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157 comments:
I am accusing the City of Green Lake: Lack of transparency,Conflicts of interest,and misuse of taxpayers' money.
I second the motion, wholeheartedly!
Thanks for the new city issues section, chief. I agree with "Tangled Web". Our city clerk was told to insist on detailed bills from Kunkel several years ago and that has not happened. The current council just votes on every general bill that Kunkel sends in. The trees on Wallners land was put under the Lake St. project and the council did not know about it!
If Kunkel does not itemize every one of his invoices down to the penny, they should not be paid. We desperately need a new city clerk. There is no excuse for this type of intentional oversight. The taxpayers deserve accountability!
I was not able to attend last nights council meeting. I would appreciate an update if anyone is so inclined.
Council meeting last night. The McIntyres told the council that the city inspector admitted that the Wallners refused to give the city an easement for the new watermains unless the city bought them trees to plant along McIntyres fence line and on top of the sewer line! The mayor and Glen agreed to do it without going to the council for approval! Lack of transparency?
Mrs McIntyre accused Glen McCarty of lying to the ripon papers. He told the paper last week that the trees were given to the Wallners to repair the land. Barb told the council that the land had already been repaired and reseeded by the city, and the trees were planted no where near where the land had been torn up! They were planted where no trees existed and no damage was done. I believe that the Wallners got other payments for the easement that has not been disclosed. What the heck is going on? Why did McCarty lie to the papers? What are they hiding? Why didn't the council vote on this? Why wasn't the concil involved in the fact that Wallner did not want the water easement? They should have been involved and informed! The council still doesn't know the whole story, so how can we know the whole story? It smells fishy to me. We should all demand from our mayor why the Wallners were paid off without anyone's knowledge?
Can you prove that the Wallners got other payments? If you can't, that is gossip.
If there is a paper trail, and no cover-up in place, then we should be able to find out if the Wallners were paid off. If the Wallners were paid "under the table" then we will probably never find out, unless someone comes forward with the truth. You can call it gossip, but until an investigation is carried out, it is an allegation worth looking into.
In the meantime, there is enough evidence at this time to expect McCarty's resignation, or for the city to demand it. Perhaps Glen can spill the beans on what else has been going on in this city before he leaves Green Lake with his tail between his legs. (that is a figure of speech). I would venture to say that this is just one incident of wrong-doing among many...
Leave Glen alone you losers. He works very hard for this city and all you can do is complain. Maybe he'll quit and then you will have something to complain about.
Hey all of you cryer complainers - just wanted to shoot out a big thanks a lot for all your bitching on the blog about wasting the tax payer money on the snow removal in town. Now they are showing you and the roads in town suck. Thanks so much for that! I wish you would just move - Green Lake would be a lot nicer without you!
You have to be kidding. The "roads" in town are the same as they are every winter. What, do you want them to scrape the asphalt off the street for you? The streets are as good as can be expected after a major snow storm. It is too cold for ice-melt, so salting would be a waste of money. At least the plows have not come back (again and again) to fill the end of my driveway with snow after I have finished shoveling.
If Glen McCarty quits, there would be 100 applications (or more) for his job by the end of next week. I am sure the city could hire a qualified candidate for the job.
To 'you have to be kidding': Really, take a look at hwy 23 and then tell me they are the same. What world are you living in? I've lived here a very long time and I can't remember a time when we had snow packed roads for 3 days after a storm.
In this economy you are right about having a lot of people hungry for Glen's job. But you are obviously one of the people here in town who take advantage and don't appreciate what people do around here. You think about yourself and not the good of the community regarding our City employees. Everyone can obviously do a better job - no matter what they do... look at you! Under a microscope everyone can look a bit ugly eh - yours just shows up front - no microscope needed - your ugly words speak volumes about who you are!
I guess I do not appreciate what people "do around here" if that means giving away $1900 in trees to a private home-owner. Please show exactly what "ugly words" you are talking about. You are the one getting ugly, in my opinion. The people of Green Lake have valid concerns about how our tax dollars are spent!
It is unbelievable to me that some people are criticizing others for their concern about public spending. Lack of accountability can result in all kinds of mischief. There is an article in today's Oshkosh Northwestern about public officials embezzling at least $240,000 from the taxpayers of Fond du Lac. In light of recent developments here in Green Lake, I feel that a complete audit of the city for the past several years is a very good idea. If there are no wrong-doings, then there is nothing for anyone to worry about. If there has been wrong-doings, then the public has a right to know, and appropriate measures should be taken.
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20101214/OSH0101/312140167/Oshkosh-man-former-FdL-city-supervisor-charged-in-embezzlement-case
The State Attorney General should be contacted for an audit of the City of Green Lake.
The roads in green lake are actually in better condition than the roads in either ripon or berlin. Comparing hwy 23 to a road in town? You must be a simpleton. Higher speeds, 30 times the traffic, and I imagine the county gets paid pretty well by the state to keep the highways clear. As of my drive home from work tonight, 49 wasn't exactly in top top shape either. 91 has some pretty good stretches of ice on it yet too. A lady from the berlin printers I believe got killed on 91 today due to road conditions. It's not just the roads in the city of green lake.
Those McIntyre people are very strange people. What I hear from the different people that have dealt with them since they came to this town. They are always finding fault with someone or something that they are involved in --usually to get out of paying for something. They must be bored with going after contractors and now they are going after the city.
