Mike Norton-District20

PEOPLE FIRST PICNIC--INVITE TO ALL

2009-06-20T23:44:00.002-05:00

Hey here is a great event that fairly inexpensive and can help a great organization.

THE EVENT : PEOPLE FIRST BIRTHDAY PICNIC
WHEN : SATURDAY JUNE 27
WHERE : SOUTH PARK GAZEBO FROM 11 AM TO 2 PM
COST AD PRE-REG : $5 -PRE-REGISTER BY WED. JUNE 24 COST INCLUDES A BEVERAGE
AND A SANDWICH (HAM-TURKEY OR BEEF )
Arc-Winnebago County Disability Association, Inc.
115 Washington Ave., Suite A
Oshkosh, WI 54901
920-236-9230 office
920-236-8830 fax

CONTACT : BOB POESCHL AT

Our new Oshkosh CITY COUNCIL PERSON HAROLD BUCHHOLZ

2009-05-26T22:31:00.003-05:00

Well by a 4-2 vote the city council picked HAROLD BUCHHOLZ for the open council seat. Interesting choice. I mean that in a very positive way. While he is no totally new-he does serve on a current city board/commission -he is a fresh face to the council.

He willing to work with others and he and the others will have to solve the issues that will confront the issues the rest of the year. He had a very good presentation and truly went after the position-congrats to him.

A POLL FOR YOU- WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO FILL THE OPEN COUNCIL SEAT ?

2009-05-24T12:54:00.003-05:00

PICK ONE --ONE OF THE MANY FINE OSHKOSH AREA BLOGGERS HAD TO DO IT
I FIGURED WHY NOT I BE THE FIRST.

FIFTEEN- FIFTEEN COUNT THEM FIFTEEN APPLICANTS

2009-05-23T22:22:00.003-05:00

Wow !! And then there where 15 count them 15 applicants for the open city council position to be decided on Tuesday night's city council meeting. Thats nearly the same number of people who ran when I ran for the position in that wild crowded primary four years ago.

I was considering applying for it myself but that was when I thought only a small handful like 4-6 would apply. If all 15 take 5 minutes to present their case it will take over hour to decide this. Probably it take 2 hours or more for the council to decide the matter if they can that night.

I think it will be a very interesting discussion by the council or maybe it will not. Meaning how comfortable will they be to talk about the various applicants before they vote.

I wonder how many votes it will take to get 4 votes to decide the matter. Will it take as many as used to take national political parties to decide their nominee for President.

How many ballots will it take to decide the matter?? I think Palmeri,McHugh, and Poeschl are key votes.

It could be very interesting Tuesday some interesting things could be said and brought up. I think Cummings and Hintz are favorites but there are a couple of new faces who interesting applications that I hope the whole council consider seriously.

HERE WE GO AGAIN RE: COUNTY BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 207-52009 ON THE AGENDA FOR WINN.CTY BOARD MEETING-5-20-2009

2009-05-17T13:45:00.004-05:00

They tried at last weeks City Council meeting and have been trying at nearly every local governing board they can. Who are they they are the Wisconsin Alliance of Cities. The issue there attempt to defeat what Governor Doyle is attempting to do with proposed in this years state budgets that deal with prevailing wage rate laws.

The Oshkosh City Council defeated it last week I plan on voting AGAINST this bill and hope the county board defeats this resolution.

Prevailing wage means it will guarantee those working on government projects will be given a good and living wage. This language is not just for "union" workers as some make it out to be. This will help all workers not just union workers.

This also does not hurt a small company as some suggests all companies must abide and fill out the forms in order to apply projects that the prevailing wage must be used.

I urge you to call your supervisor before Tuesday nights meeting to tell him how you feel and hopefully that is to defeat resolution No.207-52009.

The Wisconsin Alliance of Cities have been taking this resolution to every governing board to get support. This was not an idea that came form Wisconsin Counties Association or from one of my fellow supervisors. Defeat the resolution and hopefully any and all governing bodies will defeat like the city of Oshkosh did last Tuesday night.

AGENDA FOR WINN. COUNTY BOARD SPECIAL ORDERS MEETING FOR MAY 5,2009- INTERESTING ITME ON THE AGENDA

2009-05-02T21:25:00.007-05:00

I have posted the agenda for Tuesday Special Orders Meeting of the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors. This basically an informational meeting. But one item on the agenda of interest to some will be the Update on West Side Arterial Project and County Highway I Design given by Highway Commissioner John Haese. As many of you know over a hounded people showed up at last Tuesday's City Council meeting to speak on this matter and I as well city council members have been getting letters and e-mails on this subject.

SPECIAL ORDERS SESSION
WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

There will be an Adjourned Meeting of the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m., in the Supervisors’ Room, Fourth Floor, Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At this meeting, the following will be presented to the Board for its consideration:

*Roll Call
*Pledge of Allegiance
*Invocation
*Adopt agenda
Time will be allowed for persons present to express their opinion on any resolution or ordinance that appears on the agenda.

*Reports from Committees, Commissions & Boards
*Chairman’s Report

1. Update on West Side Arterial Project and County Highway I Design – John Haese, Highway Commissioner

2. Overview of Child Support Agency – Kathleen Diedrich, Child Support Director

3. Swine Flu – Doug Gieryn, Public Health Department Director
4. – Jim Eagon, Assistant Dean for Administrative Services, UW Fox Communication Arts Project Update Valley
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Rabe, Deputy
Winnebago County Clerk
(920) 236-4890
Upon request, provisions will be made for people with disabilities
(Times provided are estimates. Any item on the agenda may be taken up by the Board after 6:00 P.M

2009-05-02T21:25:00.001-05:00

SPECIAL ORDERS SESSION
WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

There will be an Adjourned Meeting of the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m., in the Supervisors’ Room, Fourth Floor, Winnebago County Courthouse, 415 Jackson Street, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At this meeting, the following will be presented to the Board for its consideration:

*Roll Call
*Pledge of Allegiance
*Invocation
*Adopt agenda
Time will be allowed for persons present to express their opinion on any resolution or
ordinance that appears on the agenda.
*Reports from Committees, Commissions & Boards
*Chairman’s Report

1. Update on West Side Arterial Project and County Highway I Design – John Haese, Highway Commissioner
2. Overview of Child Support Agency – Kathleen Diedrich, Child Support Director
3. Swine Flu – Doug Gieryn, Public Health Department Director
4. Communication Arts Project Update – Jim Eagon, Assistant Dean for Administrative Services, UW Fox Valley
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Rabe, Deputy
Winnebago County Clerk
(920) 236-4890
Upon request, provisions will be made for people with disabilities
(Times provided are estimates. Any item on the agenda may be taken up by the Board after 6:00 P.M

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future-April 2009

2009-05-02T21:17:00.002-05:00

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future newsletter on tax policy

Citizens for a Strong Oshkosh host meeting on state revenue options

Winnebago County elected officials, local labor union leaders, priests and pastors, business leaders and retired community leaders met for breakfast on April 23rd to talk about how state tax changes might benefit the greater Oshkosh community. Over 45 leaders from the Oshkosh area attended the first major forum sponsored by the Citizens for a Strong Oshkosh (CSO) to review and discuss state revenue in relation to local services and property taxes. IWF Research Director Jack Norman presented a variety of ways to expand the revenue base for state government and how they might increase state aid to communities and reduce reliance on property tax to fund local public structures. There were lively discussions among groups after the presentation. CSO plans to hold further meetings to see if this diverse group can agree on recommendations to state policymakers.

