It's been a slow summer for blogging the Village.

Here's what went on last night at the WFB Village Trustee meeting:

• A new Villager was appointed to the Library Board, Georgia Mavrinac, who previously served on the CDA. Thank you for your efforts.
   
• We had a public hearing and debated the Cumberland project. This had been debated months back, but the Village had inadvertently missed the driveway apron assessments.
  
  Just a refresher .. the Village (all of us) pay for 70% of (most) street repairs. Individual homeowners pay 30%, based on their frontage. Driveway aprons are paid for 100% by the homeowner.
  
  So while no one is happy with assessments, the project costs $244k, property owners pick up about $73k, plus or minus. The entire driveway apron project is paid for by owners.
   
• We had a public hearing and debated the "Sanitary Sewer Relay Project" of 2009, where we are replacing relays and laterals around 10 blocks of the Village. Of greatest concern to residents, naturally, is that the sewer laterals (from the main to your property line near your sidewalk) is paid for by each property owner, at around $2800 each.
  
  WFB's sewers were laid decades ago.
   
• We also started the discussion about 2010's Sewer/Lateral project, whereby another set of 10-20 blocks of sewers will be maintained. A public hearing is tentatively set for the next Trustee meeting, which is September 14th.

Finally the most interesting item from last night was a presentation by Shorewood and its developer "WiRED Properties" for the Location Formerly Known as the Mobil Station across from Wick's liquor on Oakland.

Why? Because the WFB/Shorewood boundary slices half-way through that lot.

Here's a picture of the lot .. Wick's is on the lower right, Mobil is in the center. The Mobil station has since been demolished.

Into this:

The development includes 26 one, two, and three bedroom "luxury" apartments, plus 4 retail spots. The developer has tenants lined up already, including a wine bar, spa, and coffee retailer.

Under the proposal, Shorewood would pay WFB $103k for 150 years of property taxes, based on the Village's share of the current property tax stream of $2,500/year. The WFB School District, which receives roughly 50% of property tax revenue would be compensated in the neighborhood of $200k. The School District will need to approve this transaction as well.

UPDATE 9/18:  That was inaccurate.  The developers/Shorewood offered the School District $40k, which they declined on 9/16.  The school board's decision has no impact on whether the project goes forward.

The developer needs Shorewood's TIF financing to complete the project. If WFB declines to sell the property, the developer explained the project would not move forward, but instead, some other form of development on the Shorewood half would be considered.

Make sure to read:

• Grab Bag: Chronic Nuisnaces, Trustee Meeting, State Aid
• WFB 4th of July Festivities: SUPPORT THE WFB Civic Foundation!
• Armory Park Update
• 2nd Blogversary
• Rep. Pasch Town Hall Meeting
• Wisconsin State Budget - Just Appalling
• WFB School Drug Search Followup
• WFB Vandalism
• Wear Glasses? Read this.
• Lake Express 2009 Rates - WOW.
  

*** NOTE: Don't want to keep checking for WFB Village news on this blog? Have VILLAGE SPILLAGE delivered to your inbox, free.

The Plan Commission's August 18th meeting schedule was posted and they will be considering "Oro di Olivia" for a permit to move in to 338 E. Silver Spring, which is right next to Berkeley's in the former "Creme" spot.

A google search yields ODO's website: http://www.orodioliva.com

Apparently .. they sell .. Oils and Vinegars. They list a 'Tosa store, which means they are branching out or moving to new digs.

If Silver Spring gets a "Salad" store, we'll be all set.

UPDATE: The agenda lists two items .. ODO is to go into 338 Silver Spring, and the Fox-Bay Condo Sales to go to 318. But right now, the Fox-Bay office is at 338. So either the agenda is wrong or the Fox-Bay office is moving from 338 to 318.

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In this week's mail, the WFB School District sent out an annual "Executive Summary" for the 2009-10 budget.

Previously, I had caught some flack for the seemingly innocuous idea that because the State of Wisconsin was dropping WFB's State Aid by $1.27m, our property taxes would go up.

I can't seem to get the numbers reported in the newspaper to jibe with the "Executive Summary" .. but the result given in the official mailing is that our Tax Levy increase will be 5.61% if adopted by the School Board.

Again, with some quick math and a guess on a $350k house, the bill will be going up about $160 when you get your statement in December, which is half of my original guess.

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Lastly.. the final "Ice Cream Social" will be held this Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm, hosted by the WFB Civic Foundation with entertainment by the WFB Community Band at School House Park in front of the Library.

