A Kenosha Alderman seemed fed up with a Kenosha City Department Tuesday night at the City Council meeting tonight. Alderman Dominick Ruffalo points out what he thinks is selective enforcement in the City’s Inspection Department. Ruffalo, since elected in 2016, has been a steady voice in opposition to a couple of industrial operations in the 8200 block of 75th St.
In an emotional speech at the end of the meeting, Ruffalo didn’t pull any punches. “The inspection department stinks!” said Ruffalo during the ‘Aldermen Comments’ portion of Monday’s City Council Meeting. “I can’t go outside. The citizens where I live and my co-op can’t go outside because it stinks. The mulch next door stinks! Hazardous! It’s frickin’ hazardous! there’s a concrete business there that crushes concrete, black top. They don’t have a permit!”
“City development – I sent them out there three times. No! It’s still the same. I got pictures of my car that was outside for one hour and I could write my name on the back window,” said Ruffalo. “you think that’s healthy?!”
“Are they trying to kill me? That stuff causes cancer. My damn dog died last year! And my wife’s got cancer, God damn it. You got my Italian up – be happy. Do your damn job or quit,” Ruffalo seemingly told Gary Roberts, the City’s Director of Inspections.
Although Ruffalo has been fighting for relief for him and his neighbors, he feels that he is now being singled out by the inspections department.
Ruffalo, an avid marathon runner, made a piece of art in his yard. He hangs his running shoes from each race on the tree. Last week, Ruffalo got a letter from the City telling him to take down the shoes. “I’ll gladly take the shoes off my tree if the city tells me what’s wrong with it,” said Ruffalo. “They wrote that up [Ordinance Violation] 16.17 E. I looked it up. That’s pet enclosures. That’s what it means. That’s the incompetence of our city Inspection Department. I talked to the boss of the city Inspection Department Friday. He was going to get back to me today on a legal issue. You know what I heard? Crickets. I heard damn crickets. Wait until it’s budget time. Wait until it’s budget time,” said Ruffalo. “The inspection department stinks,” Ruffalo said for a second time.
KCE reached out to City Administration late Monday to get the city’s side of this issue. If and when the City responds, we’ll update you here.
137 Responses
This country like the rest of the country is going down the drain! We need to change course vote RED.
“conservatives” ….. about 80% of them being lazy and feckless for about 20 years …… have about sealed their own fate.
I believe you are talking about demorats they want everything for free or they steal it, or they destroy the building.
Anti democracy democrats. Bolsheviks and Jacobins.
Yah, democrats won all these seats because democrats are lazy …… yep.
Watching video new mayor is like the old mayor worthless!
The alderman is out of line and out of control – swearing at people? Worse, the mayor never stepped in to stop him or defend his staff.
Welcome to the new world – this new leadership is going to allow people and businesses to be attacked whenever it is personal.
Must be taking cues from the little Gaza protestors. Is that concrete business run by Jewish immigrants?
He lives by commercially-zoned land. Let the business do what they are legally allowed to do- work! If you don’t like it- move.
I agree the land is commercially zoned. I also live in the park. I am 73 years old and truly, I don’t really smell the mulch. Mr. Ruffalo has approached many people in the park here, including me and my wife and tried to have us lie about the mulch place!! The way a lot of people feel is he? He’s being selfish and just picking on one person. Also, we are not allowed to have stuff in trees and have stuff in our yards. Why should Mr. Ruffalo be able to hang nasty old shoes in a tree or wildlife lives? And the point being it’s not even on his own property!! i’m sure many other people in the park will be commenting about Mr. Ruffalo too. It’s sad.
Maybe what he smells are his rotting sweat laden nasty old sneakers, wet and molding across the street from his home???
Frank, I think you should remove the shoes. They look very bad they do not represent good and furthermore, I think that the vulgarity and the comments made in your speech are out of control. Maybe it’s time to hang it up. Thank you your neighbor.
Yes, Mr. Ruffalo voices many opinions at meetings at our co-op me and my husband do not agree with him trying to get us to side with him about the Mulch company. In fact this weekend, the mulch company owner. Mr. Lorenz came and actually helped us. Maybe Mr. Ruffalo should spend more time doing good than hanging garbage and a tree and trying to get people to lie for him as he did with us too.
