple Dale–Indian Hill School District, said she worried about how the economy might affect people’s attitudes toward her district’s two-question referendum.
But, she said, once she has a chance to explain the district’s requests to raise annual operating revenue by $800,000 for the next decade and tackle $4 million in building improvements, people have been more favorable.
“We see it as a personal value for a homeowner,” Waldman said. “To keep their property value up, they need to have a good school district.”
Referenda being decided in Northeast Wisconsin include, besides the two referenda totaling $68.85 million in West Bend, three referenda totaling $16.8 million in Oshkosh, three referenda totaling $10.315 million in Reedsville, three referenda totaling $1.575 million in Ripon, a $650,000 referendum in Kiel, a $600,000 referendum in Manawa, a $300,000 referendum in Horicon, a $250,000 referendum in Bowler, and a $75,000 referendum in Herman.
Historically, building referendums have a better success rate than referendums seeking to exceed revenue caps. And, of the revenue-cap referendums, those that are limited to a certain period do better than those without limits, said Todd Berry, president of the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance.
That’s likely to hold true this year, though Berry said he expects below-average success for each type of referendum because of the economy.
Berry sees the effect in his own Middleton–Cross Plains School District, which is seeking a permanent $550,000 increase in revenue limits on top of $68.73 million for building improvements.
District voters have proven willing to approve large increases in spending that they believe are deserved and turn down those they do not think are needed, he said.
“Some people are saying this is not a good time to be asking for $70 million,” Berry said. “So even there, in a district that tends to be pretty discerning … the economic conditions seem to be mentioned a little bit more.”
A GOOD TIME FOR ALL ON FRIDAY NIGHT...
I would like to extend a big thanks to the Ripon Education Foundation for asking me to be a part of their fundraising dinner on Friday night. The food at the America Restaurant was outstanding, as was the wine and the service. My table was a discussion of local politics and issues, as well as state and federal political issues. The topics were covered ranged from the downtown redevelopment plans to the stimulus package to the city's plans to improve and modernize its website. It was a very rewarding, free-flowing exchange of ideas and opinions, and it raised a good chunk of money for scholarships in our community. If you get a chance next year, please consider taking part.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND SOME BOLD PREDICTIONS...
A tragedy in Washington County this weekend, according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
A 42-year-old Richfield man, his 9-year-old son and a 12-year-old girl from another family were killed Sunday morning when the SUV they were riding in was hit by a truck that slid across a snow-covered road in Washington County.
The man’s 40-year-old wife, two of their children and the 12-year-old girl’s 11-year-old brother suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospitals, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.
The three men who were in the one-ton flatbed truck were not injured.
[...]
The truck’s driver and his two passengers - ages 30 and 31, both of Milwaukee - are suspected of being in the country illegally, according to the sheriff’s department. They are in custody at the Washington County Jail.
The truck’s driver does not have a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, according to the sheriff’s department. He is believed to have been in the county since approximately 1996, according to the sheriff’s department.
The truck is owned by Terra Tec Landscapes Inc., which is based in Washington County, said Susie Falk, a company spokeswoman. The three people who were in the truck are employees of the company, Falk said.
* Terra Tec should be fined, and will likely face a long day in court when the families of the victims sue them into bankruptcy
* Not one Wisconsin politician will stand up and say this lunacy involving illegal immigration must stop
* Jim Doyle will stand up there with his stupid grin and continue to promote in-state tuition for illegals and to fund the Real ID program, because going after these ILLEGAL residents could break up their families if we really bear down and deport them...
Break them up like a family who has been shattered by three men, who disregarded more than one law, and the company which hired them with regards for only the bottom line.
Friday, March 27, 2009
CHARTER FILES CHAPTER 11
ST. LOUIS — Charter Communications Inc. says it filed a prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The nation’s fourth-largest cable operator, controlled by Microsoft Corp. co-founder Paul Allen, had planned to file a prearranged Chapter 11 bankruptcy by April 1. Charter serves some parts of the Fox Valley, mostly in the Oshkosh and Fond du Lac areas but also in some parts of Waupaca County. Statewide, Charter has more than 500,000 customers.
The company has struggling with potential insolvency for years. Charter had about $21.7 billion in debt at the end of 2008. Holders of $8 billion of the debt agreed to exchange it for almost full ownership in the new company, and some old debt was exchanged for new debt. After the bankruptcy, the company will have $13 billion mainly in bank debt, which expires from 2013 to 2016.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
2009 City workplan (Amended)
I posted this the other day, but I failed to put updates on where we are on these projects. My apologies, and here we go:
2009 City workplan
Facilitate brownfield site redevelopment - The first step is to identify the key sites with consultant and EPA, before we conduct Phase 1 & Phase 2 site investigations. We are in the process of hiring a consultant at this time.
Improve the City’s physical appearance - The first step is to adopt covenants for the new business park. A committee is working on these new rules at this time. We will install one or two new community entrance signs later this summer. The program was set back when we had to divert some of the money to cover the Fire District's shortfalls. We are also working on improving the West Fond du Lac corridor appearance, but it appears nothing will happen until later this year.
Extend and further develop the west end - Staff is working on a study on extending infrastructure past Silver Creek on the far west end of the city. We will also be looking to implement TIF #6 plan recommendations, which will be coming soon from a consultant we hired last year.
Review and restructure existing debt - The city faces some large increases in its debt payments around 2011-2012. With interest rates low, now is the time to look at re-financing that debt. At the same time, we will review an updated list of capital projects covering the next five years.
Significantly improve the City’s website - We will appoint team to identify desired upgrades next month, then we will review the team’s report and determine the next steps later this summer.
Promote the Housing Incentive Program - We are currently in the process of getting ready to conduct aggressive publicity campaign.
Establish green corridor for Silver Creek - We will appoint a team to study creek upgrades, and then review team’s report and determine the next steps.
Work with others on bike trail connections - We will be aiming to meet with area city & county officials this spring to coordinate our efforts.
Create Parks, Recreation & Events Director - This project will be undertaken later this summer, as we review a potential job description, salary and funding options. If the position is viable, we will look to include funding in the 2010 budget (if desired).
Hold meetings with other local organizations - We hope to be meeting with the Ripon Area School Board on May 11th. I would also like to see the County Board hold a meeting in Ripon later this year.
Reconstruct Blackburn Street parking lot - We are in the process of finalizing the plans for the lot. There are a few land issues to resolve, but we are having good discussions with the neighboring property owners. We are working WITH them, not against them. Eminent domain/condemnation is NOT an option. Was I clear??? It is NOT an option. We want this lot to be something people are proud of, not detest.
Adopt job classification and salary plan - Staff is updating job descriptions and salary ranges, and then will be asking the Council to approve position changes/pay adjustments later this summer.
Redevelop the former Smuckers property - The Council voted this past week to move forward with sending out another Request for Proposals for the site.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to comment....
Zepnick, Whitewater student go at it over tuition break
Rep. Josh Zepnick, D-Milwaukee, and a UW-Waukesha student testifying before the committee got up in a minor dust-up over in-state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants.
Student Matthew Gutmann drew applause from the audience when he questioned the wisdom of offering the tuition break to children of illegal immigrants while other residents were struggling to get by in this economy.
After his comments, which also touched on lowering taxes and advocating against the smoking ban, also to applause, Zepnick, who attended as a guest, laid into him, saying "this is not a circus."
Zepnick who authored legislation to allow the tuition break, sarcastically commended him for being in college because it is a place to learn.
"You need to finish it," Zepnick said, pointing out that children of illegal immigrants born in the United States are citizens and it is their parents who are having trouble getting documentation.
"What you said is not factually correct," Zepnick said, adding that less than half a percent of students would get the benefit.
Rep. Pedro Colon, D-Milwaukee, who served as chair during the exchange, attempted to interrupt Zepnick, who replied that he didn't intend to say much more throughout the rest of the meeting before continuing.
Gutmann replied by suggesting Zepnick get out of his "ivory tower" and listen to what people are thinking about the issue.
