News & Notes: April 16

Circuit court to rule in junk cleanup case

The Oak Creek Common Council must wait for a circuit court ruling before it can move forward in its effort to collect special charges from Andrew Zielinski, whose property the city had to clean up in January 2007.

The council on April 13 determined that about $121,000 should be collected from Zielinski to reimburse the city for the cleanup of the property, 3840 E. Puetz Road.

The actual cost to remove junk vehicles, machinery/equipment, trailers, bicycles, appliances, drums and other items from the property was $156,000, but it was determined that Zielinski should be credited for the amount received for scrap metal, City Attorney Larry Haskin said.

A resolution to place the special charge on Zielinski's property tax bill cannot be passed until a Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge rules on the case, Haskin said. That is expected to occur after a hearing Monday, April 27.

City considers allowing display of trailers

Oak Creek is considering allowing Hanna Trailer, 7575 S. Howell Ave., to display up to seven trailers on its front walkway and grassy area to the north of the business.

The Plan Commission on April 14 discussed a conditional-use permit to allow trailers to be displayed from March 1 to November 1 each year. A maximum of two smaller trailers could be displayed on the front walkway, and a variety of five trailers could be displayed on the grass.

Owners Paul Downs and Mark Greene said, due to a limited advertising budget, displaying trailers is necessary to better market their equipment.

Commissioners agreed they would be more comfortable approving a temporary-use permit for this year, and reviewing the use after that time. The temporary-use request will likely come before the Plan Commission on April 28.