City's new website includes blogs for aldermen

The city's new website includes a long-overdue feature for city aldermen: blogs.

City officials rolled out their new look at www.cityofracine.org earlier this month. The new website gives a nice facelift to Racine's online home while retaining connections to useful services like legistar, which tracks all agendas and minutes for city meetings.

One new feature added is a blogging system for City Council members. Each alderman has a page that shows their picture, a map of the district and a blog they can add stories and comments to.

New alderman Eric Marcus, who was just sworn into office Tuesday, is the first (and so far only) to make use of the new blogging system. He's posted three stories and a poll on the Second District page, which you can see at: www.cityofracine.org/2nd

It's a nice tool for the aldermen, and hopefully they'll use it as an opportunity to share their views, float ideas and clue constituents in on important issues.

City Notes: New council installed this week; Ethics policy gets a re-write; Chickens are coming!

Newly elected City Council members will be sworn into office on Tuesday.

Two new faces are joining the council. Dennis Wiser in the 10th District and Eric Marcus in the Second District will be seated. Wiser replaces Kelli Stein, who declined to run for election after being appointed to the council. Marcus replaces Bob Anderson, who declined to seek re-election.

Also Tuesday, the council will elect a new City Council president. It's looking like a two-horse race to replace Alderman Q.A. Shakoor II as the council's top officer. Aldermen Jeff Coe and Greg Helding are vying for the position. The vote has a little more meaning this year because of the city's new succession plan, which says the City Council president becomes mayor if something happens to the elected mayor.

The City Council is also meeting Monday night to take care of its regular business. Here's a look at Monday night's agenda:

Ethics Policy
The city's Ethics Policy is getting a re-write. The new policy, included on Monday's agenda, more concretely spells out the ethical expectations of city employees and officials. Among the changes: A policy that specifically says violating any portion of the city's "Computer Hardware and Software Policy" constitutes an ethical violation. No doubt that was spelled out after the former mayor was caught with compromising photos and Internet chats on his computers. You can read the new policy here. Scroll to the last item on the agenda.

Bike races back in Downtown Racine
The "Superweek" bike races will be back in Downtown Racine for the third consecutive year. Dave Blank, president and CEO of Real Racine, is seeking input from the city on the race course through Downtown. In his letter to the city, Blank said organizers had threatened to move the races to Roosevelt Park on the south side, but downtown merchants agreed to support the races.

Office space
The Root Pike Watershed Initiative hopes to rent office space in the City Hall Annex. The city offers discounted, or even free, office space to some groups in the Annex.

Dragon Boats
The Dragon Boat Races will be back this year. They're scheduled for July 9 and 10 at Meyers Beach just off of Pershing Park Drive. The races are organized by Racine's Rotary Clubs.

Cruz in for the Cause
The Redline Tavern is planning the eighth annual "Cruz in for the Cause" benefit to support Safe Haven of Racine. The event is scheduled for July 17 and will be held on North Wisconsin Street between Hamilton and Hubbard.

Urban chickens
The chickens are coming! Or, at least debate over chickens is coming. Alderman Greg Helding is requesting an ordinance that would allow city residents to keep up to four chickens in their yards for personal use. The ordinance will start at the Public Safety and Licensing Committee, but no doubt several committees will want a crack at this ordinance. A few of Helding's proposed restrictions: no roosters, no egg sales and no slaughtering chickens in the city. For more on the proposal, visit: Belle City Chickens.

Monument Square Art Fair
The Monument Square Art Fair is back. Organizers want to rent their customary lakefront space on June 12-13 this year.

Plant sale
Racine Neighborhood Watch hopes to use the City Annex parking lot for its plant sale fundraiser pickup on Saturday, May 15 from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday was the deadline to order plants from the nonprofit.

Parade routes
Prior to Monday's City Council meeting, there will be a Committee of the Whole meeting. The main legislative item on the agenda is Coe's request to waive fees for the St. Patrick's Day and holiday parades through Downtown Racine. In order to bring the city on as a sponsor, the City Council would need to amend an ordinances that currently restricts city sponsorship to the Fourth Fest and Memorial Day parades. Coe's idea got a chilly reception from the Finance and Personnel Committee.

Anderson, Stein not running for re-election

Two sitting aldermen will not seek re-election this spring.

Kelli Stein, who was appointed to the City Council in August, will not seek a full two-year term in April. She represents the city's 10th District on the south side. Look for Racine Unified School Board member Dennis Wiser, who finished second to Stein for the appointment in August, to run for the open seat.

Also, Bob Anderson is leaving the Council after two terms. He represents the second district, which is roughly the historic district south of Downtown Racine. Eric Marcus, a former candidate for the Racine Unified School Board, is set to run for the open seat.

The spring election is April 6 with a Feb. 16 primary, if needed. The deadline to file for election is Jan. 5. Even-numbered districts are up for election this year. Incumbents up for re-election include: Jim Kaplan, Sandy Weidner, QA Shakoor II, Aron Wisneski and Ron Hart.

City Council passes fine on video gambling machines; Crackdown in Racine coming?

This one slipped past us, and city officials probably don't mind that it did.

Tucked into Tuesday's City Council agenda under the "Public Safety and Licensing Committee Report" was this:

Subject: Ord. 24-09 , To amend Sec. 66-3(b) and 66-299 of the Municipal Code of the City of Racine, WI relating to Payment of forfeiture in lieu of court appearance; Penalty for violation.

Clearly newsworthy, right? Well, yes. This vaguely worded motion, passed at the Dec. 7 Public Safety and Licensing Committee meeting, may significantly cut back video gambling in the city.

State law allows Class B liquor license holders to install up to five video gambling machines. Several local bars and restaurants, as well as hundreds of other Class B license holders around Wisconsin, have taken advantage of the law as a way to make more money.

But several other businesses lacking Class B licenses - such as convenience stores - are also installing video gaming machines. That's technically a violation of the state law, which allows local governments to seize the machines, with money inside, and fine the businesses $500 per machine.

