Tower Times Winter 2012

The

Tower Times

City of Stoughton

Issue 3, Fall 2012

***NOTICE – City of Stoughton Tax Payers *** The City of Stoughton held a Public Hearing on November 13, 2012 to review the proposed 2013 City budget. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review at City Hall and at the Stoughton Library.

Tax Billing The Treasurer’s Office will send out bills

by December 17th. Tax payments can be mailed using the pre-addressed envelope provided to you with your tax bill, or made in person at Stoughton City Hall Deputy Treasurer’s Office. Please include the bottom portion of your tax bill with your payment. First installment payments are due by January 31. Please make first installment checks payable to the City of Stoughton Treasurer. Please note, NO CASH PAYMENTS will be accepted. We are no longer able to accept cash payments for real estate and personal property tax bills.

We continue to encourage taxpayers to make their payments through the mail with the return envelope provided.

If a written receipt is needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope must accompany the payment. Contact the

Treasurer’s office if you have a question regarding your tax bill.

Lottery Tax Credits Did you move into your home during 2012? If you owned your home on January 1, 2012 and use it as your primary residence, 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. To be eligible for a lottery tax credit this year, you must have owned and resided in your home on January 1 of the current year. This residence also must be where you live for more than six months of the year.

Vacation homes, rental homes, businesses and bare land do not qualify for this credit. If you purchased your home after January 1, 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. 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 (646-0420) or the Office of the County Treasurer (266-4151).

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.

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 2013: $16.00 unless the dog is spayed or neutered in which case the fee is $12.00.

2

Fall 2012 • The Tower Times

City of Stoughton Holiday Hours To better serve our community City of Stoughton offices will be open all day, New Years Eve, December 31, 2012.

Thanksgiving

City Offices are CLOSED Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22nd and all day Friday, November 23rd.(The Library will be open on Friday, Nov. 23rd.)

Christmas

NEW in 2012 - City offices will be CLOSED all day, Christmas Eve Day, Monday December 24th and Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25th. (The Police Department and Street Department will be open as usual on Monday, Dec. 24th.)

New Years Day

NEW in 2012 - City offices will be OPEN all day, New Years Eve Day, Monday December 31st, 2012 - 7:30am – 4:30pm. (The Police Department and Street Department will observe regular hours.)

All offices will be CLOSED on New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, 2013.

Snow Enforcement For Public Sidewalks

City Hall: (608) 873-6677

Don’t Know Who to Call?

Building Complaints – Department of Planning & Development (Building Inspector) 873-7626 Building Permits – Department of Planning & Development (Building Inspector) 873-7626 City Licenses – City Clerk’s Office (Deputy Clerk 646-0423) Sidewalks – Department of Planning & Development (Assistant Planner) 646-0421 Recycle Containers - 873-6677; John’s Disposal 1-888-473-4701 Signs/Permits – Department of Planning & Development (Assistant Planner) 646-0421 Taxes – Finance Department 646-0420

Street Department: (608) 873-6303

Dumpster – Permits Street Complaints Street Lights – Downtown Page to Fifth Street Opening Permits *Note – if it involves Water or Sanitary Sewer a permit & fee from Stoughton Municipal Utilities also. 873-3379

Street Signs Traffic Signals Trees – Park row

Stoughton Municipal Utilities: (608) 873-3379 Bulk Water Sales Drinking Water Questions Electric Service Applications Sewer Backups – Stoughton Municipal Utilities (Wastewater Division) Street Lights Water Service Applications

Media Services Department/WSTO TV: (608) 873-7523 Cable Channel 98 or 981 WSTO Webstream DVD/CD Duplication Event Coverage Media Transfers (MiniDV, VHS, DVD, CD etc.)

Election Dates For 2013

Ordinance section 64-13 allows the City of Stoughton De- February 19 (Spring Primary) partment of Planning & Development staff to issue a citation April 2 (Spring Election) to any property owner of a parcel where snow and/or ice have not been removed from the public sidewalk. City staff The Clerk’s office would like to thank all the City of Stoughton Election Inspectors, and City will inspect properties 2 days after a snowfall has ended employees who took time out of their schedules to assist with the six Elections in 2012. and send a notice to the property owner and tenant where a Debbie, Pili & Nick violation exists. One notice will be sent for a specific property per season. City staff will wait until 9:00 am 3 days after the letter has been sent to re-inspect the property and issue a citation where a violation still exists. After a citation is issued, City Staff will wait until 9:00 am 3 days after the he olidays round the ire ouse citation has been mailed to re-inspect the property and if the property is still in violation and there has been no ad- The 2012 Stoughton Holiday Light Park ditional snowfalls, City Staff will either remove the snow or Presented by the Stoughton Fire Department contract to remove the snow and report the expense to the Located just East of the Stoughton Fire Station, this years display will feature 50,000 LED lights, all sequences to Holiday city Finance Director, who shall bill the property owner.

