GREENDALE AREA NEWS 2008
Road Salt Shortage Hits Greendale
posted 12.17.08According to Village Manager Todd Michaels, the expected deicing salt shortage in the northern states will likely affect road conditions in the Village of Greendale and most other municipalities this winter. The severe winter of 2007/2008 completely depleted stockpiles in the Midwest and salt producers are experiencing difficulties in replenishing their supplies.
The Public Works Department budgets and purchases road deicing salt for an average Wisconsin winter with an additional 15% more salt held in vendor reserve. For 2009 the Village has contracted for an additional 200 tons of road salt, however due to the early onset of winter, and the large number of salting operations this season, there is concern about having enough salt for the rest of this season.
In an attempt to ensure an adequate supply for what is shaping up to be another severe winter, the Department of Public Works will be looking to conserve salt whenever possible.
The Department of Public Works will increase the frequency of plowing to lessen ice buildup on roads. Main, arterial and secondary streets will be plowed and salted as necessary to ensure a safe road surface.
Residential streets will be plowed and only hills, sharp curves and stop areas will be treated with salt or a sand/salt blend. Please remember that the Village does not have a "bare street" policy for residential streets.
Some helpful winter tips:
Wait until the street is completely plowed before clearing your driveway and sidewalk.
Be extra cautious on snow covered roads and give snow removal vehicles space to work.
Try to shovel snow to the "downstreet" side of your driveway to lessen the amount that the plow leaves after the next snowstorm.
PLEASE do not shovel or blow snow back into the road after the street has been plowed.
Persons wanting additional information may contact: Carl Tisonik, Director of Public Works at (414) 423-2100.
2008 Tree Lighting Ceremony photos can be seen by clicking here.
2007 Tree Lighting Ceremony photos can be seen by clicking here.
GREENDALE RESIDENTS RECEIVE RACIALLY CHARGED POSTCARDS
posted 11.03.08 6:16 amby Ron Faiola
At least two Greendale residents received postcards containing the "n-word" in a sentence about presidential candidate Barack Obama. According to sources, the card uses the spelling "O'bama".
Greendale Police are working with Postal Inspectors and the Secret Service to determine the source of the postcards.
If you have received the same postcard or have information about the mailings, call the Greendale Police at 414-423-2121.
Tour of Homes Successful
The Greendale Historical Society announced that their first ever Tour of Original Homes held on September 13 was a huge success.Kevin Nitka, Treasurer for the Society said that just under 600 people took part in the tour of 9 homes, raising $9,265 in sales. The money will benefit the Historical Society's on going fund-raising efforts to renovate the former Greendale Police/Fire Station and Annex.
Among the 9 "Greendale Originals" on the tour was the home office of GreendaleLife.com and GreendaleOriginals.com.
Car Drives into Old World Deli
Customer Escapes Unharmed
posted 8.8.08by Ron Faiola
At approximately 11:30 am, an elderly woman drove her car into the Old World Deli, 7630 W. Grange Avenue. Greendale Police, Fire and paramedics responded to the 911 call. The woman driving the car was treated by paramedics at the scene. No one inside the store was hurt, however a customer managed to jump out of the way when the car drove into the shop.
Old World Deli owner Cezary Stepien told Greendale Life that the store would be closed for a few days while repairs were made. The crash caused some damage to merchandise and the checkout counter. Stepien said the store's employee was in the bathroom when the accident occured.
According to a witness, the driver of the car was ticketed by Greendale Police. Greendale Life will update this story as soon as the police report becomes available.
This is the second time in a year that a car crashed into a Greendale business. Last summer an elderly woman in a Chevy Tahoe crashed into Seasons of the Heart on Broad St. No one was injured in that accident, however Seasons of the Heart was closed for several days.
Jeremiah Curtin Home Gets New Roof
posted 8.8.08by Ron Faiola
The Jeremiah Curtin home on W. Grange Avenue is in the process of having the roof replaced.
Lease Extention for Historical Society
The Greendale Village Board voted to approve a two year extension on the lease agreement between the Village and and the Greendale Historical Society for the restoration and readaption of the old Police Station and Annex Building located next to the Municipal Parking lot on Parking Street.
Village Fuel Conservation Initiative
posted 6.25.08, 3:30 pmby Ron Faiola
In light of rising fuel costs, the Village of Greendale has revaluated the way it carries out its daily functions and is taking proactive measures to reduce fuel consumption in Village departments.