Dwayne, you are very quick to judge people that you admit you do not know. I do know the McIntyres, and in my opinion they are both upstanding individuals. They have gone through the proper channels to make their concerns heard in a civil and legal fashion. Thank God that in America, we have government by people, for the the people. Your insinuation that they are "always finding fault" with someone or something was meant as a slur, as you are taking sides on a situation that you are seemingly unfamiliar with. I hope there is a complete investigation of this matter, and I truly hope that citizens continue to come forward when necessary. I am sure this was not easy for Larry and Barb, and I applaud them for their courage and their honesty. Now let's hope that this matter is taken seriously and that God will shine His light on the truth and expose all darkness for what it is.
The owners of the property at 588 N.Lawson refused to give the city an easement for the finalization of the water main on the Lake Street Construction Project. The arbor vitae trees were part of the PAYOFF to complete the project.
You would think that the city would have the right to "eminent domain" for such things as water mains. Not for the seizure of property for utilities but merely for the use of such properties. Seriously, did the city ask to go through the property at 588 N. Lawson with new water pipes, and the homeowners simply said NO? Did they have a right to say NO? Was this matter brought up at the council meetings? Did they vote to bribe the homeowners? Who (specifically) decided on $1900 worth of trees as a payoff? When was it decided? Was Mayor Chuck Mirr involved in this decision? Who else knew about it? Was this payoff legal? Were other private properties disturbed for this project? How were those property owners compensated?
The public deserves some straight answers.
Then the public ought to show up at the council meetings, and do their homework. It's easy to bitch; not so easy to study an issue.
I thought that trying to find honest answers to honest questions is studying the issue. What is your complaint? You are the one b*tching.
Besides, do you really believe that these questions would be answered at a council meeting? I don't.
Yes, I do. The council is there to serve.
City officials, please feel free to answer the questions right here on the blog. If you would in fact answer these questions in session, then please enlighten us with your answers here. Your input would be most appreciated.
The payoff was done without City Council approval. Expenditures must be approved by the council-this was not. The City Clerk was unaware of this when I spoke with her.
Expenditures under a certain dollar amount do not have to be approved by council.
I think it is time for the Attorney General to investigate the City of Green Lake.
That's ridiculoius. Whoever has questions, call your councilperson.
I agree with Larry. A complete investigation is in order.
Dear City Council,
Please send me the check for $7,500. I have completed the study of the courthouse. Here is my finding: It is a money pit. TEAR IT DOWN!
Time for the city to get a backbone. Tell McIntyre tough toenails! Besides no one cares. No one shows for the council meetings. --Trees are wonderful. If they can only be 6 feet tall -trim them, I have neighbors that do what ever they please, but it is only a nuisance. I'm glad they are not breaking it or burning my house down. If the city paid for them who cares- They piss away too much money on PW labor, attorneys, and too much insurance! At lease our town has some trees to show for it. And Oh Yes, Praise The Lord! I see the devil is upon us!
Over five years ago, there was talk of recording and televising the city council meetings. Thanks to the fact that Green Lake has not yet made it to the twenty first century, we are still waiting for this to be a reality. I do not attend the council meetings because of my busy schedule, but that does not mean that I am disinterested. The same goes for the school board meetings. These meetings should be televised so that the taxpayers can see their local government in action. Other cities have been doing this for years, it would be nice if Green Lake finally got on board.
If you show up at a council meeting you are only put off by the Mayor and his three ladies. Unless it is on their agenda forget.
Ask them why we are rasing taxes again ? Ask the Mayor why he does not have office hours ? Martha Janz only wants to be called at home. However she is never their.
They should have three months of cash on hand for emergencies. It is call a contintency fund. Check I do not believe you can run a city for three months with two or three thousand dollars.
We need new leadership in the city! What we have now is a pathetic joke. Green Lake should hire a city administrator. The only council member worth keeping is Parise.
I like Parise's feelings on the way the town of brookyln keeps sucking off the city,-- (which it does, like a fat stupid brother-in-law that lives in your basement, eats all your food, has an income and won't chip in on the expenses, and gets in the way of you making something out of your life),-- and I hope he keeps focusing on that, but I cannot understand the crazy out bursts he has with Chuck, Dan, and Robin. Looks bad to the public.
What is this talk about the city offering a severance package if city police chief retires? As a taxpayer and voter, please hear this, city council: NO!
If it is not in his contract, then do not offer an extra dime. Who do you think you are, fairy god-mothers with a magic wand? Shouldn't we all just get a years salary when we decide to leave our jobs? How absurd! Where do you think all this money comes from?
In case you still do not understand, let me reiterate: The city is in a financial mess, the residents of this city are struggling in a bad economy to make ends meet. The residents are the ones who elected you to the city council. The residents say NO TO ANY UNNECESSARY SPENDING.
Are you starting to understand? I know you aren't terribly bright, so I will explain it some more until you "get it". NO SEVERANCE PAY!!!
I agree. A fruit basket would be a nice parting gift. The city is not in a position to be giving away money.
The city should not be giving away anything. That is not their role.
The only reward that a police cheif should receive in leaving -is the satisifaction of being able to retain and collect that handsome salary for over 30 years. That guy has a new car every other year, goes on vacation and probaly has one million in the bank. I have lived here over 30 years and still owe as much on my house as when i bought it. My car has over 170,000 miles on it. And I raised a family out of it.I am lucky just to tread water at this point.It has been really tough to survive in this area. Work is tough to get and the civil employees don't know how nice they have it.
I urge you to write a letter to each of the council members and express your opinion about this severance package. The tax payers in Green Lake are not in a position to hand out free money just because someone is retiring.
PLEASE WRITE OR CALL THE MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.
On your place I would address for the help in search engines.
