“While we have made great progress since KenoWi.com started in September of 2010, we have not been able to achieve the kind of results that would have allowed us to keep KenoWi.com going as a viable business,”said Darren Hillock, the site’s co-publisher. “We want to thank all of you who became regular readers of KenoWi over the last two plus years. We also want to thank our contributors — especially Margie Gentner and Earlene Frederick — for helping us publish an interesting and timely alternative news source about Kenosha, Pleasant Prairie and Somers. We also appreciate all of the community organizations and government representatives that kept us informed of their activities along the way and the many loyal readers who spread the word about KenoWi.com.

2Hill Media’s other local news website, westofthei.com, is unaffected by this announcement and will continue to cover Western Kenosha County.

Nankin and O’Connell brought renderings of their concept plan:

Schwartz made some introductory comments.  She said that in November, 2011, the property was rezoned for residential purposes.  Then, earlier this month, the property was designated as a tax incremental district (TID) so that it could be redeveloped.  To read the article on that meeting, click here:  “TID Approved for Old KYF Site.”

Nankin gave some information on his work within the Kenosha community.  He has been involved with the apartment building behind Guttormsen’s, the Stationside Village Apartments, Meadowwood Apartments on 30th Avenue, Relo Pointe Condominiums, the Radisson Hotel in Pleasant Prairie, and other office buildings.  He stated that he’s here for the long term.

Nankin then explained the low income housing tax credits (LIHTC).  These are incentives that developers receive for affordable housing.  Then, tax credits are sold to investors and syndicates for cash, which the developer then uses to develop the property.  Stationside Village was just such a property.  In 1991, it cost $9.5 million to develop that property.  It has already run the course of its requirements.  The assessed value now is $6.6 million.  “Without the tax credits, the property would never have been developed,” he said.

To qualify, they must rent 20% of the 46 units to people who earn 60% of the median county income, or 40% of the units to people who earn 50% of the median county income.  The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Department has a set formula for determining the rents, which changes every year.  Nankin gave two examples:  For a family of four earning 50% of the median county income, or $34,800 annually, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment would be $783 per month.  For a family of four earning 60^ of the median county income, or $41,760 annually, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment would be $940 per month.  “This is not low income housing,” he said.  “It’s moderate income housing, affordable housing.  The incomes must not exceed the limits.”

Nankin continued, “Without tax credits, new development wouldn’t be happening across the country.  The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Association (WHEDA) receives tax credits from the U. S. government.  There is an application process every year.  We are getting ready to submit our development proposal (the application needs to be submitted by February 1st).  There are 18 sections to the application, and there is quite an involved scoring process.  It’s better for the developer to have 100% tax credits.  Our proposal for the KYF Building is 20% market rate and 80% affordable housing.  We would score higher with the credits.”

One lady questioned what she heard:  that there were three other developments looking for the same tax credits.  Schwartz said the four were the KYF Project, Virginia Towers, the Wells site on 58th Street and 5th Avenue, and the Heritage House.  “Can all four get them?”  Nankin said that, in theory, yes, it’s possible.  Last year, 74 applications were submitted throughout the state, totaling $48 million of development, and 21 received tax credits.  WHEDA only got $12.5 million from the federal government, basically a 4 to 1 ratio for requests versus tax credits.  Awards are announced in mid-April.  If a buyer is procured by the summer, construction plans and financing would be the next step.  Construction could then begin around this time next year.

He then explained what a TID is, a Tax Incremental Financial Plan.  It gives a developer credits on the increased value of a property, only if the assessed value of the property goes up.  As part of the scoring process, an application could get more points for such a financial plan.  Plus, the old KYF Building is a historical building.  Selling historical tax credits could get additional points.

Michael Remson, who lives in Harbor Park, wanted to know what Plan B was.  “What if tax credits are not given, what then?”  Nankin said that it’s not feasible to develop the property with no market rents.  There is no demand for office use or retail use. There is no Plan B.  I own the building.  If a developer doesn’t get the credits, he would still maintain the building.

Another Harbor Park owner was concerned about her property value.  “Is it better to have the building 20% market and 80% tax credit, or a building with nothing in it?”  Nankin said that it’s better to have the development.  Tax credits allow us to build the building, bring people to downtown, create a spark.  More bars, restaurants, shops, etc.  All areas started just like this.  Bringing in younger people, older people, would create new energy.

O’Connell said that the plan is to have studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.  They plan to preserve the facade of the building and increase the window sizes, with Historic Preservation Commission approval.  They also plan to tear down the 1974 addition and use it for parking, approximately 50 parking spaces.  Other unique features include raquetball courts, two-level apartments, walk-out terraces, a community center, a business center, and a fitness center.  There will be no pool.  The parking will face Library Park, one on the north side by the Kenosha News Building, and one facing Library Park.  They plan on keeping the facade and adding a garage door, which would be accessed up one level or down one level.