Afterward, Guttman told WisPolitics he was shocked to see how "overly aggressive" Zepnick was with him and that he felt disenfranchised by the confrontation.
He said it wasn't his intent to generate applause, but to share his opinions on the issues.
http://blogs.wispolitics.com/budget/2009/03/zepnick-whitewater-student-go-at-it.html
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Projected Budget Deficit - Congressional Budget Office Baseline Plus Stimulus Bill
This was an earlier chart showing the impact of the Stimulus Bills on the deficit
CBO Forecasts Massive Deficits
In its annual report — The Budget and Economic Outlook — released January 7, 2009, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) notes that:
“The sharp downturn in housing markets across the country, which undermined the solvency of major financial institutions and severely disrupted the functioning of financial markets, has led the United States into a recession that will probably be the longest and the deepest since World War II. The Congressional Budget Office anticipates that the recession—which began about a year ago—will last well into 2009.”
In response to this situation, the Bush Administration and the Obama Administration
have taken unprecedented measures to stabilize the financial system and stimulate the economy. These actions will produce enormous budget deficits for fiscal years 2009 and 2010 and perhaps beyond.
This chart illustrates the magnitude and components of the 2009 deficit.
1Starting with the actual deficit of $455 billion for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2008, CBO projects that worsening economic conditions will cause the deficit to increase by $313 billion (before taking into account the bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009). Of this $313 billion, CBO estimates that roughly $250 billion is attributable to falling federal tax receipts and additional spending on some programs, such as those providing unemployment insurance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the Food Stamp program).
2 The projected deficit for 2009 incorporates CBO’s estimate of the cost to the federal government of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac takeovers. Because those entities were created and chartered by the government, are responsible for implementing certain government policies, and are currently under the direct control of the federal government, CBO has concluded that their operations should be reflected in the federal budget. Recognizing the cost of the takeovers adds about $200 billion (in discounted present-value terms) to the deficit this year, reflecting the long-term net cost of the more than $5 trillion in credit guarantees issued and loans held by those entities at the start of the fiscal year. In addition, CBO estimates the cost of Fannie Mae’s and Freddie Mac’s new credit activity in 2009 will total $38 billion.
3 According to CBO’s estimates, more than $180 billion will be recognized as part of the deficit this year to reflect the present value of the net cost of transactions under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, which was created in the fall of 2008. That cost is the purchase price minus the present value, adjusted for market risk, of any estimated future earnings from holding purchased assets and the proceeds from the eventual sale of them. The TARP has the authority to enter into agreements to purchase assets totaling up to $700 billion outstanding at any one time, but CBO believes that the net cost over time will be much less than that amount.
4 In a letter dated February 13, 2009 to Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, Douglas W. Elmendorf, released the results of CBO’s analysis of the budget impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The analysis indicated that approximately $185 billion of the $789.5 billion of spending and tax cuts would be recognized during the remainder of fiscal year 2009. The largest impact will occur in 2010 with $399 billion added to the deficit for that year.
http://perotcharts.com/2009/02/projected-budget-deficit-congressional-budget-office-baseline-plus-stimulus-bill/
AND THE DEBT CONTINUES TO GROW
CBO Updates Budget Deficit to $1.845 Trillion for 2009
Since the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) last issued its baseline projections in January 2009, the outlook for the budget deficit has deteriorated further. Enactment of stimulus legislation and omnibus appropriations, a worsening of the economic outlook, and other factors have increased CBO’s projections of the deficit by more than $400 billion in both 2009 and 2010 and by smaller amounts thereafter. As a result, if current policies remain the same, CBO now anticipates that the deficit will total almost $1.667 trillion (using the CBO baseline projection format). After updating its own baseline projection, CBO then analyzed the president’s budget for 2010 that contains further budget provisions for the current year which ends September 30, 2009. (By law, CBO’s baseline projection assumes that whatever laws are currently in effect will remain in effect. Therefore, the CBO’s baseline projection does not take into account the budget changes proposed by the president.) The CBO runs a separate analysis of the president’s budget to determine the projected deficit using the president’s proposals. Assuming that the changes proposed by the president are, in fact, enacted, CBO estimates that the 2009 budget deficit will total $1.845 trillion for the current year.
http://perotcharts.com/2009/03/cbo-estimate-of-the-obama-budget-2009/
SOMETHING UP WITH THE DPI RACE
From Badger Blog Alliance:
Breaking news in DPI case
Posted on Tuesday, 24th March 2009 by Patrick Dorwin
On February 28th, Mark Belling broke a story that one of the candidates for the State Department of Public Instruction had a highly placed DPI bureaucrat, Jeff Dickert was sending out campaign and fund raising emails on behalf of the establishment’s candidate Tony Evers from his official state email account, something that is so clearly illegal, that Dickert himself asked that his actions be investigated. Citizens for Responsible Government also filed a complaint.
Today, as a result of the Open Records Requests issued by Belling, he reported that the DPI candidate himself asked that this illegal action be done on his behalf. More details and reaction from the Fernandez campaign follows…
UPDATE: Mark Belling’s audio podcast can be heard here.
UPDATE: Belling has Evers / Dickert email conversations of Evers asking Dickert to host fund raising event on his behalf. All email accounts used were from official state issued email accounts.
Update: Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton announced her endorsement of Evers earlier today, she praised his “experience, wisdom and professional integrity…”
Update: Rose Fernandez has issued the following statement.
Statement from Rose Fernandez:
“This is exactly why we need to change DPI.
“I was dismayed to hear that my opponent may have broken state law by soliciting campaign funds and other forms of support from a public official via taxpayer-funded resources; and, that he apparently asked that same official to use his position and state resources to bring even more funds into his vast campaign war chest. This ‘win at all cost’ mentality is a poor example to set for our state’s schoolchildren.
“Democrats, Republicans and Independents are supporting my candidacy because I can bring an independent voice and a fresh perspective to the Department of Public Instruction. Despite my broad coalition of support, I knew going into this race that with the Madison-based teachers’ union throwing hundreds of thousands of dollars behind my opponent, we would be the underdog in this race. However, I had not counted on Mr. Evers also having the use of public employees and taxpayer resources to raise campaign money for him.
“Despite these odds, I still have faith in the voters of Wisconsin. We came in a close second in the Primary despite being vastly outspent. Voters have been invigorated by my positive call for higher academic standards, merit pay for teachers, and honest educational reform. With two weeks left, this race is tied, and despite the looming special interest TV ads and Mr. Evers’ apparent abuse of the public trust and public resources, we continue our campaign to change DPI.
“Those who are interested in leveling the playing field can legally contribute to our campaign at www.ChangeDPI.com.”
http://badgerblogger.com/?p=11456
RIPON COLLEGE - Annual summit on ethics and oratory brings students, youths together
RIPON, Wis. – Ripon College will host its annual Forum on Ethics and Oratory Youth Summit starting at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 1 in Great Hall. This event is a unique, interactive learning experience designed for tomorrow’s leaders – exemplary students from high schools around the state. The specific themes and events of the Youth Summit are designed and conducted by Ripon College’s senior communication majors in consultation with department faculty and the annual Ripon Forum on Ethics and Oratory Scholar.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
2009 City workplan
Facilitate brownfield site redevelopment
• Identify key sites with consultant and EPA Mar-Apr
• Conduct Phase 1 & Phase 2 site investigations May-Dec
Improve the City’s physical appearance
• Adopt covenants for new business park June
• Install new community entrance signs August
• Improve West Fond du Lac appearance October
Extend and further develop the west end
• Review study on extending infrastructure April
• Implement TID #6 plan recommendations May-Dec
Review and restructure existing debt
• Review updated list of capital projects March
• Review proposed borrowing/refinancing April
Significantly improve the City’s website
• Appoint team to identify desired upgrades March
• Review team’s report; determine next steps June
Promote the Housing Incentive Program
• Conduct aggressive publicity campaign Mar-Apr
Establish green corridor for Silver Creek
• Appoint team to study creek upgrades March
• Review team’s report; determine next steps June
Work with others on bike trail connections
• Meet with area city & county officials April
Create Parks, Recreation & Events Director
• Review job description, pay, funding options June
• Include funding in 2009 budget (if desired) September
Hold meetings with other local organizations
• Meet with boards from various entities Mar-Sept
Reconstruct Blackburn Street parking lot - Sept-Nov
Adopt job classification and salary plan
• Update job descriptions and salary ranges April
• Approve position changes/pay adjustments June
Redevelop the former Smuckers property
• Re-issue request for qualifications March
• Interview selected qualified firms June
Paperless Future? - Wisconsin's Newspapers
Overtaken by the Web and battered by the recession, Wisconsin's 32 dailies are in a world of hurt.