Come on stop picking on the city council and mayor. It is not his fault he can not tell the truth and his nose is growing. I like the pike path. However, the large nosed mayor stated at a council meeting he would go door to door before he would use city funds for it. Ask the large nosed mayor today where the money is coming from
I am trying to decipher your very cryptic message. Does the mayor really have a large nose, or is that just Christmas cheer for the holidays? Is the bike path IN THE CITY? I have seen it (along Highway 23 to the ABA) and I thought that was all Town of Brooklyn property. Why would the city pay anything for the bike path if it is in the town?
Since we are in question asking mode here, someone please tell me why (once again) the lights on the city Christmas tree don't match! This is just ridiculous. The city had an ENTIRE YEAR to buy a few strings of lights that match each other, but couldn't get that done. Maybe they need a committee to look into it, table it every month for years on end...is there ANY hope for Green Lake? Our Christmas tree looks like a skunk with one string of white lights, how lame. The snow piles across from the chamber are really attractive. That will surely bring tourists here, we can call it the Green Lake Ski Hill. No wonder Green Lake is a shell of what it used to be. I am very upset that the city is going to spend $7500 of my (and yours) money to study what to do with the courthouse. This is a HUGE waste of money. Severance for the police chief? NO! Does ANYONE in city government have a freaking clue what they are doing???
The only one with a brain on the city council is JOE and he does not want to run any more. He is sick of working with see no evil, hear no evil,speak no evil and the man with the long nose.
The bike path is in the DOT right-of-way. That is the only way you could put a bike path in the area. You tell us where a bike path could exist in the city limits? It is filled with angry land barrons and negative hostiles. The city of Green Lake is not paying one cent for the bike path. The bike path is a simpler way to connect the ABA with the city and soon the school, Actually you should be happy, it is something the city can control over the town. Also maintainence can be paid through private donations, although what maintenance,? how much does it cost to maintain your driveway?
Bull the money for the bike path is comming from Park and Rec what do you think we all idiots. Keep lying Green Lake Girl your nose will grow like your husband.
I also heard that the city was going to pay maintenance for the bike path. Is there truth in this, or is it just a nasty rumor?
Joe is the only council member worth keeping. At least he doesn't have a case of money-spending diarrhea like the rest of the council. I wish Joe was the mayor again, at least good things happened for Green Lake when Joe went to bat for us.
It is true the city pays for the up keep.
DOT grants for projects like the new path are Transportation Enhancement grants.
The city applied for and was awarded a $550,000.00 grant.
This grant is 80% of the needed monies with the community being responsible for the remaining 20% ($110,000.00).
The Park and Recreation board of the City of Green Lake has budgeted $20,000 towards the project.
Is that all the bike path we get for $660,000? Or is there more to come? This seems like a huge waste of money if the bike path only goes from Lawson to the ABA. Don't get me wrong, I really like the bike path, just don't feel this is a good use of taxpayer money.
Someone told me today that Robin Wallenfang might run for mayor. The last thing we need is a 50 year old who lives with her mommy and daddy to be our mayor! Oh PLEASE! I sure hope that Joe puts his name on the ballot.
Look Robins claim to fame is a no smoking sign at the beach. She did not want butts in the sand. How ever she failed to recognize a potentially hazadous waste site one hundred plus yaeds from the school. The location is at W1606 North Street. There are computor monitors stored against the house.
The state no longer puts them in dump sites due to Mercury ,Lead and heavy metals. Heavy metals cause cancer. If you want to know more ask Jerry Bartow. He took this to the council and the only ones cocerned where the two men. The Mayor and the ladies blew him off. The Mayor even refused to talk to the town of Brooklyn. The town of Brooklyn has known of this problem for over three year and done nothing. In fact the computors came out of thr towns dump, This does not count the ones in the garage.
What happened to Ellen at Chamber
I had not heard about the computer monitors on North Street. Is that the house that is always a messy eyesore? Toxic waste is a serious matter!
Yes it is. However the Mayor does not like Mr Bartow who pointed it out. Therefor he ignored him. He feels he is a freind of Joe. So no action. Mr Bartow even called the D&R However unless Brooklyn does something it remainds a waste site. Sidney R called Mr Bartow a rat for talking to the D&R.
The Mayor and Mike W are big buddies so they chose hot to protect the kids and citizens from this potential health hazard. Revenge on Joe is no reason. Robin never talked to the town on this subject. She dislikes Joe too.
It had nothing to do with any of that. The home is in foreclosure and will be going up for sheriff's sale shortly, I believe. Then it will have to be cleaned up properly. I don't like that mess either, but don't see how any kids are getting poisoned from those units sitting there. Proper disposal is the key.
The Town and the City should plant arbor vitae trees around this toxic eyesore.
The City of Green Lake is being investigated by Michael Moore.
As items deteriorate the chemicals from the items are absorbed into the ground and into our water system. Lead poisoning is highly dangerous to children and all people - did you know that children have mandatory lead testing by age 2? Mercury poisoning from the monitors releases into the air where you can breath it or into the ground into the water - the water in this area, runs into the Dartford Bay.... Heavy metals are carsonsigenic (meaning they cause cancer)... so when you start seeing 3 legged and 2 headed frogs let me know... since this area flows directly into Dartford Bay. ps... this happens over time and can affect people after years of exposure. Apparently our children should be exposed to this as well as our community, our council members and town of brooklyn need to get off their lazy rear-ends and do something about this, it shouldn't matter whether the house in in forclosure or not.
Hey Michael Moore person - you should run for city council, you'll fit right in. Hear no evil, see no evil and speak no evil. I can see your nose growing right now : )
why does the chief of police need $50K in severance pay. He worked for the city - he gets his retirement or whatever, should have saved his money if he can't afford to live without $50K extra then he needs to work longer, or spend less. From what I hear, he's going to work for the sheriff's dept. So WHY are we continuing to PAY Him after retirement?????