The local ordinance passed by the City Council on Tuesday night reflects the state law. It changes city code to allow a $500 fine per illegal machine and seizure of the machines. Section 66-299 of the city code previously allowed a court to order police to seize the machines, but did not include a fine.

So what does all of this mean?

It seems the city is gearing up a local effort of some kind to control video gambling in the city. As it stands, several local businesses are now in danger of receiving a $2,500 fine (most places have five machines) and seizure of their games. As to whether it happens is yet to be seen.

As for the obscure wording of the agenda item, that's my mistake. We need to pay closer attention to agenda items, particularly ones written predominantly in the language of city code.

Council cuts splash pad, uses money to improve parks

The City Council cut the splash pad from Mayor John Dickert's capital budget last week, but will still spend most of the money on parks.

After cutting the $330,000 splash pad, which the mayor had planned for Racine's inner city, the council voted to spend $225,000 to improve four city parks; it will save the remaining $105,000.

The parks improvements include:

* Humble Park, 2218 Blaine Ave. The city will spend $125,000 on new doors and windows for the community center, and spend money on new playground equipment.

* Pierce Woods Park, 3616 Pierce Blvd., located next door to Humble Park, will receive new playground equipment.

* Solbraa Park, 3825 16th St., will get new playground equipment. This is in Alderman Jim Spangenberg's district.

* Washington Park, 2920 Washington Ave., will receive new playground equipment. This is in Alderman Mike Shields' district.

City Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Donnie Snow said the city would spend about $100,000 on the playground equipment for all four parks. They'll all have basic swingsets, slides and diggers and be built on a sand base. They won't resemble the new Lockwood Park playground, which had a rubberized base.

"It's just too expensive to do all of our playgrounds like Kids Cove or Lockwood," Snow said.

The parks equipment and repairs were all in the parks department's five-year capital improvement plan, Snow said. The council's actions accelerated the projects to this year, which will free up money later, he said.

Snow said the proposed splash pad will probably be included in a capital improvement budget, possibly next year.

The council voted last week as a Committee of the Whole to remove the splash pad from Dickert's budget and add the new parks equipment. The council is scheduled to finalize the budget on Tuesday night.

City Notes: Maack pushes ahead with Owens proposal

Alderman David Maack is pushing ahead with his proposal to remove Corinne Owens' name from any developments on State Street and to create a commission to find a park, plaza, building or other venue to honor Owens for her contributions to the civil rights movement. Maack offered to chair the commission. The item was referred to the mayor's office.

Other items that will come up at Tuesday's City Council meeting:

* Parks Director Donnie Snow wants to meet with the council's Finance and Personnel committee to discuss applying for a grant to pay for North Beach mats.

* Police Chief Kurt Wahlen is seeking permission to accept the three-year "beat patrol grant" that will be used for two officers whose primary duty is beat patrol. The grant is worth $134,927 in 2010. The city needs to kick in $33,976, which is included in Mayor John Dickert's 2010 budget.

* Ann Yehle, principal of McKinley Middle School, hopes the city will close a section of sidewalk on Rupert Boulevard this winter. The section in question is the south sidewalk from Chicago Street west to the cemetery, at the bottom of McKinley hill. Yehle said the sidewalk is "nearly impossible" to maintain clear of ice without significant amounts of sand and ice melt. She added there is little pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk. Her request will be taken up by the city's Public Works committee.

* Owners of the Olley Brother Farm on Highway 38 want to swap land with the city to maintain access to the Dog Walk just north of the farm. Access to the park is part of the farmland, which is being divided. The family is seeking just under 2 acres of land in exchange for the access to the Dog Walk.

* Alderman Bob Mozol wants to increase the number of voting members on the Board of Health from eight to nine. The proposal will be sent to the Board of Health for consideration.

* Horlick High School is getting a new digital sign. The City Council is set to approve the sign with conditions, such as only Horlick-related events can be advertised on the sign.

City Council budget cut in 2010

At a glance it looks like Mayor John Dickert's budget gives City Council members a raise in 2010. But a little longer look shows, like the rest of city employees, their salaries are flat next year.

Page 83 of the budget shows the city expects to spend $115,045 on City Council salaries and fringe benefits in 2009. The 2010 budget includes $123,732 for the council's salaries. Looks like an $8,687 increase ... except it isn't.

The city had budgeted $126,017 for council salaries in 2009, but spent less because Alderman Tom Friedel left office, first, to become interim mayor and, second, to become city administrator. Until Alderman Kelli Stein was appointed, the city saved money by not paying a salary to the 10th District alderman.

With a full City Council, the council's actual expenditures will go up. But in terms of budgeted amounts, the mayor's 2010 budget actually cuts the City Council's budget $8,522.

City Council approves Seventh St. roundabout, workout pay for firefighters

Seventh Street roundabout (click to enlarge)

Downtown Racine is set to get its first roundabout in 2011.

The City Council voted Tuesday night to approve a roundabout in front of City Hall as part of a plan to rebuild Seventh Street. The plan calls for a significant overhaul of the awkward "V" intersection where Sixth and Seventh streets intersect.

Paul P. Harris Plaza, the small park at the intersection with the clock, named after the founder of Rotary International who was born here, will increase in size with the roundabout. The greenspace in front of City Hall will shrink.

While work won't begin until 2011, city officials had to make a decision about the intersection now to give state planners time to prepare the project.

The state is involved with the Seventh Street because it's technically state Highway 20. This is a good thing for the city because federal money will cover 80 percent of the project's cost. The city will pick up the rest.

State and city officials will make some decisions on the project in coming months, and WisDOT will prepare it for bid in December 2010. Work is scheduled to begin in Spring 2011.

The project is estimated to cost $5 million.

Firefighters' workout bonus

Racine firefighters will get an extra $6.50 per hour for working out under a contract approved by the City Council Tuesday night.

The council passed the agreement after a debate led by Alderman Sandy Weidner, who opposed the provision.

The extra pay is limited to 100 hours per year per firefighter. The hope is the contract provision will encourage firefighters to get in better shape.

Raytown Roadhouse

The Raytown Roadhouse, a country-western-themed bar on Sixth Street, got its liquor license Tuesday night. The City Council approved the Class "B" license with no discussion.