Federal recovery bill provides $5.2 billion in tax benefits for Wisconsin taxpayers

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides a $787 billion dollar economic plan to pull the American economy out of its deep recession including tax cuts to businesses and individuals. The ARRA includes $5.2 billion in tax benefits for Wisconsin taxpayers. For individuals, the changes in tax law will provide an estimated $4.6 billion in federal tax savings to Wisconsin taxpayers over the next three years (FY 2009-2011). Wisconsin businesses will receive an estimated $561 million in federal tax savings by the end of 2011. The largest benefit to individual taxpayers in Wisconsin comes through the Marking Work Pay Credit distributed primarily through reduced withholdings for tax years 2009 and 2010. This will equal $400 per year for individuals and $800 for married couples filing jointly. In tax year 2009, 2.3 million Wisconsin taxpayers (81% of all taxpayers) will receive a total of $1.15 billion from this credit, with the average credit equaling $506. Other benefits for Wisconsinites include a one-time $250 federal payment to retirees, disabled individuals, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, increased Earned Income Tax Credits, an increase in the Child Tax Credit to $1,000 per child and reduced federal taxes for Unemployment Compensation.

See the Special Report section of the Wisconsin Economic Outlook from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue http://www.dor.state.wi.us/ra/0903/0903econ.pdf

Wisconsin School districts forced to make severe cutbacks

Eau Claire School Board eliminates 40 jobs; makes $2 million in cuts

The Eau Claire School Board cut more than 40 jobs to save $1.8 million next year. In total the board voted on 10 items that will save the district more than $2 million. That money will help with next year's projected $4.1 million budget deficit. It was a packed house at district headquarters; many of the people in the audience wore yellow to show their support for the 35 support staff and school assistants whose jobs were on the line.The president of the classified support staff says she's in shock over the cuts."Extremely disappointed and disheartened. Classified staff affect every piece of business in schools. They have an effect on the classroom, in the office, they meet with parents. I'm just extremely disappointed. I think our schools are going to look so much different next year and the children aren'tgoing to receive the education they have in the past," Classified Support Staff President Bev Christianson said after the vote. http://www.weau.com/home/headlines/42530292.html

Wausau School Board OKs budget cuts
Wausau School Board members used their voices and their votes to speak on the harmful effects $2.44 million in budget cuts will have on students next school year. Board members voted 7-1 in favor of the budget reductions, which will result in full or partial layoffs for educators in many levels of the district. This year's cuts will result in the equivalent of 11 positions lost at Wausau East and West high schools. The cuts also reach into the middle and elementary schools, with losses to reading programs and programs geared toward keeping down class sizes, said board member John Ostertag. Ostertag said the cuts upset him as a board member, a Wausau citizen and as a former teacher. "The only way we as a whole are going to make it is if our kids make it," he said. http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20090310/WDH0101/903100545/0/WDH0501

Oshkosh cuts 39 teachers

Despite protests by parents and students, Oshkosh Area School District administrators sent initial layoff notices to 39 teachers to reduce the school budgets and reconcile a looming $2 million deficit. http://www.clipsyndicate.com/publish/video/884727/oshkosh_teacher_layoffs

Paris Wisconsin school district may dissolve

The Paris School Board voted Thursday to consider dissolving their school district. School officials said had no choice under state law but to take the vote, saying that based on current projections they will not have enough money to operate the school district by the 2010-11 school year. For the dissolution to move forward, the board would have to take a final vote by an Aug. 1 deadline. Before that happens, the board hopes to come up with additional funding to keep Paris afloat. The board is likely to vote to make a second referendum attempt this spring. A group of parents is also forming a foundation they hope can raise money for the school, possibly using money contributed from the town’s savings. http://www.kenoshanews2.com/news/paris_eyes_dissolving_district_4771263.html

School Funding Network presents reform plan at State Assembly Education Committee hearing

Harley Demler, a senior at Pecatonica High School, testified April 21st at the Assembly Education Committee hearing on school funding reform with Amanda Mayo, a teacher from the school. They were two of several hundred students, teachers, parents, school officials and concerned citizens who appeared at the hearing to support a plan for reforming the state's school finance system. Harley's statement is a microcosm of the many problems students face due to inadequate state aid.

"I started school in 1995 in the Early Childhood program at Pecatonica. That same year was when the School Board had to cut the Technical Education and Family and Consumer Education programs because of the relatively new funding system of revenue caps. When I was in second grade, I was placed in a group for advanced readers. Several of us from different grades met with the Reading Specialist and read books that were a little more challenging both in reading level and subject matter. We discussed the social issues raised in the books after reading them. This program gave me a more mature view of the world I was living in. In fourth grade, I joined the Elementary group of the Future Problem Solvers. Our first project dealt with how to clean up a polluted lake and stop the pollution at its source.

I have a sister, Cora, who is 4 years younger than I and I have a brother, Kevin, who is 10 years younger. When my sister got to second grade, there was a large group of advanced readers in her class but there was no longer a program for them.The Reading Specialist had taken on other duties and no longer had the time.

When Cora was in fourth grade, the woman who did the Future Problem Solvers had also taken on other duties and no longer had time for an Elementary group. The school used to allow 8th graders to take Ag classes, but the Agriculture teacher has a full schedule and cannot offer 8th graders this option any more. So my sister, who is only 4 years behind me has missed out on several things that I had coming through school. What will my brother miss who is that much farther behind me? When he gets to high school, will he have the courses he will need to prepare him for college?"

For more information on the hearing and the school funding reform plan, go to http://www.sfnwisconsin.org/Assembly_Education_Committee_Hearing_April_2009_0073/

tFFFor more information on the hearing

Wisconsin: Low Taxes for Business

Wisconsin manufacturing taxes among the lowest

The Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Office and Industrial Properties (NAIOP) released its 22nd annual comparative tax study which tracks property and other tax costs on industrial facilities in various states. Wisconsin’s taxes were among the lowest at $57,639 ($0.82 per square foot). Only New Mexico ($56,890), North Dakota ($52,082), Texas ($46,268), and Ohio ($42,995) were lower. The Minnesota building generated $127,899 in property taxes ($1.83 per square foot.) Illinois, with property taxes of $196,408 ($2.80 per square foot) and South Dakota, with taxes of $128,963 ($1.84 per square foot) ranked higher.

Property taxes paid in 2008 were calculated on comparable 70,000 square foot buildings of light manufacturers employing 99 workers. The states examined were Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Massachusetts.

