Franklin Today

Keep your eyes on Crystal Ridge

In recent weeks discussion has grown rather large over the future of Crystal Ridge Ski Hill. The most recent action was made by the Common Council last Tuesday with a decision to have the Parks Commission review the city's special use permit for the ski hill to operate. Mayor Taylor and his supporters are arguing heavily that the ski hill's operator and Milwaukee County seem to have failed in their promise to bring the former landfill up-to-par so the area can hold various sporting activities during the Spring-Fall months.

With this in mind, several aldermen last week mentioned the thought of a possible takeover of the ski hill by the City of Franklin, with some strongly suggesting against the notion altogether. A takeover of the ski hill by the city would quite a feat, and would require the signing off of Milwaukee County, which currently controls the property. Even with that major hurdle, it looks like city leaders are poised to take the offensive.

An explanation of the Civic Celebration's dollars

With my recent posting about the Civic Celebration Commission's budget, I have been asked several times about the budget and what it all entails. The numbers can be confusing, especially when it relates to which numbers are coming from taxpayers and which aren't.

The budget for the Civic Celebration (Franklin Fest) this year has been announced as $76,400. It was on the agendas for the Committee of the Whole and the Common Council because they had to approve of supporting it in case the donations and revenues don't balance the books.

Fountains of Franklin faces foreclosure suit

News broke early this morning that the parcel that long promoted the site for the future Fountains of Franklin development is now under a foreclosure lawsuit from M&I Bank. You may recall that this site was proposed for upscale retail and dining several years ago, and the label of the Fountains extended all the way east to Andy's back in 2007.

The future of Franklin Fest

Last night's Committee of the Whole meeting didn't give off any warm and fuzzy feelings towards the yearly 4th of July Civic Celebration, which many in Franklin dub as Franklin Fest. As I brought up yesterday prior to the meeting, there have been cuts already made due to budgetary issues, including the elimination of childrens games and American flags to hand out to children prior to the 4th of July Parade.

Question from reader regarding Sohns resignations deserves answering

After yesterday's post about Alderman Lyle Sohns resigning his posts as aldermanic representative for the Board of Public Works and Environmental Commission, a reader sent me an e-mail and asked the question, "So why should Sohns continue to get any pay if he refuses to do all of his duties?"

Alderman Sohns resigns from all boards and commissions

Earlier in the week, Alderman Lyle Sohns notified City Hall that he will be resigning from all his posts in various Franklin boards and commissions. This comes just weeks after he made the decision to not seek re-election for 5th District Alderman.

6 out of 8 ain't bad!

I received word of Mayor Taylor's pending nominations for the Mayoral Ad Hoc Development Process Review Committee (or if you like acronyms, MAHDPRC) from Common Council President Steve Taylor. With the nominations rattled off, it came out that I got 6 out of my 8 predictions right! The pending nominations are, as follows:

Common Council President calls for new committee on handling of developments

Tomorrow night's agenda includes the following letter from Common Council President (CCP) Steve Taylor, who represents the 4th Aldermanic District:

The #1 Issue: The Great Recession hits Franklin

It doesn’t come to any surprise that the Great Recession would be the #1 Issue that was faced in 2009. There were many setbacks that residents faced during the past year, and everyone felt the pinch. The City of Franklin was impacted in the following areas:

Time To End The Online Band Shell Debate

The running blog on the Band Shell naming issue has turned from a healthy debate to something personal and ugly. While I've developed a thick skin having served Franklin in various capacities for years, the members of the family who built the band shell have not and should not have to. Out of respect for their feelings, I ask that no additional posts be made that use their name.