If you haven't been to one of these .. it has a simple premise: FREE ICE CREAM with your neighbors and fellow villagers, while listening to the Band.

Click here to visit the Civic Foundation website for more details.

Seriously, how great is that? Classic Whitefish Bay.

(And an obligatory plug. The WFB Civic Foundation is funded entirely by YOUR donations .. consider a donation your WFB Party Tax. Click here to help out!)

First off, a quick recap of Sunday's Ice Cream Social.

The heat and humidity might have suppressed turnout somewhat, although there was a healthy crowd of a few hundred in and out.

The rain held off until 4pm, so they got 90 minutes in before anyone was chased away.

Click here for a short 90 second video recap.

If you belong to Facebook, take a moment and join a few WFB related groups, open to anyone in WFB:

1. Facebook: WFB Civic Foundation - Photos and Videos of public events
2. Facebook: WFB Business Improvement District - announcements of new business ventures
3. Facebook: You know you're from WFB when... - General tomfoolery

And why not .. here's a list of all the WFB websites I know about .. gotta be a bunch on that list you've never visited before.

Associated Bank

Armory Park Project

Bay Bakery

Bay Ridge Consulting

Berkeley's Cafe

BreadSmith

Cavalry Game & Hobby

CBI Custom Homes

Connections Tickets

Elements Massage

Fitness Together

Fox Bay Condos

Fox-Bay Cinema Grill

Gallery 505

Great Harvest

Healthy Communities Project

Hounds Around Town

Jack Pandls

Johnson's Bank

Les Moise

M&I Bank

Milwaukee Blooms Florist

Mobility

Modern Touch Dental

Nevaeh Medispa

Oom Yung Doe

Pandl's

Patricia Shoppe

Peabody's

Peg Bradley-Zita

Persian Rug Store

Red Cap Luggage

Ruhama's Yarn

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home

Schwanke Kasten Jewelers

Sendik's

Shabahang Carpets

Silver Spring Shopping

Silver Spring Spa & Laser

St. Monica's

Stone Creek

Stone Creek Coffee

Sweet Law Offices

The Great Frame Up

Trustee Tom Fehring - Blog

Upper Crust Pizza

WFB Advocates for Education

WFB Civic Foundation

WFB Community Band

WFB High School Alumni

WFB History Page

WFB Library

WFB Little Leage

WFB School Lawsuit Facts

WFB Schools

WFB Soccer Club

WFB Village Hall

WFB Wikipedia Page

What's Poppin

Zita Bridal

Just a reminder, this Saturday night, the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation hosts their annual Sounds of Summer from 5pm-10pm.

Silver Spring will be closed down, and starting at 5pm, music, food, and beverages will be provided. Admission is free. Beer is not free.

Click here for more details.

Full Details:

August 15, 2009, 5-10pm

Whitefish Bay's Sounds of Summer

Entertainment:

Robin Pluer

She's a sultry diva with pizzazz and jazzy style. She's a multi-faceted songstress who elegantly but playfully delivers a melange of vintage French ballads with a distinctive twist. Wherever she performs, whether it's her funky R&B or flirtatious medley of French "oldies," Robin Pluer effortlessly captivates her audiences. She can transport you to a more genteel France through chansons of the past, or strike your inner musical soul with her original R&B style.

With their smooth style, good looks and perfect harmony, ladies grab your best guy and fellas grab your best girl, it is cheek to cheek time. They are handsome and talented; most have been performing together since 1995. They have entertained at various functions, dinner parties, charities, festivals and casinos. Watch closely as they change formation and dazzle their way to your heart. Not only will they amaze you with their choreography, they will mesmerize you with their spectacular harmony.

Robin Pluer website

Reviews

The Tempters

With their smooth style, good looks and perfect harmony, ladies grab your best guy and fellas grab your best girl, it is cheek to cheek time. They are handsome and talented; most have been performing together since 1995.

They have entertained at various functions, dinner parties, charities, festivals and casinos. Watch closely as they change formation and dazzle their way to your heart. Not only will they amaze you with their choreography, they will mesmerize you with their spectacular harmony.

Reviews

Music Sponsors: M&I Bank, Sendiks Food Market, and Epilepsy & Seizure Care Specialists, S.C.

Beer by Lakefront Brewery

Last Saturday's Sounds of Summer was a great success, blessed with perfect weather. I'd estimate 1,000 Villagers attended for some part of the evening.

I thought Robin Pluer was really entertaining, after which, The Tempters filled the dance floor.

Great thanks go out to the Whitefish Bay Civic Foundation for hosting, but also my fellow Trustee Jim Roemer, who created and has shepherded this event since its beginning.

