It's a dog's life (when you live in town)

It's a dog's life.

something that you say which means that life is hard and unpleasant I've got to go to the supermarket, then cook a meal, then pick Dave up from the station - it's a dog's life! 

the Free Dictionary.com

Having lived in these parts for two and half decades (and counting) I have come to the realization that there are basically two kinds of people who live around here: There are country folk and there are townies. Country folk live in the country (obviously) and are accustomed to country life. That maybe doesn't include the “wide open spaces” described by the Dixie Chicks in their song of the same name but they like their space and their ability to live as they please without prying neighbors. Townies (people like us) live in town and because we do we have to abide by certain constraints which are called “ordinances.” And there are many. In fact, the book of ordinances sitting in Carmen's office at City Hall is bigger than the traditional family Bible! But there's a reason for that.

Unlike Holy Writ this canon is still being added to

He was a great dog but he
liked to run and frequently did

In a perfect world, neighbors would respect each others property and not (for example) blow snow onto their neighbor's lawn (yes, there's an ordinance against that because there were a few folks in town who were doing just that). In a perfect world, neighbors would think carefully about how the junk in their yard affects the property values of those who live near to them. In a perfect world, neighbors would not just let their dogs run loose on the streets (as they do in many developing countries) and would pick up after them after they did their business. But...we don't live in a perfect world and so municipalities like ours develop codes and ordinances that govern things like how long your grass gets, how many pets you can have, how many cars you can keep on your property and when you might want to put a coat of paint on your house (to name just a few). If these measures sound “draconian” and overbearing then townies should be reminded that this is the sort of thing that comes with living in town.

You may not care in the least whether or not we get new sidewalks in the downtown area (we may yet!), you may not even notice that the long bridge has been without lights since last summer when one of them fell over (but gratefully no one got hurt), but a dog doing what dogs do in your front yard gets you on the phone speaking with your alderman or the mayor pronto. This is where the rubber meets the road when it comes to townie-life. In this week's Chetek Alert the City posted a friendly reminder to all of us townies about things like the disposal of yard waste, how long are grass may get before we are reminded to cut it and rules that apply to the dogs among us. In case you don't subscribe to the Chetek Alert (and you should) here's how it reads (in case you can't read the fine print on the image):

Read all about it

Animals: Animals are not allowed to run at large within the City limits and must be leashed when walking. The owner or person in charge of the animal shall not permit solid fecal matter to be deposited on any street, alley or other public or private property, unless immediately removed. Animals on property must be tied or enclosed in a proper enclosure to keep the animal from interfering with passing public or neighbors. No more than 2 dogs or cats may be kept on any residential lot within the City of Chetek without council permission. Annual licenses for dogs are now overdue – unless your dog is new or a puppy 5 months or younger. Call city hall for more information – 715-924-4838.

Barking Dogs or Crying cats: It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly keep or harbor any dog which habitually barks, howls or yelps, or any cat which habitually cries or howls to the discomfort of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. Such dogs and cats are hereby considered to be a public nuisance. A dog or a cat is considered to be in violation of City Ordinances when two (2) complaints are filed with the Chetek Police Department within a four (4) week period. Such violations are subject to penalties under Section 1-16. Contact the Chetek Police Department regarding violations – 715-924-3686.

It's pretty common-sensical: When you walk your dog (or dogs), make sure they're on a leash and make sure you pick up after them. You can't run a shelter for wayward dogs or cats in the middle of your neighborhood no matter how much you love animals. And if your dog has a nasty habit of barking every time the wind blows, maybe you need to invest in a shock collar to curb its enthusiasm. All of these matters are covered in our Code of Ordinances (which contrary to the Code of the Brethren of Pirates of the Caribbean fame are not guidelines but, in fact, laws that come with fines attached to them) in Chapter 18 (which is all about animals). You can go to the City's website and see for yourself in the drop down box under “Government” specifically Sections 25, 29, 31, and 32.

But what if your neighbor acts like they live in the country and won't keep their dog or dogs quiet or allows them to wander the neighborhood depositing their poop wherever they feel the need to do so? What then? Well, if you ask me, the first thing you should not do is call your alderman or the mayor. Rather, the best thing to do is see first if you and your neighbor can work it out. They may not be aware that there dog is getting out of their kennel during the day or night. Better to believe the best about them and see if the matter can be amicably resolved. We used to own a dog that

He became what's referred to as a nuisance pet

became unpredictable and twice in a three month period threatened two of our neighbors as they were either biking by our house or when one of their kids came to shoot buckets with our daughter in the driveway. Both of them were very gracious to us when I offered my sincere apologies. We loved Jack, pain that he often could be, but eventually we had to put him down for the benefit of our neighbors and ourselves.

