Thursday, April 30, 2009

NEWS AND NOTES - MAY 1

RIPON MAIN STREET LAUNCHES FACEBOOK
Ripon Main Street, Inc. launched a page on Facebook to promote community events and activities. In just a few short weeks, the number of people signing up as fans has grown to over 400. People from all over the world have signed up, providing positive comments about our community. And what is truly impressive is the fact that we haven’t really done anything to promote the page, people are just finding us. In any event, check out the page and let me know what you think of the content. This will develop into an excellent PR tool for our Ripon. The link is provided HERE.

RIPON MEDICAL CENTER TO HOST DENIM AND PEARLS
RIPON — The Foundation for Ripon Medical Center will present the third annual Denim & Pearls: A Party with a Purpose on Friday, May 1, at Royal Ridges of Ripon. The public is invited to wear denim and enjoy an evening with Ripon Medical Center's pearls — the communities that RMC serves. The festivities include live and silent auctions, samplings from area restaurateurs and vendors, wine tasting, a cash bar, and entertainment by Heartland and Aaron Becker. Funds raised will help the Foundation for RMC provide support for community health and wellness education, purchasing the latest in state-of-the-art medical equipment and more, according to a press release from RMC. Tickets are available at Ripon Medical Center front desk and after hours at the emergency room registration desk, Ripon Drug, Tango/Uncorked, and Baird GM. Ticket prices are $35 in advance and $40 at the door for the wine tasting and the main event; $25 in advance and $30 at the door for the main event only. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the wine tasting; at 7 p.m. for the main event.

County Republicans to meet in Ripon
The Fond du Lac County Republican Party will hold its May meeting in Ripon at the Little White Schoolhouse, the birthplace of the Republican Party, at 6:30 p.m. May 7. The meeting is open to all who have an interest and share the beliefs of the Republican Party, according to a party press release. Invited legislative guests include Rep. Joan Ballweg of the 41st Assembly District and Sen. Luther Olsen of the 14th Senate District; they represent the Ripon area in Madison. They will provide a legislative update. The state budget and increases in taxation are expected to be discussed. The party will discuss upcoming activities and the summer schedule. The importance of the 2010 elections will also be discussed. The Little White Schoolhouse is located at 303 Blackburn St. in Ripon.

OTHER EVENTS
From M&I Bank, Ripon - Bake Sale & Plant Sale Friday, May 1
M&I Bank, 333 Blackburn - 8:30m a.m. until items are gone
Proceeds benefit M&I's Relay for Life Team

From the Ripon Chamber - Business Connection, Tuesday, May 5th
Diverse Options, 571 Fenton Street - Refreshments, networking and tours of the facility

From Badger Mining - Free sandbox sand from Badger Mining!
Pick-up every Saturday through the summer, 8 a.m. - noon - First stall at the Berlin Public Works city garage, 241 Spring Street, Berlin - Contact Todd at Badger Mining with any questions, 361-2388 X181

From Pick 'n Save - Annual Brat Fry Thursday, May 14th
2 homemade Smokehouse brats on bakery buns, Homemade deli potato salad, and pop. Only $2.00!!! And check out the HOT in-store specials

From Ripon Medical Center - 2009 Drug Free Communities Task Force "Drug Drop", Saturday, May 16, 9-11 a.m.
Front parking lot at Ripon High School - Dispose of your old, expired prescription drugs in a safe, approved manner that's not harmful to the environment

FROM THE RIPON SCHOOL DISTRICT

School Board Elects New Officers
The Ripon Board of Education elected its officers for the 2009-10 school year at its annual reorganization meeting. With the addition of Denise Martinez as a newly elected member, the Board is now at full strength of nine members. Joe Hatcher was elected president. Barb Schultz was re-elected vice president. Andy Lyke was elected treasurer. Tom Stellmacher was elected clerk. Officers serve for one year and, according to the term limits provision in the Board’s bylaws, may hold the same officer position for no more than two consecutive years. President Hatcher reappointed Tom Stellmacher, Barb Schultz, Andy Lyke, and himself to the Board’s negotiations committee.
Annual K-12 Unified Fine Arts Festival Opens
The District’s annual celebration of K-12 art will take place in downtown area businesses on May 2-10. Ripon businesses on Watson Street have donated space in their storefront windows to display numerous pieces of student artwork during the annual festival which is coordinated by Ripon’s art teachers. Window viewing is free and open 24 hours during the festival.
Board Streamlines Meeting Procedures
In an effort to shorten meetings, maintain a focus on agenda items, and make better use of the Board’s and public’s time, the school board agreed to implement a variety of changes to its agenda and procedures for regular monthly meetings. Meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. to allow for a more efficient closed session prior to the meetings. The Board has set a goal of concluding its meetings by 9:30 p.m. and using procedures to streamline its meetings.
City Council and School Board Schedule Joint Meeting
The Ripon Board of Education and the City of Ripon Common Council have scheduled a joint meeting to be held at 6:00 p.m. on May 11 in the Ripon City Hall. The meeting is intended to discuss additional ways in which the city and school district can work together. The two governmental bodies held a similar meeting several years ago.

Monday, April 27, 2009

CITY COUNCIL RECAP - APRIL 27TH

OPEN SESSION - 7:00 p.m.

Ordinance – approving new comprehensive plan for 2009-2029
Since the public hearing was opened on March 10th, the Plan Commission made one change to the plan, modifying land use for the south side of Highway 44 east of Douglas Street from “recreational facilities” to “mixed use”. The Council unanimously approved the plan, 7-0 (Alderman Brockman was not present tonight)
Proposed expenditure of funds in TIF District #8 – streetscape projects
Two months ago, the Council authorized borrowing $600,000 for downtown projects under newly-created TIF District #8. $200,000 of this amount was designated for “streetscape” improvements. Ripon Main Street is recommending a list of uses for these monies for your review and consideration. The items (and their budgeted amounts are as follows):
* Street lights ($127,000) - Need 14 light poles for 100 block of East Fond du Lac, Seward adjacent to the Village Green, and the 400 block of Watston. The idea is to try and have the college and downtown lighting be similiar, but no final decision has been made.
* Street trees ($25,000) - 14 trees to be planted in the sidwalk and 21 trees to be planted in the terraces
* Tree grates ($25,000) - 14 tree grates minimum
* Flower planters ($9,000) - 15 to 20 planters identical to existing planters
* Park benches ($9,000) - 8 commercial-grade park benches identical to existing
* Lightpole baners ($5,000) - 150 to 200 banners (3 to 5 different designs) at $39 per banner (2 per pole/ 33 street lights)
Bid - recoating Thomas Street water tower
Earlier this year, Council approved borrowing $400,000 to recoat the water tower on Thomas Street. Four bids were received, and staff recommends that Council accept an adjusted low bid of $390,435 from Classic Protective Coatings, Inc. The low bid was approved 7-0
Proposed change in City policy – curbside collection of brush
The Public Works Department is collecting an increasing volume of brush at curbside each month, and it appears that formal standards are needed. As stated in the a memo from the Public Works Director, staff recommends that free brush pickup at curbside be limited to 4’x 4’x 8’ piles, with a $40/pile charge after that, and that stumps and root balls will no longer be taken at the curb. At my request, the Council unanimously directed that the proposed changes be written as a formal city policy, so that a public hearing can be held to get feedback on the changes.
Appointment of special teams for 2009 workplan items
a. Website redevelopment
Citizen members: John Godson, Jeremy Johnson, Ryan Prellwitz, Brian Reilly
Staff members: Steve Barg, Barb Mashack, Lori Rich
Elected officials: Jane Schueler and Al Schraeder
b. Silver Creek corridor
Citizen members: Diane Rasmussen, Andrew Zuelke
Staff members: Steve Barg, Travis Drake
Elected official: Gib Stoeberl
NOTE: The closed session was cancelled
UPCOMING MEETINGS
May 11th - Joint meeting of the City Council and Ripon Area School Board
May 27th - City Council meeting (Please note this is a Wednesday due to Memorial Day)

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Ripon School News Email Network

Make-Up for Snow Days Announced
The 2008-09 school year is being extended for one day to meet the state’s 180-day school calendar requirement. The last day of classes for students will now be June 11. The remainder of the snow days were built into the school calendar and don’t require make-up. Meanwhile, RHS students will be attending school for 7 additional minutes each day for the remainder of the 2008-09 school year to make-up time for the two days on which school was delayed due to school. RHS students will begin 5 minutes earlier, at 7:50 a.m., and be dismissed 2 minutes later, at 3:14 p.m., beginning on April 27. Other Ripon schools have enough instructional time to meet the state’s law regarding annual instructional hours.

New Homework Policy Approved
After a two-year study that included surveys, focus groups, and research reviews, the Ripon Board of Education approved a first reading of a new Homework Policy that sets a consistent standard for all teachers based on current research and best practices. Final approval of the new policy and guidelines is scheduled for the Board’s May 18 meeting. A copy of the new policy and guidelines is posted on the District’s website for public feedback.

Staff Cuts Coming in May
The District needs to cut $545,000 from its annual operating budget for 2009-10 to remain under the limit mandated by the state’s revenue caps law. Referendum Question #3 was intended to provide relief from staff cuts but was not approved by Ripon voters. In February the School Board approved $210,000 in non-staff cuts with another $335,000 designated for staff cuts if the April 7 referendum did not pass. The District’s administrative team and Board members are now reviewing all staff positions and preparing a prioritization list for Board action on May 18. The original 2009-10 plan proposed by the District Budget Planning Team called for the elimination of four teacher positions and one elementary instructional aide position.

