News

The Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit, in partnership with the Whitewater Police Department, and City of Delavan Police Department conducted an investigation that involved the sale of cocaine in the City of Whitewater. The investigation included surveillance and controlled buys, culminating in the arrest of two subjects.

On September 4th, 2023, the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit located one of the subjects, identified as Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ (19, from 137 N. George St., Whitewater), in the City of Whitewater. Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ was subsequently arrested for (1) count of Delivery of Cocaine (5-15 grams).

On September 19th, 2023, the Walworth County Drug Enforcement Unit located the other subject, identified as Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ (38, from 353 N. Cherry St., Whitewater), in the City of Elkhorn. Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ was subsequently arrested for (2) counts of Delivery of Cocaine (15- 40 grams) and (1) count of Delivery of Cocaine (5-15 grams) – Party to a Crime.

Both Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ and Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ were arrested and transported to the Walworth County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

Rolando LOPEZ-GOMEZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (3 counts)

Carlos ARIAS-PEREZ is currently facing the following charges:
961.41(1)(cm) Delivery of Cocaine (1 count)

Pursuant to the directive of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicity, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Adjourn to closed session, to reconvene in open session, pursuant to Chapter 19.86 notice of collective bargaining negations Item to be discussed:  Discuss Bargaining and Negotiation strategy related to the contract with the Police Union  
Open session: update on limiting discount stores, Housing Summit update, ordinance establishing lake advisory committee, Discussion and possible action regarding deferred assessments for Wisconsin Street sanitary sewer and water main

Additional closed session agenda to reconvene: Items to be discussed: 1) Review and Discuss A1 Packaging development agreement 2) Review and discuss possible options for resolution of the Walton excessive real estate tax assessment claim

Please click the link below to join the webinar: (First session)
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82684075727?pwd=eUaW5X795m0KZBwsRhcZa7I7pZiT8A.RSUnzi4dtUPXrtau
Or Telephone: 
    +1 312 626 6799
Webinar ID: 826 8407 5727
Passcode: 448644

Please click the link below to join the webinar (After second closed session)

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Or Telephone: Dial
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Webinar ID: 873 2266 8116
Passcode: 109451

City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission – Thursday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda not yet available.

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Or Telephone:

Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Webinar ID: 873 2266 8116

Passcode: 109451

• Update on limiting discount stores – City Attorney 
• 14.Housing Summit update

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
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Or Telephone:
   
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Webinar ID: 826 8407 5727
Passcode: 448644

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Renea Boydston.

The Daughters of the Nile support Shriners’ kids by creating hospital tray favors, sending toys, games, and financial donations to the Chicago Shriners Hospital. We have a fundraiser to benefit our general fund. We will receive money by the pound for gently used donated shoes of any type and size, except skates. You can make a huge impact by simply donating shoes you never wear. The donated shoes stay out of landfills, and are shipped to small businesses in poor communities that can repurpose them and sell. Instead of a handout it’s a hand up! October is our final month for collection.

Dale’s Bootery is a generous donor and collection site: 155 West Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190. The Shoe Box has also graciously agreed to be a collection site. There is a donation box outside by their pop machines. Address: 1314 Canal St.(Hwy 14), Black Earth, Wisconsin 53515.

Editor’s note: The following proclamation was issued by the president.

Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American and a true trailblazer. In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. In the United States Senate, she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons, also making her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties. Senator Feinstein was a role model for so many Americans and she had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. She was a historic figure, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

   As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Dianne Feinstein, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.

                              JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.

Twenty years ago last week, the Whitewater Historical Society hosted the regional convention for the southeast region of the Wisconsin Council for Local History. The society offered a special program on the Whitewater Mounds Preserve and held sessions about working with student interns and the resources of the Area Research Center at the UW-Whitewater.

Those in the photo were active members of the Whitewater Historical Society in 2003 and they include, left to right, Art Lein, Mary Lou Lein, Doris Kolmos, Betty Boyd, and Bobby Landsee. All but Bobby have, unfortunately, passed away but Bobby is still on the society’s board of directors today.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

(George Scharfenberg photo collection, Whitewater Historical Society)

Common Council Meeting
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St., Whitewater, WI 53190
*In Person and Virtual
Tuesday, October 03, 2023 – 6:30 PM

Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.  Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.

When: Oct 3, 2023 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Common Council 

Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82684075727?pwd=eUaW5X795m0KZBwsRhcZa7I7pZiT8A.RSUnzi4dtUPXrtau

Or Telephone:   
    +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Webinar ID: 826 8407 5727
Passcode: 448644

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A councilmember can choose to remove an item from the agenda or rearrange its order; however, introducing new items to the agenda is not allowed. Any proposed changes require a motion, a second, and approval from the council to be implemented. the agenda shall be approved at reach meeting even if no changes are being made at that meeting. 

CLOSED SESSION

1.            Adjourn to closed session, to reconvene in open session, pursuant to Chapter 19.86 notice of collective bargaining negotiations Item to be discussed: 1) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union

CONSIDERATIONS

2.            Discussion and possible action regarding WPPSA contract – HR/Police

CONSENT AGENDA
Items on the Consent Agenda will be approved together unless any council members requests that an item be removed for individual consideration.

3.            Urban Forestry Commission Minutes from July 24, 2023.

4.            Park and Rec Board Minutes from August 23, 2023

5.            Exemption form for Walworth County tax for library services for 2024 

CITY MANAGER REPORT

STAFF REPORTS

6.            Social Media Report – City Manager/Kristina Koslosky

7.            Marketing and Communications Plan – City Manager/Kristina Koslosky 

8.            Update on zoning changes for dollar stores and cash businesses – City Attorney 

9.            Housing Summit update – City Manager

10.         Code Enforcement and Zoning Official – HR 

HEARING OF CITIZEN COMMENTS
No formal Council action will be taken during this meeting although issues raised may become a part of a future agenda.  Participants are allotted a three minute speaking period. Specific items listed on the agenda may not be discussed at this time; however, citizens are invited to speak to those specific issues at the time the Council discusses that particular item.

