July 18, 2025, | Vol. 1, Issue 20(Approx. 2086 words – an 11–minute read)
🔮 What’s Ahead? Another setback for public participation, keeping the train rolling verses Robert’s Rules, and a trip down memory lane with a special tribute.
Janesville City Council Follow-Up: A Call for Leadership and Transparency
A Brief Update—But Not Much More
In just under three minutes—specifically from 1:07:22 to 1:10:03 on the official Janesville city council meeting video, taxpayers received a rapid-fire update on the status of the Woodman’s Sport and Convention Center. In those 171 seconds, we learned that the $46.76 million project remains on schedule for completion with a ribbon cutting set for September 19, followed by a Community Open House on September 20. That same evening the Janesville Jets’ inaugural game in the new Mercy Arena. We also learned the city will pursue additional borrowing on August 11 and that twenty-two events are currently in final negotiation.
It was, on the surface, a reassuring update, brief but optimistic. However, what was missing was speaking volumes.
There was no mention of who the twenty-two upcoming events involve. No clarity about who will be invited to what on September 18, 19, or the days that follow. No details about how residents, who have helped finance this project, will be engaged in its early success. In other words: much was said, and yet, little was shared.
For a project of this scope, one that has stirred strong public debate and requires significant public investment, even the most skeptical voices in the community have, in good faith, hoped for its success. Whether the project proves to be an enduring public asset or a long-term liability, it will impact Janesville for decades. And with so much at stake, transparency should not be rationed in 171-second increments. The public deserves a clear view of their investment, not only to hold leadership accountable, but also to celebrate and take pride in its eventual success.
Keep the Train Rolling—But Make Room for the Public
Later that same evening, the public experienced yet another missed opportunity for meaningful inclusion. What unfolded in the Council Chambers during discussion of a citizen advisory proposal could best be described as a breakdown in both process and perspective.
Council Member Williams expressed opposition to the very concept of a Citizens Advisory Committee, an unusual position in a system founded on representative governance and civic involvement. Council Member Squire voiced concern that citizen input might conflict with professional consultation, as though the two are mutually exclusive. Council Member Neeno, despite serving under Council rules that promote procedural fairness, objected to a colleague’s motion as though it were an ambush, despite its adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order. Council Member Cass introduced so-called “friendly amendments,” despite the fact that such amendments have no formal standing in the Council’s adopted procedures. And the Council President, visibly frustrated by how the meeting had unfolded, struggled to bring coherence to the conversation.
Despite public support for further study and engagement, Erdman’s proposal to create an independent advisory committee for the former GM/JATCO site redevelopment planning was not approved. The irony is difficult to ignore: a council member who followed the rules precisely was criticized for doing so, and the public, again, was left on the sidelines.
Hypothetically Speaking:
The Scoreboard Reads 3–0, with public participation on the short end of the score.
In just a few short weeks, this publication has advocated consistently for Janesville’s City Council to embrace a more participatory, responsive, and democratic approach to local
governance.
We have called for the creation of citizen advisory committees composed of residents who bring professional expertise, lived experience, and a deep investment in their community’s future. We have asked for a task force to examine and recommend improvements to the city’s public access media JATV, capabilities, which are essential for civic transparency. We have recommended a Housing Policy Task Force to guide the city through increasingly complex housing challenges. And most recently, we supported the call for a citizen advisory committee to provide insight and accountability on the GM/JATCO site redevelopment process.
Each of these proposals has been met not with engagement, but resistance.
What is so radical about inviting residents to the table?
The concept of deliberative democracy, where people of diverse views and experiences engage in structured, respectful dialogue to solve shared challenges, is not a fringe ideal. It is, in fact, rooted in the very founding principles of representative democracy. Our system was never intended to be purely transactional, limited to votes cast every few years. It was designed to evolve through ongoing conversation, community deliberation, and mutual responsibility.
Deliberative democracy is not about replacing elected officials. It is about supporting them. It offers tools to govern more effectively, more inclusively, and with greater legitimacy. It builds trust—not just in government, but between neighbors. In a time when polarization threatens every level of public life, this kind of engagement is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
There is a path forward: Build and Implement a Public Participation Plan
It is time for the Janesville City Council to move beyond improvisation and adopt a comprehensive, public-facing participation plan, one that defines specific opportunities for residents to provide input, aligns public engagement with key decision-making processes, and promotes transparency at every level.