By Marc Eisen
If you're a deep-pocketed business executive in a flourishing industry, you gather at the richly appointed Fluno Center on the UW-Madison campus for your deep-thought conferences. More modest enterprises and nonprofits send their execs to the UW's shop-worn Pyle Center for their soul-searching. This, of course, was the proper setting for a worried group of newspaper executives on March 28, 2008.
The good news was that they weren't squirreled away in a dining room at Denny's out on the Interstate. Given the parlous state of newspaper economics, this might have made more sense. Their papers might have split the cost of the $5.99 "Grand Slam" breakfast special.
"We're in a time of decline," Stephen Gray of the American Press Institute told the 60 or 70 people present. "It's a time of fear, depression, even despair." Yes, fear, depression, even despair. Nobody was shocked by Gray's words, because everybody knew they were true.
http://www.wpri.org/WIInterest/Vol18No1/Eisen18.1.html
DOWNTOWN LOAN/FACADE GRANT PROGRAM
Memo to the Council for last night's meeting:
On February 23rd, the Council approved borrowing $600,000 under new TIF District #8 for downtown projects, subject to approval of guidelines for use of the façade grant and revolving loan programs, and a clear idea of how the “streetscape” funds would be spent. The following framework is provided for your review and consideration:
1. Facade Grant
a. Written agreement will be signed between City and Ripon Main Street
b. City to provide the $50,000 allocation as a grant to Ripon Main Street
c. Funds are provided to qualified applicants, with a 50% match needed
d. Approval required by Main Street & Historic Preservation Commission
2. Revolving loan fund
a. Interest Rate: 4.00%
b. Term: 5 years
c. Amount: $5,000 to $20,000 maximum
d. Matching: amounts over $7,500 require matching bank funds
e. Administration
i. City is no longer involved once State Trust Fund loan is paid off
ii. Requests reviewed by Main Street/Historic Preservation Comm.
iii. The existing RLF committee structure and process will be used
iv. 15% administration fee to be split between City & Main Street
v. Preference for using local contractors (within 5 miles of city)
There has also been discussion on possible use of monies for streetscape improvements, and the list includes converting street lights to LED, along with trees, planters, banners, and park benches. Efforts are being made to prioritize the list and refine cost estimates, and then this will be brought forward for your review and consideration.
For more information on both programs, contact Craig Tebon, Ripon's Downtown Manager.
Monday, March 23, 2009
COUNCIL AGENDA RECAP - MARCH 23rd
Here is what the Council did tonight:
1. Request for street closures – bicycle race on June 13th (Ripon College) - The City Council asked the race organizers to send letters to each of the affected property owners and bring the approval back for a final vote on April 14th.
2. Request for street closures (2 road races) and event on Village Green - The Noon Kiwanis wants street closures for 2 road runs, one on Saturday, July 11th; the other on Saturday, August 15th. The organizers will try to put the route in the paper and on the Internet, and the Council will take a final vote April 14th. At this time, there does not seem to be any major holdups with either the bike or the road races.
3. Resolution – authorizing stormwater management grant application - The Council approved spending $2,000 with Foth Infrastructure to prepare a grant request for a stormwater management plan, with the cost not to exceed $2,000. If we get the grant, the State pays 70% of the cost of the plan, leaving the City’s share around $25,000.
4. Request to reserve land for future growth – Ripon Public Library - The City wants to redevelop the former Smuckers site on Jefferson Street, including land where Agri-Blenders is located. The library board wants 100 feet west of the library property to be reserved for future expansion. The Council tabled any decision on the land and asked the Community Development Authority to move ahead with a Request for Development Proposal
5. Downtown revolving loan fund and facade grant guidelines - Last month, Council voted to move forward with plans to borrow $600,000 for projects under TIF District #8. However, Council asked for guidelines for administration of the revolving loan fund and façade grant programs. The Council approved the guidelines tonight. I will try and get them up on the Web.
PACKERS OPEN ON SUNDAY NIGHT, PLAY ON TURKEY DAY
The Green Bay Packers will open the season in prime time, hosting the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field, and play in Detroit against the Lions on Thanksgiving, the National Football League announced today.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football will kick off the season with the Bears–Packers rivalry at Lambeau Field on Sept. 13. No two NFL clubs have met on the gridiron more than Green Bay and Chicago, and the season opener will mark game number 178 in the rivalry.
The Packers have opened the season in prime time on four separate occasions, all of which have come on Monday Night Football, including last year’s 24–19 victory over Minnesota. Green Bay is 4–0 in those games.
The Lions contest will mark the 33rd Thanksgiving NFL game in Packers history and the franchise’s 19th holiday matchup against Detroit. The two division rivals played for 13 consecutive seasons on Thanksgiving, from 1951 to 1963, before the league began rotating opponents for the Lions.
It will be the second Thanksgiving game for the Packers under Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Green Bay defeated the Lions 37–26 in Detroit in 2007.
The Thanksgiving game will be televised nationally on Fox.
Thanks to Marketplace Magazine's Steve Prestegard for the initial blog on this development.
NEWS AND NOTES FOR A MONDAY
EMINENT DOMAIN AND THE DOT - In theory, this makes it much harder for private individuals to fight eminent domain claims...
An out-of-state attorney is organizing opposition to a Wisconsin Department of Transportation budget proposal that would make it more difficult to fight the agency over land seized for road projects.
The proposal limits the amount of attorney fees landowners can recover when challenging WisDOT over cases involving eminent domain, which is a state law allowing government to buy land for public projects. In some cases, landowners appeal WisDOT appraisals of land needed for road projects to get more money for their properties.
But if the proposal becomes law, landowners appealing the WisDOT appraisals might end up owing their lawyers more money than they win in court, said Kelly Keady, an attorney with the Minneapolis law firm Biersdorf & Associates SC, which specializes in eminent domain cases. Essentially, the proposal would make it more difficult for landowners to contest WisDOT appraisals, he said.
http://www.dailyreporter.com/item.cfm?recid=20051045&snippet=f
DOYLE AND TUITION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS - VERSION FOUR - Reason #102 to question the motives of our Governor
For the fourth straight budget, Gov. Jim Doyle has included a provision that would allow illegal immigrants who graduate from Wisconsin high schools to pay in-state tuition at University of Wisconsin institutions.
The state Legislature has stripped the item out of each budget in the past, but with a Democratic majority in both houses, advocates are hopeful it will be successful this time.
But even some Democrats say the measure faces serious problems, including the potential to conflict with a 1996 federal law. That law prohibits states from providing any higher education benefit based on residency to illegal immigrants unless they provide the same benefit to other U.S. citizens, regardless of where they live.
http://www.madison.com/wsj/mad/latest/444013
Governor’s proposed budget includes farmland preservation
MADISON — In perhaps the biggest initiative to protect Wisconsin’s farmlands in three decades, Gov. Jim Doyle’s proposed budget would try to prevent cornfields from being gobbled up by strip malls and subdivisions.
The proposal would redirect tens of millions of dollars in existing state incentives to keep farms from being sold for development and would prod local governments and counties to set up their own plans for preserving lands.
