City of Stoughton - Tower Times - Fall 2018

The

Tower Times

City of Stoughton

Issue 3, Fall 2018

***NOTICE – City of Stoughton Tax Payers *** The City of Stoughton held a Public Hearing on November 13, 2018 to review the proposed 2019 City budget. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review at City Hall, at the Stoughton Library, and is available on the city’s website.

Tax Billing The Treasurer’s Office will send out bills by December 17th. There are three ways tax payments can be made.

1) Mailed using the pre-addressed envelope provided to you with your tax bill.

2) Made in person at City Hall, Deputy Treasurer’s Office, 381 E Main St, Stoughton, WI. 3) Inserted into the Stoughton Utilities curbside payment box at 600 S 4th St, Stoughton, WI. • The payment box option is new in 2018 and is designed for convenient, after hours use.

Payments will be collected at 8 am and will be receipted the day the payment is collected. Do not include utility bill payments on the check.

Please include the bottom portion of your tax bill with your payment.

First installment payments are due

by January 31, 2019. Please make first installment checks payable to the City of Stoughton Treasurer. Please note, NO

CASH PAYMENTS will be accepted. If you choose to pay in installments, your second installment will be paid directly to the Dane County Treasurer and is due by July 31, 2019.

If a paper receipt is needed, a self-addressed, stamped envelope must accompany the payment. You may also provide an email address for an emailed receipt. Office hours for tax payments are Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

We are closed all day on December 24th, December 25th, January 1st and January 21st. Contact the Treasurer’s office at (608) 873-6677 if you have a question regarding your tax bill.

Lottery Tax Credits Did you move into your home during 2018? If you owned your home and use it as your primary residence as of January 1, 2018, you are eligible for a Lottery Credit on your property tax bill. Each year homeowners are able to claim a lottery tax credit on the first installment of their property tax bill. You generally should have lived in this residence for more than six months of the year. Business property, rental units, land, and garages do not qualify for this credit. If you purchased your home after January 1, 2018, there are a limited number of circumstances that will allow you to receive the credit this year.

The credit amount varies by year and will not be determined until the beginning of December 2018. If the lottery credit is not on your tax bill, please request a “Lottery Credit Claim Form” before you pay your taxes and your bill will be reduced if you qualify. For questions, to sign up for the credit or if the credit is not showing on your tax bill, please contact the City Treasurer’s office (608) 873-6677 or the Office of the County Treasurer (608) 266-4151.

Dog Licenses Taxpayers who traditionally come to City Hall in December to purchase dog licenses will still be able to do so, although licenses may also be conveniently purchased through the mail by sending a separate check payable to the City of Stoughton, to the attention of Dog License, City Hall, 381 E. Main St., Stoughton, WI 53589, along with proof of rabies vaccination (which will be returned to you) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Licenses obtained in person can be purchased in the Receptionist’s Office. The rates have remained the same for 2019: $16.00 unless the dog is spayed or neutered in which case the fee is $12.00.

2 Fall 2018

The Tower Times

Note From the Mayor

Outdoor Firewood Storage Requirements

Since the last publication I would like to introduce two new members to our Sec. 78-723. Outdoor storage of firewood standards. finance team. Jamin Friedl has transitioned from the Utilities Finance Director, (1) No person shall store firewood in the front yard on residentially zoned property, except that firewood to the new role of Director of Finance/Comptroller for the City of Stoughton. may be temporarily stored in the front yard for a period of 30 days from the date of its delivery.

Ryan Wiesen is the Assistant Director of Finance/City Treasurer. Ryan brings municipal background from Madison as well as utilities experience in Reeds- (2) Firewood should be neatly stacked and may not be stacked closer than two feet to any lot line and not higher than six feet from grade, except adjacent to a fence where firewood can be stacked against the burg. fence as high as the fence. Fences as used in this section shall not include hedges and other vegetation.

We have also hired Candee Christen as our new Deputy Clerk, in the recently restructured Clerks office. Candee’s background includes 18 years of Clerk (3) All brush, debris and refuse from processing of firewood shall be promptly and properly disposed of and shall not be allowed to remain on the premises. and Treasurer experience in the Belleville area.

We recently added Craig Julseth, Kyle Knoeck and Noah Chrystal as new po- (4) Woodpiles that contain diseased wood that is capable of transmitting disease to healthy trees and lice officers, Brooke Schmidt as Civilian Services officer and Susan Buechner as dispatcher. woodpiles that harbor or are infested or inhabited by rats or other vermin are public nuisances and may be abated pursuant to the provisions of this Code of Ordinances.

We wished Dispatcher Mary Lincoln, Utilities Director Bob Kardasz (38 years) and Lieutenant Dan Jenks (23 years) happy retirements.

(5) Not more than 20 percent of the side and rear yard may be used for storage of firewood at any one time.

The Leadership Team and City Council worked toward presenting and approving the annual Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and Operating Budgets in November.

If you have any questions regarding outdoor firewood storage please contact the Planning Department at 608-646-0421.

The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) received approval for a new Tax Incremental District (TID) by the Joint Review Board (representative taxing jurisdictions). We received a $500,000 grant from the State of Wisconsin and progress continues in the Riverfront Redevelopment including the development of rivate roperty arking tandards for the Whitewater Park. A new lease was signed with the Stoughton Fair Board.

The Planning Commission has completed the ordinance revisions for Chapter 78, the downtown overlay district. The new design guidelines will give building owners a clear and easy understanding of the expectations, process and procedures when remodeling or demolition of a downtown building. This has been a two-year process. The expectation is the City Council will consider the proposed changes in November. The Planning Commission also approved the demolition of the yellow building on the corner of Main St. and 4th St.

P P P Recreational Vehicles

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Note: these standards are only for private property, not for parking on public lands or anywhere in the street right-of-way.

A recreational vehicle is any of the following: motor home, jet ski, boat, all trailers, campers, snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, ATV’s and similar vehicles.

The donation of the iconic McFarland State Bank building to the City of Stoughton continues. After Parking and storage of recreational vehicles and trailers in residential, office, and business districts are Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental assessments were completed, the City Council authorized closing permitted in the following manner: on the acceptance of the donation. The closing is anticipated after the new McFarland State Bank Recreational vehicles and trailers: opens in November. (a) Parked or stored within the front yard or side yard must be on a driveway that is made of a dust Phase 1 of Kettle Park West (KPW) continues with the construction of the Iconica Assisted Living, free, continual hard surface such as concrete or asphalt pavement and shall be a minimum of five Great Clips and the McFarland State Bank. Additional tenants, a new hotel and a housing proposal for feet from any private property line or right-of-way line. Permeable pavement including turfstone Phase 2 of KPW will be up for review in the coming months. We have listed an 18+ acre commercial is also allowable. The side yard shall end at the rear of the home. lot for sale in Business Park North, and our reviewing proposals to list the 10+ acre property located (b) May be parked in the rear yard, beyond the rear of the home without the need for a hard surface, on Highway 138, next to the new Stoughton Utilities Sub Station. subject to all other conditions. Note: Corner lots have two fronts.

I have engaged with local, county and state representatives as well as our trade associations regarding issues such as; flooding, dam control, transportation and Highway 51 and Main St. improvements. (c) Shall be owned by the resident who is occupying the property on which the vehicle or trailer is parked or stored.

The Ad Hoc meetings with the school district are beginning to show tremendous progress.

Thank you again to everyone who continue to visit, provide feedback and have given me help and (d) Are permitted only for storage purposes except mobile homes and campers may be used for overnight sleeping for a maximum of 14 days in one calendar year. support.

Tim Swadley, Mayor

Dane County Emergency Notification System – Are You Registered?

(e) May not be connected to wastewater or sanitary sewer lines, or electricity except for charging of batteries. (f) May not be used for storage of goods, materials or equipment other than those items considered to be part of the unit or essential for its use. (g) Shall be placed a minimum of five feet from all property lines and shall not be parked within any easement.

Dane County’s Emergency Notification System is used to alert people and pro- (h) Maximum number allowed outside of a building per property is three unless the property is zoned vide important information during an emergency. In the event of an emergency, and approved for such outdoor storage. officials can identify the affected area and send a message that describes the (i) A trailer with multiple recreational vehicles on it shall be considered one recreational vehicle, but situation and recommends the protective actions residents should take. The sysall recreational vehicles on the trailer shall be owned by the resident occupying the property on tem will automatically call out to all land-line telephone numbers within that which the trailer is parked. geographic area and deliver a recorded message. (j) Individual canoes, kayaks and similar vehicles not on a trailer are exempt from these requirements.

You can also sign up to receive alert messages on your cell phone, by text message, or by Email. These are a popular and effective means of receiving emergency information. You will, however, need to If you have any questions regarding this regulation please contact the Zoning Administrator at 608register your contact information in order to receive these alerts.

646-0421.

AtHoc Cloud provides these notification services for Dane County. Signing up with this service will enable local authorities to alert you about potential life-threatening and public safety threats in your community. Residents who sign up may be contacted with information about emergencies like: • Hazardous materials incidents

Private Property Snow and Ice Removal Requirements Sec. 64-13. Snow and ice removal.

(a) The occupant or owner of any lot or parcel abutting on a public sidewalk, other than the parcels located in the downtown corridor specified in section 64-13(c), shall remove therefrom by 9:00 a.m. on the second day following a snowfall, all snow, dirt, rubbish or refuse matter, • Missing persons and sprinkle ice with a material to prevent slipping. (For example: a snowfall occurs on Monday, • Dangerous persons the occupant or owner would have until 9:00 a.m. Wednesday). If the occupant or owner does not comply with this section, the director of public works or their designee may issue a citation and • Public health alerts may cause the work to be done and the expense reported to the city finance director, who shall You can also sign up to receive email and text messages for notification of severe weather Watches annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land. The and Warnings issued by the National Weather Service. owner or occupant shall also be subject to a forfeiture for each violation of this section, with penalties as set forth in section 1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.

When signing up, you will be prompted to create a new account. You will then be asked to provide your address and personal contact information, such as your email address or your cell phone num- (b) No snow or ice removed from private property, other than the parcels located in the downtown ber for text messages. corridor specified in section 64-13(c), shall be deposited in the public ways in areas expected to be cleared by the city. This would include, but would not be limited to, pushing snow or ice Dane County and AtHoc Cloud are serious about protecting your personal information. Your contact across a public roadway or sidewalk; pushing or carrying and depositing snow or ice on a public information will be used for emergency notification purposes only. Your information will not be used way expected to be maintained for pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and the blowing or throwing of for any other reason and will not be released to the public. snow or ice onto a pedestrian or vehicular area. Violation of any of these provisions may result Additional information on Dane County’s notification system and a link to sign up can be found at: in penalties as set forth in section 1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate https://em.countyofdane.com/warning violation. If the occupant or owner does not comply with this section, the director of public works may cause the work to be done and the expense reported to the city finance director who shall Joe Parisi and Charles A. Tubbs Sr. annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land.

