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1. Approved engineering services contract with City Water, LLC for Downer Avenue Meter Pit repairs 
2. Approved a resolution regarding emergency repairs at the Downer Avenue Meter Pit
3. Approved a resolution declaring official intent to reimburse expenditures from proceeds of borrowing
4. Approved the purchase of refuse containers utilizing general fund balance
5. Approved staff request for Neighborhood Loan Fund re-allocation
6. Approved an ordinance to make all of 1700 E Kensington Blvd a two hour zone
7. Agreed to develop an ad-hoc committee of trustees to decide how to fill the trustee vacancy
8. Approved an ordinance to change standing committee titles
9. Approved a policy on standing committee responsibilities

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Thanks Don!

Don Ford has resigned his seat as a Village trustee after two years of service as he is moving out of the Village. We would like to thank Don for his dedicated service to the Village!

The Board is currently deciding how to fill the vacant seat and has set up an ad-hoc committee of trustees to make a recommendation. 

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Spaces and Traces Comes to Shorewood

The 32nd annual Spaces & Traces neighborhood tour, sponsored by Historic Milwaukee Inc.(HMI), will take place in the Village of Shorewood on Saturday, May 18, 2013, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The tour will call attention to the Village's wide variety of architectural styles and its unique history as an early Milwaukee suburb. The Shorewood Historical Society has provided research and logistical support for the tour.

Tour over a dozen of Shorewood's most architecturally significant properties. Attend lectures by John Gurda, "A History of the Village of Shorewood" (11 a.m. at St Robert Parish, 2200 E. Capitol Dr.) and Louis Wasserman and Caren Connolly, "The Bungalow" (1 p.m., Luther Memorial Chapel, 3833 N. Maryland). Stop in Hubbard Park to hear the Milwaukee Riverkeepers discuss "How the River Shapes the Village."

Tickets for the tour and lectures purchased in advance are $20 for HMI members or $25 for non-members. Tickets can be ordered online, here,  or purchased at any Alterra location, Winkie's Variety Store, or North Shore Bank, 4414 N. Oakland Avenue

On the day of the tour, tickets will be sold at Shorewood High School, 1701 E. Capitol Dr., in the Administration Building lobby. Prices will be $25 for HMI members and $30 for non-members.

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2012 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report  

This report will be submitted to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) to see if it meets the criteria to be awarded a Certificate for Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the second year in a row. In order to qualify for this award, the report must go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles, preparing a comprehensive annual financial report that enhances transparency and provides full disclosure.  The full report can be viewed, here.   

Additionally, there will be a special Budget and Finance Committee meeting on the 2013 Audit on Monday, May 13, 2013 at 5:30 pm at Village Hall. 

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Special Collection Reminder

Please help the Public Works Department (DPW) keep the Village looking tidy.  Before placing large refuse items  on the parkway residents should be aware they are required  to pay for a special collection at the DPW at 3801 N Morris Blvd or at the Village Hall at 3930 N Murray Ave.  Special Collections are picked up on Thursdays for a fee of $50 for  500 pounds and 15 minutes of labor.  Items left on the parkway for over three days may be picked up by crews at the DPW for double fees billed to the property owner.  If you are hiring a third party to haul your bulky items away please remember to call DPW to avoid unnecessary fees.  For more information go to www.villageofshorewood.org and click the DPW link.

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Calling All Gardens!

Plans for the 8^th Annual Shorewood Gardens Tour, benefitting the Shorewood Public Works Department, are underway.  We are looking for gardens to add to the tour.  The tour date is Saturday, July 27, 2013, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  This is not a competition but an opportunity for you to share your love of gardening with others.  If you would like to showcase your garden, please contact Laura Drexler at 414.305.8022 or ladrexler@att.net  

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Stein's Garden Center Returns to its 'Roots'

Stein's Garden Center recently placed one of its seasonal "Just Plants" stores on Capitol Drive, west of the bridge (Pig and Whistle site). Over 60 years ago, the very first Stein store was located on the east side of the bridge on the north side of Capitol Drive, between the current Mobil Station and Shorewood Auto Repair. There is an apartment building on the site today. 