Members of a process improvement team met today to evaluate simple adjustments to operations in response to escalating gas prices. Fuel costs for the Village were $134,437 in 2007 and are expected to leap to $240,000 in 2008. The process improvement team's recommendations will be implemented over the next 30 days.
"With fuel costs escalating at an alarming rate over the last 12 months, the Village's most responsible step is to look for ways to cut back," said Todd Michaels, Village Manager. Village President John Hermes stated that, "he was pleased to see the process improvement initiative he encouraged used for this purpose. This is a great example of how employee teams can bring the best processes and solutions to the forefront."
Residents will begin seeing more Village staff performing their duties with their vehicle's engines turned off whenever possible. They will also notice larger Department of Public Works crews, working from a single vehicle, in an effort to save fuel.
All Village departments will be encouraged to conserve fuel through an aggressive awareness campaign.
Michaels states, "We all are faced with the reality of making major adjustments in our personal and professional lives to accommodate for the rising costs of fuel, food and other basic necessities; the Village is no different."
Fire Departments to Merge?
Greendale, Greenfield Begin Discussions
posted 6.24.08, 3:30 pmby Ron Faiola
According to the Village of Greendale and the City of Greenfield, preliminary discussions have begun in regards to a consolidation or merger of their respective fire departments. No formal discussions between elected officials have taken place.
Severe Storms Leave Flooding, Damage
According to a press release by Village Manager Todd Michaels, in response to the severe thunderstorms that hit southeastern Wisconsin, the Village of Greendale's Police, Fire, Public Works and Utility Departments were assigned throughout the Village in an effort to mitigate damage to persons and property. Village staff continues to monitor the performance of Greendale's storm water and sanitary sewer drainage systems to ensure that they operate at full capacity.Michaels reported that the June 7 thunderstorms resulted in upwards of 5 inches of rain with periods of torrential rains approaching 2" of rain per hour, which resulted in numerous flooded streets and basements.
If you have experience any water accumulation in your home, you should consult The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website for proper clean up instructions. Links to flooding and flood clean up are also on the Village website.
To report an incident of property damage call Village Hall at 414-423-2100 or the Greendale Police Department's non-emergency number 414-423-2121. In the case of emergency dial 911.
Ruby Tuesday Restaurant for Southridge
by Ron Faiolaposted 5.20.08 9:58 PM
The Greendale Village Board unanimously approved plans for the nation-wide restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday to be built on the Boston Store outlot in Southridge. The Ruby Tuesday lot will be bordered by USBank on the south end, 76th Street on the west, the Southridge access entrance to the north and Southridge ring road to the east.
Ruby Tuesday is known for their handcrafted burgers, seafood, steaks, ribs, chicken and garden bar served in an upscale environment. The Greendale location should be open by the end of summer. This is the second location for Ruby Tuesday in the state of Wisconsin, their first being in Menomonee Falls.
Village President John Hermes voiced his approval, adding that the new restaurant will help attract new development at Southridge Mall, which is a goal the Village has been and continues to persue.
Village Approves New Rules for Odor Complaints
posted 5.20.08 9:58 PMIn light of complaints by residents of odorous smells coming mainly from the GreendaleIndustrial Loop, the Greendale Village Board unanimously approved plans to change the ordinance to improve enforcement of the rules, including allowing time for the offending odors to be eliminated and further action to be taken if the odors persist.
GREENDALE TURNS 70
On May 1, 1938, the first residents of Greendale moved into their new homes and on May 1, 2008 Greendale Life sponsored a 70th Anniversary Party that took place at Heinemann's, 5601 Broad St.The party was a big success, people said they had a great time, had great conversations and saw some very interesting exhibits, movies, photos, books, plus a true "Greendale Original Resident" who brought some early documents to share.
Village President John Hermes spent a great deal of time with the attendees and delivered a wonderful speech about Greendale's history and unique community spirit.
Also in attendance were State Rep. Jeff Stone and Milwaukee County Supervisor Joe Sanfellipo.
The Greendale Historical Society brought some great exhibits and assisted with the celebration.
In addition to sandwiches and snacks there was a delicious green and white butter cake from Sentry with big green roses that was served to all the guests.
The May 1st party was only just the beginning for a year full of 70th anniversary celebrations. Stay tuned.
Village President Hermes on USBC Move
Exclusive to Greendale Lifeby Ron Faiola
The United States Bowling Congress (USBC), currently headquartered in Greendale announced last week that they will leave Greendale for a new home in Arlington, Texas.