Wouldn't it be great?

Presently we have a neighbor who has an old dog who frequently wanders into our yard, digs through our compost pile and does his duty where I least expect it - until I step in it. Let me suggest if one of your neighbors comes to you with a complaint about your beloved Bowser that you listen to them. He may be old and hard of hearing but if he's guilty of the misdemeanor courtesy demands you apologize and offer to go pick

Gross, right? But if you don't like it
you might want to consider moving
to the country

up your dog's business. That's just being neighborly. We also have a neighbor who puts their dog on a chain early in the morning who then proceeds to act like a rooster at dawn alerting the neighborhood that he's on guard. Last summer it was annoying as this was a daily thing. Since that time it's gotten a lot better – or I've grown tone-deaf to its barking! Of course, a citizen has the right to call their alderman or mayor or even the police to file an official complaint but it's still better if you can work it out between you. I'd like to think that's not yet pie-in-the-sky by-and-by.

I've hardly read a page or two from the Code of Ordinances (has anybody read them all other than, say, Randy Osberg, our city attorney?) but I think that the entire tome could probably be summed up with the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Jesus in Luke 6:31, NIV) or “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31, Jesus citing Leviticus 19). That's it in a nutshell. Be a good neighbor and don't be that neighbor that everybody else around you can't wait until you move out.  

There goes the neighborhood: The Mill, Dixon and Banks Street

The new reality

Once a month I sit down with a number of residents at Atrium Post Acute Care of Chetek for coffee and conversation. They call it “Coffee with the Mayor”, an opportunity to talk with the “big cheese” about what's going on around town. This month's discussion was all about The Mill (as in, “the old feed mill”). The Mill is soon to open and as the renovations have gone forward more and more people are paying attention and wanting to know, “Just what is going on there?” The folks at Atrium aren't the only ones who want to know that. I'll grant you it's not as big of news as, say, Mary shutting down her Friday Night Fish Fry (now there's news!), but it's up there with it. So, how did we get here? Well, in case you're wondering the same thing here's something of a time line from there to here.

Summer 2016

April 2016. Last spring, Buddy and Nancy Helms bought the old mill and at one of my first official meetings as mayor approached the Plan Commission with a request to use the small parcel of land owned by the city between the mill and Glass on Silk. The commission kicked the idea around for a bit and then voted to recommend the council grant the Helms an easement for ten years.

Remember when?

June 2016. Two months later, the Helms were on the agenda of June's City Council meeting requesting that easement from the City to use the land between the mill and Glass on Silk's building for parking. They also informed the council at that time that they were considering asking the City to vacate the right of way area that is being used as a road between Center Street and Stout Street. [Here's a little factoid for you: the road between Center and Stout is, essentially, an alley that somewhere along the way was paved. Legally speaking, if it looks like a road, is used as a road and maintained like a road whatever else it may be, it's a road.] At that time they were advised that they were getting a little ahead of the process. First things first: they had to address the zoning limitations their business was facing. Get that squared away (they were told) and then they could go through the steps required to get the roadway vacated.

Two nights later they were at the Plan Commission meeting to update the committee on the progress of their project. They also came with a request that a text amendment to the existing ordinance regarding the uses of a business zoned light industrial be made that would allow them to proceed with their plans to open an event center at their location. After some discussion the commission voted to recommend to the city council that the text in the ordinance be so amended with the legal fees involved in doing so be assessed to the Helms.

Under new ownership

July 2016. The first public hearing regarding the mill was held. In order to have a public hearing about anything a few things always happen: the meeting is noted in the Chetek Alert in a timely matter, an announcement is posted on the notice board outside of City Hall and everyone within 300 feet of the affected property receive a legal notice by mail. Of the twenty-two surrounding neighbors, only Bryan Howard, who lives right across the street from the mill, showed up to express his concerns, and they were many: noise (for starters), people parking in front of his house, drinking and basically the whole “party vibe” (that's a quote from the official minutes) the mill will bring to the neighborhood. As someone who works nights and weekends the last thing he wants to deal with is lots of people and loud music when he's trying to unwind at home. He had talked to several of his neighbors and although they weren't present they had the same reservations he had. The Helms replied that their plan was to have events wrap up by 10 pm and encourage “after parties” at other local businesses if their customers so chose. What's more they were emphatic about the fact that they themselves were not seeking a liquor license as it would be those who rented their venue who would dispense alcohol to their guests.

