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Kevin Fischer is a veteran broadcaster, the recipient of over 150 major journalism awards from the Milwaukee Press Club, the Wisconsin Associated Press, the Northwest Broadcast News Association, the Wisconsin Bar Association, and others. He has been seen and heard on Milwaukee TV and radio stations for over three decades. A longtime aide to state Senate Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature, Kevin can be seen offering his views on the news on the public affairs program, "InterCHANGE," on Milwaukee Public Television Channel 10, and heard filling in on Newstalk 1130 WISN. He lives with his wife, Jennifer, and their lovely baby daughter, Kyla Audrey, in Franklin.
Franklin's "Flower Tax" wilts
Prior to Tuesday’s Franklin Common Council meeting, Alderman Kristen Wilhelm sent me the following:
I received my council packet early Saturday for Tuesdays meeting. Here are a few items that may be of interest.
1.
A resident is requesting the Council adopted a yard ordinance requiring a $100 residential fee and a maintenance plan for planting lawn flowers over 12 inches. This all began as a neighbor dispute and is NOT about the City “promoting wildflowers” as reported in the paper.
The PRESENT, EXTENSIVE ORDINANCE CONTROLS WEEDS. Here is a PORTION of what is ALREADY
Full present code here> http://www.ecode360.com/?custId=FR1719
“All noxious weeds shall be kept cut to a height not to exceed 18 inches, and in platted SUBDIVISIONS which have buildings on more than 50% of the lots, noxious weeds shall be kept cut to a height of not to exceed 6 inches.”
Our taxes already pay for a “weed commissioner” to enforce the above rules. With major budget issues, staff time would be better spent cutting expenses and on managing drainage and road issues, not creating new problems, fees and turning staff into blossom police. Do we need MORE RULES & FEES?
Go here for Council (voting) members if you want to express keeping the current rules and no to more residential fees and more government control over private residential lots.
http://franklinwi.gov/Home/Departments/ElectedOfficials/CommonCouncil.htm
Following Tuesday night’s meeting, Alderman Wilhelm followed up:
Dear Residents,
Here are few additional updates.
MISSING PERSON – The Chief of Police has informed us they are still searching for a gentleman, age 65 who has been missing since Thursday, September 2nd. He left home (Clair Meadows,
BUDGET MEETING - The Mayor will be meeting with Department Heads to discuss their budgets on Wednesday, Sept 15th beginning at 9:30 AM until approximately 3:30 PM. Feel free to stop at City Hall if you are available.
Last night the Franklin Community proved the power in numbers. Due to those who attended and/or took time to voice their opinion to ALL voting members and the Mayor, the requested ordinance requiring a $100 fee and maintenance plan for installing flowers over 12” was defeated by “placing it on file”.
I truly enjoyed the many comments but I was not able to respond before the meeting since I also sit on the earlier scheduled Licensing Committee. However, I did read all of them and have selected a FEW LINES (from the many replies) for your reading.
• Wow, you are kidding?
• It should go into the book of dumb laws.
• Let's deal with the root issue here not over govern.
• Before I react, I need to confirm that this is reality….
• Budgets are tight and in this economy to have someone police “flowers” is just stupid.
• To require municipal involvement when neighbors should work issues out together is a waste of staff time.
• The proposed ordinance is prohibitive, expensive both for the individual gardener and for the community (to approve, monitor and enforce).
Your voices made a difference in defeating the poor “flower tax” request and in keeping the present more sensible procedures in place. Good for you, good for government.
PRIMARY ELECTION REMINDER – VOTE SEPTEMBER 14, 2010 - PARTISAN PRIMARY ELECTION. http://www.franklinwi.gov/Home/Departments/CityClerk/Elections.htm
SEPTEMBER 11TH CEREMONY - ZONE D FIRE DEPARTMENTS @ Boerner Botanical Gardens Whitnall Park 9:00—9:30 AM
JOB OPENING - The City is seeking a part-time Finance Clerk. Visit the www.franklinwi.us for more info.
TRICK OR TREAT - Sunday, Oct 31st 4 - 7 PM
Best,
Kristen
Kristen Wilhelm
3rd District Alderman
City of
City Hall 414.427.7603
kwilhelm@franklinwi.gov
Right on, Alderman!
Bravo!
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