You don't see kids getting poisoned. Because It doen't show up right away you idiot. Mecury causes brain damage and it takes time,lead replaces the iron in your blood really serious in children under six years of age and the Heavy metals cause cancer.
Only bullet wounds show up fast If you would like to take a trip to a Kids Cancer ward maybe you would not be such a smart ass.I would be glade to take you. Leave your address. I doubt If your brave enough to go. All talk no balls. Mr Moore you are invited as well.
If the police chief gets severance pay, it should come right out of the pockets of the council members who voted for it. HEAR YOUR CONSTITUENTS: NO SEVERANCE PAY! You are supposed to be representing the people of Green Lake, not your own idealistic imaginations that make YOU feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
We need to impeach or fire the city council - WHATEVER we need to to, we NEED to get these crazy people out of office.
I have lived in this community a long time and never in my life have I seen the City run so badly or so many poor choices be made.
AND I DID NOT VOTE FOR ANY OF THEM SO I CAN BITCH AND COMPLAIN... THANK YOU.
As you look at the house on North street the house to the West or left is in the City .The owner has complain to Brooklyn for over two and a half years. Thats a Long time to be in forcloser. Again the city council did not do their homework. House the East is in the town of Brookln He has complain nearly as long to the Brooklyn dump. Martha J council member lives across the street How ever she has not been able to get anyone to hold her hand so she can cross the street.PS the forcloser has been moved back three or four times by the bank so far. Next time complete your Homework
If you add up the $50,000 for retirement bounus and the $90,000 Short On the bike path.
We have 140,000 Spent the council has fibbed abount.The retirement bounus is to be voted on in January.
Please call or write to the city council members and let them know how you feel about the $50,000 retirement bonus for the police chief (who is not even retiring) and other wasteful spending that the residents of Green Lake cannot afford:
Diana Galster Kinas
426 Eaton Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-6542
Robin Wallenfang
540 North Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-6722
Martha Janz
438 North Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-6648
Joe Parise
433 Scott Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-6331
Don Carpenter
432 Ernest Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-0276
MAYOR: Chuck Mirr
607 Mill Street
Green Lake, WI 54941
294-9928
The city website also has their email addresses, but I have found that nobody on city council answers their email, so I wouldn't bother.
Also, you might want to ask why the city engineer Kunkel has not been held accountable for years, and apparently refuses to provide detailed invoices for services provided. Why does city clerk/treasurer Barb Dugenske continue to pay these invoices which are in violation? Why has she not been held accountable? Also, demand to know what actions are being taken regarding Glen McCarty giving away $1900 worth our YOUR MONEY in the form of trees to a private homeowner. If we don't demand that our city council members listen and respond, then they will continue to do whatever the hell they want to do. People, we need to be more active and involved. Please do your part and make your voices heard. Thank you.
He took the bait, then authors one of his many inaccurate comments on his own blog site. Does he really take us for a bunch of fools. Wake up and get all the facts before one spouts off.
Just what facts are you disputing? And who are you talking about?
It is against City Ordinance to leave an aldermanic seat vacant for five months. District One is under represented.
Joe needs to go the crap He has and will pull again if He is Mayor He just needs to give it up go chuck for mayor lets keep peace with our city and town
Peace? Are you crazy? What peace? Green Lake is more divided than ever. Chuck is like a non-mayor, what does he even do for the city? He is inept to say the least. I would welcome Joe back as mayor! He knew how to effect positive (real) change for Green Lake. Chuckles the Clown can go back to grinding stumps.
The answer to the problems of the City is to hire a manager. We must join the 21st century.
I agree completely. Would that mean that we would have no need for a mayor or city council? How would this work? I hear that Princeton has moved into the new century and is hiring a city administrator. This definitely is an idea worthy of looking into.
Concerning District Ones representation. The Last appointment by the city council was Bull Shit. Martha J was nominated with out questioning the other person interested in the job. Joe pointed out this was incorrect proceedure and he was allow to question him on qualifications. The ladies ingnored this and voted in Martha. I quess the mayor can not find some in (d1) who will do what he wants. Or he and his wife have run out of friends an relatives.
Chuck keeps peace at what expense.
1. Brooklyn refuses to help on Library roof even though 66% of people using it are people from brooklyn.
2.Brooklyn and Mayor want a boarder
agreement where the city gives up it rights to Brooklyn.
3. Brooklyn backs out of support for bike path as city will not sign boarder agreement
4.Brooklyn refuse to clean up potential hazardous waste site on North street for over ywo years.
5. Brookly refuses th clean up trash site on Steel Street.
6. Brooklyn does not pay for backup police protection fron the city.
7. Brooklyn does not pay for road repairs and snow plowing on streets shared with the city like North Street, Steel Street,South Street and some ot North Lawson.
They pay $100 or $200 less in taxes per $100,000 as we contibue to pick up the tab.They are our relatives raiding the boozed and food from our house
Id like to know what facts are being disputed too?
You can say whatever you want about Joe Parise, but at least he knew how to get things done. The list of Brooklyn "offenses" is a perfect example of what is not getting done for our city. Green Lake needs strong leadership, and Chuck Mirr is not a leader.
Martha J was not nominated on experience or qualifications. The other interested person was vastly more experienced and qualified. The ladies of the council had already made their decision without any consideration for what was best for Green Lake.
Did Glen McCarty get fired yet? What is going on with the investigation? What has Chuck Mirr done about McCarty giving $1900 worth of tax-payer funded trees to a private home-owner? What is the city council doing about this?
I'd like to know what Chuck Mirr or the city council has done for Green lake in the last year???
