News & Notes: April 30

Commission allows temporary storage at business

Despite city staff's recommendations against it, the Oak Creek Plan Commission is allowing temporary outdoor storage at Hanna Trailer, 7575 S. Howell Ave.

In an effort to help attract more customers to the business, the commission on April 28 recommended allowing the display of up to two smaller trailers at the front of the property and four trailers on a grassy area along the side. Commissioner Brian Johnston voted against the measure.

The temporary use allows trailers to be displayed from April 1 to Oct. 31 of this year. No signage, pennants, streamers or flags can be placed on the trailers. The arrangement's effectiveness would be reviewed by the commission before allowing it again in 2010.

Staff's concern with the proposal was setting a precedent; other businesses might make similar outdoor storage requests, which, if not maintained, have the potential to negatively affect site appearance.

School Board members fill new roles

Oak Creek-Franklin School Board newcomer Jim Gilmeister and incumbent Kathleen Borchardt were sworn in at a reorganizational meeting of the board April 27.

Frank Carini was elected as the board's new president, replacing Thomas Robe, who was defeated in the April 7 election.

Borchardt will serve as vice president, Paul Mason will serve as clerk, and Gilmeister will serve as treasurer.

School district land sale advances to council

An exchange of land from Oak Creek to Oak Creek-Franklin School District likely will be finalized by the Common Council by early May.

The Plan Commission on April 28 reviewed and recommended approval of a certified survey map for the properties along Oakwood Road, Howell Avenue, Glen Oaks Drive and 13th Street.

The district could develop the area as a school site.

The recommendation will be forwarded to the council on May 5.

Trial set for man accused of wounding mother

A trial has been scheduled for an Oak Creek man who allegedly opened fire on his family members with an AK-47 rifle.

Frederick Bertrang, 31, was charged April 15 with one count of first-degree reckless injury by use of a dangerous weapon and one count of second-degree recklessly endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon.

Bertrang was arraigned April 22 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. He plead not guilty and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. A final pretrial was scheduled for June 19, and the jury trial tentatively is set for July 13.

Bertrang is accused of stabbing and shooting his mother three times and stabbing his brother's girlfriend during an argument April 9 in the 8600 block of South Fenway Court.

If convicted, Bertrang will face a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine for the first-degree charge, and 10 years in prison and/or a $25,000 fine for the second-degree charge. Due to use of a dangerous weapon, up to five years could be added to each prison term.