City Property Tax Levy Is Up One Cent Per $1,000

City of Peshtigo property owners will see their tax bill go up slightly this year, but only one penny of the anticipated 28 cents per $1,000 tax increase is due to city expenses, and the remaining 27 cents is from the school district levy hike, Mayor Al Krizenesky pointed out at the conclusion of the City Council’s public hearing on the budget at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4. He said the increase for city and school purposes equates to $28 for the year on a $100,000 home.

The School Tax Credit allocation from the state is still not known, but when the money is designated it will be used to reduce the gross tax rate to the net rate listed on the tax bill, for which at least the first half is due on Jan. 31.

The gross tax last year, prior to subtracting the school tax credit, was $20.20 per $1,000 of equalized assessed value to support all the taxing entities - city, school, county, state and NWTC. This year the gross rate is $20.49 per $1,000. That rate will be reduced by whatever amount comes from the state for school tax credits. The bottom line of the total property tax bill will not be known until that number is announced.

There were no members of the public at the hearing, and no one spoke for or against the proposed city budget and tax levy. Budget and levy figures were read by Alderman Mike Behnke, chair of the Finance Committee. During the regular Council meeting that followed the proposed city budget and related tax levies were unanimously approved.

This year’s budget provides for city expenses totaling $3,116,319, offset by anticipated revenues of $2,507,218, requiring a city levy of $609,101 plus Tax Increment District levy of $170,466. Total assessed value of city properties is $159,207,843, plus $35,174,900 for the TIF District.

First item on the regular Council agenda was a letter from Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc., asking the city to contribute toward purchase of new vehicles, particularly a transport unit that costs over $120,000.

Alderman Mary Lock asked if the budget included money for the Squad, and suggested the request be referred to the Finance Committee. Clerk/Treasurer Mary Ann Wills said the city allocated $2,000 for the Squad this year, as it does every year. That payment will go out in January.

Alderman Cathi Malke, a Rescue Squad officer, explained the letter is a request for an additional contribution. “This is probably the only squad in the whole United States that does not charge for its services, so we are dependent on the communities for support,” she declared. She said the Squad needs two new vehicles and can save a great deal of money by buying them both at the same time. She said one of the vehicles being replaced is permanently stationed in Peshtigo.

Krizenesky commented there is probably money in fund balances to provide for an added contribution. The request was referred to the Finance Committee.

A proposal from Krizenesky that the city send a letter to the Peshtigo School District asking that a member of the City Council be part of closed meetings on buying land for a new school was changed to a proposal that instead the school board president or a member that he designates be asked to report to City Council, in open or closed session as necessary.

Krizenesky explained the city will be asked to play a big part in future plans for a new school, particularly in terms of requests for extension of sewer and water services and probable annexation of property, and should be kept informed and have input into school district plans. He said several alderpersons had approached him with requests that they be kept better informed of discussions in closed session school board meetings on the subject.

The school board has been looking into the possibility of building a new high school outside the present city limits.

“My feeling is we need to know what is going on,” Gryzwa agreed. “The school is the city’s largest employer, and the school is an important part of the city’s commercial district.” He said many city businesses are not in favor of moving the school away from downtown.

Lock commented there are three school board seats up for election this spring, “and if somebody was truly interested, they could run for school board.” She asked what good it would do to have one alderpersonn attend school board meetings, since they could not report back to the full Council in any case if the school board discussions were held in closed session. She suggested Council should have a closed session to hear a report from the School Board president or someone he designates, and that suggestion was ultimately accepted by the full Council.

Malke objected to the school board discussing the future location of the school behind closed doors in any case. “When they are discussing the future of the city everyone should have input,” she declared.

Krizenesky reiterated Gryzwa’s comment that some city businessmen want to keep the school in the city, since it is a benefit to their businesses.

There were comments that discussing possible property purchases in open session could result in a price hike.

Alderperson Fred Meintz commented the School Board did not keep the city informed the last time they were considering a property purchase that would affect the city by way of annexation and sewer and water services.

Meintz said the School Board should be asked to inform the Council what they are contemplating. Behnke noted the School Board could invite the Council to attend their closed sessions any time they want to.

Eventually Lock, with a second from Behnke, moved to invite the School Board president to report on proposals for any land purchase at a City Council meeting, in either closed or open session, as they prefer. That motion was unanimously approved.