If it is not his property how can they cite him?
You’re spot on ! Mr Ruffalo had a personal vendetta against Mr Lorenz . I live in the park and do business with Mr Lorenz and pardon my words but that’s a straight up mother f……! That alderman has a personal issue with Mr.Lorenz . The shoe tree is hideous!!!
You’re spot on ! Mr Ruffalo had a personal vendetta against Mr Lorenz . I live in the park and do business with Mr Lorenz and pardon my words but that’s a straight up mother f……! That alderman has a personal issue with Mr.Lorenz . The shoe tree is hideous!!!
I’ve met Mr Lorenz many times and he’s a stand up guy just trying to run his business.
“Defend his staff” lolololololol. Fuck that
I cannot believe the mayor did not defend his staff, nor did anything about the vulgarity from the Alderman. Is this really what we chose to elect? Mr. Ruffalo should be removed he is out of control. I live in the park and I don’t see a birds nest but a bunch of junk in the tree and I’m a female.
I am not a fan of the mayor. It pains me to actually defend him. The mayor would have been out of line to cut him off or tell him to calm down.
This alderman’s presentation was very unrefined, but it is the way he talks.
I counted. There were five times that he used a vulgarly. At least two of these were the word “damn.” There was one use of the word “fricken” in place of the real “f-word.”
This guy embarrassed himself and I would not want him to represent me, but the Mayor has to let the alderman speak, no matter how poorly they do it.
I agree but there should be some kind of action taken by mayor and city council to fine or just remove him. He has taken this to a personal point. I’m sorry at one point it’s just harassment?? Is city liable for his actions? Or is this just a point of power to harass? I’m not happy with his language and actions very unprofessional!
He swore and took the Lord’s name in vein! He also threatened an employee by telling him that he is going to have him fired come budget time. He was issued a citation and now threatened people by using his seat in council. The mayor should have shut him down. They both are wrong.
He has been warned before and has not learned his lesson. City must remove him this time. Or what dose this say for our new mayor for not releasing him of his position. City council must take action this time.
After watching this vulgar display of selfishness, I think that the Alderman should be removed from his post and the mayor should be in question for even letting him talk like that he should’ve been stopped. I am very appalled that the city council would even listen to somebody of that statue and truly hanging garbage and a tree and artwork. Please help
If the tree is on his property he can hang shoes from it…its his property he pays taxes for that property..
He does not own the property where the tree is on. I believe it is on the neighbors property. I personally drove to the property and it looks pretty sad that someone would hang garbage in a tree. It looks like a one-sided situation. He likes to complain about other people, but he don’t like to live by the rules that is Mr. Ruffalo and his comments and vulgarity are not accepted.!!!!!!!!
The property is owned by the co-op, its community property, and the community doesn’t like it.
He doesn’t care.
It’s clearly obvious if he cared, he would have them removed. It would understand it looks bad. I just looked at the link and we do not allow gangs in our neighborhood. Please remove the shoes and grow up.
Ruffalo does not own the property but wants to shut down 2 businesses that have been operating in those same places for more than 100 years!
Horrible example of leadership. He should be kicked out of the co-op and removed as an alderman.
I agree terrible Alderman very out of control!!!!!
I live in the community too. Me and my husband and I look this up. I’m very appalled.
Look up this https://newpulpcity.com/2017/01/25/urban-myth-series-debut-why-are-those-sneakers-hanging-on-trees-and-power-lines/
We are in our 70s. I can’t believe this is going on in our neighborhood. I believe Mr. Ruffalo should have to remove them. It is promoting bad. Not artwork at all, in our opinion
That’s all I can say is I looked up the link and wow Mr. Ruffalo should be ashamed of himself. This is sad.
He’s another self indulgent bureaucrat.
Has he managed to get the community owned and powered light pole (was located at the start of the community entrance road for safety and visibility) that was “accidentally” removed during the HWY 50 redevelopment replaced?
Supposedly the community was told it was going to be replaced, it was an error that the private property had been removed) but the works been done on the road for over a year and still the light is missing and the roadway entry is completely in the dark, and unsafe…..
But hey, worry about your stinking eyesore sneakers that the whole community is expected to just “deal with” because you’re an alderman?!?!
