Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all and have a safe celebration.


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Spammers

Thanks to a @$&*%#$^ stupid spammer trying to get people to click on their links, I have had to add comment moderation.  Please don't click on any comment links unless you know the person (and I will probably remove).

Friday, November 13, 2009

Dec. 1st--Village of Pleasant Prairie Comprehensive Plan 2035

Now is your chance to see all the components of the plan. Meetings in December.

Click here Overview

Click here Details

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Latest on Prairie Trails East--Park would be a better idea

For more details, go to Village website, Board meetings and see pages 16-20 of Meeting Minutes from 10-19-09 VB Minutes:

click here

William McLaughlin, who is now deceased, was the original owner of the property located east of Kenosha County Bike Trail, north of 128th Street for the proposed development as Prairie Trails East. Mr. McLaughlin had conditionally sold the land to Prairie Trails LLC who was represented by Ted Pickus as you may recall over several years of going through the planning process. As a result of the Prairie Trails LLC not meeting the terms of the sale, the McLaughlin family foreclosed on the property. The property is now owned by Nellie Mac LLC which is a family partnership that includes Joann McLaughlin, the mother, Maureen Harty, the daughter, and Jim McLaughlin, the son. The intentions of the current owner, Nellie Mac LLC is to sell the property, however the existing market conditions is making it hard to sell or find a reputable buyer.

Mr. Pollocoff "The plat from what I know of the update to the comprehensive plan is in compliance with the upcoming comprehensive plan. It’s met the requirements that the Village Plan Commission and the Board have put on it through the years, albeit quite a rigorous, lengthy process. And I think a lot of that is not attributed to the plat itself or the concept but probably the lack of candor and straightforwardness that the developer that was developing the plat put on the project himself. I think they created more of their problems than anything."

Friday, October 30, 2009

Now what?

Click here

“It’s going to be tough,” said Village Administrator Michael Pollocoff during Thursday’s work session with the Village Board. “And I don’t see 2011 being any better.”

Pollocoff said village income is being hurt by a 15 percent cut in state shared revenue. Less development has hurt fees and income from building permits, zoning permits and engineering department services, and are projected to decrease a total of $447,635 next year.

Trustee Mike Serpe suggested the public help out. “Maybe they could keep culverts clear and watch the house on the corner where the kids are gathering,” he said.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Round Three?

Monday's Village Board Meeting Agenda Item:

F. Consider a request for a one year extension of the Preliminary Plat and the Final Plat for Stage 1 of the Prairie Trails East Subdivision.

Monday, October 12, 2009

In case anyone is interested.

E. Consider Plan Commission Resolution #09-07 to change the meeting time for the Plan Commission meetings.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Utilities predict lower fuel prices will ease heating costs

How many times did WE Energies raise our rates due to the "high cost of natural gas" and now they say we might see some savings????

Click here

Alliant Energy Corp. in Madison informed customers that home heating costs could drop 20 percent to 25 percent during the heating season. Madison Gas & Electric Co. predicts a cost cut of at least 15 percent, while Wisconsin Public Service Corp. of Green Bay projects a drop of about 15 percent to 20 percent. We Energies of Milwaukee only said a price break is possible.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

2035 Village of Pleasant Prairie Comprehensive Plan

PLEASANT PRAIRIE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND PLAN COMMISSION WORKING SESSION MEETING

VILLAGE HALL AUDITORIUM

9915 39th AVENUEPLEASANT PRAIRIE, WISCONSIN

5:30 P.M.SEPTEMBER 3, 2009

AGENDA

1. Call to Order.2. Roll Call.3. Discussion regarding the 2035 Village of Pleasant Prairie Comprehensive Plan.4. Adjourn.

Cooper Road Open House Today Sept. 2nd

FYI--from Kenosha News

Click here for Village website information.

Open house being held today for Cooper Road project

September 2, 2009 2:34 p.m.

PLEASANT PRAIRIE — The Village of Pleasant Prairie has received a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to make improvements to Cooper Road from 85th Street South to 93rd Street.
A majority of the Village Board and other village commissions or boards may be present at the public informational meeting being held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday (Sept. 2). The meeting will be an open house format, allowing those who attend to to discuss and consider input from citizens related to the planned road improvements.
The project will include milling existing asphalt, repaving existing road and paving current gravel shoulders. Curb and gutter improvements are not included for the project at this time. There will be no special assessments levied on properties for the project.
The open house meeting is not a public hearing but an opportunity to ask questions, exchange information, offer comments and suggestions regarding the proposed improvements. Exhibits of the project will be on display.
Additional information related to this project can be obtained by contacting Village Engineer Mike Spence at (262) 948-8951.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

WHo's to Blame?

PLEASANT PRAIRIE — A contractor hired by AT&T to relocate an underground communications conduit related to the ongoing 85th Street reconstruction project disputes village officials’ claims blaming its crew for a sanitary sewer break that resulted in residential sewage backups.

