The Basics of TIF

The Basics of TIF
What Is TIF? - Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) is a state program that allows cities to provide direct financial assistance for community-enhancing development projects, and to have that assistance repaid over time from the increased property taxes generated by the project.

What is a TID? - A Tax Incremental District (TID) is the actual area designated for the development projects.

The TIF Process

* A city establishes a TID by (1) deciding what properties to include in the TID and creating a boundary around them, (2) adopting a Project Plan to determine the intended scope and costs of the projects to be undertaken within the TID boundaries, and (3) determining that “but for” creation of the TID, the expected development would not occur.
* A Joint Review Board consisting of representatives from the city, the county, the local school district, any local technical college, and a member of the community then review and approve the TID and the Project Plan. The Joint Review Board’s job is to look out for the interests of all of the taxpayers affected by creation of the TID.
* After a TID is approved and created, the “base value” of the TID is determined, which is the value of the taxable property within the TID at the time the District is created.
* Taxes generated on this “base value” continue to be shared by all of the taxing jurisdictions (county, school districts, city) to fund provision of normal community services.
* The city borrows money (usually by issuing bonds) to help fund costs associated with the development project(s) that are to receive TIF assistance. The TIF assistance, along with funds from the developer, is invested in new real estate improvements within the TID.
* The new improvements increase the value of the real estate within the TID, resulting in an increase in the property tax revenues generated by that real estate.
* This increase in tax revenues generated within the TID (i.e., above the “base” level taxes), which is referred to as the “increment,” is used by the city to repay the funds borrowed to provide the TIF assistance.
* Repayment of the TIF assistance, and thus the city’s repayment of the borrowed funds, occurs over the life of the TID (typically 27 years), at the end of which the borrowed funds have been repaid in full and the TID is closed.
* Following closure of the TID, the taxes generated by the properties will be shared by all taxing jurisdictions.


A Visual Example



Graph Courtesy of WI Department of Revenue

When a TID is created, the current value of all the taxable property within the designated area is established. This total is the “base value” of the TID (the “base value” in the graph above is made up of the four stripes along the bottom). The taxes collected on this portion of the property value are shared by all the taxing jurisdictions (the county, the school district, etc). Over the life of the TID, all of the taxing jurisdictions collect taxes from the “base value” of the property in the TID. Meanwhile, new construction and investment increases the value of the property in the designated district. All of the taxes collected on the growth in value of the property (the “value increment”) go directly to the municipality as “tax increment” revenue. The city uses this revenue stream to pay for the investments made in the district. At the end of the designated TIF – or as soon as tax increments are collected to cover the approved amount of the district – the TID is closed. When this happens, the entire value of the property that was in the TID is returned to the tax rolls of all the taxing jurisdictions. In the graph above, this is shown with the band on the right side – the wider segments represent the higher dollar amounts being collected through increased property values.

Answers to Common Questions about Boca Grande’s TIF Project

SOURCE: Boca Grande Capital, LLC

 Why does the Boca Grande project need the support of a TIF?

* The State of Wisconsin’s TIF law requires that the City and the other relevant taxing authorities determine that the proposed development would not occur “but for” the TIF. In other words, if city financial assistance is not provided, the developer will not pursue the redevelopment project.
* It would be highly unusual for a developer like Boca Grande to undertake and finance a project like this without some form of city assistance. Cities routinely provide assistance to development projects in order to make them financially viable, recognizing that the successful development will provide long-term benefits to the city. Without TIF in this instance (which will result in lower interest rates and more flexible repayment periods), the anticipated income stream from this development would not justify the costs of undertaking the development. More specifically, this TIF assistance will bridge the gap between the cost of the project and the amount available from Boca Grande’s investment funds and conventional bank loans.

 What will happen if Boca Grande does not receive the TIF assistance?

* Unfortunately, if the TID or the development assistance is not approved, Boca Grande will not be in a position to move ahead with its plans. It is likely that no significant new development or redevelopment would be undertaken in the downtown area for the foreseeable future.

 Why can’t TIF be used to fix the potholes?

* As noted above, the effectiveness of TIF depends upon an increase in property values and the amount of taxes generated by the property. That increase will come about as a direct result of the development activities receiving TIF assistance.
* Despite the importance of, and value inherent in, fixing potholes and having well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and other public improvements, simple maintenance and repair of those existing facilities does not cause property values to increase. As a result, those activities also do not generate additional property tax revenues. Conversely, development or redevelopment of new building projects cause properties to be more valuable and, as previously noted, generate increased tax revenues. Those activities are necessary in order to justify the City borrowing money that will be paid back by increased tax revenue. Simply put, without development or redevelopment, there is no increase in tax revenue to pay back the City’s investment.
* As noted above, however, only the increase in tax revenues is applied to repayment of the financial assistance. The original, pre-development base tax associated with the property remains continuously available to pay for municipal services, including fixing potholes.

 What this TIF is NOT.

* This TIF assistance is not a handout. The City will not write Jim Connelly a check. Rather, City funds will be deposited into an escrow account, and the developer will submit invoices and similar evidence that specific work has been completed on the project, at which point funds will be disbursed to pay for that work. In short, invoices will be submitted to the City and paid from the escrow if the City is comfortable the payment is justified and in keeping with the agreements between the City and the developer.
* Use of TIF also is not a tax break. The property owner/developer will pay full taxes on all of its properties included in the tax increment district. As noted above, all parties anticipate a significant increase in the taxes on the properties being redeveloped. The only difference from the normal taxing process is that a portion of the developer’s property taxes (i.e., the amount of the increase in taxes) will be applied to pay back the assistance provided by the City.
* TIF is NOT a tax increase; it is a method of allocating taxes in order to enable cities to provide development incentives that will, over the life of the TID, be repaid through increased tax revenues stemming from property development. The only way a property owner’s taxes will increase is if the value of that owner’s property actually increases.

 What happens if this project is not successful or completely fails?

* Jim Connelly has agreed to personally guaranty (a) completion of construction of each redevelopment project that the developer starts, and (b) payment of taxes reflecting a significant and agreed upon increase in the assessed value of the redevelopment properties for a period of 5 years after opening of the project. City representatives have reviewed and approved Mr. Connelly’s personal financial statement in order to verify his ability to satisfy these guaranty obligations.

 Where will the people come from to fill the Ripon Inn and Spa?

* Some guests will be from nearby locations, and others will be out-of-town visitors from up to 250 miles away drawn to the attractive and historic development in Ripon. The Ripon Inn and Spa is being designed to feature a level of quality and service similar to the American Club in Kohler, which draws repeatedly from a similar 250-mile regional radius. However, the Inn and Spa in Ripon will feature more modest room rates, making it more affordable, and therefore more attractive, for a broader spectrum of people.

 We have no water or golf course; can the Ripon Inn and Spa really work?

* Many different shopping, activity and eating alternatives attract people to a community. The developer and its hospitality consultants believe strongly that a renewed sense of vibrancy and a sense of history stemming from restoration of the historic downtown district and the Republican President’s Museum will attract families, empty nesters, and businesses to the community, both as visitors and as new residents. As a part of the development efforts, the infrastructure of Ripon will be brought to the leading edge of technology through a community-wide wireless broadband to create a uniquely attractive environment for businesses seeking to relocate their operations and/or headquarters to a community that provides an unparalleled quality of life for its employees.

 When will this project start? When will it be finished?

* Boca Grande plans to begin construction in the Spring of 2010, with an anticipated opening of the Ripon Inn and Spa and most of its other projects by the Summer of 2012.

 How many jobs will be created?

* The development efforts are expected to create 60 to 80 full-time construction jobs for an approximately two-year period. In addition, the new businesses are expected to require 75 to 100 new employees. The developers have pledged to hire local contractors for construction whenever feasible. In keeping with past practices, they will make it a priority to try to hire local employees in connection with each of the businesses included in the project after construction is completed.

 What is being done to address parking?

* Boca Grande will be retaining a traffic consultant to fully analyze downtown traffic patterns, traffic flow, and parking needs, including how they will be affected by future development. Based upon the results of that evaluation, the developer will work with the City to address any additional parking or traffic flow needs, and it will undertake all of its construction projects with a view toward minimizing to the extent feasible impacts on parking and traffic flow.

 What if I have more questions?

* Boca Grande has established an Information Hotline that you can call if you have additional questions. The Hotline can be called any time, 24/7, and your questions will be responded to within twenty-four hours. The Hotline can be reached at (920) 896-1082.

Mercury and Union’s Midwest Territory Will Meet and Talk

RELEASED AT 738 PM tonight:
FOND du LAC, Wis. (Aug. 31, 2009) – In light of the uncertainty surrounding the voting by Mercury employees on the company’s “best and final” offer made earlier to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Mercury and the IAM Midwest Territory have agreed to meet to bring clarity to the communications regarding the unchanged “best and final” proposal.

BOCA GRANDE PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING TONIGHT

TIME: 530 PM (City Hall Council Chambers)

A reminder that there will be another public information meeting this evening at the Ripon City Hall to review, discuss, and answer questions about the proposed Boca Grande development project in downtown Ripon. Members of the Boca Grande investment group, along with myself and other city officials, will be present to answer questions and hear concerns/compliments/recommendations on the proposed project. The meeting will get underway at 530 PM.

MERCURY MARINE - SUNDAY UPDATE

Mercury Marine says it won’t honor second vote - Company begins planning transition to Stillwater, Okla.
SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
A last-minute decision Saturday to have a second vote on a labor contract at Mercury Marine Inc. was effectively killed early Sunday when the company said it would not accept the results of any ballots cast after midnight.