Nothing from what I can see. Tourism is down, taxes are up, businesses are closing their doors... I am not saying we need to be Lake Geneva, but we need to expand and bring in new business and new families. this is a dying community and people that are young can't afford to live in this city. There a little jobs and no growth on the city's part. THE city is worried about stupid trees and "sign Nazis" and a dumb BIKE trail.. how many people are going to use this bike trail?
Why don't you get your heads out the sand and start working on something to make our community grow and thrive - NOT died?
Those are excellent questions. We are also waiting to hear what happened to Ellen at the Chamber of Commerce. Someone that I talked with recently pointed out that the Chamber was more of a tourism bureau than a Chamber of Commerce that advocates for the local businesses. I have to agree with that. Why not get rid of the chamber and start a tourism bureau? The paying members of the Chamber are getting nothing for their annual dues anyway.
Green Lake desperately needs to revise/change their festivals! Getting rid of Christmas in Green Lake was Ellen's first mistake. However, I do understand that since there are no businesses in Green Lake to draw Christmas shoppers, there was little point in making an effort. The Summer Solstice festival needs to go! Stupidest event ever. Does Green Lake have no integrity? Summer soltice is an event that witches and Wiccans perform their rituals. Why would you celebrate that? Then we should have the Green Lake Pedophilia parade and Necrophilia Night-time bed races too.
Can't kick off the start of summer because the heathens do a little celebration then too? A closed minded tea bagger are we?
How about we do a Reaganomics celebration, and maybe roll that together with a Jesus in July revival. We can finish that weekend off with a Quaker/Puritan service that lasts for 8 hours on Sunday. That more your speed?
Seriously lighten up. Marketing green lake as a fun destination is about all it has going for it anymore. People certainly are not coming because it's a shopping destination or because it's an affordable place to live.
The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same things and expect different results. You all wonder why Green Lake is dead and yet the city continues doing the same old lame stuff. The downtown renewal group is just one of the local groups that realizes that change is necessary. Let's work on some new ideas. Unless we as a community make changes then nothing is going to change.
Chief, why did you disable comments on the school blog?
I am all for the summer festivals we have, but it's the same stuff every single time - there isn't anything new as far as who / what is expected. Green Lake County Fair is a joke, it's boring, lack of thrill rides, to top it off, most other counties have major entertainment / concerts and why can't we do that??? What is wrong with change and why can't we do something different? The shopping downtown is a joke - how much business to you guys really get???? Obviously not enough with stores closing and going into forclosure. Don't get me started on the whole 4th of July Fireworks issue - why do we have 3 or 4 different individuals around the lake doing fireworks, instead of combining...
Instead of everyone getting defensive - get your heads out of your ass' and work together to get things accomplished. WE NEED A GOOD STRONG LEADER or LEADERS to do this.
As for Ellen at the chamber - I heard rumors that someone on the board didn't like her and wanted her fired. And I know that someone!!!!! But since it's a RUMOR I am going to be kind and NOT post HIS name on here.
The only real thing that attracts people here to Green Lake is the lake itself and the Golf Courses, and a few supper clubs.
Nobody cares about the rest of the town.
I work in the Dells area and it's amazing the amount of businesses that survived the recession - but also they have a VARIETY of things to do, not just talking about waterparks, but the shopping and restaurants - tours, museums, specialty places etc... that's why the Dells survives. We don't need to be the Dells but we do need to grow and bring some of this stuff into play in GL.
To answer the question, what has Chuck Mirr done about the trees that were given to the Wallners? Absolutely nothing has been done. We brought it to the council 2 times.I confronted Glen after the meeting. He said he and Chuck made the decision after Wallner said no to the watermain easement. McCarty said he was doing his job, that it was an emergency! He says going to the council and having the portion of land condemned(which is the legal way to get the watermain)would have been more expensive. He says he was saving the city money and it was too bad if in doing so was putting a burden on another homeowner and the taxpayers. We say that the council needed to be involved and vote on giving the Wallners 24 trees! In actual fact, what McCarty and Chuck did was illegal. No one in this city would have found out about this if the contractor who planted and bought the trees hadn't told us! This would have been covered up from the council and the whole city. Chuck and Glen were not going to tell anyone, not even our city attorney. We disclosed it and isn't it interesting how nasty some of you have been to us, just because we disclosed the fact! We did the right thing going to the council to inform them. No one cares and nothing will be done.You would think that our only alderman, Wallenfang, should phone us to talk to us....or someone from the city would make a statement. The trees violate a state statute which no one cares about either. Oh well, this is what you get if you want to say anything in GL about trying to do the right thing. Personally, I think it is a sad comment about GL, and proof that the 'good ol boy network" is alive and well.
You are right Barb - nobody cares! It's all about money, power and influence in this town and you obviously have none of the above. Let it go, people are sick of your whining!
Barb and Larry, you keep at it until you get some real results. I am not sick of your "whining". Your concerns about city employees BREAKING THE LAW needs to be investigated.
To the city council: THIS IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY. I won't let it. I want accountability and I doubt that the McIntyres are going to drop this either. If the city needed to go through the Wallner's property, then they should have gone through proper channels. Didn't Christiano's ask to be annexed into the city water and sewer? Isn't that why the water main was extended through the Wallner property? Didn't that water main go through the Grim property? Did they give permission or did they have to be bribed also? What portion of the costs was Christianos required to pay? What other businesses or residents were added to that water line?
The Wallner/tree conspiracy makes me wonder what other illegal activity is being condoned and hidden by our city officials.
I believe that a full AUDIT of our city council and mayor's activities should be in effect IMMEDIATELY.
Who is the horse's ass that keeps talking about people's noses. What are you? If you live in Green Lake, you sure don't know much. Maybe it's Joe Wannabe.