NAIOP’s tax study also combined the property taxes with unemployment, corporate, personal property, and sales taxes. Combining all those costs, a Minnesota manufacturer paid around $200,000 in 2008 compared to Wisconsin’s total tax bill of just over $100,000.

The NAIOP study alsoconcluded that the effective business property tax rate in Minnesota was almost $3.00 per $100 of market value, compared to Wisconsin’s rate of $2.20 per $100 of value.

Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce cites low Wisconsin business taxes

Wisconsin's low taxes for business are featured on the Fox Cities Economic Development Partnership website:

Wisconsin business taxes are lower than 35 other states, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston, which measures more than 15 taxes that can affect corporate profits.
A Milken Institute study found Wisconsin's cost of doing business is 4.6 percent lower than the national average.
Forbes Magazine has named the Fox Cities as one of its top U.S. metro areas to do business, thanks to a low cost of living and low state business taxes, including exemptions on computers and manufacturing equipment.
Favorable Tax Structure/Exemptions for Business
▪ A flat corporate tax rate of 7.9 percent
▪ Exemptions from sales tax for manufacturing machinery and equipment, pollution control
equipment, and manufacturers' raw materials and fuel and electricity used in manufacturing
▪ Property tax exemptions for critical items such as computer equipment, manufacturing
machinery and equipment, and inventories
▪ A new, single sales factor apportionment formula to assist businesses.
The website features a number of testimonials from business leaders who praise the quality of Wisconsin's educational systems and the level of skill workers have in this state. http://www.foxcities-marketing.org/foxcitieseco/fox+cities+testimonials+and+rankings/default.asp

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"Public sector workers have nothing to feel guilty about as they play their part in fixing a mess not of their making." Anti-government groups are attacking teachers, firefighters and other employees of the public sector are not just a Wisconsin phenomena. Irish columnist Diarmuid Doyle recently wrote a spirited response to Conservative leaders in Ireland who "blame public-service workers for just about every catastrophe bar the war in Gaza."
http://www.tribune.ie/article/2009/jan/11/diarmuid-doyle-public-sector-workers-have-nothing-/
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FAMILY CARE---VERY IMPORTANT WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD MEETING--TUESDAY APRIL 21 READ AND SPEAK OUT

2009-04-19T12:29:00.004-05:00

How does one plan on reducing costs ? By increasing staff and creating another quasi-governmental entity.

What am I talking about. The Winnebago County Board is considering a resolution at its Tuesday April 21 meeting to join with two other counties creating a Longterm Care District. This district which if approved by the county board, in conjunction with two other counties Fond Du Lac and Manitowoc, would be self governing agency with a board of its own to carryout services and programs for those needing long tern care. namely those who are elderly and developmentally disabled.

This a governing board separate from any other- while its members are selected by the county executive in each county and approved by the county boards the board is completely answerable to themselves.

It also have to add staff to help run this district. Some as adding more nurses probably are needed to prevent medical conditions for someone getting worse. But it also keeps on and adds some additional administrative personnel.

How do they save ?? Probably the same way the similar organization in place in Fond Du Lac has done it-creating a $8 million surplus. By scrutinizing the services a member receives or by squeezing providers. It is a system that the bigger the organization the provider is the more they can survive. Thus hurting and cutting out local providers of services.

Also not known is how this effect current Winnebago County employees, will union workers still be able part of a union ? Will workers lose all that have earned and gained by being a Winnebago County union employee ??

There are many questions and concerns about join a longterm care district with these two counties. I am concerned about the size and make up of the governing board and how the this MCO(Managed Care Organization) will operate. They have a $8 million dollar surplus and been at meetings where a member in Fond Du Lac county was given reduced service while a another member was given added service of lawn/sidewalk care.

If you are concerned as I am please contact your county board supervisor to find out more and express your views or come to the WINNEBAGO COUNTY BOARD MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 21, 2009 AT 6:00 PM IN THE 4TH FLOOR BOARD ROOM.

A NOTICE OF A IMPORTANT MEETING : Long Term Care Reform: Plans, Implications and Impacts for Winnebago County and Residents

2009-03-28T12:15:00.002-05:00

The Winnebago County Board at its April Meeting will be deciding on if it should change the way it delivers services in the Long Term Support Division of the Winnebago County Human Services.

The County Board will be considering a resolution on should Winnebago County join two other counties in forming a long term care district that will give over total control of the implementation of Long Term Support Services (individuals who are developing disabled or elderly who qualify for service). More on this topic later.

But I am writing to inform everyone that is informational meeting that is being organized by ARC of Winnebago County and CP of Mideast Wisconsin.

here is the information hope to see you there :

Long Term Care Reform: Plans, Implications and Impacts for Winnebago County and Residents
6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2009
FVTC Oshkosh Riverside Campus, Community Room 133

Intended Audience:

Individuals with Disabilities (16+ years of age)
Elderly Residents
Family members and guardians of Individuals with Disabilities and the Elderly
Winnebago County Officials
Legislators and Public Policy Decision-Makers
Advocates for People with Disabilities and the Elderly

No cost, no advance registration

Questions:
Arc - Winnebago County Disability Association
lea@arcwinnebago.com
920-236-9230

Cerebral Palsy of Mideast Wisconsin
cp@cpmideastwis.com
920-424-4071

IWF Tax Newsletter March 2009‏

2009-03-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

Combined reporting benefits citizens and business

Wisconsin's new tax policy —combined reporting — is a win-win for citizens and state-based businesses. Combined reporting closes tax law loopholes that have allowed very large multi-state corporations to shift profits out of Wisconsin in order to minimize or avoid paying state income tax. Many small and medium sized businesses can compete on a more level playing field because loopholes that benefit multi-state and multi- national firms will be closed. Now mega-corporations will pay their share of the costs for roads, public safety, courts and other public structures that they need to operate. This helps ease the tax responsibility on families and small business owners.

IWF’s new study—Combined Reporting: How Closing Corporate Loopholes Benefits Wisconsin—shows combined reporting will generate over $200 million by mid-2011. These funds will help maintain state and local transportation, education and public safety programs vital for economic recovery. This revenue boost will not cause companies to move out of state. The mega corporations affected already do business in states where combined reporting has been in place for a number of years. At least 80% of the state’s 50 largest manufacturing employers, 90% of the state’s top ten banks, and 100% of the 15 top retail employers have significant operations in combined reporting states. The corporations have continued doing business in these states regardless of the tax policy that requires them to pay state income tax. The Governor's and legislature's decision to enact combined reporting will serve Wisconsin well.

