May 2018
Spring Election Results
A total of 513 votes were cast in Wind Point for the Spring Election on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, representing a 41% turnout of registered voters in the Village. It was the highest turnout for a Spring Election in Wind Point since 2013 (not including the presidential primary in 2016).

With respect to the Village races on the ballot, incumbents Karen Van Lone, Emily Lawrence and Robert Quam, Jr. were re-elected as village trustees. Mr. Quam did not file nomination papers to be on the ballot but was re-elected after receiving 56 write-in votes. To view the election results in Wind Point,  click here . To view the county-wide results,  click here .
Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan Draft Now Available Online
Jeffrey Sanders of Community Planning & Consulting presented a draft of the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) at the Village Board meeting on April 12. The draft plan provides an inventory of existing park and recreation amenities in the Village and it summarizes feedback received from the outdoor recreation survey in January and the public workshop on February 15. The plan provides initial recommendations for future recreation improvements in the Village.

Residents are invited to review the draft plan, which can be accessed from the project website by clicking here . Please submit any input on the plan to Michael Hawes, Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer at m.hawes@windpoint.org by 4 p.m. on May 9, 2018. The feedback will be reviewed by the Parks & Facilities Committee which will meet on May 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Village Resident Guide
The Village Resident Guide is designed to provide helpful information to new residents and long-time residents alike. The guide has recently been updated to include new ordinances relating to home improvement projects and signs. Appendix A provides a table with examples for when a permit is needed for certain projects. It reflects a recent ordinance adopted by the Village Board that relaxes the permit requirements for certain repairs. It is still recommended that residents contact the Village Office or inspectors about permit information during the initial planning phases of a project.

For more information about anything in the guidebook, or for suggestions on future revisions, please contact the Village Office at 639-3524 or info@windpoint.org.
Dispose Unwanted Medicine at Village Office
National Drug Take Back Day may have passed on April 28, but you can now dispose unwanted medicine any time the Village Office is open by using the new official medicine collection box. By using the collection box, or another official medication collection site, you can help prevent medications from ending up in area water systems or in the hands of children. The collection box was obtained through a grant secured by the Racine Health Department. Items that are collected will be disposed with the Department of Justice.

The following items are accepted in the collection box: prescription medications, patches and ointments; over-the-counter medications; vitamins; samples; and medications for pets.

The following items are NOT accepted in the collection box: needles (sharps); ointments, lotions or liquids; hydrogen peroxide; aerosol cans; thermometers; medication from businesses or clinics.
Wind Point Lighthouse Updates
Open Tower Days
Online reservations are available for tours at the Wind Point Lighthouse this summer! Open Tower Days take place on the first Sunday of the month, from June to October, as well as select Saturdays. Online reservations are recommended, as many tours sell out. The tours are a great opportunity to take in the history of the lighthouse and the breathtaking views from the top of the tower! To make reservations,   visit the tour webpage on EventBrite . If you are interested in volunteering at the tours, please contact the lighthouse keepers, at 639-3777 or lhkeeper@windoint.org.

Commercial Photography Permit
Professional photographers wishing to use the lighthouse grounds for video or photography for business purposes must first obtain a Commercial Photography Permit. Similar to Milwaukee County Parks and many national parks, the photography permit is necessary for photography used for merchandise, formal wedding or engagement photography or any other photography that will be used in the stream of commerce. A permit is not required for informal/candid photography or photography associated with a scheduled rental. For more information and to obtain the permit online, visit windpointlighthouse.org/permit .