USBC TO LEAVE
Milwaukee 7, Mayor Barrett Denied
The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors has given approval to announce its intention to relocate the organization's headquarters from Greendale, Wisconsin, to Arlington, Texas, where it will reside with the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America.The decision, made during a meeting Sunday in Atlanta, came after presentations were made by officials from Arlington and Milwaukee, the homes of the BPAA and USBC, respectively. About 200 jobs will be affected in the Milwaukee area.
A group of business leaders known as the Milwaukee 7 and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett traveled to Atlanta to offer proposals keep the USBC in the metro Milwaukee area. Sites in Cudahy and along Grange Avenue near the airport were proposed to the USBC but nothing was proposed to keep the USBC in Greendale.
According to Greendale Village Trustee Jim Strange, "Greendale has communicated with the Bowling Congress. Greendale is at a disadvantage, we have nothing to offer them other than a property tax rebate. The other communities can offer money, TIFs etc. but by law our hands are tied."
USBC President Jeff Boje said, "This is a great day for bowling. Relocating to Arlington would allow for the creation of an international bowling campus. We can set the foundation for tremendous growth and opportunities for decades to come. "Both cities made excellent presentations and either would have been good locations for USBC. The Board decided Arlington would be the best location should the USBC receive approval of investment from the Texas Enterprise Fund."
The USBC said that an additional factor for the Board's decision was ease of travel. They say that Dallas/Fort Worth International makes it much easier for those traveling to and from the international bowling campus, especially those traveling internationally. Milwaukee and Mitchell International airport were criticized by the executive director of the BPAA president John Berglund, as being "poor" and "second-tier."
What do you think? See our Editorial Page and add your comments.
Tree City USA
12th Straight Year
The Village of Greendale has once again been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the year 2007. This marks the Village's twelfth straight year of receiving this national recognition.The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day Observance. In the Village of Greendale, Public Works Director Carl Tisonik and Forester Robert Ziarek guide the Village's forestry program. Their efforts and the efforts of the entire Department of Public Works have allowed the Village to enjoy the beauty and benefits of its greenspaces, thoroughfares, street trees and parkways.
Village Manager Todd Michaels said, "we're very proud to receive the Tree City Award. Commitment to natural areas and quality of life issues is the foundation of the Village."
Northway to Connect to Southridge?
As part of the planned 2009 renovation of Grange Avenue, the Greendale Public Works Committee has forwarded a proposal to have a widened Northway and Grange Ave. intersection. The plans call for traffic lights, pedestrian islands, special left turn only lanes and the possibility of a future entrance to Southridge from Northway.The Grange Avenue renovations will include the removal of traffic lights at 70th and Grange which is the current entrance to Southridge from Grange, and traffic signals at 68th and Grange and 60th and Grange. Currently the 68th Street and 60th Street intersections are controlled by stop signs. Initially there was talk of a roundabout being built at 60th and Grange, however plans were scrapped when it became apparent that firetrucks would not fit into the roundabout.
The Village Board will consider the Public Works recommendation at the regularly scheduled March 4 Village Board Meeting.
This story is still developing and Greendale Life will update as needed.
Click Here for an Image of the Plans
US Bowling Congress to Leave Greendale?
The US Bowling Congress (USBC) is headquartered in Greendale, however news reports indicate that USBC officials are planning a move to Arlington, Texas.The president of the USBC, Jeff Boje', says it is not a done deal, however he was not satisfied with the discussions between the USBC and the Village of Greendale. Those discussions may have been over a planned expansion of the USBC facility on South 76th Street.
The Arlington, Texas location includes proximity to Six Flags Amusement park, the Texas Rangers ballpark and future home of the Dallas Cowboys. However negotiations are still taking place over tax incentives and a parcel of land that needs to be purchased.
According to JSOnline blogger, Dan Walker, the USBC will be making a decision on Monday, March 3. The Milwaukee 7, a group of business leaders dedicated to promoting Milwaukee has offered a detailed proposal for two sites in Milwaukee instead of the Greendale location.
What do you think? See our Editorial Page and add your comments.
Political Flyers Placed in Mailboxes
by Ron FaiolaA political flyer paid for by Friends of Karl Kastner was placed in Greendale mailboxes on Sunday, January 27.
The United States Postal Service rules state that, "No part of a mail receptacle may be used to deliver any matter not bearing postage, including items or matter placed upon, supported by, attached to, hung from, or inserted into a mail receptacle. Any mailable matter not bearing postage and found as described above is subject to the same postage as would be paid if it were carried by mail."