Board Recognizes Students and Staff
The Ripon Board of Education recognized 24 RHS students who made up the championship Academic Bowl Team advised by RHS teacher Mark Resch. This is the third consecutive year that RHS has won the conference championship in academics. An RHS English teacher, Patrick Osowski, was also recognized by the Board for his appointment to a district director position with the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English, our state’s affiliate to the national professional organization for English teachers. Kudos to all award recipients.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

TENTATIVE AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL - APRIL 27th

CLOSED SESSION - 6 PM
The Council will meet in closed session to discuss a developer’s agreement for project located in TIF District #8 and an option to purchase property in the City’s new business park.

OPEN SESSION - 7:00 p.m.
Among the highlights:
* A presentation of the city's Tree City U.S.A. Award from Olivia Witthun – Wisconsin DNR
* Continuation of public hearing – proposed comprehensive plan for 2009-2029
* Ordinance – approving new comprehensive plan for 2009-2029 - Since the public hearing was opened on March 10th, the Plan Commission made one change to the plan, modifying land use for the south side of Highway 44 east of Douglas Street from “recreational facilities” to “mixed use”. If this is acceptable, and if no other issues or concerns are raised at Monday's hearing, staff recommends approval of the attached ordinance adopting the new comprehensive plan.
* Proposed expenditure of funds in TIF District #8 – streetscape projects - Two months ago, the Council authorized borrowing $600,000 for downtown projects under newly-created TIF District #8. $200,000 of this amount was designated for “streetscape” improvements. Ripon Main Street is recommending a list of uses for these monies for your review and consideration. I will attempt to get the list up on the blog before Monday.
* Bid - recoating Thomas Street water tower - Earlier this year, Council approved borrowing $400,000 to recoat the water tower on Thomas Street. Four bids were received, and staff recommends that Council accept an adjusted low bid of $390,435 from Classic Protective Coatings, Inc.
* Proposed change in City policy – curbside collection of brush - The Public Works Department is collecting an increasing volume of brush at curbside each month, and it appears that formal standards are needed. As stated in the a memo from the Public Works Director, staff recommends that free brush pickup at curbside be limited to 4’x 4’x 8’ piles, with a $40/pile charge after that, and that stumps and root balls will no longer be taken at the curb.
* Appointment of special teams for 2009 workplan items
a. Website redevelopment - Citizen members: John Godson, Jeremy Johnson, Ryan Prellwitz, Brian Reilly Staff members: Steve Barg, Barb Mashack, Lori Rich Elected officials: 2 members from among Mayor/Council
b. Silver Creek corridor - Citizen members: Diane Rasmussen, Andrew Zuelke Staff members: Steve Barg, Travis Drake Elected official: 1 member from among Mayor/Council

Any questions or comments, opine on here or email me at arkramer@charter.net.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

RIPON HISTORY : OUR MAYORS

Little has been written about our mayors through history. I have been compiling some notes over the years, and have decided to put the information together. Any other information would be much appreciated:

HARVEY GRANT (1858) - Grant was born in Connecticut in 1792, and moved to the Green Lake County area in 1848, after spending the previous 18 years in Ohio. He moved to Ripon in 1856 and built the first grain elevator the following year. He was elected the city's first mayor in 1858, and served one year. He died in 1863. An 1887 article in the Ripon Commonwealth noted that "it is just to say that no man was ever a resident of Ripon who gained a reputation for honesty of purpose, fair and square dealing with his fellow men, and intelligent, christianlike (sic) action in every phase of life in a greater degree than the subject of this sketch." He had perhaps the wife with the most notable first name - Experience Grant.

JEDEDIAH BOWEN (1859, 1868) - He was a successful businessman, the owner of the first knitting works in Ripon, and was active in forming the Republican Party in Ripon. Bowen was born in South Wales in 1817 and came to American with his parents when he was 13. He spent his youth in Carbondale, PA, until moving to Ripon in 1850. He had a very interesting and busy life:
1850-1858 - Operated a dry goods store on the northwest corner of the Public Square. When he came to Ripon, it consisted of four buildings.
1855-1857 - Owned a dry goods branch store in Brandon
1855-1856 - Built and operated a mill in Brandon
1857 - Owned two farms, but sold them shortly thereafter
1858-1864 - Operated another dry goods store
1859 - Elected mayor
1861-1864 - Owned a dry goods store in Waupun
1861-1866 - Served as the postmaster of Ripon
1863-1877 - Operated a hardware store with O.J. Clark
1864 - Entered the banking business with Charles Wheeler
1866 - Operated a dry goods store in Red Wing, MN
1867 - Partnered with J.D. Hamilton in the boot and shoe business.
1868 - Served another term as mayor
1871 - Served one year in the Wisconsin Assembly as a Republican
1872 - Took control of the boot and shoe business
Bowen was also instrumental in the founding of Ripon College, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1851-1882 and as treasurer from 1855-61 and 1865-82. His home was located on the western edge of what is now called Bowen's Woods, on the present site of Scott Hall. The land was owned by Bowen until 1880 and was given to Ripon College in 1929 by Shirley Farr. He died in 1891.

HIRAM S. TOWN (1860) - He was born in Canada in 1833, and came to the Ripon area as part of the Ceresco experiment in 1844 with his mother and brother, after spending four years in Milwaukee. He was involved in the clerking business throughout his early years. Town enlisted in the First Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry in October 1862 and reached the rank of captain. He was set to receive the rank of Major when the unit was mustered out of service in March 1865. Town was involved in education, serving as the clerk of the Ceresco School District, and was a member of the school board. He also served as Fond du Lac County Sheriff from 1868-1869. In December 1869, he was appointed by Governor Fairchild to a committee formed to visit the charitable and benevolent institutions of the state. In 1870, he defeated James Fairbanks (Dem), 3,289-2,996, to win a 2-year term in the Wisconsin Senate. He also served as Ripon's postmaster during this time. He eventually moved from the Ripon area, but the time is now known. He was appointed Superintendent of the National Cemetery in Lebanon, KY in 1896, then moved to the National Cemetery in Port Hudson, LA in 1900. He died there on july 7, 1901.

PHILO ENGLAND (1861) - He was born in Farfax, Virginia in 1799, and moved to Ripon in 1854. He died in 1871, and not much else is known about him.

CEYLON NORTH (1862) - He was born in New York in 1811. He and his wife Dolly moved to Ripon in 1859, where they became members of the Congregational Church, serving as deacon from 1861-1864. Little else is known about his time in Ripon, except that he moved back to New York sometime around 1865, then went to Green Bay in 1870, and died in Oshkosh in 1879. He is buried in Hillside Cemetery in Ripon

CHARLES F. HAMMOND (1863) - He was born in Vermont in 1821, and moved to a farm near Rosendale with his wife Eliza in 1848. Twelve years later, they moved to Ripon, becoming involved in the mercantile and sheep and wool growing industries. In 1860, he was credited with saving the Congregational Church, with Reverend J.M. Hawley, from financial ruin. He served two years in the Wisconsin Assembly (1861-1862) prior to being elected mayor. He eventually moved to St. Paul, MN to live with his daughter in 1886, and died there in 1894. His body was brought back to Ripon where he was interred in Hillside Cemetery

BERTINE PINKNEY (1864) - Pinkney was born in New York City on April 26, 1824. In 1847 he removed to Rosendale. His political career began in 1850, when he was elected to the State Assembly as a Whig. Two years later, he was elected to the State Senate as a Whig, then served as a Democrat in 1852. He was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor in 1853, on the Free Soil ticket with Edward Holton. They lost to Democrat William Barstow. He served as a trustee of Brockway College from 1855-1861, and was the college's ex officio president from 1858-1861. In 1861 he enlisted in the Third Wisconsin Volunteers and was elected Major of that regiment. Pinkney was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and participated in the Shenandoah campaign and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. In 1863, was made Colonel of the Twentieth Wisconsin Volunteers and was ordered to the frontier. His military career came to an end when he was wounded by a shell in the Battle of Winchester and was afflicted with a stroke of paralysis. He returned to Ripon, where he served as mayor. He moved to Chicago in 1867, to St. Louis in 1869, and to Kansas in 1871. He died in Peabody, KS on December 26, 1909.

HENRY T. HINTON (1865) - Hinton was born on February 24, 1823, in Ripley, New York. His parents removed to Erie County, PA, when he was 11 years old, and came to Wisconsin in 1850. He sailed on the Great Lakes from 1838 to 1850. After his marriage in 1846, Hinton returned to Erie, PA, and lived there one year; then came to Milwaukee, where he resided five years. In October, 1852, he removed to Fall River, WI, and was engaged in the mercantile business for three years. Finally, in 1855, he moved to Ripon, and on July 13, bought an interest in the Ripon and Gothic Mills, and moved his family to the city in October of that year. He was in the the milling and produce business in Ripon until April 1873, when he moved to Winneconne and bought the Lake View House and an interest in the Winneconne flouring mills. He remained there until March 1878. His wife died on October 19, 1879, of hemorrhage of the brain. Henton was one of the delegates to the convention that organized the Republican party in the summer of 1854, and was one of the committee to appoint permanent officers for the organization. He was nominated and elected Mayor of the city of Ripon in the spring of 1865, while away from home, and, on returning, his first official act was issuing a proclamation calling a meeting of the citizens of Ripon to take action on the death of Abraham Lincoln. He held the offices of Chairman, Supervisor, Superintendent of the Poor, and several other offices in Ripon, and represented the village of Winneconne in the County Board. He died in 1913 in Marianna, FL at the home of his son.

ALBERT SKEELS (1866) - Skeels was born on February 27, 1813 in Cranston, VT. He eventually moved to Ripon in 1853, where he became a merchant and was the city's postmaster for seven years. He served two years in the State Assembly (1866-67) as a member of the Union Party. He was also a trustee and commissioner of the Insane Asylum in Oshkosh, and was a director and president of the Ripon Agricultural Association. In September 1873, he was stricken with paralysis, and two years later fell victim to an attack of apoplexy. He died January 5, 1876 and was buried in Hillside Cemetery.