I tried out a new method of picture display that stitches pictures together to create a 3-D world of images. Click here to see a 3-D "synth" of the concert, then mouse around the picture.

And a short video .. click here:

Our State Assembly Representative, Rep. Sandy Pasch, is holding two Town Halls this week. Pasch will be joined by Assembly Majority Leader Thomas Nelson.

Tuesday, August 25 - 6pm-7:30pm
Venice Ballroom
Radisson Hotel Milwaukee North Shore - Glendale
7065 North Port Washington Road

Wednesday, August 26 - 10:30am-11:30am
Whitefish Bay Public Library
5420 North Marlborough Drive

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Also, as many of you know, the Whitefish Bay Schools are considering a referendum on the November ballot for upgrading and maintaining the school facilities.

The school district will be hosting 3 "Listening Sessions"

• Monday, August 24, 6 p.m., Richards School cafeteria
• Wednesday, August 26, 7 p.m., Cumberland School cafeteria
• Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7 p.m., Whitefish Bay High School room 47

Dr. Rickabaugh sent me an advanced copy of the handout:

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School District facility study findings, emerging plans, and opportunities to give your input

You are invited to attend one or more information and input sessions where you can learn in detail about our facility needs and about options to assure that our buildings are protected so they can continue to serve our students well. Please come and hear about the plans and options under consideration, and offer your perspective. Read on for further information.

The Whitefish Bay School Board appointed a committee of parents, community members and staff who spent a year reviewing and analyzing school facility conditions and educational program needs. The committee found that our district has significant and urgent needs that affect teaching and learning.

Some examples:


SAFETY & SECURITY

• Our schools were constructed at a time when building safety and security were less of an issue than they are today. With changing times has come the need for significant front-entrance and other safety-related remodeling to assure that access is monitored and controlled.

• Fire-alarm systems in each of our schools must be upgraded or replaced to comply with current safety codes.

TECHNOLOGY

• When our schools were constructed, the internal systems necessary to support modern technology could not have been imagined. For example, most classrooms have only one or two electrical outlets to support an array of electrical needs for computers, projectors and other instructional tools.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• The Richards and Cumberland School cafeterias were constructed at a time when most students went home for lunch. Because this is no longer the practice for the vast majority of families, our students now sit elbow-to-elbow over four lunch periods in crowded, noisy conditions. This makes lunchtime less pleasant for those in the cafeteria and poses challenges for teachers conducting class in nearby classrooms.


• Our elementary cafeterias must often double as art classrooms. Every day, staff time must be devoted to setting up cafeteria spaces as classrooms, removing art class materials and equipment to serve lunch, setting them up again, and taking them down to allow for after-school use.

• With enrollments around 700, our elementary schools are among the largest in southeastern Wisconsin. Yet a single gymnasium must accommodate physical education classes, performances, community recreation and large school and community gatherings. School programs of any duration displace physical education classes.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

• Middle School orchestra is taught in an undersized, converted locker-room in the basement, with temperature control so inadequate that school instruments cannot be stored there.

• When it was installed 20 years ago, the vinyl tile gym floor was cost-effective. However, the tile rests on a hard concrete surface that is exceedingly slippery when humidity levels rise. The floor is at the end of its life-cycle and should be replaced with a safer, more appropriate and useable surface.

HIGH SCHOOL

• High School science lab course enrollment has outgrown our science laboratory space, limiting student access to hands-on advanced science learning opportunities.

• High School music classes are taught in slightly modified traditional classroom space at the opposite side of the school from auditorium performance space. There is inadequate room to accommodate all students, and the acoustics are substandard.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

• Growth in some specialized high-school special education classes has increased pressure on space and on our ability to respond sufficiently to some students’ needs. Our current space is, in some cases, sub-standard.

MAINTENANCE

• The committee found that our buildings have been well maintained. However, they are at a life-cycle stage when they need roof replacements, improvements to the heating, ventilation and air-circulation systems, lighting upgrades, and other major maintenance attention.

• Bathrooms throughout our schools have not been remodeled to replace pipes or other plumbing since the schools were constructed in the 1930s. Some fixtures are original to the buildings.



The facilities study committee’s report and recommendations have led the School Board to consider a referendum in November. Our District’s needs are compelling. The debt incurred to improve the Middle School, authorized by the community in the 1990s, will soon be repaid. It is an opportune time to consider investing in improvements to the beautiful, well-constructed schools for which our community is known.

I checked in with John Lavelle, the WFB owner of Mobility, which opened about a month ago on Silver Spring.

