Public should get its say: McDonald
JANESVILLE — Janesville City Council Member Tom McDonald has asked that the proposed children's museum be put on an agenda within the next month so the council can have a public meeting before fundraising begins.
The council voted at an August study session to contribute $5 million in taxpayer money if the museum group raises $3 million. The council also pledged a $125,000 annual operating subsidy.
The vote was unanimous, although McDonald did not vote because he had to leave early to attend another city committee meeting.
McDonald said he has been uncomfortable since about the way the issue has been handled.
The agenda for the August study session did not give notice that the council would take action. It indicated only that the council would review the proposal.
At that same study session, the council authorized $32 million in improvements to the wastewater treatment plant.
"What the council did that afternoon was basically commit to spend $37 million without ever having public input and without even telling the public we would be taking votes that afternoon," McDonald said.
"If the (museum) steering committee does in fact raise the $3 million in large part based on knowing the city has committed $5 million, there is no way the city can go back on its word and say we will no longer give the $5 million," he said.
"It's really not a good situation" because the council essentially promised the money without first bringing it to the public, he said.
Support materials distributed at the study session indicated that a letter of agreement between the council and the museum group would be drafted based on the council's actions at the study session. The agreement was to be brought back at the next council meeting for formal endorsement.
That apparently did not happen.
"It did sound like the original plan was to have this happen at a council meeting where people would then be able to see it on an agenda and talk about it," McDonald said. "But why that never came at a council meeting, I don't know. That has not been done."
If a letter is signed, what are the legal ramifications if a future council decides to not fund the children's museum? McDonald asked.
Former City Manager Steve Sheiffer retired a month after the August study session. Acting City Manager Jay Winzenz said he is not sure of the status of the draft.
"I think if the city is going to be pledging multi-million projects to anybody … the public should have a chance to comment," McDonald said.
"I think it is important we have our open, public meeting regarding this issue before the museum-steering committee begins a major fundraising drive. According to the memo, they are planning on starting in 2009, so we need to have this discussion soon."
The city is tentatively scheduled to commit money in 2010. Four council seats are up for election in April.
McDonald isn't sure how he would have voted in August.
He may have voted "no" simply because of the absence of a public hearing.
"At the same time, I wasn't against a children's museum, just the process," he said. "So it really is tough to say for sure."
Nov 19, 2008 at 11:47 p.m.
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I can't think of a worse way to spend money than on a Children's Museum at this time. There are three within driving distance of Janesville which are established. The Children's Museum is not unique, it is much like placing two of the same businesses side by side....both will suffer. I think it is too late to make it successful; we have three opportunities in close proximity. What is needed is something unique, if the only intention is to draw people to the community to bring in revenue. It was reported earlier this year in the Gazette that 1,000 less children enrolled in Janesville's schools this year, so that means there are less children locally, who would use the facility. What attracts people to an area are facilities which are unique to the area. Virginia has Williamsburg and a rich history. The East Coast and West Coast have shorelines and mountains with nightclubs and gambling and beaches, a rich and vibrant arts culture and fine dining. We have the river and lots of it is underutilized. A living history complex, riverboat dinner cruises, dining without 4 big screen TV's, attractions for children and families, shopping opportunities in a quaint village type setting with activites celebrating the major holidays. If Janesville wants to build something to bring in revenue, then it has to make it a real "destination", not just a pass-through. When I have out of town visitors, I bring them to Madison, Chicago, the Dells, Green Bay, Oshkosh and Milwaukee. They want to see something "different" like the Chicago tours to see where Oprah has her studio or the Magnificent Mile at Christmas, the Milwaukee beer district of Happy Days fame. Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and has a few notable dining places and the Dells has a lot to offer in the way of family type activities. Oshkosh has a wonderful Air Museum and Greenbay has the Packers. Janesville needs to think long term to provide a healthy business environment and jobs to grow its economy. It doesn't need another tax burden.
Nov 19, 2008 at 10:13 a.m.
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I think my taxes show that I "invest" in this city everyday! and I don't have any more to "invest"? Even if this were true, I think we should get a chance to vote on it. This and the bike tunnel are 2 I would vote no on. We don't need either!
Nov 18, 2008 at 10:09 p.m.
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There is a difference between "investing" and subsidizing.
Nov 18, 2008 at 8:27 p.m.
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I don't think people have a problem "investing" in the city. But the idea of investing is that you get a pay off in the end. I don't think a Children's Museum will EVER pay off for this city and THAT is why I do not support it.
Nov 18, 2008 at 6:33 p.m.
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If taxpayers do not want to invest in this city we might as well post signs at the city limits stating "Quarantine Ahead. You are approaching dying city".
Nov 18, 2008 at 2:25 p.m.
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email all your city council members at citycouncil@ci.janesville.wi.us
Nov 18, 2008 at 1:53 p.m.
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Oh darn, I thought this article was about "McDonalds" My bad....
Nov 18, 2008 at 1:08 p.m.
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I HAVE AN OPINION FOR THE CC STOP WASTING OUR MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How does the city plan on building this crap and paying for it. when the people who pay the taxes to support this neeedless spending can't pay taxes anymore cause they have no jobs. Maybe the CC should be developing ways to get job in Janesville. The last I thought was that the CC worked for the people of Janesville and I have seen on other blogs that most people dont want this museum here. CC get the S*** out your ears we are the people and we want to be heard. God this needless spending make my blood boil
Nov 18, 2008 at 12:49 p.m.
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I love to see that we're prepared to spend money on a a children's museum in these economic times. Especailly, when there is a perfectly good children's museum in Madison. I'm not against a children's museum, however, does it have to be now? Why not wait to see what kind of effect the closing of so many major employers in the area will have on Janesville's economy and city budget? Does anyone know where there is more information on the proposed children's museum? This is the first I've heard of it and I would like to know more.
Nov 18, 2008 at 11:39 a.m.
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I'm glad there is at least one council member with an ounce of common sense. There are so many reasons to put the brakes on this project I can't begin to enumerate them here. Everyone involved here needs to take a breath, step back, and start over.
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