SAMUEL SUMNER (1867, 1879) - Sumner was born in Appleton, Maine on October 21, 1819. He moved to Ripon in 1850 and became involved in the mercantile business. His was the second store to open in Ripon. He was town clerk for three years (1851-54), served ten years as treasurer of the school board, and was involved in the local temperance movements. In between his two terms as mayor, he spent three years on the Council (1871-73). He died on May 2, 1891.

WILLIAM WORKMAN (1869) - Workman was born in Scotland in 1822. He sailed to America in 1842, and moved to several locations, including Ripon. In 1852, he sailed to California via Panama. While in Panama, he built the first circular saw mill, but continued on to California, arriving on May 1st, where he apparently was a success in the gold mining business. He returned to Ripon in May 1854, and was involved in the cabinet making and seeding machine business. In 1866, he and two partner opened a firm to make sleighs, cutters and wagons. He left Ripon in 1878 to become the superintendent of the De Pere Iron Works. The company failed, and Workman lost $5,000 in the venture. He moved into the drug store business and was more successful in that venture. He died in 1900. Politically, he served several teams on the Ripon Common Council, two terms as Fond du Lac County Supervisor, ten years as President of the West De Pere Village Board and two years on the East De Pere Council. He also served two years as mayor of De Pere (1887-88) His son, William Junior, was also a successful businessman and politician in De Pere.

GEORGE FIELD (1870) - Field was born in New Berlin, NY in 1836. He moved to Albany, NY in 1852, then came to Watertown, WI and spent five years as a bookkeeper and teller at the Bank of Watertown (1857-62). He moved to Ripon in 1863, where he became a cashier at the Bank of Ripon. He moved to the First National Bank of Ripon when it was created in 1864. He died on July 20, 1912.

AARON EVERHARD (1871, 1874-78, 82-85, 90-92) - Everhard, the only man to be mayor on four separate occasions, was born on March 10, 1824 in Chippewa, OH. He graduated from the Western Reserve University (Cleveland) Medical School in 1848. He practiced one year in Medina County, OH and one year in Pleasant Valley, WI, before moving to Hamilton, WI in 1850. In 1855, he elected superintendent of schools in Pleasant Valley, before moving to Ripon the following year. He was appointed postmaster by President Cleveland and served four years (1886-90). He died in August 1892 in the middle of his final term.

ORRIN URIEL AKIN (1872) - There is some confusion over whether his first name is Orra or Orrin, but his tombstone at Hillside Cemetery says Orrin. He was born March 25, 1831 in Richmond, NY, and moved to Lockport, NY (1836-1850), Marquette, WI (1850-58) and Madison, WI (1858-62) before coming to Ripon, where he was involved in a drug store business with his brother. He served on the Council in addition to being mayor and died in Kansas City, MO on March 7, 1895.

ORLO J. WOLCOTT (1873) - Wolcott was born in Sandisfield, MA on February 2, 1815. He attended Amherst College for one year, then moved to Norfolk, CT to learn the jeweler's trade. Wolcott was prosperous in the business, and served one term in the Connecticut legislature. He moved to Cleveland in 1860, and then to Ripon two years later. He continued to prosper as a jeweler. He died January 8, 1883 and was buried in Hillside Cemetery.

ISAAC DAKIN (1880) - The Dakin family was one of the pioneers of our area. His brother, William was the first settler in the town of Brooklyn in Green Lake County, arriving on August 16, 1843. He and Satterlee Clark settled near the Center House. In fact, Dakin's home was near the creek which now bears his name. The first Post Office in the County was at Mr. Clark's. Isaac, who was born in New York City on April 25, 1842, joined his brother, along with his parents, in Wisconsin in 1849. He subsequently moved to Neshkoro (1852-62), back to Brooklyn, then New York, and finally to Ripon in 1864. He clerked for several businessman, before being elected City Clerk as a Republican in 1879. He also worked as a cashier at the German (then American) National Bank, and became the treasurer of the Soldier's Home in Waupaca in 1905. He died there on January 4, 1923, and was buried at Hillside Cemetery in Ripon.

ALLEN PENFIELD HARWOOD (1881) - Harwood was born on October 25, 1818 in Essex County, New York. His grandfather, Eleazer, was a solider in the Revolutionary War, and assisted in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga. After being a successful lumber and iron businessman in Vermont, he headed west in 1873 and, after traveling for a year, settled in Ripon in 1874. He served as a Republican elector for Benjamin Harrison in the 1888 electoral college. Ironically, he replaced former mayor Jedediah Bowen as a Ripon College trustee in 1882. He died in 1893.

QUESTION ON INGALLS FIELD

A reader posted the following question : I recently heard that the committee overseeing Ingalls Field has equal representation from the College and the School District. Why is this so, when the district owns the field?

This is an interesting question, and I think I found the answer digging through some old files I have compiled over the years on Ingalls Field. First, let's set the scene:

Ripon College initially owned Ingalls Field from 1888 until September 6, 1939. At that time, the field was sold to the city of Ripon. In 1967, the city sold the field to the School District, with an agreement drawn up between the college and school district regarding the usage of the field. Under the terms of the agreement:
"1. The parties agree forthwith to establish a committee for the regulation and control of Ingalls Field, such committee to consist of two representatives of First Party (Ripon College); two representatives of Second Party (School District) and an additional member at large to be selected by the respective representatives of the parties jointly.
2. It is agreed between the parties that the above appointed committee will from time to time formulate policies and make rules and regulations governing the use of such field."

By the way, I came across a great site tonight, which has a lot on interesting information on Ripon, including a very thorough recap of the turf issue. I will be doing some more reading tonight, and hope to share some of the information on this blog, and encourage you to check it out.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EMMY


My little girl - one year of bringing love and joy into our lives

PRELIMINARY AGENDA - JOINT MEETING OF RIPON COMMON COUNCIL AND RIPON SCHOOL BOARD

PLEASE note this is a preliminary agenda, and does not constitute an official notice.

LOCATION: Council Chambers, Ripon City Hall
DATE: Monday, May 11, 2009
TIME: 6:00 P.M.
AGENDA
I. Welcome/introductions
II. Purpose of meeting
III. Discuss areas of common interest

A. Planning for new middle school - 1. Location of streets and 2. Traffic management
B. Public safety issues - 1. Traffic issues near schools and 2. Location of crossing guards
C. Park & recreation issues - 1. Sharing services, equipment, staff, etc. and 2. Future use of Murray Park soccer field
D. Any other issues or concerns?
IV. Discussion of possible future meetings
V. Adjourn (by 7:25 p.m.)

Friday, April 17, 2009

WHAT IS GOING ON AT INGALLS' FIELD?

Answer to an e-mail : According to the notes for the upcoming school board meeting, additional storage facility has been constructed at Ingalls Field. Business Manager Rick Ketter will provide information to the school board next week about the facility being erected at Ingalls Field without any cost to the District. Just another example of community support for the facility without having to use tax dollars. Check it out the next time you drive by or attend one of the many spring sports events.

Superintendent’s Annual Performance

This has been posted on the school district's website. I encourage everyone to take part:

Superintendent’s Annual Performance - Annual Feedback Form for Members of the Community
We on the School Board are interested in getting the best information we can
from the constituents of our District in order to obtain a fair and accurate evaluation of our Superintendent. We thank you for taking part in this evaluation, and wanted to clarify to you what will happen to your feedback and how it will be used. Feedback is being obtained from the School Board, from administrators and staff
in the District, and from members of the community. Some members of those groups are
being asked specifically to complete feedback forms, but any member may do so by
printing this feedback form, and returning it to President of the School Board, P. O. Box 991, Ripon, WI, 54971 by May 1, 2009. We are asking everyone to sign their forms, as you will see below. It is important you understand that the President of the School Board will detach the first sheet containing your signature, and the feedback forms you have provided will proceed without your name being attached to them. We hope by this procedure to provide a balance between discouraging irresponsible anonymous attacks and providing peace of mind for those who may have difficult things to say.

Signature of person completing this annual feedback form:
________________________________________________
Date:
SUPERINTENDENT ANNUAL FEEDBACK FORM
Feedback instrument for Community Members
The following subheadings are intended to give examples of ways the characteristic can be expressed, but are not intended to be all-inclusive.
A. Communication
Communicates goals, expectations, and concerns clearly
Listens well
Provides the public with relevant information
General
Communicates well in oral and written form
Is accessible
B. Visibility
Maintains a meaningful presence in our schools and community
Draws local attention to our schools and to issues of education
Visibly supports school programs and activities
C. Curriculum and Instruction
Educates the public concerning issues of importance
Achieves and maintains standards of instruction and achievement
D. Leadership
Keeps the focus of our district squarely on the welfare of our children
Articulates our educational mission clearly and strongly
Serves as a model of leadership
Takes and gives constructive criticism
Is perceived as a strong leader
E. General Responses from the Community
Any area of interest that is not contained above (please specify)
RESPONSE SHEET FOR ANNUAL FEEDBACK:
A. Communication
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent No Opinion
Please explain why you chose this rating, with examples if possible.
B. Visibility
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent No Opinion
Please explain why you chose this rating, with examples if possible.
C. Curriculum and Instruction
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent No Opinion
Please explain why you chose this rating, with examples if possible.
D. Leadership
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent No Opinion
Please explain why you chose this rating, with examples if possible.
E. Area of interest not included above. Please specify __________________
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent
Please explain why you chose this rating, with examples if possible.
F. Overall Rating
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent
Feel free to elaborate on the reasons you chose this overall rating.