Mobility is a cross between Best Buy, Flanners, and Geek Squad, offering home theater sales and installation, PC diagnostics and repair, and laptop sales.

Since they focus on service, their prices are surprisingly competitive with the big box merchants. -- And now, they are an authorized Verizon cell phone shop.

Status? They are doing surprisingly well, and have exceeded their early expectations.

They are averaging a couple of PC repairs each day, a few laptops sold and Lavelle said they'd almost sold out their first stock of Verizon phones. He was also appreciative of a number of Village Spillage readers who have supported his business.

That's awesome news, and a tribute to what can happen when you shop local.

As your kids go off to college, think about using Mobility for their technology needs, cell phones, etc., and keep that train rolling.

As a closing thought .. there's an interesting group called Our Milwaukee and their purpose is to educate and promote shopping locally. Interesting stats.

For every $1 you spend locally, .68 cents remains in Milwaukee. Their big drive is to suggest that we all make an effort to buy at least 10% of our purchases through local businesses.

The benefits of doing so, for each community, is just huge. Click to read more.

Two pieces of news today:

The Armory Park Project has had a productive summer. In the past two weeks, a number of donations and pledges have arrived, including a sizable bequest.

The project is now $5,000 away from their goal to start construction. That's outstanding news, especially in this economy.

If you are interested in joining the many other donors, please visit the project website at www.ArmoryPark.Org or click here for a donation form or send a check, made out to "Friends of Armory Park" to: Friends of Armory Park / PO Box 170344, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217.

If you have any questions about the project, contact John Kearns at armorypark@sbcglobal.net

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Also .. a week ago, the Whitefish Bay Board of Trustees voted to allow the Police Department to move staff around to create a School Resource Officer. One has been chosen.

Officer Dave Hryniewicki has been assigned as the Whitefish Bay School Resource Officer, who will begin his new role near the beginning of school.

From the Chief: "The PD believes that this assignment is very important for developing better relationships with school staff, students and parents, and has the potential to have a significant positive impact in dealing with youth related problems."

Two days ago, I posted a blog entry asking questions about what Villagers thought about the 10 month old Berkeley's restaurant on Silver Spring, and why it was not thriving.

The question got many responses, public and through email. Wanting to do more good than harm, I've removed those responses.

I contacted Berkeley's owners and had a 45 minute discussion with them about all of the feedback. Turns out, they were days away from contacting me to request this very thing, commentary about what the residents liked and didn't like about their restaurant so they could improve.

Personally, I've been to Berkeley's a dozen times and can't complain, although I'm a relentless cheerleader for Silver Spring merchants.

But I want everyone to remember, that the owners, Marija and Ryan Whitman, are Whitefish Bay residents. She told me, "We wanted to create a place everyone loved. A place where the Whitefish Bay community could gather, as we live here too." That's something to be respected.

So to those who have submitted comments, please note your feedback has been heard and should be acted upon. As summer comes to a close, try Berkeley's again.

Here's a note from Marija:

Thank you so much for your candid feedback. When we created Berkeley’s it was our goal to become a place the Whitefish Bay Community valued and could proudly call its own, a place where friends could meet and families felt welcome.

If you are disappointed in any way, we want to know why and are open to and thankful for your feedback. Please know that we are not only owners of this Whitefish Bay restaurant, but are residents of Whitefish Bay ourselves. We love this community and want to add value to it by creating a neighborhood café for all to enjoy.

Please consider this an open invitation to share your thoughts with us. We want to know what the community desires, and hope to make the changes necessary to ensure we succeed in our goal; creating a warm, friendly and valued neighborhood establishment that thrives.

Please email your thoughts to marija@gracious-events.com. Though we may not be able to respond to them all, please know your comments are appreciated and will be taken to heart. We very much look forward to your response.

Most Sincerely,

Marija Whitman
Owner, Berkeley’s Cafe & Whitefish Bay Resident

On the docket for the September 15th Plan Commission ..

JJ Design, LLC - 427 E. Silver Spring Dr. (Former Donnybrook Fair) -Interior design studio and the sale of home accessories and gifts.

Simon Oliver - 318 E. Silver Spring (Former part of Just Kidding) - men’s clothing store

Google failed me with searches about these two new stores.

Call me crazy, but Silver Spring is perking up, even in the middle of this recession. Five new stores, Mobility, Nevaeh Medispa, Oro di Olivia, and now JJ Design and Simon Oliver in just 2-4 months?

As a result of the street-scaping project, if you are thinking of opening a business .. Hurry down to Silver Spring, those empty spots are going quick.