Shorelines

I agree that it is a major inconvenience getting around downtown and if no work is to be performed, then the signs should be removed.  I think it will be difficult for the village to police as I'm not sure the contractors inform the village when and where they will be working each and every day.  Maybe next time the village puts out a contract to do construction projects that makes it challenging for customers to reach the merchants and potentially harm business, the contractor will be responsible for daily maintenance of the no parking signs where they will be doing work.  If they do not maintain their work areas, there could be a daily financial penalty paid to the merchants of that particular area to make up for the inconvenience caused.  On a side note...I took a walk this weekend around the neighborhood, and on N. Murray I noticed several sidewalks that had been paved fairly recently that are completely unfinished, unprofessional, and border on being unsafe.  Is this a temporary fix or did the village contractor do the minimum amount required to complete a project?

Although I support the streetscape redo, I have not been impressed with the Village's management of the streetscape contractor.  They have been behind schedule since this project started yet will take days off without doing anything.  The contractor is being lazy by blocking everything off at once.  With a little thought and strategic planning, you can block off fewer streets and still get your work done.

One thing that concerns me is that the Village promoted the former Assistant to Village Manager to Public Works Manager (or Director) and hired a new Village Planner.  Now we have an entire staff person with time dedicated to overseeing projects like this and the projects still aren't done efficiently?  I am open to the Village creating new positions and hiring more people, but then we should see some excellent results to go along with it.

As for the crux of Shorewood’s problems, it is Mr. Swartz. (Let me start by saying promoting Leeann Butschlick was one of the only bright move. She is excellent in this position.)

There is a lack of oversight on what Mr. Swartz has been doing in his reorganization and creation of positions. I believe most residents would not approve because these positions do not reflect a response to needs. And, this unhindered exercise has caused us to loose on the best Village Clerks in the State of Wisconsin – Kathleen Greig. Think of this, does the Village need a full-time person running around making sure fences are the right height. Do we need a Director of Customer Service? I can’t even be amused by these positions. Again, I don’t think the residents would approve.

What he should be working on getting our Police Department in the best facility available. And, there is one on Wilson Drive that meets their needs today and into the future. If we loose that opportunity, what next – Kensington and Oakland again. Do people who pay for expensive condos want a Police Station right there?

The Village Board is not negligent on the Streetscape project, I checked the Village Code and do not see any authority giving them the authority to micro-manage this project.