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2009/03/23/news/00lead.txt
Sunday, March 22, 2009
AMENDED COUNCIL AGENDA - MARCH 23rd
The only thing that has changed is the addition of some items in closed session, so it does not impact the open part of the meeting:
IX. Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session”
RE: Proposed new developer’s agreement for TIF District #7
RE: Proposed lease extension for use of City-owned property
RE: Possible sale of land in the City’s new business park
RE: Possible purchase of land for future industrial/business purposes
RE: Request to contract for service – creation of new TIF district
Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) “Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility”
RE: Pay issue under existing contract with public works union
Saturday, March 21, 2009
NEWS AND NOTES ON A SATURDAY
40 Oshkosh teachers to get layoff notices
As many as 40 Oshkosh school teachers are expected to get layoff notices Monday, according to this story in the Oshkosh Northwestern. The layoffs come as the school district deals with an expected $2 million budget shortfall next year, according to the Northwestern. The job cuts are the third announced in Fox Valley schools in recent weeks, with Appleton and Kaukauna announcing more than 70 teacher layoffs earlier.
State corporate tax collections drop
Corporate income tax collections for the eight-month period ending in February fell 31.3%, the state Department of Revenue reported Friday. That was more than the 22.4% drop the Legislative Fiscal Bureau had projected for the budget year that ends on June 30.
City facing $1.7 million deficit
The City of Sheboygan is staring squarely at a minimum $1.7 million budget deficit for 2010, and began the long road of deciding how to balance the books Thursday night. About 40 people attended the Common Council's Committee of the Whole meeting, where aldermen painted a grim financial picture that officials said could see the deficit grow well beyond $2 million, unless drastic steps are taken to trim the budget.
The best thing about the nearly two-hour meeting, Ald. Cory Bouck said, was for city finance officials to get the bad news budget out to the public now, rather than waiting until late summer to begin tackling the massive shortfalls.
"Instead of just looking into the headlights, they turned the bright lights on and are looking farther down the road, and we saw a great big brick wall in front of our financial sports car moving down the highway," said Bouck, chairman of the Committee of the Whole.
Get the policy stuff out of the budget
What will it take to bring the legislature to its senses on all this policy stuff in the budget? Get it out, clear the decks, before you even start talking about the horrible financial situation the governor finds himself in. A Journal Sentinel article talks about one of those non-budget policy issues – whether or not to keep traffic-stop data secret. Interesting. Talks about the negotiations behind the scenes that connected a seat belt law (so as to not risk losing federal dollars) and racial profiling.
Outagamie, Winnebago and Brown Counties are three of eight named to participate in the pilot profiling test project. Milwaukee too, as you’d guess, is one of the counties that would begin additional specific record-keeping on traffic stops. So Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn, a guy with great professional credibility in my book, says it like it is. (Emphasis is mine.)
Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn said that he can't blame Doyle for trying to make sure the state gets as much federal aid as possible.
But requiring that data on all traffic stops be compiled and reported is too important and complex an issue to be handled in a 1,743-page state budget bill, Flynn said.
"My concern is the language that is inside the budget is just dangerously vague," Flynn said. "It's too important to bury it in a budget bill."
Well, hear, hear.
Jo Egelhoff, FoxPolitics.net
Friday, March 20, 2009
FROM THE BIZARRE SIDE OF LIFE....
This story came out yesterday in Iowa
Vikes star Peterson to save NIACC football?
The NIACC football team has hope.
It was announced Tuesday that the program is being canceled due to budget cuts, but head coach Steve LaLonde said Thursday that Minnesota Vikings star Adrian Peterson is willing to give the program enough money to help get it through the 2009 season.
“Adrian Peterson has agreed to donate money to our football program, as well as three other NFL players,” said LaLonde, who spoke today for the first time since the announcement was made that football was being dropped. “This was confirmed this morning," LaLonde said.
Then, today, this came out:
Griffin fesses up: No offer from Peterson
Minnesota Vikings all-pro Adrian Peterson never offered to help save the NIACC football program.
Kevin Griffin, who initially was identified as a NIACC assistant coach, told head coach Steve LaLonde on Thursday that Peterson and three other NFL players were willing to give the school up to $150,000.
It turns out that wasn’t the case as Griffin said in a phone interview with the Globe Gazette Friday evening that he never spoke directly to Peterson.
“I made a mistake and anything that comes out of this falls on me,” said Griffin, who started coaching duties at NIACC on Monday. “Nothing ever came out of Adrian’s mouth.
Another bizarre one to read
WEST CHESTER, Pa. -- A former Lions quarterback who failed to show for sentencing on drunken driving charges nearly four years ago was killed in a car crash in Greece, authorities said, leaving behind an unsolved mystery involving two suspicious fires and years spent on the lam.
The State Department used fingerprints to determine that the victim of Saturday's crash was William "Jeff" Komlo, according to Jim Vito, Chester County's acting chief detective. Vito said he was initially skeptical, concerned because of Komlo's history that he might have faked his own death.
"Even though we heard that he was deceased, the first reaction was that, well, we better make a positive identification," Vito said.
Once the State Department verified the fingerprints were those of the 52-year-old fugitive, Vito was satisfied.
"As far as we're concerned, we're closing this now."
A State Department spokesman, Noel Clay, declined to comment "out of respect for the family." He would not say where in Greece the accident happened or release any details of the crash.
Komlo played for the Lions, Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over five NFL seasons from 1979 to 1983.
In July 2005, Komlo failed to show for sentencing on two drunken driving convictions.
Two months earlier, authorities had issued a warrant for Komlo when he didn't appear for a May 10 preliminary hearing on charges in an alleged assault on his girlfriend.
At the time he went missing, Komlo was under investigation for fires at his home in Chester Springs, Pa., and another home in Florida.
Komlo had lived in Chester Springs and worked as an insurance broker in the nearby Philadelphia suburb of Wayne. Authorities did not know what happened to him after he skipped the hearings in 2005.
"This guy apparently has created some intrigue over the years," Vito said.
After getting into 16 games his rookie year with the Lions, the 200-pound, 6-foot-2-inch quarterback played sporadically the rest of his career.
An NFL spokesman did not immediately comment Friday.
Komlo starred at the University of Delaware, leading the Blue Hens to the Division II national championship game in 1978. The Lions picked him in the 9th round of the 1979 NFL draft.
Scott Selheimer, Delaware's sports information director, said the school's thoughts go out to Komlo's friends and family.
"It's a tragic situation where someone, when they were here at the university, was kind of like a hero," Selheimer said. "It's a shame that his life kind of tumbled. He was going through so many troubled situations for so long."
An attorney who had represented Komlo in Palm Beach County, Fla., declined to comment Friday.
Two other attorneys who had represented him in Pennsylvania did not return telephone calls from The Associated Press. A telephone number for his ex-wife could not be located.
Komlo completed 183 of 368 passes for 2,238 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1979. He also threw 23 interceptions as the Lions finished 2-14.
During the next four seasons, he played in a total of nine games for the Lions, Atlanta and then Tampa Bay, where his career ended in 1983.
MORE INFORMATION ON THE BIKE RACES
Since the Council will be discussing the race route for the Wisconsin Cycling Association's June 13th and June 14th events in Ripon, here is more information on the group. There are four state championship races:
Sun June 7 - Spring Prairie Road Race State Road Championship - Spring Prairie
Sat June 13 - State Criterium Championship - Ripon
Sun Aug 9 - State TT - Brighton
Sun Nov 22 - Cyclocross State Championship - Hales Corners
This is the release they sent out last year regarding Ripon:
LAPT and Ripon College Cycling Team are pleased to announce that the State Crit Championships will be held in Ripon this year. Those of you who raced in the 90's will remember the very cool racing venue of Ripon College. The course includes moderate hills, six corners and Ripon's Mainstreet. $5K prize list, too! Be sure to check out the hotels and restaurants in town.
Ripon is the home of Ripon College, the first college in American to offer a bicycle to incoming students who don't bring a car to campus. Ripon is also home to Rippin' Good COokies and was the site of the "Great Milk Race" back in the 80s, coordinated by none other than Tom Schuler and friends.
The Wisconsin Cup Series runs from April 5th to August 15th, with Ripon schedule to host the races on June 14th.
And here is the website for more information - http://www.wicycling.org/index.htm
TODAY IS THE DEADLINE...
