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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
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.
Todd D. Hansen, 61, passed away with his family by his side on September 23rd, 2023, after a courageous year and a half battle with neuroendocrine cancer.
Todd was born on December 20th, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to parents Clarence and Faith Hansen. He was the eldest brother to three siblings Tracey, Troy, and Tyler Hansen.
Todd is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart Susan Hansen. They married on April 30th, 1983, and had three daughters Jennifer (Jared), Jamie (Matt), and Abigail (Scott).
Todd was a devoted father and grandfather. After having three daughters, he longed for grandchildren (especially grandsons). Todd’s wishes came true, and he had seven grandchildren he absolutely adored and spoiled every step of the way: Gage, Ethan, Nolan, Luca, Amelia, Lydia, and Marlee.
Todd is also survived by many close friends and other relatives, including his family dog Benson.
Todd was a true outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, and golfing. If you didn’t see him in a tree stand or on the putting green, you would see him blasting tunes on the boat or spending time with his family at their home on Marco Island.
Todd’s other passion was work. He was an entrepreneur and never afraid to take a risk or be challenged with something new. In his early years he started with Verlo Mattress and quickly expanded his successful business ventures. A few of these ventures included the Sportsman Channel, SWAT, and most recently Waypoint TV.
In addition to his love for the outdoors and passion for his work, he also really enjoyed music. Every genre of music! He was always playing something from one of his playlists and if he wasn’t, he was most likely attending a concert with Susan and their friends. He attended well over 100+ concerts in his lifetime.
Todd has impacted so many lives and was extremely loved. He will always be remembered by his words of wisdom, generosity, and influence on so many. It is his family and friends that will carry on Todd’s loving heart.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the excellent care Todd received from the staff and volunteers at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (netrf.org) whose mission is raising funding for this rare cancer to find more effective treatments.
Visitation will be held at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (NEW LOCATION: 2228 N. Silver Maple Lane, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) on Sunday, October 1st, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a service to follow. There will be appetizers and spirits after the conclusion of the funeral service at about 2:30 p.m.
Aldo Guillermo Busot, 64, of Miami, Florida, passed away on September 19, 2023. Born on October 3, 1958, in Santa Clara, Cuba, Aldo was a big personality who shared his enthusiasms with everyone he met. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.
Aldo is survived by his sisters Adriana C. Busot and Maria Victoria Busot, as well as his brother Jorge Busot. He was preceded in death by his father, Aldo J. Busot, and his mother, Adriana B. Busot.
Aldito attended Whitewater High School, graduating in 1977. He studied engineering and art history at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Later, he graduated from Berkeley’s Boalt School of Law.
Aldo was an avid surfer since his youth and became a competitive bike racer during his college years, He was also an accomplished guitarist and gourmet cook, and had a keen interest in photography and fast cars.
A memorial service to honor Aldo’s life will be held at Caballero Rivero Little Havana, located at 3344 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33135. Visitation begins at noon on September 29th.
The funeral will take place at Caballero Rivero Woodlawn North, 3260 SW 8th Street, at noon on Saturday, September 30th.
For more information, please contact the funeral home at 305-445-9508.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Surfrider Foundation.
Aldo Guillermo Busot will forever be remembered by his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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.
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior Nicholas Swiatowy is preparing for the new school year by watching a lot of television — specifically, Japanese variety shows.
For this Warhawk, that’s tantamount to studying. He’s soaking up the Japanese language, listening for new words, phrases, idioms and intonation.
The Elkhorn native will spend the 2023-24 academic year at Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan, on a merit-based, fully paid Japanese studies scholarship and stipend, a prestigious award presented by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. To earn the award, Swiatowy had to perform well in language tests and face an interview at the Japanese consulate in Chicago.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be doing this. That I would be considered for something like this is wild,” Swiatowy says.
The Japanese government scholarship program began in 1954 and has benefitted more than 100,000 students in more than 160 countries. Winning the scholarship is a particularly remarkable achievement because until Swiatowy transferred to UW-Whitewater in the spring semester of 2022, his grasp of Japanese was completely self-taught. Learning the language’s more than 2,000 characters was his passion.
“I got out of high school and I needed something to do. Japanese is supposed to be the hardest language for native English speakers to learn,” he says. “I’m probably up to about 1,400 characters now.”
Swiatowy’s first contact with the language came from playing Japanese video games during his youth.
“It was fun, and I like the way the language sounds.”
