December 2017
Special Notices...

  • Last call for leaves! An extra yard waste collection date is scheduled on Monday, December 4. Johns Disposal will make a final run through the Village to collect yard waste bags with stickers on them (purchased at the Village Office).

  • Village Office Holiday Hours - Please note the Village Office will be closed the following days in observance of Christmas and New Year's: Monday, December 25; Tuesday, December 26; and Monday, January 1. Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Property Tax Bills Mailed This Week
Annual property tax bills were mailed out to Wind Point property owners on Monday, November 27. Copies of tax bills can also be obtained online using Racine County's MyTaxBill web app . Information on paying the tax bill can be found on the insert mailed with the bill and on the Village website . There is now an option to pay tax bills online with a credit or debit card, but please note there is a service fee for this option and that credit and debit cards are not accepted for payments made at the Village Office.

For the second consecutive year, overall property taxes have decreased for Wind Point property owners (unless your taxes increased due to an assessment change). This year's tax bill has an overall decrease of about 1% compared to last year.

What do property taxes pay for, anyways?
Although the Village of Wind Point collects tax payments, most of your tax dollars are distributed to other jurisdictions to fund a variety of important services and institutions. The following is a breakdown of where each tax dollars goes:
Village Board Appoints Emily Lawrence
Two Village residents submitted applications for the open Village Board seat announced in October. On November 9, the Board interviewed both candidates and then selected Emily Lawrence to fill the vacancy. Emily has resided in Wind Point for over seven years along with her husband and son. She brings professional experience as an attorney as well as volunteer experience serving on the boards of various non-profit organizations, such as the Racine YMCA, University of Wisconsin-Parkside Foundation and the Downtown Racine Corporation.

Emily says she appreciates all our Village has to offer and is interested in building upon our many strengths to further enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Congratulations on your appointment, Emily!
Village Trustee Opening in April
Three Village Trustee positions will be up for election in the spring election on April 3, 2018. One of the incumbents, Robert Quam, Jr., has filed a notice of non-candidacy, indicating he will not run for re-election.

Beginning today, December 1, residents who are interested in serving on the Village Board can begin collecting signatures and filling out paperwork to be on the spring ballot. At least 20 signatures from Wind Point electors are required. All nomination forms must be submitted to the Village Office by Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Forms can be obtained from the Village Office or on the Village website .

If you have any questions, please contact Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Michael Hawes at 639-3524 or by e-mail at m.hawes@windpoint.org.
Wind Point School Property Update
On November 20, the Racine Unified School Board approved a proposal submitted by developer Ray Leffler of Newport Development Corporation to acquire the former Wind Point School property (at the end of Jonsue Lane). As part of the agreement, the developer would have 120 days to raze the existing structures and then would proceed with a new residential development on the property. Mr. Leffler has indicated he will meet with the Village Board and surrounding neighbors to gather feedback for a development proposal. The project would also likely require zoning and architectural approvals from the Village Board, Plan Commission and Architectural Review Board; these meetings would be open to the public. Village residents can stay informed and engaged with the process by looking for updates in this newsletter and on the Village website.
2018 Dog Licenses Now Available
Dog owners can now stop by the Village office to obtain 2018 dog licenses. A dog license application, along with license fee and copy of rabies certification, should be submitted to the office in-person, by mail or in the dropbox located in the circle driveway near the office. If submitting by mail or dropbox, please remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the dog tag and receipt to be returned to you. Dog license applications are provided on the tax bill inserts and are also available  online . It is state law to license your dog each year.
Pedestrian Safety: Be Seen!
If you are heading out for a walk early or later in the day, please remember to wear reflective gear or carry a flashlight. As a matter of safety, pedestrians need to be visible to vehicles and to other pedestrians. A variety of clothing items are available with lights or reflective fabric, such as jackets, vests, wristbands, dog collars, shoes and belts. Many stores also carry reflective tape - and pick something up for your dog while you are at it!

If no sidewalks exist on the road, it is recommended to walk facing oncoming traffic on the same side of the road as the oncoming traffic. Also, you should get as far to the side of the road as possible to provide additional space between you and oncoming cars. When bicycling, you will want to ride on the right (going in the same direction as automobile traffic). Another safe way to get your exercise this winter is to take advantage of the paved walking path surrounding Village Green!

Please do your part to protect yourself, drivers and other pedestrians!
Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe from Fire
Home fires are more prevalent in the winter months than any other season. Cooking is the leading cause of all winter residential building fires, while other causes include space heaters, fireplaces and candles. Learn how to keep your family safe with these tips from the National Safety Council:

  • Install both types of smoke alarms (ionization and photoelectric) and carbon monoxide alarms; change the batteries at least once a year in these devices.
  • Plan – and practice – an escape route and agree on a meeting place outside of your home; be prepared to assist young children, family members with special needs and pets.
  • Know two ways out of every room in the home.
  • Learn how to use your fire extinguisher.
  • If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll.
  • When evacuating, if door handles are hot, pick an alternate route.
  • Leave your house and call for help; do not go back to help someone else.

The U.S. Fire Administration offers these additional tips to keep children safe from fire and burns:

  • Keep children 3 feet away from anything hot, like candles, space heaters and stove-tops.
  • Keep smoking materials locked up in a high place; never leave cigarette lighters or matches where children can reach them.
  • Never play with lighters or matches when you are with your children; they may try to imitate you.

If you have any questions on fire prevention, contact the Caledonia Fire Department at 262-835-2050.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on November 9, 2017. The following actions took place at the meeting:

  • Approved the 2018 Budget and Tax Levy Resolution (Resolution 17-R08), setting the Village levy amount of $1,108,608 (0% increase).
  • Approved Reserves Designations (Resolution 17-R09), Fee Schedule (Resolution 17-R10) and Wage Schedule (Resolution 17-R11).
  • Appointed Emily Lawrence to fill the Village Trustee position vacated by David Heller with a term expiring April 2018.
  • Referred Ordinance 17-07 regarding permit requirements for electric and plumbing work back to the Building & Zoning Committee.
  • Heard a quarterly update on the Village’s investments.
  • Approved a change of agent on the alcohol license fo the Council House.
  • Approved entering into agreement with Community Planning & Consulting to complete a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
  • Approved installing a light on the Village entrance post located on Four Mile Rd.
  • Heard an update on the Wind Point School property.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Village Hall (lighthouse).
Village of Wind Point, Wisconsin
215 E. Four Mile Rd.
Racine, WI 53402
262.639.3524