Owners Pete Karas and Jim Spodick got some additional good news Tuesday night. The council rejected two liquor licenses, which freed up a non-reserve license for the Raytown Roadhouse.

State law limits how many liquor licenses a city can issue. Once the city hits its quota, it can issue additional "reserve" licenses for $10,000 a piece. Karas and Spodick had to pay the $10,000 for their license, but will now be refunded $9,500 because the city fell under its state quota.

The Raytown Roadhouse is planning a grand opening for Saturday, Oct. 17.

Halloween Party

A proposed Halloween Party that would have shut down the 500 block of Main Street on Oct. 31 failed to win approval from the City Council. John

Armored Car

The Racine Police Department may soon own an armored car. Police Chief Kurt Wahlen is seeking permission to accept a 1999 Ford E-350 armored car from Garda Cash Logistics. Wahlen's request will be taken up by the Public Safety and License Committee.

Kelli Stein to become the City Council's newest member

Kelli Stein is in line to become the newest member of the Racine City Council.

Stein, 31, was elected by council members to serve out the term of Tom Friedel, who resigned to become city administrator. Stein beat out seven applicants to represent the 10th District, which is located on Racine's south side.

Stein was the top vote-getter in all three rounds of voting and beat out Dennis Wiser in the final round 7-3. (Ten aldermen were present to vote; four did not attend.)

Stein's nomination likely will become official Tuesday when the City Council meets to ratify her selection. In theory the council could change its mind and vote for another candidate, but that's unlikely given Wednesday night's outcome.

Stein works as a desktop analyst for Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare in Racine. She's married and lives at 2325 Gilson St. She's an active member of Young Professionals of Racine and is a Leadership Racine graduate. She also serves on the city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Board.

The eight applicants for the open seat included: Stein, Wiser, David Martin, Donald Dwyer, Thomas Gursky, Geraldine Larson, Melissa Lindgren and Curtis Lockrem.

A ninth applicant, Jamie Anderson, did not live in the district and had no intention of moving to the district.

The council's vote came after the candidates answered nine questions over about 90 minutes. Council members then voted three times. The first two rounds they cast two votes and the final round they cast one.

Stein won the first round with six votes followed by Wiser and Martin with four each, Dwyer and Gursky with two each and zero votes for the other three candidates. (Two aldermen only cast one vote on their ballots, leading to two "under" votes.)

Stein then won the second round with nine votes followed by Wiser with six and Martin with five. Stein then won the final vote over Wiser.

Sitting in the audience as the results were read, Stein looked shocked to have emerged as the winner. "I was genuinely surprised and honored to be selected," she said.

After the council's decision was clear, aldermen took turns shaking her hand with congratulations. The results came so swiftly it took Stein about a half hour to call her husband with the results.

Stein said she applied for the seat because she believed you have to "put up or shut up."

"When the opportunity arises to do something, you have to do it," she said.

Stein said she plans to run for election to a full two-year term in April.

For a minute-by-minute recap of Wednesday night's meeting, click the link below.



5:34 p.m.

The candidates are here, but two aldermen are missing. They’re over at a Parks and Rec Board meeting, but should be here in five minutes.

5:38 p.m.

The council chambers are setup with eight applicants seated at desks usually reserved for the City Council. But the aldermen are pushed to one side for the night to make room for their potential future colleagues. So far we’re missing Ron Hart, Jim Spangenberg, Aron Wisneski, Terry McCarthy, Bob Mozol and David Maack.

5:40 p.m.

Wisneski and McCarthy are here, and now were minutes away.

5:42 p.m.

And a few more minutes.

5:43 p.m.

Wisneski was late to the meeting because the Parks and Rec Board had an interesting debate over whether women should be allowed to play in a men’s softball league. The city doesn’t offer a women’s league, so a woman joined a men’s team. Seven weeks into the season a few men tried to get the woman kicked out. The board didn’t take action, but is looking to set a policy that clearly states women can play on a men's team.

5:44 p.m.

And we’re off. Ten of the 14 sitting aldermen are in attendance. Ron Hart, Jim Spangenberg, Bob Mozol and David Maack asked to be excused, and it is so noted.

5:46 p.m.

Shakoor, the City Council president, asks the committee to defer action on three agenda items not related to appointing the 10th District alderman. One item was a succession plan if the mayor is forced to resign, and the other was to create three-year, instead of two-year, terms for aldermen.They'll take up the issues at a later date.

5:48 p.m.

Eight of the nine applicants are here. Not sure who didn’t show up. (Late found out it was Jamie Anderson, who didn't actually live in the district.) Shakoor reviews the rules about time limits and voting, which will be done in three rounds.

5:50 p.m.

Shakoor says they’ll try to make a decision tonight. If the council is deadlocked, it may take longer.

5:50 p.m.

Opening statements are underway. Donald Dwyer (who Shakoor referred to as Dryer for most of hte night) is first up. He’s lived in the district his whole life and feels he has something to offer.

5:51 p.m.

Thomas Gursky Jr. has lived in the district the last 10 years. He works as a bailiff for the courts. Interested in representing the district because the district needs a strong voice. He’ll confront people with different opinions.

(Note: My notes from here on out are a bit choppy, so don't expect decent grammer or even sensical sentences.)

5:52 p.m.

Dennis Wiser is up. 30 years as a teacher and led the REA for six years. Intensely involved with teacher issues, School Board issues, involved with – seen a dramatic change in how the association functions; still on the School Board. Feels he has something to ffer

5:53 p.m.

Melissa Lindgren is up. She’s buying a home in the district and has an extensive background in customer relations. She enjoys helping people solve issues.

5:54 p.m.

Stein says her heart goes to community involvement. New set of eyes on the council will be beneficial to Racine.

5:55 p.m.

David Martin is up. He’s interested in being an aldermen when he started doing work with manufacturing companies in the area. He has two small children and a third on the way; he's interested in the city for their benefit

5:56 p.m.

Geraldine Larson owns a business, runs it on many levels, works with cstoerm. She feels she can bring wisdom and a level-head to the council.

