May 2016
Village-Wide Revaluation Update
As announced last summer, Associated Appraisal is preparing to complete a revaluation of all properties of the Village in 2016. Inspections will take place this summer and it is now expected they will take place after 4th of July.  Associated will send letters to all property owners with information about when exactly appraisers will be in their neighborhood to conduct inspections.
The revaluation involves an interior and exterior inspection to ensure properties are assessed at 100% market value in a uniform and equitable fashion. It will be the first time a full revaluation has been completed since 1981. More information about the revaluation process is available on the Village website at  http://windpointwi.us/2016-revaluation . If you have any questions, please contact village administrator Michael Hawes at 639-3524 or administrator@windpointwi.us.
71% Turnout in Wind Point for Spring Election!

There was a 71.2% turnout of registered voters in Wind Point for the Spring General Election on Tuesday, April 5. The turnout represents 84% of all residents, a number that is far higher than the Wisconsin average of 77% and the national average of 60%.  Wind Point also has a higher percentage of registered voters than Racine County which only has 75%.

Incumbents David Heller, Robert Quam, Jr. and Karen Van Lone we re-elected as Village Trustees. To view the full Wind Point results from the April 5 election, click here. The next elections will be the partisan primary election on August 9, 2016 and the fall general election on November 8, 2016.
Wind Point Lighthouse Updates

As you may be aware, the Village and the Friends of the Wind Point Lighthouse (“Friends”) could not reach an agreement with respect to the Friends’ annual lighthouse activities. 

As part of a larger review of lighthouse operations, costs and revenues, the Village asked the Friends to provide the financial statements in order to assure fiscal transparency and ascertain whether the arrangement was in the best interest of the Village.  

The Friends were not willing to provide their financials and the agreement with the Friends was not renewed. However, we wish to express appreciation to the Friends for the many contributions to the lighthouse since 1999.

The Village, with the help of the Lighthouse Keepers, Susan and Mike Arts, will be assuming responsibility for the tours on the usual schedule: first Sunday of the month, June through October. Tours run every half hour from 9:00 to 3:30 pm. Tickets cost $10/adult (age 12 and up) and $5/children (age 6-11). Walk-ups are welcome, or a tour may be reserved online at windpointlighthouse.org.

We welcome volunteer assistance from any Wind Point residents who might wish to become involved. We also welcome any of the Friends’ volunteers who might wish to assist with lighthouse tours this year. If you are interested, please contact the Village Office for more information.

The Village is striving to provide a quality experience for the 800+ people each year who take the tour and the 24,000 visitors who enjoy the lighthouse grounds each year.  The Village also is attempting to make the lighthouse more self-sufficient with respect to operating costs and maintenance, thus reducing the burden on Wind Point residents.  This year Piggly Wiggly Erie Street will make a donation to the lighthouse for each climber throughout the 2016 season to the lighthouse maintenance fund. Last summer, the Village secured $10,000 from Racine County which will be used this year to help defray the cost of a new roof at the lighthouse. We also are investigating other avenues of support.

We invite you to share your thoughts and ideas on this matter. Please contact Village Administrator Michael Hawes at administrator@windpointwi.us or 262-639-3524.
Wind Point Resident Guide
Village staff has created a handy guidebook to help inform residents about Village services, ordinances and other general information. The guidebook is especially helpful for new Wind Point residents, but long-time residents may also find it to be a good go-to resource. From topics like garbage and recycling to permits and pets, the guide concisely covers a variety of topics. To view a PDF version of the guidebook click here or pick one up at the Village Office!

Johns Disposal to Collect Branches on May 10
The monthly branch collection service is typically carried out by Village maintenance staff. However, with the recent retirement of Maintenance Assistant Mike Purtee, the Village has hired Johns Disposal to complete the branch collections on April 12 and May 10. The same branch collection guidelines still apply and you should not notice a difference in service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Johns Disposal at 473-4700 or the Village Office at 639-3524.
"Open House Racine County" on May 21 

All are invited to get out Saturday, May 21 for Open House Racine County (OHRC), a free day-long celebration of interesting places, fascinating architecture, local history and more. More than 40 OHRC sites are scattered from one end of the county to other. You'll stroll the beautiful Wind Point Lighthouse grounds, visit the renowned Racine Art Museum (RAM) and RAM's Chas. A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts or get a taste of history in Racine, Caledonia or Burlington.
To learn more and create your own Open House itinerary, visit  www.openhouseracinecounty.com . You'll find photos, descriptions and map locations of each site under "Locations." Look for the Open House Racine County banners as you drive throughout the county. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at most locations — check the location details on the OHRC website.
Know What's Below!
Diggers Hotline helps identify costly and dangerous utilities that can be buried just inches beneath your yard’s surface. Call or click three working days before any project that involves digging and have your lines marked so you can dig freely and safely. Call Diggers Hotline at 811 or click here.

No matter how large or small the project or how deep you're digging, damaging underground lines can pose a threat to your safety. Diggers Hotline works with the utilities to identify these costly lines and give you a roadmap to digging safely.
Village Board Updates
The regular Village Board meeting scheduled on Thursday, April 14 was cancelled. The next regular meeting and annual organizational meeting will take place on Thursday, May 12 at 5:30 at the Village Hall (lighthouse).
Save the Date for the Village Picnic on Sunday, August 14!
The annual Village Picnic will take place this year on Sunday, August 14 at Village Green Park.  A beer garden is being planned with a local brewery for this year's picnic. If you have any photos of the old Danish Beer Garden that was located in the park, please contact the office at 639-3524. Thank you!
Village of Wind Point, Wisconsin
215 E. Four Mile Rd.
Racine, WI 53402
262.639.3524