Music selections, Broadcast on 88.5 FM The City of Stoughton will be actively enforcing this ordinance. The entire width of the public sidewalk is expected to There will be 27 illuminated trees, the tallest a 25 feet tall and twin 18 foot trees with a special lighting effect. A very special feature of the 2012 display will remain a surprise! be cleared of snow and ice including ramps.

If you have any questions regarding snow enforcement of The Stoughton Holiday Light Park is made possible by those that have sponsored the display by contributing , labor, fundpublic sidewalks, please call the City Zoning Administrator ing, or materials to build the display.

T

at 608-646-0421

You Can Help Lakes and Streams During Winter It’s very important to continue to pick up after your pet all year long, especially during winter. If you don’t pick up pet waste right away, it can soon be encased in snow and ice, ready to be carried away with melt water when it warms up.

Grassy areas that would normally allow water to soak in are frozen during winter, so they’re more like a parking lot greatly increasing the surface area from which runoff flows.

So, the bacteria and nutrients found in pet waste are much more likely to make their way to the nearest storm drain.

And contrary to common belief, rain and melting snow that goes into storm drains does not go to the sewage treatment plant. Rather, it goes to the nearest lake or stream. So, be sure to continue to scoop the poop this winter and do your part to help keep lakes and streams free of pet waste. For more ideas on how you can help lakes and streams near you, go to www.myfairlakes.com.

H

A

F

H

The 2012 sponsors to date are the members of the Stoughton Fire Department, The City of Stoughton, The Bryant Foundation, The Wahlin Foundation, Stoughton Rotary, Alliant Energy, Cummins Inc. and Galva-Closures.

The display will be illuminated on Friday November 30th at 5:30 pm and run every night 4:30 to 10:00 pm thru New Year’s Day. Enjoy the display from the comfort of your car.

The 21st Annual Holiday Fire Truck Parade

The Stoughton Silent Fire Truck Parade and Fire House Fun will be held on Saturday December 1st at 5:30 pm.

The Parade will travel on Main Street from Wal-Mart to the Fire Station.

Home Made Cookies and Hot Cider will be served at the fire station. The Stoughton City Band will play your favorite Holiday music and Santa will be in house to greet the kids, come and enjoy the fun.

The Stoughton Holiday Fire Truck Parade is brought to you by the Stoughton Fire Department.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift…

Wisconsin Style!

We ship anywhere. Stop in or call today!

Mail order boxes and gift baskets now available!

183 E. Main St., Downtown Stoughton

(608) 873-1777

Order online at cheesers.com Ship Now For Christmas Delivery

The Tower Times • Fall 2012

3

                              

  

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

          

     

               

  

    

     

 

  

     

     

        

                     

              

         

            

       

        

                                              

                                                    

                                                                                               

4

Fall 2012 • The Tower Times

Gratitude - a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation This is the time of the year that we take time to pause and reflect on all the things we have to be grateful for. As I think over the past year I am grateful for so many things.

I am grateful for city employees that go above and beyond each and every day to serve the citizens of Stoughton.

I am grateful for all the volunteers, Alderpersons, businesses, committee members, churches and organizations that give to our community in ways to numerous to list.

I am grateful that Stoughton is a community that goes the extra mile to provide for all. We have a strong business community providing employment for our residents and neighbors. We have wonderful schools that provide a quality education for our students. We have beautiful parks and a vast variety of recreational opportunities for all to enjoy. We have an award winning community hospital. We have a local arts community that is surpassed by none in our area. Our Opera House brings a wide variety of music and entertainment for the entire family. We have one of the most beautiful Main Streets as confirmed time and time again by visitors and residents alike. Stoughton truly is a full service community for all ages providing for our medical, retail, cultural, entertainment and religious needs.

I am grateful for all the people and things that make Stoughton a wonderful community to live, work and play.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season.

Mayor Donna Olson

City of Stoughton Garbage Collection 2012 Holiday Schedule Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22, 2012

Monday - Wednesday collections will remain unchanged, Thursday collections will occur on Friday, November 23rd & Friday collections will occur on Saturday, November 24th.

Christmas Day - Tuesday, December 25, 2012 Collections from Tuesday - Friday will be delayed one day.

New Years Day - Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Collections from Tuesday - Friday will be delayed by one day.

Social Host Ordinance Passes City Council

Police Beat

The Stoughton City Council approved a Social Host ordinance on October 23, 2012. The purpose of a Social Host ordinance is to provide an enforcement provision that can penalize anyone who knowingly provides a location for underage alcohol drinking to take place. The ordinance carries steep penalties that include fines from a minimum of $1,000 up to $5,000. Social host ordinances target individuals who host or knowingly allow underage drinking events.