Shoreline Erosion
Unfortunately, the recent storm and high waves in mid-April caused erosion along the lighthouse shoreline, leading to some of the new sand and stone to be washed away. The material had been installed as part of the green infrastructure project last fall which was aimed at improving stormwater runoff quality. The Village is in contact with the project engineer from Miller Engineers & Scientists to determine if any steps can be made to fix the eroded area. Much of the dune grasses and butterfly garden area were not damaged.
Wind Point Baseball Outing at Kenosha Kingfish
The third annual Wind Point day at the Kenosha Kingfish game will take place on Sunday, June 24 at 4 p.m. The outing is organized by Wind Point Living Magazine and Kortendick Ace Hardware. Tickets include a semi-private seating area, all-you-can eat ballpark food through the 5th inning (burgers, brats, hot dogs, cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw and chips), all-you-can drink soda & water and three vouchers to be used for beer, ice cream novelty treats or kids games. These tickets are regularly priced at $29, but thanks to Kortendick Ace Hardware, they are only $24 at their store (3806 Douglas Ave.). Tickets are expected to sell out so be sure to get to Kortendick Ace Hardware soon if you are interested in attending! Contact Gary Smith ( gary.smith@n2pub.com ) for more information.
Village Seeks Seasonal DPW Laborer
The Village of Wind Point is accepting applications for a full-time, seasonal public works laborer. This position is offered between May and August and the normal schedule is generally Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., up to 40 hours per week. The seasonal laborer assists the public works staff with maintaining public grounds, including the park, office, public works garage/yard and right-of-ways. The ideal candidate is a reliable self-starter, with the ability to operate power equipment and ability to lift forty pounds. The pay rate is $9.00-$11.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. To apply, submit an employment application, which can be found online or at the Village Office. Position open until filled. For questions, contact Jack Feiner, DPW Supervisor, at 262-639-3560 or j.feiner@windpoint.org.

Other Village Staff Updates

  • We are pleased to welcome our new management intern Edgar Romero to the office team! Edgar is a graduate student of the public administration program at UW-Milwaukee. He will assist with special projects and research, while helping carry out day-to-day tasks of the office.
Lawn Maintenance Reminder
Residents are reminded that village ordinance requires lawns to be kept below 12 inches in height. If grass gets above this height, the Village may have the lawn mowed and billed to the property owner. Residents are also responsible for maintaining lawns in public right-of-way areas adjacent to their property. For any questions, please contact the Village Office at   info@windpoint.org .
Board of Review on Tuesday, May 29
Annual Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, May 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Village Hall (Lighthouse). Property owners have an opportunity to appear before the Board to contest their property's assessment. It is recommended that if you disagree with your assessment that you first contact the assessor to review it. Although Open Book already took place on April 26, you can still contact Associated Appraisal at 1-800-721-4157 or info@apraz.com. If you wish to schedule a hearing with the Board of Review, contact the Village Office at 639-3524 or info@windpoint.org. According to state statute, a written or oral notice must be provided at least 48 hours before Board of Review to assure a hearing.
Village Board Hears Annual Audit Presentation
On April 12, Dave Maccoux of Schenck, S.C. presented the annual audit to the Village Board. To view the Village's 2017 financial statements,  click here . Mr. Maccoux reported that the Village continues to maintain a strong financial position, with no long-term debt obligations and healthy reserves for future capital expenditures. The Village expended $385,889 in reserves in 2017, primarily for Village Green improvements, but the Village's overall net position increased from $7,110,396 in 2016 to $7,376,711 in 2017. Mr. Maccoux also reported that the water and stormwater utilities had a positive net position in 2017.
Village Board Updates
The Village Board of Trustees met for a regular meeting on April 12, 2018. The following actions took place at the meeting:

  • Approved bids submitted by Payne & Dolan for the 2018 Road Program, including the base bid, alternate 1 and alternate 2; alternate 2 is subject to unanimous approval from the private road homeowners agreeing to their section of Wind Point Rd. being paved and paying for it themselves.
  • Approved a quote from Asphalt Contractors, Inc. to perform crackfilling maintenance on Four Mile Rd., Lighthouse Dr. and Three Mile Rd. in the amount of $11,573.
  • Approved a request by Gary Smith/Wind Point Living Magazine to hold the 4th Annual Wind Point Pet Parade at the lighthouse grounds on June 26, 2018 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Heard the presentation of the Village’s 2017 Financial Statements by David Maccoux of Schenck, S.C.
  • Heard a presentation of the draft Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan by Jeffrey Sanders of Community Planning & Consulting.
  • Approved a new Sign Ordinance for the Village (Ordinance 18-01).
  • Approved an ordinance regarding dumpster regulations (Ordinance 18-02).
  • Approved an ordinance replacing the village engineer with a citizen member on the Plan Commission (Ordinance 18-03).
  • Approved the purchase of a ductless air conditioner unit for the Village Hall meeting room from Baker Specialty & Supply for an amount not to exceed $1,400.
  • Instructed staff to issue a request for proposals for a lighthouse grounds site plan.
  • Approved a “Class B”/Class “B” Alcohol License for Green Golf Partners operating Shoop Park Golf Course.
  • Approved an Original Operator License for Kurt Squire.
  • Approved the purchase and installation of a new sign at the Village Office from J. Ewens Signs in the amount of $2,261.30.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 10 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