September 27, 2010

Every little bit helps

The town continually looks for ways to save money. The Town self funded the employee dental plan this year. Year to date savings to the Town is $23,721.

Mall Drive Reconstruction continues

You may have noticed the construction on Mall Drive. The purpose is to make traffic flow easier for businesses. The road is still open for traffic flow to the Fox River Mall and other stores along Mall Drive. Directional signs have been installed to inform motorists where to go. Local businesses have been allowed to place thier own temporary business signs in front of the right of way.

A fiber optic line that was previously not in conflict with the proposed project had to have a portion relocated. This created an approximately three day delay. Town staff is in constant contact with the subcontractor to ensure this project is not delayed past the original expected completion date.

Budget planning sessions set for October

The time has come to start putting together the 2011 budget. The Town of Grand
Chute has expanded in 2010 just over six million dollars in new construction. Meaning this is the value of new taxable structures. The town has also negotiated successfully with all three unions for three year contracts. Of significance, is the town's ability to negotiate reduction in the amount the town contributes toward our employees' health insurance. Town employees will be required to pay a larger percentage.

The Town in 2010 approved substantial vehicle replacement program to help with our aging fleet. Hopefully, this amount can be reduced in 2011.

As I said in previous posts, the town's financial situation ranks near the top in the state, allowing us to borrow at reduced rates and lend with favorable returns.

With the good standing, the town will review reconstruction of a 118 parcel
development by North Bluemound. The town will also fill cracked pavement
or chip seal to extend the longevity of roads.

Recently the town approved construction of two ponds. One is located near Hwy 41 on Spencer St. and the other on Woodman Dr. by Fleet Farm. These two ponds will take the town closer to the (Un-funded) EPA mandated water shed control that is set at 40% by 2013.

The town will look at more ponds in 2011 and 2012 in order to meet these requirements. Discussion with other towns may include requests to extend the requirements, because of the financial drain on communities in these difficult times.
I will keep you posted as we meet for our initial meeting next month. if you have any questions or suggestions for me to bring to the meeting please call or e-mail.

September 14, 2010

WestFest wrapup

The Grand Chute Kiwanis are busy counting all the proceeds from this year's WestFest. We are also reviewing what did and didn't work well and what to expand upon for next year. The event date has been nailed down for next year. It will be Saturday, August 20, 2011, so mark your calendars now!