Editorial-Opinion

By A. Aubinger

I have had the pleasure of attending the Second Annual Pfc. Ryan Jerabek USMC Memorial Challenge Run/Walk.  A congratulations to a job well done is in order.  I knew things were different the second time around when I was told to park in a different spot than last year.  The parking was organized much better than last year.  There was even a special spot for media, which was great.  When I entered the grounds everything was working like clockwork.  There were no lines in registration.  Tents were set up and equipped, music was playing and the participants were eagerly waiting for the run. 

I knew something was different when they finished the race but I couldn’t figure out what.  This year they had a chip attached to their shoes that automatically placed the time they ran through the finish line. It was all computerized.  When the awards were given this year I was impressed because a lot more were given out.  I realized it had to do with the organization of the event.   The only setback that  that I saw, was that John Maino wasn’t able to be emcee that day and Ken Jerabek had to step in.  He did a super job, like it was planned to be that way. 

I attended the Village Board meeting last Tuesday evening and they said they should have acknowledged all the volunteers, maybe even given them certificates.  I asked Deb Schumacher, Trustee and Parks and Rec chairperson, to contact Rita Jerabek to give me a listing of the chair people so they can be acknowledged for a job well done.  

The head chair people were:  Sean Ryan-race director, Duke Bobber-computer, Laura Schroeder and Dave Dillenburg-registration, Ron and Linda Hieronimczak-first aid, Ken Jerabek-park set up, Rita Jerabek-general chair and marketing, Kevin Kaminski-safety and parking, Jerry Pahl-music, Dan Erickson-childrens’ run, Dana Laabs-pre-data entry, Mary Gronnert-food, and Debbie Schumacher-volunteer coordinator.

Schumacher commented that there were many more that assisted and did as much as these people did.  I believe that.  The volunteers were wearing yellow t-shirts that day and they were all busy.  It’s not often that a community can get together every year and plan such a big event like the Village of Hobart. As I heard Rich Heidel say about the community of Hobart at the last Village Board meeting, “Hobart is Wisconsin’s best of Green Bay West.”  Congratulations again on a job well done.

Above Left: Rita Jerabek, one of the founders and organizers of the run  rides on the back of a motorcycle that is part of the “Rolling Thunder” a Vietnam Veterans group who assisted at the run and is also involved in remembering MIA/POW (Missing in Action & Prisoners of War) veterans.  Rita rides on the back of the bike with one of the officers of the group affectionately known as “Snake”. Above Right:  Joseph Re, grandson of John and Gladys Humecki and son of Sheila and Dean Re of Hobart participated in the run for children eight and under. Just above:  Waiting for Mom...A children’s tent at the Jerabek Run was the perfect place for the kids to wait for Mom while she finished the run.  The tent was operated by all volunteers.  Sam, Anna and Maggie Hernandez wait for their mom while doing some art and craft projects in the tent.

Hobart residents Joan Sievert and Joanne Clark are nearing the finish line during the run.

 Hobart To Honor DeCleene
Recently, Village of Ashwaubenon President, Norbert “Nubs” DeCleene died from IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). He underwent two lung transplants before he lost his battle.
Village President, Rich Heidel, announced that on behalf of the Hobart Village Board, the Village will be enshrining a memorial brick in Nubs’ name and honor at Hobart’s Veteran’s Memorial in Four Seasons Park. Heidel told the family that as a veteran himself, he was always a friend to the veterans and showed it. He was always front and center when it came to keeping the memory of those who have served this nation. Now the Village will do the same for him. Heidel said the Village will contact the family later for the laying of the brick at a time suitable for the family.
In a comment to The Press, Heidel said of Nubs, “He was a good person to work with and a strong leader.”
Other Board Business:
Village Participates in Advance Business Development Center
Barb Fleisner from the Advance Business Development Center gave a presentation to Board members on what Advance does and how it contributes to communities in Brown County. After listening to the presentation, board members voted unanimously to participate in the program.
Advance is an Economic Development Corporation of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. It has its own board and is a separate non-profit organization that is not part of the Chamber of Commerce. Most of the people on the board are from the private sector. They do not lobby. They do not endorse political candidates. 95% of the funds come from the private sector and 5% come from municipalities.
Fleisner explained what Advance does. It helps existing companies grow. It looks at business recruitment and the attractions to broaden all businesses in Brown County. It helps entrepreneurs. It develops programs for minorities and women to start their own business. It works with community development. Fleisner cited one way she can help is by attending Hobart’s Economic Development Committee meetings and sharing ways Advance can help. She also said that Highway 29 is prime development and Advance would be able to work with the community on developing business there.
To become a member, the Village would have to pay $752 for this fiscal year which ends August 31st and $752 for the next year. The Board approved supporting them for this fiscal year and next year.
Board Receives Equalized Evaluation Report
Board members received a report from Mike Denor, Village Assessor, that the Village’s equalized value dropped in value from 2006-2007 in the amount of $12,842,800. “This is the first time Hobart has had a decrease in value in ten years” said Village Administrator, Joe Helfenberger. The largest reason according to Denor’s report was due to tribal land being placed in trust.
Denor said that so much more goes into equalized values besides new homes and business that occur.
He explained in a letter to the Board the major factors that are included in the equalized value: new construction, buildings that were destroyed or razed, annexations, property formerly exempt that is now assessed (property sold by the Village), property formerly assessed that is now exempt (tribal land to federal trust), economic change, adjustments due to a field audit of real estate, adjustments due to Department of Revenue appeals, corrections in estimated changes from prior years.
Denor said there was new construction in the Village of $2,771,300. Land placed into trust was $13,124,500. In 2006 the equalized value was $622,786,100. This year the equalized value is $609,943,300. Equalized value is the estimated value of all taxable real and personal property in the community. The estimated value is based on the market value of the cost of land in the municipality.
Finance Committee Report
Joe Helfenberger reported that the Finance Committee heard a report from the Village’s Financial Advisor, Mike Hallmann. He said the Village should consider being rated financially (like a credit rating). This could help the village in the future when borrowing. To get a rating, you have to contact a rater who will come to the community and tell you if you have a favorable chance or not for a good rating. Deb Schumacher, Trustee, asked if it costs to be rated. Helfenberger said there is not an initial charge for a walk through, but if the village is serious, then there would be a charge. Helfenberger said the Finance Committee wants to do more homework on the topic and check how many companies are out there that rate communities. The Board will be hearing more about it later. President Heidel thought it was a great idea.
Water Restrictions
Board members questioned whether with the dry summer there should be water restrictions placed on residents. Rick Kinney, Director of Public Works, said the use of water is a little over double of what is used in the winter. He felt the usage was normal for this time of year. Board members decided not to place any water restrictions.
 

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