The actual form can be found here: http://www.ripon.k12.wi.us/site_uploads/uploads/SuptCommunityMembersFeedbackForm.pdf

Thursday, April 16, 2009

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

April 22 - The Park and Rec Committee will meet at 5 PM in City Hall
April 27 - The City Council will meet at 7 PM. At this time, the Silver Creek Development and City Website Committees will be appointed. The Council will also discuss, and potentially approve, the city's Smart Growth/Comprehensive Plan, which can be found on the city website. This plan will be a vision for the next 20-30 years for the City of Ripon. You can submit written comments, as well as appear that evening to discuss your views on the plan, which has been done in partnership with the Town of Ripon.
May 11 - The Council will meet with the Ripon Area School District. At this time, it appears the meeting will be held at Ripon College, but that has not been finalized at this point. We will be discussing a number of topics, including the options available for the road system that could be needed if a new school is built north of Murray Park Elementary. The school district has acreage north of the current elementary school, which it acquired in a referendum several years ago. I am not sure exactly when the new school is targeted for construction, but my best guess would be in the 2015-2019 time frame. The Plan Commission held some discussions last month on the master street plan in that area, but decided to hold off on finalizing those plans until after this meeting. We may also discuss the crossing guard situation, as well as the police liaison program. In the past, when we met, we also discussed combining the city and district's maintenance staffs (for example, joint lawnmowing), but there did not seem to be much of a costs savings there, so I am not sure we will discuss that at this meeting. After the joint meeting, the Council will hold its regular monthly meeting.
May 20 - The Plan Commission will meet, and will continue its discussion of the city's future road system
May 25 - This is a tentative date for the City Council's second meeting, but nothing has been set in stone yet due to the Memorial Day. The council also needs to set a time to meet with the Plan Commission to review a consultant's report on the future of the West End of the city. The city hired the firm late last year to develop a long-term development and redevelopment plan for the area.

FCEDC CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

From the Fond du Lac Reporter:
Commentary: Economic development entity celebrates 20 years of service

Entering its 21st year of service to businesses and residents, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) is going strong.

The organization is creating a buzz both locally and throughout the state.

"I travel around to a lot of other communities throughout the state," said Bob Poch, design and project manager, Keller Inc. "There isn't the doom and gloom here that you hear in other communities. I attribute that to the staff of FCEDC. They have worked very hard to make things happen."

The confidential nature of much of the work done by FCEDC creates a challenge of communicating its successes, but FCEDC has made an effort over the last few years to market its services in a way that does not breach the trust clients have placed in the organization.

So what does FCEDC do? The services it provides are based in five core areas of concentration:


The existing businesses of the local communities made up the largest portion of FCEDC clients, 48 percent, during 2008.

Existing business development, one of FCEDC's core services, includes all services aimed at keeping current businesses thriving. While many people think of economic development as attracting new businesses, FCEDC adopted the philosophy many years ago that keeping current businesses healthy, in conjunction with its other core services, was the most effective way of improving the economic well-being of Fond du Lac County.


In 2008, entrepreneurs and emerging business — another core service offered by FCEDC — made up 36 percent of FCEDC's total client base.

FCEDC staff provides startup business assessment services to anyone with a viable business idea who is looking to launch that business idea in Fond du Lac County. These services include business plan development; professional network referrals; assistance with locating a site or facilities; and financing assistance.


Business attraction, likely the most-understood service provided by FCEDC, accounted for 16 percent of FCEDC clients in 2008.

FCEDC provides a variety of services to companies considering Fond du Lac County as a business location. Services include providing demographic information, answering questions and requests for additional information, and providing relocation assistance to a company's employees.


FCEDC also works with communities within Fond du Lac County, offering professional economic development assistance and training; business retention programs; economic impact assessments and design of incentive programs among other services. In the case of North Fond du Lac, Ripon and Waupun, FCEDC provides contracted community development services.

Poch adds, "It takes more than the great location we have here in Fond du Lac County. It takes the tools to bring in business or retain business, and FCEDC works very well with its community partners to be sure those tools are available."


Work force development and talent attraction include working with its organizational partners to provide assistance with work force retention, education and customized training programs for work force development.

A contributor to FCEDC's success is the staff's ability to get to know the client and their unique needs. Our philosophy in working with clients, whether they are an existing business, an entrepreneur or a new business looking to move to Fond du Lac is about as far from a cookie-cutter approach as you can get. We really take time to listen and understand their needs and the unique challenges of their business so that when we offer solutions, they are truly what we feel would work best for their situation.

Brenda Hicks-Sorensen is the president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

RECAP OF LAST NIGHT'S COUNCIL MEETING

* Bicycle race – Ripon College (June 13th)- Unanimously approved
* Running races – Noon Kiwanis (July 11th & August 15th) - Unanimously approved
* Ordinance – Annexation of land on Highway 44 (Robert Grasee) - Approved 7-0.
Mr. Grasse has requested annexation of approximately 9.5 acres of land on the south side of Highway 44, across from the City’s new business park.
* Resolution – sale of 301 Watson Street (former senior center) to Boca Grande - Approved 7-0
The original sale price of $110,000.00 has been lowered to $109,537.50, with the adjustment based on which party covered which testing and remediation costs.
* Agreement for services and funding allocation – study of the dam - Approved 5-2 (Schuler and Luskey in opposition) - The City will spend up to $17,200. The first $9,000 for a failure analysis would come from unused 2007 budget funds initially targeted for a rail study, and the balance would then be included in the 2010 budget.
* Authorization to enter contract for 2009 street resurfacing projects - Approved 7-0
The bids came in well below the budget amount of $125,000 ($87,720.00). The Council directed staff to take the remaining money and resurface Ardmore.
* Possible reconstruction of the second phase of Newbury Street in 2009 - Motion to reconsider failed 5-2
Based on a formal request, Mayor Kramer has asked that Council revisit Newbury Street, to determine if moving this project to 2010 makes sense, given the eagerness of local firms to find work.
* Public restrooms for downtown – Blackburn Street parking lot - Motion to send to Ripon Main Street for feedback approved 7-0
* Mayoral Appointments - At my request, the following appointments were approved - Peter Hintz and Bill Hoch to the Plan Commission, Vicki Pape re-appointed to the Library Board, Dennis Cotton to the Police Commission.

REMINDER: The May 12th Council meeting has been moved to May 11th when the City Council and Ripon Area School Board will hold a joint meeting (one of our city goals for 2009) to discuss issues of common interest, including but not limited to the future roads needed for a proposed school north of Murray Park. The second Council meeting remains unscheduled due to Memorial Day.

UPDATES, NEWS AND NOTES: The City continues to work with the property owners involved in the Blackburn Street parking lot project on quit claim deeds and property transfers. All signs continue to point toward the work commencing this fall. The level of cooperation between the city and the property owners has been encouraging, and we are working TOGETHER...We will appoint the Silver Creek Development Committee and the City Website Committee at our next council meeting. There is still time if you are interested in taking part...April 25th has been designated Arbor Day in the city of Ripon...A presentation on the proposed Cornerstone Project was cancelled last night when the presenter had a family emergency...The transfer of the Plaza Bowl liquor license to a new ownership group was approved...Annette Klein was honored last night for her 20 years of service to the city as Public Works secretary.

Any questions, email me - arkramer@charter.net - or you can post them on the blog under comments.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

THANKS TO THE CHIEF HIGHKNOCKER IN GREEN LAKE

Came across this today on the Dartford Blog, which is based out of Green Lake:

Watching the Cubs Game
Its the bottom of the ninth, Cubs and Houston tied. I am trying to find election results for this blog so I can post Green Lake County election results. It is about 10pm on Tuesday. Just for the boredom of the whole process I checked out the Ripon Mayor's Blog. He already has the local election results posted. It is the definition of transparency in government. Really nice. Where does he get the results so quickly? I wish I had that easy access to results and why don't we.
https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8041317965451441886&postID=4034905109438556360

Thanks to Chief Highknocker for his comments. Where did I get the results? It is my secret (but I will tell if you buy lunch at the GooseBlind or Harbor Lights). LOL

WHAT IS THE CITY'S DEBT?

A e-mailer recently asked me what the city's debt level is. I did a post on this last year, but, of course, the numbers change, so here is another snapshot:

GENERAL FUND
This is commonly money borrowed to do long-term capital projects, and make major purchases
2000 BORROWING - Part of this was to add on to City Hall
20098 Payment - $144,950 in principal, $79,802 in interest
Future - Payments will be roughly $220,000 in 2010 and 2011, then accelerate to $327,000 for the next four years. We will relikely re-finance this note to level out the payments.
Remaining - $1.6 million in principal, $366,000 in interest (Final Payment - 2015)
2004 REFUNDING - The city refunded a large borrowing to get better interest rates
2009 Payment - $70,000 in principal, $14,208 in interest
Future - The city will pay $92,000 in 2010 and $89,000 in 2011. The scheduled payments drop down below $50,000 in 2012.
Remaining - $400,000 in principal, $52,000 in interest (Final payment in 2015)
2004 BORROWING
2009 Payment - $30,000 in principal, $36,000 in interest
Future - Payments will increase to $100,000 next year, and float between $80,000-150,000 for the remainder of the note
Remaining - $950,000 in principal, $246,000 in interest (Final payment in 2018)
STATE TRUST FUND - This was money borrowed to expand the Industrial/Business Park
2009 Payment - $57,000 in interest, $33,000 in interest
Future - Payments stay level around $90,000
Remaining - $637,000 in principal, $178,000 in interest (Final payment in 2017)
2007 BORROWING - Most of this money was for the new fire station
2009 Payment - $25,000 in principal, $79,000 in interest
Future - Payments increase slightly to $190,000 in the mid 2010's
Remaining - $1.95 million in principal, $880,000 in interest (Final payment in 2027)
TOTAL PAYMENTS IN 2009 - $327,000 in principal, $243,000 in interest
TIF #1 (Downtown)
2000 BORROWING (This was refinancing)
2009 Payment - $40,000 in principal, $6,000 in interest
Future - $129,000 in principal, $13,000 in interest (Final payment in 2011)
2003 BORROWING - This was a refinancing of a note the TIF took out from the city
2009 Payment - $90,000 in principal, $21,000 in interest
Future - Level payments until 2012, when we owe a balloon of $158,000
Remaining - $430,000 in principal, $59,000 in interest
TOTAL PAYMENTS IN 2009 - $157,000 - The TIF is bringing in enough increment to close this district early and put the tax base back on the general tax roll.
TIF #2 (This TIF has been closed, but has enough extra increment to pay off its debt)
2009 Payment - $45,000 in principal, $7,000 in interest
Future - Payments remain level
Remaining - $147,000 in principal, $14,000 in interest (Final payment in 2011)
TIF #4 (Industrial Park)
Money was borrowed in 2008 to pay for the new streets
2009 Payment - $75,000 in principal, $38,000 in interest
Future - Payments stay level
Remaining - $760,000 in principal, $115,000 in interest (Final payment in 2016)
TIF #6 (Highway 23 West)
Money was borrowed in 2007 for the Comfort Suite project and a short-term note was taken out last year for the Stoney Ridge extension by McDonalds
2009 Payment - $41,000 in interest
Future - Payments balloon to $250,000 the next two years, then drop to $75-90,000 for the remainder
Remaining - $1.4 million in interest, $466,000 in interest (Final payment in 2025 for the Comfort Suites project, 2011 for Stoney Ridge extension)
TIF #7 (Sandmar Subdivision)
Money was borrowed in 2007 to put in the streets and infrastructure
2009 Payment - $75,000 in interest
Future - Payments jump to $122,000 in 2011, then slowly accelerate
Remaining - $1.87 million in principal, $830,000 in interest (Final payment in 2026)
NOTE: TIF #3 was never created, TIF #5 is sharing its increment with TIF #1 to close the district earlier
WATER UTILITY
Money was borrowed in 2005 to purchase the utility from Alliant Energy
2009 Payment - $175,000 in principal, $248,000 in interest
Future - Payment remain level
Remaining - $5.586 million in principal, $3.222 in interest (Final payment in 2029)
WASTEWATER UTILITY
Money was borrowed in 2002 to expand and modernize the current facility
2009 Payment - $270,000 in principal, $121,000 in interest
Future - Payments remain level
Remaining - $4.529 million in principal, $926,000 in interest (Final payment in 2022)

TOTAL CITY DEBT
2009 Payment - $1.021 million in principal, $801,000 in interest
Future - General Fund debt accelerates until 2015, when it drops considerably
Remaining - $20.336 million in principal, $7.37 million in interest

NOTE: This does not include the recent borrowing of $600,000 under TIF #8 (the new downtown TIF) to finance a revolving loan fund, facade grant fund and streetscape improvement. Remaining payments include this year's payments.

FOND DU LAC TO HOLD TEA PARTY

Fond du Lac TEA Party Preparations in Final Stages

The Fond du Lac TEA Party Rally being planned for 5:30pm on Wednesday, April 15 at Veterans Park, downtown Fond du Lac, is now in the final planning stages. TEA stands for Taxed Enough Already. Being held in honor of the Boston Tea Party, the rally is intended to give concerned citizens a chance to voice their frustration with the high taxes that are being imposed by government officials and the loss of everyday freedoms that accompany intrusive government actions. The rally will include appearances by Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross, patriotic sing-alongs, brief inspirational speeches by freedom-loving citizens, and opportunities to contact government officials with personalized messages. Momentum is building for the TEA Party and citizens from surrounding counties are inquiring and making plans to attend.

All citizens who truly believe that the path of endless spending and debt are not the path we desire as Americans are invited to attend, regardless of political affiliation. Rally attendees are encouraged to bring signs bearing their personal messages and even dress up in Revolutionary costume, if so desired, to enhance the theme of the rally.

Over 1800 TEA Party rallies are being held across the nation on April 15, including a state-wide rally earlier in the day on the steps of the state capitol in Madison. For further information on the Fond du Lac TEA Party, email fdlteaparty@att.net.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL 14TH AGENDA

UPDATE - The presentation on the Cornerstone Project has been cancelled for tonight. The Council will meet at 630 PM in closed session, then at 7 PM in open session. Also, the Plan Commission meeting for Wednesday April 15th has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The Council will next meet on April 27then is tentatively scheduled to meet with the Ripon Area School Board on May 11th to discuss issue of common interest.

From bike and road races to road projects to the Mill Pond Dam, we have a lot on the plate Tuesday night.

* The Council will meet at 6 PM in the conference room to receive a presentation on the Cornerstone health and wellness facility project. Then the Council will adjourn to closed session to discuss a request to contract for services in creating two new Tax Increment Finance districts

COMMON COUNCIL MEETING-Council chambers, City Hall
Tuesday, April 14, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
* Presentation – FCEDC’s 2008 annual report by Brenda Hicks-Sorensen
* Resolution – recognizing and commending Annette Klein for 20 years of service
* Request for street closures
a. Bicycle race – Ripon College (June 13th)- Since our last meeting, Ripon College has sent letters to all property owners affected by the proposed race courses, and as of this date, staff hasn’t heard any complaints or concerns with this planned event on June 13th.
b.Running races – Noon Kiwanis (July 11th & August 15th) - Since our last meeting, the Noon Kiwanis Club has changed the proposed race course, and the new map is enclosed Information on this request and the race route has been included in the Commonwealth and other local media, and the Town of Ripon was notified, as it is now proposed to close Union Street at Skyline Road.
* Ordinance – Annexation of land on Highway 44 (Robert Grasee) - Mr. Grasse has requested annexation of approximately 9.5 acres of land on the south side of Highway 44, across from the City’s new business park. This land is being sold, and it is expected that an assisted living facility will be built on the site. The Plan Commission recommended approval, and the State has no objections.
* Resolution – sale of 301 Watson Street (former senior center) - In 2007, the City reached agreement with Boca Grande on the sale of the former senior center property at 301 Watson Street, but subsequent environmental testing revealed a small amount of fuel oil underground on the site. This has been cleared to DNR’s satisfaction, and we are ready to complete this transaction. The original sale price of $110,000.00
has been lowered to $109,537.50, with the adjustment based on which party covered which testing and remediation costs.
* Agreement for services and funding allocation – study of the dam - Based upon the results of a recent safety report from DNR, the City is required to have a study performed on its dam as outlined in the attached memo from the Public Works Director. Staff recommends that Council authorize contracting with Graef for the work at a cost not to exceed $17,200. The first $9,000 for a failure analysis would come from unused 2007 budget funds initially targeted for a rail study, and the balance would then be included in the 2010 budget.
* Authorization to enter contract for 2009 street resurfacing projects - The Public Works Director has solicited bids for the 2009 street resurfacing projects. His memo and bid tabulations are attached. The bids came in well below the budget amount of $125,000, and staff recommends that the Council approve the low bid of $87,720.00 from MCC, Inc. of Appleton.
* Possible reconstruction of the second phase of Newbury Street in 2009 - Based on a formal request, Mayor Kramer has asked that Council revisit Newbury Street, to determine if moving this project to 2010 makes sense, given the eagerness of local firms to find work. The Public Works Director will be prepared to discuss a rough timeline for the project. Staff has also attached a memo on next year’s planned start of the Ransom Street reconstruction project for your review.
* Public restrooms for downtown – Blackburn Street parking lot - It has been suggested by some downtown business owners that public restrooms be included in connection with Blackburn Street parking lot project. Others maintain that public restrooms are needed downtown, but question if this is the best location. Councilmember Schueler asked that this item be placed on the agenda for discussion.

THIS IS WHY PEOPLE TURN AGAINST POLITICS

Can we just accept the fact that James Doyle will go down as one of the least trustworthy governor's in the history of Wisconsin? OK, if you won't go that far, how about one of the most ethically challenged? Still won't go that far? How about most fiscally irresponsible? Why the outrage? Simply put, the news of the past week shows just how far the Governor and his party will stoop to secure their electoral future at the risk of our children and grandchildren. Let's present the evidence:

DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I PROMISED
Back in 2002, when Doyle was running for governor, he made the following statement -“I have said this before and I'll say it again, I believe that the state budget is a powerful and important financial document, but should not be a political vehicle to hide hundreds of policy items that deserve separate consideration and debate.” Now that is the kind of leadership Wisconsin was looking for. Except that seven years later, with his party controlling both houses, Doyle has done a complete 180-degree turn and is trying to use the budget to shovel through controversial issues which demand their own day in the sun for debate.

In Wisconsin, it has been common practice for more than a decade to take all items that do not directly relate to the budget out of the document before the debate begins. Governors have stuck these items in their budgets, hoping they would pass under the radar screen and keep some special interest group happy. The Joint Finance Committee would then remove the items, issue some press releases railing on the Governor (if he was from the other party, of course), try and stick some of their pet issues into the budget and start the process all over again.

Therefore, on Tuesday, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, a non-partisan agency, issued a list of 80 policy items in the budget, which included such issues as repealing the QEO and banning smoking in public places. Republican lawmaker Robin Vos had requested the list. Ready to debate the budget? Well, not quite.

The Bureau also wrote a memo for the chairs of the Joint Finance Committe, Mark Miller and Mark Pocan, both Democrats, with a different set of criteria for identifying non-fiscal items, which included any "item (that) has no effect on state appropriations or state or local revenues in the 2009-11 biennium" and that the provisions "could be accomplished without statutory directive, such as reports, studies, and audits." LFB identified 11 items of the 80 in the first memo that have a state or local fiscal impact.

Miller and Pocan identified 45 non-fiscal items they plan to pull from the budget, including photo enforcement for traffic violations, reassigning executive branch employees and doing away with a requirement for a cost-benefit analysis before entering into state contracts. They left in the repeal of the QEO, a statewide smoking ban and various tort reforms, including changes on requirements for car insurance and joint and several liability, and establishing domestic partner benefits. Needless to say, each of these items would generate a healthy and wide-ranging debate if they were held up on their own merits under separate legislation. I am not saying that I am opposed to each of these issues, but let's give them their day in court, or at least the Capitol.