Hopefully, this acts as a deterrent by holding a person(s) responsible for hosting an event or gathering where underage possession or consumption occurs. The new ordinance is a civil forfeiture action and is handled by the City’s Municipal Court. It is not a criminal action, although those that host can also be charged criminally under Wisconsin State Statutes.

Underage drinking is a serious problem in Wisconsin and in the City of Stoughton. Unfortunately, underage drinking parties are still all too common in Wisconsin. The City of Stoughton is taking the danger posed by these parties and the adults who permit or fail to prevent them very seriously.

Alcohol is frequently a contributing factor in the leading causes of death among youth (accidents, homicides and HANSON ELECTRONICS; 3.3757 in; 3 in; Process color; 252447

suicides) and the prelude to numerous tragedies including, sexual assault, falls, drowning and vehicular injury.

Social Host ordinances are intended to help deter underage alcohol violations. These ordinances are considered most effective when fines are steep; the amounts in Stoughton’s ordinance are actually based on research with youth, who said that even when their parents made them pay the fine, anything less than $1,000 would not deter them. The City of Stoughton is taking a stand to reduce underage alcohol consumption and lower the consequential dangers associated with it. Please join us in taking this stand to make our community safer for all.

Police K-9 The Police K-9 program takes the next step forward by securing the kennel facility for our new K-9. The police department has chosen Southern Police K-9 in North Carolina as our purchase and training facility. The facility was selected after staff researched multiple nationally recognized K-9 facilities throughout the United States. Southern Police K-9 was the best fit for our department and has an outstanding reputation. We have secured a training date in January of 2013 to have our handler be matched with a K-9 partner and receive 6 weeks of onsite training. The department is in the process of selecting the K-9 Handler now and will make ating Celebr ars!

50 Ye

• Proudly Serving the Stoughton Area Since 1962 • Family Owned and Operated • Stop In During Happy Hour Fridays 3-5pm 1/2 Price Single Stem Flowers (Cash & Carry)

Stoughton Floral 168 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI Flower Phone: 873-6173 or 866-595-6800 Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5:30pm; Sat. 8am to 3pm www.stoughtonfloral.com

an announcement soon.

We want to thank the community for stepping up and supporting the K-9 program. The program is entirely funded through donations and we have raised over $35,000.00 to be used to support the program.

Crime Watch Theft from parked motor vehicles continues to be a growing problem in the city. Thieves are taking anything of value they can find in parked vehicles. First targeted are unlocked vehicles, but break-ins are also occurring. Please help reduce these thefts by always locking your vehicle and not keeping valuables inside or visible. Another great way to reduce these thefts and burglaries is to install automatic lighting. It’s relatively inexpensive and helps to deter those that sneak around your property in the night. Also, please report any suspicious behavior to the police department at the time you observe it. Let’s all work together to reduce these incidents.

Treat Yourself After A Day of Shopping!

Our Gift Certificates Make A Great Gift.

Have Your Holiday Party Here!

3097 Sunnyside Street, Stoughton (608) 205-9300 • springersonthelake.com

The Tower Times • Fall 2012

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

The Library is open Monday-Thursday 9-9, Friday & Saturday 9-5, and closed Sunday. Call us at 873-6281 or find us online at www. stoughtonpubliclibrary.org and on Facebook.

If you do not have a library card there is no charge – just bring in a current picture ID with proof of your current address. If your ID does not show your current address, please bring some other proof of address such as a piece mail, personal check, utility bill, etc…. Parents must sign the registration form for children under age 18.

In addition to printed books, the Library offers a wide range of feature and documentary DVDs, audio books on disc or downloadable; e-Books for your Kindle, Nook, or other devices; magazines and newspapers; language learning audios; computers for internet access or Microsoft Office applications; and a state of the art wireless network that can be accessed anywhere in the building.

The Library will be closed Monday, December 24 and Tuesday December 25 for the Christmas holiday; and closed December 31 and January 1 for the New Year’s holiday.

Friends of the Stoughton Public Library The Friends are looking forward to 2013 as they approach the year with a concerted effort to educate the community about the “Friends”. January starts the year as the traditional membership renewal effort. Anyone who finds value in having a public library in our community is strongly encouraged to sign up to support this group. The Friends main goals are to raise money and awareness for the Stoughton Public Library, which is accomplished through their various activities. In this first part of the year, the Friends anticipate being a presence in the library by having “Meet and Greet Mornings” offering coffee and donuts while chatting with library goers and providing information about Friends. February is a busy month with the “Valentine’s Brunch” on Saturday, February 9th, the Annual Friends meeting on Tuesday, February 19th and a special 1- day only “Bag Day” Book Sale at the end of the month. A full “Spring Book Sale” will be held in April. Pie Place at Syttende Mai (May), this year will include a new twist, the addition of homemade cupcakes! Those are just a few of the ways the Friends are actively supporting the library.