Late Saturday night, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 1947 announced there would be a second vote on the contract proposal that was scheduled to expire at midnight. Voting began at the union hall in Fond du Lac shortly after 10 p.m., was expected to last until midnight and continue on Sunday until 6 p.m.

But early Sunday morning, union officials said a Mercury Marine executive told them the company would not accept any ballots cast after midnight.

Thus, the polls will not be open Sunday as announced earlier, said Dan Longsine, the union’s chief negotiator.

Ballots cast Saturday night will probably be voided, Longsine said. The union had wanted to continue voting on Sunday, thus giving members adequate opportunity to cast their ballots.

In a statement released at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Mercury said:

"The IAM conducted a last-minute vote on the original proposal terms and conditions but did not complete the process to a definitive conclusion prior to the expiration of the proposal. As a result, Mercury said it will continue to operate the Fond du Lac facility under the terms and conditions of the existing contract, which expires in 2012. Manufacturing workers in Fond du Lac are represented by the IAM, Local chapter 1947. As previously announced, the company will now begin the transition planning process to its Stillwater, Okla., facility."

Last Sunday, union members turned down the seven-year contract proposal that would have resulted in a wage freeze and a 30% pay cut for new hires and any employees called back to work after being laid off. Health care costs paid by employees also would have been increased.

Union officials said that proposal was rejected by a wide margin. As a result of the vote, company officials have said they’re moving hundreds of manufacturing jobs to a non-union plant in Stillwater, Okla.

But some employees circulated petitions calling for a second vote on the contract proposal before it expired. Several hundred employees signed the petitions, which resulted in the last-minute decision to schedule another vote.

The company has repeatedly said its proposal was a best and final offer, and it was not interested in further negotiations after the deadline.

Union blames the company for failed tally
SOURCE: Fond du Lac Reporter
Three union members emerged Saturday as leaders in the fight to keep Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac.

As the clock ticked down to a deadline of midnight Saturday, Mercury Marine employees Fred Toth Jr., Rick Schmidt and Felipe Rodriguez stood in the rain, rallying in the 11th hour for "yes" votes in an effort to save more than 800 manufacturing jobs.

Their perseverance bought them a second vote on a union contract proposal that was "overwhelmingly" rejected the first time in an Aug. 23 vote by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 1947.

"We will have a second vote tonight," Toth confirmed earlier in the evening. "People were telling us to keep fighting. Not to give up."

Mercury Marine company spokesperson Mark Lee said that company officials would not extend the deadline, and the company stood firm with a midnight Saturday deadline.

"That means that votes have to be cast, tabulated and communicated to the company by that time," Lee said.

Rollie Chase, IAM Lodge 1947 union negotiator, said plans were to run a vote from 10 p.m. to midnight and continue Sunday and Monday to allow members time to vote.

Chase said at about midnight Saturday that Mercury Marine sent a letter to union leaders that if votes were not tallied by midnight, Mercury Marine would deem that as a rejection.

"(Merc) had no intention of staying here," IAM Lodge 1947 President Mark Zillges said. "They wanted to leave and this is what they did again. We can't run an election on a two-hour notice and be fair to any of these members."

Deadline

Mercury Marine had given the midnight deadline for the union to accept a contract proposal that calls for wage and benefit concessions, otherwise the company would begin transitioning jobs to Stillwater, Okla.

The Labor Center on East Bank Street remained an epicenter of activity late into the night Saturday as the contract vote awaited an outcome. Union employees turned out by the hundreds to vote again on contract changes that would freeze wages for seven years, and lower rates for new employees or recalled employees.

"I feel grateful that people who had the opportunity to really think about their choice were able to vote appropriately," said Kati Ford at the Labor Center on Saturday night.

Public officials remained in meetings most of the day with IAM Lodge 1947 representatives, urging them to hold a second contract vote.

Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel said it's what they'd been hoping for all along.

"I think it's terrific. It shows that democracy still works. They clearly decided that there was a majority of members who wanted a second vote, and it likely means that they would vote in favor of the contract," he said

Buechel was joined during the talks on Saturday by City Manager Tom Herre and state Sen. Randy Hopper.

Herre said good, positive discussions went on inside the Labor Center.

"I'm extremely pleased that at the very least folks are getting the opportunity to express their opinions now that they've had time for this to sink in," he said. "Certainly we are hopeful the company will accept this. There's a lot of good groundwork that's been done over the past few days."

Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero has said the concessions are needed to keep the company competitive in a shrinking market.

Before the union's Aug. 23 vote, he said, "This isn't a business cycle. This is a fundamental resizing of the industry we serve."

Signatures

By Saturday afternoon, the trio of foundry workers had staked themselves out in the parking lot of the old Pick 'n Save on West Scott Street, beseeching their fellow union members to come down and sign a petition calling for a second contract vote.

Rodriguez said he was told by Mercury Marine Union President Mark Zillges Saturday morning that 440 signatures, or half of the potential union voters, might be enough to make a difference. Local union officials had said they were waiting for clarification on the legality of a second vote from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers nine-state Midwest territory.

AIM union leaders, however, told local union officials a second vote on Mercury Marine's contract offer won't happen unless there are significant changes to the proposal. Mike King, a representative from that office, had said, "We have nothing new to vote on."

Undaunted, Toth said that they had received 455 signatures by 8 p.m. and noted that Hopper had taken down that number and was heading off to the labor union.

A rally held Friday night at Lakeside Park drew about 200 people in support of the petition calling for a second contract vote. All three employees revealed they had voted yes to contract concessions to save everyone's jobs.

Throughout the city, the focus in the 11th hour extended beyond just the future of 1,900 employees of the local marine engine manufacturer. The economic loss of the Wisconsin company could impact 250 companies in Fond du Lac County, and another 1,000 statewide, said Brenda-Hicks Sorensen, president of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation.

City and county leaders and a Mercury Marine representative met behind closed doors for several hours Friday to go over new incentive packages. County Executive Al Buechel said the package offered by the county was the biggest any county has made to a Wisconsin business, but that was inclusive of Mercury Marine remaining and expanding here.

Another incentive package had been developed if it came down to keeping just the headquarters of the company, which affects about 850 jobs, here in Fond du Lac.

"Actually the company, the city and county have pretty well worked out either option," Buechel said.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And the view in Oklahoma:
NEW: Union deadline passes
SOURCE: Stillwater NewsPress
Mercury Marine plans to move to Stillwater.

"The company will now begin the transition planning process to its Stillwater, Okla., facility," according to a statement from Mercury.

A few hours into Sunday morning, Mercury confirmed plans to relocate plant operations to Stillwater from Wisconsin. The company expects the full consolidation to be completed within 24 and 36 months.

According to a Mercury statement, time expired on a last-minute Saturday union revote, declaring it invalid because it was not completed by midnight. The proposal rejected by the union August 23 was upheld as the final word of the union to the last, best offer of Mercury management.

“We want to personally thank the business and community leaders of Fond du Lac and Stillwater, our local and state government officials and all of the committed employees of Mercury Marine who have supported us and given us their full effort during this difficult process,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “This has been a very difficult and stressful time for all involved but, as we said at the beginning of this process, it is our responsibility to make the best business decisions for the company to have a sustainable future.

“We will work closely with our teams in Fond du Lac and Stillwater to develop and communicate a smooth transition plan which we hope to implement with minimal disruption to our business and the communities.”

A worker at Mercury Marine's Stillwater MerCruiser plant, poised to gain hundreds of jobs and an expanded product line with the move, expressed relief, saying stress should ease and the Stillwater plant should now be able to get back to normal working conditions.

NO REVOTE AT MERCURY MARINE

Mercury Marine Proposal Lapses Without Acceptance by IAM


FOND Du LAC, Wis., (August 30, 2009) – Mercury Marine on Sunday confirmed that the contract proposal formally rejected by union members Aug. 23 expired at midnight Friday, Aug. 29, without acceptance by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
The IAM conducted a last-minute vote on the original proposal terms and conditions but did not complete the process to a definitive conclusion prior to the expiration of the proposal.
As a result, Mercury said it will continue to operate the Fond du Lac facility under the terms and conditions of the existing contract, which expires in 2012. Manufacturing workers in Fond du Lac are represented by the IAM, Local chapter 1947. As previously announced, the company will now begin the transition planning process to its Stillwater, Okla., facility.
“We want to personally thank the business and community leaders of Fond du Lac and Stillwater, our local and state government officials and all of the committed employees of Mercury Marine who have supported us and given us their full effort during this difficult process,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “This has been a very difficult and stressful time for all involved but, as we said at the beginning of this process, it is our responsibility to make the best business decisions for the company to have a sustainable future.
“We will work closely with our teams in Fond du Lac and Stillwater to develop and communicate a smooth transition plan which we hope to implement with minimal disruption to our business and the communities.”
In light of extreme economic conditions that necessitate the consolidation of its manufacturing capacity, Mercury had submitted a contract proposal to the union leadership that would have enabled the Fond du Lac facility to more effectively compete in a different, much smaller market.
Mercury said it expects to finalize the details of state and local programs over the next few days and that detailed plans for the transition will be announced as they become available. The company expects the full consolidation to take between 24 and 36 months.
“As we begin the planning process, we value the ongoing support of our community, employees and local officials,” Mr. Schwabero said. “We will continue to communicate regularly and openly as transition decisions are made over the coming months.”

REVOTE AT MERCURY LOOMS

Some prayers were answered tonight:

8/29/09 - 9:59pm: THERE WILL BE A REVOTE!!! KFIZ'S Bob Nelson reports that there will be a revote on Mecury's final offer. The vote will run from 10pm to Midnight tonight and then the boxes will be taken to the Police Station overnight and voting will resume at 6am and run until 6pm on Sunday. Mercury Employees must bring their Mercury badges to vote.