Of course, it costs money to implement all of these changes, and that is where this debate starts to have an impact on your wallet...

ROSY GLASSES FOR ALL
In 2007, Governor Doyle delivered his budget address for the current bienium. He said that it had "taken a long time to recover from the financial mess created in the 1990s, but this is the budget that turns the corner." He pointed out his budget had created a small surplus in 2005 and a surplus in 2007, though most economists will argue that if we used standard, accepted accounting rules, and stopped the gimmicks of fund transfers and conviently moving obligations out to future budgets, neither budget would have shown a "real" surplus. The kicker in his speech came when he promised "a surplus of $130 million in 2009. Now that’s progress."

Where is that surplus? Buried under a $5.9 billion deficit, which the Governor has now deftly blamed on the policies of the Bush administration, despite the fact that he has introduced four state budgets, each containing structural deficits and raised state spending 32 percent. Of course, Doyle will waive his magic wand, and the deficit will vanish, thanks to $4.5 billion in stimulus money, $3 billion in additional taxes, and another overly-optimistic view of the future. The Doyle administration is projecting general fund tax revenue growth of 2.5% in Fiscal Year 2010 and 4.1% in 2011.

All this shows is that the Governor was a poor student of economics, and even less intelligent when it comes to history. According to the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute, during the mild recession of 2001, it took the state three years to see any real revenue growth. I use the term mild in comparison to the deep, dark recession we are currently in. Would it not be better to take a more pessimistic view of the future in order to build in safeguards and failsafe measures for the proposed budget? Not when you makes claims that your proposed budget will help the middle class

SO WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU AND ME
The bottom line is that you and I will pay more to Madison, at the same time economic worries are at an all-time high for this era. The Legislative Fiscal Bureau analyzed the Doyle budget, and estimated that it would increase property taxes for the median Wisconsin home by $91 (a 3.2 percent increase) on this December’s tax bill and another $134 (another 4.5 percent increase) the following year. Senate Republican Leader Scott Fitzgerald, who hails from Dodge County, pointed out that "while the report estimates that the median-valued home will lose approximately $6,800 in value over the next two years, the owners of that same home will be forced to pay $316 more in property taxes." This from the same governor who railed on his predecessors' budgets for “expensive new programs,” the “excessive use of one-time money,” and “runaway deficits”.

Mark Pocan, one of the men responsible for the inclusion of the non-fiscal items in the budget debate, has even go so far as to claim that the budget "goes to great lengths to minimize negative impacts on average working families." He also claims that we paid more annually in state taxes under the Thompson-McCallum administrations. Excuse me, but Pocan has shown he is another poor student of history. Wages were increasing, home values were increasing, and we actually had s budget surplus during that time. That is not the case today.

In the end, there is only two certainties in this classic case of he said, she said, they said. Wisconsinites need to stop making jokes about Illinois' former governor, when our own has shown his past promises aren't worth the paper they are written on. And we are all going to pay now and later for the failure of our state's leaders to make tough decisions at the risk of alienating their base for the benefit of our state.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Interpreting the election results

The voters have spoken, and some messages are coming through on this election night. First, in the Ripon School District, the referendum questions came out just as the Commonwealth-Press recommended. Voters said yes to spending more money on infrastructure (boilers, roofs, textbooks and technology) and no to spending more money on the less tangible items such as staffing and payroll. The debate will now turn to what cuts, if any are needed to balance the 2009-2010 budget. Yes, some teachers and other support staff are going to likely lose their jobs unless some changes are made in the current benefit and wage structure throughout the entire district.

Voters also returned the two incumbents to the school board, and added Denise Martinez to the mix. I wish all three of them best of luck in the upcoming months as the district faces some tough decisions with its dollars.

One clear message I see coming through is that, yes, voters and taxpayers are frustrated and looking for leadership and forward-thinking. They are also not buying into the recent flurry of accusations against the district of mismanagement and not minding the store which have become a monthly occurence in the editorial section of the local paper. The claims of mistrust and anger do not find themselves reflected in the election results. If that had been the case, I doubt even one referendum question would have passed, and we certainly would not have seen BOTH incumbents elected. Now is the time to put this negativity and mudslinging behind us, and focus on the future and in providing the best, but also most affordable education we can in Ripon.

UPDATED ELECTION RESULTS - 10 PM

RIPON SCHOOL REFERENDUMS
QUESTION I: YES: 1,311 - NO: 616
QUESTION II: YES: 1,121 - NO: 944
QUESTION III: NO: 1,170 - YES: 873

RIPON SCHOOL BOARD:
Lyke 1,300*
Hatcher 1,197*
Martinez 1,185*
Wunn 720
Jochem 508

TOWN OF RIPON SUPERVISOR:
Barry Vandebrink 158
Dan Johnson (inc.) 129

MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS - APRIL 7

DATE: April 7, 2009
TO: Common Council
FROM: Mayor Kramer
RE: Appointments

I’d like to make the following appointments, subject to Council approval:
Library Board - Vicki Pape (reappointment for a new term ending 4/30/12)
Plan Commission - Bill Hoch (replacing Rosemary Nelsen for a term ending 04/30/12)
Police Commission - Dennis Cotton (appointment for a new term ending 04/30/13)

These will come before the Common Council on April 14th. Rosemary is leaving the Plan Commission due to time constraints in her personal life. She has served the city of Ripon well, and, in light of her new venture with her and her husband, her presence will be missed, but her absence will bring hope and joy to her family and its newest members.

Ripon School Board -- 9 of 9 precincts reporting (100%)

H. Anderson Lyke - 1,173 30%
Joe Hatcher - 1,077 27%
Denise Martinez - 1,052 27%
J. Scott Wunn - 647 16%

Ripon Town Board Chair

Ripon Town Board Chair
Barry Vandebrink - 195 66%
Dan Johnson - 100 34%

I had a chance to speak with Barry tonight, and congratulate him on his victory. The interesting question is that he defeated Johnson for both town chairman AND town supervisor. In speaking with the Barry tonight, he said that it is his understanding that he will accept the town chair position, then he, supervisor Gary Page and the town clerk will fill the vacancy for supervisor. Either way, I look forward to working with Barry in the future as we have a number of issues that affect both the City and the town.

RIPON CITY ELECTION RESULTS

CITY OF RIPON ELECTION RESULTS - SPRING ELECTION APRIL 7, 2009

STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
ROSE FERNANDEZ - 501
TONY EVERS - 736

JUSTICE OF THE WI SUPREME COURT
RANDY R KOSCHNICK - 370
SHIRLEY S ABRAHAMSON - 885

CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE - BRANCH 3
RICHARD J NUSS - 882

COUNTY EXECUTIVE
ALLEN BUECHEL - 998

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF RIPON - SCHOOL BOARD
H ANDERSON LYKE - 873
JOE W HATCHER - 829
DENISE MARTINEZ - 774
J SCOTT WUNN - 477
JAKE JEROME JOCHEM - 341

SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENDUMS
QUESTION #1 - YES (940), NO (357)
QUESTION #2 - YES (766), NO (521)
QUESTION #3 - NO (667), YES (616)

% OF THOSE REGISTERED WHO VOTED - 26

PLAY BALL....Most likely Brewers to be traded

Ah, yes, the smell of leather and the sound of a ball hitting a bat (and splintering the bat into a million pieces lately). Baseball is in the air, and the Brewers hit the field today in San Francisco, weather permitting. Coming off their first playoff season since 1982, the Brewers have optimism, and a lot of questions. I would venture that this season could be pivotal in determining the direction of the franchise for the next 5-7 years, based on what the Brewers do with their roster as the July 31st trading deadline approaches.

First, I do not expect a major deal like the Sabathia trade if the Brewers are 10 or more games out by the Fourth of July. BUT if the team is still in contention, I can see them pulling the trigger on a deal involving a Jake Peavy (who will mentioned in 1,000 rumored trades before Memorial Day). It begs the question: Who could the Brewers package in a deal? There are number of candidates, starting with a player who appears to be the biggest one-hit wonder since Taco put on the ritz in the early '80s:
1 - Bill Hall - He hit .270-35-85 in 2006, and was rewarded with a large contract. Since then, he has hit .254 (2007) and .225 last year, and 29 homers over the two seasons. Needless to say, Hall has not paid dividends, and with Mat Gamel breathing down his neck, his days could be numbered. The question is whether a team will take his salary, or will the Brewers have to pick up some of the tab.
2 - Rickie Weeks - One of the most likely scenarios is Weeks gets moved, since, if he finally produces this year, he will be priced out of the Brewers' budget in the off-season, and, if he does not produce, the Brewers may finally throw in the towel on the former Number One draft pick. If you see the Brewers sign J.J. Hardy to a long-term deal, it would increase the chances Weeks is dealt, with Alcides Escobar moving into the shortstop role. Another scenario could be Escobar going to third (if Gamel's defense does not improve - he had 85 errors over the past two seasons) and Hall goes to second. 3B Taylor Green is two years away from being a contender for a spot on the roster, which would give the Brewers some more flexibility down the road.
3 - Mike Cameron - The Brewers could move him to a pennant contender for the stretch drive if they are out of the race, and let Tony Gwynn, Jr. have one last chance to prove he can stick in the majors. Either way, I expect Lorenzo Cain to be the centerfielder in 2010 or 2011 at the latest.
4 - Corey Hart - If the late-season struggles continue for him into this season, the Brewers may try to move him before his arbitration numbers climb past the team's comfort level. OF Cole Gillespie has not shown enough to be considered his replacement, but I could see a scenario where the Brewers convert Gamel into an outfielder (see Ryan Braun) and use him to replace Hart.
5 - Dave Bush - A big season for Bush will mean big contract numbers come November. Unfortunately, the options in the minors to replace him are limited. Former top draft pick Jeremy Jeffress has a great fastball, but also has a history of substance abuse, and is being touted as a closer in the future, perhaps as soon as next year. RHP Omar Aguilar struggled with control, and is also being projected as a reliever-closer, not a starter. LHP Zach Braddock has struggled with his health (a common problem with top pitching prospects in the farm systems), and RHP Cody Scarpetta is at least two years away from being a big league pitcher, though he shows signs of being an innings-eater if he reaches Miller Park.
6 - Jason Kendall - This is the wildcard. At his age and with his overuse (in my opinion), the Brewers have to be looking at an eventual replacement, and may decide to to get what value they can if they are out of contention come July 31st. The Brewers have two legitimate prospects - Angel Salome (one to two years away) and Jonathan Lucroy (who will be in Class AA this season) - but they are not ready for the majors yet. The Brewers could turn the reins over to Mike Rivera if they move Kendall, and sign a free agent in 2010 to a 1-year deal.
7 - Prince Fielder - He has a 2-year deal, but it appears more and more likely the Prince will end up a DH in the American League if he prices himself out of Milwaukee. The problem for Milwaukee is that they have no viable replacement (Brad Nelson?) on the roster or in the minors.