• Emergency evacuations

Tree & Shrubbery Trimming on Private Property

(c) The occupant or owner of any lot or parcel abutting a public sidewalk in the downtown corridor, specified below, shall remove therefrom all snow, dirt, rubbish or refuse matter to the curb line and sprinkle ice with a material to prevent slipping within 24 hours after the conclusion Fall is a good time to trim any low hanging tree branches or overgrowth of shrubs that are in the of a snowfall. Violation of any of these provisions may result in penalties as set forth in section public sidewalk or street right-of-way.

1-3. Each day a violation continues shall constitute a separate violation. If the occupant or owner • Trees and shrubs may become a safety hazard if allowed to grow into the public sidewalk or street does not comply with this section, the director of public works may cause the work to be done and areas. the expense reported to the city finance director who shall annually enter such expense on the tax roll as a special tax against the lot or parcel of land.

• Trees and shrubs can cause vision issues between pedestrians and traffic.

By City Ordinance, tree limbs are not allowed to grow below 9 feet above a public sidewalk, and shrubbery/plantings are not allowed to encroach into the sidewalk area. Additionally, tree limbs are not allowed to grow below 14 feet above a public street.

“Downtown corridor” defined:

Main Street-Railroad Track to S. Page Street

Water Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street If you are planning on doing some trimming, check with the Stoughton Public Works department for Division Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street the best time to trim trees and shrubs. Some species require trimming at certain times of the year, and the Public Works department has a schedule for brush collection throughout the year. Check their Forrest Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street website for more information at: www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/publicworks and look under services or Fourth Street-Jefferson Street to Washington Street call 608-873-6303. Notify the Public Works Department for issues with plantings within the terrace, parkrow or any City owned properties.

If you have any questions regarding snow and ice removal requirements please contact the Planning Department at 608-646-0421.

If you have any questions contact the zoning administrator at 608-646-0421.

The Tower Times

Fall 2018 3

Outdoor Storage of Unsightly Items and Unlicensed Vehicles On Private Property

Take Action to Protect our Waters this Fall and Winter!

Sec. 10-318 Outdoor Storage of Unsightly Items.

As the weather cools and the days of splashing around on the lake fade away it’s easy to forget about the health of our waters. Take action to protect our waters by:

No person shall store or accumulate outdoors on private property any of the following unsightly items unless such land is zoned to permit such storage or accumulation:

1. Keeping streets leaf-free this fall

In the fall, keeping leaf litter off of streets before it rains can reduce the amount of phosphorus in urban stormwater by 80% compared to no leaf removal!

• Motor vehicles, boats, or aircraft not in operating condition.

• junk, salvage, old machinery or fencing materials.

• commercial trucks, tractors or trailers.

Before the rain…

• building materials, construction or earth moving equipment not being used on a building project • Safely remove leaves from the street in front of your home. currently in progress.

Sec. 70-102 Open Storage or Outdoor Parking of Wrecked, Disabled or Unlicensed Motor Vehicles.

• Mulch or Compost leaves on your property.

Any open storage or outdoor parking of wrecked, disabled or unlicensed motor vehicles on pri- • Sign up to receive Leaf-free Streets Rain Alerts this fall vate property shall constitute a nuisance.

(Oct. 1- Nov. 30). Alerts will be issued (via text or email) 1-2 days before a significant rain event reminding you that it’s time to remove street leaves.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the Planning Department at 608-646-0421.

To learn more or to sign up for Leaf-free Streets Rain Alerts visit: www.ripple-effects.com.

Traffic Visibility at Intersections

2. Cleaning up pet waste

If you own a corner lot within the City of Stoughton, the following ordinance section likely applies to you: Sec. 78-703. Visibility standards.

It is very important to continue to pick up after your pet all year long, especially during winter. Pet waste can become encased in snow and ice, and carried away with melt water when it warms up. The bacteria and nutrients found in the waste make their way to the nearest storm drain, and then flow into the nearest lake or stream.

(1) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to alleviate or prevent congestion of public rights-of-way so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum require- 3. Reducing salt usage ments for the provision of vehicular visibility.

As snow season draws near, consider this: sodium chloride (NaCl) is the most common form of salt (2) Requirement. In order to provide a clear view of intersecting streets to motorists there shall be a triangu- used for de-icing roads and walkways. It is used so much that it has become a water pollutant. It is lar area of clear vision formed by the two intersecting streets and a chord connecting said centerlines, as very difficult and costly to remove once it is in the water, so prevention is very important. determined by the director of planning and development. Generally, the following standards shall apply:

This winter…

Table 78-703: Vision Clearance Triangle Standards Right-of-Way Width 66 feet or less more than 66 feet

• Remove snow as soon as possible so that it is less likely to turn to ice.

Distance from Right-of-Way Intersection 10 feet 20 feet

• Treat before a storm to help prevent ice buildup so less de-icer is needed.

• Use sand for traction, it is safe and effective, but be sure to sweep up excess

Within said triangular area, no signs, parking spaces, structures, or earthwork in excess of 30 inches, and no vegetation, fencing, nor other such obstructions between 30 inches and eight feet in height shall be permitted which exceeds 30 inches in height above either of the centerline elevations of said two streets. *This requirement also applies to snow.

Vision may be restored by:

• Consider using the following alternatives: Liquid magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride (all 3 work better than regular salt in colder temps), calcium magnesium acetate and potassium acetate.

• Read the label- know which ice melt product you are using, in what temperatures it will be effective, and how much to use.

To learn more about the City of Stoughton’s stormwater management strategies, and what you can do to help, visit www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/stormwater

• Trimming shrubs or hedges to a maximum height of 30 inches.

• Trimming low hanging tree branches to a minimum height of 8 feet.

• Removal of obstruction.

There are also requirements along driveways adjacent to public sidewalks.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the City Planning Department at 608-646-0421.

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4 Fall 2018

The Tower Times Who can I contact with questions?

Contact the City of Stoughton Planning Department with any questions you may have. The Landmarks Commission works closely with Planning Staff to make sure your questions are answered.

Department of Planning & Development, 381 East Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 Mike Stacey, Zoning Administrator (608) 646-0421.

What Is the Landmark’s Commission?

The Landmark’s Commission is a body of seven members of the community, appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Common Council, which serves to recognize and preserve the historic and cultural resources within the City of Stoughton, as prescribed by the Stoughton Historical Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 38).

The Commission is primarily responsible for ensuring that the provisions in Stoughton’s historical preservation ordinance are executed accordingly. This includes coordinating educational activities, designating local historic landmarks, providing design expertise, and performing design reviews of applications to alter external features of locally designated historic buildings.

At the present time Stoughton has thirty-two individually designated local landmarks but no locally designated historic districts.

It also has five historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as well as several individually listed properties on the State and National Registers of Historic Places.

For more information, go to the following link: www.stoughtonlandmarks.com Stoughton became the twelfth Certified Local Government (CLG) in Wisconsin in 1988. CLG status signifies that Stoughton has been certified by the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) as a city that is enforcing its local preservation ordinance. The status also has the benefit of making the city eligible for CLG grant funding that is provided by the National Parks Service and administered by the WHS. There are approximately 30 CLG communities in Wisconsin at the present time.

Thank you for taking care of your Stoughton Landmark. The Stoughton If you have picked up this information sheet, it probably means Landmarks Commission looks forward to working with you to preserve you are planning a repair project. Proper maintenance and repair our shared heritage for future generations to appreciate. of landmark buildings is the best way to protect them for future generations to appreciate. Your building is important and, as such, Please keep in mind: deserves appropriate care and maintenance. The Landmarks Com- • Incomplete COA applications will not be scheduled for Commismission is committed to assisting you in making exterior repair, sion review. Please be sure you have submitted all of the requested restoration or maintenance decisions that will preserve the special information to avoid delay in the review of your proposed project. character of your building.

• By City of Stoughton Ordinance, the Commission has 60 days to The process is easy and the Commission is dedicated to providing review your project. The Commission is committed to providing you with a timely design review. Read on to find out more. timely review and our goal is to never make you wait that long.

Submit your completed COA application two weeks in advance of What is a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)? the monthly meeting and your proposed project will be reviewed A COA is a document that describes exterior repair or alteration to at that next meeting. a landmark property or interior repair or alteration that affects an exterior feature. When approved by the Landmarks Commission, it certifies that the proposed work is appropriate for a landmark toughton s istoric istricts building. To obtain a COA, the Landmarks Commission must review the design and approve your proposed project. The COA process is Did you know that Stoughton has five sometimes referred to as Design Review. historic districts Do I need a COA? listed in the NaOnly owners of local landmarks need a COA. Only exterior work tional Register of that necessitates a building permit requires a COA. A building per- Historic Places? mit cannot be issued until you have an approved COA. Plan ahead! Listing in the NaFor more information about Local Landmarks see the information tional Register recsheet, Is my Property a Local Landmark? ognizes officially the significance of a property or district to the heritage of the state What types of projects require a COA? and the nation. The National Register is the official national list of Only exterior projects require review by the Stoughton Landmarks historical, architectural, engineering and archeological properties Commission. Generally speaking, if you are working on an exterior and districts worthy of preservation. feature of the building, it requires review. Projects that the ComThe Main Street District stretches from the Romanesque Revival mission reviews include, but are not limited to: City Hall on the east to the Yahara River on the west. Buildings are • Alterations or additions to the building mostly Italianate, Queen Anne, and Neo-Classical styles constructed from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth century.

• Brick repointing, repair or replacement

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Since becoming a CLG, the Commission has completed a number of CLG grant projects, including intensive surveys and nominations of several districts to the State and National Registers of Historic Places, including publication of district walking tour brochures, and the publication of two design guideline booklets. For more information, see commission publications at www.stoughtonlandmarks.com • Exterior siding repair /replacement For more info on the CLG program, visit http://www.wisconsinhis- • Exterior wood repair/replacement of decorative features Foundatory.org/hp/clgs/ tion repair/replacement The Commission consists of seven members who are appointed by • Porch repair or replacement the Mayor. The commissioners are dedicated citizens, historians, architects, and other experts selected for their interest and skills • Roof repair or replacement in historic preservation. Current members include: Peggy Veregin, • Window and door repair or replacement Exterior signage Chair, Alan Hedstrom, Vice-Chair, Greg Pigarelli, Secretary, Tom Majewski, Kimberly Cook, Todd Hubing and Kristi Panthofer Does the Landmarks Commission regulate paint color?