I agree Mr. Ruffalo is picking on places of business that are zoned to do what they’re supposed to do. We went through this for a number of years. The fact of the matter is their businesses and local businesses that we should support please take your nasty shoes down Mr. Ruffalo!!! and start addressing the real problems or remove yourself. I have lost any respect I had for you at all Mr. Ruffalo with the vulgarity and your actions on the video very childish!!!!
I’m not feeling very good about the new mayor sitting there and not even stopping for Alderman from swearing and cussing the disrespect to the people in the room. It’s very degrading. Why would the mayor not stop him or even at the very least have him removed from council?
A dumb display , but glad we ain’t got a HOA
I am a member of the Park . I do not agree with Mr. Ruffalo and his accusations and comments along with his vulgarity. I always believe in support and local business . there’s many other people that do not agree with his views. How could you be in a position of an alderman and acting that manner out of control?
What vulgarity?
Kenosha cucks on full display. Time to sell some art, or, go to franks for your communist training and a garbage plate. Kenosha should rename itself “garbage plate!”
Never going back to frank’s
This who country is a garbage plate shit show.
Well said Domenic!
I truly cannot believe that someone would patronize such vulgarity and selfishness. He has only one agenda for himself. Shame on you.!!!!!!!
Very sad oh, someone could be a patriot of such vulgarity. I agree Mr. Ruffalo is out of control and should be removed.
I am an alderman on the council, and I think Mr. Ruffalo did not handle himself in a professional manner and should be asked to step down. It is a disgrace to us Alderman!!!
Did any of the Alsermen call for a point of order or did they just sit on their a$$3$and watch.
It sure seems like nobody did anything!! Sad
Not sure this has anything to do with the diner?
Frank’s is overpriced shit.
No wonder the local democrats love it.
I was never a fan, but once they sponsored the Planned Parenthood fundraiser last summer, I was done with them. I will not support any business that supports killing babies.
What about a country that does it because you sure are doing it…lol
What company are you talking about? Lorenz?
Yes Lorenz mulch
I’d like to see proof if you have it.
Not Lorenz, Franks.
Franks Diner sponsored some day drinking event for planned parenthood last year. Classy.
That Kenosha Connects podcast guy did it. He is a liberal nut bag too.
Is that “Downtown Donny Stancato? Yeah good Kenohsa Catholics always advocate for liberal causes.
I went to Franks for the first time last Sunday to see what all the hoopla was about. It’s disgustingly dirty in there. My daughter was brought a glass for her soda and the grime on the glass was so thick and disgusting. I will never go back, and I will never recommend it to anyone.
Does Dominic Ruffalo own Frank’s diner?
Franks Diner. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.
Try Eye advertiser K-Town cafe on the north side or The Mad Rooster on the southwest side.
Oh lets go by the Pleasant Prairie POS that like to talk down on others Nope and really none of those locations are to good if you want me to be honest.
Do you think just because his name is Frank that he owns Franks Diner? How stupid are you?
Pre pandemic I bought and remodeled a building near downtown. I did not need a permit to do the remodel according to the building inspector. A week later I was told by the inspector I had to get a permit to display in the window . I went to the inspector office to get said permit . The young lady there stated I didn’t need a permit . I explained that the inspector said I did . She went thru the files of permits she finally gave me a building demolition permit . I laughed and said that I was just remodeling. She then called the inspector in question . He stated to give me a permit for building construction 580.00. Reason , he was tired of people asking why there was a dumpster with building materials outside my building and no permit posted. End game. Better to have citizen/ business owner pay 580.00 dollars for a permit he doesn’t need than to have to answer questions!
Republicans for ya always mucking things up.
You spelled “Democrats” wrong.
😂
In Kenosha…an Italian complaining about ‘preferential’ treatment. BWA HaHaHaHaHaHaHa
Not too many years ago there was a way to handle things outside of normal channels.
I’m still trying to figure out how the dog and his wife having cancer comes in play to all of this ?????? He saying His dog and his wife got cancer from the concrete place and the mulch place????
Him and his wife are vaccinated with the bio weapon mascarading as a vaccine. His wife got turbo cancer from the bio weapon and humans are shedding onto his animals.
