Scary--Snooping far too typical

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Tobin Creek supposed third entrance from Mapquest

Village Board meeting

Some interesting discussion last night:

On the proposed variance for a cul-de-sac beyond current 800 foot limit; some thoughts and observations after Board tabled the measure for now:

• Citizen comments, especially Mike Wilkom(sp?) hit it right on the head. He and his wife own 8 plus acres and went to Village and reviewed the land use plans for The Orchard area before they purchased their land and built their home. Since the current rules only allow 800 foot cul-de-sac from main road, he and his wife thought at most there would be 8 homes of about 2 acres each (similar size to current properties in the area) because they would need other land to make a through, connecting road for two entrances. Now developer comes along and wants a variance so he can maximize the number of homes for one entrance (19 with 20 being max--Developer originally proposed 20 homes but had to give up some land for ponds). So Mr. and Mrs. Wilkom did the right thing, but if Village allows a variance, then their due diligence was wasted and the comments from Village staff that you should know what will happen with a property before you buy is now a questionable comment at best. The Village made this same comment during discussions about Bike Trail crossing to Prairie Trails West residents, but if a prospective homeowner went to the County, they would have found out the Village had no permit and would likely not receive one.
• Rick Renzuli (sp?) also spoke and had pictures of what he has had to deal with for last nine months while a new home was being built accross the street (28th Avenue) and was concerned how magnified this would be with a whole subdivision worth of construction traffic passing by his house; garbage, muddy road (he mentioned he has cleaned the road of dirt 22 times), cement trucks dumping their waste in drainage ditches...etc. (Pictures speak a thousand words and if you see someone doing something wrong, by all means get it on film. Village inspectors can't be everywhere). Rick proposed that a temporary road connection occur from Prairie Trails East to the Orchards through one of the cul-de-sac lots. Great idea since they already have to run sewer and water through same and would also make emergency access significantly shorter. One problem; The Orchard developers would have to work with PTE developer (sounds like this has already been a problem) and PTE has final plat approval and doesn't have to make any changes unless their permit expires (could sue if Village forces changes). Clyde Allen did the right thing by proposing a motion that would require a permanent connection occur instead of temporary road but he was quickly admonished by Mr. Pollocoff and his motion was not seconded and died (I think Clyde got off lightly considering the way Mr. Lauer and Mr. Tiahnybok were treated by Mr. Pollocoff and Mr. Kumorkiewicz in the past for similar issues). Clyde took it pretty well and it was nice to see some discussion about this issue by all members of the Board and staff.
• Monica Yuhas asked whether there were similar cul-de-sacs like the proposed one and both Jean Werbie and Mr. Pollocoff said many (greater than 40). What neither added was the streets they mentioned are mostly old streets that currently don't terminate in a cul-de-sac and most will eventually connect as through streets. How many times has this type of variance been granted where a permanent cul-de-sac was intended? And how many of the current streets will permanently terminate in a cul-de-sac? I'd like to see the answer to those questions before one claims 'many'. And, if there have been 'many' such grantings, then the whole idea of a variance is also questionable since these are supposed to be one time uses and not 'whenever we feel like it'. Mr. Braig, who is a current Plan Commissioner, was sitting in the audience shaking his head so one might think this variance idea isn't that great.
• Steve Kumorkiewicz asked about putting No Construction Traffic signage at 116th Street and 28th Avenue. When Addition 1 went into PTW area with similar signage, the trucks still rumbled down our street even though the road didn't go through. They had to back up and turn around by the pond and field where all the kids play and go back down the street to the required entrance (my wife videotaped a few times--scared the crap out of them!). Make the fine for violating an attention getter if you really want compliance.