The Commission normally meets once monthly at City Hall. For more in- No.

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The East Side Historic District has over 80 historic homes, and rests atop the plateau south of the bend of the Yahara River, just above Stoughton’s cluster of old tobacco warehouses, lumber yards, and the Milwaukee and St. Paul Depot. Over one-half of the district houses were constructed between 1900 and 1910. The Queen Anne Style is popular in this neighborhood, but the Classical Revival, Arts and Crafts bungalow and American Foursquare styles are also well represented.

The Northwest Side Historic District has more than 300 homes, and is located on a gently sloping ridge that rises above Stoughton’s Main Street and the Yahara River. The approximately eighteen-block area between the Yahara River, McKinley, Van Buren and Main Streets is testament to the city’s Golden Age – the years between about 1885 and 1915 when local businesses flourished and many residents built handsome houses. There are several examples of Greek Revival and Italianate Style houses in the Northwest Stoughton Historic District, but the area is most distinguished by its many examples of the exuberant Queen Anne style.

❄❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ W C ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄ A ? ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅❄ ❅ ❅❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ Merry Wishes! ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄❅ ❅❄❅❄ ❅❄❅❄ ❄❅❄❅ ❄❅❄❅ ❄ ❄❅❄ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄❅ ❄❅❄ ❄❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❅❄❅ ❅❄❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❅❄ ❅❄❅❄ ❅ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄ ❅ ❄ ❄❅ ❅ ❄the Holidays with DROP OFF YOUR DRY CLEANING AT Join Us In Celebrating 56 Years! ❅ Celebrate ❄ ❄❅ Friends and Family formation about the Commission or landmarks, contact Zoning Adminis- What is the COA process? trator, Michael Stacey at (608) 646-0421 or mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us The process is easy. Come to the Planning Department at City Hall with a description of your proposed project. This is an opportunity hat is a ertificate of to discuss your project with Planning Staff and have any questions answered. Planning Staff will give you a Certificate of Appropriateppropriateness ness application form. Complete the form in its entirety including a Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a City of Stoughton detailed description of the project and proposed work and submit it Local Landmark building. This means your building is significant to along with pictures, spec sheets, and drawings to the Zoning Administrator. To be scheduled for the Landmarks Commission to review the architectural and/or social history of the city. your proposed project you must submit your application two (2) weeks prior to the meeting. The process is easy but you should plan ahead to ensure your project is reviewed as quickly as possible.

The Southwest Side Historic District, with about 120 homes, is a twenty-block area between South Monroe, South Page, Oak and Main Streets. It is testament to the city’s past building traditions as well as the present interest in neighborhood conservation. There are fine examples of the Queen Anne Style in the district, many of them spacious houses originally designed for single-family occuDo I need to attend the Commission meeting?

The Landmarks Commission requires that you or your represen- pancy. However, there are a number of simple, vernacular Greek tative attend so that Commission members have an opportunity Revival houses from the 1860s and 1870s, and good examples of to ask questions about your project. Not attending will delay your the more ornate Italianate Style, popular here between about 1860 approval and permit. Meetings are held at City Hall once a month. and 1880.

East Park Historic District occupies a picturesque corner of east What criteria does the Landmarks Commission use to The Stoughton that is perched on a hill above the Chicago, Milwaukee, review my project? and St. Paul Railroad Depot and a group of historic tobacco wareThe Commission reviews proposed projects in accordance with houses. This area had no residential development until 1913. As the Landmarks Ordinance. Review criteria are based on the City of created in 2002, the East Park Historic District now includes 19 Stoughton Design Guidelines. houses along Park and S. Lynn streets. The first five were built between 1913 and 1915, and were followed by seven between 1919 Where can I find the Design Guidelines?

The Design Guidelines are available online: http://www.stough- and 1921, and four between 1926 and 1935. The last house was tonlandmarks.com/index.html Residential Guidelines: http:// built in 1952. Many are good examples of the bungalow and Period www.stoughtonlandmarks.com/html/design_guidelines.html Revival styles popular in Wisconsin cities in the early 20th century.

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Take the stress out of the holidays by enjoying an evening out

Commercial Guidelines: http://www.stoughtonlandmarks.com/ For more information about the city’s historic districts, visit www. html/downtown_guidelines.html. Copies of the Design Guidelines stoughtonlandmarks.com or contact Zoning Administrator Michael can also be obtained from the Planning Department at City Hall.

Stacey at (608) 646-0421 or mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us.

A wonderful holiday awaits you during Our Open House Weekend!

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The Tower Times

Fall 2018 5

News from the Stoughton Area Senior Center

Thanksgiving Day Meal

The Stoughton Senior Center is partnering with Stoughton Hospital in providing a noon meal for homebound individuals 60 years and over who live in the Stoughton Area School District. If you are homebound and are in need of a Thanksgiving Day meal with all the trimmings, please call the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 873-8585 by November 20.

Golden Pass for Seniors Seniors age 60 or older in the Stoughton Area School District are eligible for a Golden Pass from the school district. The pass will allow you to attend athletic games at the high school free of charge. The card does not include tournaments.

Please stop in at the Senior Center to get your Golden Pass.

Superintendent Dr. Tim Onsager

Tuesday, November 27, 9:00 AM

Evansville Middle School Jazz Choir at the Senior Center

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Stamp and Postcard Collectors Wednesday, November 28, 10:00 AM

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Technology News for 2019 Thursday, November 15, 3 PM, 2nd floor Mandt Room

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Thursday, December 20, 3 PM, 2nd floor Mandt Room

Wood Shop, Free/Daily

View the slides at: goo.gl/oS1y4k

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Page Turners: Book Discussion Group Wednesday, November 28, 1:00 PM

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Reflexology

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Coping with Loss During the Holidays Memory Café The holidays can be challenging for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Join Carmen Sperle, Bereavement Coordinator at Heartland Hospice Care for a one-time grief support session that will focus on coping with loss during the holidays.There is no fee to participate, however participants are required to register for the group by calling 873-8585.

Classic Movie Friday: Roman Holiday Friday, November 16, 1:00 PM

Game Time: Rummikub Tuesday, November 6, 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 20, 1:00 PM How about a little Rummikub? Similar to the Rummy that you play with cards - you try to get rid of all your tiles by forming numbers into runs of 3 tiles or more, or 3 to 4 of a kind. The colors of the numbers on the tiles are like card suits. This game may start rather uneventfully, but when the players start putting more and more tiles in play, the options for your upcoming turns can become more complex, challenging, and exciting. Come learn how to play, or if you know how already, come join the fun!

Ongoing Groups/Classes at the Stoughton Area Senior Center

Wednesdays 9:15AM

Must take a safety course to use the shop.

Social & Recreation Bridge, Free

Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM

Bunco, $1.00

Every 1st Tuesday, 1:00 PM

Chess, Free

Fridays, 10:00 AM

Community Bingo, $1

Every 3rd Wednesday, 1:00 PM

Cribbage, Free

Every Monday 1:00 PM

Dime Jingle

Every 2nd Wednesday, 1:00 PM

Euchre

Tuesdays, 1:00PM Every 4th Saturday, 7:00 PM

Over the Hill Bingo

Every 4th Tues. 1:00PM Bring a “White Elephant” prize

Pinochle

Wednesdays, 1:00 PM

2 Pool Tables, Free/Daily

This month’s book is Go Beg Read: The Death and Sheepshead Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan. Join us for Thurs. 1:30 PM- 4:15 PM a lively afternoon discussion group with support Programs For Your Mind & Body from our Stoughton Public Library Staff. If you See the Senior Center’s Yahara Senior News for Train Dominoes, Free Thursday 1:00 have questions, please call the Stoughton Library dates and registration. at (608) 873-6281.

t s your irthday et s We’ll talk about what’s new, useful, and fun in computer-based devices and applications in elebrate 2019. We’ll focus on popular phones, tablets, and computers, and touch upon other advances, such Wed. Nov. 14, Wed. Dec. 12, and Wed. Jan. 9. as smart speakers, virtual reality, electronic assistants, and home robots. No prior experience is Join us for a slice of cake and coffee. Chat with others that share your same birthday month, and needed. View the slides at goo.gl/7nSKVV. we will share a few fun facts about the month of your birth. Held at the Senior Center.

Friday, November 16, 10:00 AM

Mondays,1:00 PM

Rosemaling Group, Free

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Andrew Lopez from Access to Independence and Bonnie Nuttkinson from the Alzheimer’s Association will provide guidance on buying techie gifts and gadgets for your loved one living with dementia. This presentation is open to all members of the community. Questions? Please contact Heather at (608) 873-2316. Sponsored by the Stoughton Dementia Friendly Coalition and Partners

Handiwork, Free

Computer Class: Hour of Code

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Last Tuesday of month at 1:00 PM

Bring your current handiwork project & join the Join us for a question and answer sessions with Friday, December 14, 2:00 PM conversation.

Stoughton Area School District Superintendent Dr. Tim Onsager. He’ll talk about the status of Join us for an afternoon of great music and sing Norwegian Language Class, $10/class the district’s initiatives and answer any questions along if the holiday spirit moves you.

Wednesdays, 9:00 - 11:00 AM you have.

No registration needed. New students welcome!

After the fun and The Hour of Code is a successful discusglobal movement reachsion in September, ing tens of millions of stuAllen Vick and John dents in 180+ countries.

Vater have agreed to According to the Hour of come back and join Code website, anyone, us again for another anywhere, ages 4 to 104 round of stamp/postcard collection discussions. can participate. Here at SASC, we’ll cover three Everyone welcome. toryteller ndy alley topics related to computer code: (1) a brief history of computing, (2) how programming works, Wednesday, November 14, 11:00 AM and (3) short, simple examples to show what usic by toughton For over 20 years Andy has worked as a natucomputer code looks like. More at hourofcode. ralist and interpreter in museum, forest preserve, igh chool eartstrings com. No computer experience is needed. and conservation settings. He has extensive experience with storytelling, environmental educarchestra roup ome nergy ssistance tion, and cultural history interpretation. Call & Wednesday, November 28, 1:00 PM reserve your spot by calling 873-8585.