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University of Wisconsin under siege by state budget cuts

The UW system faces a $120 million cut in state support for 2010-2011. This follows a decade of reduced aid from state government. UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has stated that this could lead to the loss of faculty and staff, the elimination of courses, and caps on the numbers of students in popular programs with each of the UW-Madison schools and colleges facing a possible 5 percent cut in their budgets. Under the proposed state budget, UW-Eau Claire would lose $8.65 million in state aid and UW-Stout could lose $6.42 million.

http://www.wisconsin.edu/clipsheet/archive/2009/03/clips2009-03-06.htmt
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Community leaders compare notes on state revenue plans

City, county, school district, labor union and civic leaders from Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Beloit, Madison, Portage and Milwaukee's south shore suburbs met in Portage February 27 to examine the proposed state budget and its impact on their communities. Eau Claire City Manager Mike Huggins led the discussion with a description of the Citizens Alliance for Strong Communites of the Greater Eau Claire area (CASC). This group was formed in 2008 to coordinate community wide efforts around protecting civic services and infrastructure. Similar efforts are underway in Oshkosh, Milwaukee South Shore suburbs and Wausau.

Because local systems are very dependent on state funding to maintain quality services, meeting participants supported state leaders' efforts to expand Wisconsin's revenue base. Most view revenue reforms as a crucial step in building capacity for economic recovery and business development. Many of the local groups are preparing for state wide Joint Finance Committee hearings on the budget and plan to spread the word on the importance of budget decisions on families across the state.
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Are you nervous talking about taxes and government?

Patrick Bresette from the DEMOS Public Works Project feels your pain. On March 4, 5 and 6, Bresette met with Wisconsin leaders in Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee to share research results on why most people have negative attitudes towards taxes and governments. The training also provides people with tools to engage citizens as "caretakers" of the vast system of public services and infrastructure.

The Citizen Alliance for Strong Communities of Greater Eau Claire sponsored two workshops for over 75 leaders from local government, school districts, labor unions, business and civic groups. The Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee held a session for 45 Assembly Representatives and their aides. The Institute for Wisconsin's Future organized a workshop for a varied group of municipal and school officials, advocacy groups and labor activists from South Milwaukee, Cudahy, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Kettle Moraine, Kenosha, Greenfield and Oshkosh.

DEMOS research shows most people think of government as either bickering politicians or a
massive and vague bureaucracy. Paying taxes does not seem as useful given these negative images. One goal of the training is to focus on government as the network of daily life supports — highways, airports, technical colleges, legal systems, traffic oversight, health inspections, technical training, emergency assistance, etc. The other goal is to help people see themselves not as consumers or victims but co-managers of the comunities we live in — with taxes as the necessary grease for the wheels of civic life. For more information on DEMOS, check out their website:

http://www.demos.org/program.cfm?currentprogramID=5A08EE5B-3FF4-6C82-5EBB763809C2DA94
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Unjust Deserts Author to Speak in Milwaukee

Gar Alperovitz, author of Unjust Deserts and America Beyond Capitalism, will appear at a breakfast to discuss the economic crisis, tax policy and rebuilding the American Dream. Gar is Professor of Political Economy at the University of Maryland and Guest Scholar at the Brookings Institute. The meeting, sponsored by IWF, is open to the public and will be held:

Friday April 3: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.

Milwaukee Public Market - 400 North Water Street, Second Floor

Fee: $10 payable at the door. Parking is complimentary.

Please RSVP to vstrattner@wisconsinsfuture.org or call IWF at (414)967-1682.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

"We're headed down an extremely dangerous path that has turned our (Supreme Court) elections into an auction, " said Mike McCabe, Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign. The Democracy Campaign is working with other groups to push for legislation that mandates public financing of judicial elections.

http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20090317/APC0101/903170485/1003/APC01
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IWF Tax Newsletter February 2009‏

2009-03-01T00:23:00.000-06:00

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future newsletter on tax policy

February 2009
Click here for printer friendly version (.pdf)

Major Revenue Wins for Wisconsin

It's been the best week for tax reform that Wisconsin has seen in a long, long time, the culmination of years of preparatory work. After much debate and a close vote along party lines, Governor Jim Doyle signed into law a budget-repair bill that includes vital breakthrough tax reforms.

Combined reporting for corporate income, to shut the loopholes used by some major corporations to avoid paying taxes.
Joining the national Streamlined Sales Tax project moving toward a sales tax on Internet sales;
Extending the sales tax to digital products that have avoided taxation;
Creating a hospital assessment that will bring millions of federal dollars to the state and increase federal payments to many Wisconsin's hospitals.
Also this week, Governor Doyle proposed a budget for 2009-'11 that includes additional progressive tax reforms, including two income tax hikes for the wealthiest households. One will increase the top marginal income tax rate on households with incomes over $300.000. The other will partially restore a higher tax on capital gains. These are major steps forward in the long-term effort to rebuild an adequate funding base for transportation, education, public safety and community development, providing a strong foundation for economic growth.

IWF played a major role in this process producing a series of reports on the need for tax reform and strategies for change. The first report was an overview of corporate tax avoidance. The second was on the need to increase non-profit hospital contributions to state and local revenue pools-especially important in a state where 92% of hospitals are non-profit. The third, in partnership the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, was a catalog of revenue options, including all of the reforms endorsed by the governor. The fourth was an analysis of the combined reporting tax policy showing the benefits to small businesses and the minimal impact on most corporations who already operate in states where combined reporting is law. In fact, states with combined reporting have done better at business retention than those states without the policy.

IWF has done popular education on protecting local services by closing corporate loopholes, increasing hospitals' contribution to the state and enacting internet sales tax. This effort reached thousands of citizens and local leaders building support for revenue reforms. IWF's Research Director Jack Norman spoke on the issue for state legislators as well as statewide associations of city, county and education leaders. He appeared frequently in the media, emerging as the knowledgeable and eloquent voice of revenue reform.

http://www.wisbusiness.com/index.iml?Article=149690

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29240256/

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/02/19/ap6072086.html

Working with groups statewide, IWF has helped move Wisconsin's revenue and funding structure into the 21st century. This is a vital step toward protecting the community services and infrastructure key to economic recovery in our state.

Please forward this newsletter to whomever you think might be interested. For more information email Karen Royster at: kroyster@wisconsinsfuture.org
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OSHKOSH STORM UTILITY FEE OR SHOULD BE CALLED THE OSHKOSH STORM WATER EXTORTION FEE

2009-02-05T13:50:00.004-06:00

Below you will find a couple of e-mails one that I sen to the city council concerning the Oshkosh Storm Water Utility. I found out that for just one facility the Winnebago County Expo Center will have increases of 28.7 % in 2009 and 39.8 in 2010 and over 10% in years after that.

You also have a response I received form City Manager Mark Rohloff of which these high increases across the board effecting all non-profits,other governmental property owed by the state,county, and Oshkosh Area School District, Also you the private property owner. I wonder how the city of Oshkosh expects everyone to absorbs these outrageous increases. That means for instance instead of funds gong toward teachers and educational materials it will go toward paying these fees. I e-mailed the school board members my concerns and at least he has responded back he is concerned.

These rate increases were passed at the last city council meeting. After reading the e-mails if you think something should be done I urge you to contact you city council.

THE E-MAILS-----THE E-MAILS----- THE E-MAILS-----THE E-MAILS-----

Dear City Council Person :

I am writing to ask you a few questions about the Storm Water Utility Fee which you approved raising at last Tuesday's meeting .

1) How much is in the STORM UTILITY FUND right now .

