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Second round of We’re All In Grants will provide $50 million more for small businesses

State aims to assist businesses still facing impacts of COVID-19

 MADISON, OCT. 6, 2020 – The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will provide a second round of We’re All In Small Business Grants to distribute an additional $50 million to small businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Tony Evers announced today.

The first phase of the program provided more than $65 million in grants to over 26,000 businesses statewide this summer. Despite the infusion of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds distributed by WEDC, however, many Wisconsin small businesses continue to struggle. The new round aims to provide grants of $5,000 each to 10,000 additional Wisconsin small businesses.

“Wisconsin’s small businesses have demonstrated unbelievable creativity and ingenuity in adapting to the pandemic,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “But what we’re hearing from many of them is that they’re already stretched to the limit and are concerned what the next few months will hold.”

Applications for the grants will open at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19, and close at 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. As with the previous round of We’re All In Grants, awards will not be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Businesses that received funds under the first round of We’re All In Grants, as well as the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant program, are also eligible for the second round of We’re All In Grants. Priority will be given to businesses that have not previously received funds from either of the first two programs, those with ethnically diverse ownership, and those in the hardest-hit sectors, such as restaurants and taverns, hair and nail salons and barber shops, and other services.

The grants will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue in partnership with WEDC. Learn more about the program and apply at revenue.wi.gov.

To be eligible for the second round of We’re All In Grants, an applicant must:

• be a Wisconsin-based, for-profit business;
• in 2019, have 75% or more of company labor costs in Wisconsin and 75% of their assets in Wisconsin;
• earn more than $0 and less than $1 million in annual revenues (gross sales and receipts); and
• have started operating prior to Jan. 1, 2020, (Seasonal businesses should use the highest total FTEs employed during the )
• have filed their 2019

For this round, We’re All In Grants will be administered by the Department of Revenue in partnership with WEDC.

Before applying for the grants, applicants should familiarize themselves with the eligibility requirements and limitations as well as the information and documentation required to apply. This information, along with the grant application, can be found at revenue.wi.gov. If you cannot apply online, you may request assistance by calling the Wisconsin Department of Revenue at 608.266.2772.

The second round of We’re All In Grants is the latest effort by WEDC to assist small businesses in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. WEDC distributed more than $65 million in CARES Act funding to nearly 26,000 businesses under the first round of We’re All In Grants this summer. Additionally, WEDC provided $2 million in state funds to diverse businesses under the Ethnic Minority Emergency Grant program and $5 million to microbusinesses through the Small Business 20/20 program.

About the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) leads economic development efforts for the state by advancing and maximizing opportunities in Wisconsin for businesses, communities and people to thrive in a globally competitive environment. Working with more than 600 regional and local partners, WEDC develops and delivers solutions representative of a highly responsive and coordinated economic development network. Visit wedc.org or follow WEDC on Twitter @WEDCNews to learn more.

The Village of West Milwaukee will not be scheduling Trick or Treat hours this year, this means that traditional Trick or Treat activities have been suspended for 2020.

Residents are encouraged to participate in lower-risk ways of celebrating this year as we continue to see rising coronavirus infection rates in our state. Residents are advised that the West Allis Health Department, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise against traditional trick or treating practices during the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC categorizes this activity as high-risk for potential transmission of the virus. Participation is at one’s own risk and discretion.

Per the CDC, these lower risk activities can be safe alternatives to traditional trick or treat events:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

Additional Guidance from the CDC

• If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy at any Halloween activity.
• A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.
• Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Village of West Milwaukee Police Department

August 13, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

The West Milwaukee Police Department is scheduled for an on-site assessment as part of a program to achieve accreditation by verifying it meets professional standards.

Administered by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group (WILEAG), the accreditation program requires agencies to comply with state-of-the-art standards in four basic areas: policy and procedures, administration, operations, and support services.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on September 23, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The session will be conducted in the Village Board Room located at 1345 S. 47th Street in West Milwaukee.

Agency employees and the public are also invited to offer comments by calling 414-651-5895 on September 23^rd,2020 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Comments will be taken by the WILEAG Assessment Team assigned to conduct this assessment.

Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with WILEAG’s standards. A copy of the standards is available at the police department’s web page https://www.westmilwaukee.org/departments/police/.). Local contact is Officer Michelle Preisler 414-645-2151.

Anyone wishing to submit written comments about the West Milwaukee Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation may send them to the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group at the following address:

WILEAG

PO BOX 528

Hartland, WI 53029

Executive.director@wileag.info

WILEAG 5th Edition Standards

There will be a Village Board meeting on Monday, February 15, 2021. The Finance Committee Meeting will follow the Legislative Committee Meeting that starts at 6:30 pm. The regular Village Board meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to listen to the meeting via Zoom teleconference, please go to zoom.us and join the meeting via this Meeting ID: 851 5142 1107. You will also need to use the following password: WMKE4755.