With those options out there, here is a peak into the crystal ball:
THE 2011 BREWERS
C Angel Salome
1B Prince Fielder or Brad Nelson
2B J.J. Hardy
SS Alcides Escobar
3B Taylor Green
LF Ryan Braun
CF Lorenzo Cain
RF Mat Gamel
SP Yovanni Gallardo
SP Manny Parra
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Cody Scarpetta
SP Zach Braddock
CL Jeremy Jeffress

Monday, April 6, 2009

ONE OF LIFE'S GREAT MYSTERIES...

I came across this article from last week's news:

RACINE — A Racine lawmaker says it’s time to give 17-year-olds the right to vote in state and local elections. Democratic state Rep. Cory Mason is circulating a proposal to that effect and seeking co-sponsors. Mason said 17-year-olds commonly are in their senior year in high school, and they should be able to put their civics lessons to work by exercising the civic duty to vote. Voters now must be 18 or older to cast ballots in Wisconsin — the same as the federal requirement. Changing the law would require amending the state constitution. An amendment must be passed by two successive legislatures and then by voters in a referendum.

And it led me to ponder one of life's great mysteries...
We let people vote at 18, smoke a cigarette at 18, enter into binding contracts at 18, go to war at 18, marry as young as 16 in some states, go to prison as an adult in some states as young as 15 (maybe 14 in some), and now, possibly, allow them to vote as young as 17, but...
They have to be 21 to drink a beer. I still can't figure that one out completely.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TOMORROW

Of course, we have the superintendent, Supreme Court justice, school board and school referendum decisions on Tuesday, which should boost the turnout for Ripon. Based on the recent letters to the newspaper, the referendum has certainly generated its fair share of interest. I am not going to make any endorsements, but am going to make predictions instead:
SUPERINTENDENT
Tony Evers will win a close race with Rose Fernandez. The WEAC-supported candidate, who is currently the second in command in the Department of Public Instruction, has had some issues surrounding him regarding improper campaigning, but I don't think they have done enough damage to his campaign. Sadly, I think Evers will be a lapdog for WEAC if elected, whereas Fernandez may have been willing to bring some different ideas and perspectives to the office.
SUPREME COURT
Abrahamson should roll in this contest. It is hard to unseat a sitting judge unless they have been caught in a scandal or made a decision which really gets the public riled up. Abrahamson has done neither, and should beat back the challenge of Randy Koshnick.
RIPON REFERENDUM
I think the first question (regarding the boilers and roofs) will pass, but I think the second and third questions will go down to defeat (but will come back in a slightly altered form this fall). I think the primary reason is the uncertain economy. People simply do not want to see their taxes going up before every other option is considered and/or tried. Yes, I have heard about a lack of trust in the district following the 2006 referendum, but, honestly, if you believe the school district thumbed their noses at the voters and went ahead with the turf, then you did not read the referendum question, which clearly asked for permission to borrow money to install the turf. I do not think that there is a massive distrust of the district to spend the money, if the questions are approved, in a manner different than we vote on. If people really did not trust the current board, then there would be more than five names on the ballot for Tuesday's election. Besides, there are enough measures in place, and I speak from experience involving municipal debt, to prevent any elected body from spending bonded money in a manner inconsistent with the original, stated intent.
SCHOOL BOARD
I am not going to venture any guesses at this point, but I am surprised by the lack of "buzz" and interest in these races. Perhaps people have a little election fatigue following the presidential marathon.

There are other races around the county as well

Voters go to polls on Tuesday - The Reporter Staff

Numerous contested races — including three village presidents and four town chairmen — are expected to draw voters in Fond du Lac County to the polls for the spring election on Tuesday, April 7. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m...Voters in Fond du Lac will elect three candidates to the City Council. The ballot will feature the names of six candidates: Richard Gudex, Tim Lakin, James Nagle, Rick Rebek, Jeremy Thiesfeldt and Rob Vande Zande. However, Rebek said that due to employment issues, he will not accept the seat if elected.

In addition, Herbert Haywood Sr., who did not advance from the February primary, is an official write-in candidate for City Council.

Fond du Lac School District voters will elect two of the three following candidates: Eric Everson, Susan Jones and Peter Kujawa.

In the village of North Fond du Lac, voters will decide whether incumbent James Moore or newcomer Peter McCourt will serve as Village Board president. Village of Eden residents will select newcomers Dennis Immel or Steve Ouimette as president. Village of St. Cloud residents will choose between newcomers Jim Sippel or Carol Limberg.

Chairmen will be decided in the following townships:
Osceola, where incumbent LaVerne Immel is being challenged by William Benson III.
Ripon, where newcomers Barry VandeBrink and Dan Johnson are both running for chairman and supervisor.
Taycheedah, where incumbent Jerome Guelig is being challenged by Mike Wirtz.
Waupun, where incumbent David Lemmenes is being challenged by Randy Vande Slunt.

Village of Campbellsport residents will vote on an advisory referendum that asks whether to spend $400,000 to $500,000 of tax dollars to maintain the dam on the Milwaukee River; or $50,000 to $100,000 to remove the dam and allow the river to return to its natural course.

Turnout

Fond du Lac City Clerk Sue Strands said she is predicting a 20 percent voter turnout. Absentee ballot requests, she said, have been less than expected.

County Clerk Lisa Freiberg said, optimistically, she is hoping for a 25 percent voter turnout. A 25 percent turnout would total 15,395 votes countywide.

Freiberg said the more than two dozen contested races as well as several school referendum questions could attract voters.

She cautioned voters against the use of any stickers on their ballot that include a candidate's name. For reference purposes only, voters can take stickers or even the sample ballot into the voting booth.

Freiberg said a sticker affixed to a ballot will automatically be rejected and can shut down a machine. Repairs are costly and the county's spare machine would have to be brought to the polling place.

Friday, April 3, 2009

NEWS RELEASE - TREE CITY U.S.A.

On behalf of the Mayor, City Council, and City staff, I’m proud to announce that the City has again been named a Tree City U.S.A. community by the Arbor Day Foundation.This marks the 18th consecutive year that the City has received this award, which is given to those municipalities that achieve basic criteria designed to promote and facilitate planting and proper care of trees, as this provides many important benefits to a community and to the environment in general. A representative from the Department of Natural Resources will attend the April 27th City Council meeting to present this award. As we accept this award and pledge our commitment to tree planting and preservation in the future, we also strongly encourage all property owners and residents of Ripon to do the same.
Steve Barg - City Administrator

FDL REPORTER - Economic stimulus will benefit city, area schools

Economic stimulus will benefit city, area schools

The Reporter Staff

The Fond du Lac School District will receive almost $626,500 and North Fond du Lac public schools will get $91,000 in economic stimulus money to fund Title I programs.

The federal funding, which will total more than $1 billion for Wisconsin and be distributed in multiple phases, will go toward educating students from low-income families and students with special needs, expanding professional development opportunities for teachers, and helping promote reforms at schools identified for improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act.

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold announced that the Department of Education released initial funding Wednesday from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as the economic stimulus, to school districts across Wisconsin.

This first phase of stimulus funding for education will be made available through formula Title I grants and formula Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants.

Area school districts are scheduled to receive the following funds:

# Beaver Dam, $281,382.

# Campbellsport, $78,878.

# Fond du Lac, $626,500.

# Horicon, $69,018.

# Kewaskum, $98,597.

# Lomira, $59,158.

# Mayville, $86,462

# New Holstein, $90,255.

# North Fond du Lac, $91,000.

# Oakfield, $29,579.

# Ripon, $98,597.

# Rosendale-Brandon, $45,506.

# Waupun, $153,964.

In addition, the Department of Education released guidance for states to access the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, which will help states prevent cuts to education spending.

"Wisconsin's financially strapped school districts will begin to see some relief with this first phase of funding, which will help provide services to low-income students, cover the rising costs of educating students with disabilities, implement innovative reforms in our schools, and increase professional development opportunities for teachers," Feingold said.

He pointed out that 371 school districts in Wisconsin will receive stimulus funding from Title I grants.

Both the Title I and IDEA grants will be distributed to the State of Wisconsin, which will in turn allocate funding to individual school districts through federal formula.

Title I and IDEA grants can be used by school districts for a variety of purposes, including expanding early childhood opportunities for eligible students, implementing new math and reading programs to improve literacy and math skills among low-income students, expanding learning time for students outside of the traditional school day, and developing professional development programs to help train teachers who work with students with special needs.

Community Theater taking shape in the Ripon area

It's spring time again, and while we're still waiting for the spring weather to come out and play, the Ripon Area Community Theatre is gearing up to take the community by storm.

