By Dave Fidlin
CORRESPONDENT
A new floodplain map for the majority of Whitewater’s incorporated boundaries has been adopted, following a recent vote by the Common Council.
After receiving a draft version of the map at a meeting in July, the council approved the map for all areas within Walworth County at its meeting Aug. 5. The map is designed to indicate where flood-prone areas are for insurance rate purposes.
Periodic updates to floodplain maps are a requirement from several state and federal agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The revised map is posted on the city’s website, www.whitewater-wi.gov. A further revision is expected soon as Jefferson County releases its information.
In other business Aug. 5, the Whitewater Common Council:
• Approved a request by the Greater Whitewater Committee to close all or portions of Elizabeth Street, Main Street, Walworth Avenue and Woodland Street on Sunday, Sept. 21. The organization is going to hold a half-marathon and 5K run-walk as part of its Discover Whitewater series;
• Overturned a recommendation made by the Whitewater Police Department and issued an alcohol operator’s license to Tricia Pellerino. Two years ago, Pellerino was found guilty of illegally possessing prescription medication.
But several people, including Pellerino’s employers, have spoken of her character in the time since the conviction. The testimony prompted the council to overturn the initial recommendation made by police;
• Adopted a proclamation that recognizes August as being Children’s Vision and Learning Month. City Manager Cameron Clapper presented the council with the proclamation with a new school year on the horizon. Clapper pointed to research showing vision disorders as being one of the most handicapping conditions for children.
• After going into closed session, briefly discussed with City Attorney Wally McDonnell several steps concerning possible improvements to be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city was named in a lawsuit last year for a perceived lack of ADA amenities.
“We are trying to give the council information that will give them the ability to consider certain improvements,” McDonnell said.