5:57 p.m.

Curtis Lockrem has been in Racine since 1945. Lived on Drexel Ave. since 1966. Racine is a very important part of his family’s life.

5:57 p.m.

Now we’re on to the questions. Helding cracks that there’s almost as many candidates as there are voters. His question: How long have you been a resident? Why do you want to be an alderman?

5:58 p.m.

Gursky is up. He loves the district and wants to serve.

Wiser – about 30 years, pursing the job, talents and experienced and interest you should get involved. I would like to bring the same contributions to the city of Racine because the city of Racine has been good to me.

Lindgren – lived in the 10th district my entire life. Help take care of the community, plan for the future of the community, four children and one more on the way. Want my children to grow up, hope they have job stability

Stein – Resident of the district for eight years, running for aldermen; if you’re going to stand and complain, you’re just as much a part of the problem as the problem itself. you’ve got to step up and do something about it.

Martin – lived in the 10th District for 10 years. Property owner for six years. Decided to put my nae in the ring because of the work I do with the industrial sector, private sector of the city. Make sure the public sector is working with the private sector to push things forward.

Larson has lived in the district much of her life and she hopes to bring positive change

Lockrem – believes people should serve. Prior experience is with church and other schools. Look forward to the opportunity to serve the city

Dwyer, 23, was born and reasied in the city. Played on the playground, my childhood. fresh face unaffected by other parties at this point in my life; run countryside for the past 3 ½ years. Want to get back to the community I was raised in.

6:03 p.m.

Wisneski's question (which actually came from a list handed out to the council): What is a major issue facing the city? What is a major issue facing the district?

Wiser says mult-generational poverty is an issue for the city. Difficult to get peopleon the right track; high birth rates, unemployment – key to changing city. comfortable place – more and more houses standing empty, owners are gone, nobody living in them. Hope that can be dealt with in an effective fasion.

Lindgren – Smaller businesses are being forced to close their door becase uof the economy. Affecting our businesses, as well. People losing jobs with health insurace. Feel that’s something to keep jobs in Racine

Stein – Be a broken record. Economy of Racine is where a lot of problems come from. Manufacturing has disappeared, not much coming back in, exasperates it. overall feeling in the city – reflected in the houses for sale;

Martin – City of Racine suffers from a bit of complacency and a bit of a reactionary nature. Good enough, sit here to wait it out; hard to get in front of the curve; build infrastructure to the interstate. We have to plan further in advance. We have to demand a higher level of accountability. Districtwise, the 10th district is a nice neighborhood, like a lot of places, hosues are vacant. Schools are slightly overcrowded, busing patterns are convouated,

Larson – Poverty is not financial, it’s a frame of mind. I’ve seen a lot of people go for it and make strides in their life. Crime is an area of importance in the city. Police patrolling more in District 10, citizens don’t feel its under control. Traffic issues. Unemployment and crime is what I would attack first.

Lockrem – Major problem is the job market. Losing homes, having torelocate. Until we can improve that,it’s going to be extremely difficult to bring in other employers.

Dwyer – grandparents lost their jobs, neighbors around him lost their jobs. Don’t want to see it sliding further than before. A lot of residential – traffic issues near West Blvd and Highway 11. Constituent issues.

Gursky – Despair, disappointment, helplessness. City needs hope. Average person is not seeing anything happen in their life personally. What we need is more of the stimulus money to help our distrct. What are the people getting fro this? The people need some hope. Why can’t we give more back to our people.

6:13 p.m.

Weidner gets in some snark by introducing her questions as "the question prepared for me to ask is about how previous work will help with the job."

Lindgren goes first. Work as 911 dispatcher helps her deal with all types of people and filter out important information. Took over as a bank manager, was working in the bank during an attempted robbery. Scary experience – maybe people need help, maybe he lost his job. That scary experience led me to my next job as an insurance agent. I can definitely listen. I can definitely help.

Stein works at Wheaton-Franciscan Health Care. She’s a desktop analyst – tech support. I’ve had a lot of interaction with people frustrated, dealing with people and their personalities. Involved with YPR,

Martin talked about living in Eau Claire and working for a large company in Milwaukee. Both experiences gave him experience for the aldermen’s job. Completed the Leadershipo Racine course, worked through college,

Larson is up. She cites her business experience as an example of “doing what it takes.” Learned in business. People who are aldermen want to sit and do nothing. I couldn’t disagree more. As a business owner I know how to problem solve, produce what they want, really good at research. Mechanical design engineer for 22 years – I can find a solution.

Lockrem cites his background in manufacturing management positions. Much of his job was evaluating processes and analyzing problems.

Dwyer notes he’s young, so he doesn’t have a lot of work experience. He says working at Countryside shows him the best and worst people, which will help him deal with constituents. He’s also starting a nonprofit.

Gursky said his leadership skills blossomed when he was 12 years old and he signed up for Boy Scouts. He worked at Western Publishing until it closed, worked at a temp position that turned into a supervisor’s position. He said this shows dedication and organizing skills.

Wiser is up. Had direct contact with 3,000 students and 3,000 feelings, so he feels he knows the community and the community knows him. Working with REA, he signed the first ever four-year contract. “I’m not afraid to take on difficult issues and I don’t leave unitl the job is done.“ Serving on Racine Unified gives him experience in local government and worked on major board. “I have a pretty good clue about what I’m getting myself into,” he said.

Shields asks about the city’s economy and what needs to be done.

Stein goes first and says Racine needs to take advantage of its location between Chicago and Milwaukee and its lake to spur development.

Martin is up. He says the roll of the council is to be encouraging and make sure the guidelines and rules don’t get in the way of companies coming to the city. The council should also look out for bad businesses with poor business plans.

Larson says the whole world in crisis, Racine included. “We do not need middle-class people worrying about how they’re going to feed their families,” she said. She also talked about losing jobs to China and the need to bring jobs back.

Lockrem said what the city can continue to do is expand water and sewer westward so there’s more areas of development along the interstate. “This seems to be a booming area,” he said. The city should encourage service companies to relocate to the city.