A question was raised as to the size of the studio apartment.  It would range from 787 square feet to 1,161 square feet.  “That’s bigger than my apartment in Harbor Park,” one woman said.  The parking deck would contain 51 spaces for 46 apartments.  Nankin also owns the parking lot to the west, so there will be plenty of parking.

O’Connell also spoke of the plans to have a green-built home system.  It will be energy efficient and offer good air quality.  The paints and materials used will promote a healthy environment and efficiency.  All of the lighting will be either LED or fluorescent.  Someone asked about solar heating, but the roof line doesn’t work out for solar panels.  All of these things were seen as good marketing incentives.

The man who owns the 30-unit property across the street asked if a market study was performed to determine the demand for units in downtown Kenosha.  He said that he received his letter from the Kenosha Housing Authority with the 2013 rates.  A one-bedroom would run $625.  “How can Nankin think that he can get $785 for a studio?”  The answer given was that they will follow what the market can bear.  Nankin said that Stationside Village has a 98% occupancy rate right now.  Their lowest rent is $690.

Another concern expressed was shootings in the area.  Nankin replied that they have a zero tolerance for bad residents.  “We are not perfect in screening residents, but we do three screenings:  credit, income, and previous landlord.  It’s an automatic denial if there was a problem with the previous landlord.”  Schwartz said that she asked the chief of police when she first became an alderperson, and he said that there was nothing out of the ordinary happening there.  Schwartz also said that “we need to avoid the us versus them attitude.  The concept is subsidized housing, earned income housing.  We want quality people, and we want to make it affordable for all.”

Schwartz said that it all comes back to the management.  She said that she has more problems with non-owner-occupied housing in her district, not apartment buildings.  Another gentleman said that having the police nearby should add to the safety factor.  Plus, Schwartz said that they have an amazing Neighborhood Watch program in the area.  “With increased businesses come increased taxes, and increased police patrols,” said a new downtown business owner.

Terry Rose, attorney and a county board supervisor, stated that “we can’t fill the downtown with all subsidized housing.  What’s the pubic policy issue?  How many do we have now?  We need diversification here.  The city has no policy.”  Rose stated that he has a real concern for the community.  Schwartz disagreed with Rose.  She said that the city does have a policy.

Merike Phillips, a resident of Library Park, and a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, said that she thought that the building was a beautiful, historic building.  She was happy to see that they planned to preserve the windows.  She liked the paneled rooms.  She thought that that would be a big asset to the rent.  She also stated that she thought that saving the building was critical, and a positive for Library Park.

O’Connell stated that, whenever he drives by the building, he feels bad.  He’d like to see life breathed back into it.  He said, “The concept plan makes one want to think that the building belongs on Park Avenue in New York.  Who wouldn’t want to live there?”

A single mother who is a server at Frank’s Diner and Kaiser’s said that she qualifies for the affordable housing.  She wanted to be the first applicant.  She said that she’d love to live in a nice building.  “It’s a wonderful opportunity to save a historic building.  People need to get rid of the boogie man hiding in their brains,” she said.

Another participant stated that, adding more housing downtown won’t hurt property values.  She lives in Carol Beach, and the value of her property has decreased $35,000.  The market drives property values.  The market tanked five years ago.  There’s no where for it to go but up.  We need to preserve it before we can’t preserve it any longer.  Plus, we need to look at the developer’s record, too.”

A question was raised about the Heritage House.  Schwartz said that, as of right now, it had not been taken over by the county.  It was still owned by the trust.  Both she and another alderperson were pushing for it.  This property was not a WHEDA fit.  If no concept/developer comes along, it may be set up for a raze.

1. Changing the amount of demerit points for second offense Driving Under the Influence (DUI) convictions from 40 to 80 points; and
2. Changing the amount of demerit points for selling to underage persons from 20 points to 40 points.

Once an establishment has accumulated 100 points, they are called to appear in front of the Licensing & Permit Committee.  Bogdala said, “This is a serious issue.  We have alcohol issues in the city of Kenosha.  One strike and you’re out if it were up to me.”

About a month ago, the Common Council removed all quota limitations for Class A license holders.  This means that now, any gas station in the city can apply for a beer/liquor license. Bogdala said, “By opening up licenses all across the city, I hope that we now will be taking a tougher position and holding people accountable. ”

On yesterday’s agenda, there were eight such applications.  Four were approved (Walgreen’s on 80th Street, Save A Lot on 52nd Street, BP Station & Mini Mart on 30th Avenue, Kenosha Fresh Market on 52nd Street), three were deferred for two weeks (Mobil Gas on Sheridan Road, Ayra’s Liquor on 22nd Avenue, and American Plaza Liquor on 75th Street), and one was denied (Grace Citgo on 22nd Avenue).  Click here to read a prior story on this subject:  Liquor License Quota Ends.