If you have any additional questions about how to join the Zoom teleconference, please contact the Clerk’s Office (414) 645-1530, extension 131 before 5:00 p.m. on Monday.

Legislative Agenda 

 Finance Agenda

Village Board Agenda 

On July 30, 2020, Governor Tony Evers declared a Public Health Emergency and issued an Emergency Order requiring individuals to wear face coverings when indoors, except in a private residence. This order covers not only public locations like bars, restaurants, and stores, but also business settings like production facilities and offices. This order goes into effect on August 1, 2020 and will continue through September 28, 2020. 

Under the Order, Wisconsin residents ages five and older are required to wear a face covering when indoors or in an enclosed space with anyone outside their household or living unit.  “Enclosed space” is defined as “a confined space open to the public where individuals congregate, including but not limited to outdoor bars, outdoor restaurants, taxis, public transit, ride-share vehicles, and outdoor park structures.”  According to the FAQs, individuals are required to wear a face covering indoors, even if they are able to physically distance from other people at the time, unless they are the only person in the room or at a private residence.  Also according to the FAQs, this Order applies to “businesses and office spaces.”

The order defines “face covering” as “a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely.”  The Order continues, “A ‘face covering’ includes but is not limited to a bandana, a cloth face mask, a disposable or paper mask, a neck gaiter, or a religious face covering.”  Finally, the Order states, “A ‘face covering’ does not include face shields, mesh masks, masks with holes or openings, or masks with vents.”
 
Per the FAQs, individuals do not need to wear a face covering if:

• You are at a private residence;
• You are outside; or
• You are indoors and no one else is present.

Finally, face coverings are permitted to be removed in the following situations:

• When you are eating or drinking.
• When you are communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.
• While sleeping (e.g., firefighters sleeping at a fire station).
• While swimming or being on duty as a life guard.
• When given a religious, political, media, educational, artistic, cultural, musical, or theatrical presentation for an audience, so long as you have at least 6 feet between you and other individuals.
• When you are working if wearing a face covering poses a safety risk, as determined by government safety guidelines or regulations.
• When you need to temporarily remove your face covering to confirm your identity, such as entering a back, credit union, or other financial institution or when having to show you match your identification card when buying alcohol.
• When engaging in activities where federal or state law or regulations prohibit wearing a face covering.

Employers are not required, but, are highly encouraged to provide face coverings to individuals who enter the facility without a covering.  This includes not only employees, but, visitors or other individuals appearing at and seeking access to the facility. 
 
The Emergency Order can be found here and the FAQs can be found here.

The Village of West Milwaukee is a diverse community located in the heart of Milwaukee County. The board of Trustees are elected at large and serve all residents. We have been, and continue to be, diligent to a process that offers the same opportunities to all, and to also ensure that no ordinance, policy, procedure or action taken by the board or staff shall be discriminatory in nature or create a hostile environment to anyone based on the individual’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

We are united in the condemnation of the events and actions that led to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, MN. We are committed to ensuring that such actions shall not occur here.

We recognize the ongoing efforts of all Village staff, including law enforcement, and their continued assistance in achieving these goals. We appreciate the efforts of those who serve all residents each and every day.

To our neighbors of color, our hearts are with you and our ears are open. We hear you and want so much to hear more from you. We need your voice to help us shape the decisions that need to be made now to change the systems in place that we understand simply do not treat all people equal. Your voice matters. Your experiences matter. Your lives matter. We look forward to constructive conversations and collaborative change.

We reject violence in all its forms but do understand that for many these are difficult times. We seek not to divide, but to unite and to that end we want all to know that we are here with open ears and open minds to listen, and when appropriate, to act. We encourage all residents to take an active part in the Village. Our meetings are open and input is always welcomed and encouraged.

The State of Wisconsin has decided to open a very brief window for local small businesses to apply for a $2,500 emergency support grant. The program will provide these grants to 30,000 small businesses and is designed to help small businesses get back on their feet amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while also encouraging them to adopt best practices to keep employees, customers, and communities safe. 

Funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the grants will help small businesses with the costs of business interruption or for health and safety improvements, wages, salaries, rent, mortgages, and inventory. A description of the program including a checklist of required application documents can be found here.

The We’re All In Small Business grant application portal opens Monday, June 15th at 8:00 a.m. and is scheduled to close on Tuesday, June 23rd at 11:59 p.m. The application will be live on WEDC’s website on Monday, June 15th via this link. 