At the City Council meeting held on the very same night following the public hearing, the recommendation of the Plan Commission for the amendment to the text regulation regarding the old feed mill was officially approved by the council. The Helms' had cleared the next hurdle in this lengthy and often cumbersome process.

August 2016. The second public hearing was held. Now that the ordinance had been amended the Helms appeared before the Plan Commission once again but this time to apply for a Conditional Use Permit that would allow them to renovate the old mill into an event center. Once again, the meeting was noted and letters went out to the twenty-two affected neighbors. This time only two of the neighbors appeared in person, Bryan Howard and Joe Nelson (who lives next door to Bryan). Both Bryan and Joe, each fathers of young children, expressed their concerns about noise level, parking, traffic, late night events, potentially inebriated customers and the like. I think it's fair to say they essentially said, “If this goes through there goes the neighborhood.” In the Helms' defense, they tried to address their concerns assuring the guys that their desire was not only to run a successful business but also be good neighbors.

Following the conclusion of the public hearing, the Plan Commission discussed the Helms' request and approved that their Conditional Use Permit be granted. The conditions attached to it were simple:

1. That they operate their business in the way the Helms' were requesting to use it (i.e., for events and such).
2. That their business comply with all applicable City ordinances like noise limits, parking and the like.
3. That their permit was good for one year from the date it is issued. If during that year a significant number of complaints are received, the Plan Commission has the right to call a hearing to consider revoking or terminating the Conditional Use Permit. However, if no complaints are received, the Conditional Use Permit will automatically be renewed for one successive year period unless the Planning Commission directs a longer period be set. (In other words, so long as there are no major issues that arise, the Mill's conditional use permit will most likely be renewed in successive years to follow.)

These were the street urchins in the neighborhood back then

September 2016. Once again the Helms were on the agenda of the Plan Commission meeting to talk about parking at the Mill. For the first time the suggestion to make Dixon Street between Center and Stout one way was discussed. It was the recommendation of the commission that the city council get public input about angle parking on Dixon between Center and Banks and about closing (technically speaking, vacating) the road altogether. What's more, they recommended that this plan be sent to the heads of the Fire and Police Departments as well as the ambulance service to solicit their opinion about this plan.

The following week at the September city council meeting, the Helms were back requesting that the council authorize City Inspector Joe Atwood issue them a temporary use permit in order that they could move forward with their plans without installing a pricey sprinkler system. They informed the council that the State was still developing appropriate regulations for the remodeling of old agricultural buildings and it wasn't clear yet whether they would need a sprinkler system or not. At a later date if the State ruled that, in fact, they needed one they would put one in - but only if they had to. What I recall about that meeting that night, however, is that the lion's share of discussion was about parking and what was to be done about the road between Center and Stout. As far as Public Works Director Dan Knapp was concerned making the intersection of Stout and Dixon into a cul-de-sac was not feasible because the right of way is simply not wide enough. The best option was, in his opinion, was to make Dixon a one way street from Center Street to Banks Street and then make the road from Banks Street to Stout Street a private drive. Given that the fire department, police department and ambulance service had no significant concerns about enacting such a change, this plan was adopted by the council and, at the same meeting, the Helms' request for a Conditional Use Permit for 646 Banks Street (i.e., The Mill) was approved.

On September 29, all parties signed on the dotted and officially their Temporary Use Agreement was enacted. Included in this document is the stated understanding that The Mill will comply with all applicable city, state and federal laws, keep the place presentable and, when it snows, plow the street in front of it. Attached to their lease were two diagrams that illustrated what the council had approved earlier in September – mainly, Dixon Street as a one-way between Center and Banks and angled parking on the same stretch of road.

Diagram 1: Making Dixon a one-way between Center and Stout

Diagram 2: Angled parking on Dixon between Center and Banks

November 2016. Bear in mind with this time line I'm laying out that during the entire process multiple conversations were happening between the Helms and Joe Atwood and Dan Knapp, between Dan Knapp and the neighbors, between the Helms and City Clerk and Treasurer Carmen Newman, between myself, the Helms and the neighbors. Understandably, the neighbors were very much not in favor of the changes going on in their neighborhood. Having lived in that same neighborhood all but 10 months of our 25 ½ year tenure in Chetek I can attest that there are a lot of little kids around again, riding their bikes up and down the street, doing what kids love to do. So there was push-back from the neighbors when they learned of the City's decision to make Dixon a one-way. They were so persuasive in presenting their concerns, in fact, that at the City Council meeting that month the council officially rescinded the motion to make Dixon a one-way between Center and Banks and a private drive between Banks and Stout that had been approved the month before. Call it flip-flopping if you will but essentially we changed our mind. But at the same time we also ordered that the Street Committee take this up at their very next meeting with the hope that a solution agreeable to all parties involved could be found.

