Becky Brand

Have you heard about aero-stream^TM?  I had not, until today when Phil Lach gave us a presentation. However, if you have a septic in good or poor condition or are considering buying a home with a septic system, then you will want to know about this product.  Karl Holt developed the product in response to a failed septic system.  How does it work?  Your typical septic system is a 2 tank system.  Solids settle in the first tank and liquids progress to the second tank where anaerobic bacteria remove 40% of the organic matter from the waste water.  From there the waste water further moves to the distribution area where the anaerobic

So how does aero-stream^TMprevent this or even reverse this process?  By completely changing how the septic system works in a very simple fashion.  The bacteria in a septic system are anaerobic which require the lack of oxygen to survive.  The aero-stream^TMsystem actually pumps oxygen into the septic system, thereby killing off the anaerobic bacteria and encouraging aerobic bacteria to thrive in the system.  Using aerobic bacteria is beneficial because it cleans the water better and faster than the anaerobic bacteria.  This results in cleaner water being released into the distribution area and the prevention of a biomat buildup.  In fact, if the system already has a biomat buildup, using the aero-stream^TMsystem can actually clear away the biomat.  Most homeowners can see a difference in 2-3 weeks with a full clearing of the biomat in 12-18 months; results vary depending upon the types of soils in the system, the usage of the system etc.  Meanwhile the system can continue to be used as normal.

Currently aero-stream^TMhas over 1000 systems in place including some in all 50 states and Canada, with a 98% success ratio.  The product is manufactured in Wisconsin and offers a 12 month money back guarantee.  Installation takes about an hour and is as simple as installing the air tubing into your tank and plugging in the unit up to 100 feet away from the septic system.  The MSRP on the unit is $1375 but can depend on the size of the septic system.  For more information go to aero-stream.com^TM, view the video below or contact Phil Lach at 414.313.3172.

Scott Walker, the county executive for Milwaukee County in WI, is refusing to submit a list of projects that could be paid for by Obama's New New Deal! Why? For several reasons:

1. He believes that all federal money comes with strings attached. Whether it is mandatory guidelines on how a project must be completed or requiring additional spending at the local level to secure the funding, he feels that smaller, rather than bigger, government is the way to go.

2. He says that if local and state governments use some of this money to cover shortfalls, it is only delaying the inevitable, which is we need to reduce the size (and cost) of government so that government can live within its means. Millions of families are relearning that lesson and committing to living within their means, governments should too!

3. He doesn't believe that the New New Deal/Stimulus package will work. As you an guess, Executive Walker is a Republican, and his solution to this crisis is to leave more money in the hands of people that will create wealth with it, not send it to the government who will just redistribute it.

Those who disagree with Executive Walker argue that the taxpayers of Milwaukee County have paid their share of the money to the federal government and that they should get some back. That the money is going to spent anyway. why shouldn't Milwaukee get a share. That standing on principle is fine, but if it hurts Milwaukee County, we can't afford to do that. That this is just political posturing for his run for the governorship of Wisconsin.

But I thought the whole idea of standing up for what you believe is right meant that you did it no matter what the cost. Is is OK to stand up for what's right, only when it benefits you?

What about your local and state governments? Eventually Executive Walker may be overridden as some of the Milwaukee County Executives may send in their own lists. What would you say if your local government decided to say no?

Imagine never being able to take your child to a playground because their physical limitations meant they couldn't play on any of the equipment. In 2009 Oconomowoc will add another feather to its cap with a universally accessible playground, called Imagination Station, to be built in June. Slated for Roosevelt Park, this community built playground, with total accessibility for children of all abilities, a central endeavor of the playground, will make it the first of its kind in Waukesha County. A joint project between the Oconomowoc Junior Women's Club and The Oconomowoc Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, the design was left up to children and is awesome. There are a number of opportunities to get involved from helping with the actual building to attending The Imagination Station Dream Benefit. However you decide to get involved, make sure you check out the website.This will be a fantastic addition to the already wonderful Oconomowoc Park System.

The final numbers aren't in yet and when they are I will be able to do a more in depth analysis but for those of you who are wondering how real estate fared in Oconomowoc this year, here are a few preliminary statistics:

2008 2007

Single Family Homes Sold 231 Homes $71 million 311 Homes $108 Million

Average Sales Price $308,336 $346,891

Sold Price Range $70,000 - $1,150,000 $123,000 - $3,480,000

A word of caution, this does not mean that the average home fell in value by over 10%. While the prices of many homes are less than they were last year, as in most areas in Waukesha County and Southeastern Wisconsin, the decrease in average sales price could also be affected by the types of homes sold. For example if the 2008 market was skewed more to first time home buyers, and less to buyers of more expensive homes, that would also produce a decrease in the average sales price as compared to 2007.

I look forward to the middle of January when all the data will be in and we can really dig into the numbers. Until then, Happy New Year everyone!