RAIDING FUNDS NOT JUST A WISCONSIN TRADITION

John Stossel, that muck-raking journalist for ABC, whose books I have enjoyed reading, has uncovered another example of government gone wild. This time....Ohio, where the Jim Doyle tradition of raiding funds to balance the checkbook and keep your special interests happy is being carried out by their governor:

Ever checked that box on your drivers license renewal to donate to some worthy cause?

When Ohio motorists renew licenses, they're asked if they'd like to donate to groups like the Save Our Sight Fund, which works to prevent blindness in children; and the Second Chance Trust Fund, which promotes organ donations. Big-hearted Ohioans recently kicked in more than $2 million to the charities.

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the givers were played for suckers.

State government took from funds to prevent blindness and promote organ donations... to help close a $1.9 billion shortfall in the two-year budget.

Did the politicians tell the givers that they were “reassigning” their gifts? No. Donors were:

....blindsided by a June 9 raid on $2.7 million they had voluntarily paid to thwart blindness in children and help solve the critical shortage of organ donations...

Aren't the taxes we pay enough? Government has to raid charities too?

After they were caught, Gov. Ted Strickland promised that the money would be returned.

The most interesting part of the story is this: One of the three groups eligible to get voluntary contributions did not have its funds pilfered by the state. That group:

....provides about $100,000 annually for the operating accounts of the Ohio Republican and Democratic parties. No money was taken from the political parties' funds.

Like Captain Renault in Casablanca, I'm shocked, shocked.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/johnstossel/2009/08/sucker.html

ANNOUCEMENTS FROM THE CHAMBER

From Ripon Medical Center - Town Hall Meeting and Community Forum
"Ready, Set, Grow: An Update on the Future of RMC" - Thursday, August 27, 6 to 8 p.m. at Royal Ridges - Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Danelle at 748-0405

From Goosebeary's Coffee and Quilt Shoppe
Join our Open Sewing Circle on Mondays from 1-3 p.m. (except Sept. 7th). Bring whatever you are working on and enjoy the fellowship of fellow quilters. We also have quilting classes coming up that include Beginning Hand Quilting, Fall Pumpkin Banner, Needle Turn Appliqué and others. Call us at 920-748-1233 for a complete list and registration information

From Badger Mining
Join us at Badger Mining Adventure Day - This Saturday, August 29, in Fairwater - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rain or Shine - A day of fun-filled family activities designed around our sand mining operation; also celebrating the 60th Anniversary of our Fairwater plant. Go to www.bmcadventureday.com for details about the fun!

Guaranty Title Services, Inc.
Chamber members are invited to provide information and/or promotional items for "Welcome to Ripon" packets given to new Ripon/Green Lake area residents at real estate closings. 100 pieces will last through the end of the year. Please drop the items off at the Chamber office. Contact Monica at 294-3500 with any questions

From Culver's of Ripon
Get Culverized online. Join the Culver's eClub! Find out about the latest deals, specials and flavors of the day. Go to www.culver's.com to sign up. Available for a limited time...Double Butterburger with cheese value basket only $4.99

From Ripon Main Street
This Friday's free Village Green Concert at 7 p.m. presents Rings (Acoustic Rock)

From Campus Cinema
Showing Friday 8/28-Thursday 9/3, Shorts. Call the Campus at 748-2506 for show times

From Ripon College
Ripon will hold its annual matriculation convocation ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 11:15 a.m.-noon.

From Ripon Chamber
Wisconsin was named second best state to practice medicine by Medical Economics magazine in the July 10, 2009 issue. What was their pick for "Best Wisconsin town you've never heard of"? Ripon (of course!), home of Ripon College and Ripon Medical Center, citing RMC's heart & lung center and cancer clinic.

RMC TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING

SOURCE: WRPN-AM
The status of Ripon Medical Center and its projects will be discussed in a Town Hall meeting this Thursday night. Ripon Medical Center President Jim Tavary says some of the topics being discussed are ideas around the replacement hospital, position recruitment, and affiliations and alignments with organizations from outside the community. Another hot topic for discussion will be the timeline of the new Ripon Medical Center that is to be built on the north side of Ripon. Tavary says there are few things that need to fall into place before moving forward. The meeting will be held at Royal Ridges in Ripon on Highway 23 from 6-8pm this Thursday.

SOURCE: Ripon Medical Center
Ripon, WI— Ripon Medical Center will host a town hall meeting Thursday, August 27 from 6 to 8 pm at Royal Ridges Conference Center in Ripon.

RMC CEO Jim Tavary says this is a chance to bring the community up to date on RMC’s many projects.

“I want this to be an opportunity for us to update the communities we serve around the progress being made by RMC to provide and expand localized health care services,” said Tavary. “As we strive to introduce excellence in health care services to the region many of our strategic plans are falling into place. This is a chance to detail those plans and to discuss other ideas”

There will also be a question/answer period.

Light refreshments will be offered during the meeting.

No registration is required, but seating is limited. Please make plans to arrive early to save your seat.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP - August 24th

* APPROVED 6-0 - Resolution – sale of approximately $2,755,000 in GO note anticipation notes - The City is considering borrowing funds for projects in the proposed TIF District #11. Phil Cosson of Ehlers has highlighted the rationale for starting this process by issuing approximately $2.755 million in General Obligation Note Anticipation Notes. Staff agrees with Mr. Cosson and recommends approval of the attached resolution.

* APPROVED 6-0 - Request to rezone property at Old Berlin Road/Meade Street - Thomas and Constance Prelwitz are seeking rezoning of a 2-acre property at the northwest corner of Old Berlin Road and Meade Street from A {agricultural} to R-2 {single-family residential.} On August 19th, Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval.

* TABLED 6-0 - Staff response (budget issues, etc.) to proposed tree ordinance/policy - On August 11th, David Sakrison and Paul/Ruth Jeffries highlighted their new proposed tree ordinance and policy, designed to better promote and protect trees, especially in terraces. Staff reviewed this proposal, and the Public Works Director is drafting a response for your review. Staff’s main concern is the potential increase in the cost of construction projects by implementing these measures, but it is hard to estimate this without bidding a project both ways and comparing the resulting bids. Staff will present and discuss its report on Monday.

* DENIED 6-0 - Request to use Murray Park after normal park hours to film a movie - Justin Propp wants permission to use Murray Park for one night from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in connection with filming a movie scene. He was unable to present his request at our last meeting, but he will join us on Monday to explain his request and to answer questions from the Mayor and Council.

* APPROVED 6-0 - Review designs and consider purchase of 3 community entrance signs - For some time, the city has been working toward replacing its outdated entrance signs. The Community Appearance Team is now recommending attached design “Option A”, at a price slightly less than $10,000 per sign, with “Option B” – narrower columns – suggested as another alternative. The City has $10,000 set aside for the signs. Staff recommends using this for the East Fond du Lac Street sign. TIF funds can be used for the business park and West Fond du Lac Street signs.

United for the future of Fond du Lac County

The following is a joint statement by Allen Buechel, Fond du Lac County Executive; Tom Herre, Fond du Lac City Manager; and Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, President, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation:

Emotions are running high throughout Fond du Lac County and the City of Fond du Lac today as we look at the possibility of life, for the first time in a long while, without Mercury Marine as our largest employer. The recent developments may permanently alter the corporate landscape and economic climate of our city, county, region and state.

As we look to our future, it is important that we take a look at the events leading up to today. Conversations first began with Mercury Marine this past spring, and those of us at the table were asking the same soul-searching questions others have been asking and having the same conversations. Is the company being fair? Is this truly the only option? We did our homework and our due diligence and know without a doubt that doing all we can to keep Mercury Marine in the location in which it has flourished is the right thing to do – not just for the company -- but for our people, communities, our county and the State of Wisconsin.

The process which took place proved the earnest motivations of those at the table. There were many points along the timeline where the potential existed for the process to take another direction, but everyone worked together to show that the city, the county, the state and all involved were sincere about keeping Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. We worked closely with the company throughout the past several months to develop a total incentive package that would have assured Mercury Marine stay in Fond du Lac for a minimum of 12 years. This package included new engine development; the relocation of the Stillwater Oklahoma manufacturing positions to Fond du Lac; and an incentive payment to IAM workers. Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation worked with the State of Wisconsin, Fond du Lac County and the City of Fond du Lac to build two legs of the three-legged stool. Unfortunately, the third leg wasn’t able to be put into place. This is not the fault of any single entity. The marine industry has changed significantly due to the economic downturn, and some tough decisions have had to be made all around. Now, we need to look forward.

While the possibility does exist for the retention of manufacturing jobs through midnight on Saturday, August 29th, our focus must now be on the future. Our efforts will be directed to keeping the corporate headquarters of Mercury Marine -- and the 800 associated jobs -- here in Fond du Lac. We are planning to present a package to the company that addresses this important goal. Beyond this, know that we will continue the effective economic development strategies and programs we have in place, fully support efforts to grow our existing business and bring in new business, and work together to come out of this stronger than before.

As we focus our energies on how we move forward from here, we ask that everyone affected by this do the same and to stay positive. This is not a time to be divided by opinion, but to be united as we all work together for the future of the City of Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac County.

BREAKING - Mercury Marine: Two sides to meet

SOURCE: Appleton Post-Crescent
FOND DU LAC — Mercury Marine President Mark Schwabero has agreed to meet with union leaders who rejected a package of wage and benefit concessions the boat engine maker says it needs to keep jobs in Fond du Lac.