Stein Flower and Garden Center was on Capitol Drive for several years, and although we are not sure why they left, it is quite possible their success required much more space than the corner of Capitol and Wilson allowed.   The" Just Plants" store will be in place until the end of June.  

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Building a Fence, Deck or Patio?

The most common building projects in the springtime are the construction of fences, decks or patios. A building permit is required for these projects along with a survey marking where you plan to build.  The Village has many surveys on file if you do not have one. You may not be aware that patios and decks cannot be constructed within a property's zoning setbacks, typically a minimum of three feet from a property's side and rear boundaries.  Patios that are located within a front yard or street side yard of a corner property must also be approved by the Design Review Board.  

Informational brochures are available on the Village's website at www.villageofshorewood.org or in the Planning & Development Department for these specific projects. Contact the Planning and Development Department staff at (414) 847-2640 for any building project you may be planning.

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May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Did you know motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants?

The month of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Shorewood Police Department is urging all road users to be alert and on the lookout for motorcyclists.  

During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, take the pledge to be on the lookout for motorcycles. To be more mindful of motorcyclists using our roads:

• Be on the lookout for motorcycles, especially in my mirrors and blind spots.
• Use turn signals to alert others of my intentions.
• Pay attention to motorcyclist hand signals.
• Respect motorcyclists' rights to the road and give them a full lane

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Board, Committee and Commission of the week: Parks Commission 

The Parks Commission was re-established by the Village Board in 2008.  The Commissions goal is to implement elements within the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that was adopted December 2007.  

The Parks Commission directs its attention to the physical improvement, maintenance and use of all Village parks and facilities and shall work closely with the Shorewood Recreation Department, School District and community groups.

Beginning with the June 2013 meeting, the Commission will meet quarterly unless needed.

Thanks to the current members: Ann McKaig, Ann Brummitt, Sam Essak, Chris Gallagher, Holly Morris, and Kathy Yanoff for serving on this important Commission.

There is currently an opening for this Commission. If you would like to be a member of this Commission, please contact the Village Clerk at 414.847.2608 or cto@villageofshorewood.org.

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Spring Musical: Spring Awakening

Fri. and Sat., May 10-11 at 7 p.m. Sun., May 12 at 2 p.m. Thurs., Fri., and Sat. May 16-18 at 7 p.m.  

Shorewood High School Auditorium  

The SHS Drama Department will perform the musical "Spring Awakening" in May!  We will be one of the first public high schools in the nation to perform the show.  Given the content of the show, some may formulate questions regarding its progressive nature. Our goals for performing "Spring Awakening" are to produce a high quality and moving theatrical performance and to use the content of the show to encourage young people and adults to engage in dialogue about the real challenges our adolescents face.  This is an opportunity to produce powerful theater and powerful conversation to support the young people we all serve.  

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students or $25 for a limited number of on-stage seating ($15 of which will go to local youth social service organizations). You can order tickets online here.  

Atwater School Rummage Sale

Fri. May 10 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Sat., May 11, 9 a.m to 1 p.m

Atwater School

Wide variety of items, including books, clothing, furniture, household items, movies, music, sporting goods, toys, etc.   This year's sale is not limited to children's items.  Sale is located in the Cafetorium.  Enter through Cafetorium doors on north side of building.  FILL A BAG FOR $5 FROM 12:00-1:00 p.m.!

Health Tip

With the arrival of longer, warmer days we are reminded that Shorewood is a walking, biking and "beaching" community!  Remember to practice sun safety by applying sunscreen often, wearing protective clothing such as hats, sleeves and sunglasses, and seeking shade during peek sun hours between 10 a.m-4 p.m. For more information about sun safety, check out the Sunwise program at www.epa.gov/Sunwise 

Thick curtains with block out backing or solid blinds (not ones with gaps in them like Venetians) will make a bit of a difference to your summer cooling by keeping cold air in and a lot of a difference to your winter heating by keeping cold air out.