Energy Services will have appointments StoughStoughton High School’s Heartstrings program is ton on: Monday, December 17, Thursday Jan.10, collaboration of music students who want to and Monday Feb.18. You must schedule an apoliday ips echie ifts acreate connections in the community through pointment with Energy Services, Inc. at (608) small group performances. Get ready for some 333-0333 or call 1-800-506-5596. For all other Thursday, November 15, 2PM interactive fun with music.

Stoughton Hospital, 900 Ridge St. Stoughton questions call 608-267-8601. Appointments are Bryant Health Education Center (Lower Level) required.

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Creative Writing Class, Free

Tuesday, December 4, 9:30-11:30 AM Stoughton Library, Carnegie Room

Heidi Fromi provides this form of massage that applies deep pressure to reflex points on the feet. It opens nerve pathways to increase circulation and create a sense of balance within the body. Prices are $25 for 30 minutes or $45 for 60 minutes.

Chair Massage Therapy Services

Lisa Resch, LMT offers massages in the office space right next to the Senior Center Building.

Massage prices are: $20 for first 15 minutes then $1 per minute.

3rd Wednesday of the Month, 2:00-3:30 PM Stoughton Area Senior Center, Mandt Room

Low Vision Support Group

3rd Thursday of the Month, 1:00-2:30 PM Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room November’s Topic: How to Use Smart Speakers with Joyce Tikalsky

Mon. Wed. & Fri. 8:00 AM

Memory Loss Caregivers Support Group

Chair Exercise, $2/class

hara Strummers Ukulele Group

A Memory Café is a social gathering for individ- Ping Pong, Free uals with memory loss to meet in a relaxed en- Mondays & Wednesdays 3:00 PM vironment and to share common interests. Ques- Fridays 10:30 AM tions? Call 873-8585.

QiGong with Friends, Free

Thursday, December 6, 1:30 p.m.

Grief Support Group

Fitness & Wellness

Line Dancing, Free This month’s topic: Holiday Party, Music from YaTuesdays, 2:30 PM

Sew it!

Support Groups Held at The Senior Center

2nd Thursday of the Month, 2:00-3:30 PM Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room

Multiple Sclerosis Caregivers Support Group

Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30 AM

2nd Tuesday of the Month, 10:00-11:30 AM Stoughton Area Senior Center, Mandt Room

Tai Chi, $7/class

November’s Topic: Music Therapy, with demo from Barbershop Quartet “Riddle”

Mondays, 10:30 AM

This class is free and materials are provided. We Tai Chi –Advanced, $10/class will be using felt pieces to craft a folk-style or- Mondays, 1:00 PM nament for the holidays or to brighten up a gift.

Use our die-cut machine to create shapes and Wii Bowling & League, Free add glue, embroidery or more felt to create some Mondays & Fridays 10AM, 2nd Fri.10:30AM one of a kind decoration. Call 873-8585 to reSkill Development serve your spot. In partnership with the StoughComputer/Tech Help, Free ton Library.

Tues. & Thurs., 9:00-11:30 AM or by appointment.

Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

4th Wednesday of the month, 1:30-3:00PM (No Meetings this Nov. & Dec.) Stoughton Area Senior Center, Stoughton Room

“Resilience in Times of Stress”

Come with your computer or tech questions. We have 4 computers, 3 iPads & WiFi. AND, Classes on the 3rd Thursday of the month Tuesday, December 11, 2018, 8:30 AM-9:45 AM at 3:00 PM. Various Tech Topics will be covered.

Stress Happens! Dr. McGrath will discuss a range Check Newsletter for exact topic. of strategies you can use to increase your resilience during times when the stress level in your life goes up.

Robert McGrath, Psy D, ABPP is a licensed psychologist providing Mind/Body Wellness Services at University Health Services. Robert has expertise in health psychology, positive psychology, authentic happiness, mind/body wellness and stress management.

For more information on these and other activities please contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 248 W. Main Street, Stoughton WI, 53589 (608) 873-8585 www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/senior

6 Fall 2018

The Tower Times Thursdays With Murder

Thursdays With Murder is the Library’s mystery and crime fiction book discussion group. In its seventh year, this group explores themes and authors of crime fiction. Meetings are the second Thursday of the month, with no meeting in December.

Adopt-A-Magazine at the Library Looking for a way to honor an important person in your life, or memorialize a loved one who has passed on?

Sponsor a yearly subscription to a magazine enjoyed by Stoughton Public Library patrons. We will acknowledge your kind donation with a personalized nameplate displayed on the magazine’s cover for a year. Please contact Jane Groshan at (608) 873-6281 or email jgroshan@stolib.org to ask about magazine adoption availability and subscription cost.

Stoughton Public Library: Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage!

Welcome to the Library!

Donation acknowledgment plates will run October-September or April-March depending on when the donation is received.

The Stoughton Public Library is located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the corner of 4th & Main, just west of the clock tower in downtown Stoughton.

Hours are Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5, Sunday 1-5.

Join the Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and improvThere is no charge for a library card – just bring in picture ID with proof of current address. If your ID ing library services, materials, and facilities for the Stoughton community; encouraging gifts and bequests does not show your current address, please bring another proof of address such as a piece of mail, to the library; and promoting the broadest possible use of Library facilities, materials and services. personal check, utility bill, etc. Parents must sign the registration form for children under age 16.

The Library relies on money raised by various Friends events to supplement the its budget. Without In addition to offering books, eBooks, DVDs, audio books, magazines, newspapers, and programs for these funds, the Children’s Summer Library Program would not be able to afford many of the prepeople of all ages, the Library also has computers, meeting rooms, a copy machine, and can offer you senters for programs, as well as purchase supplies and reading incentive prizes. The Adult Summer Reading Program and the Adult Craft Club receive their funding from the annual Friends donation. The one-on-one help with your eBook reader.

Friends donation is used to purchase high-demand DVDs and books for the Lucky Day collections, For more information, visit us online at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org, on Facebook, or call at replace worn or lost copies of books and DVDs, and provide more magazine subscriptions for the collection. These are just a few of the ways the Friends assist the Library.

Enjoy our free Holiday Events!

Friends’ membership levels range from $10 to $100 a year. In addition to becoming a member, you can Stoughton High School Madrigal Singers will be at the Library Thursday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m. help out with book sales, fundraisers, and more. More information at the Library!

Come ad hear the annual holiday concert by this ever popular and exceptionally talented group; Ryan The next event will be a Friends book sale November 30 – December 2 at the Library.

Casey directing.

There will be a Library Holiday Read-Aloud Sunday at December 2, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of holiday reading by you! People of all ages are invited to join us and read aloud excepts from your favorite holiday stories for all ages. Live music and holiday refreshments will highlight the afternoon.

More 2018 Library Events Check the Library website for more information, www.stolib.org

Mrs. Charles Dickens, The Best of Times: Join us Sunday, December 9, at 2:00 p.m. for a performance by November Jessica Michna as she re-creates Mrs. Catherine Dickens, the long-suffering wife of Charles Dickens and Family Movie: Incredibles 2 mother of 10 children. In this first-person monologue, Mrs. Dickens will give the audience an unflinching look Wednesday, November 21, 2-4 pm into the lives of this couple and introduce the audience to women from Dicken’s novels such as Nancy from Oliver Twist, Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, Betsey Trotwood from David Copperfield and others. Join us for a free movie and free popcorn and juice, provided by the Stoughton Optimist Club. We’ll watch the second movie in an animated series about a superhero family trying to save the world even Guitars of the Solstice: Members of the Madison Classical Guitar Society return Sunday, December 16, though their brand of super-heroism is illegal. PG. All ages. No registration required.

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. for their annual concert of outstanding guitar and lute music. This performance will include music from the very old to the very new. A must hear for all classical guitar enthusiasts and music lovers.

Page Turners Adult Book Discussion The Death and Life of the Great Lakes by Dan Egan Tuesday, November 27, 6:30 pm at the library ibrary urvey hank ou Wednesday, November 28, 1:00 pm at the Senior Center Thank you to everyone who filled out the recent library user survey. Watch for results on our website Join us as we discuss UW-Madison’s 2018-2019 Go Big Read pick described as “a portrait of an later this year. ecological catastrophe happening right before our eyes, blending the epic story of the lakes with an

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examination of the perils they face and the ways we can restore and preserve them for generations to come.”

Credit Cards Accepted You can now pay your fines and printing fees at the Circulation desk using your debit or credit card.

Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted ($5.00 minimum charge).

December

Music on the Mezz – Madrigal Singers Reprise

Want to pay a fine or fee under $5.00?

Add a Friends of the Library tote bag for $3.00.

Buy a pair of earbuds for $2.00.

Round up to $5.00 and donate to the library.

Saturday, December 1, 9:30 a.m.

Turn the Pages!

Wednesday December 5, 6:30 pm – “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi

Missed the Nov. 29 concert? Enjoy a short reprise by this this ever popular and exceptionally talented group as they begin their Victorian Weekend tour of Stoughton. Ryan Casey directing.

The Foundation: Science Fiction/Fantasy Book Discussion

There are immediate openings for readers in the Stoughton Public Library’s book discussion groups.

Join us as we turn the pages and talk about books!

Page Turners

This group reads a variety of titles both nonfiction and fiction. It meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Library, and the 4th Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center.

Coming up in November will be the Go Big Read book: “The Death and Life of the Great Lakes: by Dan Egan.

The Foundation

“Old Man’s War” is a military science fiction novel by American writer John Scalzi, published in 2005.

It was his first novel and was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2006.

Craft Club: Sew it!

Thursday, December 6, 6:30 pm (library) Thursday, December 13, 1:30 pm (Senior Center) Use felt pieces to craft a folk-style ornament for the holidays or to brighten up a gift. Use our die-cut machine to create shapes and add glue, embroidery or more felt to create some one of a kind decoration. Materials proved.

Children’s Cooking Series: Italian Feast

This is Library’s science fiction / fantasy book group, named in honor of science fiction grand master Saturday or Sunday, December 15 or 16, 1:00 pm Isaac Asimov’s famous Foundation Trilogy. The Foundation explores themes, authors, short stories, and novels. The group meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Coming up in December Sign up to learn basic cooking techniques to make a Italian meal. Ages 5-9 and family members will work together to cook. We will have a coloring sheet table for younger siblings. At the end, we will all will be “Old Man’s War” by John Scalzi. share the food we cooked together! Space is limited—registration required, starting on November 3.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift…

Learn about immigration, create your journey on the map wall, use interactive kiosks & genealogy research lab, watch on-demand videos, and lots more!