Please find a summary here of the key aspects of the program:

A business may apply for the We’re All In Small Business grant if it:

• Was in business in February 2020. Businesses that started in 2020 are not eligible;
• Is Wisconsin-based and for-profit;
• Employs 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, including the owner; and
• Has more than $0 but less than $1 million in annual revenues.

A business will not be eligible for the grants if it is:

• Part of a national chain, unless the business is a third-party franchise;
• Industries covered by other Wisconsin CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund programs are ineligible for this program. These are:
  • Crop Production
  • Animal Production or Aquaculture
  • Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (https://doa.wi.gov/Pages/LocalGovtsGrants/COVID-Grants.aspx)

To prepare for the online application process, businesses should be ready to upload the following documents to the WEDC application:

• 2019 federal tax return for business. A 2018 tax return is acceptable, if you have not file your 2019 returns (If you started your business in 2020, you are not eligible for this grant.)
• Signed W-9 form available at irs.gov
• An email or letter of acknowledgement from a community organization indicating your business was in operation in February 2020. A template for the letter is attached. Letters or emails can be from any of the following:
  • Chamber of commerce
  • Main Street or Connect Communities organization
  • Local business improvement district
  • Neighborhood economic development association
  • Local economic development organization
  • County economic development organization
  • Municipality, including tribal government
  • County
  • Local bank, credit union or community development financial institution
  • Regional UW Small Business Development Center https://wisconsinsbdc.org/services/covid-19/
  • U.S Export Assistance Center – Wisconsin
  • Regional economic development organization
  • Regional Planning Commission
  • Trade association

Your business will need to identify the Three-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that best fits their business: This information may be included in a business’s tax return, or through the NAICS website.

On May 19, the West Allis Health Department issued guidelines for businesses and organizations to assist them with safe re-opening. The goal is to provide guidance to support a measured approach to resume business, retail and commercial operations. In reviewing the key measures, the indicators show promising trends. With all indicators on the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management dashboard now either green or yellow, the Suburban Milwaukee County Health Department’s recommendations for safe gathering and re-opening have moved to Phase C starting June 12, 2020.

What does Phase C mean for West Allis and West Milwaukee?

Read the re-opening guidelines (PDF). This includes incremental capacity increases for all business sectors. Additionally, mass gathering should be limited to be at 50 people or fewer at this time. Examples of large events and gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.

How should I re-open or resume types of activities?

Businesses should only move through the phases of this guideline when they feel confident they can protect the health and safety of their staff and customers at each level. Businesses and organizations are reminded to use the guidance resources already available on the City of West Allis website.

What precautions can I continue to take?

The threat of COVID-19 is still very much alive in West Allis and throughout Southeast Wisconsin. It is up to each of us to play our part in protecting ourselves, our families, our customers, and our community moving forward. It is strongly recommended that individuals continue to follow physical distancing and protective measures.

What if I’m part of a vulnerable population?

All individuals, especially those in vulnerable populations, are discouraged from unnecessary gatherings and travel at this time due to the likelihood of an increase in COVID-19 cases.

Business Resources

• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation guidelines for various business industry openings
  • General guidelines
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Entertainment and Amusement Services
  • Gym & Fitness Facilities
  • Hair and Nail Salons
  • Lodging
  • Manufacturing
  • Outdoor Gatherings
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Professional Services
  • Public Facilities
• Window sign:  download and print window sign (PDF) for your West Allis business to demonstrate your health safety practices
• Financial assistance opportunities for businesses
• Other business resources

Individual Resources

• Think you have COVID-19 symptoms? Complete an online self-assessment through the Wisconsin Health Department. 
• Find a COVID-19 testing site
• Donate blood – find a center near you
• West Allis community resources 

Personal protective measures for us all

• Consult your primary doctor if you have symptoms of the coronavirus or think you may have been exposed
• Maintain physical distancing between people not residing in your household
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Cover coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands)
• Regular cleaning high-touch surfaces
• Don’t shake hands

Safe Opening Signage

Safe Opening Guidelines

Current Order – Expires Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
Suburban health departments in Milwaukee County are in alignment with moving to the next phase of their reopening plans as Order #1 issued on Thursday, May 14 is set to expire at 11:59 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2020. This next phase allows all remaining businesses in the 18 suburban municipalities to open, if they choose to, utilizing the “Suburban Milwaukee County Safe Opening Capacity Guidance” chart that will be available on local health department websites. Businesses are also instructed to adhere to CDC and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s safe business practices and physical distancing and protective measures for staff and patrons. 

In preparation for this next phase of the reopening beginning on Friday, May 22, local health departments are communicating with businesses throughout their communities to share best practices and guidance about how they can reopen and operate safely. Many businesses will likely change the way they operate to provide physical distancing between patrons, increased attention to sanitation, and more changes designed to minimize the transmission of COVID‐19. Health departments are diligently working with business leaders to ensure they have what they need to reopen in a manner that is consistent with the recommended guidance.