Unfortunately, if the McIntyre's feel they are not getting any satifaction out of the city council, they may have to pursue legal action against the city. If they honestly believe there has been a violation of the law, legal action might be their only choice. Barb's latest message said the trees violate a state statute. I would like to know what the statute number is so I could read up on what she believes to be the violation of the law.
I agree that legal action may be necessary, however, the fact remains that $1900 worth of tax-payer funded trees were given to a private homeowner. Proper city council procedure was NOT followed in this matter. The city council is hoping this will all just go away. (it won't)
An investigation is warranted, and I agree that a complete audit of the city for the past several years is necessary. So how do we do this? How do the taxpayers request/demand that an audit be completed?
This is all so much like the 'Obama Birth Certificate' situation.
There is one word that pretty much sums up all these type things - IF!
IF there is nothing to hide, then bring it to us!
IF there is nothing to hide by the city then let us all know and don't make it some BS answer.
IF the McIntyre's are right, and a law has been broken, a statute breached, or any other back-handed thing done - then tell us and take your licks!
This isn't the good old days where the good old boys could make back-room, side-bar deals and nobody would find out about them. Now days with everyone having a cell phone with a camera, everyone having access to the internet, everyone not being at all satisfied with the 'cookie cutter' answers the public is fed...public servants MUST BE TRANSPARENT because it all comes out in the wash!
Hopefully the McIntyre's are wrong because this city is already reeling from extremely poor and unprofessional leadership and lack of direction and we really don't need any more issues to deal with.
God knows that Chuck Mirr and the three-ring circus we know as the Council are totally inept at dealing with these things...Glen McCarty runs roughshod over all of them (what a joke he, and they are) so if any wrong-doing was done by Chuck and Glen...get the brooms out - lift the rug - and start sweeping!!!
Heck no...we don't need to know how our tax dollars are being wasted, perhaps illegally???
Green lake/town of brooklyn won't change anytime soon. The current zoning holds everything back, as it was designed to do by those who are/were against "becoming the next lake geneva". There is currently no political will to change the zoning and use restrictions to allow for growth.
Give it another 20 years, and green lake will be nothing more than an area of heavy concentration of housing, and a couple real estate agents. The chain of lakes has way more going for it.
A door county atmosphere would be ideal, plenty of business, and still plenty of small town charm.
Rodney you are somewhat naive but on the right track. The City does what it pleases regardless of ordinances and statutes. I'm surprised that Attny. Sondalle hasn't resigned out of frustration.
The only way to enhance the transparency of the City and end the conflicts of interest and misuse of taxpayers' money is to ask the Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin to investigate.
The only way to enhance the transparency of the City and end the conflicts of interest and misuse of taxpayers' money is to ask the Attorney General of the State of Wisconsin to investigate.
I'm not naive' about anything...I was giving the idiots who 'run' (sp. Ruin?) this city the benefit of the doubt to pony up and be honest about what was done.
Once again IF there is something to be ashamed of...tough beans! Tell your constituents what you did and take your licks! IF nothing was done...well then, just another disgruntled taxpayer saying their peace!
How do we ask the Attorney General to investigate? How is this done?
I agree with Rodney. If no dastardly deeds were done, then there isn't anything for the city to worry about. So let's get the Attorney General for the State of Wisconsin to conduct an investigation. Let's also get an independent (trustworthy) auditor to go through the cities financials for the past several years. One thing that greatly concerns me is the fact that Barb Dugenske, who is the city treasurer has been paying Kunkel for his services even though he has not itemized his invoices for services. I am also concerned that the law was violated when all the city tax bills were incorrect two years ago, and the errors were not technically corrected. The next years tax bills were amended to reflect the mistake, but should not every property owner have received a check for the overcharge? Then the next years tax bills should have been correct. Do two wrongs make a right? That was all swept under the rug, too. How do we know if anything is on the level any more in this town? Who was responsible for that massive tax mistake? What actions were taken against that person? Green Lake just makes up the rules as they go along, like some kid who can't follow the rules. Let's get the investigation going and find out what has actually been taking place under our noses.
Yeah, lets get the Attorney General involved and waste more tax payer money for Barb and Larry, that's got to be the answer. Then they'll be happy that more money was spent on them than on their neighbors. What a petty bunch of people you are. Poor Larry and Barb so worried about their precious view of the river. Really, don't we have much more to worry about in this town than Larry and Barbs problems.. sheesh. You people are a lynch mob, scarey bunch for sure! Lets fire everybody and have investigations, what a joke. That money is a drop in the bucket - why don't you find something important to bitch about. Or better yet, why don't you try and actually do something to fix the problems in this town rather than complain on this stupid blog, like that's going to do anything.. If you are really upset about the way things are run in this town, why don't you do something about it and run for office - how many council people are running unopposed?? Your words are meaningless!
Go for a bike ride dingbats!
FYI: Chapter 3 Municipal officers and employee's
http://www.cityofgreenlake.com/citygl/RunScript.asp?Page=77&p=ASP\Pg77.asp
5) Retirement. The City shall pay to the Wisconsin
Retirement Fund, on behalf of all employees, one hundred percent (100%) of the amount required as the
employees' contribution
) Sick Leave Upon Retirement. Full-time non-represented
employees shall be paid, in the form of post-retirement health insurance, for their unused accumulated sick leave up to a maximum of one hundred twenty (120) days upon retirement. An employee who retires and is eligible to continue participating in the City's health plan, and any eligible dependents of the employee, shall be allowed to continue participation in the group health, hospital and surgical insurance program offered to active employees, if any, until the employee is eligible for Medicare. This participation will be subject to any applicable eligibility requirements of the group health, hospital or surgical program. The employee shall be required to pay the full premium in advance each month to the City. One hundred percent of the unused accumulated sick days will be converted into a dollar equivalent based on the rate of pay in effect on the day of retirement. The City will retain the money accumulated to pay health insurance premiums for the retired employee, and the accumulated amounts may not be received in cash by the employee or dependents.