Bogdala continued:  “Alderperson Anthony Kennedy always talks about giving second chances.  I can see a person making a mistake once, but I’m not going to tolerate greater than two mistakes.”  The new ordinance takes a hard stance against DUI’s.  He said that he’s spoken to Senator Darling and Representative Ott regarding pending legislation that would change the penalties for DUI’s at the state level.  He wanted to bring those forward to see if the city would support them.  “It’s a positive step in the right direction,” he said.  “It sends a bad message, to have multiple DUI convictions and be a license holder in the city of Kenosha.”

Regarding the underage sale citations, he commented about the social hosting ordinance that was enacted by the city two years ago.  It assesses a person 100 demerit points.  He stated that he felt that the current 20 demerit points, therefore, needed to be raised.  “I’d like to see it higher than 40,” he said.  However, he acknowledged that people make mistakes.

Alderperson Curt Wilson asked Matt Knight, assistant city attorney, to explain the current ordinance further.  The first DUI is a civil violation in the state of Wisconsin.  After the second offense, it becomes a criminal traffic matter, if it is a second offense within ten years of the first.  After the third offense, all DUI’s are counted, whether or not they are within the ten-year time limit.

Wilson also wanted to know if there was any penalty to the person who presented the false identification to the bartender.  Knight replied that yes, that person usually gets two or three citations.

Alderperson Patrick Juliana said that he understands that social hosting is deliberate.  Licensed bartenders must follow the law.  “We will just be inundating the system with more people in it.  I don’t like the demerit system.  The chief and I talked.  I’m not for adding more points for the first time violation.  I’d go with 20, 50, 100 on the third, but not the first time out.  All we have are more regulations, more restrictions.  I’m opposed to anyone operating a vehicle under the influence, but this won’t alleviate the problem.  I just can’t back the amendment to change the points,” he said.

Alderperson Chris Schwartz asked for the police chief’s opinion.  Police Chief John Morrissey said that there are two separate issues here.  One is the 80 points for a criminal conviction.  What we are doing is making it the same for these violations as the Common Council did.  Then, it’s the 40 points for serving.  Once a person has two violations, they have 80 points.  They come before the committee.  The first offense should be 20.  That’s staggering.  Why taken away by previous Common Council.  One hundred points for social hosting, I feel it should be 80.  One is knowing and one is not.  It’s already in the statute.  I would urge approval of the conviction for 80 points.”

Knight said that voting for these two changes “brings consistency back for the different licensees.”

Chairman Jesse Downing said that he didn’t agree with the 40 points for the sale to underage.  With social hosting, you know it.  With the fake ID’s, you need consistency.  I’m not supporting changing that one,” he said.

Then, Juliana said that he was getting confused.  He said that he would like to review it in more detail with Knight in his office.  The committee was not looking at the entire ordinance, only the portions that were being changed.  Juliana said that he’d like to go section by section and then see the inserts.

Bogdala said that he was not a social advocate against alcohol.  This will just link up the ordinances we’ve already done.

Then, Kennedy made a motion to defer.  He said that he intends to support, but he’d like to have the city attorney review the entire ordinance.  He’d like to have all of the committee’s questions answered here.  The next meeting of the Licensing & Permit Committee will be on February 11th.  Bogdala said that he won’t be able to be in attendance.  Wilson said that he could support the deferral.  Bogdala asked for a meeting before the next Common Council meeting on Monday, February 4th.  All were in favor of the deferral.

There was first a motion to defer called by board member Rebecca Stevens.  The roll call vote was 3 to 4.  Those voting against the deferral were board members David Gallo, Bob Nuzzo, Tamarra Coleman, and Mary Snyder.  Then, the roll call vote on the main motion was to adopt, as presented.  The roll call vote was 4 to 3 in favor.  Those voting against were Rebecca Stevens, Jo Ann Taube, and Carl Bryan.  Those voting against said that the reason for their dissenting votes was that they didn’t get all of their questions answered.

Sheronda Glass, assistant superintendent of business services, spoke to the board before their debate started.  She laid out side by side each of the sections of the employee handbook and showed how the 2005 KUSD Personnel Guidebook had the same sections and most of the same policies.  She stated that she was “shocked,” and that it was very surprising to her to hear all of the negative feedback about the handbook.  “Most of these policies have been in place since 1991.”  She also kept stressing that “this is not a collective bargaining agreement.  People are saying that the handbook is not complete.  It is complete.  People are used to a collective bargaining agreement, tenure, etc.  Act 10 left us all in a position to make a decision.  Yes, some things have been added, but they’re there for the protection of all of us.”

Many speakers took the podium for the first hour and a half of the meeting.  The focus of many of the speakers was the employee handbook.

Views and Comments by the Public

Sue Pagliaroni said that she was an advocate for the students.  She was concerned about the number of children in class, the multi-grades in the classroom, the special needs students in the classes, honors classes, the cap on credits, the gag order, and not having a paper on student discipline.  She mentioned the puppet school board members and the fact that the time is coming soon to elect new members.  She was all for the hard working teachers.

