President's Letter

July 9, 2012

Nadine S. Walsten

From June President’s letter:  “The flowers on my deck are starting to take aim on jumping out of the terra cotta pots, the wrens are nonstop chatter and spring seems to have quietly moved into a wonderful summer--few bugs, not steamy and just the right temperature.”  Sadly, no longer true… 

Highlights:

• On July 3, the Fire Chief/myself as Co-chair of Emergency Management Committee (in absence of our EM Director Spilde) declared an emergency no burning ban for the Village.  This requires no outdoor fires, outdoor smoking and, in anticipation of July 4^th, no fireworks/sparklers.  BBQ’s can be used if in non-combustible areas such as cement apron, drive way, etc.  The point being that flame or sparks can set fire to grass or tinder-box dry debris, go out of control and set fire to buildings (like your neighbor’s house), etc.  Our ordinance authorizes our PD to issue citations for violating this ban.
• Because of the extreme heat, a heat advisory was also issued and  the Community Building opened up 24/7 from July 3-7 for use as a cooling shelter.  The lower level is air conditioned.  We provided air mattresses, beverages, and ice with tables and comfortable chairs.  If the extreme heat returns, and you or someone you know, needs and wishes to use this shelter, it will be reopened for a 24/7 availability.  Persons wishes to utilize this facility will need to bring their own food, entertainment, etc.  We encourage anyone who is looking for a place to stay cool to consider using this shelter.  It is your tax money so take advantage of this benefit of living in this community. 
• The July 4^th Fireworks celebration hosted by the Recreation Committee, although hampered by the extreme heat, orchestrated a wonderful event before the fireworks and, thanks to Dan Dean and the Fire Department, put on a great fireworks show!  The breeze prevented a few shells from being exploded at the end because the sparks would have fallen outside the wetted area, but as someone who loves fireworks, this was a great show!  Thank you, thank you to Dan and the Brooklyn Fire Dept for making it possible to have such a great show and keep the park, visitors and surrounding area safe at the same time.  And thanks to all of you for observing the no fireworks ban at the Park and throughout the Village. 
• After review of the proposed chicken keeping ordinance again this month, the Board passed this ordinance Monday night.  Support for this ordinance from previous residents plus two more additional residents who spoke in favor of the ordinance Monday night and only two emails received in opposition, indicated such an ordinance would be appropriate.  Covenants in neighborhoods preventing keeping of fowl, chickens would supercede this ordinance but would require a civil action between neighbors to address unwanted chickens.  The building inspector will inspect the initial coop and run to assess it will meet the requirements of this ordinance, which will hopefully prevent future complaints or concerns.
• The full application for the Community Development Block Grant is being worked on and our engineering firm was approved to write the engineering section for $2000.
• Announcement of a Focus on Energy Grant for a solar panel for the Wastewater Treatment Plant was presented.  The award would be a $75,000 solar panel (65-70’ long) at no cost to the Village except the $2000 grant writing fee and an additional $10,000, if the Village received the award, for designing the installation.  Public Works Committee will look at this later this month.
•  

Don’t hesitate to give me a call if I can be of help.  I can be reached at 455-1457 or president@brooklynwi.govfor your questions, concerns and ideas.