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The Tower Times

Fall 2018 7

Police Beat

Helping Us Help You

The Stoughton Police Department is committed to keeping Stoughton a safe and secure City. However, we cannot be successful in this pursuit without your help. Everyday community members see and hear things that the police do not. Most of this information may seem trivial or unimportant. But statistically, most crimes are solved by putting together seemingly unimportant details that actually solve crimes. The timeliness of this information can literally mean the difference between solving a crime and not solving it.

stincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t! Make sure last bill or from the directory.

Never use the number supplied you lock your vehicle, even in your garage. by the caller to confirm. In addiLock your house doors especially at night. Consider keeping them tion, never supply a credit card locked even when you are home. Keep an interior light on when number to them. possible. Consider motion detecting lights for the outside of your home, being considerate of your neighbors and the light brightness Then there is the fraud that you and angles. Burglars hate lights. have won an amount of money and that they need your bank Get to know your neighbors. One of the best crime reduction tools information to direct deposis neighbors watching out for neighbors. Knowing your neighbors it the money. Or, the variation also strengthens our community and makes all of us a little safer. that you need to send them the Above all, “See Something, Say Something” if you see suspicious taxes and fees before the funds can be released. Both of these are activity. Report it to the police department. common frauds that people fall prey to each year. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

During investigations, officers often obtain information that is important to an incident but it is received too late to have an impact.

We hear from people often, that they observed or heard something but did not call it in because they either thought it trivial or did not rauds and other rimes want to bother the police with something minor. The truth is that we need those calls and really nothing is either a bother to us or Frauds continue to plague the unsuspicious citizens on an increastoo trivial. We would much rather have information that turns out ing basis. We could list several hundred different types of frauds to be something minor then to miss an important detail that could that victim’s fall for each year. Often, these frauds are becoming clear an incident. more and more sophisticated. As criminals become increasingly Keeping our community safe is truly everyone’s responsibility. See more technically savvy, so have the frauds that they run. or hear something, report it! By doing, so we all have a stake in Here are some of the recent examples of frauds that people have maintaining peace and good order in our community. The police fallen victim to in our area. are only caretakers of the community and your partnership with us The first one is that a person calls, identifying themselves as a law is extremely important in helping us to keep everyone safe. enforcement officer (usually from a jail), and states that a relative has been arrested and needs bail money immediately. Often eeping ourself and ossession this fraud is done to an elderly target and the scammer uses the real name of a grandchild that they likely obtained from another afe and ecure source. The fraud follows with that the person needs bail money Keeping yourself and possessions safe and secure really starts with to be released from jail. People need to understand that law enyou. Statistically, a large percentage of crimes are crimes of op- forcement agencies do not call and request anyone post bail for portunity. Most criminals will attempt to pick easy targets for their someone in jail. When in doubt, call the law enforcement agency crimes. Easy targets mean less work and less chance of appre- directly and do not use the number provided by the scammer. Call hension for those bent on committing them. Hardening the Target your local police department for assistance. It is not uncommon does significantly reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of for these criminals to use false caller ID that may look real on your a crime. Being safe starts with being a harder target. When you are phone. out and about, be aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently, Another common fraud is a call from someone representing themstay with people and in lighted areas whenever possible. Don’t selves as a local Utility Company and stating that they have not look like a victim and you are less likely to become one. received your payment and are going to shut your services off im-

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Lock your car doors and keep them locked even when you are in a vehicle. Keep your windows partially closed so that it would be more difficult for someone to reach in. Above all trust your in-

It is important for people to remember to avoid any calls that involve you supplying personal information of any type over the phone or internet unless you have initiated it through a reputable business. Never supply bank information to anyone calling you.

Utilities, Banks, IRS, etc. will never call you demanding immediate payments. It is especially true of any payment that requires your credit card information or you obtaining a prepaid credit card. The key warning with any of these calls is be suspicious anytime they try to rush you or say this needs to be done immediately.

Often the purpose of those statements is to compel you to act instead of thinking about it.

Lastly, Your Bank of financial institution will not call you to conduct an “undercover audit” of the bank. A very common fraud is a caller who identifies himself or herself as a bank investigator investigating a fraud at your bank and they need your help. The person then tries to get the victim to go to the bank and withdraw monies to test the bank employee. The person then takes the money stating you will get it back when the investigations are completed.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to be suspicious about his or her personal information and finances. Once your personal information and credit card information is out by fraudulent means, thousands of dollars can be lost in minutes.

Scammers and con artists can be very good and sound very convincing. Do not be fooled by nice sounding people, as it is just part mediately if you do not pay. The scammer will usually request your of the fraud. Protect yourself and your money. When in doubt call credit card number or ask you to get a prepaid card from a retailer. the police department. You should never be too embarrassed to Again, Utility Companies do not conduct business this way. When report suspicious behavior even if it is after the fact and you are a in doubt, call the company using the contact number from your victim. Your information may be the information that spares someone else of being scammed.

Department of Public Works You May Not Know We Were There, But You Would Know If We Weren’t.

Public Works Facility Set to Open In December 2018 The city has been planning for a new public works facility since 2013 when Angus Young was commissioned to assess the space needs of public works and to put together a building plan to accommodate the needs of the department. Funding was approved in 2018 to move the plan forward into fruition. City staff went to great lengths to design and build a facility that would last 80 to 100 years, was energy efficient, logistically ergonomic and cost effective while still meeting the needs of the department. The design also included room for modest growth, but not overbuilt as cost is always a concern.

The facility incorporates space for public administrative offices, employee breakroom and locker rooms, minimum heated storage for the City’s public works fleet, 10,000 sq. ft. of mezzanine storage space, a fleet maintenance area that services all city fleet vehicles, a 14,000 sq. ft. cold storage area and a salt shed.

The overall size of the building is 89,000 sq. ft. All facets of the building were strategically placed to maximize staff efficiency and to keep costs down during the building process.

Energy efficiency was an important part of the design for the building. All lighting and controls are designed to be energy efficient. The use of windows in the fleet storage area will allow for more ambient light to resonate into the building. The building is constructed of insulated tilt up panels that are structurally superior to metal and increase the “R” value of the building envelope. A solar array was constructed on the roof of the building to offset the entire facility electrical load reducing our carbon footprint.

Winter Preparedness

Snow Emergency

The declaration of a snow emergency will occur when three inches or more of snow is forecasted or three inches have fallen, or as conditions warrant. Notice will be given to the police department and to the same Madison news outlets that the Stoughton Area Driving on Snow Covered or Icy Roads School District uses for school closings. Notice will also be posted When ice and snow are present on roadways, follow these safety on the street department web site and the local cable TV station. tips to ensure your safety: During a snow emergency declaration, vehicles shall park only on • When travel is not necessary, Stay Home! the even side of the street on even-numbered days, and on the odd • If travel is necessary, give yourself extra time as traffic will be side of the street on odd-numbered days from midnight to 8:00 am. moving slower than normal when there is snow and icy road Remember that the date changes after midnight.

Love it or hate it, winter is on our doorstep. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the impending snow season:

conditions.

You can sign up to get an email notification when snow emer• Stay back a safe distance from plow trucks and do not pass them. gencies are declared. Type “Snow Emergency Notification” in the search box on the main page of the city website. Enter your email • Clean off windows and scrape windows and mirrors to make sure address and click “Submit”. you can see. Use the defroster to keep windows clean.

• Turn your lights on. Be visible.

• Take extra care when driving on bridges and overpasses, which can freeze before other road surfaces.

2019 Brush & Leaf Collection Dates Brush Pick Up

(Fourth Monday of the months listed below) • Brake with care. Avoid jamming on the breaks. Use a “light touch” on the brakes to have a controlled deceleration and stop. Even Weeks of: January 28th, April 22nd, June 24th, August 26th and if your vehicle has anti-lock braking, you should brake lightly to October 28th. avoid skidding.

Note: Brush must be put out by 7:00 am on Monday of the collection week. Please DO NOT set brush out more than 10 days prior to the • SLOW DOWN! scheduled collection date. Violators will be subject to a municipal citation.

Shoveling Snow

Snow shoveling and heavy lifting can cause strains and sprains to Leaf Collection the back, shoulders and wrists. Follow a few simple rules to be safe Weekly starting October 14th through the end of November (weather dependent) while shoveling snow: • Stretch and warm up your muscles and joints before shoveling.

• Use a good shovel that is the right size. A shovel that is too short or too long may cause overextension.

• Push snow instead of lifting. If you must lift a loaded shovel, use your legs. Consider taking smaller scoops to avoid heavy lifting.

• Take breaks to avoid overexertion.

• Be especially cautious if you are at risk due to heart disease.

• Do not push snow into the street.

• Clear snow around fire hydrants and sidewalk ramps.

• Salt sidewalks and driveways as needed. A little goes a long way.

The facility is slated to be completed by December 28th, 2018.

Public works staff will begin transition to the new building over Garbage & Recycling Cart Placement the winter months and hope to be fully operational out of the new To avoid broken carts and to aid in the clearing of snow from the entire roadway, please place your garbage and recycling carts in building by the end of February. your driveway apron or on the terrace. When carts are placed in the roadway, they may get damaged and would be the responsibility of the homeowner to replace.

Christmas Tree Collection

Weeks of: January 7th, January 14th and January 21st Note: Christmas trees must be put out by 7:00 am on Monday of the collection week.

Yard Waste Site

The yard waste site will be moving to 1101 Collins Rd. staring in April of 2019. The new site will collect brush and all non-food compost material. Wood mulch will be available at the site depending on availability. The yard waste schedule is as follows: April 2nd - November 26th Tuesday’s 1 pm – 7 pm Thursday’s 1 pm – 7 pm Saturday’s 9am – 5pm Note: To protect the safety of the staff and public, the yard waste site may close early during inclement weather.

For more information, please visit the city webpage at www.cityofstoughton.com

8 Fall 2018

The Tower Times

Little Viking Basketball–Kindergarten

FUNdamentals This program will cover six classes where players will be introduced to basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. A certified coach will be teaching the class. Parents are welcome to volunteer and assist with coaching activities if they would like to be involved and learn about basketball coaching. Participants will receive a 25-inch basketball. The classes are for this age group is for both girls and boys.

Days: Saturdays Times: 9:00-9:45 am Gym: Yahara School

Why 3 on 3 Basketball?