Dwyer said the great lake will help with tourism. He also wants incentives for existing businesses and for new businesses.

Gursky wants to build a water park and hopes to workwith the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boys and Girls Clubs for children. He also wants more time on infrastructure.

Wiser said Racine has a lot of resources for companies. Land and workers are available and the city should do what it can, in a fiscally responsible manner, to attract businesses.

Lindgren talked about the Workforce Development Center and getting word out about it to the community. This will help people get jobs.

6:30 p.m.

Alderman Coe asks what will be done to keep the district clean, safe and attractive.

Martin said it comes down to simple pride. He picks up garbage from kids walking to school, and believes other people should, too. He advocates being neighborly and keeping events like the National Night Out going.

Larson said she’d talk to apartment building owners about problem areas in the district. She said parents don’t feel like schools are being patrolled. She would like crime cleaned up in the district.

Lockrem says a lot can be done with Neighborhood Watch. He also mentioned community pride and knowing your neighbors.

Dwyer said he would focus on re-establishing a sense of community in the district. He wants a neighborhood litter clean-up day and would focus on educating residents about what they can do.

Gursky says sometimes you have to treat adults like children without letting them know they’re treating them like children. It’s a real skill, he says. He recommends a citywide competition on cleaning up the district. He wants to give out certificates to reward people.

Wiser says the vast majority of the district want a clean, safe district, but they don’t know where to take their issues. No. 1 thing he can do as alderman is to know they can call or visit him to get help with their issue, being it call the police, health department or other district.

Lindgren says the whole district needs to come together with a family ethic. It would be a wonderful thing, she said.

Stein says she rides her bike through the district she feels safe. The majority of the district is homeowners, and she would focus on rental property owners to make sure they keep up their buildings and monitor their tenants.

Kaplan asks: What contribution would you make to the 10th District? And to the city as a whole?

Larson says she wouldn’t have a private life. She also believes in being on time and, citing her black belts, being disciplined.

Lockrem said communicating with the district would be his No. 1 priority. He also said he was a team player.

Dwyer said he contributes a lot to the district already. He would serve on the council to learn and share the perspective of younger candidates.

Gursky said his hard work earned the respect of his co-workers over 29 years. “I can do the 10th District, I can make them proud,” he said.

Wiser cited his REA background as proof of his listening skills. He also said you can’t always wait for people to bring their problems, especially when you know problems exist. He’d work for complete solutions.

Lindgren said she would bring compassion and understanding to the district. She said she has four children, which has taught her how to listen.

Stein said she can talk to anybody at any time about anything, which wuld help on the district level. On the city level she’d try to work outside the box.

Martin cites his sales experience. He said it comes down to solving problems clients have instead of pushing products on them. Martin said not living in Racine his whole life gives him perspective.

Anderson asks what they like most about the district and the city.

Lockrem said he likes the south side of Racine, where he’s been raised. The 10th District has a lot of good people and is a well-kept area. He cited Downtown, North Beach, Kids Cove and the Zoo as examples of good things in town.

Dwyer said he likes the people who live near him, the parks and said it’s beautiful. He says Racine has a lot to offer, which a lot of people don’t appreciate.

Gursky said he can’t picture himself on the north side. The south side has new development and the mall. It’s also quiet. Citywide he said his Dad was a zookeeper and he spent a lot of time there growing up. He wants to take a lot of the safety on the south side and move them to the north side. He wants to settle everybody down and make them feel comfortable.

Wiser said he grew up in Fort Atkinson where he was safe, comfortable and nice people wherever he went. He said he moved to the south side because it felt like where he grew up. His favorite part of Racine is the close connections among residents.

Lindgren said she feels safe to let her children play in the district. She likes Racine’s prom along with everything else good in the city.

Stein said she feels safe walking and biking around the district. She likes in Racine how she knows so many people and it has a “Midwestern feel” that is unique in the city.

Martin said he moved to the district to be close to family. He loves Racine because it’s close to world-class metropolitan areas. There’s lots of opportunity to live in a small city while connecting to larger areas.

Larson says she loves the district. People in the district are “the backbone of the community.” The industrial park employs many people and that’s a benefit to the city.

Alderman Ray DeHahn asks, What do you look at for the future of Racine?

(At this point, everyone is pretty much fried. But the applicants soldier through.)

Gursky answered by I missed what he said.

Larson says you can’t have a “yes man.” We’re not here to be friends, but we can be friendly.

Dwyer said as soon as the economy responds, the city will want to return to 10 years ago.

Wiser cracked the joke of the night with the line, “I spent most of my lifeworking with ninth-graders, so this would be enjoyable.”

Stein said it was hard to picture Racine in 20 years. She hopes there will be different thinking that brings in new business, like green companies, or attracts tourists.

Martin said he’s hopeful about Racine Unified’s future and the city renovating its manufacturing base with new development.

Lockrem said the big challenge is getting through the economic downturn. It’s going to be a tremendous burden.

Closing Statements

Lockrem says he’s hopeful, but will work with whoever is elected

Dwyer asks the council to overlook his age

Gursky called on all of the candidates to stay involved.

Wiser said he came by accident, but stayed by choice. He’s not afraid to deal with diffcult issues, will work to resolve problems

Lindgren said the night has been a wonderful experience.

Stein points out a few months back 11 people wanted to be mayor, and now eight people want the “unglamorous” job of alderman. She offered to help whoever is selected.

Martin said he moved out of the city when he turned 18 with no intention of returning. Seven years later he returned by choice and now he works in Racine and is immensely interested in keeping the city sustainable.

Larson thanks the aldermen for being at the meeting and complimented them on their questions. She said she will work hard and give it her all.

7:39 p.m.

OK, we’re done with the talking and now it’s time to vote. Shields says to the seven people who aren’t picked to consider running for the seat.

7:40 p.m.

Shakoor accidently calls Alderman Weidner “Candidate Weidner,” which draws a few chuckles. Shakoor responds a few minutes later, “We’re always candidates.” Weidner reminds the person selected that they’ll be up for re-election in a few months and also encouragedthe others to stay involved.