Joe Kiriaki, the executive director of the Kenosha Education Association (KEA), said that there had been no meaningful discussion of the review of the handbook.  He suggested sitting down and discussing it with the board.  He stated that “there was no urgent need to adopt the handbook at this time.  Other districts are collaborating.  Just cause, discipline, and termination should be included, just like in the superintendent’s contract.  The KEA requests a meeting and to delay the decision until that meeting occurs.”

Scott Farnsworth wanted to set the record straight.  He said that they did not have input, like it said in the morning paper.  He said that he attended one meeting where they reviewed survey data and options.  President Knapp attended two meetings.  President Snyder said that all groups were represented.  “That’s just like saying that a turkey was represented in the plans for Thanksgiving dinner, how best to serve.”  He stated that he had a good ending, but his time was cut short.

Jill Eckert spoke about the honors distinction program.  She has an 8th grader at Lance Middle School, and she mentioned the overfilled classrooms with varied levels of learning.  She challenged anyone who is not watching out for the best interest of their children.

Gib Ostman, former teacher and board member, stated that Governor Walker did this to all Wisconsin education.  He said that “{the handbook is reaching havoc with teachers.  People will leave in droves.  Teachers are not appreciated like they were in the past.”

Bill Hittman, principal of Lakeview Technology Academy, said that he read the entire handbook, and he has read the handbook of other districts.  He thanked the board for doing something where other districts hired attorneys to write their handbooks.

Aaron Freeman, a sophomore at Tremper High School, called for more resources for advanced students, not “just pushing from the bottom.”  He spoke of “watered-down education” and the fact that there are no consequences for wrongdoing in the schools.  He stated that he has a genuine worry about the future.  He wanted smaller classroom size, and he was pleading for change.

Brandon Felkowski, a 7th grader, called for ability grouping, like last year.  With families in elementary school, and grouping by ability in middle school, it discourages high achievers.

Dan Hunt thanked the last two speakers.  He stated that many KUSD students are undereducated.  “It’s a waste of human potential.”  He said that he supported the employee handbook, even though it was not perfect.  He stated that he thought it was a step in the right direction.  He wanted to see the district treat all classes of employees with respect, and he wanted input from all sectors.  “We all should have the same vision, to maximize the brilliance of all students.”

Greg Retzloff stated that he didn’t think there was anything special in the employee handbook.  “It’s vanilla,” he said.  “There’s nothing different.  People are having anxiety, but there is federal, state law, civil service law, an employee assistance program.  It doesn’t limit the rights of employees.  No one has input on an employee handbook in the private sector.  The union folks are trying to create chaos and use straw man tactics.  It’s not productive.”

Kathy Lusiak said that the employee handbook was disturbing.  Employees deserve better.  She stated that she didn’t see any reason to rush the vote.

Robert Wells, KUSD’s coordinator of fine arts, changed the topic.  He spoke of the play “Dessa Rose,” which was shown to all juniors and seniors across the district last week in commemoration of Kindness Week.  “The product that KUSD is turning out is phenomenal.  We must always think of the kids,” he said.

Varlen Gascoigne wanted to know why his granddaughter was chewed out in front of her class by the Roosevelt school principal for the comments he made at last month’s meeting.  President Mary Snyder asked him to please call Dr. Hancock and talk about the issue privately.

Kyle Flood said that he read the employee handbook, and he thought it would be 100% irresponsible to vote in favor of it.  He said it was incomplete because there were no benefits/salaries mentioned in it.  He was also concerned about the well-being of the district and mentioned an eight-page document he wrote with recommendations for academic strategies and policies, which he named, “My Plan to Put KUSD On Top.”  He provided copies to all of the board members.

Jack Bernthal, executive director of the Racine Education Association, was there to support the KEA.  He stated that “Act 10 undermines the education system, but one thing Act 10 can’t change was the relationship we choose to have with each other.”  He urged the board to keep collaboration going and treat the teachers with respect, and reject the handbook.

Frank Patterson said that he thought the handbook was a slap in the face to teachers.  He said that it scared them, and that it was arbitrary and capricious.  “If you don’t work harmoniously with others, you can be fired.  Teachers are running scared.”

Jarred Sturich, a seventh grader, spoke about honors classes and groupings of classes.  He said that students act out in class, and that it was not working very well.  “My brilliance is not being maximized,” he said.

Thuy Patterson gave an emotional plea.  She said that she didn’t feel appreciated as a teacher.  She read a poem called, “Results and Roses,” and said that teachers feel like dirt.  She said that her passion for teaching has been sucked out of her.

Mike Fricassi spoke about the honors program.  His son Brandon, spoke earlier.  He took pre-algebra in 7th grade, and had to take it again in 8th grade.  He is not learning anything new.  Course work is not challenging.  He stated that elementary school students were being grouped by ability; why not in the middle school?

Sonny Hilton-Stanley spoke about seniority and unions.  “Seniority kept me here.  This job offers stability and continuity.”  She stated that she was not asked about her input regarding expeditionary learning or the family system, even though she had experience with both early in her career.