2) What projects have been approved to use funds collected from the fees.

3) Could you provide how much are each governmental entity are suppose to pay in storm Water Utility fee
this year and the next 4-5 years and if so how much of % increase.

4) How are cities of similar size addressing this federal mandate ?

I am asking these questions because at my Winnebago County Parks Committee yesterday that Strom water utility fee increase goes up 28.7 % for 2009, 39.8 % in 2010 and it goes from an assessment of $27,101.81 and in 2013 that figure will be $52,678.19 for a total of over $225.000 for a six year period. And that is for just one county facility.

I assuming, thats why I am asking, that the schools system, the state of Wisconsin, and non=profits are paying the same rates. To me this one government taking advantage of another governmental unity. Forcing the county,school district, and the state of Wisconsin to either tax more to cover these outrageous rate hikes or diminish the program and services they offer.

While this fee is universal not all will benefit from the projects that will paid by the fee. I know the Winnebago County parks, Parkview,Sheriff's or Highway Department will since I heard this is done to help the flooding on the west side. I also am hard pressed how the airport will gain from such projects as well. So your taking those who will not gain from the funds the fees will generate.

Is there anyway or could you support giving a break to governmental and non-profits from this tax? Why or why not. I understand the city taxes itself for this tax I would like to know if it charges itself the same rate(s) that I stated the Winnebago County Expo is being charged. And how are the various departments handling to absorb the fee.

I look forward to your response.

MIKE NORTON
1029- B SOUTH MAIN STREET OSHKOSH, WI 54902 920-426-1051

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr Norton

I will ask staff to answer your questions. Most of your questions have been asked previously asked, so we will be able to answer them.

By way of background, Oshkosh's rates are comparable or less than peer municipalities. One purpose of the storm water utility is to charge large institutional users that typically generate significant storm water runoff. These are often governmental entities. The rates are based on a fixed rate per amount of impervious surface, so the rates are comparable for all users. For this same reason, credits or exemptions for one governmental agency would be unfair to others. Because large state or regional educational facilities are located in Oshkosh, we have to account for the impact of their runoff the same as other large private or non profit facilities.

I will have city staff respond to the remainder of your questions.

Thank you.

Mark Rohloff
City Manager

NEAR EASTSIDE MEETING NOTICE--AND A THOUGHT WHY DOES THE CITY NOT LOOK TO A LOCAL NON-PROFIT

2009-02-01T14:50:00.004-06:00

Near East Neighborhood
Steering Committee Meeting

The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2009
at the Oshkosh Police Department.
6:00 pm

Agenda items include: Ongoing Activities: Police Activity Report

Other Business: NeighborWorks

No further information was provided.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ON personal note can someone explain to me why the city is turning to an outside non-profit organization that does housing. When there 2-3 good ones already here in the city who could do the program/service at a lower cost ?

Meaning why give a grant of $100,000 to Neighborhood Works when ADVOCAP or the Oshkosh Housing Authority could do what is asked and at a lower cost???

I like to hear from you ? And the city council needs to hear from you.

THE INSTITUTE FOR WISCONSIN FUTURE --JANUARY 2009 NEWSLETTER

2009-01-31T22:42:00.003-06:00

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future newsletter on tax policy

January 2009

Closing the uncollected tax gap

In Wisconsin, there is more than a one billion dollar “tax gap” – the difference between the amount of tax legally owed and the amount actually collected. Some of this is due to reduced capacity in the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR). By 2008, one out of every four DOR jobs authorized in 2001 had been either eliminated or left vacant. Uncollected tax debt rose from $700 million in 2001 to over $1.1 billion in 2008.

Not in Minnesota, where its Department of Revenue budget grew 48% from 2001 to 2008 with an increase of 320 staff positions. Since 2001, Minnesota has spent $100 million on its special tax enforcement effort, which has brought in over $900 million in additional state revenue.

If Wisconsin hired an additional 150 tax collectors and auditors costing about $12.5 million annually, this staffing could generate approximately $100 million more in annual tax collections. This would happen without increasing any state tax rates.
Details can be found in the IWF report, Investing in Revenue: How Wisconsin can profit by using the Minnesota model for closing the tax gap. http://www.wisconsinsfuture.org

Do Wisconsin hospitals give enough free care to warrant their tax breaks?

Wisconsin hospitals provided significantly less free health care and made more money than the national average in recent years, an analysis by the Wisconsin State Journal found. The issue of so-called "charity care" is likely to take on more relevance this year in the state and the nation as unemployment soars and tax revenues plummet. Hospital administrators say the sagging economy has already increased their charity care and reduced their earnings, but some public officials say they may try to require nonprofit hospitals to contribute more to the community to justify their tax breaks.

Also, Wisconsin’s extensive roster of non-profit hospitals own at least six billion dollars worth of tax-exempt property that could generate at least $117 million in property taxes yearly to help support local services according to the IWF report, Hospitable Taxes: How non-profit hospitals profit from our out-dated tax system. Read this report at www.wisconsinsfuture.org

Note to self - don’t privatize highways and airports

"Back in the days when the market was a kind of secular god and all the world thrilled to behold the amazing powers of private capital, the idea of privatizing highways and airports and other bits of our transportation infrastructure made a certain kind of sense. Private businesses did everything better than the state, we were told. And that meant even tasks as inherently public as maintaining bridges and roads….But something happened on the road to privatopia, with so many brilliant schemes of the last few decades melting away in this harsh new day of failing banks and plummeting asset prices."

So writes Thomas Frank (author of What’s the Matter with Kansas), who describes in the Wall Street Journal the current push to hand over major public structures to corporations and why it does not serve the public interest.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123310436361422253.html

t

Cataloging revenue options for Eau Claire leaders

On January 27, over 40 leaders from Eau Claire and Altoona discussed possible ways to increase state revenue in order to boost state aid for community services and infrastructure. Jack Norman, IWF Research Director, reviewed a range of ways Wisconsin could expand its revenue base based on the latest IWF reports on strengthening the Department of Revenue and modernizing tax policy. The groups discussed the options as a step in developing a plan for long-term state fiscal reform.

The event was sponsored by the Citizen Alliance for Strong Communities – Greater Eau Claire (CASC). CASC members include the city, county and school districts of Eau Claire and Altoona, the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce, Eau Claire Labor Council and Association of Educators, Chippewa Valley Technical College and the Realtors Association of Northwestern Wisconsin. CASC efforts are based on the belief that state government plays a key role in sustaining effective public structures — both physical infrastructure, such as roads, parks, sewers and airports, as well as social systems that address health, public safety, education, economic development, legal issues and support for people in need.

t

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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: The Wisconsin Policy Research Institute released a report warning that people without health insurance would move to the state if Wisconsin provided universal health insurance, potentially increasing the cost of the program. The report is based on an economic model that predicted 142,000 people would be drawn to Wisconsin if the state provided universal coverage. How accurate is that number?
"It really is a best guess," said David Dodenhoff, co-author of the report.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/38197529.html

Please forward this newsletter to whomever you think might be interested. For more information email Karen Royster at: kroyster@wisconsinsfuture.org
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FDL COUNTY IS DOING IT SHOULD WINNEBAGO COUNTY SHOULD AS WELL- I LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU

2009-01-22T16:52:00.005-06:00

Below is an article from the FDL Reporter. I want to hear form is this an idea should be considering doing in this county. If so let me or IS Committee chairman Jef Hall.