7:41 p.m.

Kaplan points out the candidates didn’t have to gather signatures in the cold and rain. He asks the applicants not to get discouraged. Alderman DeHahn thanks the candidates.

7:42 p.m.

The candidates now move to the public side of the chamber while the council votes.They'd been sitting in the aldermen's desks to answer questions.

7:43 p.m.

Shakoor points out that you need six votes to get elected. The aldermen are now voting for the first and second choice.

7:45 p.m.

The mysterious ninth candidate is explained. They don’t live in the district and have no intention of moving there.

7:46 p.m.

They’re now counting up the ballots and Shakoor just said there will be three rounds.

7:51 p.m.

Dave Martin, Kelli Stein and Dennis Wiser advance to the second ballot.

Here’s the total:

Dwyer – 2

Gursky – 2

Martin – 4

Stein – 6

Wiser – 4

Larson, Lockrem and Lindgren received zero votes.

Only eighteen votes were cast out of 20 possible votes.

7:55 p.m.

Wiser and Stein advance to the final ballot.

Here’s the total:

Stein 9

Wiser 6

Martin 5

This time all 20 votes were cast.

7:58 p.m.

Kelli Stein is the new 10th District alderperson on a 7 to 3 vote. Actually, it's just a recommendation at this point. But it's a strong recommendation and it's likely Stein will join the council on Tuesday.

City Council regresses on public review of administrator's contract

Update: That didn't take long. Shortly after posting this I got a call defending the City Council.

The council's Executive Committee met in closed session before the council's full meeting on July 7 to discuss the terms of Friedel's contract. It was reportedly a "rancorous" debate over issues including: pay, sick leave and how Friedel could be removed as administrator. There was also a great deal of discussion over whether Friedel was being treated differently because he was a City Council member.

About 10 people were in the meeting, which was noticed as a meeting to consider "employment or compensation of a public employee over which the Common Council has jurisdiction or exercises authority." Not sure why they didn't just say: "to discuss the city administrator's contract."

The Executive Committee is made up of Mayor John Dickert and Alderman Sandy Weidner, Greg Helding, Aron Wisneski, QA Shakoor II and Jim Spangenberg. All of the aldermen were invited to the meeting, but some were unable to attend.

"To say we went back to the old way is just wrong," according to the caller, who asked to be unnamed.

They also assured that the City Council could change the final contract if significant changes are made to the agreement reached in closed session.

So to answer the question at the end of the original post: Yes, the contract was important enough to hold a committee meeting over. It's just not important enough to hold that meeting in public for all to see.

Original post:

How quickly we forget.

Just two years ago City Council members chastised themselves for not carefully reviewing a contract that paid outgoing City Administrator Steve Nenonen $29,000 for unused sick days after just three years of service.

"Obviously (the council) didn’t realize what it would amount to," Alderman Jim Spangenberg told The Journal Times in 2007 about Nenonen's contract.

"(The council) made a mistake," he added.

In response, Mayor Gary Becker asked the City Council to review the contract of incoming City Administrator Ben Hughes. Hughes' one-year, renewing contract was sent to the Personnel and Finance Committee (chaired at the time by Alderman Tom Friedel) and every member of the City Council was given a copy before voting Sept. 4, 2007 to approve the contract. Hughes received no settlement when he left his job on Feb. 16.

So what happened this time when the city hired a new administrator? The council reverted to the process it used to hire the guy who got the $29,000 buyout. Council members voted July 7 to authorize Mayor John Dickert and City Attorney Rob Weber to negotiate a six-year contract with Friedel to become the next administrator. Neither the council, nor its Personnel and Finance Committee (chaired by Spangenberg), will review the contract before it's enacted.

Talking off the record, one alderman said council members decided not to review the contract because they trusted city staff and the mayor to handle the details. But while they may trust the mayor and city attorney to negotiate a fair deal with one of their colleagues, the lack of public oversight is troubling.

Dickert and Friedel declined to talk about salary or benefits Friedel will receive as administrator (Friedel simply said he would make "significantly less" than Hughes' $115,000 salary), and there are some important questions about what exactly a six-year contract means. But the public won't know any of these details until they're already locked in place, presumably through 2015.

It's hard to understand why City Council members would accept this deal without at least seeing the paperwork. It's all the more questionable because a former colleague is involved. Think about it: Twelve aldermen just voted to pay another alderman at least $500,000 over six years. Isn't that worth at least a committee meeting?

Questions about city council member's email use

Look for news in the near future about a City Council member's email usage.

Everyone's buttoned up at the moment, but there's reportedly evidence of people outside of city government logging into a council member's email account. We've heard rumors of this for months and filed this records request in June:

Pursuant to the state open records law, Wis. Stat. Ann. sec. 19.31 to 19.37, I write to request access to and a copy of the IP addresses used to log into all 15 aldermanic email accounts from Jan. 1, 2008 to June 4, 2009. If your agency does not maintain these public records, please let me know who does and include the proper custodian’s name and address.

Since filing the request, we've worked with Assistant City Attorney Nicole Loop but have yet to receive the records.

On Wednesday, Paul Ancona, head of the city's email system, declined comment on the investigation into the IP addresses and referred us to City Attorney Rob Weber.

We left a message for Weber on Wednesday, but have yet to get a response.

Who takes over the 10th district?

Now that Tom Friedel is the new city administrator he'll have to vacate his seat on the City Council. Who will take over? And how?

The council, which is responsible for addressing the vacancy, has three choices for the 10th District seat:

1.) It can appoint an interim replacement.
2.) It can call a special election.
3.) It can leave the seat vacant until the election next spring.

There's no timetable we know of to replace Friedel.

The 10th District is roughly bounded by 21st Street on the North, the Union Pacific Railroad Line on the East, Taylor Avenue and the Old North Shore Bike Trail on the West, and the city limits on the south.

Worried about state revenue, the City Council turns away a union contract

Uncertainty over the state budget has city officials worried about local spending next year.

The City Council voted Wednesday night to send a contract with Local 430 AFL-CIO International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers back to a committee that's already approved the contract twice.