Mercury Marine spokesman Steve Fleming said today the meeting is Tuesday at the request of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Local 1947.

Union leaders did not immediately return telephone messages today.

The union reported Sunday that its members overwhelmingly voted to reject what Mercury Marine called its final offer to rework a labor contract signed a year ago.

The company said Sunday it would move many of its Fond du Lac manufacturing operations to a nonunion plant in Stillwater, Okla., over the next two to three years.

PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY IN FDL

A press conference to address the next steps regarding Mercury Marine will be held at 3 p.m. today (Monday, August 24th) at the City/County Government Center, 160 S. Macy Street, Fond du Lac, in rooms F, G and H. This is being presented jointly by Fond du Lac County, the City of Fond du Lac and Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation. A joint statement will be read, and a question and answer opportunity will follow the statement.

REMINDER: BOCA GRANDE MEETING TONIGHT

A public meeting will be held on Monday, August 24, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. This meeting is regarding TIF 11 and Boca Grande's investment in downtown Ripon. The public is strongly encouraged to attend. Boca Grande's members, Frank Cumberbatch and James Connelly, will be on hand to answer questions from the audience. The meeting will adjourn approximately 6:45 p.m. to make room for the Common Council meeting, which starts at 7:00 p.m.

THE VIEW FROM OKLAHOMA: Union rejects Mercury's offer

SOURCE: Stillwater NewsPress

On Sunday, Mercury Marine's union workers in Wisconsin overwhelmingly voted no to the seven-year wage and benefits contract proposal offered by Mercury Marine.

Mercury management instructed workers that approval of the proposal would be necessary to keep Mercury in Fond du Lac, Wis.

As a result of the vote by Local #1947 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the company said it will begin consolidation of its Fond du Lac manufacturing operations, which employs around 1,900 people, with expansion of current Stillwater facility operations.

“We appreciate the patient support of our employees and communities as we’ve gone through this process,” said Mark Schwabero, president of Mercury Marine. “This has been a very difficult and stressful process for all involved. We will work closely with our team in Fond du Lac to develop and communicate a transition plan for this 24-36 month process.”

The vote is a strong signal from the union that cannot be overlooked, said Larry Brown, president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

However, said Brown, it cannot be ignored that the union retains the opportunity to vote again until Aug. 29.

The union accelerated the vote to Sunday ahead of its Saturday deadline, said Steve Fleming, communications director for Mercury Marine.

“While we are quite happy by this vote, by no stretch of the imagination is this process over yet,” said Brown.

The union could be playing political mind games with the company and communities, said Brown.

“They could vote no today to send some sort of message to community and Mercury management," he said, "and turn around tomorrow to vote yes.”

Regardless, said Brown, the battle continues on behalf of Stillwater and MerCruiser employees.

“We will keep fighting until it’s decided … We are a non-union facility. We are a right to work state. We will continue to work with Mercury management … to make sure the best option for future growth and economic viability for the company is Stillwater, Oklahoma.”

In limbo is the potential infusion of up to 600 additional jobs into the community, said Josh McKim, director of Economic Development for the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.

If the union wanted to reopen negotiations, said Fleming, “as of now, we would talk.”

However, said Fleming, it is unlikely the proposal to the union would change.

President Schwabero said, ‘The contract is what it is because that is what is needed,’” he said.

According to Fleming, “It’s disappointing the union voted no … Somehow the seriousness of the proposal was not completely conveyed to those voting.”

Regardless of vote outcome, said Fleming, disappointment was assured given the potential impact within Stillwater and Fond du Lac communities.

Efforts to secure a local Mercury presence will continue, said Brown.

THE VIEW FROM OKLAHOMA: Communities consider Mercury decision

SOURCE: Stillwater NewsPress

By all accounts, deliberations regarding the future of Mercury Marine in Wisconsin and its MerCruiser plant in Stillwater have taken a toll on both communities.

“More than anything else, I am concerned about the emotional rollercoaster families are going through,” said Larry Brown, president of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. " ... It has been a phenomenal effort to come together – turf issues aside - to work for the greater good of the community.”

The first round of voting has worried many in both communities.

Melody Laudolff, wife of a Wisconsin union voter and plant employee, said, “It’s scary for everyone. Yes or no the community changes … Up here it’s not about the fact that we will not take pay cuts or pay higher health care costs. We’ll take that. Economic times are tough for everyone in the country … Fond du Lac has no animosity towards Stillwater. We are sisters under one parent. We wish the best for everyone … [but] we want jobs to stay here.”

Laudolff also wants to support the union.

“It’s about taking a stand … I still stand behind my husband no matter how he voted,” she said.

“As far as I know Mercury can come back to the table, I know they said, ‘If you don’t take this, we’re done.’ But it doesn’t have to be this way … We are living in uncharted days.”

At pre-vote rallies at Lakeside Park and Fond du Lac High School, upwards of 400 supporters gathered, said event coordinator Dee Hogan. “We had signs that said ‘Vote with your heart.' There was no confrontation. It was very peaceful.”

Scott Swick of the Wisconsin-based Winfield Homes and First Weber Realtors, said, “Fond du Lac stands to lose 8,000 jobs related to suppliers. When a major employer leaves a city, people sell homes, prices drop and buyers are reluctant to buy.”

Similar situations in Wisconsin cities have seen a drop of about 12 percent, he said.

“In Janesville, Wisconsin, when the General Motors plant closed, home values dropped 12.1 percent in only 12 months. When Thomas Industries left Sheboygan the city became number two in state unemployment. Fond du Lac could become number three,” Swick said.

In Stillwater, businesses are posting signs in suppoert of MerCruiser. Brown encouraged all to continue positive efforts toward the goal of retention and expansion of Mercury.



Mercury benefits proposed to the union:

Buy-out packages:

• At least 20 years but less than 25 years $20,000 • At least 10 years but less than 20 years $10,000 • Less than 10 years $5,000

Medical:

• Medical coverage and contributions will be the same as salary plans.

• Elimination of co-payments at the former Mercury Marine Family Medical Center owned by Agnesian (Fond du Lac Regional Clinic West).

• Delta Dental coverage remains the same.

• Optional CarePlus dental program is preserved, but employee contribution increases between $4 and $8 per month.

Insurance/Retirement:

• Company-paid life insurance at $50,000 • Short-term disability program with 60 percent pre-disability earnings up to $500 per week maximum • Pension plan frozen, not eliminated, at current $48 per year of service multiplier.

• Retirement plan becomes defined contribution plan (401K) with Company matching 50 cents for every dollar contributed up to 6 percent on top of benefits already earned.

• Employees retiring in 2009 may elect current retiree medical plan at current contribution rates.

• Employees retiring after Dec. 31, 2009 will be offered an optional retiree medical plan with contributions equal to salary retiree medical plan.

Vacation

• Current employees will not lose vacation time.

• Vacation eligibility for new hires and salary employees will be the same.

Union rejects pact; Mercury Marine to move jobs

SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Fond du Lac — In a move that could cost them their jobs, Mercury Marine Inc. employees Sunday by a large margin rejected contract concessions that would have included lower wages for new hires and employees called back from layoff.

The final vote was not immediately available.

After the vote, officials at Mercury Marine announced Sunday that the company will consolidate much of its Fond du Lac manufacturing operations with its existing operations in Stillwater, Okla.

The full consolidation is expected to take between 24 and 36 months, the company said. After the consolidation, the company said, there will be "from zero to 200" manufacturing jobs left at the Fond du Lac plant.

The consolidation is expected to begin later this year.

"This has been a very difficult and stressful process for all involved," company president Mark Schwabero said. "We will work closely with our team in Fond du Lac to develop and communicate a transition plan for this 24- to 36-month process."

Mercury expects to finalize details of state and local support programs over the next few days.

Union members simply could not accept concessions that would have drastically reduced the wages of laid-off employees, some with 30 years of tenure at the company, if they were called back to work, said Mark Zillges, president of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 1947, which represents the Mercury Marine plant workers.

Mercury, one of the Fox Valley's largest employers, has said that it will move much of its outboard engine manufacturing to Stillwater, Okla., unless its Fond du Lac labor union accepts contract concessions necessary to keep the company competitive.

The proposed concessions included a seven-year wage freeze, about 30% lower wages for new hires and workers called back from layoff, and changes in pension benefits that workers said would have made retirement unaffordable.

As many as 850 manufacturing jobs could be eliminated in Fond du Lac if the company shuts down its operations here over the next three years, according to the company. It would leave from "zero to 200" jobs at the plant, executives said.

It also could mean that Fond du Lac will lose Mercury Marine's world headquarters, which employs about 1,000 people.

Sunday's vote was pivotal for the 70-year-old outboard engine manufacturer with deep roots in Fond du Lac.

Although there's still time before for another union vote before the company's proposal expires Aug. 29, the company has said it wasn't interested in further negotiations.

After Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel heard the outcome of the vote Sunday, he said the county had to move forward and figure out how to at least keep the company's headquarters in Fond du Lac.

He did not think that getting the union and Mercury Marine management together to talk again was going to be a possibility.

"We had an offer on the table to keep the whole operation here; the county, city and state, we were all prepared to do what we needed to do," Buechel said. "If close to half the jobs could leave now, we need to look and see if there's any way to keep at least some of the salaried jobs here."

If Fond du Lac loses the Mercury Marine company headquarters to Stillwater, too, Buechel said, the county is going to need to figure out how to change its economic development efforts and replace up to 2,000 jobs in the community.

"We've got to change our strategy to replace those jobs," he said. "It may take us 10 years, but we're going to have to do it."

