At Wednesday evening’s Public Works Committee meeting, the following projects were approved:

♦     A work management/work measurement system with a GPS tracking feature.  Last Wednesday, a special meeting was held wherein the software company answered committee members’ questions.  This system will start being used in August/September of this year.   According to Jan Michalski, this is basically a public works worker tracking device.”  G. John Ruffolo congratulated the Public Works Department for all of their hard work on this project.  Kenosha is the first in the State of Wisconsin to use this system. 

♦     The contract for the Washington Park Velodrome Facility was approved for Rasch Construction in the amount of $374,000.   A new building is part of the project; also, terracing of the hill, additional security lights, steps up the hill, a handicapped ramp, a concession stand and rest rooms, and additional storage.

♦     The Harbor Park Neighborhood Sculpture Walk.  Natalie Strohm spoke on behalf of this project.  They are planning installation of cement foundation pads upon which will stand sculptures donated by local artists.  The pads will be sponsored by a company, business, or organization.  The plan is to have sculptures installed by August 22nd.

Also, at Wednesday’s meeting, the following three summer events were approved:

• The Thunder Run Boat Poker Run the weekend of July 16, 2011.  This is the first year for this event.  Phil Anello of McHenry, Illinois, spoke on behalf of the boat club and its members.   Roughly 60 to 80 boats will be participating in this “organized fun run.”  This was seen by the committee as another great event for the community and a real draw for families who may wish to come out and see the boats.   
• The Harbor Park Jazz & Blues Concert on August 20, 2011.  Tim Mahone of the Mary Lou & Arthur Mahone Fund stated “music and water go together.”  Celebration Place will be used that day.  Various methods of advertising the event were discussed.  The Fund has granted scholarships to 147 youth and has assisted 142 women with breast and cervical cancer issues.  Tickets will be $25.
• Grill Games on August 27, 2011.  Lou Molitor, director of the Kenosha Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke of his vision of the Naperville Rib Fest.  This is the first year for this event in Kenosha.  It will include a BBQ contest, four musical acts, and a family activity area.  Tickets will be $10, if purchased in advance, and the second ticket will be sold at half price.  So, a family of four will be able to have entertainment for the entire day for $15.