As a community member, there are numerous ways you can become involved with the Friends. Obviously there are active roles such as officers and committee chairs and worker bees at the various activities, but no matter what your time and talents are, there is definitely a place for everyone. Just stop in at a Friend’s activity and say “Hi”. You will meet some great people and have the satisfaction of knowing you’re participating in a way that will touch many people.

Upcoming Library Programs

5

Julseth’s repertoire consists of many different styles of music, such as Classical, Renaissance, Irish, Modern, and even a holiday number or two. “Music on the Mezz” is sponsored by the Friends of the Stoughton Public Library.

Teen Tuesdays

Tuesday, December 18 at 6:30pm

Join the Friends of the library and work together on ideas for library fundraising. The Friends help with the book sales, Autumn Gala, Coffee Days raffle and Pie Place. New members are encouraged to attend.

“Music on the Mezz” concert series with Celtic harpist Kathy Julseth Thursday, January 3 at 7:00 pm

The Mezzanine, which is usually the quiet study and reading area of the Library, will be filled this wintery night with the beautiful sounds from this delightful instrument. Ms.

More information will be available soon. This is a family friendly event.

Annual Friends Meeting

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to attend a teen themed program once a month. Some programs are crafty, some are parties but all have snacks! No registration is required.

February Adult Book Discussion

“Thursdays With Murder” Mystery Book Discussion Group

Thursdays, January 10, February 14, March 14 at 6:30pm The purpose of most book groups is to read a book and talk about it. The purpose of this book group is to read a variety of titles, talk, and learn about mysteries and mystery authors. Reading for each month includes multiple titles tied together by a common theme or author. Members take their pick of titles to read, and discussion ideas tie everything together for the meetings.

Tuesday, February 19

Tuesday, February 26 at 7pm

A Secret Gift: How One Man’s Kindness – and a Trove of Letters – Revealed the Hidden History of the Great Depression

by Ted Gup Copies of the book are available at the Adult Services Desk.

No registration required.

“Bag Day” Book Sale February

More information will be available soon.

March Adult Book Discussion Tuesday, March 26 at 7pm

LEGO Club

Saturdays, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13 at 10am Come and build a masterpiece with a variety of Legos. The library will provide the Legos, all you need are the ideas!

Drop in anytime during the program. No registration required.

How the Irish Saved Civilization: The Untold Story of Ireland’s Heroic Role From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe

by Thomas Cahill Copies of the book are available at the Adult Services Desk.

No registration required.

Family Evening Storytime

Our People Make the Difference

Thursdays, January 17, February 21, March 21, April 18 at 6:30pm Storytime for children ages 0-5 and their families with stories, songs, puppets, crafts and more! No registration required. Come in your pajamas and make this program your bedtime story!

Preschool Storytime

Wednesdays, January 23 – April 10 at 10am Storytime for children ages 0-5 and their families with stories, songs, puppets, crafts and more! No registration required.

Totally Toddlers

Fridays, January 25 – April 12 at 9:30am Storytime for children ages 0-3 featuring shorter stories, lots of songs, puppets, fingerplays and a short craft. No registration required.

January Adult Book Discussion Tuesday, January 22 at 7pm

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern Copies of the book are available at the Adult Services Desk.

No registration required.

Teen Advisory Board

Thursdays, January 31, February 28, March 28 at 7pm Help shape the Teen collection and programming at the library. All ideas are welcome and this is a great volunteer opportunity. Snacks will be served and no registration is required. For teens in grades 6 and up.

Wednesdays, December 5-19 at 10am

Friends of the Library Meeting

Saturday, February 9

Tuesdays, January 8, February 5, March 5 at 3:15pm

Music Together

Join Jo from Music Together for a music program for children ages 0-5 and their families.

The program features a variety of music activities. No registration required.

Friends of the Library Valentine’s Brunch

24 Hour Emergency Service Science Diet Pet Food Office hours by appointment Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

1621 E. Main St., Stoughton 873-8112

Stoughton’s Only Locally Owned Pharmacy!

Competitive Prices & Free Delivery CHECK OUT OUR LINE OF DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TOO!

(within the city limits & a small fee outside city limits)

100 E. Main Street in Stoughton

873-3244 • www.mcglynnrx.com Monday-Friday 8 am-6 pm, Saturday 8 am-5 pm, Sunday 8 am-noon

LIFT CHAIRS!