Fond du Lac City Manager Tom Herre said, "I'm certainly disappointed. We had hoped that the future of Merc and Fond du Lac would be solidified today."

Herre added, "We recognize that we'll be in competition with Stillwater to keep the headquarters. There's no purpose in showing our cards in terms of specifics, but we'll talk about this at great length, and we'll come up with what we think is a competitive package to keep these jobs in Fond du Lac."

DISTRICT PRAISES INGALLS RENOVATIONS

SOURCE: Ripon Commonwealth-Press

Last summer's renovations at Ingalls Field, which included installing FieldTurf on the football field and a ninth track lane, were at Monday's School Board meeting. The district's business manager, Rick Ketter, outlined the positives he has heard from the community in regard to the updates. In addition, Ketter explained the facility was awarded three additional sporting events during the past year because of the fixes: the WIAA state tournament soccer game, a state semi-final football game and the Wisconsin State Football League championship. Ripon also hosted the conference and state regional track meets at Ingalls. "Although there are no guaranttes, the artificial turf and the track improvements make Ingalls Field an attractive site for future state comeptitions similar to those held in 2008-09," a memo from Ketter said.

SENIOR MOMENT

Wisconsin State Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, introduces bill for new restaurant exemption to liquor licenses

SOURCE: Oshkosh Northwestern

As the Oshkosh Common Council continues to debate the best way to assign liquor licenses, its members hope a local legislator will bring help from the state level.

Councilor Tony Palmeri has asked councilors and city staff to develop ideas for a formula or series of factors for councilors to consider when weighing competing proposals for liquor licenses. Palmeri sought input from both councilors and city staff in the weeks after the council debated the merits of five businesses that were seeking one of two available liquor licenses.

Ultimately, relief may come to license-strapped cities like Oshkosh from the state legislature.

State Rep. Gordon Hintz, D-Oshkosh, has introduced a bill that could end a problem the Oshkosh Common Council has faced whenever liquor licenses became available — multiple proposals with positive merits get passed up due to lack of licenses. The bill would allow local governments to exceed license quotas for restaurants that derive 50 percent or more of their business from on-premise food sales.

"It has to be for a restaurant and it would be up to the council, which I think a lot of these decisions should be," Hintz said. "It might be that way too many people think they can make it in a tough business. But we have a number of communities like Oshkosh that are tapped out."

Oshkosh Tavern League President Pat Purtell said more licenses are not the way to ensure regions of Oshkosh revitalize or grow. He supports efforts like the city's Marion Road Redevelopment Area and South Shore Redevelopment Area, but said new businesses should look to buy an existing license from a business or create 300 seats and receive an exempt licenses.

"If a multimillion dollar business wants to come to town, they could easily buy out one of these places barely getting by," Purtell said. "Our business has been diluted and ways already exist to create a license if someone needs one."

Hintz said there is room in between the buyout option and total elimination of the quota system.

"I think this is a reasonable middle ground between opening up caps and creating a narrow restaurant exemption," Hintz said. "I don't think you'd see 50 new restaurants launch if this was enacted. I do think the council needs to set up some objective criteria on how to award these. And I would expect if this bill became law, they would use their discretion."

Palmeri said the Tavern League's argument needs to be considered in any discussions about changing the quota system. He said major businesses or developers should be able to factor the cost of buying a license from a smaller tavern into the project costs. He also suggested "a more aggressive system to revoke licenses could free more up."

Hintz said communities across the state face the same problem as Oshkosh and have gone to greater lengths to secure licenses when none were available. He said the state budget Gov. Jim Doyle signed in June created liquor license exemptions for St. Francis and Monona. And last year, a significant development in Pewaukee lacked a license until the Legislature voted to create one after the local tavern league gave its blessing.

"We do it on an individual basis and it's most tedious," Hintz said. "It shows the quotas are an obstacle and it shows local decision makers should have the tools and authority this bill would give them."

If the bill does not move forward, Hintz said, he would be prepared to push for a special exemption license for the Marion Road Redevelopment Area in the same fashion other communities have done the last two years.

Councilor Jessica King said she would like to see an exemption for convention centers added to state laws, as well.

"I definitely agree the quotas and parameters need to change," she said. "It's really affecting the economic development of our city."

WHAT'S AT STAKE ON SUNDAY

Source: Steve Prestegard, Marketplace Magazine

Mercury Marine employees who are members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 1947 will vote on changes to their union contract Sunday. Russell Kamphuis, president and CEO of the Bank of Oakfield and vice chairman of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development, discusses what’s at stake in the vote:

As the next chairman of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corp. board of directors, it is my job to look to 2010 and assess, with staff, what the near future will hold for our communities, our businesses and our residents. The outcome of the vote by Mercury Marine’s union on Sunday will most assuredly affect our future.

This is a difficult situation for everyone involved, especially the employees who will be casting their vote. I truly empathize with them for they must feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. It is not only their job at stake, but the jobs of approximately 4,000 of their neighbors in Fond du Lac County who work for companies who are suppliers to Mercury Marine or work for organizations who will be greatly affected by the potential loss of the company. The responsibility of each voting employee is incredible.

It is important that everyone understand the impact of Mercury Marine on Fond du Lac County. All told, an estimated $353 million in annual income in our county is on the line, and it is an impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of Fond du Lac County. In the seven-county region (Fond du Lac County and its adjoining counties), the direct and indirect impact is expected to result in the loss of almost 8,000 jobs and $450 million loss in annual earnings. Bump the scope to the state level, and loss climbs to over 11,000 jobs and $600 million in annual earnings.

As incoming chair of FCEDC, I have to look at how it would affect our business climate. Approximately 1,000 companies in Wisconsin provide products or services to Mercury Marine, 250 of which are in Fond du Lac County. Among the hardest hit industries will be local governments, restaurants, health care and a wide-range of manufacturing businesses.

Our stakeholders are also the citizens of Fond du Lac County. So how does this decision affect us as individuals? Mercury Marine is a significant water and sewer customer of the City of Fond du Lac. If no new customers took their place, the water and sewer rates would possibly have to increase by up to 5.5 percent which equates to approximately $44 a year for the typical residential customer. In addition, Mercury pays more than $620,000 in total property taxes, $219,000 of which is to the City of Fond du Lac. If the buildings were vacated, the value would decrease significantly leaving the other property taxpayers in the city, county, school district, and technical college district to pick up the difference.

The negative impact will be felt in all communities in Fond du Lac County. Nearly 400 of Mercury Marine’s employees live in Fond du Lac County communities outside the Fond du Lac zip codes. The potential loss of population could impact some of the smaller communities quite severely. For example, Oakfield is home to many Mercury Marine employees and their families. The loss of the company could directly affect more than 12 percent of the 1,038 residents. This is not taking into account supply chain and those additional job losses previously mentioned.

The list goes on — property values, the impact on the area technical college system, the effects of higher unemployment rates, etc., but you get my point. The vote of the workers is a responsibility I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but it is a challenge they face none-the-less. I would like to personally thank each and every one of the employees for making an educated decision based on facts, integrity and conviction.

A big campaign is taking place in Oklahoma to get Mercury Marine to move to Stillwater. Oklahoma’s secretary of commerce and tourism, Natalie Shirley, wrote this in the Stillwater NewsPress:

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce, as the state’s lead economic development agency, is committed to helping Mercury Marine grow and prosper in Stillwater.

The agency is working with Stillwater community leaders, company officials and state legislators to review all possible scenarios.

Retaining Mercury, which employs almost 400 people, is critically important to the community of Stillwater and to the entire state of Oklahoma.

The company’s presence in the Sooner State represents a valuable asset for Oklahoma’s advanced manufacturing sector.

The plant manufactures high quality sterndrives — some of the most innovative in the world.

Mercury Marine has been an excellent corporate citizen in Stillwater.

As it explores the consolidation of production sites, we can tell you we have done everything possible to position Oklahoma as the right place for Mercury Marine to expand its business.

As the company weighs the business merits of Wisconsin and Oklahoma — a process they have made public — Commerce is diligently reminding Mercury Marine why Oklahoma is THE place to live and do business.

A right-to-work state, Oklahoma offers nationally recognized incentives; top-notch low-cost/no-cost customized training; a highly skilled workforce; a central location that provides market access to more than 80 million people within a 500-mile radius; and some of the lowest business costs and tax burdens in the nation.

In short, Oklahoma’s robust, pro-business economy and competitive living costs make it hard to beat.

Even in these uncertain financial times Commerce remains focused on growing our state’s economy and raising the standard of living for all Oklahomans.

Commerce has long considered Mercury Marine — a valued member of our business community — a partner in that endeavor.

The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce calculates that Mercury Marine adds $100 million to the state’s economy through suppliers, logistics and transportation vendors; invests $20 million in research and development in Stillwater; and contributes $45 million in employee payroll.

Throughout its many years in Stillwater, Mercury Marine has partnered with Meridian Technology Center, a local CareerTech campus, to develop specific classes for Mercury workers.

The U.S. Department of Labor named that partnership a best practice model for the management and administration of apprenticeship training programs.

Commerce wants Mercury Marine to remain in Oklahoma, and we are taking every step to ensure that happens.

We’ve read similar sentiments from Fond du Lac-area elected officials, economic development organizations and business leaders. Why haven’t we heard anything from Shirley’s counterparts at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce?