Ann Knapp, president of the KEA, spoke about her service on the Calendar Committee.  She stated that she was made to believe she was part of it.  She never received a copy of the calendar.

President’s Report

Mary Snyder talked about Kindness Week events, and the fact that change needs to start with the adults in the audience.  She gave an overview and timeline of the work on the handbook, which started in August of last year.  She stated that 1,707 KUSD employees took the survey and provided feedback.  Sub-committees were formed, and reports were provided to the board.  Attorney Susan Love made changes to the handbook after every meeting.

Superintendent’s Report 

Hancock wanted everyone to look to the future, 2013/2014.  She said that they would be adding resources for the first time.   “We are not in worse financial shape, but better than we were two years ago.  We made $61 million dollars worth of budget cuts in the last two years.”  She stated that other changes would be coming, like removing the requirement for high school students to take seminar.  An eight-block day was no longer necessary, but a full instructional day would be re-instituted.  They are going to eliminate the credit cap, redesign classes, and have year-long match and science.

In the middle schools, they will be introducing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) course.  They will partner with Gateway on “Project Lead the Way” to supplement the curriculum for accelerated learners.  They will continue Algebra I for all eighth graders, and pre-algebra for seventh graders.

In the elementary schools, they will be reducing class sizes, maintaining Rosetta Stone, a multi-age, family structure which will accelerate learning for all.  “But, we need funding,” she said.  With Tony Evers’ Fair Funding Proposal, we hope to add positions where needed.  “Organizations grow and change.  Schools need to be different.  All of us need to understand the budget.  We all want the same things.  Hard decisions had to be made.  We need to continue to move forward in a positive and pro-active manner,” she said.

Consent Agenda

The items on the consent agenda were approved unanimously:  the recommendations concerning appointments, leaves of absence, retirements, and resignations, and the minutes from previous meetings.  Board member Carl Bryan wanted the third item, the summary of receipts, wire transfers, and check registers, pulled.  It was then dealt with at the end of the meeting.  He was questioning payments made to a consultant.

Old Business

A resolution opposing voucher expansion was approved unanimously.  Nuzzo said that he is planning to hand deliver the resolution to Madison.

The policy and rule regarding access to public records was, according to Sheronda Glass, taken verbatim from the state statute.  This first reading was also approved unanimously.

Kris Keckler, executive director of information and accountability, provided information on open enrollment.  Next Monday, February 4th, starts the window for open enrollment.  This policy and rule was unanimously approved.

Patrick Finnemore, director of facilities, fully supported the termination of the Simmons Field lease and the sub-lease with the American Legion.  This was also unanimously approved.

New Business

Keckler stated that the district is taking a conservative approach to open enrollment allocations for the 2013/2014 school year.  There were 111 applications last year.  By mid-summer, it was down to 78 students, and on the first Friday counts, only 14 students had actually enrolled.  “It’s a gamble,” he said.  “We assign staffing allocations based on this.  There is more uncertainty because the window has been expanded from three weeks to three months.”  This was approved unanimously by the board.

There was much discussion on the employee handbook, which was very briefly summarized at the beginning of this article.  Board member Bob Nuzzo made the motion to approve, even though he stated that it “disturbs him greatly to see one of our valuable resources, our teachers, disturbed.”   He also stated that handbooks never include wage or any specifics on health benefits, and that this was not a labor contract.  “This is how you are supposed to act in front of kids and how you are to treat people.  This is a good product,” he said.

Board member Tamarra Coleman said that she was not aware of the guideline book, and she asked for a copy so that she could do her own comparison.  She asked about the job posting system and personal searches.  Board member Jo Ann Taube asked about searching personal cell phones and vested interests in retirement.  Glass responded that they are not taking any benefits away.  Any changes in health care benefits, etc., would have to come to the board for approval since they were based on the budget.  Snyder did her best keeping people within their five-minute and then three-minute periods of time to speak.

Board member Rebecca Stevens wanted to add the school board to the part about being responsible along with the superintendent.  She also wanted to add “bullying” to harassment.

Board member Carl Bryan echoed his sentiments on the process.  He wanted to put off the vote until the health care bids had gone out.  He also stated that the end of the window for retirements was March 15th.  “If a person is 55, we’re doing an injustice to them to not provide the chance.”  Glass countered that people already have a glimpse of how much money they will receive in retirement.

Bryan said it was frustrating.  “We are the board of directors of the largest employer in the county, and I want to err on the side of transparent communication.”  He said that he didn’t feel that they met with employees enough.

Board member David Gallo said that he got all of his questions answered, and he gave his time to Taube.  She said that she thought that the committees put together to work on the employee handbook were just “window dressing.”  She said that they had no real involvement.  She thought it would make it easier for employees is there was some cross-referencing of things.  She was cut off from any further remarks due to time.