I like to hear from you.

Plan would provide Internet service county-wide
By Laurie Ritger • The Reporter • January 22, 2009
Buzz up! Fond du Lac County intends to be the first county in Wisconsin to bring wireless Internet capability to all its citizens.

The Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday night to enter into a five-year agreement with Dotnet Acquisition Company of Fond du Lac for the trailblazing technology.

Dotnet plans to lease space on six county radio towers in exchange for construction of a high-speed wireless infrastructure. Fond du Lac County government will be provided service at no cost, but citizens and businesses will have to contract with Dotnet to utilize the service.

"It's going to be great," said County Executive Allen Buechel, noting the positive implications for the county citizens and businesses — manufacturing, education, health care among them.

The service, he said, will have a major effect on the workings of departments within county government.

The agreement would bring wireless Internet service to remote and rural areas of the county that now either have no service or only limited service.

Increased efficiency
It also will be welcome at a number of county work sites located outside the City County Government Center — the Medical Examiner's office, the Highway Department offices, Job Service and the Fairgrounds.

County Public Health and Care Management Organization workers would have the capability of entering data immediately instead of waiting to return to their offices. The wireless update is expected to bring increased efficiency for all departments.

Officials said Mobile Data Computers used in Sheriff's Department patrol vehicles need improved infrastructure. Estimates are that it would take $250,000 to replace the infrastructure.

Buechel, who lives in Malone, said he's looking forward to having a laptop computer at home that he can carry and use anywhere around the house and at functions anywhere in the county.

He said discussions about wireless service have take place over the past 15 months, primarily between county Director of Administration Ellen Sorensen and Dotnet Acquisitions President Frank Cumberbatch.

Sorensen told board members about the numerous benefits she envisioned if an agreement was reached. Fond du Lac County's progressive thinking in social services programs — it piloted W2 and Family Care — is now moving to technology and commerce.

"We can get giddy just talking about it," she said, noting no one else has the technology for county-wide Internet.

Of note is the ability for the Fairgrounds to be used as a backup site for Fond du Lac County and emergency dispatch operations.

"If this place flooded or blew up or there was a chemical spill, a wireless system will allow us … to transfer our dispatch center out there. We would move everything out there."

Infrastructure
After infrastructure is established at the six county towers, Dotnet will likely look for other opportunities to locate infrastructure, possibly on water towers or silos, Cumberbatch said. The firm also may construct some of its own towers.

He said the infrastructure would be built over the next one to two years and would start in Fond du Lac, Ripon and Waucousta/town of Osceola.

Board member Tom Dornbrook asked Sorensen about any other potential offers to lease space on the county towers.

Sorensen noted that negotiations have "broken off" with one firm when its offer was so low it wasn't worth consideration. The county is seeking another tenant to locate on five of its six towers.

Marketing tool
Buechel said wireless capability will provide an excellent marketing tool for economic development.

"There is absolutely no doubt," Sorensen said, "this puts Fond du Lac County at the head of the line statewide and at the top of the list nationally."

Cumberbatch mentioned his plan to get computers and service to low-income children and their families. Sorensen said Dotnet hopes to partner with the Fond du Lac School District and explore assistance through grants and foundations.

Sorensen said that with four institutions of higher learning located in the county, there could be opportunities for students.

"We have the work force to do call centers," she said. "Look at the students we have. They would be available to work off-hours and maybe they work from home."

Sorensen said she believes wireless technology is the wave of the future and soon will be the standard rather than the exception.

She said she's happy to know that Fond du Lac County is "far ahead of the curve."

Discussion at the Tuesday night meeting continued for nearly an hour.

"I was skeptical at first," said County Board member John Zorn, who asked a number of questions and told the crowd he previously owned a local Alltel franchise for 21 years. "I understand a lot of what is being talked about (tonight.) I think it's a good deal for us."

COMMUNTIES IN WINNEBAGO COUNTY AND RECYCLING

2009-01-15T23:00:00.003-06:00

At the January 6, 2009 Winnebago County Board meeting were Jennifer Semrau Recycling Specialist for the Winnebago County Landfill made a presentation on Single Stream Recycling I asked her a question about what other communities in Winnebago County are doing regarding recycling.

Below is the response.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mike,

Sorry for the delay in responding. I had a number of meetings and out of office commitments this week.

Our recycling program services 15 of the 21 municipalities in Winnebago County. The Towns that do not use our program are Nepeuskun, Oshkosh, Poygan, Rushford, Utica and Winchester. I believe the population of these municipalities represents about 5% of the County.

Presently none of the communities in Winnebago County utilize single stream recycling and only City of Menasha utilizes automation (for trash). The Towns of Menasha and Neenah use bins for their recyclables, but do allow overflow recyclables in bags. I believe all the other answers to your questions would be found on the attached spreadsheet which we put together in fall of 2008 for the Solid Waste Management Board.

The City of Oshkosh will be having a workshop discussing automation and single stream recycling with its Council on 1/27. John Rabe and myself will be in attendance at the request of Oshkosh Public Works and will hopefully be able to aid in discussion. The attached spreadsheet lists Oshkosh as single stream and automated in 2009 based on information they have provided us, but clearly that is presently under discussion and may change.

Thank you.

Jennifer Semrau

Recycling Specialist

Winnebago County

SINGLE STREAM/BLUE BAG RECYCLING PLANS
Municipality Present Collection Method Future Collection Method Notes
Town of Algoma Paper & Commingle Every Other Week. Blue Bags.
Single Stream in 2009. Automated. Carts Requested By 7/1/09

Town of Black Wolf Paper Week 1 Single Stream in 2009. Carts
Requested By May/June '09 Commingle Week 2. Blue Bags Automated.
Town of Clayton Paper Week 1 Single Stream in 2009. Carts Requested By
6/1/09. May Be Provided By Hauler. Commingle Week 2. Blue Bags Automated.
Town of Menasha Paper & Commingle Every Other Week. Bins/Bags. Single
Stream in 2009. Automated. Carts As Soon As 7/1/09. May Be Provided
By Hauler

Town of Neenah Paper & Commingle Every Other Week. Continue Use of Bins.
No Plans for Automation or SSR at This Time. Bins/Bags

Town of Nekimi Paper & Commingle Every Other Week. Undetermined. Looking to
Hauler for Input. Did Express Interest in Cart Pricing Blue Bags
Town of Omro Drop Off. No Curbside Collection by Town. Some Individual
Subscriber Service. Bags Allowed.Not Looking at Any Changes at This Time.
Town of Vinland Paper & Commingle Every Other Week.Informed residents to
discontinue use of blue bags with Jan. 2009 newsletter Blue Bags
Town of Winneconne Paper & Commingle Every Other Week. Did Not Request Cart
Assistance for 2009. Hauler Contract ‘Til Dec. 2009. Blue Bags
Town of Wolf River Paper & Commingle Once a Month. Blue Bags. Did Not
Request Cart Assistance for 2009.