Gary Roberts Needs to leave
The city inspection department is making the Steinbrink show almost saintly! LOL!
You don’t know all the shit daddy and Jr have done they belong in hell!!
Gary Roberts his inspection department only picks and chooses.
They make up rules.
They don’t help out the public.
People that try to remodel they try to be roadblocks.
It’ll tell him what they need to do.
They’re just there to find them.
But then when there’s a big gun.
Like the concrete company.
Or the mulch company.
Then they back off.
I don’t feel so bad cuz he said many times you return my call and I never got a call back.
He doesn’t even calling Alderman back. I wonder if you even caused the Mayor back???
The guy is actually cheating us taxpayers.
An audit should be done of his department by a third party – best way to clean up the mess there.
I think the best way is start removing the garbage that is unprofessional and things will come around. Clearly the video shows very unprofessional conduct and the mayor sitting to the whole thing. That being said, he did nothing the mayor that is!!
Does nobody look at their surroundings when they move in an area?? Clearly the concrete plant didn’t appear overnight and clearly the Mulch center did not appear overnight. I guess I’m unclear of what is actually on the agenda or is it again someone picking on someone because they don’t like something?
I guess just like someone else Commented the concrete plant and the mulch plant have been there for many years. I recall in the past a problem and most of the people moved in after both businesses were there. So again is this someone complaining about because they don’t like something rather than paying attention to their surroundings? I believe there is a train there too? how can you complain? and some of the allegations of the dust perhaps someone should do a test it sounds like Mr. Ruffalo is fabricating stuff again. Also, after seeing the picture of the shoes in the tree is pretty trashy!!! But I’m still in confusion. I have mulch in my yard and I’ve never seen dust come off of it so is the Mulch yard treating dust to? Please, someone comment and make me understand how someone was such vulgarity and such uncontrollable attitude and vulgar language can be in such a position. And the comment he made about his dog Dying from cancer and his wife having cancer, how does that have anything to do with what we are talking about here again someone needs to stand up and stop this!!!
I agree, but if they are zoned for what they are supposed to be doing, how are they in the wrong?
Please explain this to me so zoning and permits have nothing to do with personal satisfaction??
I also agree if they’re zoned for what the business is supposed to be doing then what is the problem? Maybe if you don’t like it, you should move and solve the problem rather than create a bigger problem for everyone?
He’s another self indulgent bureaucrat.
Has he managed to get the community owned and powered light pole (was located at the start of the community entrance road for safety and visibility) that was “accidentally” removed during the HWY 50 redevelopment replaced?
Supposedly the community was told it was going to be replaced, (it was an error that the private property had been removed) but the works been done on the road for over a year and still the light is missing and the roadway entry is completely in the dark, and unsafe…..
Where is he while the community land is being rezoned improperly?
What are his thoughts on the rumored blacktop business that’s wanting to get tucked into the surrounding area?
Where is his assistance with the ongoing issues of access for the community’s private road?
But hey, worry about your stinking eyesore sneakers that the whole community is expected to just “deal with” in honor of your “achievements” as a runner?This is what the community neighbor and area’s Alderman finds to be of importance??
Pathetic and self centered to say the least…..
Your trash, thrown anywhere but in a proper trash receptacle, is illegal dumping, and unlawful, EVEN for ALDERMEN!
I am hanging my jockey shorts in the tree later today.Fresh from cinco de mayo.Arriba!
Exactly pretty soon. People will be putting underwear and other disgusting things in trees then just shoes maybe Mr. Ruffalo isn’t a gang member😂😂😂
I am also Neighbor that our old man has approached about the Neighboring Mulch business. I don’t agree with his feelings I’m sure there is some smell, but it’s not often and he is taking his position as a power trip. He was a good friend. He is no longer a friend!!! We have went to court about the business before everything they’re doing is legal so I don’t know why we’re wasting time on this subject rather than something that is good for everybody not just good for Mr. Ruffalo also, I would like to add I do not agree with his feelings and his vulgarity that is wrong. He should be asked to step down from position, thank you.