“We’re going to redig up the lateral and expose it, and clear up who’s at fault with this,” said Lane, who will be present with AT&T inspectors and insurance company representatives when MasTec’s crew begins digging at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 5218 85th St.

Click here

Monday, June 29, 2009

Libertyville bows out of televised meetings

Click here

Cost estimates for carrying out such an effort ran from $10,000 to as high as $100,000, dependent upon whether it would be a staffed for live broadcast or taped for viewing later over a public service channel.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Tornado Sirens--Update

I was hoping for more on how the siren operates: click here

“Additionally, Kenosha County operates and maintains the outdoor warning sirens located throughout the County. The sirens are sounded when the National Weather Service issues a“Tornado Warning” or a “Severe Thunderstorm Warning with Hurricane Force Winds.” The sirens are an outdoor warning device meant to be heard outdoors or while in a vehicle; sirens are not meant to be heard indoors! All citizens are asked to help maintain the sirens, by “Adopting a Siren” and notifying Kenosha County Emergency Management at 262-605-7900, when a siren doesn’t sound. Kenosha County tests its outdoor warning sirens the third Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m.”

I'm going to ask Kenosha News do a story on siren operation as they only go off to warn but may still be under warning and no "all clear" is sounded.

A Letter to Pleasant Prairie Residents

http://www.pleasantprairieonline.com/utility/news/newsitem.asp?NewsID=1218

What's News in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
A Letter to Pleasant Prairie Residents As we all are aware, the Village of Pleasant Prairie suffered significant damages on June 19, 2009 from heavy rain, wind, and power outages. Nearly all neighborhoods in the Village were impacted by flooding of homes with either storm water or sanitary sewerage backup. The Village President is requesting that Pleasant Prairie receive disaster assistance from the State of Wisconsin and FEMA to assist affected residents in recovering from this storm. In order to have the declaration made in a timely manner the Village needs to know the following information:1. Did you suffer major damage as a result of the June 19 storm? Major damage is defined as two or more feet of flooding on your first floor and/or structural damage to your home; collapsed basement walls.2. How much water was in your basement? Was it sewerage or storm water? How deep was it?3. What is the dollar loss you have suffered that is not insured?Please call the Pleasant Prairie Public Works Department at 262/925-6700 to report your damages. You may also email your information to utilitydept@plprairie.com. An inspection by the building inspection department may need to be scheduled to assist you in evaluating the structural damage that your home has sustained. It is important for residents that did suffer damage to contact the Village as soon as possible. If you have any additional questions, you can reach me at 262/925-6721.Michael R. PollocoffVillage Administrator

Monday, June 22, 2009

Storms and Flooding

Help---Click Here and Here

Kenosha County Emergency Management is asking all residents with storm or flood damage to e-mail information to: EMDisaster@co.kenosha.wi.us or call the hotline numbers at (262) 605-7926 or (262) 605-7928. Residents should leave their name, address, phone number, municipality, insurance status, and tell how much water is on their first floor or basement.

News---Click Here and Here

New type of sump pump---Click Here

Watch lady in black outfit---Click Here

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Wisconsin

On May 29,1848 Wisconsin became the nation’s 30th state.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Village Bike and Pedestrian Trails

Click here and here

Please attend and let's get some paths to all the schools, parks, and future downtown and get out of the cars.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Village Seeks New Parks Commission Member

Click here

The Village is currently seeking one additional member to serve on the Park Commission as an alternate. The alternate position is a one-year appointment.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Where have we seen this before......

Libertyville mayor wants meetings taped (click here)

He said he had received comments from several citizens that it was difficult to follow board actions and they suggested that televising the board meetings would be useful in enhancing village communications.

It was pointed out that nearby communities such as Mundelein, Grayslake and Gurnee routinely televise all board meetings on a public service cable channel, and then make the tapes available through the village's historical archives.

Should be interesting to watch what happens.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Surprised this story wasn't all over the local blogging world.

Click here.

I hope Village fights this guy all the way. We don't need anything like this here. Let Milwaukee and Chicago with their casinos have these places. I know anonymous will have a big issue with my opinion but so be it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

KYPAC Honk, Jr. Shows this Summer

Kenosha Youth Performing Arts Council (KYPAC) will be doing a musical production of Honk, Jr. this summer at Bradford High School.

Shows scheduled for Weekends of July, 24th and July 31st/August 1st.

Can't wait to see another amazing KYPAC production!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Why approve if not up to Village Standards???

I don't understand why Village would approve any document that is not up to snuff? Are they absolutely sure it won't come back to bite them?

""Pollocoff said Police Chief Brian Wagner and Fire Chief Paul Guilbert also added numerous concerns of their own to the draft. But when the commission asked whether Pollocoff advised rejecting it, Pollocoff recommended approval, thereby sending it to the Village Board.""