POSSIBLE IMPACT OF PROPOSED TREE ORDINANCE

To: Common Council
From: Travis Drake, Director of Public Works
Date: August 20, 2009
Re: Proposed Tree Ordinance and Policy

Pursuant to Mayor Kramer’s request, I am providing my view of the impacts of the proposed documents. While the proposed ordinance is very similar to the existing ordinance, the proposed policy is an entirely new document.
General Items:
• There is a need to coordinate the ordinance and the policy particularly in regards to the duties of the arborist / forester.
• It appears that a volunteer would have authority over all plantings on City lands.
• Procedures should be called out for appeal of the arborist decisions.

Particular Items
• “No equipment use within the drip line of the trees”. With many areas having full canopies over the street this will really limit the possibly for street work. It is also suggested that barrier fence be placed around the tree drip line for protection.
• “No material storage within the drip line or on the terraces.” I am not sure where the material could be stored. Complaints already abound with small amounts of storage on side streets. It is critical to efficient construction to have the need materials at hand.
• Tunneling and boring of utilities to reduce the disturbance of roots. This method of construction costs 2-3 times more than open cut. The City of Appleton has pursued tunneling and boring for some time. I have been unable to connect with their engineer as of this time but will continue to try to get some feed back from him.
• Reference is made to hand forming curb instead of machine slip forming to reduce impact on tree root close to the street. Slip form curb runs between $7 & $8 per foot. Hand form curb was $26.50 per foot in 2008. Both systems require excavation beyond the back of curb. The difference in the space needed varies with the contractor and the particular piece of equipment.
• “No change of terrace grade”. This makes it extremely difficult to change curb grade and therefore the ability to correct street drainage patterns.
• Discussions with contractors who have worked in communities with similar policies suggest that the actual added cost of compliance is in the 10% - 15% range. I don’t believe that we will actually know until we bid a project with the tree save alternative.

PUBLIC NOTICE - POSSIBLE QUORUM OF RIPON CITY COUNCIL

On Monday, August 24th at 5:30 p.m. there will be a public information meeting in which representatives of Boca Grande will make a presentation and answer questions regarding their proposed projects for downtown Ripon. This meeting will take place in the Council chambers of Ripon City Hall, located at 100 Jackson Street. It is possible that a quorum of the Ripon City Council may be present at some point in this event; however, no City business will be conducted.

WFDL-AM: THE BOCA GRANDE PROJECT

I recently had a chance to discuss the proposed Boca Grande redevelopment project on WFDL, AM-1170, in Fond du Lac. To hear the interview, click here.

Under the search window, type "Ripon" and the interview will come in two parts.

IMPACT ON FOND DU LAC COUNTY IF MERCURY MARINE LEAVES FOND DU LAC

Prepared by Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation – August, 2009

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B_PUae1LbNqDZjdjZjY1NWItOTliYS00ZTg0LTkyYjQtM2M2YTgyYWY0NDE4&hl=en

• As a result of a potential Mercury Marine job loss in Fond du Lac County, an estimated 5,900 jobs will be lost throughout the county. This is due to the direct impact on suppliers of Mercury Marine and the indirect impact on government and business as a result of the lost income of the employees. This comes with an estimated annual loss of earnings (total compensation to all workers) of $353 million. (1)

• The impact extends well beyond Fond du Lac County. The direct and indirect impact is expected to result in the loss of almost 8,000 jobs and $450 million loss in earnings in the seven-county region (Fond du Lac and adjoining counties); and loss of over 11,000 jobs and $600 million annual earnings in the State. (1)

• Virtually all businesses will be affected. Approximately 250 companies in Fond du Lac County provide products or services to Mercury Marine (and more than 1,000 Wisconsin companies outside the County). Among the hardest hit industries will be: (1)

construction
local government
restaurants
health care
retail
a wide-range of manufacturing businesses

• The company is a significant water and sewer customer of the City of Fond du Lac. If no new customers took their place, the water and sewer rates would have to increase by up to 5.5 percent, which equates to approximately $44 a year for the typical residential customer. (2)

• Mercury Marine pays more than $620,000 in total property tax ($219,000 to City of Fond du Lac portion). If the buildings were vacated, the value would decrease significantly, leaving the other property taxpayers in the City, County, School District and technical college district to pick up the difference.

• It is also anticipated that property values for homes and businesses would decline significantly over time due to the depressed economy. In a declining real estate market, it is common for a disproportionate tax shift to businesses because the housing valuations are updated more often and the lower property values will be reflected more quickly.

• Moraine Park Technical College relies on property taxes for 60 percent of its budget. While dealing with reduced tax income from declining property valuations, the college will be faced with increasing enrollment for workforce retraining. The college anticipates a great need for basic skills remediation, which they are required to provide at no charge.

• The negative impact will be felt in all communities in Fond du Lac County. Nearly 400 of Mercury Marine’s employees live in Fond du Lac County beyond the three City of Fond du Lac zip codes. The potential loss of population could impact some of the smaller “bedroom” communities quite severely. For example, Oakfield is home to many Mercury Marine employees and their families. The loss of the company could directly affect more than 12 percent of the 1,038 residents. This is not taking into account supply chain and other job losses. Each community will be affected.

• Unemployment for Fond du Lac County was 9.5 percent in June. The loss of these jobs would take the rate to more than 13 percent. (3) During times of high unemployment, social problems tend to be magnified, leading to increased crime, health-care issues and, of course, required assistance with basic needs for food and shelter. Non-profit social service agencies, while likely experiencing falling contributions, will see a dramatic increase in the number of clients and in the extent of services needed. As County unemployment has risen from 4.7 percent in 2008 to the six-month average of 9.1 percent in 2009, the 17 United Way of Fond du Lac County partner agencies report a 25 percent increase in men, women and children served. Extending this correlation to a potential unemployment rate of 13.1 percent, these agencies could be looking at serving 40 percent more clients in coming years compared to 2008.

Likewise, the County Human Services budgets will be greatly affected by the increase in case load for social services. According to Kim Mooney, Director of Social Service for the County, the situation is already bad. Programs have been cut (50 percent in W2 programs the next 2 years) while people on rolls have doubled this year. As unemployment runs out for displaced workers, the food share program, Medicaid, and utility assistance will dramatically increase. Health care organizations will be affected by the increase in uninsured patients, who tend to overwhelm emergency services due to lack of preventative care.

• The school districts around the county would suffer from declining property tax values as well as declining enrollments.

• Local housing starts are already down more than 60 percent. They would likely come to a complete halt, further impacting the already-suffering construction and real estate sectors. According to real estate broker and homebuilder Scott Swick, Fond du Lac has seen a 24-percent decline in home sales this year compared to last, and that pace could possibly double. He estimates the potential drop in home prices by comparing to other communities that have had major job losses. Detroit saw home prices drop 23.6 percent from one year ago and Janesville experienced a price drop of 12.1 percent in the same period. A home in Fond du Lac County worth $138,749 would be worth $123,772 with a 12 percent drop; and only $112,256 with a 23.6 percent price drop.

• Arts & Recreation – Many have worked hard to develop an emphasis on arts in Fond du Lac County. Obviously, with growing unemployment, the limited resources will be diverted to food, shelter, and workforce retraining needs.

Sources of information:

1 - Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc. Strategic Advantage Economic Impact Model. www.economicmodeling.com (by subscription) 08.12.09 – Further information on EMSI data sources, calculations, and additional detail is available upon request.

2 – City of Fond du Lac tax and utility records.

3 - Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Bureau of Workforce Training - Labor Market Information, Query Results - Created on August 13, 2009, http://WORKnet.Wisconsin.gov – calculated 6-month average labor force and unemployment, recalculated with loss of 2,384 jobs.

4- As published in The Reporter, Tuesday, August 4, 2009.

THE DRAMA QUEEN

I'm going to retire, no I'm not, yes I am, Oh I just don't know what I want and then that big burly Chicago linebacker hit me so hard I broke a nail so I said that's enough already and any way what's a girl to do, those guys play too rough for me. I gotta go now bye, bye. Your BFF Sissy.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA - August 24th

NOTE: A public informational meeting will be held from 530 to 7 PM on the proposed Boca Grande development project.

CITY OF RIPON COMMON COUNCIL MEETING - Council Chambers, City Hall - Monday, August 24, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.
* Proclamations
1. Recognizing the 2009 Ripon American Legion baseball team
2. Recognizing Ryan Weir of the Ripon High School boys’ track team
3. Recognizing members of the Ripon High School boys’ track team

* Presentation – report and recommendations from Community Appearance Team

* Consent calendar (Unless the Mayor, Council or staff asks that one or more of the items listed below be pulled, this list may be approved with a single vote.)
1. Application for Class “B” - Fermented Malt Beverages License : H & L Holdings, LLC, (trade name) Ripon AmericInn, 1219 W Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971, Henry Conti, Agent, W1911 Forest Ave, Green Lake, WI 54941.
2. Application for “Class C” – Wine License : H & L Holdings, LLC, (trade name) Ripon AmericInn, 1219 W Fond du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971, Henry Conti, Agent, W1911 Forest Ave, Green Lake, WI 54941.
3. Request for street closures, etc. Septemberfest (September 19th – Chamber)- The Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking approval of street closures, a beer tent, parking restrictions, etc. in conjunction with its Septemberfest event on Saturday, September 19th. Staff has no concerns, as this event went well last year, and this year’s plans are very similar.
4. Resolution – adopting Fond du Lac County natural hazards mitigation plan - Following last year’s flood, Fond du Lac County officials have been working on a natural hazards mitigation plan, designed to guide actions of emergency management staff during natural disasters. They are asking us to approve the attached resolution adopting this plan.

* Resolution – sale of approximately $2,755,000 in GO note anticipation notes - The City is considering borrowing funds for projects in the proposed TIF District #11. Phil Cosson of Ehlers has highlighted the rationale for starting this process by issuing approximately $2.755 million in General Obligation Note Anticipation Notes. Staff agrees with Mr. Cosson and recommends approval of the attached resolution.