I live near Mr. Ruffalo. I am very sorry for his wife and his dog, but I am not an acceptance of his speech. That was a very vulgar meaningful speech only on part of himself. He is putting a finger at other people. I believe it’s time for Mr. Ruffalo to step down From his position, God bless his wife
It’s time for all boomers to ride off into the sunset
Honestly, I have heard much worse language….I don’t know this alderman, but he sounds like he’s really having a lot of frustration with the city and his sadness in his life in general. I feel sorry for him and what he is going through. I wouldn’t ask or tell him to step down for the meeting reasons, I would, ask a concerned person for his own well being, and his caring for his wife, he step away( at least for now) to be with her and spend time with her now. Sad.
I agree to he has to be with his wife its time to stop the blame and enjoy your life you have left. Step down
In the video he remarks that Frank Surpe is there are these the views of Frank Surpe too? Does Frank except the vulgarity? I’m very confused concerned Neighbor.
I read all comments —- the shoes ain’t even on his property—— well , Boomers the entitled generation (like Ruffalo )gonna boom
Personally,as someone who has a thing for feet,I’m kind of aroused at the idea of a show tree. I’ll have to swing by and take a gander.
🤣🤣🤣
Ruffalo is a boomer whose time is up—Boomers feel entitled to everything—- someone (maybe me) kindly please take those disgusting shoes down and dump them on his front lawn . Thank You
I have seen lawn decoration worse than simple shoes hanging from a tree, although I am interested now in what it really looks like. I’m going to have to go by and see it now😂
See this what we don’t need in our co-op!! Is Mr Ruffalo not thinking the co-op again?
Please do not drive in to see look at picture it’s nasty enough in pictures to understand.
Who let him start doing this? Did Frank Surpe ok this? Please Frank take care of this you were at meeting. This has gone too far!!!!!
Please Frank it’s time for you to end this!!! I’m confused as if you’re supporting this?
I request that you do your diligence to end the shenanigans. Thank you
The only good thing Boomers ever did was fight in Vietnam —- if you weren’t in the jungle in the late 60’s or early 70’s you are a turd .
Union Boomers stole incredibly from Nash & AMC
Boomers= GENERATION ME —- let ME hang some shoes up in a tree that don’t even belong to ME
Personally,as someone who has a thing for feet,I’m kind of aroused at the idea of a show tree. I’ll have to swing by and take a gander.
I live in neighborhood I seen more cars driving in just to look at his shoe tree. Is this what we want in our neighborhood? Unnecessary traffic and drama? I was involved in cleaning up this weekend and I actually had the chance to finally meet our mulch neighbor. I can say he came helped with the clean up and I will say I appreciated it thank you 🙏 also thank you for being so kind to spend some time with our young people. It was great watching the young man driving the big machine 😁
I would like to say thank you again Mr Lorenz for your help great working together hope to do see you again.
I didn’t see Mr Ruffalo helping clean up. But I did see Mr Lorenz helping. And please clean up your mess!! Take the old nasty shoes down. Looks bad
😂😂😂 time for boomer to take them down!
😂😂😂😂
Me , I’m more of an ankle guy —- FEMALE that is
For fucks sake…all you snowflakes mentioning his “vulgarity”? Did he even swear in the video?
It’s funny that’s vulgar to you but you are the same kind who are cool with our teachers texting students about their cocks.
Fucking snowflake bitches.
Obviously, you’re a clown and never listen to it and you talk like a clown too. You must be Ruffalo’s buddy or agree with his shenanigans and vulgarity as a professional. If you play to be a professional, you should act as one as you should too.!!!!!
Maybe Mr Ruffalo thinks this is ok too? He doesn’t mention anything to support our community but only is addressing his own concerns??
I live in the same community and the shoe tree is an eye sore.
Kevin, did you cover the special school board meeting today?
Here now
And the newly elected Mayor sat there like a lump on a log.City of Kenosha is doomed.
Is that all you guys talk about is politics this politics that? Either your a piece of shit or your not. It’s beyond sickening what this city,state and country has become. It’s only going to get worse this summer and fall. The politicians done give a fuck about you but you guys care way too much about them and its ruined us for generations to come. Good job everyone 👍🏻
If this kind of conduct is accepted this time we are all in trouble if he is not removed from position. I don’t see any other alternative! Why are we wasting city funds to have Mr Ruffalo bash local businesses. And even bash city inspectors because he is not getting his way. Clean up your nasty shoe tree and clean up your act!! I’m discussed!