December 2016. Notices went out to all twenty-two affected neighbors and to the Helms inviting everyone to the Street Committee meeting that was held right before December's council meeting. Almost everyone who lives on that end of Banks Street closest to The Mill were present (regrettably, the Helms could not be present for health reasons) to vent their spleen. Not only were they concerned with the traffic various events will generate but also the potential safety hazard of The Mill's clients, not familiar with the neighborhood, exiting down Banks Street unaware that little children might be at play. They asked if perhaps Banks could be closed off with a permanent barrier that would prevent anyone from leaving The Mill by that route. After further discussion it was the recommendation of the Street Committee that the council allow the following things:

1. That The Mill be allowed to close Dixon Street between Center and Stout temporarily while events were going on to accommodate both parking and traffic. Each time an event will occur it will be their responsibility to put up barricades and notices where Dixon intersects Center, Banks and Stout.
2. And that The Mill be allowed to paint angled parking lines on Dixon between Center and Banks as outlined in the Conditional Use Permit.

At the council meeting that followed this recommendation was so approved: No permanent one-way on Dixon heading south but the Helms had the green light to paint lines on Dixon if they so chose at their expense.

January-April 2017. Renovations both inside and out of The Mill proceed transforming a fairly dilapidated old structure that had become the abode of pigeons and other critters into a beautiful, inviting new facility.

This just happened

April 2017. The Helms contracted with a firm to paint lines on Dixon Street. The lines, which were painted with Dan Knapp's oversight, stretch to where they are legally allowed. Now Dixon Street essentially has become a single lane road making it hazardous for any traffic flow. For the painters' safety as well as everyone else's, Dan closed off Dixon between Center and Stout and then met with Interim Police Chief Ambrozaitis and myself to figure out Plan B. So long as The Mill had chose not to paint lines things pretty much could have remained status quo. But now that they have a true safety hazard has been created. Here's what we decided: a concrete barrier, much like what was placed by the Post Office when Knapp Street east was turned into a one-way, will be placed at Center and Dixon and Center and Stout. This will allow one-way south moving traffic which will accommodate guests of The Mill and Glass on Silk's deliveries. For the time being Banks will remain open to accommodate local residents and the Chetek Marina which moves boats back and forth up Banks Street to their detailing shop (also across the road from The Mill). The Helms will still be responsible for closing Banks with temporary barriers when they are hosting events. All that's left to make this official are the posting of the appropriate signage and the placing of those concrete barriers.

So there you go. It may seem a long walk around the block but that's how we got here. A couple wants to make a go of a traffic-heavy business right at the edge of a residential neighborhood. They see potential success for them and the community. The neighbors, who have to live there, see something very different. There's enough kindling here to make a real good fire. Indeed, there goes the neighborhood. The hope is it all works out but my guess is that during The Mill's first six months of operation everyone on that end of the street is going to have to grin and bear it. Or at least bear it. 

There will be more issues to come. For starters, there will be a lot more cars parking on Banks Street when The Mill is in operation. But like all the people who live close to Camp Randall in Madison know how congested their streets become on Game Day we're going to have to get used to it (Hint: with no curb, cars have the right to park a couple of feet onto anyone's lawn. Just saying). Center Street and Sixth Street, natural connectors to Roselawn Elementary and ABC, will see more traffic flow, too. And it's just going to be a heck of a lot noisier on this part of town. That's a lot of change to digest for people like ourselves who live in a small town for quality-of-life reasons like these.

Every mayor of any small community wants to see new businesses come and thrive here. But at the same time, he or she is also sensitive how people's lives are affected by the changes a new business may bring. I can only hope that all parties involved will do their best to adjust to each other. Certainly there are going to be challenges along the way that spring up overnight like dandelions. It doesn't necessarily mean we have to resort to dumping a gallon of Round-Up on it, however. A few weeks ago when talking with the residents at Atrium about all things concerning The Mill, Dixon Street and going forward from here I think Adelle summed it up best when, after taking a sip of her coffee, simply said: “Well, it will be interesting.” There's an understatement for you but I couldn't agree more.