"We have a lot of plans on the drawing board," says Ripon ACT member Brian Reilly. "We're having a brat fry, the first Friday in April, which we're hoping everyone will come to. That will be at Pick N Save. We have a few different productions in the works, but a lot of it is in the preliminary stages yet; we're still looking for more people to join up with us and help get things going."

Even though acting isn't for everyone, Brian assures people that there's something for everyone.

"There's a lot that goes on backstage during a production. If you like to build things, or have computer or electrical skills; or maybe you have a good fashion sense most productions need some kind of sets, lighting, sound and costumes. It really takes all kinds to put on a show and it can be a lot fun."

Some of the activities the Theatre group is planning to do include a weekly improvisation workshop, a sketch comedy group and outdoor stage production on the green. Additional stage productions are also in the works.

The Ripon ACT brat fry will run from 10 am 3 pm, Friday April 3rd; at the Ripon Pick N Save on W Fond du Lac.

For more information on the Ripon Area Community Theatre, you can contact Brian at 920-748-2236; or email at riponact@yahoo.com.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

STIMULUS MONEY TO BE USED TO BUY FORECLOSURES

Oshkosh, Neenah and Menasha receive funds to purchase foreclosed homes

By Jeff Bollier of the Northwestern

Three cities in Winnebago County have received more than $1.1 million to help buy and repair foreclosed homes.

The money is a portion of about $40 million Wisconsin received to tackle the massive foreclosure problem that contributed to the financial meltdown last year. The cities of Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha and the Winnebago County Housing Authority will split the funds in an attempt to counteract massive increases in foreclosures throughout the county from 2006-2008.

The funding will be used to purchase foreclosed properties from banks, to renovate and upgrade them or to demolish properties too costly to repair. Only properties in regions of each city that have above average foreclosure rates will be eligible for purchase under the program, Oshkosh Principal Planner Susan Kepplinger said.

Those areas include a swath south of Packer Avenue between Bowen and Jackson streets, an area north of Ninth Avenue and East of Knapp Street, and other portions of the city.

Kepplinger said the problem of foreclosures isn't always visible, but remains an issue throughout the community. First American Core Logic released data that shows the 90-day delinquency rate on mortgages in Oshkosh-Neenah rose by 0.5 percent in February 2009. The real estate data firm also indicated 1.2 percent of homes in Oshkosh-Neenah remain in foreclosure, the same percentage as in February 2008.

"In the case of Housing and Urban Development-foreclosed homes, there are no real estate signs," Kepplinger said. "It's just houses sitting there vacant that don't jump out at you. But when you start looking at ads or printouts of where the water has been shut off, you begin to realize the magnitude of the problem."

Housing Authority Executive Director Brad Masterson said the award comes with the requirement the program be implemented immediately.

"They're expecting these things to happen quickly," Masterson said.

In Oshkosh, Kepplinger said the city will rely on its newly-inked partnership with Green Bay-based NeighborWorks to help dispose of homes purchased and renovated under the program. Habitat for Humanity would also play a role by using sites of demolished homes for its building projects.

ONE TAKE ON THE QEO AND REVENUE CAPS

The QEO, Revenue Caps, and the Funding Formula

By Kelly L. Herda - School Board Vice President - Nicolet Union High School

For over 15 years Wisconsin’s school districts have struggled to maintain our schools under a flawed funding formula. The Qualified Economic Offer (QEO), which is the pay increase a district can offer to the teachers during contract negotiations without going to arbitration, and the Revenue Caps, the limit imposed by the state as to how much a school district can levy their taxpayers, were meant to be a check and balance so that teachers would receive a fair pay raise and district property owners would not be overburdened by their property tax.
It is a good plan. However, those who figured the percentages got their math wrong. Unfortunately, until now, nobody had taken on the task of correcting the math so that the system could survive. The School Finance Network (SFN) has developed a comprehensive plan to overhaul the funding formula so that all school districts get fair funding from the state, while maintaining the important checks and balances of the QEO and Revenue Caps (to learn more visit www.sfnwisconsin.org). This will alleviate the burden on our property owners, properly fund our schools, and guarantee competitive salaries for Wisconsin’s outstanding educators.

The SFN is an impressive collaboration among the School Administrators Alliance (SAA), the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), and the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC). Their efforts to correct our funding formula should be receiving sincere consideration from our Legislators and our Governor. Instead, in this biennial budget they are recommending the repeal of the QEO and changing the rules of arbitration. Both moves are politically motivated and will not address the problems with the funding formula nor will they alleviate the burden on tax payers – in fact they will only exacerbate the problem.

Repealing the QEO is not the answer. It would send most, if not all, negotiations into arbitration, a costly and morale destroying process for both parties that defies the intended purpose of the QEO, which was to give school boards an “out” when negotiations hit a stalemate while still providing educators with a cost of living pay increase. In most cases, districts have been able to negotiate with the unions without going to arbitration because of the QEO. Without this measure, teachers would have no guarantee of a pay raise and negotiations would not be settled without an arbitrator.

This leads to the Governor’s next proposal which is to change the rules of arbitration. With the repeal of the QEO, the rules will change in arbitration to the point where the district, and thereby the taxpayers, will be afforded no protection. These changes will prohibit arbitrators from considering the impact of revenue limits and local economic conditions when deciding cases involving school district employees. School districts will most certainly lose in arbitration since the sole basis of our offer in negotiations is based on economic conditions – we simply can’t pay out what we don’t have.

The measures that the Governor has proposed do not address the real problem with how our schools are funded and only creates another problem for our School Boards, teachers and communities to struggle with. I, for one, am getting tired of having to struggle with poorly written policies and ineffective legislation. I urge you to contact your Representative and Senator - let them know that you support the School Finance Network’s school funding reform proposal and that you oppose Governor Doyle’s’ plan to repeal the QEO and his proposed changes to the rules of arbitration.

SUPERINTENDENT APPEARS ON RADIO

Here is a link to the mp3 file for Ripon Superintendent Richard Zimman's appearance this morning (Thursday) on WRPN-AM to discuss next week's referendum.

For more information on the referendum, click here for the district's presentations.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

THE RESULTS ARE IN....SIGN YOUR POSTS

After a less than scientific, but interesting to say the least, poll, the votes are in. And from now on, you must sign your posts. No more Anonymous postings. Of course, some will sign in under 10 different names, but there is nothing left to do then but shut down the comments period.

I am tired of every discussion coming back to turf. I put this blog together to post pertinent information about the city of Ripon, as well as other stories which just happen to catch my eye. Sorry about any inconveniences, but there really is no other choice.

So, please sign in.

Marketplace Magazine Blog - Idea of the Day

As someone who has advocated that the town and city of Ripon at least sit down to discuss the pros and cons of a merger, this op-ed piece has a timely significance:

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel looks favorably on a way to promote mergers of cities or villages and surrounding towns, in a discussion about two neighboring municipalities in Waukesha County.

(I point that out because, when you read the editorial, you need to know that the City of Pewaukee and Village of Pewaukee are not the same municipality. The City of Pewaukee is what used to be the Town of Pewaukee, within which historic boundaries can be found the Village of Pewaukee. I’ve done a little creative editing within the brackets to explain how it would apply elsewhere in the state.)

Normally, with a tax rate that is significantly lower, [town] residents could expect to see increases to equalize their tax bills with those of village [or city] residents. But the consultants argue that that by creating a special taxing district for village [or city] residents, such fluctuations could be avoided while achieving lower property taxes for everyone. Village [or city] residents would see their taxes go down, too, because the merged community would need about $2 million a year less to operate, the consultants said.

Noting that state law prohibits having two different tax rates in one municipality for municipal services, the consultants recommend seeking relief from the Legislature, which they call “the best and most straightforward option.” …

A merger of the communities makes sense from financial and municipal services perspectives. Such a merger could well result in savings and more efficient services. We also think it makes sense from a community perspective.

The state Constitution’s “uniformity clause” prohibits different property mil rates within the same community (unless the community is in more than one county). One hurdle to merging cities and their adjacent towns is that town residents usually pay lower property taxes than their city neighbors, and obviously town residents would frown on any merger proposal that would raise their property taxes.

The Pewaukees’ consultants recommend creating a special taxing district to reduce the overall property tax bill of the combined community. According to the Journal Sentinel, using a more generic example, if Town A and City A want to merge, city residents would pay taxes into the fund, which then would be used to reduce property taxes.

City residents would benefit because the merged city and town would operate less expensively than the separate city and town would. Town residents would benefit because the fund would be used to offset higher property taxes. Using the Pewaukee financials, property owners in the former City A would see their municipal mil rate drop from $4.25 per $1,000 assessed valuation to $3.97 per $1,000, while property owners in the former Town A would see their municipal mil rate decrease from $2.60 per $1,000 to $2.39 per $1,000.

As has been argued here before, 3,120 units of government is far too many in Wisconsin. But there is little incentive and much disincentive, including in our statutes, that prevents municipalities, such as cities and the towns that surround them, school districts, or other bodies of government that otherwise would operate more efficiently, from merging government bodies.

Such mergers are in the best interests of municipalities that want to be able to control their own destiny, instead of having their destiny decided for them by population, development or environmental pressures around them. As town chairs can tell you, cities and villages can grow into what now are towns, and the reverse is not the case. That is how state government set up towns in this and virtually every other state. City and village governments have much more authority than town governments; in fact, cities have zoning authority beyond their boundaries, thanks to the state’s extraterritorial zoning law.

Why, you might ask, is this the business of anyone other than a particular municipality mulling over a merger proposal? It is, in fact, the business of all of us taxpayers because Wisconsin is quite skilled at redistributing tax dollars all over the state. (That’s one way that state government is a lot like the federal government; whether that’s good or not is up to the reader to decide.) That shared revenue is one reason why our taxes are out of control, because there is little incentive to not spend money that you didn’t generate. But as long as we have this system, we taxpayers should have more authority on how and where tax dollars are spent. That includes how many units of government we taxpayers get to support.