Hello I live in same co-op as Mr Ruffalo in the past years I have listened to him and his politics. After viewing this video I’m appalled by his language and actions. It’s to personal!! Very unprofessional!!
Will not ever get my vote again!
He’s mad and frustrated with the lack of action with the city. Come on…seriously….although I don’t agree with swearing , do you REALLY think this language is “appalling”? My goodness, I have heard grade school kids talk worse than this guy. Stop with the “language” and I’m so appalled nonsense. You’ve heard it many time worse than this guy saying things at the meeting here! Pretty sure you don’t have virgin ears!
Ya but he’s supposed to be a professional not a street thug! So now we should just start disrespecting others beliefs with vulgar language. No not here! He was out of line!
Vulgar?😂
Ruffalo swallows. The City Inspectors are some of the most stand up guys around. The alderman needs to go rest his neck.
I too have had to deal with city inspectors. They seemed to be good guys. I think Mr Ruffalo is trying to get his way to harass businesses. I agree he’s taking this to personal!
Wow Kevin it looks like you opened a can of worms here with this one. I guess it shows how people can abuse there power. I’m glad you shared this video. The comments of the people seems to be me Ruffalo should be removed from position?
Please make a comment about this one🤷♂️
I don’t know this alderman, but it sure seems like he has a right to be frustrated with the city inspector and concerns about him being singled out. All of that should be looked at and investigated if that is the case, regardless of whether you think he had “bad” language to not. As far as him stepping down…I think he should just for his own personal life maybe needing attention, not because of the meeting or him voicing his frustrations for himself and his district. Believe me people… you ALL have heard SOO much worse as far as language. Even reading what people write on here is sometimes worse….come on….
This will be interesting how the city plays this one out. It looks like they have a bad apple in the basket! Let’s see what action the mayor takes 🤷♂️
Holy cow Kevin this one is a hit!!!
Glad to see your post keep up the good work 👍
Is there somewhere you view this whole meeting?
Is there a need to see more? Kinda sad that Mr Ruffalo is making accusations about the city is it because he is not getting his way? Truly a temper tantrum! He should remove him self
Is there more of him out of control?
As the accusations he is making that the mulching company and the concrete company made his dog die and his wife’s cancer?it sounds personal dose he have proof or is it just him making accusations against the business? And the way he was acting is not acceptable!
The very disturbing part is he comments you got my Italian up what does that mean ? Seems out of control
I am so sorry but I really need to know do chipmunks or squirrels live in the shoes?
I live in the subdivision that Between the The businesses that Mr. Ruffalo is talking about and the compost site of the city, I would trade living there in Mr. Ruffalo’s neighborhood rather than live closer to the compost site. Does anybody not smell the compost site?
I guess we are back to who doesn’t look at there surroundings before buying? Who was there first? Subdivision or business??
Time to get the smell meter out I guess. Are they crushing concrete and asphalt without a permit? This is a valid question to look into Kevin. Are particles in the air? This should be real easy to evaluate. I certainly don not like the presentation and believe the Mayor needs to be stronger in maintaining the decorum. That will come with time and experience for him.
I think that some people in here seem to be connecting the Alderman’s voiced appreciation of his “neighbor Frank” coming and supporting him for the downtown diner “Frank’s”.
I don’t think there is any connection at all between the diner and the other two people.
Feeling kinda bad that the diner got dragged in to this, no matter what you think of their food.
I would like to start first and foremost to say thank you Mr. Ruffalo for removing your eyesore, but I noticed there’s still a few shoes hanging in the tree still. I wanna thank you what you’ve done so far but could you please finish the cleanup thank you🙏
I’m completely confused did Mr Ruffalo state there was a bird nest in the tree?? Why would he just cut the tree down?? Again it shows what his real intentions are all for him. I’m sorry but this is not acceptable to me why kill the birds🤷♂️
I noticed nobody commented about that the tree is cut down and now even the birds can’t enjoy the tree!!!! Shows how selfish Mr Ruffalo is. If he can’t have it nobody can!! At some point, someone needs to call him out on this. This is a disgrace to mother nature that he was talking about. What kind of guy does this?