Mentorship matters
Swiatowy, a Japanese studies and political science major, is following in the footsteps of his Japanese instructor and mentor at UW-Whitewater, Melanie Czarnecki — who earned the same scholarship in 1996-97, when she was an undergraduate student at UW-Madison.
“I’m as excited for him as I was for myself,” Czarnecki said.
The program, which involves full immersion in the Japanese language and culture, selects students from around the world.
“Not only is Nicholas going to grow as an individual human being, he is going to be such a confident speaker of the Japanese language and, I hope, on Japanese cultural topics. He’s also going to study with people from all walks of life,” said Czarnecki. “They will live together, study together, go on field trips together. He will learn about other countries’ cultures, too.”
When Swiatowy enrolled at UW-Whitewater, he asked Czarnecki for permission to take a placement test to see which of her Japanese language classes would be an appropriate fit.
“I asked him where he had studied, which textbooks he had used and which classes he had taken,” Czarnecki says.
The answer: none of the above.
“I never expected he would be able to place at the highest level,” Czarnecki says. “I was so impressed that someone as young as he had that kind of commitment.”
In fact, Swiatowy was skilled enough to tutor other students and has helped run Czarnecki’s weekly chat tables, or conversation groups.
“He has helped a lot of students, including one student who is vision-impaired. Nicholas was eager to help him outside of the classroom, and to make sure he was getting the support he needed,” Czarnecki says.
Looking ahead
Swiatowy is eager to speak and read Japanese every day. Improving his conversational skills is his biggest priority, even before he leaves for Japan.
“This has been the big thing for me for the last four years, and this scholarship is the culmination of all of that,” Swiatowy says.
He dreams of serving as a diplomat in the future. “If I can do something with Japanese, I’d absolutely love to.”
Swiatowy credits Czarnecki for accepting him as a student, encouraging him to apply for the scholarship and helping him through the interview process.
“Melanie is, hands down, the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life – 1,000%,” Swiatowy says. “She has made a huge change in the trajectory of my life.”
Swiatowy looks forward to his time at Hokkaido University. Established in 1876, it has 18,000 students – compared to about 11,500 at UW-Whitewater – and 3,900 faculty and staff members. The university focuses on research covering a variety of global issues, including vaccines, artificial intelligence, food innovation and environmental science. The Times Higher Education Impact Rankings — which assess nearly 1,600 universities worldwide on meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals — lists Hokkaido University No. 22 globally and No. 1 in Japan.
The campus is in Sapporo, which is similar to Wisconsin in its climate — and in at least one other aspect according to Swiatowy.
“It’s famous for beer.”
Editor’s Note: The following letter was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Dear Residents of Whitewater,
I hope this letter finds you well. We value your input and involvement in our community, and we want to keep you informed about important matters that affect our city. On October 17, 2023, the City of Whitewater will be considering a Short Term Rental Ordinance.
The Short Term Rental Ordinance is a proposed regulation that aims to address various aspects related to short-term rentals within our city. Short-term rentals typically include vacation rentals, Airbnb-type properties, and similar arrangements. The ordinance is designed to ensure the safe and harmonious coexistence of short-term rentals with our residential neighborhoods while maintaining the character and quality of life in our community.
We encourage all residents to stay informed about this important issue. You can find more details, including the proposed ordinance text and related documents, by visiting our city website’s Agenda Center. The Agenda Center is a valuable resource for accessing meeting agendas, minutes, and other relevant materials. To access this information, please visit www.whitewater-wi.gov and navigate to the Agenda Center section.
We value your feedback and input on this matter. There will be opportunities for public comment and discussion during the City Council meeting on October 17, 2023 at 6:30pm. Your voice matters, and we encourage you to participate in this important community discussion.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts before the meeting, please feel free to contact our office at kanderberg@whitewater-wi.gov. We are here to assist you and provide clarification on any concerns you may have.
We believe that informed and engaged residents are vital to the success of our community. Your participation in this process is essential, and we look forward to hearing your perspectives.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in making Whitewater a great place to live.