Vernon Dumke was on hand to explain a request that the lien the city holds against a flat bed trailer as collateral for a UDAG be transferred to a skidder valued at $12,000 to $15,000. He explained he no longer uses the trailer, which is valued at approximately $4,000, and can trade it to Frank’s Logging for logs that he can use. He said Frank’s will benefit from getting a flatbed they can use, he will benefit from getting logs he can use, and the city will benefit by a lien on equipment with greater value.

Lock asked who set the value on the skidder, and wondered why the request went directly to Council rather than to the UDAG Committee.

Krizenesky said going through UDAG would delay the transaction by at least a month or two. Alderman Tim Colburn pointed out the city, not UDAG, holds the lien. “He’s been honest with us, and his interest payments are up to date,” Krizenesky added.

Dumke said business has picked up with Aacer and since Wade Fronsee bought the Forest Products business he no longer needs to haul his logs.

Gryzwa, who serves on the UDAG Committee, reminded Dumke and the Council that UDAG will rewrite the Dumke loan on March 31. He felt they should have an updated appraisal on all assets of the firm.

“We don’t want to bury another business,” Krizenesky declared. He felt who pays for the appraisals should be discussed, and Gryzwa agreed.

When the discussion ended everyone voted in favor of granting Dumke’s request.

City Engineer George Cowell reported there had been a pre-construction meeting on transportation enhancement grant project held earlier that day, and they hope to get electric conduit for the new street lights wired up to the bridge before really bad weather sets in. He expects construction will start Thursday morning. If all goes well they will have about a week and a half to get the conduit work done, and then when the new lights arrive they can be connected.

Lock asked what would be done about the bumps and the guard rail, and Cowell said the bumps will be fixed when spring comes and the DOT is looking into the safety aspects of the guard rail requests and will report back to the city in writing.

By unanimous vote Council approved Finance Committee recommendations to renew insurance coverage with EMC Insurance Companies for 2013 and authorized Krizenesky to sign the necessary documents. They agreed to retain Schenck to do the 2012 audit for the city at a cost of $19,120, and to have Schenck also audit Riverside Cemetery Association records for $1,030, with that cost to be paid by Riverside Cemetery.

Council approved a Taxicab Service license for Kenneth Coddington after Behnke, reporting for the License and Police committee, said all his other licenses and permits are up to date.

Council also approved a request from Nancy Bruce to transfer the Class B retail license to serve fermented malt beverages for BLB Enterprise LLC from 811 French Street to 101 S. Emery Ave. The license change will allow sale of fermented malt beverages at the corner restaurant that they expect to open on Friday.

Malke, as chair of the Parks and Recreation Committee, reported there are still seats available on the bus trip to the Botanical Gardens Light Show in Green Bay on Saturday, Dec. 8. She said they will be eating at the Golden Corral, and not Old Country Buffet as previously announced. After the meeting Malke said the $15 cost of the trip pays for the meal. WPS, a sponsor of the trip, is paying for the bus and the Botanical Gardens admission tickets.

Council approved committee recommendations to remove the one week maximum for stays in the Badger Park cabins, approved plans for Christmas in July at the campgrounds on July 26 and 27, with campers to be allowed to stay for three nights while paying for only two, and agreed to advertise for campground hosts for Badger Park for the summer.

Also on Malke’s recommendation they agreed to pay Alfredson Brothers Construction Co. $95,219.19 and allow partial lien waivers for payment No. three on the Riverfront Park Boardwalk Development project.

In relation to that project, Malke happily declared, “I am proud to report there have been no geese in that park yet!” She said geese are reputed to prefer open and unrestricted spaces, so the bench, gazebos, lights, board walk etc. being installed there are making the park less desirable for geese and more inviting for citizens.

On motion from Colburn, as chair of the Personnel Committee, Council approved Fire Chief Steve Anderson’s recommendation to change the head truck driver from Joseph Bayer to Christopher Rhode, effective Dec. 1 at the established salary for the position.

Meintz, chair of the Water and Sewer committee, commented council was already aware of the $61,916 Focus on Energy grant.

On his recommendation Council approved partial payment of $463,431 to Oudenhoven Construction, Inc., for work on the wastewater treatment plant aeration system improvements.