Coleman said that she felt involved in her work on the Staffing and Classification Committee.  Bryan said that the board was accountable to the public, and he wanted more time to review it before being pushed unilaterally.  Glass said that the board has a responsibility to make sure that their hands are not tied.  That is why the details are omitted.  Bryan said that he wanted to fulfill the mission statement to the district, not strike fear.  He didn’t want to push on the first reading.

Stevens agreed with Bryan.  She said that yes, this was a public entity, not a private one.  Taxpayers want to be informed.  Accountability is the bottom line.  “It deserves more discussion.  Why can’t we take time?  Why form the committees when we didn’t use the information?”

Snyder commented that we need to start moving forward with Act 10.   “We have lots of other work to do.  Benefits have to be sent out to bid.  We need to discuss salaries, etc.  We need to start with this completed.”

Nuzzo then moved to end the debate and call the question.  He was then the last speaker.  He said that this is a new direction for the school district, and that they had a superior superintendent.  He stated that the handbook will help us.  Stevens stated that she didn’t feel that she got all of her questions answered.  Taube wanted to know if the motion was debatable.  She was told it was not.  It was a simple majority vote, and the vote to end the debate was 4 to 3.  Those voting against were Stevens, Taube, and Bryan.  The other two voted are mentioned above.

After the votes, the donations to the district were then read by Snyder, and the meeting was adjourned.

In a photograph a young woman holds up a sign that reads, “A man robbed me and put a knife to my kid’s neck.” With her hair pulled back in a practical ponytail and chips evident in her brightly colored fingernail polish, the young woman poses purposely for the camera. But is her message a plea for help, some kind of message the viewer is supposed to act upon?  Written in chalk on black construction paper, this chilling statement is a response to seemingly simple request:  Describe an incident that changed you. The request, stark response, and subsequent photograph are all part of a “chalk talk” workshop conducted at the Kenosha Literacy Council.

This young woman is one of dozens of participants who had their photographs taken as they shared ideas about life, self-identity, and the things that really matter to them for a project called “Chalk Talk Kenosha.”  “Chalk Talk Kenosha” is a community art project inspired by the documentary photography of Minneapolis artist Wing Young Huie, who is known for public exhibitions of photographs that document the socioeconomic and cultural realities of contemporary American society.  His images often appear in storefront windows, on buses, or spread across the sides of buildings in the neighborhoods near where they are captured.

In November of 2011, a selection of Huie’s photographic works were exhibited in the new University of Wisconsin–Parkside Fine Arts Gallery at the opening of the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities. The artist was a great fit for UW–Parkside, which draws students from the urban corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Huie pioneered the chalk talk technique as a way of allowing his photographic subjects to express themselves beyond the typical portrait. He begins the process with a blank slate, some white chalk, and a set of provocative questions for his subjects, such as:

• What are you?
• How do you think others see you?
• What don’t they see?
• What advice would you give to a stranger?
• What is your favorite word?
• Describe an incident that changed you.
• How have you been affected by race?

Working one-on-one with people while shooting in neighborhoods or in workshops, Huie’s chalk talk questions illicit quick responses that, whether philosophical or playful, are downright remarkable.  During a three-day residency at UW–Parkside that ran in conjunction with his fall 2011 exhibition, Huie shared his collection of photographs and facilitated chalk talk workshops on campus, at the local Boys and Girls Club, and at three local high schools.

After Huie’s visit to Bradford High School, Tremper High School, and Harborside Academy, inspired teachers decided to create their own chalk talk assignments for students to do during the winter and spring. Over the next few months, the participants in all of the related programs generated the one hundred fifty photographs that are today known as “Chalk Talk Kenosha.”

The photographs for “Chalk Talk Kenosha” produced by students working in pairs remind us that high school is a time for philosophical thinking. One young man wearing headphones holds the message, “I am what I make of myself.”  Another tells us, “I am much more than laziness will let me be.” A girl poses behind her bicycle, giving the impression that she is behind bars. She holds a message that reads, “Sometimes I feel like I’m in jail.”

Many of the high school students captured people they encountered on the street in their portraits. These “chalk talks” are special because they document positive encounters between people who are strangers, reminding us that art can expand personal boundaries and create a stronger sense of community.

The Boys and Girls Club teens found the project to be an opportunity to speak seriously about their lives. Among the most moving images in “Chalk Talk Kenosha” comes from a boy wearing glasses in response to the question, “What are you?”  “I am a rook in the chessboard of life.” Barely in his teens, the young man is beginning to exert control over his own life, while understanding that there are many forces that are still beyond his control.

All these images would have been at best an exercise in self-reflection
had it not been for the efforts of Francisco Loyola and ExposeKenosha, an independent art showcase that provides local artists with alternative ways to promote their works.  ExposeKenosha helped bring the images into the community by arranging exhibition space in downtown Kenosha.

Printed as laminated 18-by-24-inch prints, the photographs were taped inside the street-side windows of over forty businesses in downtown Kenosha, including coffee shops, restaurants, clothing stores, and more.  The Kenosha Public Museum, Kenosha Journal Times, and the Kenosha Area Business Alliance (KABA) all participated in this community exhibition as well.