Kastner, who is running for the Milwaukee County Supervisor 17th District seat vacated by Dan Devine, responded by apologizing and saying that the issue was a "miscommunication."
Kastner went on to say, "I had my children out, I instructed them to put them [flyers] on the outside. It will never happen again."
The Kastner flyers in the mailboxes were made more noticable by the fact that on the same day, other local candidates had placed flyers in between screen doors or on door handles instead of the mailbox.
High School Gym Atrium Proposal
by Ron FaiolaJanuary 21, 2008
A proposal for a privately funded atrium entrance for the Greendale High School gymnasium has been presented to the Greendale School Board for approval.
Greendale resident and high school parent, Bruce Luetzow, is spearheading the fundraising for the project. According to Luetzow's website, the new gym entrance would provide improved accessibility and traffic flow, space for a concession stand, ADA restrooms and a place to showcase the school's trophies and banners.
Luetzow told Greendale Life, "We have to get the project approved by the School Board. With all the other projects in the community also asking for donations and our economy on the soft side - pledges have been good, but we will not know final numbers until the end of April. Most of the people contacted have expressed a positive reaction. If the School Board says no - the committee will have to address that. But I can tell you this - we wouldn't give up. This Greendale High School Gym Atrium Entrance is a project that is long overdue."
In an email to Greendale Life, Greendale School Board President Judy Fons wrote, No decision will be made for awhile. Fund raising has begun for lots of things and we need to sort all of this out. Our main goal for the renovation was to address the safety and academic needs of our students first. As we move forward for the new budget cycle we have many things to look at.
The reported total cost for the new gym atrium entrance is $793,000. According to an email posted on the Greendale Forum, Luetzow reports that the project has received, "...over $120,000 in hard dollar pledges. We have about $40,000 in item needed pledges." Luetzow goes on to write in his email, "I will be going b/4 the school board late April. The committee will continue collecting pledges until that meeting. If they say 'yes' - then we would start building in May. If they say 'no' - then it's over."
The Gym Atrium website also notes that, "If the Gym Entry Project does not happen - your check will not be returned but will be used to upgrade the school." The website also notes that donations are tax deductible and pledge forms should be mailed to Erin Green at the Greendale School District office on south 51st Street.
When asked about the donations being tax deductible, Luetzow said, "It's fully tax deducible because the money will be paid directly to the GHS Gym Atrium Entry Project as a donation to the school, when the project is approved. Right now we are asking for pledges. If the project is approved by the School Board in late April, we will then call all of those who have pledged money for this project - asking them to now mail in their checks. Checks will go to the School District address."
This story is still developing and Greendale Life will update as soon as possible.
New Windows for Village Hall
As part of a Village Hall renovation project, workers from the J.F. Cook Co. began replacing the front windows on the building Wednesday, January 16. Village Manager Todd Michaels notes that residents will see a more significant difference in the building once they see all of the new windows installed by the beginning of February.J.F. Cook Co.'s renovation work on Village Hall began in the fall of 2007 with the renovation of the clock tower. According to Michaels, the total price of the project is $284,311 which includes new historically correct windows approved by the State for historic buildings, new doors, rebuilding of deteriorated portions of the cupola and front fascia and all exterior painting.
The J.F. Cook Co. has also replaced the windows in Milwaukee's City Hall and the County Historical Building.
Michaels said that some Village Hall staff has been temporarily relocated during the project.
Click on the thumbnail image for a larger photo. (Photos courtesy of Todd Michaels.)
"Shop Greendale 1st" Awards $400
The Greendale Chamber of Commerce and the Greendale Village Business Association (GVBA) recently finished awarding 12 "Shop Greendale 1st" raffle winners a total of $400 in gift certificates for use at Chamber and GVBA businesses.Approximately 750 entries were collected by select businesses in the Greendale area. Six of the winners are Greendale residents, five are from Franklin and one is located in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin.
Since 2005, the "Shop Greendale 1st" campaign has successfully been used to actively promote shopping at Greendale businesses.
Chamber Announces Awards
The Greendale Chamber of Commerce announced their annual winners of Business of the Year to The Shoppe Around the Corner, 5640 Parking Street; Teacher of the Year to Greendale High School English teacher Jennifer Hussa and Spirit of Greendale to Village Bands Director John Munger.The awards will be presented at the Chamber's Award Banquet on Thursday February 7, at 5:30 pm at the Tuckaway Country Club, 6901 W. Drexel Ave.