On behalf of the Ripon Education Foundation:
Today is the deadline for registering for a stimulating evening of great food, great company, and great discussions at the Great Conversations Dinner being held at America Restaurant (choice of entrees) on Friday, March 27. This is your opportunity to engage in lively discussion on a topic of your choosing with other Riponites who enjoy eating, talking, and thinking.
Education Foundation of Ripon invites you to a fun night of fine dining and intimate
conversation led by authors, professors, professionals and community leaders. Each table of eight will be hosted by an industry expert. You select the conversation
to enjoy during a leisurely dinner at America restaurant. Education Foundation of Ripon annually manages more than $11,000 of scholarships for Ripon High School graduates. This is the kick-off event for our annual door-to-door scholarship fund drive.
Tickets are available from: Ripon Schools Business Office, 1120 Metomen St.,
Phone: 748-4600 - $40 for Dinner & Conversation
Reply to me for more information or to purchase tickets.
Dr. Richard Zimman, Superintendent
Ripon Area School District
P.O. Box 991
Ripon, WI 54971
920-748-4600
1. Life with the Milwaukee Mob ~ References the background setting for Peter’s Story. Tom Montag, local author of Peter’s Story, along with several other books and many poems will share his stories as recorded from Peter Pizzoni.
2. Wisconsin Political Scene ~ Will be led by Ripon Mayor, Aaron Kramer. Conversations will include discussions of Madison, Fond du Lac County and Ripon political movements.
3. The House Made of Straw That Won’t Blow Down ~ Glen Elliott of rural Princeton will share his experiences with alternative building styles. Five years ago he began building his own straw house which has now become his family home.
4. To Bee, or Not To Bee ~ Dean Lapp, owner of Lapp’s Bee Supply Center of Reeseville, WI will sweeten your evening with robust conversation on his passion for the beekeeping industry.
5. Wine is Good for your Heart ~ The mystery of wine is so romantic. Brian McKnight, a retired UW Oshkosh professor and now partner in McKnight and Carlson Wines, will share knowledge from his passion turned profession.
6. Hollywood from Ripon Eyes ~ Deano Pape, a communication professor at Ripon College, will lead a discussion on best and worst movies you’ve ever seen, where Hollywood movies are headed next, and the influence of film on our culture.
7. Foreign Policy since 9/11 ~ Dr. Lamont Colucci has experience as a diplomat with the U.S. Dept. of State and is today an Assistant Professor of Politics and Government at Ripon College. His primary area of expertise is United States national security and United States foreign policy.
8. Boca Grande, Nothing but the Facts ~ Stop the speculation, stop the rumors, Boca Grande will share the facts surrounding their investment in Ripon. Join Frank Cumberbatch and share his vision for Ripon being a Midwest destination city.
9. Watching the Flowers Grow ~ Bloch’s Farm will share tips and secrets of planning your landscape. This conversation promises to stimulate your desire for warm weather.
OPENING ON POLICE COMMISSION
We have an opening on the Police Commission. If you are interested, please contact me or the City Administrator (748-4914)
Police Commission
The police commission has all the powers and duties delegated to it in Section 62.13, Wisconsin Statutes excepting the optional powers in Section 62.13 (6) and any additional powers designated by the city council. Members serve a five-year term. Meetings are held ervery other month on the third Wednesday at 7:00 PM in city hall - January, March, May, July, September and November.
COUNCIL AGENDA - MARCH 23rd
Here is the agenda for Monday evening, and it looks like a busy one. We will be discussing road closures for the upcoming bike races and road runs, a resolution regarding the stimulus legislation, a possible move forward on stormwater management, the details of a downtown loan fund and "stimulus" package, and a proposal regarding the long-term plans for the library. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them or email me:
Council chambers, City Hall - Monday, March 23, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
I. Call to order/roll call
II. Pledge of Allegiance/Invocation
III. Public communications and comment
IV. Consent calendar (Unless the Mayor, Council or staff asks that one or more of the items listed below be pulled, this list may be approved with a single vote.)
1. Resolution – authorizing a State Trust Fund loan (TIF District #8)
2. Resolution – writing off an uncollectible sewer and water account
3. Resolution – use of stimulus funds for American products/services
V. Other business
1. Request for street closures – bicycle race on June 13th (Ripon College) - The City has received a request to allow for street closures on Saturday, June 13th in conjunction with the 2nd annual WCA State Criterium bicycle race. Staff’s only concern is the broader issue of the impact on property owners along and within the race course, and we’re seeking the Council’s direction on this issue.
2. Request for street closures (2 road races) and event on Village Green - The Noon Kiwanis wants street closures for 2 road runs, one on Saturday, July 11th; the other on Saturday, August 15th. Planned for the early morning, the July 11th should not pose a problem, but the August 15th twilight run raises traffic management concerns. Like the bicycle race, the issue is impact on affected landowners. Staff is also seeking input on a proposed event at Village Green after the August 15th race.
3. Resolution – authorizing stormwater management grant application - Council has shown some interest in addressing City-wide stormwater management. Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC is offering to prepare a grant request for a stormwater management plan, with the cost not to exceed $2,000. If we get the grant, the State pays 70% of the cost of the plan, leaving the City’s share around $25,000.
4. Request to reserve land for future growth – Ripon Public Library - The City wants to redevelop the former Smuckers site on Jefferson Street, including land where Agri-Blenders is located. The library board wants 100 feet west of the library property to be reserved for future expansion. As we prepare to seek proposals to redevelop this site, staff seeks your response to the library board’s request.
5. Downtown revolving loan fund and facade grant guidelines - Last month, Council voted to move forward with plans to borrow $600,000 for projects under TIF District #8. However, Council asked for guidelines for administration of the revolving loan fund and façade grant programs. Staff and the Mayor met with Craig Tebon, and the attached framework is presented for your review and approval.
VI. Update – status of 2009 workplan items
VII. Mayor’s communications and appointments
VIII. Agenda items for future Council meetings
IX. Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) "Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session"
RE: Proposed new developer’s agreement for TIF District #7
RE: Proposed lease extension for use of City-owned property
RE: Possible purchase of land in the City’s new business park
Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) "Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility"
RE: Pay issue under existing contract with public works union
Doyle budget leaves $1.5 billion deficit in 2011-'13, report says
Mar. 19, 2009 Madison - Although Gov. Jim Doyle's 2009-'11 budget would raise taxes, spend federal stimulus money and boost state spending by almost 10%, a report Thursday said state government would still face a potential $1.5 billion deficit as it heads into the following budget. Sen. Mike Ellis (R-Neenah) made public a Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo that estimated the two-year potential shortfall before the 2011-'13 budget at $1.5 billion. The governor and legislators elected in November 2010 will have to pass that 2011-'13 budget in two years.
This week, lawmakers began reviewing Doyle's budget proposal for the 2009-'11 budget cycle that starts July 1. The new Fiscal Bureau report estimated the so-called "structural deficit" - the imbalance between future tax collections and spending commitments.
Report: Apollo may take stake in Charter
By Don Walker of the Journal Sentinel - Posted: Mar. 20, 2009 7:44 a.m.
Apollo Management, a private-equity firm, is in talks to take over a large ownership stake in Charter Communications Inc. (CHTR), the nation's fourth-largest cable company with extensive operations in Wisconsin. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Apollo already holds a large portion of Charter's debt, which it plans to swap for equity. Charter plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy by April and reorganize
Thursday, March 19, 2009
REFERENDUM MEETING
Sorry, I wanted to go to the meeting tonight, but I was unable to. If anyone was at the meeting or wishes to share their thoughts, without picking a fight, making wild and unprovable claims, attacking anyone, or using the forum to dig up old issues, please feel free to post your thoughts on here.
GET THE FACTS, MAKE A DECISION AND VOTE
The first informational meeting on the April referendum for the Ripon Area School District is TONIGHT...