This plan should:
- Establish standing advisory committees and task forces for major policy areas.
- Set clear timelines and goals for public input tied to capital projects and strategic planning.
- Invest in accessible communication channels so that every resident—not just the well-connected—has a path to engage.
- Include regular public reporting on project progress, budget status, and community impact.
- Be reviewed, updated, and improved regularly in partnership with community members.
A city does not become more democratic by accident. It does so through intention, structure, and leadership.
The Council still has time to shape that future. But the window is narrowing.
If not now, when?
If not you, who?
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City of Janesville – Community Development Authority Update
The Rock County HOME Consortium, which includes the City of Janesville, has received a one-time allocation of $2,449,420 through the HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP), provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are specifically designated to support qualifying populations—individuals and families experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence—through investments in affordable housing and supportive services.
The City has received a formal application from Everyone Cooperating to Help Others, Inc. (ECHO) requesting $1.3 million in HOME-ARP funds to support the acquisition and rehabilitation of Jeffris Flats, a transitional housing property currently owned and operated by the YWCA of Rock County. Located at 318 and 320 Dodge Street, the property consists of two buildings containing a total of eleven residential units—specifically, seven two-bedroom and four three-bedroom apartments intended to serve vulnerable populations in need of stable housing.
Following review and approval by the Community Development Authority (CDA), the proposal will proceed to the Janesville City Council for final consideration and potential approval.
Commentary:
Looking Ahead: Coordinating for Impact
Over the past several years, ECHO has emerged as a committed and capable partner in the development and management of low-income and transitional housing. Their continued expansion of housing inventory and service capacity has made a tangible impact on the community—particularly for residents facing housing insecurity. This project represents another step in that effort.
At a broader level, this proposal also presents an opportunity to consider how Janesville might convene a comprehensive conversation among local housing providers, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. A coordinated housing strategy designed across sectors and focused on sustainable, equitable outcomes—would strengthen the City’s response to growing needs across the housing continuum.
As housing challenges become more complex, so must our solutions. Strategic collaboration, resource sharing, and long-term planning will be key to ensuring that every resident of Janesville has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing.
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City of Milton: Honoring a Century of Service: The Milton Fire Department’s Lasting Legacy
At this week’s Milton City Council meeting, nestled between fiscal resolutions and parking amendments, a historic chapter quietly closed. After 125 years of service, the City and Town of Milton formally transitioned fire protection responsibilities into the Lakeside Fire Protection District, concluding an era that began in the 19th century. The former City of Milton/Town of Milton Fire Department is no more.
Established in 1899, Milton’s fire service was born from neighborly grit and volunteer resolve. When Milton Junction formed its own brigade a decade later, each town took pride in independent protection. Their merger in 1967 marked a turning point, unifying two traditions under one banner.
In its early days, firefighters pulled hose carts down unpaved roads, rallying around blazes that threatened the heart of downtown. Progress arrived with a chemical engine in 1914 and a motorized truck in 1931. Each upgrade symbolizing a community investing in resilience. By the 1950s, Milton embraced a hybrid staffing model, culminating in full-time fire coverage by 1960.
Yet Milton’s fire department was more than an emergency response team. It fostered civic camaraderie, hosting bingo nights, school programs, and annual pig roasts. For generations, fire service in Milton meant fellowship, pride, and shared purpose.
The 21st century brought mounting challenges: escalating call volumes, costly equipment, and complex EMS demands. In search of sustainability, Milton joined the Edgerton Fire Protection District on February 1, 2023. Though the name has changed, the station at 614 W. Madison Avenue remains a pillar of service, echoing the values of sacrifice and solidarity.
From bucket brigades to district duty, Milton’s fire story is one of the traditions evolving through necessity. Its flame endures, not in name alone, but in the spirit of the town it has protected for generations.
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Rock County Board of Supervisors: Planning for Aging Services and Facilities
Two significant and parallel developments now underway by the Rock County Board of Supervisors deserve the public’s close attention—both relate to the care and infrastructure supporting the county’s aging population.