Another question is what will happen during the proposed road improvements on 116th Street, slated for 2010 and 2011? What affect will this have on The Orchard and Prairie Trails East construction, along with the areas existing residents access to their homes (both 26th and 28th Avenues plus Tobin Woods), since nothing for The Orchard can happen until PTE has been started and the roads are in place? Is there a chance all this could be ongoing at same time? If so, it would put quite a strain on the one entrance from Russell Road for residents, trucks, busses,...etc. I also remember that when PTE proposed similar cul-de-sacs greater than allowed length years ago, Village said that it shouldn't happen (both Chief's didn't like the idea) and that's why they needed the Kenosha County Bike Trail road crossing. So I was fairly surprised to see no concerns raised from either Fire Chief or Police Chief since the proposed emergency Bike Trail crossing won't really help due to the current proposed road configuration to get to The Orchards as it is quite long and out-of-the-way with current approved final plat for PTE (down 39th Avenue to 122nd Street and all the way through and around pond in Prairie Trails West, across the bike trail--but first have to wait for emergency access only gate to open--East through PTE to near 26th Avenue, North on 26th, then over to 28th Avenue on 121st, up 28th Avenue to 120th Street and all the way to the end of 120th Street to the cul-de-sac) In addition, coming from 116th is a crapshoot at best with such a narrow road. But in the end, I'll bet developer will get his variance without a permanent road or even a temporary one based on past experince with issues raised by residents before Plan Commission and the Board.

Mr. Pollocoff presented about Snow removal and associated costs and where the Village currently is financially. See RAG's comments (click here) for more discussion or video (click here)/audio files (click here) when available. Just one clarification in Mr. Pollocoff's presentation, the symbol for Magnesium Chloride is MgCl2 (the two should be a subscript), not Mgcl (used to help salt melt ice and snow).

I had to leave after item D so can't say much about any of the other items, but I did here there was an issue with the Consent Agenda raised by Mr. Allen.

What a Concept!

Just a bill: State checkbook
By Stacy Forster
Friday, Feb 15 2008, 03:10 PM
Madison -- A group of Wisconsin lawmakers wants the state to open up its checkbook. In a bill to be introduced soon, Sen. Bob Wirch (D-Pleasant Prairie) and Republican Reps. Bill Kramer of Waukesha and Robin Vos of Racine would require the state Department of Administration to maintain a Web site that reports all state expenditures more than $100. In addition to providing copies of digitized checks for expenses that top $100, the Web site would offer terms and recipients of contracts and grants, and salary and benefit information. "The only way to rein in the monstrous spending habits of government is to make the spenders accountable to the people," Vos said in a statement. The lawmakers said the idea is based on a federal act sponsored by U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois, a Democractic presidential contender, and U.S. Rep. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.); the national Web site will be launched later this year.

Miller, Coors may base venture in Chicago

Why not Pleasant Prairie?

A Fundraiser Advertisement

Hello friends:

Here is info regarding a benefit that is being held for my sister, Carrie who has incurred overwhelming medical expenses as a result of 5 years worth of health related struggles.

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or

www.seitzbenefit.com

I am sending this to all of you as a means of my own contribution to try and help her in any way I can. My nieces and nephews have worked very hard to put together this benefit for their mother, and I just thought I would help support them in their efforts and pass this information on to you. I am fully aware of the financial burdens that are placed upon us in this “never seem to be able to get ahead” world and this e-mail is not sent with any intent of expectation and/or the “guilt” that we are all familiar with. It is rather, again, just my own way of doing my part to try to reach out for support in any form that may come – whether that be monetary, further resources or most importantly in the form of your thoughts and prayers.

I hope this finds all of you happy, healthy and enjoying life. Thank you for taking the time to read my message!

God Bless,
Jayne

Short Plan Commission Meeting

The Village Plan Commission meeting last night was only 15 minutes long. I think that's the shortest meeting I have attended at the Village over the years. The two items were well described and there were a few questions from some of the Commissioners. Some who might have been late wouldn't even have made it before the meeting ended. Just two of us in audience who weren't Plan Commission Members, Village Board Members or staff to witness the meeting. Even though it was a short meeting, the two items were of interest.

What Do You Think?

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

Village deserves credit for effective leadership

I want to thank the Kenosha News for its New Year editorial praising the leadership of the village of Pleasant Prairie for its efforts to bring Abbott to our county. This is truly refreshing after seeing the paper's constant criticism of the village trustees and administration. Editorial endorsement of almost any opponent has been routine.

Every municipality has its chronic complainers and our local newspaper, like the news media everywhere, has provided a platform for those who practice the politics of defamation and falsehood.

The hard-working, competent people who for years have made Pleasant Prairie the envy of municipalities elsewhere could easily have rested on their laurels but instead they have put in countless hours and exercised extraordinary leadership utilizing their experience and reputation to continue to bring economic growth that has benefited the entire county as well as the village residents. Yes, they have extended our village across I-94 so that in the years to come hundreds of our well educated young people who otherwise may have left the state might find employment close to home.