Referendum Informational Meeting @ RHS room 167 - 6:30 PM
Click for Referendum Questions
Click for Referendum Facts Newsletter
Referendum Video Presentation(Click for part 1) (Click for part 2)
Click for Referendum Information Meetings
Click for Referendum Homeowner Costs
Click for Absentee Ballot Information
Wisconsin - Taxing Our Way to the Top
Capitol harbors the homeless
This is sad in so many ways:
Madison - At 9 a.m. in the state Capitol on a recent weekday, with the temperature outside in the single digits, about 20 people gathered in the building's marble basement.
Some read papers, while others talked and sipped coffee, and one raucous group started dealing cards for a version of rummy.
Many homeless people find respite in the Capitol from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., spending their days in the basement where they can find a place to rest, socialize and regroup in the round room lined with tables and chairs. Their activities range from the practical, such as washing up in nearby restrooms, to the lighthearted, such as playing hacky sack.
On the recent day, some of them were coming off a rough night.
"Me and my sister slept outside last night," said 19-year-old Sherri Seitz, who noted that a shelter six blocks away was full by the time they arrived there. "I slept on a heating grate last night."
On days that are severely cold, snowy or rainy, 30 to 50 people will take shelter in the Madison landmark, said Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs. As the weather warms up, the numbers diminish, he said.
"They stop and sit down, they communicate with others who are in the area at a particular time, and pass through and, of course, when the Capitol closes, they move on to shelter facilities," Tubbs said.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/41472052.htmlRipon restaurant to host chili cook-off
RIPON — Alibi's Dining and Spirits, 1300 W. Fond du Lac St., Ripon, will host a chili cook-off on Sunday, March 22. "Everybody has a favorite chili recipe that they've been perfecting over the years," said Terri Dietzel, owner of Alibi's with her husband Tim. "We would like those 'closet chefs' to bring their recipes out into the open for the chance to win a Las Vegas getaway." In addition to the grand prize of a Las Vegas getaway, $100 will be awarded to the People's Choice winner. Chili lovers are invited to taste the cook-off entries for $5 while the supply lasts, according to an event press release. The number of entries to the cook-off is limited to 25. Entry fee is $25. Contestants should bring their chili to Alibi's on the day of the competition. The chili feed will begin at 4 p.m. and go until 6 p.m., at which time the winners will be announced. For more information about entering or attending Alibi's Chili Cook-off, contact Terri, Tim or Jenni at 748-7400.
RIPON SCHOOL DISTRICT - RIPON COLLEGE - CITY OF RIPON CALENDAR
SCHOOL DISTRICT
March 19 - Thursday - 06:30 PM - Referendum Informational Meeting @ RHS room 167
March 20 - Friday - 07:00 PM - RMS Musical
March 21 - Saturday - 07:00 PM - RMS Musical
March 23 - Monday - 02:00 PM -Referendum Informational Meeting @ Ripon Public Library
March 23 - Monday - 03:30 PM - REACH Governance Board mtg @ RHS room 115
March 23 - Monday - 06:30 PM - Special Board of Education Meeting @ RHS 167
March 25 - Wednesday - Late Start
March 27 - Friday - Last day of Quarter
March 28 - Saturday - Education Foundation Fund Drive
March 29 - Sunday - Education Foundation Fund Drive
March 30 - Monday - RHS Math Meet @ Kimberly (JV Event)
March 30 - Monday - 06:30 PM - K-2 Physical Education Demonstration @ BPES
March 31 - Tuesday - 06:30 PM - Referendum Informational Meeting @ RHS room 167
CITY
23 - City Council 7:00 PM
24 - Compost center open 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
25 - Recyclable pickup west of Watson & Eureka Park & Recreation Committee 5:00 PM
28 - Compost center open 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
31 - Winter parking restrictions end, Dog & cat licenses due, Compost center open 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Library Board 6:30 PM
UPCOMING AT RIPON COLLEGE
RIPON, Wis. – The Ripon College International Relations Club will bring speaker Chuck Downs to the Great Hall of Harwood Memorial Union, April 6 at 4:15 p.m. Downs serves as the executive director of the United States Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. He was on the board of the committee for human rights in the Pentagon’s East Asia Office from 2001-2008, and acted as treasurer from 2004-2008.
RIPON, Wis. – Susan Power, fiction and nonfiction writer, poet and performer, will give a free reading of her work at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 in the Caestecker Art Gallery of Ripon College’s Rodman Center for the Arts.
RIPON, Wis. – The Ripon College women's basketball team and the word champions go hand-in-hand this season, and that won't stop just because the Red Hawk's season has come to a close. The Red Hawks will coordinate with Higher Level Camps to co-host a Tournament of Champions basketball tournament for boys and girls in grades 3-8, beginning on Saturday, March 21. The two-day tournament will be held at Storzer Center on the campus of Ripon College and will conclude on Sunday, March 22. The entry fee for the tournament is $150.00, with all teams entered guaranteed to play three games. Certified officials will be used for the event. For more information, please contact the Higher Level Camps website at www.higherlevelcamps.com or contact Ripon College women's basketball head coach Julie Johnson at (920) 748-8772.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
PLAN COMMISSION RECAP - MARCH 19
ACTION ITEMS
Annexation - Robert Grasee & Robert Grasse, Jr. (Hwy 44 east) - The Grasee's are asking the city to annex roughly 10 acres between Highway 44 and Olden Road from the town of Ripon. After hearing from the Grasee's and the town of Ripon, the Commission unanimously approved the annexation and sent it to the Council for final approval next month.
Certified Survey Map (extraterritorial) – Robert Grasse, Jr. was requesting that the city not require dedication of a Master Plan street north of the city along Highway E. Master plan streets have been a problem for some time. I think we found a good compromise. The street will show up on the deed, and, if the Grasse's sell, the street would be dedicated to the city.
Vacation – Blossom Street (Watson to Ransom Streets) - This is a continuation of our discussions on the possible vacation of the street in downtown Ripon. The Council on March 10th unanimously approved sending this to the Plan Commission. The Commission voted to table the issue until next month while an easement issue is worked out with Boca Grande Development and a private property owner.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Master plan streets located west/north of Eureka and West Fond du Lac Streets - The Commission and the town of Ripon discussed the streets and roads on the master plan in the northwest quadrant of the city. We spent a considerable amount of time looking at different routes to connect Highway 44 to Highway 23 across the northern edge of the city. The big problem is connecting back to Highway 23 west of the city. Talks will continue next month.
Residential uses in B-1 (central business) and B-2 (highway business) districts - This was tabled as our attorney was not present.
Proposed land use for south side of Hwy 44 across from City’s business park - This has been added to the agenda since it was first issued. There has been some concern about having land between Highway 44 and Olden Road dedicated as park land. The Commission decided to change the use to mixed use, which could allow for some residential and some highway business.
Any questions...ask away.
RIPON SCHOOL REFERENDUM VIDEOS
WSFL adds team in Fond du Lac
Remember the Wisconsin State Football League? They are the semi-pro group which brought its championship game to Ingalls Field and the field turf last fall. The WSFL has accepted a new team, the Fond Du Lac Falcons, under the ownership and direction of Tyler Behling. The league has also extended it's deadline for new team applications in hopes of gaining a few other teams to extend the league into divisional play for 2009. The league currently stands with 9 teams including the new Fond Du Lac squad. 2008 WSFL Champs Fox Valley Force left the WSFL in the off season to the NEFL for spring / summer league play and will play in national tournaments this fall. The West Bend (formerly) Junkyard Dogs and the Green Bay Vipers both reapplied to the league this season due to their change in ownership. Both teams were accepted unanimously.
TEAMS IN THE WSFL
Lake Country Cyclones
Saukville Demons
West Bend Junkyard Dogs
Oostburg Rebels
M&M Timberjacks
Kettle Moraine Titans
Bay Area Vipers
The River City Rattlers
GOOD NEWS FOR THE RIPON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Despite the uncertainty over the referendum and the other issues involving, or not involving (who knows), the district, it seems people still want to send their children here, and, for that, we should be proud and realize we have a very attractive, high-performing, district:
Open enrollment continues to draw a lot of students to the district, but lately, the number of students is more than the district can handle. Ripon School Superintendent, Richard Zimman, says currently, they only way students from outside the district will get accepted is if there is any room available in the respective grade-level. Zimman says in order to be fair to all the students applying; they use a public lottery approach to decide who can come into the district, and who cannot. So far, the district has received 51 applications for open enrollment, and has accepted 35. - From wrpnam.com
Referendum Informational Meeting
Don't forget to attend if you want more information, and the facts, on the proposed referendum:
March 19 - Thursday - 06:30 PM
Referendum Informational Meeting @ RHS room 167
And in case you forgot what the questions are...
