The Milwaukee Post

September 19, 2014 • Milwaukee County Post • 15 Pumpkin Pumpkin Pumpkin Pumpkin Patch Patch Patch Patch By DAVE FIDLIN Special to The Post MILWAUKEE — Public safety, infra- structure and foreclosure reductions are among some of the larger-ticket items anticipated in next year's municipal budget in Milwaukee. Mayor Tom Barrett next week will for- mally present his proposed 2015 budget to the Common Council. In the weeks that follow, members of the council's Finance and Personnel Committee will go through Barrett's proposals with a fine-tooth comb and potentially make a series of amendments. The heavy lifting of the anticipated $1.54 billion budget comes on the heels of a broad-brushed presentation Barrett gave last month with Mark Nicolini, budget and management director. With another violent summer that per- sistently grabbed headlines, Barrett and Nicolini told a crowd of several hundred people public at last month's meeting that safety remains a high priority for the city. With a current contribution of $254 million, Nicolini said public safety cur- rently accounts for 41 percent of the city's general operating budget, which funds most daily functions. By contrast, 36 percent of the city's general budget was devoted to police operations a decade ago. "It's certainly a larger commitment," Nicolini said of the current funding strat- egy. The Fire Department receives upward of $103 million in funding each year — far less than the amount allocated toward police services. Barrett touted some of the efforts fire and EMS crews have taken this past year, including an initiative aimed at ensuring residents have working smoke detectors. "We had two fatalities (from fire-relat- ed incidents) this past year," Barrett said. "It's still two deaths too many, but it was an incredible year in that regard." As was the case with most area munic- ipalities, this past year's winter wallop depleted financial resources from the municipal budget. With reserves dwin- dling, Nicolini said road salt costs are set to increase 14 percent — the result of increased demand. "Mother Nature really dealt us quite a blow with the (2014) budget," Nicolini said. "We've had quite a few challenges when it comes to snow and ice." While city officials are calling on state leaders in Madison to chip in funds to address crack-filled, pot hole-ridden municipal streets, plans are in the works to increase the amount of money allocat- ed next year to fixing some of Milwaukee's aging streets. Barrett briefly discussed the city's efforts to rehabilitate and reconstruct all 21 of the movable bridges that are located along portions of the Milwaukee River. The extensive process is nearing comple- tion. In terms of the city's public works budget, Barrett said a number of initia- tives remain at the forefront of Milwaukee leaders' minds — including maintenance of street lights. "When it comes to public safety, this just makes sense," Barrett said. "Bad guys don't like bright places." Barrett said he is hoping to continue investing in the city's Strong Neighborhoods Plan, an initiative aimed at reducing the number of fore- closed properties. "We're trying to prevent blight and continue working toward stabilizing some of the neighborhoods," Barrett said. "We're looking into partnerships. We want to work with good landlords and strong leaders." In recent years, the city has frequently had to slash portions of its budget — the result of declining income from state aid sources and annual caps on the level of tax increases. As a result of those shortfalls, Nicolini said the city has taken out its scalpel and made a series of cuts that have resulted in annual savings of $40 million. The city's health insurance costs alone have been reduced by $10 million, in part because of some of the provisions in Act 10. Milwaukee's 2015 budget talks set to get underway Timeline Sept. 23 — Mayor Tom Barrett to submit pro- posed budget to Milwaukee Common Council Oct. 6 — Common Council to hold public hearing Oct. 7 to Oct. 20 — Finance and Personnel Committee holding series of public hearings Oct. 31 — Finance and Personnel Committee considering budget amendments Nov. 7 — Common Council adopting budget More information is available at www.city.milwaukee.gov/budget. Public safety to remain a high priority, leaders say Barrett By KRISTYN ADAMS Special to The Post WEST BEND — Scheduled for Sept. 20, the 2014 Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair will mark 40 years of creativity and talent at the scenic grounds of Holy Hill in the town of Erin. Held every third Saturday in September, the annual event situated on the 435-acre location of Holy Hill heralds expression from artists and enthusiasts of most media. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy the fresh air while taking in a vast array of pottery, woodcarvings, textiles, metal works, paintings, jewelry, stained glass, photography, sculpture and mixed media. The art show serves as a fundraiser for the Holy Hill shrine and its ministries. In addition to hundreds of volunteers, several area businesses, including Carmel Builders Inc., the La Bri Group and Nasso Inc., will support the event. Exhibitor coor- dinator Therese Jasinski of Hartford is enjoying her 21st year with the show. "It is a year-round job, but I enjoy help- ing the Carmelites," Jasinski said Thursday. "There is always something to do every month to make it all happen." Applications submitted from artists and craftspeople in January are followed with judging of their works in April. Letters of acceptance or rejection are sent in May. Jasinski said setup of the grounds happens soon after. "We have 238 exhibitors this year. It's always big, and always growing. Some artists work out of their vehicles and that makes it convenient for them. It's a fun time. We hope people will enjoy the day. I hope they come away with some peace, and that congeniality and fellowship that could only come from an event like this," she said. Jasinski said the event will welcome 8,000 to 10,000 art and craft fans. Door prizes and silent auctions will frame the scene. Music fans also will be enticed. Live entertainment will be provided from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m; performers include Russ Kirkpatrick, alternative country band Off- the-Charts, Picking Up Speed, Hartford City Brass Band, and the band Scotch & Soda. Jasinski credits Tom and Barbara Weiher of Hubertus for launching the event. Barbara Weiher's sister, Bette Vettel Von Gunten, is performing with Scotch & Soda as they have entertained at the art show for several years. "Barbara and I have very long roots with that church. Our husbands do, too," Von Gunten said Thursday. "We have been per- forming there since the art and craft show started." She and her family have been longtime supporters of Holy Hill. "(Tom and Barbara Weiher) got to talk- ing about a way to help build community in the area and support the astronomical expenses of Holy Hill," Von Gunten said. Having switched from macramé to metal work, Debbie Kuhnke of East Troy is mak- ing a return to the show. Framed punched copper works will round the roster of 238 displays. From Cascade, Mickey and Bonnie Beth will bring hundreds of hand- carved and hand-painted hiking and walk- ing sticks of black walnut. "Every one of our walking sticks is one of a kind," said Mickey Beth. "Generally we sell them for about $30, but it's not about the money. We get so much gratification from helping people walk better. It's the artistic part of it that makes it easier for many people to have a cane. It makes an ele- Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair reaches 40 years At a glance The 40th annual Holy Hill Arts and Crafts Fair run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Refreshments, food and live entertainment will be available. Entry fee is $5. Children younger than 12 admitted free. Free parking and shuttle service provided for the event. Holy Hill Basilica is at 1525 Carmel Road, town of Erin. For further information, call 262-628-1838 or visit www.holy hill.com.

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