* Request to rezone property at Old Berlin Road/Meade Street - Thomas and Constance Prelwitz are seeking rezoning of a 2-acre property at the northwest corner of Old Berlin Road and Meade Street from A {agricultural} to R-2 {single-family residential.} On August 19th, Plan Commission unanimously recommended approval.

* Staff response (budget issues, etc.) to proposed tree ordinance/policy - On August 11th, David Sakrison and Paul/Ruth Jeffries highlighted their new proposed tree ordinance and policy, designed to better promote and protect trees, especially in terraces. Staff reviewed this proposal, and the Public Works Director is drafting a response for your review. Staff’s main concern is the potential increase in the cost of construction projects by implementing these measures, but it is hard to estimate this without bidding a project both ways and comparing the resulting bids. Staff will present and discuss its report on Monday.

* Request to use Murray Park after normal park hours to film a movie - Justin Propp wants permission to use Murray Park for one night from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in connection with filming a movie scene. He was unable to present his request at our last meeting, but he will join us on Monday to explain his request and to answer questions from the Mayor and Council.

* Review designs and consider purchase of 3 community entrance signs - For some time, the city has been working toward replacing its outdated entrance signs. The Community Appearance Team is now recommending attached design “Option A”, at a price slightly less than $10,000 per sign, with “Option B” – narrower columns – suggested as another alternative. The City has $10,000 set aside for the signs. Staff recommends using this for the East Fond du Lac Street sign. TIF funds can be used for the business park and West Fond du Lac Street signs.

* Adjourn to closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or
negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session” - Possible acceptance of the donation of residential property

WHISKEY RIVER TO PERFORM AT RIPON SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Ripon Medical Center and Ripon Drug welcome Whiskey River, Wisconsin’s premier country band, to the Village Green Concert series on Friday August 21. The band will perform from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. on the Village Green in downtown Ripon.

With songs ranging from Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams Sr. to Alan Jackson, Clint Black and Faith Hill, Whiskey River is a sure bet to please music fans of all ages. Their tight vocals, talented musicianship and positive stage presence make any event fun for everyone in attendance.

Whiskey River was formed in 1977 and has been entertaining country music fans throughout the Midwest ever since. The band has recorded numerous albums and recently released a live CD recorded in 2001. Members of the band include vocalist Bonnie Peronto, lead guitarist and vocalist Al Blau, base guitarist and vocalist Jim Peronto, Vince Boehlen on drums, and Brent Clauson on steel guitar, fiddle and guitar.

The free concert series, which is organized by Ripon Main Street, Inc., takes place on Friday evenings in historic downtown Ripon, and continues through the end of August. A variety of beverages are available and participants are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. Please, no carry-ins because beverage sales help cover entertainment expenses. Free music isn’t really free.

The Village Green Summer Concert Series concludes next week with a performance by acoustic rock band Rings.

A special Thank You goes out to Ripon Medical Center and Ripon Drug for sponsoring the summer concert series. Let them know you appreciate the financial commitment they have made to our community. Additional sponsors the Diedrich Agency, Fat Bruce’s, Horicon Bank, M&I Bank, A&W Restaurant, Affinity Health System, Condon Oil, Miller Brewing, Piernot Dentistry, Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express, Chris Rauch D.D.S., Ripon College, Ripon Pickle Co., J.M. Smucker’s, Bluemkes, Apple Orchard Alpacas, Alling Enterprises, Ripon Window & Door, WRPN AM 1600, Yeomans - Endinger Chiropractic Center, Donald & Kim Ellingson, Jane & Harland Hilke, Sue & Ron Silber, Ann Jurkowski, Derk & Paula Lesniak, Julie & Lyle Mathias, and Holly & Ivy.

Enjoy an evening of entertainment in historic downtown Ripon and discover the charm of small town hospitality. Call the Ripon Main Street office at 920-748-7466 or visit www.downtownripon.com for more information.

The weight of the world on their shoulders

by Russ Kamphuis, President and CEO of the Bank of Oakfield, Vice Chairman for FCEDC

As the next chairman of the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC) board of directors, it is my job to look to 2010 and assess, with staff, what the near future will hold for our communities, our businesses and our residents. The outcome of the vote by Mercury Marine’s union on Sunday will most assuredly affect our future.

This is a difficult situation for everyone involved, especially the employees who will be casting their vote. I truly empathize with them for they must feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders. It is not only their job at stake, but the jobs of approximately 4,000 of their neighbors in Fond du Lac County who work for companies who are suppliers to Mercury Marine or work for organizations who will be greatly affected by the potential loss of the company. The responsibility of each voting employee is incredible.

It is important that everyone understand the impact of Mercury Marine on Fond du Lac County. All told, an estimated $353 million in annual income in our county is on the line, and it is an impact that extends far beyond the boundaries of Fond du Lac County. In the seven-county region (Fond du Lac County and its adjoining counties), the direct and indirect impact is expected to result in the loss of almost 8,000 jobs and $450 million loss in annual earnings. Bump the scope to the state level, and loss climbs to over 11,000 jobs and $600 million in annual earnings.

As incoming chair of FCEDC, I have to look at how it would affect our business climate. Approximately 1,000 companies in Wisconsin provide products or services to Mercury Marine, 250 of which are in Fond du Lac County. Among the hardest hit industries will be local governments, restaurants, health care and a wide-range of manufacturing businesses.

Our stakeholders are also the citizens of Fond du Lac County. So how does this decision affect us as individuals? Mercury Marine is a significant water and sewer customer of the City of Fond du Lac. If no new customers took their place, the water and sewer rates would possibly have to increase by up to 5.5% which equates to approximately $44 a year for the typical residential customer. In addition, Mercury pays over $620,000 in total property taxes, $219,000 of which is to the City of Fond du Lac. If the buildings were vacated, the value would decrease significantly leaving the other property taxpayers in the city, county, school district, and technical college district to pick up the difference.

The negative impact will be felt in all communities in Fond du Lac County. Nearly 400 of Mercury Marine’s employees live in Fond du Lac County communities outside the Fond du Lac zip codes. The potential loss of population could impact some of the smaller communities quite severely. For example, Oakfield is home to many Mercury Marine employees and their families. The loss of the company could directly affect over 12% of the 1,038 residents. This is not taking into account supply chain and those additional job losses previously mentioned.

The list goes on – property values, the impact on the area technical college system, the effects of higher unemployment rates, etc., but you get my point. The vote of the workers is a responsibility I wouldn’t wish upon anyone, but it is a challenge they face none-the-less. I would like to personally thank each and every one of the employees for making an educated decision based on facts, integrity and conviction.

Russell Kamphuis is President and CEO of the Bank of Oakfield and currently serves as Vice Chairman for the Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation.

PLAN COMMISSION - August 19th

* Rezoning – Thomas & Constance Prelwitz (Old Berlin/Meade) - The commission approved the rezoning of their 2-acre parcel on Old Berlin and Meade Street from A (agricultural) to R-2 (Residential).
* Project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #10 - The Commission approved the TIF, which includes the development on Highway 23 East where Agnesian Health Care is building a new clinic. It goes to the Council for a final vote on September 8th.
* Project plan, boundary map, and resolution – TIF District #11 - The Commission approved the new downtown TIF, which consists mainly of Boca Grande redevelopment projects. It goes to the Council for a final vote on September 8th.
* Site Plan - The Commission approved the plan for an expansion of Accurate Controls at 326 Blackburn Street. They are looking to build a large addition, valued at $600,000 to the north of their current office complex in downtown Ripon. Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks.

Any questions............post them or email me.

AMBER ALERT: Abduction of Girl in Oshkosh

Oshkosh police are investigating the possible abduction of a girl.

According to police, a witness saw two men pull a girl, who appeared to be 12 to 14 years old, into their car in the 1100-block of Linwood Avenue around 10:30 Wednesday morning. That's across the street from Oshkosh North High School.

Witnesses said they were tying her up and she was screaming.

The car was described as a rusty maroon four-door with a dent in the rear bumper. It was driven by a black male with a black and a white man as passengers. The passengers are the ones who got out and grabbed the girl, witnesses indicated.

The girl was described as about five feet tall. She was wearing a pink tank top and orange shorts.

The car was last seen going east on Linwood.

WELCOME TO RIPON SIGN - VERSION TWO

Under this proposal, the width of the supporting columns have been reduced on each side by slightly less than a foot. Under the proposal, signs would be erected in the following locations:

A - Highway 23 West (To be funded by the West End Tax Increment District)
B - The entrance to the Business Park at Selig Way and Highway 44 (To be funded by the Industrial-Business Park TID)
C - Highway 23 East (To be funded by the reserve fund set up over the past four years to pay for those signs not covered by TIF districts)

The council will discuss and vote on these proposal and the signage on Monday August 24th.

PUBLIC INFORMATION ON BOCA GRANDE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Wednesday August 18th - Public hearing at the Plan Commission– The Commission will consider the project plan, boundary map, and a resolution to create TIF District #11 (The new downtown TIF). The public will have the opportunity to speak on those issues Wednesday evening at 7 PM.

Monday August 24th - A public informational meeting is tentatively scheduled for 530 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, prior to the Council meeting, which begins at 7 PM.

BREAKING : FAVRE HEADING TO MINNESOTA

WCCO-TV is reporting that a high-level source with the Minnesota Vikings tells the station's Mark Rosen that quarterback Brett Favre is expected to sign with the team today. Favre is on currently on his way to Minneapolis and is expected to sign with the team this afternoon, the station adding, citing its source.