Read this in regards to Chief Huber's retirement. Posted on our own city's website
And He wants an additional $50K more...for health insurance reasons????? What is the premium each month???
Jealous eh!
It's amazing to read this blog... all I can figure is that some of you people don't live in Green Lake or you just don't get out much! All of the downtown businesses are full in Green Lake. There are new businesses in town and the old Mill St. Junction will be opening as a new business in the Spring. We have a brand new marina, Subway, retail stores and Farrell Trucking. There aren't any more buildings available downtown for new businesses... what are you people complaining about? Jeeze maybe that's the Chamber's fault or the City's, let's give some kudos for a change instead of being so negative all the time. And, thanks Steve and all the other policeman who would place there lives in danger to keep us safe. Talk to your neighbors... do you feel the need to lock yours doors? Count your blessings instead of being so negative all the time.
uh, jealous, no, i have plenty of money thanks...
When you retire do you plan on your employer giving you an addition $50K bonus or severance pay.
What are you talking about? You must be the one who doesn't live here.
it has nothing to do with being safe or appreciative of the work the officers do.
And I do lock my doors at night, crimes are committed in Green Lake too - And most people that don't live here year round - have alarm systems on their house -so they must not be trusting either, regardless of how well our community is policed, there is that potential of someone breaking into your house.
wrong again, I do live in green lake.but thanks for your concern in regard to that.
Yes, money is put into the retirement account on a regular basis. There is no need to give away $50,000 in a severance bonus! For one thing, this would set a dangerous precedent. If it isn't in his contract, then he should not get one extra dime of the tax-payers money!
We lock our doors, too. That is just common sense. I appreciate our local police force, but these guys have the easiest police jobs in the state! They don't even ticket speeders in the city! My husband and I sat in the Subway recently enjoying a sandwich and watched out the window at how many vehicles actually stopped at the stop signs. Out of 30 cars, one came to a complete stop. Most just slowed down and didn't even attempt to stop. I swear that nobody in Green Lake uses their turn signals except for me. I am glad that the newspaper is now printing the police report so we can see just how much crime we have here in Green Lake and what a month's worth of salaries is getting us. If it weren't for the cemetery, we wouldn't need any police. The town of Sussex, WI closed their police station and had the county sheriff's department take over their policing. Now that the subject has been brought up, that's not a bad idea.
If you call the Green Lake police department, you get the Sheriff's department anyway.
Back to the person who thinks that the tree issue is petty and that Barb and Larry are selfishly complaining: you are wrong and don't get it! The issue is all about lack of transparency in the city, and Barb and Larry discovered it because it directly affects their home value. If it had happened to any of us we would also be upset. Barb and Larry are not the problem. The problem is the city and the Wallners. Why hasn't anyone complained about the Wallners who held the city at ransom to get what they wanted? If the council and Sondalle had known about this Sondalle would have insisted that the city handle this properly.
I know the McIntyres and the Wallners. Larry McIntyre served 2 terms as alderman and both have volunteered in the city for many things. What have the Wallners done? NOTHING! No one even knows them because they are not involved in anything! and they have lived here forever! I honestly believe that Barb McIntyre is one of the most intelligent woman in this city. I wish she would run. She would be excellent and she is so brave and honest. We need more people like her. Joe doesn't like her because she opposed him on the annexation of the ABA. We all need to get over all of that and move on. I have several friends who want to write her name in...Barb would you be alderman if we write you in?
Safe for police eh... you obviously have a short memory considering we had a police officer shot and killed here not too many years ago. I am sure the Williams family would disagree with you in that regard. Why don't you talk to the families whose parent or spouse is a police officer and ask them what it's like and if they think it's dangerous or not! If anyone deserves severance or retirement it's our civilian protectors as well as our military. Neither have ever been compensated for their service to the extent that it should happen. You who say you have enough money as you sit and type up all of your negativity should be ashamed! Tax dollars this and tax dollars that. Face it you will never be happy! I could feel sorry for you, but I don't.
I would vote for her in a heartbeat. I went to the antique road show that she held at the Berlin Sr. Center. She is brilliant and so educated! And she is a lovely lady! I live here and will vote for her. When is the election?
OMG, Barb (slobber, slobber) you are so wonderful won't you please run... blah, blah... you forget that the people in this community know exactly who Barb and Larry are and I promise you they do not share your glowing opinion of them. Try two-faced and self serving and then you might get a little bit closer definition. As for the Wallner's - how can you sit there and blame them for any of this! Pretty sneaky, but it won't work. You are rude and transparent.
Go for a bike ride dingbats!
I am a person in this city and I think they are a wonderful couple. I am grateful to them for many things, especially Larry for not letting us annex the ABA. How right he was!
I want to know why the Wallners would not agree to the watermain easement when the city sewer easement was already there? Why did they get the city to plant those trees? Why did the mayor and Glen go along with it without a vote? My alderman told me she knew nothing about all of this, but it is true. What is going on in our city govt????? Thank you McIntyres for opening our eyes to the crap that is going on in the city.
Hey, I heard that about the McIntyre's too. Not to be trusted was another thing I heard a long time ago... maybe that's when he was an alderman and Barb was such a volunteer.... hummm.
I really think it's wrong of you to blame the Wallner's and I think you should leave them out of it. They aren't the problem. Stop twisting the issue to suit your own agenda... I think you are Barb and I think that the anonymous that is gushing about her has to be Barb as well.