Times: 6:30-7:15 pm

Small sided games such as 3 on 3 basketball give children more space, more time, and more ball possessions that is aimed at developing skills. The average 3 on 3 player gets twice as many meaningful touches as an average 5 on 5 player. http://learntocoachbasketball.com/small-sided-games-player-development

Program Code: 1163.400

Dates: November 10 to February 23

Futsal

Active Start, FUNdamentals SNAG® stands for “Starting New at Golf”. It is a FUN game that is EASY to learn and can be played ANYWHERE. SNAG® contains all the elements of golf but in a modified form. Falling somewhere between miniature golf and regulation golf, SNAG® allows for full shots, pitching, chipping, and putting. It is a proven learning & training tool for entry level Volunteer coaches are needed. Volunteer coaches are responsible golfers. For more information go to www.snaggolf.com. Max of 16 for coaching a team on the game days and a station during the participants in a class. practice days. We will provide an on court training opportunity that will go over the different station activities for practice along Dates: 2/27–3/20 with expectations for games.

Days: Wednesdays

No Class Dates: 11/21, 11/24, 11/28, 12/1, 12/26, 1/5, 2/20

Registration Deadline: 10/29 and 12/29 for Session 2 Session Dates Fee Program Code (Residents/NR) Session 1

11/3–12/15; No Class 11/24

$40/$48

1120.400

Session 2

1/5–2/9

$40/$48

1120.401

$70/$80

1120.402

Days & Times: Wednesdays–6:35-7:35pm, Saturdays–10:00-11:00 am Who: Children in 3rd & 4th Grades (boys and girls) Location: Saturdays–Community Building Gym, Wednesdays–River Bluff Middle School Fee: Residents - $90, Non-Residents - $100 Program Code: 1120.407 Deadline: 11/3

Little Viking Basketball – 1st Grade

FUNdamentals Each session will cover six weeks where players will learn the basic fundamentals and work on developing movement skills that are necessary to play basketball. Parents are welcome to volunteer and assist with coaching activities if they would like to be involved and learn about basketball coaching. Participants will receive a 25-inch basketball. The classes are for this age group is for both girls and boys. Sign up for both sessions and save $10.

Days: Saturdays Times: 10:00-10:45 am Gym: Yahara School Registration Deadline: 10/29 for Session 1 & 12/29 for Session 2 Session Dates Fee Program Code (Residents/NR) Session 1

11/3–12/15; No Class 11/24

$40/$48

Session 2

1/5–2/9

$40/$48

1120.404

$70/$80

1120.405

Session 1 & 2 11/3–12/15 & 1/5–2/9;

No Class 11/24

SNAG Golf

FUNdamentals Classes will rotate between practice days and 3 on 3 game days.

Approximately four children will be placed on a team. The practice days will consist of a warm-up and a station based practice that will work on developing fundamental skills. The game days will consist of three games of 3 on 3 basketball. We will provide a head coach that will assist volunteer parent coaches. Children will receive a reversible Junior NBA jersey and a 27.5 inch basketball.

Youth Activities

Session 1 & 2 11/3–12/15 & 1/5–2/9;

No Class 11/24

Junior Viking Basketball – Grades 3 & 4

1120.403

Youth Open Gym Basketball

Junior NBA/WNBA Travel Leagues

Learning to Train The Stoughton Recreation Department is teaming up with other Dane County area recreation departments to bring a travel basketball league for children in grades 5-8. The program will focus on the FUNdamentals of basketball and emphasize good sportsmanship and teamwork. Each team will be guaranteed 8 games and an end of season tournament. Games will be played at various locations in Dane County on Saturday mornings and there will be two practices during the week. Children will receive a reversible Junior NBA or WNBA jersey.

Volunteer coaches are needed! Coaches training opportunities will be offered.

Dates: 11/5-3/18 Closed: 11/12, 12/24, 12/31, 2/4, 2/18 Times: 5:30-6:30pm Location: Community Building Gym

Place: Yahara Gym Fees: Resident - $30, Non-Resident - $38 FUNdamentals, Learning to Train Futsal is an indoor version of soccer that is played around the world. Players participate in “open-play” games that encourage creativity, develop foot skills, and teamwork. Soccer coaches will give tips when appropriate. Futsal has been instrumental in developing soccer talent in Brazil. A drop-in fee of $5 is also available.

Please contact the Recreation Department if you would like to use this option as there might be changes to the classes.

Place: Fox Prairie Gym Days: Tuesdays–Grades 1-2 and 5-8, Thursdays–Grades 3-4 Fee: $25–Residents, $33–Non-Residents Deadline: One week before session starts Max class size: 16 Session I Grades

Program Code

Dates

1-2

1131.400

11/13-12/18, No 11/20 6:15-7:15 pm

3-4

1131.401

11/15-12/20, No 11/22 6:15-7:15 pm

5-8

1131.402

11/13-12/18, No 11/20 7:20-8:20 pm

Session II Grades

Program Code

Dates

Times

1131.404

1/15-2/12

6:15-7:15 pm

Days: Practices–Weekday Evenings, Games–Saturday Mornings & Early Afternoons

3-4

1131.405

1/17-2/14

6:15-7:15 pm

Dates: Practices start in December. Games start in January and end in March

5-8

1131.406

1/15-2/12

7:20-8:20 pm

Deadline: 11/2

High School Recreational Basketball League

5th Grade Boys

1123.400

Active for Life We are once again offering a basketball league open to all high school students except players involved on high school teams.

Players will sign up individually and teams will be created through a draft process.

6th Grade Boys

1123.401

Days: Tuesdays

1123.402

Team Practice Day & Time: 12/4, 6:00-7:30 pm

1123.403

Game Dates: 12/11, 12/18, 1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19

1123.404

Times: 6:00-9:00 pm, game times will vary

Fee: $85–Residents, $95–Non-Residents Who

Program Code

Big 10 Volleyball League (Grades 5-8)

Location: Sandhill Gym The Stoughton Recreation Department is teaming up with other Dane County area recreation departments to bring a travel volley- Program Code: 1122.400 ball league for children in grades 5-8. The program will focus on Fee: $50–Residents, $60–Non-Residents the FUNdamentals of volleyball and emphasize good sportsmanship and teamwork. There will be three practice days leading up to Draft: 11/29 at 5:00 pm at the Stoughton Area Youth Center five tournament days. Volunteer coaches are needed!

Practice Days & Dates: Sundays, 1/20–2/3

Adult Sport Programs

Fee: $2 daily rate or $20 season pass

Practice Times: 12:45-2:00 pm

Coed Volleyball League

Junior NBA 3 on 3 League – 2nd Grade

Practice Location: Yahara School Gym

Grades: 3-8th. Younger children can attend but must be accompanied by an adult

Times

1-2

We will be having an open gym on Monday nights this fall and winter 5th Grade Girls for children. Please bring your own ball if attending. A gym supervisor will be present. The season pass also includes Saturday and Sunday 6th Grade Girls open gyms, but the child must be accompanied by an adult for those. 7-8th Grade Boys Days: Mondays

Grades: K-2

FUNdamentals Classes will rotate between practice days and 3 on 3 game days.

Approximately four children will be placed on a team. The practice days will consist of a warm-up and a station-based practice that will work on developing fundamental skills. The game days will consist of three games of 3 on 3 basketball. We will provide a head coach that will assist volunteer parent coaches. Children will receive a reversible Junior NBA jersey and a 25-inch basketball.

Tournament Days & Dates: Sundays, 2/10–3/10

Who

Program Code

Volunteer coaches are needed. Volunteer coaches are responsible for coaching a team on the game days and a station during the practice days. We will provide an on-court training opportunity that will go over the different station activities for practice along with expectations for games.

5th

1170.100

Tournament Times: Typically 12:00-3:00pm Who: Girls in Grades 5-8 Fee: $60–Residents, $70–Non-Residents Deadline: 1/11

Active for Life We will be offering a coed volleyball league on Friday evenings this winter. The league will last 8 weeks and will run in January through early March. The league will be self-officiated and we will provide a site supervisor who will record scores. Team registration forms, rules, and other league information can be found on our website–www.stoughtonrec.com/sports

Pickleball Open Gym

7th 1170.102

Active for Life Pickleball is a fun game for all ages. It is a racquet game that combines elements from table tennis, tennis, and badminton. We will be providing nets, balls, and court markers. Please bring your own racquet.

8th 1170.103

Who: Adults

6th 1170.101

Youth Sports Sampler

Fee: $40 season membership or $2 drop-in FUNdamentals Small sided games such as 3 on 3 basketball give children more In this program kindergartners will be introduced to six different Times: 9:00-Noon space, more time, and more ball possessions that is aimed at sports. The different sports could include floor hockey, indoor soc- Location: Yahara Gym developing skills. The average 3 on 3 player gets twice as many cer, basketball, tennis, t-ball, and dodgeball. This is a great way Tuesdays meaningful touches as an average 5 on 5 player. http://learnto- for your child to sample a sport and see what they like the best. coachbasketball.com/small-sided-games-player-development Dates: October 2–May 28 Times: 11:15am-12:00pm Dates: November 10 to February 23 Closed: 12/25, 1/1, 3/26 Days: Saturdays No Class Dates: 11/21, 11/24, 11/28, 12/1, 12/26, 1/5, 2/20 Wednesdays Days & Times: Wednesdays–5:30-6:30pm, Saturdays–9:00-10:00am Dates: 1/12–2/16 Dates: October 3–May 29 Location: Yahara Gym Who: Children in 2nd Grade (boys and girls) Closed: 10/24, 11/21, 12/19, 12/26, 1/2, 2/20, 3/27 Grades: Kindergarten & 1st Grades Location: Saturdays–Community Building Gym, Fridays Wednesdays–River Bluff Middle School Program Code: 1300.400 Dates: October 5–May 17 Fee: Residents - $90, Non-Residents - $100 Fee: $30–Resident, $38–Non-Resident Closed: 10/26, 11/23, 12/21, 12/28, 2/22, 3/29 Program Code: 1120.406 Registration Deadline: 1/5 Deadline: 11/3 Why 3 on 3 Basketball?

The Tower Times Adult Basketball Programs

Adult Winter Basketball Leagues

Active for Life We offer multiple different basketball leagues.

Our basketball leagues generally start in middle to late November and run through the end of March. Please see the different league options below. Sunday game times are in the afternoon/early evening. The leagues have 10 game seasons with end of season tournaments. These are officiated leagues and standings are kept. Sign up as a team or as a free agent. Team registration forms and league information can be found on our website–www.stoughtonrec.com/sports. Please call our office at 873-6746 if you would like to be put on our free agent list.

Fall 2018 9 Beginning and Advanced Pottery

This pottery class is designed for beginning through advanced students of mixed ages. Basic hand building and wheel throwing will be demonstrated while presenting many project ideas. Beginning students will be guided through a series of projects designed to help them learn form, design, pattern, and craftsmanship. Advanced students will further their skills with specific goals and self-directed projects. All students will complete dinnerware that can be used at home and will have an opportunity to use the pottery wheel. The finished pottery is safe to use in the oven, microwave, and dishwasher. There are 5 working days, 1 glazing day, and a 30 minute pickup day at the end. Classes will be held at Green Road Pottery on Main St. Stoughton.

