News & Notes: April 16

Developer may acquire additional lots on Sivyer

Jim Siepmann of Siepmann Realty hopes to develop 13 lots on Sivyer Avenue.

Last year, Siepmann began developing 24 lots in the nearby Trestle Creek subdivision, under construction in the 3200 block of Koenig and Crawford avenues.

His latest development proposal will go before the Common Council within the next 60 to 90 days, he said.

Siepmann said there is a "pent-up demand" for housing in St. Francis.

The additional lots would allow potential residents to build something more affordable and smaller in size than homes being constructed in Trestle Creek.

Siepmann said he would likely postpone development of the lots until the economy improves.

The land is currently owned by We Energies.

Burglary of home results in two arrests

A 34-year-old Hales Corners man and a 44-year-old Wauwatosa man were arrested for burglarizing a single-family home in the 3000 block of East Cudahy Avenue about 11 a.m. April 7.

St. Francis Police Capt. Thomas Dietrich said a resident noticed two suspicious men near the home and called police. When officers arrived, two men were leaving the home.

The men were chased by police and arrested. All the items taken from the home were recovered.

A list of the items taken was not available.

Tenant protections could be added to nuisance ordinance

City officials are updating a nuisance property ordinance to include a section protecting tenants from retaliation when they report nuisance activities taking place on their landlord's property.

The additional section will make it illegal for a landlord to terminate a lease agreement or harass a tenant because the tenant complained to the Police Department about nuisance activities on the landlord's premises, according to a letter written by Police Capt. Thomas Dietrich.

A landlord who violates the ordinance could be fined between $100 and $2,000 for each violation.

Landlords who choose not to renew a lease after it expires would not be in violation of the ordinance.

Landlords may retaliate against their tenants for violating the terms of the lease agreement or tenancy and for failure to pay rent, according to Dietrich's letter.

In a unanimous vote April 8, the Common Council directed City Attorney Michele Ford to add the appropriate language and bring it back to the council for final approval.

CDA seat could be filled by environmental manager

Linda Fellenz, an environmental manager and senior hydrologist, likely will fill one of two open seats on the Community Development Authority.

Fellenz has more than 15 years' experience providing construction management for numerous environmental and hydrogeological investigations and remediation projects in Wisconsin and Illinois, she said. She is experienced in preparing applications for state and federal grants, and is a certified site assessor, asbestos inspector, lead inspector/risk assessor and a stormwater pollution prevention manager.

If the Common Council approves Fellenz's appointment, she will occupy the "professional" seat on the CDA. It formerly was occupied by Craig Ellsworth, an architect.