This Just In ...

Important updates from Franklin Alderman Kristen Wilhelm

Posted by Kevin Fischer on Nov. 30, 2010

I received an E-Newsletter today from Franklin Alderman Kristen Wilhelm. Here are some of the highlights:

The City of Franklin is updating the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and is seeking public input about outdoor recreation projects over the next 5-15 years. You are encouraged to fill out this survey by December 13. A workshop on the Comprehensive Plan for citizens is scheduled TODAY at Franklin City Hall at 5:00.

Welcome Stephen Hintz to the Franklin Police Department. Hintz was sworn in at 9:00 this morning at the Franklin Municipal Courtroom.

Tornado warning sirens were installed on November 21. Electric installation by We Energies could take 30 days meaning the sirens will be operative by the end of the year. The siren in Alderman Wilhelm’s district is located at the south end of the Prairie View Elementary School playground.

The city of Franklin is working with the state of Wisconsin, investigating a food borne illness that was discovered at a wedding reception. Here are more details.

There will be a flu clinic at Franklin City Hall December 1 from 2:30-4:45.

On College Avenue, Alderman Wilhelm writes:

“According to an email I received from Jack Takarian, Director of Milwaukee County Transportation and Public works, Milwaukee County required a resolution passed by the City of Franklin, City of Greenfield and or Village of Greendale in order for pedestrian access to receive proper funding, and further if Milwaukee County did not have a signed resolution by January, the full cost if desired later would be at the full cost of the local municipality.

There is NO QUESTION College Avenue needs repair. However, I have been informed the County is designing a 4??? lane cross section (Hwy) to accommodate the 2035 speculated traffic count of more than 14,000 cars per day. You should be aware that this ‘2035’ design will double the size of the roadway all the way to 51st Street. This will greatly increase the construction costs and require the purchase of additional right???of???way from several property owners. The need for this right???of???way is speculative and based on this 25???year traffic projection. It these difficult economic times, and with the fiscal issues facing State, County and local budgets, I question if this is a wise expenditure. Construction of a smaller cross???section that accommodates pedestrians will solve the most pressing problem and save money while not compromising future expansion at the time it is needed.

I have been requesting the County provide public input on the project but it has yet to be scheduled. According to last years County Capital Improvement Budget, an appropriation of $2,103,000, including $3,000 in capitalized interest, was budgeted for the basic planning, design, and the right???of???way acquisition. Financing figures listed included $1,680,000 in Federal funds, $421,000 in general obligation bonds, and $2,000 in investment earnings. Given the amount federal tax dollars for this 1.5???mile section of residential road, I will be providing updates as available from the County.”

On the DOT project on 27^th Street, Alderman Wilhelm writes:

“WisDOT held a series of public meetings on the construction of 27th Street. The latest was at held on November 18th at St. James Church. Elimination of access points along (termed access management) was a concern of many in attendance. The DOT has provided to the City the set of plans, which were on display at the November 18th meeting. City staff has the plan on display in the Hearing Room. The project construction will extend west of 27th, partially down roads such as College, Rawson and Drexel. If you missed the meeting, please stop in to review the available plans as there may be proposed changes to your property. For example, the plans call for the elimination of the Mobil station at the intersection of 27th and Rawson, impacts to the veterinarian business parking lot and possible changes to the residential area retaining wall.”

Groundbreaking was held recently for the Dental Associates Clinic at 6833 S. 27^th Street.

Any Lab Test Now! will open near Lowe’s at 27^th and Rawson.

Inspire Salon will open at 7441 S. 27^th Street.

Steinhafels will open a mattress store in the former Three Cellars location near Moondance Café on S.27^th Street.

Franklin Mayor Tom Taylor has received a letter that the Harley Davidson Franklin Distribution Center will close January 16, 2011 with 153 jobs affected.

Finally, Alderman Wilhelm provides this explanation for her vote in the favor of the city budget that increased the property tax levy by 2.6 percent:

“There is no perfect solution and while not perfect, this is a realistic budget that maintains quality services at a reasonable cost. With record unemployment and foreclosure rates, everyone across the system is feeling powerless in the face of a changing economy and the expanding impersonal complexity of the modern world. For some, there is a disconnect between expectations of services and the costs to provide them. It is easy to criticize. The fact is with decreased revenue and increased cost of services, either we cut services or work to strike a balance. When our tax bills arrive, please pay attention to the entire bill not just the (24%) City tax portion. In addition, in is important to note that when comparing different municipal tax rates, many communities have separate charges for water, sewer and garbage pick up. Franklin residents receive one bill. This is a time to realize that we are in this together and must pull together. Franklin has a high quality of life and the 2011 budget is a good compromise to maintain the services expected from our citizens.”

I may have more to say about that later. For now, I do sincerely appreciate the alderman’s newsletters, a great way to communicate with constituents.