Village of Winneconne Paper Week 1 Interested in Cart Purchase.Date Not
Specified. Commingle Week 2. Blue Bags.

City of Menasha Paper & Commingle Once a Month. Automation/SSR in the
Future. Cart Expense a Barrier ‘Til ~2011. Blue Bags.

City of Neenah Blue Bags in ’09. Bin (by Resident) With Sticker from City
in ’10. No Automation Plans At This Time. Paper Week 1. Commingle Week 2.
Blue Bags

City of Omro Paper Week 1 Single Stream in 2009. Carts Requested By
11/30/09 Commingle Week 2. Blue Bags Automated.
City of Oshkosh Paper Week 1. Commingle Week 2. Blue Bags Single Stream in
2009. Automated.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS EVENTS IN JANUARY CONCERNING THE SPRING 2009 ELECTIONS - HOPE CAN MAKE ONE OR BOTH

2009-01-11T11:44:00.003-06:00

MONTHLY LUNCHEON AND PRIMARY CANDIDATES EVENT

REMINDER: LWV Oshkosh Area Food for Thought lunch
Wed. Jan. 14, 11:50 am, Vitales Restaurant, order from menu.
12:10 -- Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris will speak on county issues, budget, and projects for 2009. Bring friends and LWV prospects.

REMINDER: Attend Martin Luther King dinner on Mon Jan 19, 5;00 pm, Reeve Union. Dinner is $20. Call Kelli at Chamber (303-2265, ext 20). Deadline is Mon Jan. 12.

PRIMARY LWV CANDIDATES FORUM on Thurs. Jan. 29, 6:30 Oshkosh city council, 7:30 county executive. Call Carolyn at 231-3350 to volunteer to help.

A MUST SEE ON SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING

2009-01-08T13:12:00.005-06:00

My friend and fellow County Board Supervisor Jef Hall beat me to the punch but here is a link to get more information on Single Stream recycling.

Supervisor Jef Hall as it states in the link was able to get a link to the information and program that was presented by Winnebago County Solid Waste Department at the Winnebago County Board meeting January, 2009.

After seeing this presentation you will know that single stream recycling does not mean automation and that Winnebago County Solid Waste Department is not forcing any community to adopt single stream but it does save communities and you the taxpayer/resident money.

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future newsletter on tax policy -NOV/DEC ISSUE

2008-12-22T18:27:00.000-06:00

The Institute for Wisconsin's Future newsletter on tax policy

November December 2008
Click here for printer friendly version (.pdf)

TAX NEWS Headlines:

35 ways to close the state fiscal gap

Closing corporate loopholes in 2009

Stopping sales tax exemptions for services to fight state deficit

Eau Claire Transit faces cuts could lead to decreased or no service

Portage County cuts could stall downtown growth

7 months after homicide, Dane County 911 remains short-staffed

35 ways to close the state fiscal gap

Wisconsin school, city, county and state services are in jeopardy as the state faces a $2.5 billion deficit in both 2009 and 2010. But a new report by the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future and the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families shows that there are many ways to increase state revenue so that key programs and services could be protected without raising property taxes. The new report — Catalog of Tax Reform Options for Wisconsin — lists 35 ways to expand Wisconsin’s revenue base. The Catalog outlines how each tax option works, how much money it raises, who is affected and whether it makes the overall system more fair. The full study can be found at:
http://www.wisconsinsfuture.org/publications/taxes/1108WI_TaxReformOptions.pdf

Closing corporate loopholes in 2009

Governor Doyle stated that combined reporting is likely to be enacted this year. State Senate leader Russ Decker is pushing for the reform which would ensure that multi-state and multi-national corporations pay Wisconsin corporate taxes. Combined reporting prevents corporations from moving profits out of state to no-tax venues like Nevada and Delaware. Because the state deficit is so severe, the Governor has agreed to sign the bill if it passes. In addition, state leaders are hoping to pass the “streamlined sales tax” — a big step toward collecting Internet sales tax.
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/news/35225559.html

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Stopping sales tax exemptions for services to fight state deficit

Facing a multibillion-dollar deficit, some elected officials are asking whether all exemptions from the 5% sales tax are justified — exemptions that include legal services, spas, veterinary care for pets, healthclub memberships and cloth-diaper businesses. A state Department of Revenue report says sales tax exemptions total more than $3.7 billion annually. Taxing services would almost double the $4 billion sales tax expected this year.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/35244354.html

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Eau Claire Transit faces cuts could lead to decreased or no service

Eau Claire has been losing aid for transportation consistently for the last three years. This year, federal dollars for mid-sized cities are being reduced and Eau Claire will see less transit aid.

"This is going to have a devastating impact," said Transit Manager Gwen Larson. "Transit is a huge part of getting people to work, no matter where we are."
http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/news/2008/11/03/News/Eau-Claire.Transit.Faces.Budget.Cuts-3520078-page2.shtml

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Portage County cuts could stall downtown growth

Local officials say Portage County's proposed $30,000 cut to the Association of Downtown Businesses could stall revitalization and growth efforts.
http://www.stevenspointjournal.com/article/20081031/SPJ0101/810310526/1983

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7 months after homicide, Dane County 911 remains short-staffed

Nearly five years after being warned the Dane County 911 center was short-staffed, and seven months after a communicator mishandled a call from a homicide victim's cell phone, county officials are being told that staffing levels at the beleaguered center still are insufficient. The new report suggests the center needs nine more communicators immediately to reduce overtime.

http://www.madison.com/wsj/topstories/313239
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“There’s no reason that Wal-Mart should be able to skirt its fiscal responsibility to the state while their competitors based in Wisconsin, without the capability of locating headquarters in another state, have to pay the full freight. It’s basically a fairness issue.” — State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker

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DRUG CARD FOR ALL WINNEBAGO COUNTY RESIDENTS

2008-12-05T22:36:00.004-06:00

http://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/countyclerk/docs/hsa081211. CLICK ON HEADER TO SEE ACTUAL AGENDA OF THE MEETING

Below is the agenda for a Winnebago County Human Service Board meeting for this Thursday. I want to point out the program presentation on the two drug card presentations. A program that will be free to all residents but each program has different details and features.

I hope you can attend or contact your county board supervisor to find out more.Or you could contact me.