By challenging children and teens to reveal the depth of their awareness and intelligence, the community’s assumptions about these young people are in turn challenged. In this way, “Chalk Talk Kenosha” reflects both literally and figuratively the mix of social, economic, ethnic perspectives found in Kenosha’s diverse population.

This is perhaps the most moving aspect of this collaborative endeavor because it effectively illuminates the racial and socioeconomic disparity that is a part of everyday life in the city. ‘“Chalk Talk Kenosha’ represents a powerful visual representation of the core mission of the College and the new Rita Tallent
Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities, which is to creatively bring members of the campus and community together around engaging educational, artistic, and cultural events,” says UW–Parkside College of Arts and Humanities Dean, Dr. Dean Yohnk.

The “Chalk Talk Kenosha” photographs were displayed on the walls of the UW–Parkside Fine Arts Gallery during the summer months, and a selection of the photographs are now exhibited in the hallways of Bradford High School, one of the participating schools.  Designed to be a flexible exhibition that is easy and inexpensive to show, many of these photographs can be seen at the
new senior citizens home in Kenosha.

Here are more pictures:

Visit www.parksidegallerynews.com/category/chalk-talk-kenosha
for more information on “Chalk Talk Kenosha.”

(This article was written by Patricia Briggs and appeared in the Fall 2012 issue of Wisconsin People & Ideas.)

To see the pictures of the exhibit in Madison, click on the Facebook page below:  “Chalk Talk Kenosha in Madison.”

The exhibit will be on display in the capitol building until February 9th.

Kenosha police chief John Morrissey spoke as a citizen and in his official capacity as police chief as well.  As a citizen, he said that he didn’t understand what problem the ordinance was trying to fix.  The ordinance basically says that a person’s dog or cat can’t be tied up in the front yard unless the dog or cat is with the owner.  He stated that his own home abuts an alley.  He sees problems with this ordinance as a citizen and a taxpayer, and he urged the committee to deny it.

Then, Morrissey spoke as a staff member and as the police chief.  He stated that he felt that the ordinance needed a lot of work in order to pass.  All homes with invisible fences are not even addressed, as well as homes in older neighborhoods with alleys.  “This presents a unique issue,” he said.  “Plus, there are neighborhoods and subdivisions in the western part of the city that have covenants that don’t allow fences.  There are problems with this ordinance.  And, again, I’m not sure what problem the ordinance is trying to fix.”

Alderperson David Bogdala concurred with Morrissey.  He stated that he hosted two neighborhood meetings last week with two different associations, and this ordinance was brought up.  He stated that this ordinance conflicts with covenants on the west side.  “How will this redefine what our neighborhoods will look like?  What fence materials are mentioned?” he asked.  He expressed his reservations and issues.  He also mentioned his discussions with the Kenosha Animal Hospital and the Humane Society regarding “tethering” animals, and he said that he had serious reservations about that.

Bogdala also mentioned that he was working on an ordinance regarding animal cruelty, and that if this ordinance passed, it would be in conflict with his proposed ordinance.  He recommended denial, not deferral.  And, like Morrissey, he wanted to know what problem the ordinance was trying to fix.  He was more for coming up with workable solutions to whatever problem there was.  “This will be devastating to the neighborhoods in Kenosha,” he said.  Bogdala said later in the meeting that he was waiting for review of his proposed ordinance, and then he would be sending it to the chair for the next public safety and welfare committee meeting agenda.

Margaret Heller said that he is a resident near the South Port Beach House, and there are twenty cats in her neighborhood.  She said that she thought the ordinance was “laughable” and “silly.”

Alderperson Anthony Kennedy made a motion to defer the proposed ordinance change for 45 days.  He stated that he received a call from the primary sponsor.  He also said that, when he first saw this ordinance proposal, he was excited.  He thought it had to do with animal cruelty prevention.  But, when he read it more thoroughly, he said, “What the hell is this?”  Gordon pulled it from the Common Council agenda so that he could have more time to talk to the chief regarding some of the issues.  Kennedy said that he thought it had to do with cruelty, but it’s really just a safety issue to passersby.

Alderperson Michael Orth said that the proposed ordinance change needs a lot of work.  He said that he understands the real issue.  He spoke of his younger days as a Kenosha News paperboy, and how he steered clear of a big black dog when delivering papers.  He asked about people who live on a corner lot.  They wouldn’t have anywhere to put their dog.  “Three-foot-high fences are horrendous,” he said.  “It doesn’t fix the problem.  He said that he would support the 45-day deferral.  If the deferral was voted down, then he stated that he would vote no.

Vice chairman Chris Schwartz said that she was supporting the deferral.  Gordon pulled the ordinance to work on it further.