Go for a bike ride dingbats!
ewwwwheeee, as an outsider lookin in y'all make Green Lake sound like an awful place to live... I wonder why you do live in Green Lake - you should move! At least then maybe the blog would improve :-) Although it is kind of humourous to read a bunch of peoples thoughts about such a beautiful place. Very twisted lot ya all are.
if we are so twisted then why are you on hear reading it.. apparently you don't give care about what goes on, so stop posting your comments on here.
As far as Deputy Williams AKA "Goose" as his friends call him, he was a good officer and he chose to place himself in a line of duty or on a job where he put himself in harms way - There is nothing that states Police Officers are safe on the job, that's not the point that was made. We all know that Officers put their lives on the line - THAT's their oath, their choice, we know Goose didn't CHOOSE to die, but he did his job and it was the other individual with the GUN, that took it upon himself to fire that gun, which killed Goose. He is missed very much by alot of people. He's not the only officer that has been killed in the line of duty in wisconsin or in a small community.
The point was that this community is a safe place to live compared to most. It's not milwaukee!!! Or even Fond du lac whose crime rate is increasing. Stop twisting people's words about our law enforcement.
Duh, my point exactly moron! Why don't you go ride your bikes is right!
The city should not spend any money to maintain the bike trail. The bike trail is not in the city. Volunteers, such as the boy scouts, the science classes at school, 4-H and other groups can easily do the clean-up that is necessary. What is the matter with this city that they keep throwing away money? Someone ought to slap the Brooklyn town supervisors. When are they finally going to be accountable for what is their responsibility?
City gal If you like Barb M so much have your Husband and the three jokes appoint her to the empty seat on the city council.
Who are you going to blame when Joe drops out of city politics. Joe this Joe that. Can't you and Robin come up with some thing more original.
totally agree - when Joe is gone, what's gonna happen?
They will only find another PAWN in their little blame game.
AGAIN - someone please explain to my why the Bike Trail is the City of Green Lake's Problem????
And Why we are paying money towards it?????
It's this a Town of Brooklyn issue????
Does our Mayor read this blog? If so, I think now is the time for him to stand up and give us city folk some answers.
Happy New Year!And Peace in Green Lake, please
The City of Green Lake should annex the Township of Brooklyn especially the A.B.A. The taxes would support the common area. The duplicity of services is the problem. Combine and economize.
That would solve a lot of the fighting around here. Most of the wealth in Green Lake is in the town, not the city. The town is always trying to get out of paying for their fair share for services. It is irresponsible to say the least.
Mayor read the blog, you got to be kidding. He doesn't even read the city council agenda before meetings so he would be prepared. He doesn't use a computer and hardly answers his city cell phone. The city got want it wanted when the majority voted him in.
Jo Ellen Madden for Mayor of the City of Green Lake. She can run the city from Evanston. She has the class that we need!
well maybe he should read this, his wife does and reports back to him. he knows whats going on .
Why hasn't the mayor appointed someone in dist 1? He will won't appoint Barb M. now because Larry blew the whistle on the trees. Anyway, why on earth would she run. I saw her on Good Morning America last month with that documentary she wrote for women's issues. It was great!
Anyone know what happened at the City meeting tonight? I had to work.
No news in GL or Ripon paper about last night's big meeting that McIntyre's have been so excited about. Apparently it was not such a big deal for anyone but Ms. Anonymous (aka Barb M.)
I didn't hear a thing or see it in the paper either. What's going on with that?
That's because it's BS... wake up!
The Wallner easement and the tree issue was on the agenda for last Tue committee of the whole and because the McIntyre's were out of town, attorney Sondalle said he was meeting with them this week and he asked that it be put on the agenda again for the council meeting next Mon night. The McIntyres met with him today at the city hall. I was there and saw them go into the boardroom. It is still an issue and the city is considering it as serious. Sondalle is involved because it is a problem for the city. He wouldn't be meeting with them if it was all B.S. Anyone is invited to come to Mon. night's meeting to here what attorney Sondalle has to say about it.
Who is Nancy Wells and what are her qualifications for alderperson in District 1 City of Green Lake?
Qualifications? Since when does one have to be qualified to be on city council? Our mayor is not qualified to be mayor, but that's not stopping him. City council is a joke, how unprofessional can city government you get? The don't return emails or phone calls, they do whatever the hell they want. The only thing they really know HOW to do is table the issues to another date.
I read in the Ripon paper that Joe Parise is calling it quits. I am deeply disappointed. I was counting on him to be our next mayor and lead our city out of a spiraling demise. Since he has already filed papers, I hope (to God) that he reconsiders. Another term with Mirr is more than our little city can withstand. Please Joe, I understand that you are tired of it all, but Green Lake truly needs you. Please reconsider.
Great Performance, Bravo Joe! That last comment could only have come from Joe himself.
Joe does not use a computor you idiot. So how can he write this. Ask the chief he knows. Ps who wants to spend time working with hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil, and big nose.
You can mock and joke all you want to but Joe Parise did more good for Green Lake than everyone else put together. I am sorry that he is calling it quits.
Joe can use a computer at the library, his girlfriend's computer, his butler's computer, He is like the amish-- He does not own or use a computer but will gladly use someone else's. And I am not an idiot! You are!
Besides in today's world only a ding-bat does not use a computer. I know people over 100 years old use computers. Why would you want a ding-bat running a city. We only have a semi-ding bat now but that is not bad.
Your rudeness is only exceeded by your lack of intelligence. Grow up or get off the blog.
Your rudeness is only exceeded by your lack of intelligence. Grow up or get off the blog.
You must be one of the 100 year olds that uses a computer. Why should I get off the blog? What about all the other idiots? Tell them Harry!
People will say anything when they can remain anonymous.
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