FREE Delivery! Within city limits. Small fee outside.

Several models in stock! Come try one today!

6

Fall 2012 • The Tower Times Active Stoughton for Life One of the main goals of the Stoughton Parks and Recreation Department is to create healthy lifestyles. A proven way to create healthy lifestyles is through physical activity and sport. Active Stoughton for Life (AS4L) is a movement to improve physical activity and sport in Stoughton. AS4L uses a scientific model called the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Model as its framework.

Ice Skating Lessons Coaches from the Stoughton Youth Hockey Association will be helping children learn to skate in our skating lesson program again. The skating lessons are open to students ages 4 years and above and all skill levels. The classes will be broken down into groups by skill level once they ‘hit’ the ice. The emphasis on this program is having fun while learning to skate. A limited amount of daily skate rentals are available at the Mandt Community Center (873-7528) and long-term rentals are available through Middleton Sports & Fitness (8363931).

LTAD was created by sports scientist Dr. Istvan Balyi. LTAD is a seven-stage training, competition, and recovery pathway guiding an individual’s experience in recreation and sport from infancy through adulthood. LTAD does away with early specialization until age 12 and eases into more competitiveness as they mature and children get older. Using LTAD will make physical activity and sports more enjoyable for the children, and assist them in becoming better athletes. This will also foster in children the continued desire to participate in sports that will lead to active and healthy lifestyles for the duration of their lives.

LTAD is used by hundreds of national sport federations, and is currently being introduced in America through national sport associations such as USA Hockey, USA Youth Soccer, and USA Football.

Times: 10:45-11:45 am

Winter Youth Sport Programs

Days & Dates: Saturday Mornings, 1/5-2/2

Sports Sampler for Kindergartners

Ages: 4+

In this activity kindergartners will have a chance to play six different sports to see what they like. The different sports will include floor hockey, indoor soccer, basketball, tennis, t-ball, and dodgeball. Please bring your own racquet for the week of tennis.

Program Code: 1240.407

Times: 5:30-6:15 pm

Grades: Kindergarten

Fee: $50 - Residents, $60 - Non-Residents

Days: Tuesdays

Program Code: 1300.403

December Young Rembrandt Art Classes

Dates: 1/8-2/12

Fee: $30—Residents, $38—Non-Residents

Location: Yahara Gym

Registration Deadline: 12/28

Location: Mandt Community Center

Preschool Art

Futsal

Encourage your preschooler’s enthusiasm for art and creativity.

This program introduces a variety of new artistic lessons that will challenge and excite your budding young artist.

Futsal is an indoor version of soccer that is played around the world. Players participate in ‘openplay’ 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 including stars such as Ronaldinho. 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.

Cartooning

Learning about visual story telling is a concept your child will explore as they depict sequences to tell those stories. This program will teach your child how to illustrate facial expressions and personify inanimate objects.

Place: Fox Prairie Gym Days: Tuesdays—Grades 3-4 and 7-8, Thursdays—Grades 5-6 and High School

All of the classes are located in the Youth Center and all supplies are included. The days and dates are Saturdays from 12/1-12/15

Fee: $20—Residents, $25—Non-Residents

Class

Age

Time

Program Code

Fee (Res./NR)

Preschool Art

3.5-5

8:30-9:15 am

1306.303

$27/$30

Cartooning

6-12

10:45-Noon

1305.405

$28.50/$31.50

Grades

Program Code

Dates

Times

3-4

1131.440

1/8-2/12

6:15-7:15 pm

5-6

1131.441

1/10-2/14

6:15-7:15 pm

7-8

1131.442

1/8-2/12

7:20-8:20 pm

High School

1131.443

1/10-2/14

7:20-8:20 pm

*There is another session of futsal that starts the week of 2/19

Zumba

Our Zumba classes are taught by certified instructors through Fit Pro Services. Fit Pro Services teach Zumba and other fitness classes in many different locations in Rock and Dane Counties and will be bringing tremendous fitness class experience to Stoughton. Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away.

Morning Classes

Evening Classes

Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays

Days: Tuesdays

Times: 5:15-6:00 am

Times: 6:15-7:00 pm

Location: Youth Center

Location: Youth Center

Fee: $5 Drop-In

Fee: $5 Drop-In

Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold targets the largest growing segment of the population: baby boomers. It takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. What stays the same are all the elements of the Zumba Fitness-Party is known for: the zesty Latin music, like salsa, meringue, cumbia, and reggaeton; the exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves; and the invigorating, party-like atmosphere.