“Every community has their own ideas about what to fund or don’t want to fund,” he told the commission. “This will probably wind up on a shelf. Given the inadequacy of this, I’d probably be happy with that.”

Probably???

Click here

Friday, May 1, 2009

Last chance for seeing The Music Man

Last two shows tonight and Staurday night at 7:30PM.

Click here

How quickly it all ends.

Village 20 year history (Click here)

"Since 1989, the landscape of the entire Kenosha area, including Pleasant Prairie, has changed substantially. The area has grown steadily from an auto industry town into a diverse and dynamic economic hub. The Village has experienced industrial and commercial growth throughout LakeView Corporate Park. This growth has extended to other areas of the Village, and beyond."

I guess the end of Chrysler Engine Plant production in 2010 will be all she wrote for anything vehicle related around here (click here).

Monday, April 20, 2009

The Music Man at UWParkside

My oldest daughter and oldest son are child actors in this musical production. They've been rehearsing for weeks and spending long hours practicing. Support a wonderful experience.

Click here for ticket and show information. Also see attached audience guide for details on the production.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

U.K. village may use potholes for speed control

Maybe the Village leaders own car repair places?? Crazy.

Click here

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

When Will Election Signs be Removed?

I still see an Allen sign along Russell Road and Roscioli signs along 39th; when will they be removed? Getting close to time allowed.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Special Village Board Meeting 4:45PM

One item:

4. New Business

A. Consider a Letter of Credit Reduction for the Hideaway Homes Development.

That's it; believe it or not.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter.

May God's light shine upon you.



Thursday, April 9, 2009

New Public Works Director

I have always been impressed with John Steinbrink, Jr.'s work ethic and his ability and willingness to communicate with residents in a timely and forthright manner. He is definitely an example of a true public servant.

Click here

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Elections

I guess the Obama effect has been pretty widespread as lots of new and youthful candidates elected throughout county and state. Let's hope that all of the newly elected can perform even better than expected.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Don't Forget to Vote

Every vote counts. Just ask Al Franken.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Apples versus Oranges

The rhetoric is heating up. The bloggers are going wild. Who will win? Who will get the last word (besides RAG)? Only time will tell. Have at it.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Village Developments

Couple of recent Kenosha News articles about recent Village Plan Commission and Board meetings discussing residential and industrial developments. Times are tough, ndoubt about that. I do wonder why some industrial work hasn't moved forward with materials being at such low prices and avaialability of labor,...etc. Not all companies are in the same economic situation and would benefit by moving forward at this time. Think about it.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

More Communities Applying for Lake Michigan Water

Click here

Should be interesting after the new pact approved with Federal and regional governments/Canada.

Monday, March 16, 2009

The truth about credit default swaps

Click here

But one market that regulators were deeply concerned about when Bear hit the wall -- the one for unregulated over-the-counter derivatives called credit default swaps -- has defied fears of a meltdown.

Also click here

Whoever wins a spot on the Kenosha Unified School Board in April will face one of the district’s biggest challenges — how to fix the collateralized debt obligation investment that has lost about $36 million of its value.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Burglary Update

Click here

Village Developments

Wouldn't it make sense that lower cost developments would be the first to move forward as the economy recovers? I guess I don't see any pent-up demand out there waiting for expensive housing (article didn't mention approximate new development house prices so I'm making an assumption here). Even if banks were lending, doubt there are a lot out there just waiting for economy to recover. And what does one consider a recovery? More jobs? Less people worried about losing their jobs? Hard to define and I don't envision anything happening for a while. Especially when taxes are slated to increase and costs are still going up (WE Energies for example and taxes in IL).

Click here

Friday, March 13, 2009

Good News for Wisconsin and Pleasant Prairie?

Click here

An increase to 4.5 percent from the current 3 percent tax rate on Illinois individuals would include a corresponding hike in the corporate income tax on businesses, according to sources familiar with the new governor's preparations for his first budget address Wednesday.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Help PPPD--New--Sony Outlet Burglary

Click here (beating and robbery 03/09/09)

Here's a recent Sony Outlet Burglary video (03/12/09; Click here)

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/03/13/police.social.networking/index.html

Monday, March 9, 2009

High Winds Possible

A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL TRACK ACROSS SOUTHERN WISCONSIN TUESDAY EVENING. BEHIND THIS FRONT... SUSTAINED WEST WINDS BETWEEN 30 AND 40 MPH ARE EXPECTED... WITH GUSTS AS HIGH AS 60 MPH POSSIBLE. THE HIGHEST WIND GUSTS WILL LIKELY BE NEAR LAKE MICHIGAN.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Village News

A couple of news stories about Village worth reading and commenting about:

Click here Village defends stimulus wish list

Click here Nightclub owner sues village, seeks damages after license revocation

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Village and DNR

Click here

Village said they had an "oral" agreement from County on bike trail crossing at 122nd Street too. As we say at work, "no documented evidence, then it didn't happen".

