Residents request referendum

Fox Point - Residents might have an opportunity to formally weigh in on the long-running footbridge issue by way of a possible referendum or village-administered survey.

The Village Board on Tuesday continued its discussion amid the long and winding path toward seeking a resolution about the 292-foot-long footbridge that connects Bridge and Barnett lanes on the eastern end of Fox Point.

Neither village staff nor the board had any specific updates on the studies to remove, replace or repair the structure, which is believed to be at least a century old. The village has entered into a $14,500 contract with The Boldt Company, an Appleton-based firm specializing in construction and consulting services. Boldt is the third outside firm offered a contract by the village and could present its findings and recommendations next month.

Several residents at Tuesday's meeting implored the board to take the issue to a referendum, arguing that the footbridge is not used by a majority of the residents.

"Many residents never even see it; (the footbridge) really has no effect on the attractiveness or livability of this community," resident Larry Booth said. "This is driven mainly by sentiment by a few people, rather than fiscal prudence. I think it's time the board listen to the other 6,600 residents."

Absent a referendum, resident Bob Cory proposed a survey be issued to all residents, possibly within one of the quarterly newsletters. The village had taken a similar measure a few years ago when officials sought residents' feedback on garbage and recycling services.

"It seems a select few want that footbridge," Cory said. "You people represent us, now ask us what we want to spend our tax money on."

For more than a year, residents near the footbridge have been seeking an answer on the footbridge. Residents Jack and Cissy Bryson and James and Mary Connelly enlisted the services of Conor Nelan, an engineer with Fort Atkinson-based Cold Spring Design. Nelan, whose study was not funded by taxpayer dollars, said he believed the existing bridge could be repaired without removing a large swath of towering trees adjacent to the structure.

Village President Mike West said he and his elected colleagues have been moving judiciously in an attempt to weigh all residents' comments. The majority of the board is still seeking information before taking a vote on the footbridge's future.

"I've gone on record as saying I think the bridge should be repaired," West said. "But I'm one person."

At the advice of legal counsel, the board withheld making a motion on the referendum or survey suggestion. While taking up future agenda items, Trustee Bill Warner asked the board to hash over the referendum and survey proposal at next month's meeting. On a 6-0 vote, the board voted in favor of Warner's motion.

NEXT STEP

WHAT:The Fox Point Village Board will deliberate on whether to put the footbridge issue to a referendum or have residents fill out a survey.

WHEN: 7 p.m. March 13

WHERE: Village Hall, 7200 N. Santa Monica Blvd.