But concerns over state revenue coming to the city next year prompted the council to send the contract back for reconsideration. At issue: Whether the city can afford to give any kind of raise at all.

Mayor Tom Friedel and Mayor-elect John Dickert traveled to Madison Wednesday to meet with Gov. Jim Doyle. While no one was talking specifics, the news appears grim on shared revenue for cities this year. Doyle is scheduled to give a speech today on cuts to the program, which coincide with reports Tuesday that the state was another $1 billion in debt.

Friedel said he, Dickert and 14 other mayors from around the state, met with Doyle.

"There's cause for concern," Friedel said about news that came out of the meeting.

The state's declining financial status is bad news for the city's electricians, whose news contract giving between 1 and 1.5 percent raises was already facing opposition from the full council.

"The question is whether we can give any raises," said Alderman Bob Anderson, who sits on the Personnel and Finance Committee and voted for the electricians' contract.

It's all tough news for Dickert, who will step into a job and likely have to cut spending to balance the city's budget. Short of a quick economic turnaround, those cuts could be deeper than anticipated.

Mozol proposes three-year terms for City Council members

A few notes from the City Council meeting:

* Alderman Robert Mozol wants the City Council to consider extending aldermanic terms from two years to three years. The proposal was referred to the city's Committee of the Whole, which is the entire City Council meeting as a committee.

* Mayor Tom Friedel wants to adjust staffing at the city's CAR25 TV station. He wants to switch from three part-time employees to one full-time employee and one part-time employee.

* The Council voted to send a collective bargaining agreement with Local 430, AFL-CIO, Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, back to the Personnel and Finance Committee. The proposed agreement runs from Jan. 1, 2009 to Dec. 31, 2010. The Personnel and Finance Committee had voted in favor of the agreement at its April 13 meeting.

*

Coe, Fair advance in First District primary

Here we go again!

Jeff Coe and Keith Fair advanced through the City Council's First District primary election and will face each other in the April 7 general election.

Coe and Fair are hardly strangers. This will be the fourth time they've run against each other for the First District seat. Coe has won twice and Fair once in their head-to-head matchup over the last eight years, but one of Coe's victories came after Fair's name was left off the ballot because of questions over signatures he collected.

Coe, the incumbent, appears to have a slight advantage over Fair. He won the primary with 117 votes, followed by Fair with 72 votes. Mercedes Dzindzeleta finished third with 38 votes, and Renee Mullen received 10 votes.

City Council agenda

For anyone interested, here's the agenda for next Tuesday's City Council meeting. It's packed with items.

JT reports city's massive health care spending increase

Hard as I may be on the JT, they're getting better at covering City Hall.

Stephanie Brien's story in today's paper about city retiree's health benefits is quite good. The gist:

The City of Racine currently spends about a sixth of its tax levy to pay for annual retiree health benefits, but a recent analysis found the city would have to spend half of its tax levy on those benefits to adequately prepare for the future.

The city would not be liable for future retiree health benefits if it were able to put an additional $15.25 million per year in revenue in its coffers, according to an analysis dated Aug. 8.

Brien points out the additional spending on health benefits would equal half of what the city raises in property taxes every year. That's not good.

I think we all need to look at this a little closer.

City jumping the gun on polling place change?

Update: The City Clerk's office said that polling site is being changed at the request of Knapp Elementary. The school asked that they not be used for voting, which is understandable given the disruption Election Day would bring to the school.

But the change still appears to violate state election law and could be confusing for voters. Why not make this change two months ago?

Original Post:

The City Council is considering a last-minute change to one of its polling places less than a month before the Nov. 4 general election.

Based on the minutes from last night's council meeting, Mayor Gary Becker suggested moving a polling place from Knapp Elementary School to the Workforce Development Center. The council voted to send the idea to the Executive Committee for consideration.

But that hasn't stopped the city from listing the Workforce Development Center as the new polling site on its website.

There's some question that this may even violate state law. Here's the statute:

5.25 Polling places. (1) All elections under chs. 5 to 12 shall

be held at the polling places provided in this section. The places

chosen shall be public buildings, unless the use of a public building

for this purpose is impracticable or the use of a nonpublic

building better serves the needs of the electorate, as determined by

the authority charged with the responsibility for establishing polling

places under sub. (2).



(2) In cities over 500,000 population, polling shall be at the

places established by the board of election commissioners. In all

other cities and in villages and towns, polling shall be at the places

established by the governing body.


(3) Polling places shall be established for each September primary

and general election at least 60 days before the election, and

for each other election at least 30 days before the election.

But here's the real question: Why change a polling site less than a month before a major election?

City Council to vote on $1 million referendum to hire additional officers

There's one item on tomorrow night's City Council agenda: approving a Nov. 4 referendum to raise $1 million to hire 12 more police officers.

The council is scheduled to vote on Alderman Greg Helding's proposal to address crime in the city. If passed, city residents would vote on the same ballot as the presidential election to exceed state revenue caps to hire the additional officers.

Here's the JT's story on the proposal.

Here's the full resolution that will be introduced tomorrow night:

Resolution for Exceeding the State Imposed Levy Limit

Whereas, the State of Wisconsin has imposed limits on town, village, city and county property tax levies for 2007 and 2008 under Wis. Stat. sec. 66.0602; and

Whereas, it is anticipated that a similar levy limit will be imposed by the State of Wisconsin for 2009 and subsequent years; and

Whereas, the Common Council of the City of Racine, Racine County, believes it is in the City’s best interest to exceed the state levy limit as described above by a greater percentage than 2% for the purpose of hiring additional police officers; and

Whereas, the City of Racine’s levy before adjustments was $40,760,800 for the tax levy in 2007 (collected in 2008); and Whereas, the state limit would limit the increase to $815,216, for a total allowable city tax levy before adjustments of $41,576,016 for 2008 (collected in 2009).

Now, therefore, the Common Council of the City of Racine, Racine County, does hereby resolve and order as follows:

The Common Council hereby supports an additional increase of $1,000,000 in the city tax levy for 2008 (to be collected in 2009) and an identical amount in 2009 and 2010 (to be collected in 2010 and 2011, respectively) in excess of the state levy limits, before adjustments.