Meintz said he, Cowell, Consultant Chris Kaempfer of Kaempfer and Associates and two workers from the Wastewater Treatment plant had an inspection on Nov. 1, and a list of things to be done will be compiled. The list may be long.

“There will be action to require better maintenance than has been going on,” Meintz declared. “You’ll be hearing more about that!” he promised.

As chair of the Fire, Lighting and Building Committee, Meintz noted the city received a letter from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin regarding the Strategic Energy Assessment for Jan. 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2018 advising them that copies of the projected energy needs document are available on-line and will be sent by mail if requested.

There were five building permits issued in November, the largest to Steven and Tammy Kasal for an estimated $535,000 commercial building at 830 French Street. The permit required a variance for less than a 20 foot rear setback and fewer than the required number of parking spaces. The variances were approved by the Board of Appeals on Tuesday, Nov. 27, so construction of what is to be a 91,000 square foot Dollar General store can go forward as soon as plans receive the required state approval.

There were comments that installation of the new city warning sirens is complete, and they will be tested on Friday, Dec. 7.

The next Council meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 2 because the first Monday of the month is also New Year’s Day.

Recent stories, opinions and photos

Issue Date	Department	Headline
05-16-2013	Front Page	Mike, Anita Folgert Are Recipients Of Touhey Award
05-16-2013	Front Page	Predicts New Learning Center Will Be “A Shining Light” For Marinette Schools
05-16-2013	Front Page	Tourism Draws Millions For State, 4 County Area
05-16-2013	Front Page	Water & Sewer Committee Moves Ahead With Loan
05-16-2013	Front Page	Commend City Officer’s Work On Murder Case
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Lorna M. Techmeier
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James R. Schaut
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Nora E. Salewsky
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Ralph R. Runge
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James P. Reindl
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Uta Rasmussen
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Virginia Ellsworth Plier
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Ursula J. Peters
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Walter J. Moucha, Sr.
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Kasimir Melnyk
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Bernadette E. Meek
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Shirley Jean Johnson
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Julie N. Jeske
05-16-2013	Obituaries	George L. Hayden
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Patricia L. Gomber
05-16-2013	Obituaries	James A. Erickson,
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Frank M. Dudek
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Judith A. Carrillo
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Shirley Ann Bishop
05-16-2013	Obituaries	Donald M. Allard
05-16-2013	Sports	Marinette Golfers Win Menominee Meet; Bieberitz Is Medalist
05-16-2013	Sports	Track Regionals To Begin May 20
05-16-2013	Sports	Peshtigo Captures M-O Conference Crowns
05-16-2013	Sports	Coleman Finishes Perfect�Again!
05-16-2013	News	Set Babysitting Class for May 25
05-16-2013	News	Town Peshtigo Sets Cleanup Day
05-16-2013	News	Marinette Legion Brat Fry Dates
05-16-2013	News	Church Dinner, Auction May 19
05-16-2013	Perspectives	From our readers
05-16-2013	Perspectives	Tales from the old-timer
05-16-2013	Perspectives	Country Cousin
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Grand Germany Tour Sept. 15-24
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Blood Drive is June 10
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Memorial Services Slated May 27
05-16-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wausaukee Students Help Plant Nursery Stock Trees
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Jeff Diges Memorial Bike Run June 29, Hold Pool Tourney
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	TB Rescue Bake, Rummage Sale
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Co. Elderly Golf Scramble July 12
05-16-2013	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz Sister Cities Future On Line At May 22 Meeting
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Coleman High School Graduation is June 1
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	2 Top Coleman Seniors
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Fine Art Nite at Coleman School
05-16-2013	Community - Coleman	Coleman Services for Memorial Day
05-08-2013	Front Page	Marinette Police Memorial To Officers Lost In Duty
05-08-2013	Front Page	City Adopts New Sewer Rates, Fire Dept. Fees
05-08-2013	Front Page	Co. Move Toward Medical Examiner Model Rejected
05-08-2013	Front Page	Centenarian Marks Birthday May 5th
05-08-2013	Front Page	Folgerts Chosen For Touhey Award Recipients
05-08-2013	Front Page	Million Dollar Bail Set In Homicide Case
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Irene Zoellner
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Lila V. Tippett
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Clarence E. Treptow
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Dennis L. Tachick
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Roger K. Schiefelbein
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Sharon A. Ronan
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Robert Ranallo, Sr.
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Jerry Rakowski