Once again, the Board is critically evaluating the future of Rock Haven, the county’s long-term care facility located on North County Highway N. This marks the second such review in a generation. The current Rock Haven site was established following the relocation and demolition of the former aging facility. Adjacent to it stands the Health Care Center, a five-story structure that has served in various capacities over the years, including as a psychiatric hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and administrative headquarters for the Human Services Department and other county support functions. It is now mothballed and unused.
In October 2024, a consultant from the Health Dimensions Group presented key findings to the Ad Hoc Committee on the Future of Rock Haven. Among the most notable concerns: the facility’s overtime costs were above standard benchmarks, and one entire wing remained vacant due to staffing shortages and low census levels. These findings raise critical questions about the long-term sustainability and role of the county-operated facility.
As the study progresses, several options remain on the table, including:
- Maintaining the current operational model.
- Downsizing the facility in response to ongoing demographic and financial trends—mirroring a national shift away from publicly operated nursing homes.
- Or exploring privatization, a path recently examined by Sauk County (Baraboo), where results have yet to be fully assessed.
This process is not without precedent. At the start of the 21st century, a Blue-Ribbon Task Force convened by the County Board recommended downsizing Rock Haven from its original 386-bed capacity to its current licensed occupancy of approximately 125 beds. That decision reshaped how Rock County delivered elder care and continues to inform today’s deliberations.
Simultaneously, discussions regarding the future of the Health Care Center have reemerged. Earlier in 2024, the County explored the possibility of selling the property to private interests. However, more recent deliberations are leaning toward demolition, though no formal decision has been announced.
Looking Ahead: Planning with Purpose
Change is inevitable—but change that is thoughtfully planned, transparently communicated, and shaped through inclusive engagement tends to be far more effective and sustainable.
To the County’s credit, some of its most consequential policy decisions in recent decades have been informed by community-based volunteer input, including stakeholder committees and public task forces. That tradition of public involvement continues to play a key role in the current review process.
As Rock County continues to assess the long-term needs of its aging residents and the infrastructure that serves them, the public has a key role to play. The decisions made in the months ahead will shape not only the services available to seniors, but the fiscal and ethical responsibilities our community embraces.
Stay engaged. Stay informed. The one certainty ahead is change—and how we shape it depends on the public’s willingness to stay at the table.
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🎤 Newsmakers Preview
Spotlight on Community Voices
We are thrilled to share the momentum behind Newsmakers, a recently launched public affairs series featuring 15-minute one-on-one interviews with local individuals making a difference.
From civic leaders and arts advocates to nonprofit pioneers and globe-trotting athletes, each episode highlights compelling stories of perseverance, innovation, and deep-rooted community pride.
Looking ahead to this fall, we will launch a series of conversations with locally elected officials from across the area, exploring not only the roles they play but the motivations that drive their commitment to building a stronger, more engaged community.
📺 How to Watch & Listen:
- Fridays at 9:30 AM – JATV Community Access Channel 994 (Spectrum)
- Fridays at 9:15 AM – WCLO Radio: Your Talk Show with Tim Bremel
- Anytime, On-Demand – YouTube: Search “JATV Media” or “Rock County Civics Academy”
☕ Community Spotlight: Havana Coffee
Fueling Dialogue, One Cup at a Time
Looking for a space to connect and reflect? Visit Havana Coffee at 1250 Milton Avenue true Janesville gem where civic energy meets excellent espresso. With hearty food, warm service, and a strong commitment to local journalism, Havana Coffee proudly supports the Rock County Civics Academy and all who believe in informed engagement.
A Call to Leadership
Every advancement in our community begins with someone choosing to act. If you have asked yourself when the right time to get involved is—the answer might just be now.
Ways to contribute:
• Volunteer with a civic group
• Apply to serve on a local board or commission
• Run for public office and lead the change.
“If not me, who? If not now, when? — Hillel the Elder
💭 Hypothetically Speaking…
- What if transparency was standard in local government?
- What if civic engagement became Rock County’s defining strength?
That is the mission of Hypothetically Speaking. And with your voice in the mix, it is closer to reality than ever.
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Until next time—stay curious, stay engaged, and stay connected.
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