The Common Council directs that the question of increasing the city tax levy for 2008, 2009 and 2010 (to be collected in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively) if the State of Wisconsin imposes levy limits during the referenced time period, by $1,000,000 for each of the referenced years for the purpose of hiring additional police officers, shall be submitted to the electors in a referendum at the November general election to be held on November 4, 2008.

The referendum question shall read as follows:

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the City of Racine for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year (collected in 2009) is limited to 2%, which will result in a levy before adjustments of $41,576,016, or an increase of $815,216. For the purpose of hiring additional police officers, shall the City of Racine be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year and for each fiscal year in which 2% levy limit is imposed by the state from now through 2011, by a total of $1,000,000 additional dollars per annum over the levy limit for the sole purpose of hiring additional police officers?

A yes vote will authorize the city to increase the city tax levy by one million dollars for each year through 2010 in which a levy limit is imposed by the State of Wisconsin under sec. 66.0602 of the Wisconsin Statutes, for the sole purpose of hiring additional police officers.

A no vote will limit the city tax levy to the percentage amount imposed by the State of Wisconsin under sec. 66.0602 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

City officials file economic interest reports

City officials are required to file a statement of “economic interests” each year with the city. These files are open for public inspection, so RacinePost went and reviewed the documents. Here’s a summary of the reports:

Sam Aiello, purchasing agent for the city of Racine
Income
city employee

Bob Anderson, second district alderman
Income
Century 21 Savaglio and Cape, Racine, Wis. – sales agent
Gateway Technical College - education/instructor
DOT Endocrine Center, health care/FNP
Business
Sunrise Change, Racine,Wis. - Health Promotion Marketing, LLC

Gary Becker, mayor
Income
City of Racine- government
Wheaton Franciscan- health care (wife’s job)
Valet Dry Cleaners Inc., Racine, WI, dry cleaning, C-corp

Organizations
Alliance of Cities, vice president, Madison, WI
GLSLCI, Chicago, chair
WI Brownfields Association, president
St. Catherine’s High School, board member
US Mayor’s Conference, Washington, D.C., ex-board member

Dave Brown, finance director for city of Racine
Income
city employee

John Christensen, city of Racine, plumbing inspector
Income
city employee
Business
Christensen and Associates, Racine, plumbing consulting, sole proprietorship

Jeff Coe, first district alderman
Income
Acro Metal Stamping, Milwaukee

Raymond DeHahn, seventh district alderman
Income
Retired - retirement money from Teamsters

Thomas Eeg, assistant commissioner of public works/operations for city of Racine
Income
city employee
American Family Insurance, insurance rep
Property
Owns rental property at 805 Cleveland Ave.

Kathleen Fischer, assistant finance director
Income
CR Bard, medical device manufacturer, Murray Hill, N.J.
eHealth Global Tech, Rochester, N.Y., medical records
city employee

Thomas Friedel, alderman
Income
Twin Disc
Wheaton Franciscan

Janelle Grammer, public health administrator
Income
city employee

Keith Haas, general manager water and wastewater
Income
city employee

Steven Hansen, fire chief,
Income
Racine Unified Schools, education
Visiting/Distributing Fireman, Racine, WI publication (annual)
Property
Owns a rental property at 2616 Blaine Ave. in Racine

Ron Hart
Income
Auto Excellence, Racine, WI, auto repair
S&R Consulting, safety consultant, partnership
Property
Owns properties at 4420 Republic Ave. and 1901 Carter St.

Gregory Helding
Income
Wisconsin Internet Inc., ISP
Q Research, Newark, NJ, product research
City of Racine

Richard Heller, chief building inspector
Income
city employee
Insinkerator
Racine Unified School District

Richard Jones, commissioner of public works
Income
city employee
Organizations
Director of the Transportation Development Association of Wiscosnin, director
Human Capital Development Corporation, director

Jim Kaplan, fourth district alderman
Income
Wheaton-Franciscan – infection control assistant

Scott Letteney, deputy city attorney
Income
city attorney
Elected municipal judge for Town of Geneva (wife's job)
Big Foot High School (wife's job)
Wisconsin Air National Guard
Property
owns home in Walworth County

Jessica MacPhail, city librarian
Income
city employee
Organizations
St. Luke’s Church
John MacPhail Renovation, construction and carpentry

David Maack, fifth district alderman
Income
Racine County – emergency services coordinator
Wisconsin Technical College
Organizations
Chairman of Leadership Racine

Terry McCarthy, ninth district alderman
Income
Volkswagon Credit, Libertyville, Ill., Automotive finance

Robert Mozol, 15th district alderman
Income
None listed

Brian O’Connell, director of city development
Income
city employee
Organizations
Greater Milwaukee Foundation, charitable foundation

John Rooney, assistant commissioner of public works/engineering
Income
city employee
Midwest Airlines, commercial airline

Jerry Scott, human resources affirmative action officer
Income
city employee
Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee
Ottawa University, Brookfield,
Organizations
Board member, OIC
Other
$800 honorarium from UW-Milwaukee

QA Shakoor II, eighth district alderman
Income
Twin Disc

Michael Shields, third district alderman
Income
Racine County – social services
Organizations
Community Economic Development corp., board member
Salvation Army, board member
Racine Democratic Party, chair

Donnie Snow, director of parks, recreation and cultural services
Income
city employee
Property
829/831 Valerie Court, rental
934 Grand Ave., rental, own
Organization
Sickle Cell Foundation, president

Jim Spangenberg, 13th district alderman
Income
Owns Johnson Furniture store in Racine with his wife, Elizabeth

Aron Wisneski, 12th district alderman
Income
Atlantic Search Group, Cary, NC, recruiting and outsourcing
Assent Consulting, Cupertino, CA, recruiting and outsourcing
UW-Milwaukee, university

Sandy Weidner, sixth district alderman
Income
Racine County, human services

Robert Weber, city attorney
Income
city of Racine