Times: 9:15-10:00 am

Days: Mondays

Location: Youth Center

Fee: $5 Drop-In

Vinyasa Yoga

Improve flexibility and circulation, strengthen and tone muscles, and relieve stress with our yoga class. Classes are taught by our new certified instructor who specializes in Vinyasa style yoga.

Wear loose fitting clothing, bare feet or socks. Please bring a yoga mat as they’re not provided.

Times: 6:15-7:15 pm

Days: Thursdays and Sundays

Location: Youth Center

Fee: $5 Drop-In

Women’s Volleyball League

Our women’s volleyball league is on Tuesday evenings and starts in December. Teams play a 10 game schedule and an end of season tournament. Team fee is $200 and is due November 29. Team registration forms are available on our website or at our office.

How to sign-up for a program?

1. The first way is by filling out a paper registration form. A paper registration form can be found near the end of the guide. Once the paper registration form is filled out, a person can mail it to us or stop by our office.

2. The second way is by going to our online registration site, https://activenet9.active.com/ stoughtonrec/. Online registration is fast, simple, and convenient.

These are only a sampling of our programs. For a complete listing go to our online registration website.

381 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589 873-6746 • stoughtonrecreation@ci.stoughton.wi.us www.cityofstoughton.com/rec • https://activenet9.active.com/stoughtonrec/

Fall 2012 - The Tower Times - 7

STARK AUTOMOTIVE; 10.377 in; 16 in; Process color; 254047

8

Fall 2012 • The Tower Times Winter Stoughton Utility Bills 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.

Failing to keep up with your account during the winter months can have serious repercussions; you may find yourself with a very large balance due in the spring which can result in a disconnection of service. Also, failure to pay your winter bills will 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 winter will be the total of the four highest consecutive month’s bills during the last 12 months of service.

Give the Gift of Light…

This holiday season, you can give the gift of light to a neighbor or loved one. Stoughton Utilities is offering gift certificates which can be used towards any customer’s utility bill.

Gift certificates may be purchased for any amount. Stop by the utility office at 600 South Fourth Street or call us at (608) 873-3379 for more information.

Celebrate the Holidays Safely…

Keep your family safe during the holidays by keeping electrical safety in mind and by following these simple safety tips…

Outdoor Lighting

• Before you buy lights for use outside, read the packaging or the tag on the cord to make sure they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside.

• If your outdoor decorating requires a ladder, always look up first before raising it.

Don’t raise ladders or other extended objects into or near power lines.

• 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.

• Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use. To hold lights in place, string them through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them.

• Plug all outdoor electric decorations into circuits with ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid potential shocks.

• Don’t overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.

• Don’t staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords-you could damage the wire or insulation, which could lead to an electrical shock or fire.

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.

• Inside your home route cords so they won’t trip anyone. Additionally, don’t place them under rugs, appliances or other objects, as they may overheat if covered or become worn and cause a fire.

• Pets and toddlers sometimes become attracted to electrical cords. It’s a good idea to secure cords so that they are not easily reached.

• Don’t use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings. This could create an electrical shock.

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.

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

• Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water 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.

• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.

• It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.

• For both inside and outside lighting projects, follow the rule of using no more than three sets of lights on a single extension cord to prevent overheating and reduce the chance of fire.

• Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy and safe holiday season!

During the holidays, as well as throughout the remainder of the heating season, we know it can be very difficult for many families to meet their normal living expenses. Taking advantage of Stoughton Utilities Budget-Billing Option allows you to plan ahead for a utility bill that will be a fixed amount each month. The amount of your payment will be 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.

Making an effort to keep your account balance under control during the winter months is very important. If you are finding it difficult to make the monthly payment, please keep in mind that even minimal amounts will help keep your balance from growing out of control by spring. If you have questions about your bill or signing up for the Budget-Billing option, please give us a call at (608) 873-3379.

Customer Credit Program As a customer of Stoughton Utilities, you may be eligible for our Customer Credit Program.

This is a Commitment to Community program that was established to help members of our community with limited financial resources cover their energy costs.

More households may qualify for heating assistance this winter thanks to changes in eligibility requirements for the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). WHEAP is a federally funded heating assistance program that can ease the energy burden faced by customers with limited financial resources.

Under the eligibility requirements, customers at or below 60 percent of the state’s median income may qualify for WHEAP assistance, including: • A single person earning up to $24,284 per year; • A family of four with an income of up to $46,696.

Customers who did not qualify for assistance a few years ago may now be eligible. To determine eligibility, applicants must provide the following to their local social services or energy services office: • Proof of income for the past three months for all household members 18 years or older; • Social Security cards for everyone in the household; • Utility bills (heating and electric) for the past 12 months; • If applicable, a rent certificate or landlord’s statement verifying that heat is included in the rent.

