By John Koski
Elkhorn Independent
In a brief 20-minute meeting Monday, the Elkhorn Common Council approved a sewer rate increase of 4 percent for both residential and commercial/industrial customers effective January 2013.
Earlier committee discussion had looked at a 6 percent residential increase and an 8 percent increase for commercial/industrial users, However, after further consideration the council voted for a 4 percent increase for all users. The rate is based on projected city revenue figures.
No change noted
The only public comment was from Ed Robers who noted that over-weight vehicles continue to use North Lincoln Street despite posted signs.
“The signs have been up for a little over two weeks,” Robers said, “and I haven’t seen any change in the truck traffic. Buses are still going through. A couple of big motorhomes went rattling through this weekend. There’s really no change. The speeding hasn’t stopped.
“It sounds like we’re trying to do something,” Robers said, “but nothing is working, or nothing is being solved. But something has to be done.”
In addition:
• The council approved Friday, July 5, as the date of the community fireworks display, which will be contracted with Bartolotta Fireworks.
• The council approved a Class C wine license for The Essential Café and Bistro on 21 S. Wisconsin St.
• The council waived a first reading and approved a $3 administrative fee in addition to the fee charged by Walworth County for dog and cat licenses.
• Mayor Howie Reynolds noted that more than 300 people attended the Christmas tree lighting this past Friday. He also thanked the Chamber of Commerce for “putting on a wonderful parade.”
• The council discussed sex offender regulation and the possible creation of safe zones where sex offenders would be regulated, such as public parks, swimming pools, libraries and places of worship, as well as other areas. The council is looking into a number of options, most of which include gathering more information and soliciting input from various sources
• The council approved a final payment of $211,450.22 to Maddrell Excavating LLC for the S. Broad St. reconstruction project.
The full council will meet again on Monday, Dec. 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the council chambers at 9 S. Broad St.