PODCASTS ON WRPN

* Ripon Area School Superintendent Richard Zimman reviews the August 17th School Board meeting.
* City Administrator Steve Barg reviews the August 11th City Council meeting.

NOTE: These are MP3 files.

Waupun school taxes are going up

SOURCE: Fond du Lac Reporter

WAUPUN — Taxpayers can expect a hike in school taxes this year, thanks to a hefty cut in state aid money.

The Waupun Area Board of Education approved the preliminary budget for the 2009-10 school year during the regular meeting Monday night. The $28.5 million budget calls for an estimated tax levy of $9 million, an 8.7 percent increase over last year.

Business Director Bill Zeininger said the driving force behind the tax increase is a decrease of $751,158 in state aid funds, even though expenditures are down $203,000 from last year.

"We expected it to be less, but this is huge," Zeininger said of the cut. "We've done all the things since the referendum failed to address our local situation, with cuts and restructuring saving over $1 million. I hope people understand that it's because the state isn't giving us the money."

Based on a projected 5.2 percent increase in district equalized valuation, the tax rate for the school district is estimated at $8.87 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for property owners, up 29 cents from last year.

Board member Ron Paul said people already pressed by the slumping economy probably won't understand the rationale behind the increase when they open their tax bills. He asked Zeininger to dig deeper to find more cuts.

"We'll still have an opportunity to look for more savings between now and when you formally approve the budget on Oct. 19," Zeininger said. "Hopefully, with all the student numbers in by then, we'll be able to recoup some savings from the special education contract or open enrollment."

In preliminary budget figures, Zeininger estimated a loss of more than $1 million in funding from students opting to leave the district.

Applications for open enrollment out of the Waupun district spiked after the board announced its decision to close both Alto and Fox Lake schools in addition to Jefferson Elementary School earlier this year following the failed referendum.

District Administrator Randy Refsland said all 424 school districts across the state are wrestling with their annual budgets due to the lagging economy and reduced state aid funds.

"Some districts have gone forward with their increases while others have made the decision that they're going to spend down their fund balances until there's nothing left just to keep the tax rate down," Refsland said. "I don't advocate that. What we know based on state projections, the budget deficit will even be worse next year. And two years from now, there will be this billion dollar hole where they used stimulus money to patch this budget. As a school district, you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't. It's just reality, and it's an ugly reality."

The public will have the opportunity to weigh in on the budget during the annual meeting set for 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, in the large group instructional room at Waupun Area Junior/Senior High School.

SILVER CREEK REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

Click here for more information on the request for proposals that was sent out.

UPDATE: Barrett released from Froedtert Hospital

Good luck and quick healing to a fellow mayor:

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was released Monday from Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, where he was treated for injuries he suffered Saturday when he was beaten by a baton-wielding man. Barrett is resting at his home, according to Patrick Curley, the mayor's chief of staff. Earlier Monday, Barrett's brother, John, said the mayor was hit so hard in the face that the blow knocked out a bottom tooth and some top teeth. Barrett's hand was shattered and repaired in a three-hour surgery. A doctor placed stitches in the mayor's head, and he had plastic surgery to repair another cut that extended from his cheek to his nose.

SCHOOL BOARD TO MEET TONIGHT - August 17th

The full agenda can be found here.

Among the highlights tonight:
* New Teachers - Six new teachers hired for 2009-10 will be introduced to the Board and the community.
* Wellness Policy 8510 regarding soda sales - The topic of soda sales in concession stands will be on the September agenda to the tie vote in July which occurred because of an absent Board member.
* MPES Standards-Based Report Cards - The board will view the first drafts of the standards-based report cards for grades 3-5 in accordance with advice from national experts and consistent with the 4PS and K-2 report cards currently in use in the District. Teachers are also moving to standards-based/benchmark-based grading that will provide better information regarding a child’s mastery level of particular skills so that a more focused response can be planned and implemented.
* Homecoming planning - The board will review are drafts of letters by Mr. Tjernagel for parents and businesses requesting cooperation in keeping this year’s homecoming activities more positive than last year’s. These letters are in accordance with discussion by the Board last fall and are being submitted in draft form for feedback.
* Ingalls Field annual report - The board will hear a a report on the first year of operations at Ingalls Field with the FieldTurf surface.

UPCOMING MEETINGS:
September 21 – Regular board meeting at 7:00 p.m. in RHS Room 167
September 28 – School District Annual Meeting (7:00 p.m. in RHS Room 167 following 6:30 p.m. budget hearing)

Red Hawks Athletics to hold golf outing Sept. 18

RIPON, Wis. – The Department of Athletics at Ripon College will host its first full-scale golf outing at The Golf Courses of Lawsonia Friday, Sept. 18, 2009 (Family Weekend) with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Proceeds from the event directly benefit Red Hawk Athletics.

For $100 each, participants will enjoy a day of golf in the popular scramble format, including cart w/GPS, gift bag, lunch, prizes, an informal dinner, unique on-course games, and optional extras including a free clinic with members of the Red Hawks golf teams. An official Red Hawks golf shirt in men’s and women’s styles will also be available for $50, the proceeds from which will also benefit athletics at Ripon. A detailed schedule of activities is forthcoming, but a wide array of home athletic events will be held Family Weekend 2009, including volleyball, football, women's tennis, men's and women's soccer, and men's and women's golf.

“For many years now our primary event was the Red Hawk Banquet each fall, and we were fortunate to have great support for that and a tremendous lineup of guest speakers,” said Bob Gillespie, director of athletics and head coach of baseball and men’s basketball. “This year we thought we’d try something new and see how the Ripon community responds.”

In addition to individual entries, sponsorship opportunities are available at virtually all levels. The annual Corporate Partner Program offers a complimentary foursome and four sleeves of logo balls to Gold sponsors ($600); a hole sponsorship and a Red Hawks golf shirt to Silver sponsors ($300); and a website/athletic-program listing to Contributors (less than $300). Hole sponsorships only are just $200, and other contributions will help offset the event’s costs.

“Our focus for this event is to bring alumni – especially former athletes – back to campus for a unique and memorable event that offers a lot of bang for the buck,” said Cody Pinkston, head coach of men’s and women’s golf and committee chair. “There are a million scrambles out there, so we want this one to have a few twists.”

Online registration is available at www.ripon.edu/athletics/scramble. For information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Mike Westemeier (westemeierm@ripon.edu/920-748-8770) or Dave Minor (minord@ripon.edu/920-748-8360).

DOYLE WON'T RUN IN 2010 - WHO WILL?

SOURCE: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Gov. Jim Doyle on Monday morning confirmed he wouldn’t run for re-election next year and promised to serve out his full term.

Doyle’s announcement — widely expected since it was first reported Saturday — shakes up next year’s race, creating the first race for governor since 1982 that didn’t feature an incumbent.

Doyle committed to finishing out his term, which expires in January 2011. He said he felt strongly that politicians should serve their full terms.

If he had left office early, he would turn the reins over to Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton and give her expected run for governor a boost. Doyle is not close to Lawton, and he declined to say Monday whom he might support in next year’s election.

Doyle said he would not run again because he believed governors should serve no more than two terms. Unlike many states, Wisconsin has no term limits.

Leaving after eight years allows the political system a chance to rejuvenate itself, he said.

“I know I will regret this decision many times over the next year, but I’m not going to pull a Brett Favre on you,” he said.

He said he would have an aggressive agenda over the next 16 months, focusing on education, green jobs, the economy and health care.

“I believe without the politics and the campaign we can get a lot done over time,” he said. “This moment in history will not be wasted.”

He said he made the decision not to run seven to 10 days ago and had no plans for what he would do after his term ends.

Doyle made the announcement at Randall Elementary School, where he went to grade school. Doyle has put education at the center of his agenda since winning the governorship in 2002.

Doyle, 63, was first elected to statewide office in 1990, when he was elected attorney general. He served three terms before going on to win the governor’s office for two terms. Before his stint as attorney general, he was district attorney in Dane County.

Doyle’s father was a federal judge, and his mother was one of the first women to serve in the state Legislature. He was introduced to Democratic politics early and was inspired by an early meeting with John F. Kennedy.

Doyle went onto law school and the Peace Corps before moving into politics.

He was a relatively early supporter of Barack Obama, and when Obama won the presidency last year observers wondered whether Doyle would get a job in the administration. He batted away those rumors, saying he wasn’t seeking any other job.

But when reports emerged Saturday that he would not seek re-election, Doyle’s aides did not deny them.

In addition to Lawton, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind (D–La Crosse) is expected to run. Others are contemplating a run as well.

The Republican field includes Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann and could widen now that Doyle isn’t seeking re-election.

Doyle said whether he could win re-election was not a consideration in his decision, despite his low poll numbers.

“I’ve never lost an election,” he said. “I think I know how to run an election. I think I would have done very well.”

Lawton in, Kind might be: Lawton is officially in the race for governor, and is considering it.

The announcements came moments after Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle made official that he would not seek a third term next year.

Lawton is running but is not conducting interviews, said Ben Nuckels, Lawton’s chief of staff.

“Today is Gov. Doyle’s day and the lieutenant governor wishes him well,” Nuckels said. “The lieutenant governor intends to run for governor, and she will have more to say about that in the near future.”

In a statement, Kind said: “Since Gov. Doyle’s decision has become public, people from around the state have contacted me and urged me to run for Governor. I thank them for their support and I am considering it. In the weeks to come I will make my decision.”

On the Republican side, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R–Janesville) just issued a statement saying he has no plans to run for governor in 2010.