To make a comment during this period, or during any agenda item: On a computer or handheld device, locate the controls on your computer to raise your hand. You may need to move your mouse to see these controls. On a traditional telephone, dial *6 to unmute your phone and dial *9 to raise your hand.

ORDINANCES

First Reading

11.         Ordinance 2071 an ordinance amending chapter 2.08.010-City Clerk

12.         Ordinance 2072 an ordinance creating chapter 2.73 Lake Advisory Committee –City Manager/Park and Rec 

Second Reading

13.         Ordinance 2070 an Ordinance amending Section 19.51.180 Truck Trailer, Mobile Home and Equipment Parking Restrictions – Public Works

14.         Ordinance 2063 Ordinance amending Chapter 11.16.15, adding No Stopping, Standing or Parking on east side of Elizabeth Street at Court Street and Laurel Street. Public works 

CONSIDERATIONS

15.         Discussion and possible action on Good Governance manual changes –Gerber/City Clerk

16.         Discussion and Possible action regarding agenda policy-City Clerk 

17.         Discussion and possible action regarding policy for exit interviews Gerber/HR

18.         Discussion and possible action regarding Economic Director salary range- HR

19.         Discussion and possible action regarding deferred assessments for Wisconsin Street sanitary sewer and water main –Public Works 

20.         Retaining an outside law firm to advise the common council on employee discipline and termination matters – Allen/Attorney

21.         Councilmember Requests for Future Agenda Items or Committee items. Questions

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

22.         Updates to the Mobile Home Ordinance – Hicks -October

23.         R0 Zoning Discussion- Neighborhood Services/Public Works – October 17

24.         Window Ordinance – City Clerk/PD – December

25.         First line surveys for staff to complete on management Gerber Q3/Q4 2023

26.         Feedback survey for City Manager to distribute when you attend or present at meetings Gerber Q3/Q4 2023

27.         Compensation survey Gerber Q4 2023

28.         Training for newly elected and appointed officials Dawsey- Smith – April/May 2024

29.         Hiring a temporary, hourly assistant to the city manager – Allen -TBD

30.         Virtual Meeting Policy Allen/HR-TBD

CLOSED SESSION

CS-31.  Adjourn to closed session, to reconvene in open session, pursuant to Chapter 19.85(1)(e) “Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.” Items to be discussed: 1) A1 Packaging development agreement 2) Bargaining Negotiation with Police Union and Chapter 19.85_____ . Walton Assessment review 

Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.  Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. This webinar is for when Common Council comes back from closed session. 

Topic: Common Council – After closed Session

Please click the link below to join the webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87322668116?pwd=Ciwr1IqZbJ8Ueo2jHmCOp1ICapaBew.cgFOMcjzn9hkYbW2

Or Telephone:

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Webinar ID: 873 2266 8116

Passcode: 109451

Please note that although every effort will be made to provide for virtual participation, unforeseen technical difficulties may prevent this, in which case the meeting may still proceed as long as there is a quorum. Should you wish to make a comment in this situation, you are welcome to call this number: (262) 473-0108.

CONSIDERATIONS

32.         Discussion and possible action regarding Walton assessment review – Finance 

33.         Discussion and possible action regarding developer agreement for A1 Packaging –Economic Development 

ADJOURNMENT

Anyone requiring special arrangements is asked to call the Office of the 
City Manager / City Clerk (262-473-0102) at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library. 

Children of all ages and their caregivers are invited to a special “Read or Treat” event at the public library with the Zeta Sigma Chi sorority on Thursday, October 5 at 3:30-4:30 p.m. There will be books, a fun Halloween craft, and goodies.  

This is a free event and no registration is required. The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact Sarah French with questions at sfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or 262-458-2782.  

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the Whitewater Public Library.

The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is pleased to announce that the “Engaging the Community; Promoting Learning” capital campaign is close to meeting its goal of $2,250,000.  “We are only $93,000 from meeting our campaign goal and hope everyone in the community will help to get us ‘over the top,” said Jim Winship, Campaign Chair.  The funds raised, combined with library reserves and proceeds from the sale of property, will match the City’s generous commitment of $3,000,000 that serves as a challenge to the Whitewater community for this project, which has a total cost of $6,000,000.

“The Bookometer in the library’s lobby will mark campaign progress until October 30 when the campaign will officially close,” said Jon Kachel, a member of the Campaign Planning Committee.

 “We are honored by the community’s generosity and hope that anyone considering a gift will get their pledge form to the library soon.”

The renovated library will add even more value to the Whitewater community. It will offer more space and features where people can connect, read, learn, create and feel welcome. There will be 4,400 square feet of additional space and the current space will be redesigned to be more welcoming and accommodate new features. The renovated library will offer expanded early learning areas including play centers, engaging teen and pre-teen spaces, upgraded technology, large and small meeting rooms, study and collaboration spaces, expanded areas of informal seating, and outdoor tables and places for the community to use the Internet when the library is not open. The Library Board and staff have been developing these plans for several years but they are about to become a reality.

One way that individuals, families and businesses can get involved is by purchasing a Wall Tile.

This final segment of the campaign is designed to include the entire Whitewater community.

Wall tiles are $250 and $500; special tiles for businesses are $1000 and may include the company’s logo. It is a wonderful way to celebrate your family, remember a loved one, honor someone special, recognize the children and grandchildren, or showcase your business. Information is available on the library’s website and by using the QR code; forms are also available at the library.

For more information contact Stacey Lunsford, Library Director at 262 473-0530.