05-08-2013	Obituaries	James Prefontaine
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Spencer B. Patz
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Lila E. Miller
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Patricia Mathey
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Helen J. Lemery
05-08-2013	Obituaries	William H. Keller
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Alice Johnson
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Ronald Cedric Henning
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Algin T. Hendricksen
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Paul G. Grunwald
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Cheryl Lynn Gallo
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Gyneth Gadtzke
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Crystal Ann Gabriel
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Curtis P. Frank, Sr.
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Della A. DeStarkey
05-08-2013	Obituaries	Daniel P. Barney
05-08-2013	News	Girl Scout Carnival at Peshtigo June 2
05-08-2013	News	5th Annual EMS 5K Walk/Run
05-08-2013	News	Brazeau Annual Fundraiser July 27
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Wagner Board Meets May 14
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	SC Fire, Rescue Auxiliary May 13
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Lions To Clean Hwy. 180 May 11
05-08-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Legion Post 66 Meeting May 11
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	CHS 5K Run/ Walk is June 1
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Legion Trap 22
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Plans for Memorial Day
05-08-2013	Community - Crivitz	Middle Inlet Plans 33rd Annual Reunion
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Area Cadets at State Challenge Academy
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Parkway Ladies Start
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Comins Graduates Basic
05-08-2013	Community - Coleman	Graduates Basic
05-08-2013	Sports	Wausaukee Golfers Win 9-Hole M-O Tournament
05-08-2013	Sports	Bulldogs Grab M-O Lead
05-08-2013	Sports	Marines Shine At Home Invite
05-08-2013	Sports	Coleman Clinches M-O Title Share
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Patricia J. Waschbisch
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bessie Riley
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Russell D. Thurow
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Anne Schumacher
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Janette B. Perry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Marilyn Mc Keefry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Timothy J. Lynch
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Donald J. Kubiak
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Marilyn Mc Keefry
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Reino L. Lampinen
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Lonnie L. Kasbaum
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Dave Gajeski
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Gyneth I. Gatzke
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Virgil L. Erdman
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Albert J. Demers
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bernard L. Courchaine
05-02-2013	Obituaries	David Campbell
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Roy Bylund
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Dale P. Bundy
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Gerda M. Barrick
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Antoinette A. Bacon
05-02-2013	Obituaries	Bonnie R. Artz
05-02-2013	Front Page	Peshtigo Woman Murdered
05-02-2013	Front Page	Crivitz High School Ranks 22 in Survey
05-02-2013	Front Page	Heyer Changes Plea in Murder
05-02-2013	Front Page	City Parks, Recreation Director Marquardt Takes County Job
05-02-2013	Front Page	Public Hearing On 4 Ordinances Precedes May 7 Council Meet
05-02-2013	Perspectives	From our readers
05-02-2013	Perspectives	Tales from the old-timer
05-02-2013	Perspectives	Country Cousin
05-02-2013	Sports	Oconto Falls Girls Dominate Invite
05-02-2013	Sports	Suring Cruises To Track Sweep; Cops 22 1st Place Marks
05-02-2013	Sports	Bulldog Booster Bash On May 4
05-02-2013	Sports	Coleman Improves To 6-0
05-02-2013	News	Walking Club To Paddle on River
05-02-2013	News	Pound Senior Club Meeting is May 6
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Car, Lightning Cause Outages
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	SC Fire, Rescue Auxiliary May 13
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Ladies Luncheon at Assembly Church
05-02-2013	Community - Wausaukee	Eight Wausaukee Music Students Advance to State
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	Crivitz High School 2013 Graduation Ceremony May 18
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	OWI Task Force Town of Stephenson
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	List Theme for July 4th Parade
05-02-2013	Community - Crivitz	CYI Summer Youth Programs
05-02-2013	Community - Coleman	Smarter Than 5th Grader at Coleman
05-02-2013	Community - Coleman	Pound Senior Club Meeting is May 6
05-01-2013	Front Page	Suspect Will Face Homicide Charges In Marinette County
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Roger C. Winter
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Alfred W. Weissgerber
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Josephine H. VandenBush
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Julius Torzala
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Anna Szkolny
04-25-2013	Obituaries	Sylvin J. Steffes