I suppose KNews got it all wrong again, just when cooperation between the two was starting to look better:

Pollocoff initially told the Kenosha News the village already had received the grant. However, Tom Blotz of the DNR said the department hasn’t yet approved the grant pending close of the public comment period, which ends at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26.

Tom Blotz of the DNR was the one who was involved in Bike Trail Crossing issue.

No big deal but thought it was interesting to see that the same tactics are still being used.

Anonymous


Saturday, February 14, 2009

Hope This Happens Soon

We were already planning on new bikes for the family this year so this is great news. As one of my bicycle riding fanatical neighbors said, "they keep this up, I might have to retire here."

Click here

Village info

More on DNR site info

Monday, February 9, 2009

New Zion Baseball Team

Hopefully it won't be the Zion Skunks. Maybe this will finally get the smelly dump to get rid of their awful smell. Wonder how Village can profit from this? I suppose Village couldn't compete land-cost-wise as the builders probably got the land for a "Trumpet" song.

How about Border Collie's?

Click here

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

School Board Forum, Thursday, Feb 5th

6:30 PM at Village Hall. Come and ask lots of questions.

Click here

Monday, February 2, 2009

Time to Take it on the Chin

Click here

Wisconsin Lawmakers Should Lead By Example And Reject 5.3 Percent Pay Hikes

In fact, a survey of legislators showed that most of them don't consider their Capitol seats a full-time job.

About a dozen lawmakers say they'll take the raise and give it to charity.

Let us use our money as we see fit.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Wisconsin Energy to boost dividend by 25%

Click here

Shareholders of Wisconsin Energy Corp. will see a 25% higher payout with the dividend declared Thursday by the Milwaukee-based energy company.

On Wednesday, We Energies announced a refund that would amount to $3 a month for the average customer due to over-collection of fuel costs in 2008. Fuel prices rose dramatically in the first half of 2008 but then plummeted in the second half of the year.

So why not a bigger rebate to customers if they can increase their dividend?

Monday, January 26, 2009

Village seeks new director--UPDATE

Click here

Steinbrink Jr., son of Village President John Steinbrink Sr., has applied for the job. Pollocoff said Wednesday he was disappointed reading online comments alleging John Jr. had the inside track and others need not apply.

“I think it’s a shame, too, because I don’t hear a lot of people complaining about the job he does,” Pollocoff said.

Click here

“I assumed that once we put this out people would be saying we would hire him automatically,” Village Administrator Michael Pollocoff said. “I’m going to hire the best person for the job.”

It’s going to have to be someone who has grown up in the system,” she said. “All of our department heads are able to do every job that lies under their umbrella. So, we would expect them to be able to do any job in the field they would ask their workers to do.”

I'd say that line says it all.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Crisis hits Wisconsin

Click here and here

Nearly 900 miles away from New York City, five Wisconsin school districts are on the brink of losing a $200M investment.

More here

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Village vs. Texas Jay's

Click here

While the letter appears to support Lyons’ comments, Pollocoff took issue with his interpretation.

Naturally. Should be an interesting fight. Stay tuned.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Director of Public Works

http://www.execsearches.com/non-profit-jobs/jobDetail.asp?job_id=17667

Click here

Director of Public Works
Village of Pleasant Prairie
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
The position fo Director of Public Works is a skilled and professional position that heads the Public Works Department and reports directly to the Village Administrator. The primary responsibilities of this position are the operations of Streets, Sanitation, Storm Water, Parks, Sanitary Sewer and Water and Fleet maintenance. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, 7 years of operational and supervisory experience in public works, a PE or able to obtain in 1 year, knowledgeable in Wisconsin codes and regulations. A full job description can be found at www.pleasantprairieonline.com. Position will remain open until filled.
Contact Information
H.R. DepartmentVillage of Pleasant Prairie9915 39th AvenuePleasant Prairie, WI 53158262-925-6788 (fax)http://www.pleasantprairieonline.com/

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Looks Like My Home Town Slapped Down the Village!

On Tuesday, the city (La Crosse) still beat out the rest of the market by at least a quarter point, including Pleasant Prairie, which had the only other bond sale in Wisconsin on Tuesday. “We beat the pants off them,” Pittelman said. The communities have identical credit scores, but La Crosse throws its bonds into the marketplace, whereas Pleasant Prairie seeks out a single buyer.

Click here.

Ingram's are Awesome!

Click here.

What a great gesture. Hope Village doesn't waste this precious gift. Who's next?

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Clyde Allen versus John Roscioli for Trustee

It's official. Good luck to both. Monica Yuhas and John Steinbrink, Sr. unopposed. I speculate that next year's Trustee election will be much more interesting.