Question 1: Authorization to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $500,000 to be paid within 10 years for a new boiler for Ripon High School and roof repairs for our school buildings. The estimated cost is 5 cents added to the equalized mill rate which translates to $5 for the owner of a $100,000 new home.
Question #2: Authorization to exceed the District’s revenue limit by $500,000 annually, for six years, to pay for updating curriculum, replacing textbooks, updating technology and computers, performing maintenance, and replacing vehicles. The estimated cost is 75 cents added to the equalized mill rate which translates to $75 for the owner of a $100,000 home.
Question #3: Authorization to exceed the District’s revenue limit in each year for three years to pay for classroom staffing and related instructional expenses as follows: $575,000 in 2009-10,$725,000 in 2010-11, and $850,000 in 2011-12. The estimated cost is 88 cents added to the equalized mill rate which translates to $88 for the owner of a $100,000 home.
Total Tax Impact: If all three referendum questions are passed, the estimated impact for the owner of a $100,000 home would be an increase of $7.75 per month over the owner’s 2008 taxes after taking into account the money saved from recent refinancing of District debt. The $7.75 per month increase translates into $93 per year for the owner of a $100,000 home for the next three years. If all three referendum questions are passed, the new tax rate would be $1.10 less than the 2004 tax rate which translates into a total tax bill of $110 less than in 2004 for the owner of a $100,000 home. Passage will maintain the current quality of Ripon’s schools.
2009 Tax Rate Would Be Lower Than 2004: The 1993 school tax rate in Ripon was $19.23 which was $1,923 for a $100,000 home. The 2008 school tax rate in Ripon had decreased to $9.20 which was $920 for a $100,000 home. The following graph shows the steady decline in the Ripon school tax rate during the past sixteen years. The dotted line beginning in 2009 is the projected tax rate if all three referendum questions are approved by the voters. The new 2009 school tax rate would still be $1.10 less than in 2004 which is $110 less for the owner of a $100,000 home.
(Information provided by the Ripon Area School District)
Ripon Noon Kiwanis presents variety show
RIPON — The Ripon Noon Kiwanis Club will feature sounds of yesteryear when it presents the "Turn the Radio On" variety show at 7 p.m. March 24 and 26 at Ripon High School Auditorium.
"For many years, the club put on variety shows. It was a Kiwanis tradition," said Tonya Alling, president-elect of the Ripon Noon Kiwanis Club, in a press release. "We're bringing back the tradition, and we'd love to see the whole community at the show."
The variety show will feature local talent and musical entertainment, running the gamut from acoustical guitar, folk, barbershop, bluegrass, Broadway and rock to old-time radio acts like Fibber McGee and Lake Wobegon. The Kiwanis Chorus will sing five tunes.
Local participants include Andy Armstrong, who sings with the popular band "I Drank with Frank," and Tim Lyke, Dr. Roger Gundlach, Dustin Hacker, The Ceresco Prairie Band, Geoff Arnold, Louie Bock, the Our Saviour's Puppeteers, Patti Quinn, Emily Dinegan and many others.
Tickets are $8 in advance and $9 at the door and may be purchased at Ripon Drug, M&I Bank, Pick 'n Save or from any Ripon Noon Kiwanis Club member.
Proceeds from the event will support Kiwanis service projects and scholarships, helping the club fulfill the Kiwanis mission of "Serving the Children of the World."
More information is available by contacting Paul Nulton at (920) 202-4420.
THE OUTRAGE OVER AIG
From the Examiner.com:
Senator Barack Obama received a $101,332 bonus from American International Group in the form of political contributions according to Opensecrets.org. The two biggest Congressional recipients of bonuses from the A.I.G. are - Senators Chris Dodd and Senator Barack Obama.
The A.I.G. Financial Products affiliate of A.I.G. gave out $136,928, the most of any AIG affiliate, in the 2008 cycle. I would note that A.I.G.’s financial products division is the unit that wrote trillions of dollars’ worth of credit-default swaps and "misjudged" the risk.
The Washington Post reports a "mob effect" at A.I.G financial products division:
A tidal wave of public outrage over bonus payments swamped American International Group yesterday. Hired guards stood watch outside the suburban Connecticut offices of AIG Financial Products, the division whose exotic derivatives brought the insurance giant to the brink of collapse last year. Inside, death threats and angry letters flooded e-mail inboxes. Irate callers lit up the phone lines. Senior managers submitted their resignations. Some employees didn't show up at all.
With the anger and rage that is being exhibited against A.I.G., perhaps the bonuses Obama received from A.I.G. explain Obama's A.I.G crocodile tears.
Now that the Wall street Journal has revealed that A.I.G. paid bonuses of $1 million or more to 73 employees, it's time to ask if recipients of A.I.G. "bonuses," including President Obama, will give what now ought to be taxpayer money back?
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
JIM DOYLE...ROBBING US AGAIN
In case you missed it, Governor Jim Doyle, who never passes up a user free increase or fund transfer in the name of saying he does not raise taxes, wants to take $25 million earmarked for cell phone user rebates and give it local governments instead. $25 million is not much in terms of a budget which is more than $50 billion, but there is a principle involved here.
Of course, as the mayor, I should be happy to see the money going to local governments, but I am not, since I am also a cell phone user and a taxpayer.
From 2006 and last summer, you paid a surcharge on your cell phone bills to help local governments develop the ability to pinpoint wireless 911 callers' location. This technology is, of course, very helpful and could be a life-saver in some cases. But here is the kicker. The state Public Service Commission decided the work was done last summer and ended the surcharges, which was the right thing to do. The fund has a balance of $25 million. The commission had planned to return that money to cell phone users. Once again, this was the right thing to do.
Now, what is the wrong thing to do? Exactly what Governor Doyle is proposing. He wants to take that money and and convert to it to state aid instead. So far, no one knows how much each individual is being robbed, and that is the proper verbage, by this proposal. With a Democratically-controlled Legislature, I don't see much chance of this not passing. And, once again, residents have every reason to doubt the sincerity and honesty of our state government.
So, let's recap. Since unveiling his budget, Doyle has:
* Raided UW-Stevens Point for $2.5 million that was raised by increased student fees to buy furniture for a new dorm, in the name of balancing the state budget
* Refused to take the $10 increase we have been paying on our driver's licenses, which was intended for the Real ID program, and used it to plug the budget deficit
* Refuses to give back the extra $25 million the state taxed cell phone users to fund 911-locator technology.
And we sit here and complain about what Wall Street, the Federal Reserve and the bankers are doing in this economic meltdown?
NO SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER? DON'T WORRY...
In reading the March 12th edition of the Ripon Commonwealth-Press, I came across an article entitled "Ripon schools offer free or reduced-priced lunches for eligible families". I am a firm believer that a student with a full stomach is most likely going to be a better learner, as there are a boatload of studies that have proven that fact. And, I am not opposed to families below the poverty level enrolling in the program, provided the food is eaten, it is nutritious, and the family is not spending their income on a ton of other discretionary items, because, in the end, the taxpayer is paying for the subsidized lunches. What caught my eye was one of the instructions on filling out the forms to qualify:
For school officials to determine eligibility for free or reduced price meals and free milk of households, the household must provide the following information requested on the application: names of all household members and social security number of adult household member who signs the application.
In lieu of a social security number, the household may indicate that the signer does not possess a social security number.