SUSAN T. ERTMER
Winnebago County Clerk
4 15 Jackson Street, P.O. Box 2808
Oshkosh, WI 54903-2808
(920) 236-4888

NOTICE OF COMMISSION, BOARD OR COMMITTEE MEETING
NAME OF COMMISSION,
BOARD OR COMMITTEE: Winnebago County Human Services Board

TIME OF MEETING: 3:30 p.m.
DATE OF MEETING: Thursday, December 11, 2008
PLACE OF MEETING:Neenah Human Services – Room 008
211 N. Commercial St.
Neenah, WI 54956
S UBJECT MATTER OF THE MEETING

1. Comments From the Public
2. Approve Minutes of the November 13, 2008 Human Services Board Meeting
3. Accept Minutes of the October 16, 2008 Long Term Support Advisory Committee Meeting and the October 22, 2008 Commission on Aging Meeting
4. 2008 Financial Projection Report (Ellen Shute)
5. Family Care Update (Ken Stoffel)
6. Strategic Planning Update (Bill Topel)
7. Board Meeting Dates and Programs for 2009 – Draft
8. Director’s Report (Bill Topel)
9. Board Members’ Reports

PROGRAM: Med One Drug Card Presentation and
NACO Drug Card Presentation

If you need copies of attachments to the agenda, please contact Dorothy De Grace at 236-4602.
Provisions will be made for people with disabilities upon 24 hours prior notice to the County Clerk’s office at (920) 236-4888.

UNIFORM BINS ?? WHY ??? PART II

2008-12-05T22:33:00.000-06:00

There seems to be some misconception on why the city of Oshkosh will be purchasing bins for general garbage collection and for recyclables .

There are some city officials some of which are elected who feel that because Winnebago County is going to single stream process for processing waste and recyclables that the city needs to by bins for its residents.. But Winnebago County or Winnebago County Solid Waste Department is not making the city of Oshkosh purchase bins to accommodate the new processing waste and recyclables that will be used by Outagamie and Brown County as well.

The reason why the city of Oshkosh is purchasing the bins is to make it easier to have the collection of garbage and recyclables to be done by automated trucks thus lowering the cost of this city service.
Winnebago County will still accept bags for waste and recyclables and the single stream
process of collection will still be able to use go bags or bins for the system. The question should be by spending $50/62 is a good investment to save more many with the use of automated trucks. Now an issue has been made of should individuals have to purchase the bins or should the city do it by borrowing money to purchase the bins with taxpayer money. Well either way the taxpayer has to pay I would think if the city made it mandatory for every residence then people would want the city to provide the bins thus the taxpayer money would have to be spent on the bins. In the long haul it saves the city and taxpayer money on the service as a whole by use of automated garbage trucks.

So to sum it up, Winnebago County or the Winnebago County Landfill is not making the city of Oshkosh buy the bins in question. The city of Oshkosh would do it to save money by using the bins in conjunction with automated trucks which utilize less manpower to use. And one last point most of the communities in three counties mentioned before are utilizing the said bins in question.

UNIFORM BINS ?? WHY ???

2008-12-05T22:31:00.000-06:00

Automation !! Automation !! thats the ticket. Sorry for the repeat but its because of the city decisions to go to automated sanitation trucks is the reason for having large uniform bins for garbage and recycling pickup. Not because Winnebago County is going to single stream.

So while some city officials may want to say they are forced into this decision to purchase these bins ,they are doing it because of decision they made a few years ago. They made the decision to save money for the it would take less personnel to collect garbage and recyclables with automated collection.

The city is doing this to save themselves money not because the County making them.

INFORMATION ON THE NEW(realtively) TITAN TRANSIT EXTENDED AND LATE NIGHT

2008-11-20T23:32:00.003-06:00

Here is the webpage link to find out more about the new TITAN TRANSIT bus service thats started by UW-O at the end of September.

http://reeve.uwosh.edu/services/titan-transit
Titan Transit

About
An Oshkosh Student Association (OSA) initiative, the late night service and extension of current city services, serve to provide students with a safe, convenient, cheaper and greener mode of transportation. As the importance of safety on campuses nationwide increases, this program is one way that will assist students with their own safety, to and from campus. Routes are designed to focus on the campus and the needs of the students, whether their destination is entertainment, employment, necessity, or academics. As gas prices continue to rise; and insurance rates increase; and maintenance costs soar; this program will save the students money by offering a far cheaper alternative than using a personal vehicle. As a university that is committed to the highest of green standards, this initiative aligns with our campus sustainability plan.

Since Titan Transit runs based on UW Oshkosh's academic schedule, there are certain dates in which it doesn't run. View Titan Transit's No Service Dates now.

Service Hours and Maps
Extended Evening Service
Begins Monday, September 29

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday - Saturday
(excluding major holidays, service is available during the 14 week semesters)

This Extended Evening Service consists of three routes (one bus each) that run consistent with current city service.

West Side Route

Stops include: Transit station, campus, Sears Grand (transfer point), West High School, area near J.J. Keller stadium
6pm-10pm Mon-Sat

Leaving Sears Grand Store :00 & :30
West High School :05 & :35
Delta Restaurant (Sawyer) :07 & :37
UWO Parking Lot 39 (Witzel) :10 & :40
Oshkosh Transit Center :15 & :45
Algoma Blvd (In front of Reeve Union) :20 & :40

North Side Route

Stops include: Transit station, campus, primary off-campus student housing area, North High School, Pick n Save complex, downtown Oshkosh
6pm - 10pm Mon-Sat

Leaving Oshkosh Transit Center :00 & :30
Algoma Blvd (In front of Reeve Union) :05 & 35
North High School :10 & :40
Pick N Save (Murdock and Jackson) :15 & :45
Main Street Stops :20 & 50

Frontage Road Route

Stops include: Target complex, theater complex, Wal-Mart Supercenter, Festival complex, Sears Grand (transfer point)
6pm - 10pm Mon-Sat

Leaving Festival Foods Store 6:00 pm
Wal-Mart Store :10 & :40
Target Store :20 & :50
Marcus Cinema Ten Movie Theater :25 & :55
Sears Grand Store :30 & :00
Festival Foods Store :35 & :05

Late Night Bus Service
Late Night Route

10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday
(only during the 14-week semesters, excluding major holidays)

Leaving High Ave (by UWO tennis courts) at 10:00pm. Continuously making the loop approximately every 1/2 hour through campus, north-side off campus housing and downtown.

Cost
Extended Evening Service

Free to UW Oshkosh faculty, staff and students

General public pays:

Cash Fare (6 years of age and over) $ 0.75
Senior Citizen (60 years of age and over) $ 0.25
Disabled $ 0.25
Children under 6 years of age FREE

Late Night Bus Service
Free to UW Oshkosh faculty, staff and students as well as general public.

IN CASE YOU MISSED WEDNESDAY NIGHT VIEW IT HERE

2008-10-30T00:13:00.002-05:00

WHO IS YOUR CHOICE TO FILL THE OPEN OSHKOSH CITY COUNCIL SEAT ?
	BRIAN POESCHL
	MARK WIDEMAN
	MICHAEL RETELLE
	RICHARD O'DAY
	MARK MADISON
	RUDI KRAUT
	STEPHEN HINTZ
	JEF HALL
	PHILIP FARLEY
	HAROLD BUCHHOLZ
	JIM EVANS
	DANIEL EHRLICH
	LARRY DIDLO
	STEVE CUMMINGS
	LARRY SPANBAUER

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