Those who oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for couldn't find a candidate. The April re-election of Michael Serpe and Stephen Kumorkiewicz will not be challenged. This is well-deserved recognition of those who have given thousands of hours of community service and should be thanked for their willingness to continue to serve.

Howard D. Cooley


Questioning Leadership is OK

There are many Village residents who I feel can perform the job of Trustee as well as current Trustees. Howard Cooley (VOP 01-08-2008) could probably read and understand agenda items, and join the Board in voting 5-0, on all the extensive background work performed by the Village Administrator and staff. He should be thankful nobody ran as it saved him and the PACs thousands of dollars. Maybe that money can now be used for much needed Village equipment.

There have been a lot of positive changes that have come to fruition in last few years due to people questioning the Village and its operations. For example, now everyone can listen to Village meetings online. Referendums? Found the money without them.

“Those who oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for couldn’t find a candidate.” Considering the last three elections have been very close, and no offense to current trustees, but I guess one could facetiously ask the following, “is that the best you got?” Performing most Trustee duties doesn't require one be a politician, it only takes being a politician to get elected. The assumption that one has to be opposed to the current candidates in order to run is somewhat misguided as people may choose to be involved and serve their communities but currently lack the time and resources to be elected. Do you think the current Board is immortal?

I strongly encourage everyone to vote, even if candidates are unopposed. If you don’t like a candidate, then you should choose to withhold your vote or write in a name. It’s OK to be a perennial gadfly and question the Status Quo.

Michael J. Renner


Pleasant Prairie Plans for the future

People have questioned leaders since the dawn of man and civilization. In our current, model of democracy, it is expected in order for the masses to be heard that they do so. There are also proper forums and decorum with which to do such things.

Are Mike Renner and those who "oppose the village leadership and all that it stands for" people we should thank for the state of affairs in Pleasant Prairie? I think not. Those who believe so need to go further back in the village's history to see proof. Pleasant Prairie has been planning for the future since the mid-1980s. These plans have constantly been revisited in order to do what is best for the village in both its current state and with this future vision in mind. "

New homes and businesses are now coming to Pleasant Prairie at a steady pace due to proper planning. For "those who oppose the village leadership," these egotistical thoughts of being responsible for any crucial changes is most humorous.

I concur, they have updated the technological methodology of the village. They have also offered the public alternatives to attending meetings. (Mr.Tiahnybok's Webcast.) Yet, to say they are responsible for much more than this is actually irresponsible and untrue.

Look to members of the board and village administrators who have been in place for more than 17 years. They have been planning with the best interests of Pleasant Prairie in mind.

The board is evolving with a positive vision of Pleasant Prairie. That being said, we residents are responsible for the-board's elections, so the questioning of leadership is both. needed and expected.

John Roscioli

Luke 6:41-42

And why seest thou the mote in thy brother's eye: but the beam that is in thy own eye thou considerest not? 42 Or how canst thou say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull the mote out of thy eye, when thou thyself seest not the beam in thy own eye?

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye." Luke 6:41-42 NKJV

Village plowing and Snowplow

Weird day. Watched the neighbors son back his car out of the driveway just as the snowplow came around the corner. The plow had just come by a minute earlier and plowed more snow across their driveway that they had just shovelled out a minute before. The kid was backing up fast to get through the pile and probably wasn't expecting truck to come by right away again (plus his sister was in car next to him waiting to do same and may have briefly obstructed his view). He saw the truck but it was too late. He braked and started to slide at an angle but banged into the side blade. Nobody hurt. Police said truck was fine but car trunk was pretty banged up and in. Kids fault but wonder how many other near misses happen around here when it snows like that?

One big concern is that the Village voted to not plow the street from 32nd Avenue to Kenosha County bike trail when residents of Prairie Trails West and County were successful in blocking a public road crossing of bike trail. They did not plow that section of street last year. This year they are plowing. Today, the snowplow plowed down to bike trail and backed up all the way from the bike trail to 122nd Street but its back up alarm was not working. Not good since kids were sledding in the area and walking same stretch of road to sledding area. Not sure what's going on as I don't remember Village voting to plow that stretch of road again. This is especially concerning because just a few years ago a snowplow driver backed over and killed a resident in Pleasant Prairie. This is the same justification that Village used to not plow that section of road anymore. Someone has some explaining to do.