Alderperson Kevin Mathewson said that he agreed with Orth.  “This is not in order.  There is nothing good in it.”  He asked the police chief if he was aware of any dog-related attacks or crimes, and the police chief said that he was not.  Mathewson said that he would like to see the ordinance started over from scratch, rather than deferred.  He urged his fellow committee members to vote it down tonight.  He would rather punish responsible dog owners, and deny this ordinance change.  “I don’t want to take away the rights of property owners, dog owners,” he said.

Alderperson Rocco LaMacchia stated that he agreed with the denial.  He said that the chief doesn’t think it’s needed.  He stated that he’s against deferring it for 45 days.

Kennedy said that he wants to avoid a debate on the Common Council floor.  “Forty-five days allows us time to lobby the sponsor to pull it.  And, secondly, there should be no discussion there.  It should be done here, at the committee level.  Don’t waste the time and effort of the Common Council.  The questions should come out at the committee level, not at the Common Council.”

The vote for the 45-day deferral failed.  The vote was 3 to 2.  The motion regarding the proposed ordinance change was denied unanimously.

_____________

UPDATE:  January 29, 2013, 2:15 pm – The writer received a call from Mayor Keith Bosman saying that there was an error in the agenda for the Public Safety & Welfare Committee Meeting.  This agenda item had been pulled from the Common Council meeting, and it should not have been referred to the committee, and it should not have appeared on the committee’s agenda.  Alderperson Scott Gordon was not ready for the item to be referred.  Bosman said that the issue was a moot point until one of the authors may decide to reintroduce it.

Temperatures have been rising all day, with the current temperature at Kenosha Regional Airport at 41 at about 2:35 p.m.

But it’s not stopping there. Tuesday’s high is forecast to be 59. Showers are likely and even a thunderstorm possible.

After reaching that unseasonable high, the temperature is then expected to make an unseasonable plunge, with the high on Thursday reaching just 17 and the low a bitter 4.

Saturday and Sunday, temps should be back to a seasonable high 20′s.

Smetana, most recently with the Racine Police Department, was the choice from a field of 34 applicants. He is reporting for duty today.

Here is the rest of the statement:

Following the July 2012 retirement of Police Chief Brian J. Wagner, the Village of Pleasant Prairie initiated a national search for the next Chief of Police. Out of 34 applicants who met minimum requirements, eight candidates were selected to interview with a professional review panel. The professional review panel consisted of Police Chiefs from Burlington, Mount Pleasant and Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. Written tests and evaluations were given, and interviews were conducted based on a long list of criteria identified for the position. Based on the outcome of the interviews and tests, the review panel recommended three candidates for consideration to Pleasant Prairie’s Police and Fire Commission. Two of the three candidates are currently members of the Pleasant Prairie Police Department. The Police and Fire Commission, which is responsible for appointing the Chief, then interviewed the three candidates prior to making their final selection. Based on the outcome of the tests and interviews with both the professional review panel and the Police and Fire Commission, the position has been offered to David Smetana. Smetana became a member of the City of Racine Police Department in 1983 and served in progressive roles throughout his career. He most recently served as Deputy Chief of the Patrol Division. Smetana holds a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Session 233. Smetana has experience with: the patrol division, internal affairs, technology, gang unit, sensitive crimes, street crimes, drug unit, special weapons team, and crisis negotiation. Pleasant Prairie Village Administrator Mike Pollocoff explained, “David Smetana will bring an extensive skill set to a department that has already demonstrated success as one of the most performance-oriented, productive and community-focused departments in the State. The Commission’s selection was based on Smetana’s 30 years of progressive experience, his interview scores with the professional review panel, and his interview with the members of the Police and Fire Commission.” Pollocoff added, “I concur with the Commission’s selection. I believe David Smetana will provide outstanding leadership to a highly dedicated and professional team that is already known for their excellent performance.” Smetana is reporting for duty on Monday, January 28.

Note: TJ Tactical is a westofthei.com sponsor. — DH

TJ Tactical is currently offering classes to anyone who is interested in obtaining a Wisconsin Concealed Carry Permit. These classes are open to all skill levels.

The WI Concealed Carry Permit Class is taught to Wisconsin Department of Justice Guidelines.

Classes taught by certified WI DOJ Firearms Instructor.

For the basic Concealed Carry Permit class no shooting is required.

Concealed carry class is a 4 hour class which covers the training requirements that you need to obtain your WI Concealed Carry Permit.

Class participants will receive a certificate at the completion of the class which they will need to send to the state along with $50 to receive their Concealed Carry Permit.

Cost of class is $89 which includes all necessary class materials. A class is scheduled for Feb. 23 at VFW Post 1865 at 6618 39th Ave., Kenosha.

To register for a class click here or call  262-705-5641 or email TJTactical@ymail.com.

/Earlene Frederick photo

A Kenosha home was damaged by fire early this morning.

The incident was initially reported at a little before 12:30 a.m. as smoke in a house. Dispatch followed up with a report that there were flames visible outside and that occupants were evacuating.

Kenosha Fire Department units arrived at the home in the 6100 block of 69th Street at about 12:30 a.m. The front of the house was on fire.

/Earlene Frederick photo