Ok, let me get this straight. In the United States, a Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number issued to citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It seems to me that a person who is not able to produce a social security number is not abiding by the laws of the country, but is still eligible for a taxpayer-funded school lunch program. Of course, we live in a state where the governor is taking our tax dollars to the tune of $10 a year per driver's license, which were originally intended for Real ID program, but is instead withholding the money from the program, as reported last month in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Am I stretching this too far to make the assumption that they may not be paying in their share of taxes, as well?
I would be much more comfortable with this program if the school district would have added to the last sentence the following: The school district will work with the household applicant to apply for and receive a Social Security number...but, then again, I dream a lot of things that will never come to pass...
RIPON SUPERINTENDENT ON THE RADIO
As we get closer to the referendum, I will try to share as much information as there is out there. Superintendent Richard Zimman was on WRPN-AM this morning. Here is a link to the interview:
http://www.wrpnam.com/0317-zimman.mp3
MARCH 21 - RIPON HOME SHOW
Spring is the time to start thinking about home makeovers and projects, and the Ripon Area Home Show will be a great place to get ideas on what to do and how to do it. Builders, contractors, landscapers and other businesses that cater to homeowners will be on hand to display their products and talk about their services on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Comfort Suites Royal Ridges Conference Center in Ripon.
“There are so many businesses right in our own backyard that offer products and services that homeowners will be looking for as they start sprucing up their homes this spring,” said Paula Price, executive director of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce. “Having these businesses all in one place at the same time is an easy and convenient way for consumers to find out what is available and to meet the people who provide those services. As an added bonus, we’ll be giving away door prizes throughout the day!”
There is no admission fee to attend the Home Show, but people are encouraged to donate canned goods, a box of cereal or $1/person to the Community Thrift Store and Food Pantry at the door. Lunch and snacks, prepared by Royal Ridges, will be available for purchase during the show.
The Ripon Area Home Show is sponsored by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, CENURY 21 Properties Unlimited, Hometown Broadcasting, Comfort Suites Royal Ridges and the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express. Call the Ripon Chamber office at (920) 748-6764 or email info@ripon-wi.com for more information.
Location: Comfort Suites Royal Ridges Conference Center, 1 Westgate Drive, Ripon
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: No Admission Fee. Donations to the Community Thrift Store & Food Pantry of canned goods, cereral or $1 will be gratefully accepted at the door.
Contact: Ripon Chamber of Commerce 920-748-6764 or info@ripon-wi.com
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TO HOLD LISTENING SESSION IN RIPON
State Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) announced that she will be holding spring listening sessions throughout the 41st Assembly District. The time and location for the Ripon Listening Session is listed below. Everyone is welcome to attend the session and share their thoughts on state issues.
Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson Street, Ripon, WI 54971
NEW SEASON, NEW LOOK
A new look with spring here for the blog. If you have any links for me to connect to, please leave them in the comments area, or email them to me at arkramer@charter.net
RECENT ANNEXATIONS INTO THE CITY OF RIPON
A reader posted a number of questions recently about a proposed annexation into the City of Ripon, which the Plan Commission will consider Wednesday evening. Here is a list of the recent annexations, going back to 2004:
RADIO ROAD PROPERTY (1 acre)
Jun 15, 2005 - City Engineer Travis Drake reported that a request has been received to annex a second property adjacent to a parcel annexed a few years ago on Radio Road from the Town of Ripon to the City of Ripon. A cost estimate for extension of sewer and water main to service this property is being worked on, and staff will be meeting with the petitioners next Tuesday. The Commission unanimously approved the annexation request.
June 23, 2005 - The City Administrator reported to the Board of Public Works that a request for annexation of property located at N7887 Radio Road has been received due to a failing septic system. It was noted that annexation of the adjacent property occurred a few years ago. The Board unanimousl recommended that the Common Council to direct City staff to proceed with the annexation and authorize the City Engineer to prepare a cost estimate for extension of sewer and water main for this parcel.
July 12, 2005 - After Alderman Bill Boesch questioned the section of the ordinance regarding payment of taxes when a property is annexed, the City Administrator replied that recently the state passed a law stating that when property is annexed from one municipality to another, (in this case from the town to the city), that the tax payments for the next five years will go to the town instead of the city. The Council then approved the ordinance annexing property at
N7887 Radio Road, Ripon, WI to the City of Ripon.
CHET FENNER PROPERTY (240 acres)
April 16, 2006 - The City Administrator informed the Plan Commission that Chet Fenner wants the City to annex 240 of land south and east of the City limits. Fritz Ebert and Gary Page, Town of Ripon supervisors, voiced concern that there is no development plan or overall plan for the area, and asked the City to table this request. The Commission asked Barg to schedule a public hearing for the May 17th Plan Commission meeting, and work with Ebert to set up a meeting prior to this date for Town and City officials to discuss the Town’s concerns.
May 17, 2006 - Chet Fenner wants the City to annex 240 acres south and east of the City limits. Attorney John Blazel told the Plan Commission that there must be a present or future need for the land. Fritz Ebert spoke in opposition, asking that it be tabled until a joint "Smart Growth" plan is adopted. The Commission unanimously approved the annexation request, with the temporary zoning classification to be agricultural.
June 13, 2006 - Upon being advised that no action could be taken until after the state submits its report, the Council voted to table the Fenner annexation request (item B1) for one month.
Oct 10, 2006 - The Council unanimously accepted a petition from Chet Fenner to annex approximately 240 acres of land into the City of Ripon. The land is located to the south and southeast of the City’s current border.
Oct 10, 2006 - The Council, after significant discussion, involving Fritz Ebert (Chairman for the Ripon Town Board) and Steve Sorenson (attorney for Chet Fenner), unanimously approved a motion to annex Mr. Fenner’s 240 acres into the City of Ripon.
CAROL PARKS PROPERTY (3.7 acres)
Nov 1, 2006 - The Plan Commission unanimously approved the annexation of two parcels totaling 3.7 acres on the north side of West Fond du Lac Street, just west of Plaza Bowl, with a requested zoning designation of B-2 (highway business).
Nov 27, 2006 - The Council unanimously approved the annexation.
SANDMAR ANNEXATION (20 acres)
Feb 21, 2007 - The Plan Commission unanimously approved a proposed annexation of 20 acres along the east side of Metomen Street, and to designate the land as R-1 (single-family residential) zoning. This request was sent to City Council for its February 26th meeting, provided an advisory report is received from the State by that time.
Feb 26, 2007 - The Council unanimously accepted the submitted petition and to approve the ordinance to annex approximately 20 acres of land into the City of Ripon along the east side of Hwy 44/49, just south of the current City limits.
DUZINSKE PROPERTY (58 acres)
Sept 19, 2007 - The Plan Commission approved a request to the State of Wisconsin to annex 58 acres recently purchased north and east of Highway 44 and Douglas Street in the Town of Ripon.
Dec 11, 2007 - The Council approved the annexation.
STEVE AND JENNY MACHOVICH PROPERTY (151 acres)
Nov 19, 2008 - The Plan Commission unanimously recommend that the City Council approve a request from Steve and Jenny Machkovich for annexation of approximately 150 acres located generally east and south of the intersection of Highway 23 and Douglas Street.
Dec 15, 2008 - After receiving concerns from Ripon Town Board chairman Fritz Ebert regarding the possible creation of a Town "island" and questions on whether all property owners signed the petition form, the Council unanimously approved a motion to approve the ordinance accepting annexation of 151 acres of land south and east of Highway 23 and Douglas Street, subject to verification that all property owners have signed the petition form.
GRASSEE PROPERTY (9 acres)
Mar 18, 2009 - The Plan Commission is scheduled to hear a request from Robert Grasse, Jr. to annex 9 acres south of Highway 44 and north of Olden Road into the City.
PROPOSED ANNEXATION MORATORIUM
Feb 21, 2007 - I suggested that the Commission adopt a moratorium against annexations until the joint Smart Growth plan is presented for approval to the Town Board and City Council, or January 1, 2009, whichever is first. I noted that, under his plan, annexations can still be approved, if the City and Town agree. The Plan Commission discussed this proposal, but agreed not to pursue it at this time, as it would serve to tie the City’s hands.