Sincerely,
Karri Anderberg
City Clerk
Obituaries
Sally A. Schutte, age 73, of Whitewater, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 21, 2026, while at Hearthstone Memory Care in Whitewater. Sally was born on November 6, 1952, to Roy and Elsie (Rohloff) Haas. Sally married William Schutte in the spring of 2003. Sally grew up on the family farm in the Town of Hebron and graduated from Jefferson High School. She dedicated nearly her entire career to Fort HealthCare, where her hard work and versatility shone through various roles. Over the years, she served in housekeeping and medical records, Center for Dermatology. Sally … Read more
Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41, of Whitewater passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born April 4, 1985, to Keith W. Schoenke and Kathleen Schoenke in Fort Atkinson, WI. He grew up and graduated from Whitewater High School in 2003. Zach worked various jobs over the years but was currently working at Cracker Barrel in Janesville. He was a big Packers Fan and liked to play fantasy football. He enjoyed reading, cooking, and watching horror shows. Zach fiercely loved his son, Lincoln, his sisters, Cami and Cary, his mom and stepdad, and his aunt Robin. He will be dearly … Read more
Carla Winn, 82, died September 5, 2026. Funeral Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, September 12, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church, 4407 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, followed by a burial at 2:00 PM at White Chapel Memorial Garden 1806 N Oliver Ave. Carla is preceded in death by her parents, Vivian Dwight and Wilma Lois Krehbiel; and sister, Jennifer Krehbiel. She is survived by husband, Stephen; daughter, Ashley (Clint) Gagel, of Overland Park; siblings, Paul (Kay) Krehbiel, of Socorro, NM, Lynn (Bill) Oetting, of Wichita, Ellen (John) Querner, of Wichita, Teresa Woodson, of Lawrence, KS, … Read more
Susan Miller Celebration of Life There will be a gathering of friends and acquaintances at Susan’s Farm Store to celebrate Susan’s life on Saturday, September 19th from 2-5 p.m. at N6623 Lake Lorraine Rd., Delavan, Wisconsin
Our loving mother, JoAnn E Harrop, age 95, passed away on September 11, 2026. Our sorrow is deep, but we are filled with gratitude for the many years we had with her. Even as her mind was failing, she remained strong and appreciative of all who cared for her. JoAnn was born on January 13, 1931, daughter to Fred Braun and Evelyn Braun {Storck). She was raised in Whitewater, Wisconsin by her grandparents, Otto and Edith Storck. She attended Whitewater High School and helped at the Storck tavern where she met her husband Earl C. Harrop. They married on November … Read more
Russell O. Johnson “Russ,” 88, passed away on September 4, 2026 in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Russell was born on July 12, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin. Russ grew up in Janesville, and after high school he joined the Air Force on May 1, 1958, serving as an aircraft mechanic until June 12, 1962. He then worked at Parker Pen in Janesville for a time, where he met his future wife, Avis. After marrying Avis Mason in April 1964, Russ worked for Gillman Manufacturing for a time, then began a career at Dana until its closing in 1980. In 1981, Russ started working … Read more
Marcia Zingg, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, at the age of 75. Marcia will be remembered for her unwavering love, remarkable strength, generous spirit, and lifelong devotion to her family. She shared 40 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Jeffrey Zingg, who considered her not only his wife but also his best friend, business partner, and the love of his life. Together, Marcia and Jeffrey built a successful life rooted in perseverance, hard work, laughter, and love. As entrepreneurs in Whitewater, Wisconsin, they owned and managed new car franchises and … Read more
Amanda Jean Hunter was born to Ralph and Malinda (Thomas) Hunter of Whitewater, Wisconsin, on October 6, 1976. She passed away on August 4, in Fort Worth, Texas, where she lived with her family. Amanda passed peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by her loved ones. Amanda was a kind-hearted free spirit with an unmistakable hippie warmth. Generosity, spontaneity, a quick wit, a macabre sense of humor, and an open heart were traits that she embraced. She was a tireless champion of those in need, an innate characteristic that became among the best of her qualities. She proved to be a … Read more
Ellen Eichmiller, 82, of Whitewater, Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Ellen was born on September 10, 1943, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Chester “Guy” and Irene (née Holmen) Steig. She married the love of her life, Paul Eichmiller, on December 7, 1963, and together they made their home in Whitewater, Wisconsin. Ellen spent much of her working life as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she formed many lasting friendships and memories. Ellen cherished her family and friends and treasured the time she spent with those closest to her. She was known for her love of … Read more
Janet Quinn, age 71, of Jefferson passed away on Thursday, August 20th. Janet was born on December 22nd, 1954 in St. Joseph, MI to Robert Mounsey and Edith Christison Mounsey. She was a granddaughter to Herbert Bragg Mounsey, Charlotte Mounsey, and Ester Christison West. She married Michael Durden in 1979 and later married Eury Quinn Jr. (J.R.) in 1988. Janet grew up in Benton Harbor, MI, and subsequently lived in New York and Arkansas before moving to Wisconsin in 2016. She was a dedicated caregiver to her disabled Mother, and worked as a custodian for various employers over the years. … Read more
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