Public health leaders have carefully tracked key indicators to guide the safe reopening across the city, county and state. Businesses should contact the West Allis Health Department for guidelines to help reopen your business. You can view the website here .  

Resources for Reopening
● Suburban Milwaukee County Safe Opening Capacity Guidance Chart
● Milwaukee County of Emergency Management dashboard
● WEDC Reopen Guidelines

The only way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to remain voluntarily closed. However, if you choose to open your business Friday, we recommend the following guidelines to help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection for you, your employees, and your customers.
Recommended Phase B Guidelines – Effective May 22, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. – midnight
Effective 12:00am, May 22, 2020, we recommend complying with the following guidelines:
 Operate at no more than 50% capacity
 Follow the physical/social distancing practice of keeping 6 feet away from others as much as possible
 Wear a face mask when possible and wash or sanitize hands regularly

You are asked to use the following guidelines if/as you plan to reopen: WEDC’s website for specific guidelines, FDA Best Practices for Reopening Retail Food Establishments during COVID-19 Pandemic, and any other best practices put out by your business associations.

Although these guidelines are not mandatory, everyone should play a part in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Key indicator data such as health care capacity, total tests performed, contact tracing and isolation capacity, and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) will continue to be monitored. If
data show the virus is spreading too fast than our medical infrastructure can handle, a new order may be required. It is in all of our best interest to assure businesses reopen in a manner that helps to reduce risk. We at the health department appreciate your cooperation in complying with these guidelines for the safety of your employees, patrons, and general public. If you have any questions, please contact our Environmental Health Specialists by calling 414-302-8600.

______________

On May 13th, following the Supreme Court decision to overrule Governor Tony Evers’ coronavirus stay-at-home order, 18 municipalities in suburban Milwaukee County and their 10 public health officials came together to sign a local order that provides guidelines on how local businesses can move forward in the coming days. The order lasts through May 21st. 

From the order:

Based on the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision today, May 13, 2020, the local health departments in suburban Milwaukee County are issuing this order to continue controlling COVID-19 disease transmission throughout Milwaukee County. This plan outlines the measures needed now in Milwaukee County based on the above factors. Recognizing that Milwaukee County has made great progress in flattening the curve, we focus on the importance of continuation and resumption of businesses and activities for sectors of our economy that are able to operate with Physical Distancing and Protective Measure Requirements and Safe Business Practices in place. Future decisions will be based on the COVID-19 data for the county and upcoming orders will necessarily remain fluid and will be based on the above factors as well as emerging data and research.

Here are the highlights of this order:

• All public and private gatherings are allowed up to ten (10) people.
• Rummage/yard sales are prohibited.
• Churches may open under certain conditions.
• Retail establishments, including indoor malls, can open under certain conditions.
• Restaurants and bars remain carry-out and delivery only. No food or beverages should be consumed on the premises. Delivery of alcohol is prohibited.
• Salons and spas can open under certain conditions and supporting physical distancing requirements.
• Playgrounds can open so long as users practice physical distancing and protective measure requirements.
• Libraries remain closed but can offer curbside pick-up.
  • The West Allis Public Library is offering curbside pick-up.
• Whether indoors or outdoors, places of public amusement and activity remain closed.
  • Includes, but not limited to, conference centers, stadiums, dance clubs, escape rooms, carnivals, water parks, licensed public or private swimming pools, splash pads, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, theme parks, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concerts and concert halls, country clubs, social clubs, miniature golf, and gyms and fitness centers. 

For more information, please see the COVID-19 Public Health Plan Final Order (May 13, 2020).

For additional highlights on the public health plan, please see this link. 

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the West Milwaukee Police Department will unfortunately not be organizing a traditional National Night Out celebration for the summer of 2020. Instead, we hope to involve the community by organizing a back-to school donation drive. Starting June 8^th, the West Milwaukee Police Department will be collecting new school supplies at the West Milwaukee police station. The supplies along with those supplied by the police department will be donated to students attending local schools in our community.

West Milwaukee Residents are also encouraged to contact the police department if interested in receiving a care package (gift) for their child. In addition, the West Milwaukee Police Department will be raffling off several prize packages (including TVs, bikes, and more!) For more information please contact Officer Taquet, Officer Roth, or Officer Preisler at general@westmilwaukee.org or by calling (414) 645-2151 by providing a name, phone number, and address. Donations for the back-to-school drive can be dropped off at the station at 4755 W. Beloit Road. Raffle tickets will be free of charge and available to anyone interested (limit one per person). The drawing and last day of donation drop-offs will be August 12^th and the raffle drawing will take place on August 19^th.

Secondary School Common Supply List

Elementary School Common Supply List