Adult Fitness Classes Drop-In Vinyasa Yoga

Men’s Sunday A

Times: 5:30-7:00 pm. The last day of each session is a pick-up day and is from 5:30-6:00 pm.

Active for Life Improve flexibility and circulation, strengthen and tone muscles, and relieve stress with our yoga class.

Classes are taught by our certified instructor who specializes in Vinyasa style yoga. This is yoga class is for people who participate in yoga on a regular basis or prefer an intense workout. Wear loose fitting clothing, bare feet or socks. Please bring a yoga mat as they’re not provided. The schedule for classes can be found on our website at www.stoughtonrec.com/programs.

Men’s Sunday B

Location: Green Road Pottery (261 W Main St)

Days: Sundays and Wednesdays

Men’s Monday (Over 35)

Ages: 9+

Times: 6:15–7:15 pm

Women’s Wednesday

Fee: $140

Location: 2nd Floor of Youth Center

Adult Open Gym Basketball

Min/Max Participants: 4/8

Ages: 16+

Session

Days

Dates

Program Code

Winter Tuesdays 2/6-3/13 1364.400

These are a great alternative if your schedule is too busy to commit Deadline: One week before class to a league. Please bring your own ball if you plan on attending.

Instructor: Brook Johnson These open gyms are for ages 16+. However, younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult.

New this year is a season pass for $20. Season passes can be purchased online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/stoughtonrec/Home. Pass holders will be notified in the event of gym closures due to weather or school scheduling conflicts that arise.

Saturdays Dates: November 3–March 16 Closed: 11/24, 12/1, 12/22, 12/29, 1/5, 2/23 Location: Community Building Times: 12:00-1:30 pm Fee: $2 per day or $20 for season pass Sundays Dates: November 4–March 17 Closed: 11/25, 12/16, 12/23, 12/30, 1/6, 2/17 Location: High School Field House Times: 12:30-2:00 pm Fee: $2 per day or $20 for season pass

Stoughton Recreation Ski Club Trips Go on a ski trip with the Recreation Department! We have multiple trips to Devil’s Head, Tyrol Basin, and Cascade Mountain.

Trips take place on Friday nights in January and February. Trips are for middle and high school age children. Sign up the week of the trip at River Bluff or at the Recreation Department. Look for more information at the schools in late December or on our online registration page - https://apm.activecommunities.com/stoughtonrec/Home.

Norse Park Outdoor Skating Rink

We plan on having the skating rink at Norse Park be open this winter. The open and close dates are dependent on the weather.

The warming house is open weekdays from 5-8 PM and weekends from 12-4 PM.

Enrichment & Cultural Classes Chicago Holiday Shopping Trip

Join us on a trip to Chicago on our holiday shopping trip! Avoid the hassle of driving and parking in Chicago and enjoy a stress free coach bus ride. Michigan Avenue will have everything on your holiday shopping list. For more information on the stores and restaurants on Michigan Avenue visit http://www.themagnificentmile.com/.

Who: Adults (children may go, but must be accompanied by an adult) Date: December 8 Day: Saturday Pick-up/Drop-off Time: 9:00 am–8:00 pm Pick-up/Drop-off Location: City Hall Program Code: 3260.400 Min. Registrations: 25 Fee: $40

The Kids Chef - Muffin Tin Madness!

The Kids Chef Lily Kilfoy is back in this hands-on cooking class for kid’s ages 5-12 years old. Sure you can make muffins or cupcakes in muffin tins, but did you know that you can also prepare pizza, tacos, wontons and a vast variety of tasty treats in those perfect pans? In this class participants will whip up multiple of Chef Lily’s rad recipes. Vegetarian option and also nut free!

Ages: Children Ages 5-12 Times: 12:00-1:15 pm Location: Stoughton Youth Center Date: November 17 Min/Max Participants: 6/15 Fee: $20 Program Code: 1311.303

Drop-In Fee: $5 Punch Cards: A 10 visit punch card can be purchased for $40

Youth Painting Classes Little Reindeer

For this class the children will be doing a painting of a darling reindeer. They will be using acrylic paint on a 16 x 20 canvas.

Throughout this painting we will be working on shading and blending. I will walk the kids through the painting step by step.

These paintings turn out beautiful and will work as a wonderful holiday gift or treasured piece to hang in your home for the winter.

Day & Date: Saturday, December 1st Time: 1:00-3:00pm Ages: 6 to 12-year olds Location: Stoughton Youth Center Fee: $40 Program Code: 1383.302 Min/Max Participants: 10/20

Stoughton Parks & Recreation 381 E. Main Street Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-6746 www.stoughtonrec.com www.facebook.com/stoughtonrec www.twitter.com/stoughtonrec

10 Fall 2018

Go Ahead, Deck the Halls!

This holiday season, Stoughton Utilities is reminding homeowners and businesses about the benefits and advantages of energy efficient lighting options to help customers stretch their holiday dollar and trim their holiday energy bill. Compared to standard incandescent holiday lights, LED holiday lights use up to 90 percent less energy to produce the same amount of light, cost significantly less to operate, and last longer than standard lights.

The Tower Times

Stoughton Utilities RoundUp Program Donates $1,000 to Stoughton Free Health Clinic

Sharon Mason-Boersma and Sharon Folbrecht of Stoughton’s Free Health Clinic recently accepted a check for $1,000 from Stoughton Utilities. This donation is part of Stoughton Utilities’ RoundUP program, a voluntary program that ‘rounds up’ customers’ utility bills to the next whole dollar. All proceeds are distributed to local non-profit community organizations. The mission of Stoughton’s Free Health Clinic is to To help you start saving, we are giving customers one strand of provide free non-emergency care to adults in the Stoughton area who LED holiday lights and one holiday light timer, while supplies last! cannot afford the cost of health care. The Free Health Clinic will use the Stoughton Utilities customers can receive one strand of LED holiday lights and one light timer when RoundUP funds for equipment, medicine, and other medical supplies to they donate 4 items for the Stoughton Personal Essentials Pantry. The Personal Essentials Pantry be provided to clients free of charge. helps families in Stoughton with household essentials that aren’t provided at the food pantry, includ- Stoughton Utilities began its RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to ing: toilet paper, Kleenex, body wash, toothbrushes, winter hats, and more. Visit our website for a full further assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Over list of items that are needed! five percent of Stoughton Utilities customers have voluntarily chosen to participate in the program Not only are LED holiday lights energy efficient, but they greatly reduce the risk of fire because they and are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities over a emit much less heat than traditional lights. Since they do not have the same components that cause century ago. Customers wishing to participate in the RoundUP program, or non-profit organizations requesting to be considered for future donations, may sign up online at stoughtonutilities.com/roundtraditional lights to burn out or combust, they also last for many holiday seasons. up, or by calling Stoughton Utilities customer service at (608) 873-3379.

Stoughton Utilities also wants customers to be aware of safe operating practices for all types of holiday lighting.

Mercury – Do You Have It in Your Home?

• Always remember to turn off tree and decorative lights, both indoors and outdoors, before leaving home or going to bed. Use a holiday light timer to make this easier.

Mercury is a toxic compound that is extremely hazardous to our environment. We need everyone’s • Always check last year’s leftover lights for cracked or broken sockets, frayed insulation or bare help to keep mercury out of the wastewater and landfills. Wastewater treatment plants are capable of removing over 90% of the mercury entering the plant, however, the ultra-low limit of 1.3 nanograms wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged cords. per liter (ng/L) is now required. The only cost effective way to manage the level of mercury in Stough• Before you buy lights for use outdoors, read the packaging and the tag on the cord to make sure ton’s wastewater is to reduce mercury discharge into the treatment plant from users of the sanitary they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside! sewer system. Listed below are some of the most commonly used mercury products: • Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

• Barometers

• Amalgam dental fillings

For more holiday energy-saving ideas, visit us online at stoughtonutilities.com. Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season!

• Fluorescent light bulbs

• Lab thermometers

• Medical fever thermometers

• Latex paints made before 1990

Celebrate the Holidays Safely

• Blood pressure cuffs

• Thermostats

How to dispose of mercury products

Keep your family safe during the holidays by keeping electrical safety in mind and by following these Do not put any mercury compounds down the drain or in the trash. Hazardous household wastes can simple safety tips... be safely disposed of through Dane County Clean Sweep, located at 7102 US Highway 12, Madison.

More information about Clean Sweep can be found on their website at danecountycleansweep.com.

Outdoor Lighting • If your outdoor decorating requires a More information about mercury can be found at dnr.wi.gov/topic/mercury. ladder, always look up first before raising it. Don’t raise ladders or other extended objects into or near power lines. inter tility ills

W

• Planning to string lights in outdoor trees?

Make sure tree limbs haven’t grown into or near electric lines. Branches and even entire trees can become energized if they contact the line.

U

B

With winter rapidly approaching, Stoughton Utilities would like to remind our customers of the importance of paying their monthly utility bills during the winter months. Each month, Stoughton Utilities has to pay our wholesale power provider for the electricity that we distribute to Stoughton homes and businesses, even if those customers don’t pay us. Unpaid bills contribute to increased utility rates for all customers.

Making an effort to keep your account balance under control during the winter months is very import• Before using lights outdoors, check laant. Here are some tips to help keep your winter electric costs manageable: bels to be sure they have been certified • If you are finding it difficult to make the monthly payment, please keep in mind that even partial for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, payments will help keep your balance from growing out of control. Try to pay as much of your bill string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove as you can each month. You can also make weekly payments to keep the payment amounts manthem. ageable. Paying online is quick and easy using My Account.

• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid po• We can work with you to establish a deferred payment agreement to address your balance. These tential shocks. agreements require a down payment, and then regular installment payments until the balance is • Don’t overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground. paid.

• Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords-you could damage the wire • Please continue reading below to obtain contact information for winter Energy Assistance. Eligible or insulation, which could lead to an electrical shock or fire. customers will receive a one-time benefit to help cover their winter electrical expenses.

Indoor Lighting

• Check all tree lights-even if you’ve just purchased them-before hanging them on your tree. Make sure all the bulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose connections.

• Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.

• Contact us to enroll in our Budget Billing program to avoid bill fluctuations and have a predictable monthly bill. With this program, your utility bill is a fixed amount each month, with a payment amount equal to the average of your monthly charges. The amount will be reviewed and adjusted twice a year to be sure that the monthly payment stays similar to your monthly usage. You can find out what your Budget Billing amount would be, and easily enroll or cancel by logging in to My Account online, or by giving us a call.