To apply for energy assistance, please contact Energy Services Inc. at (608) 267-8601 to schedule an appointment. You may apply anytime from October 1, 2012 through May 15, 2013.

If you are approved for energy assistance through WHEAP, you will automatically be approved for Stoughton Utilities’ Customer Credit Program without having to complete any additional paperwork.

Give Them A Brake!

Working outdoors in Wisconsin’s 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.

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!

• Always buckle up.

• Pay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and vehicles may be working near the road.

• Always slow to posted work zone speed limits.

• Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use.

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

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

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

Tree Branches vs. Electric Wires Tree limbs that come in contact with power lines are a major cause of electrical outages, and limbs that touch electric power lines can become energized or even break and fall, bringing the lines down with them. This risk is increased over the winter months due to the heavy weight added due to snow and ice accumulation.

To reduce outages caused by tree contact, Stoughton Utilities prunes trees away from its power lines on a planned five-year cycle. Our line clearance program is one of many efforts we employ to help ensure the reliability of your electrical service, and for many years, our program has been honored with the Tree Line USA award.

Like the majority of utilities nationwide, Stoughton Utilities does not routinely trim around service drops. The service drop is the wire that runs from the pole to your home or business. This line serves only you, and each individual property owner is responsible for keeping it clear of trees and branches. These overhead service lines have insulation on them to protect the wires from incidental contact with energized lines so individuals who are comfortable and responsible around electric wires can easily and safely remove the branches with appropriate tools and equipment for the job. Individuals that don’t feel safe or comfortable around electric wires should always hire a professional tree trimming contractor.

When lights flicker during storms and on windy days, it can typically be explained by trees making contacts with overhead power lines located throughout our service territory. This

The Tower Times • Fall 2012 may be happening on the wires between poles located along streets, alleys, or back and side yards and may not necessarily be happening in front of your homes or on your service drop wire.

Please alert us to any line issue that requires immediate attention, such as broken or dead limbs hanging on or over power lines. Also remember, before planting a tree on private property, take a look up. If you see power lines where the tree will eventually grow, please plant a type of tree that is appropriate for the location a has a limited maximum height that will not cause . For more information on our line clearance program or information on maintaining your service drop, please contact us.

Create A Better Future As a customer of Stoughton Utilities, you can purchase renewable energy blocks to offset a part or all of your electrical usage through our Renewable Energy Program. Renewable energy is generated from clean, green energy sources such as wind, biogas, and the sun, and is purchased in 300 kilowatt-hour (kWh) blocks; each block costs $3.

Purchasing one block of renewable energy each month for one year has the equivalent impact on the environment as not driving a car for six months and avoids emitting over three tons of carbon dioxide.

In Stoughton, 437 customers purchase 1,087 blocks of renewable energy each month.

That’s the equivalent of 326,100 kWh, enough to power 544 average-sized homes.

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 and plumbing pipes, as well as around windows and doors.

Take a walk around the outside of your house and you’ll see little gaps around window frames, wall-mounted air conditioners, exhaust vents and more. Those leaks can increase your heating bill 5 – 30 percent! Seal the leaks with caulk and keep your warm air indoors where it belongs.

Be Prepared For Power Outages Wisconsin winters always seem to bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small snowstorm can result in a large power outage. Our overhead power lines and poles are directly exposed to the wind, snow, sleet, and ice, all of which have the power to cause severe damage. Once the lights go off it’s too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t get caught searching in the dark for a flashlight or candles.

Medical Equipment

If you or a family member relies on medical equipment powered by electricity, create an emergency plan and create a designated neighbor, friend, or family member that you can temporarily relocate to during prolonged outages. We cannot assure any customer that a storm or equipment problem will not interrupt power, so you should consider purchasing a battery backup system to keep your critical needs equipment running during brief outages.

Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equipment and regularly test the equipment’s back-up power sources. If your condition warrants immediate attention, always contact 911 for assistance.

Sump Pumps and Cordless Phones

Your sump pump runs on electricity, so consider a battery back-up. Choose one that will switch on automatically if an outage occurs. Your cordless phone will not work during a power outage; consider a spare plug-in telephone, or keep your cell phone handy for emergency situations.

Generators

Test your generator every 30 days to make certain that it is in good operating condition.

Always follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation. If back-feeding your generator into your home’s electrical system, ALWAYS use a transfer switch or disconnect your main breaker switch. Failure to do so could injure or kill our lineman working to restore our system, or bystanders who come into contact with wires on the ground.

Assemble An Emergency Kit

Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit that’s easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items:

• • • • •

Working Flashlights Battery-Operated Radio for news & weather reports Batteries for Flashlights & Radio Candles & Matches Blankets! This is extremely important during the winter since your furnace can not run without electricity.