Stay tuned for more developments

One year later (Looking back on my first year in office)

This past week I completed my rookie year as mayor. While technically I wasn't sworn in officially until about ten days later, my first year of my two-year term is now in the books and it has been educational, to say the least.

Aging but still able

During the past twelve months I've chaired twelve city council meetings, at least that many Plan Commission meetings and several public hearings as well as attended other regular gatherings of the various committees that the city has a stake in – The Center, the EMS service, Chetek Area Fire Department, Lone Oak to name several. I've toured CORE Products and ABC Truss and been given my own personal tour of the Chetek Area Museum, our Waste Water Treatment plant and the Barron County Waste-to-Energy Facility (a.k.a the “Barron County Incinerator”).

I've met with a local girl scout troop, had lunch with a bunch of movers and shakers from around the county when they visited our community in January and every month have sat down with a group of wonderful seniors at Atrium for coffee and cookies. I got to personally welcome Governor Scott Walker when he visited CWHS & MS last month and Rep. Romaine Quinn just a few weeks ago when he held a listening session at city hall. And I even had the honor to emcee the first-ever Chetek PTO Family Bingo night just last week.

This was pretty cool

Got to ride in the cool red car

Are we lucky to have him there

Along the way I've met a lot of people I didn't really know before but who share the same love I have for the town we all call home. Like Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator Mike McGinnis who likes to quip “the fence around the plant is to keep me in” but are we glad that he's on the job. Or Arthur and all the folks who serve at the Friday Soup and Salad Bar at The Center and who always make me feel so welcome when I join them for lunch. Then there's the city employees – Interim Chief of Police Ron Ambrozaitis and those who serve with him on the force, Public

It was his birthday
and he wouldn't sit down

Works Director Dan Knapp and the crew who even allow me to join them now and again for their 9 a.m. coffee break. Last, but certainly not least, the ladies at City Hall - Karen, Cassandra and especially City Clerk and Treasurer, Carmen Newman. When it comes to all things city ordinances and city practices she really is better than Google. I'm pretty sure every mayor who has ever served with her feels their job is easier because she's just an office away. I know I sure do.

I'm grateful for her help and expertise

Talk about a kick in the head

Someone asked me recently what I felt was my greatest accomplishment in the past year. Well, contrary to what some might chuckle at (for good reason) it was not casting the deciding vote in approving Kwik Trip for a Class A liquor license back in November (a minister approves the sale of more booze in town?) And come April 18 when the County Board meets and presumably approves the recommendation of the Highway Commission to increase the speed limit on Highway SS north from 25 mph to 35 mph it won't

Perhaps by May 1 this
sign will be replaced

be for that either. During the past year on account of budget constraints we lowered the police force by one full-time officer and bid former Chief of Police Mark Petersen farewell as he retired after 35 years of service to our city. We bought the former Jost Law Office that sits next to The Center in hopes to one day to raze that building and put in a much needed parking lot. But like so much of city business these things I've been part of but not necessarily responsible for. Honestly, the thing I am most proud about is that I have really tried to make city hall accessible to everybody who wants to know about what's going on “downtown.” For that, I'm grateful to The Chetek Alert who every month gives me free column space to share my thoughts and for

Look, Mom, I'm on the radio!

Amber Gonske at WJMC who every month puts me on the radio for one of her “Morning Discussion” slots. My on-line presence helps too via the mayor's Facebook page and my blog (The Mayor's Mind, or at least a piece of it) which sees a lot of activity. I've just tried to keep the discussion active and for the most part I think we have been successful at that and for that I'm grateful.

When people stop me on the street or in a restaurant they usually ask the same question, “How's the mayoring-thing going?” I appreciate the question because it reflects the real thing they want to know: “Is this job getting to you? Are you sick of the complaining yet? Will you run again?” I'm happy to tell them that by and large things are going well and I'm having a lot of fun serving this city in the ways I'm finding that I can as mayor. Some think at first that I'm being sarcastic. I'm not. I really am having a lot of fun and welcome the challenge to continue to serve this town that I love.

The father of one of my son's roommates in college is the City Administrator for Lindstrom, Minnesota. Right after the election last April when we were standing on the sidelines watching our sons compete in a track meet somewhere he gave me some good advice: “In towns like ours the mayor sets the tone and the City Administrator – or, in our case, the City Clerk – gets it done.” It's really true. So as I move into my second year my plan is to stay on point, keeping all of you informed the best I can, and hoping for the best for this city we all call home.