The Notes: Week of July 19 - July 23, 2021

Hi Neighbors!  Welcome to "Full Council Week."  

There are a couple meetings other than the full council meeting to chat about and I'll mention them below.  But to get straight to the meat of the full council meeting (on Wednesday, 07/21/2021, 7pm).... 

Remember that thing that I've posted about for the last few weeks? Yeah, that item talking about changes to the city's Department of Public Works that I mentioned here, here, and even here.  Well, that item is coming up for approval of the full council this week.  So, please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or other feedback for me in this regard.  At this time, I intend to vote in favor of the revised proposal (see the graphic below) as I think it serves the best balance of 1) the environment, 2) the city staff (those whom we hire and pay to actually *do* the things proposed and whom we must insure against on-the-job injuries), and most of all, 3) fairly serves the overall citizenry of the city without an increase in taxes to continue a service that is currently only utilized to the fullest extent by *some* residents.  

In committee meetings this past week, some amendments to the proposal were floated but none "stuck."  I expect that many would prefer there not to be a two-item/every-other-week limit on bulky item pick-up.  That seems to be the greatest sticking point.  In circumstances which might require that -- examples being a flooded basement or a home fire -- perhaps the city should offer a one-off collection of more than two items from one household.  However, there are a lot of logistical hoops through which to jump for something like that and there are likely far fewer instances of that being needed than one might think.  

I believe that most of us feel slighted in that this is the removal of something we've always gotten "for free."  I think it's helpful to remember that nothing is "for free" and that this plan still allows for *some* "free" pick-up of items... all while helping us protect our waterways (per DNR requirements regarding leaf collection) and while eliminating a problem with contracted snow removal (a problem for which there really is no other solution due to lack of subcontractor bids to do the work required) AND without an increase in property taxes to do so.  On balance, I think it's a fair solution to many problems.  But I look for your feedback, so please share yours!    

Other items of interest on the Wednesday agenda for the Common Council meeting include:

• Special resolutions involving the authorization of the city to sell/issue general obligation promissory notes (10-year) and refunding bonds (10-year for refinancing 2011 revenue bonds to save money and 20-year for financing new projects).  The total estimated savings of the refunding bonds is about a half-million dollars.  These items were presented and discussed at the Finance Committee meeting last week and will be again presented and discussed in a special meeting of the Finance Committee this Wednesday, 07/21/2021, at 6:30pm (just before the meeting of the full council).  I'm very happy that the city is chipping away at some of the old debt that we are carrying and servicing so I intend to vote in favor of these proposals.
  
  
• The proposed reduction in speed limit on French Road north of CTH JJ to the city limits just north of Aquamarine Avenue from 45mph to 35mph.  I believe this is appropriate due to all of the added growth -- and related traffic -- we've seen in this area. 
  
  
• The potential denial of a liquor license for Mr Taco restaurant on South State Street due to allegations and federal drug trafficking charges levied against the ownership of this establishment.  
  
  
• The annexation of a little over an acre of land just south of Ridge Haven Lane and just east of Ballard Road into District 13 in the City of Appleton.  Also in District 13, a request to combine two lots in the Apple Hill Farms subdivision into one lot.  Approval of the latter is needed because the two lots cross a plat boundary (two different plat maps from two different phases of the subdivision development).  Both seem to be good and acceptable actions.  
  
  
• The approval of a brand study for the City of Appleton.  This is *not* approval for the full implementation of a new brand/logo for the city... just the go-ahead for a study to start the ball rolling.  There is a separate line item on the agenda to allocate funds for the whole project (including implementation) as well.  I mentioned the study in this earlier blog post.  Due to an excess in the 2020 general fund balance of the city, there are funds available for this study and for some other city projects (after using 75% of the excess to reduce the city's long-term liabilities, which is the best news of all).  I'm in favor of this initiative as long as it's implemented in a fiscally responsible manner.  We could use a rebranding to help entice more businesses to our city.  This marketing initiative can do a great deal to that end. 
  
  
• The mayor's response to a resolution presented at the last full council meeting regarding the initiation of a study on the city implementing a Transportation Utility.  The mayor's memo can be found here if you are interested in reviewing it before attending or viewing the full council meeting.  The gist of this whole project is that -- as you must know by now -- our current wheel tax is not enough to support the proper funding of road projects for the city and, in its stead, a Transportation Utility tax might be a better and more equitable alternative.  The study, which is needed to determine how this might work for Appleton, will cost approximately $50k-$75k... which the city now has available due to the excess in 2020 general fund mentioned above.  The mayor is recommending that we reallocate a bit of the 2020 excess funds to this study so that we can start the ball rolling right away on this initiative.  I think this is a great plan and am excited to see what the results of the study might be and how a Transportation Utility option might help our city address one of our biggest issues -- our roadways.  I hope there will be much more to come on this.  I will certainly keep you informed!

There are two other meetings on tap this week including a Board of Zoning Appeals meeting on Monday, 07/19/2021, at 7pm.  The board will take up the appeal of the potential buyer of the church on the corner of Bateman and Atlantic Streets downtown.  The buyers would like to change the usage of this building from a church to a "non-profit recreational facility" which would require five off-street parking spaces.  Anyone who's visited this area/this church knows that there are currently not any off-street parking areas available on that property and that this was never an issue for the church.  The usage change from a church to the proposed "recreational facility focusing on photography and video" means the zoning ordinance for those off-street parking spaces must be applied or a variance granted. This is one instance where, due to the age of the neighborhood, a variance might be granted.  But as always... we shall see whether the case can be made and the board members can be convinced!  

The Library Board will also meet this week.  It seems that there was some confusion last week so last week's scheduled meeting did not occur due to lack of a quorum.  Join them or tune in on Tuesday, 07/20/2021, at 4:30pm to hear more about their bill registry, budget report, some small policy updates/changes, and building project updates from both library staff and the project's architectural firm, Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill.  I look forward to hearing the latter and seeing how community input will be coming further into the picture.  Please let me know your thoughts thus far.

I'll finish off today's post with two calendar reminders.  Make sure to set aside time for these important community events!

• Wednesday, 07/28/2021, from 4pm to 6pm: A public input planning meeting for Lundgaard Park will be held at Appleton First Station 6 (next door to the park).  Make your opinions of what you'd like to see in the park known and meet and greet fellow neighbors to hear their ideas as well.   
  
  
• Tuesday, 08/03/2021, from 5pm to 7:30pm: National Night Out event in Vosters Park!  The event will include visits from the Appleton Police and Fire Departments (McGruff will be there!), ABC Pig Roast food truck, Kona Ice kiosk, popsicles and bubbles and sidewalk chalk for kids, a horse-drawn wagon for quiet rides around the neighborhood, and... your friendly neighborhood alderman.  (I know... the latter is the least exciting part of the whole deal.  But I will be there to answer your questions and discuss the goings on in the city should you want to do so.  I really do look forward to seeing District 13 neighbors face-to-face!)

Have a great mid-July week, neighbors!  I look forward to hearing from you on any of the above or anything neighborhood concerns.  Until next time...