• Inside your home route cords so they won’t trip anyone. Additionally, don’t place them under rugs, • Consider enrolling in AutoPay and having your monthly bill automatically deducted each month. appliances or other objects, as they may overheat if covered or become worn and cause a fire.

Enrollment is simple, and can be done online by logging in to My Account.

Trimming the Tree

• Whether artificial or freshly cut, a tree should be kept a safe distance away from all sources of heat, including fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters.

Failing to keep up with your account during the winter months can have serious repercussions, potentially including one or more of the following:

• By not paying during the winter, you will inevitably find yourself with a very large balance due in the spring. If the average customer with a $150 monthly bill goes all winter without paying, they will owe over $1,000 in April, and that balance may be required to be paid in full or result in a dis• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water connection of service. absorption and will help to keep your tree from drying out and becoming a fire hazard. Be sure to keep the stand filled with water, because heated rooms can dry live trees out rapidly.

• Failure to pay your winter bills may cause Stoughton Utilities to require a mandatory security deposit to be posted on your account. The deposit required for customers who do not pay during the • Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, winter will be the total of the four highest consecutive month’s bills during the last 12 months of and place candles where they will not be knocked down. service. Using the average $150 monthly bill, you may be required to pay a security deposit of $600 • It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going in April, and that’s in addition to your full past-due balance. to bed.

• Stoughton Utilities may choose to take you to small claims court for any delinquent balance, where • For both inside and outside lighting projects, follow the rule of using no more than three sets of lights we may seek damages of up to three times the unpaid balance. on a single extension cord to prevent overheating and reduce the chance of fire.

• Stoughton Utilities may submit your account to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) for • Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations. collections through the State Debt Collection Initiative. The DOR will attempt to deduct payment from your state tax refund, garnish your wages, or place a bank levy on the funds in your checking Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season! or savings account. In addition, the DOR will charge an additional fee of 15% of the unpaid balance.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant.”

If you have questions about your bill, would like to sign up for our Budget Billing program, or need to establish a deferred payment arrangement for your delinquent balance, please give us a call at (608) 873-3379.

The Tower Times

Fall 2018 11

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program

Momentary Outages

As a customer of Stoughton Utilities, you may be eligible for the State of Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). This program was established to help members of our state with limited financial resources to cover their winter energy costs, including both electricity and natural gas or other heating fuels.

Interference from wildlife is the most common cause of power outages at public utilities. As the weather gets cooler, small animals such as squirrels are more likely to be attracted to electric equipment and the heat that they give off, which can cause disruptions and outages in your electric service.

Momentary outages are a sign our system is working. Occasional momentary power outages have always existed and are, in fact, an indication that our electric delivery system is operating safely and correctly. A number of conditions can affect the electric system and result in a momentary power outage:

WHEAP electric (non-heating) assistance is a onetime benefit payment during the heating season of October 1-May 15. The funding pays a portion of the household’s costs, but the payment is not intended to cover the entire cost of the non-heating costs, and will not cover any part of your water or wastewater charges.

• Wildlife and other animals • Lightning, wind, ice • Tree branches • A contractor dig-in into buried facilities

What happens during a momentary outage?

The amount of the non-heating assistance benefit varies depending on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and non-heating costs. In most cases, the non-heating assistance benefit is paid directly to Stoughton Utilities, and is applied to future bills to reduce the required monthly payment.

Our electric system is designed to sense unsafe or unstable conditions affecting the flow of electricity on a power line - a tree branch or an animal contacting our wires, or weather conditions such as wind, ice or lightning. When the system senses a disturbance, the electric current is automatically interrupted by a device called a recloser, similar to the fuses or circuit breakers in a home. In most cases, within a few seconds, these electrical devices will instantly and safely reclose the circuit to restore power. Occasionally, the device will retrip because the problem still exists on the line. This will If you live in a dwelling that is heated using electricity instead of gas or oil, then you are may also cause momentary interruptions and flickering lights. Normally, after three consecutive operations, be eligible for WHEAP heating assistance. This is an additional one-time payment during the heating the recloser locks in the open position. This results in an extended outage requiring the attention of a utility crew. season that pays a portion of your heating costs.

Under the eligibility requirements, customers at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income may Using reclosers and other devices for temporary disturbances actually increases the reliability of the circuit. Their operation means that our system is operating exactly as it was designed in order to proqualify for WHEAP assistance, including: tect the public from hazardous situations and minimize extended power outages. Without automatic • A single person with an annual income below $27,480 per year; reclosing, a power interruption would continue until a utility employee could travel to the location of the problem, determine the cause and manually restore the power.

• A couple without children with an annual income below $35,935;

Can anything be done to minimize the impact?

• A family of three with an annual income below $44,391;

There are ways customers can minimize the effect of momentary interruptions on voltage-sensitive devices or equipment. If you’re a business customer, our service representatives can provide information about UPS equipment-Uninterrupted Power Supplies and about CVTs (Constant Voltage • Guidelines for additional household sizes can be found online at www.stoughtonutilities.com.

Transformers) which are used in many commercial and industrial applications to maintain service If you are approved for energy assistance through WHEAP, you will receive bill payment assistance and voltage levels. for both your Alliant Energy natural gas bill (or other heating provider), as well as your Stoughton We are very concerned about power interruptions of any length - and are committed to providing safe, Utilities electric bill. reliable electric service. When power is interrupted, be assured that our crews are dispatched quickly To apply for energy assistance, please contact Energy Services Inc. at (866) 432-8947 to schedule to safely restore electric power to our customers. an appointment. You may apply anytime from October 1 through May 15.

• A family of four with an income of up to $52,846;

How Common are Momentary Outages?

Give Them a Brake!

Working outdoors in Wisconsin’s harsh winters is hard enough, but when utility crews have to deal with dangerous drivers in work zones, it only makes it that much more difficult. Whether it’s around electric linemen restoring a power outage or a water crew repairing a water main break, work zones are no place for impatience or aggressive driving. The added seconds you may save while speeding through a work zone are not worth placing your utility’s worker’s lives at risk.

The national average for momentary service interruptions is five times per customer per year. In parts of the country where lightning strikes are more common, momentary outages are more frequent. Our system is designed and maintained to help minimize the frequency of momentary outages.

UTILITY WORK AHEAD

Tragically, over 1,000 people die across the nation every year in road work zones. Please follow these important tips for safely driving in road work zones. Your life – and ours- depend on it!

Paperless Billing and My Account Online Go Green, Go Paperless!

How would you like to never again open your mailbox to receive your Stoughton Utilities statement, or to never have to write another check to pay your bill? You can make this happen, simply by enrolling in paperless E-Billing, making your payments online using My Account, or enrolling in our AutoPay program.

These choices are simple, convenient, and smart. With paperless billing, there are no bills to mail, file, or to clutter your mailbox. You can manage the entire bill-paying process online, including access 24 hours a day to view past bills, payment activity, and flexible payment options. Going paperless also • Always slow to work zone speed limits, or slower. keeps you in control of the security of your personal information, as well as reduces your impact on • Pay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and the environment. By enrolling in AutoPay, the billed amount due will be deducted each month on the due date from your checking or savings account, or charged to your credit or debit card. vehicles may be working near the road.

• Keep a safe distance from traffic barriers, construction equipment, utility workers, and other traffic.

• Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use.

Log in to My Account online at stoughtonutilities.com to go paperless today.

• Watch for and follow all warning, lane closure, and construction detour signs.

In addition to payments and E-Billing, My Account also allows you to manage other payment and billing options, including Budget Billing, RoundUP, and renewable energy. We have also added new and improved ways to monitor and review your energy and water consumption.

You can compare your bills to those of other customers near your neighborhood, analyze your present and past bills to learn more about how your usage has changed over time, see how the weather may be affecting your consumption patterns, and more.

• Plan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.

• Always buckle up.

Look for Air Leaks, and Stay Warm You tell your kids they’re heating the Great Outdoors when they don’t keep the windows shut or close the door behind them. You could be doing the same thing without even knowing it. Your heated indoor air could be leaking out of your house through the tiny cracks and holes around phone lines, electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, and around windows and doors.

Now that the warm weather of summer and autumn is giving way to the cooler temperatures and harsh winds of winter, it’s important to prepare your home for the change in seasons. Finding and sealing the air leaks that create drafty cold spots in your home is a simple home maintenance chore that can potentially save you 5% to 30% in heating costs over the winter.

Take a walk around the outside of your house and you may see little gaps where the inside light shines through around window frames, wall-mounted air conditioners, exhaust vents and more. To find the cracks and holes too small to see, close all your windows and doors, turn on your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans, and then hold a smoke stick or lit incense stick near each door, window, and exterior wall outlet. If the smoke rises undisturbed, then you are leak free, but if the rising smoke is noticeably disturbed, then you have a small hole or crack to fill.

Once you find the locations where cold air is leaking in, seal them with caulk or weather stripping to keep your warm air indoors where it belongs.

Is It Really Flushable?

A lot of personal hygiene products claim to be sewer and septic safe, but before you actually flush them down the toilet, think again. There are only two items that should ever be flushed: human waste and standard toilet paper. All other products such as baby wipes, moist towelettes, “flushable” wipes, paper towels, rags, cloth diapers, cleaning pads, and more should always be discarded in the trash, not the toilet. These products do not break down in the sanitary sewer system, and can clog laterals, sewer mains, pumps, all of which can lead to sewer backups into homes and businesses.

What we put down our drains and toilets can not only clog our sanitary sewer and septic systems, but they also can negatively impact our environment and put our health at risk. Hazardous materials such as motor oil, antifreeze, paint and paint thinners, mercury, and even unused pharmaceutical drugs can remain in our waterways even after treatment.

If you need to discard hazardous materials, visit the Dane County clean sweep collection site. You can find more information at danecountycleansweep.com.

If you need to dispose of unused prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins, you can safely do so at any MedDrop site, including the drop box located outside the Stoughton Police Department’s main entrance. More information, as well as a listing of other MedDrop sites can be found at safercommunity.net/meddrop.php.

12 Fall 2018 Tower Times - November 14, 2018

Old Man Winter Will Soon Be Here For The Season!

Is Your Vehicle Prepared?

We take care of your family by taking care of your family’s car!

(608) 873-8800

Hours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. Closed

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton • conantauto.com Friend us on Facebook • Home of the 3 year, 100,000 mile warranty adno=34462