• Bottled Water (City customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not) • Canned or Dried Food • A Corded Telephone (cordless phones don’t work when power is out.)

Other Things to Keep in Mind

• Remember that electric garage door openers will not function during a power outage. Place your unit on “manual” if possible.

• Electric sump pumps and pumps used for rural customer’s wells also will not work during a power outage.

• Protect electrical equipment from possible surges when power is restored. Use surge suppression devices to protect sensitive equipment such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, televisions, stereos and major appliances - or simply unplug them.

• A power outage may affect the operation of security and alarm systems.

• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refrigerator doors closed as much as possible. Food will stay frozen up to 48 hours if the door is not opened frequently.

• Blinds and curtains will help shield against the heat of the sun, so while the airconditioning is off you should keep your windows covered.

• If you leave your home or business, switch on a light that can be seen from the street. Our crews often “spot check” to ensure all customers have their electricity back on. Try to shut all other appliances and electrical equipment off.

9 • For the safety of everyone, stay clear of crews, vehicles and equipment in the area.

• After the power is restored, you can safely reconnect appliances and equipment, and reset devices that operate on timers.

• Stoughton Utilities’ drinking water and wastewater treatment processes will be active during an outage.

Create a Family Plan

Parents: make sure your children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a caretaker. Make sure they know how to stay warm, and check in with them frequently.

Support Stoughton Non-Profits

by Enrolling in Project RoundUP Stoughton Utilities began our Project RoundUP program in 2006 as a way to further assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Currently 386 of your neighbors participate in the program with voluntary monthly contributions. In 2011 alone, we collected and awarded $3,300 in funds to four local organizations. The customers that participate in this program are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities over a century ago.

About Project RoundUP

Stoughton Utilities customers can opt to enroll in the voluntary RoundUP program. Each month, your utility bill will “round up” to the next highest dollar amount. This small taxdeductible contribution may seem like only pennies a month to you, but the dollars add up quickly when many customers participate. All contributions are tax-deductible and a summary for the prior year is mailed each January.

Customer Contribution

The typical contribution per program participant is approximately $6.00 per year. Amongst all participating customers, over $3,000 is raised each year and awarded by the Stoughton Utilities Committee twice annually to local community service organizations.

How It Works

Contributing through the RoundUP program is really very simple. Each month Stoughton Utilities will round up your utility bill to the next full dollar. For example, if your bill is $41.17, it would be rounded up to $42.00 and your monthly contribution will be $0.83.

Your maximum contribution per year could be $11.88, but generally will be less than that and averages around $6 per year.

If you also participate in our Budget Billing program, the actual costs of your monthly service will be rounded up and not your monthly payment. Your budgeted payment will not change as a result of enrollment in Project RoundUP.

Major Funding Categories

Collected funds are administered by the Stoughton Utilities Committee and overseen by the Stoughton City Council. Donations are awarded bi-annually to qualifying registered applicants selected by the Stoughton Utilities Committee. Selection is based upon the merits of the application and the intended use of the funds.

To qualify for funding, organizations and projects must generally be related to community service, economic development, education and youth, environment, emergency energy assistance or disaster relief. Although there are many worthy charitable and educational projects and community needs in our local area, the limited availability of funds requires us to establish these funding priority categories.

Contributed funds will be used geographically within the area served by Stoughton Utilities and will include the City of Stoughton and the Townships of Dunn, Dunkirk, Pleasant Springs, Porter, and Rutland. Organizations which provide programs and benefits to people who live in this geographic area are eligible for funding consideration, even if the organization is headquartered elsewhere.

We always welcome new applicants, so if you are aware of any local non-profit organization that would like to be considered for future donations, please have them contact us for an application.

Past Recipients

Past recipients of funds include the Friends of the Stoughton Area Youth Center, Shalom Holistic Health Services, American Legion Post 59, Stoughton Wellness Coalition, Martin Luther Christian School, Stoughton Lions and Lionesses Clubs, Stoughton Holiday Fund, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, and the Friends of the Stoughton Public Library.

If you are a customer and would like to sign up to participate in the program, or if you’re a non-profit organization that could benefit from a donation from Stoughton Utilities’ RoundUP program, please contact us at (608) 873-3379 or online at http://roundup.stoughtonutilities.com.

Included with the purchase of every vehicle from Viking Motors 3 Month, 3,000 Mile Limited Powertrain Warranty With NO CO-PAYMENTS! 12 Month, 24/7 Roadside Service With Emergency Gas, Jump Start, Towing AND Lockout Service!

FREE CARFAX REPORT! Two Keys AND The Owner’s Manual!

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

817 W. Main Street • Stoughton (866) 229-4905 • www.vikingmotorcars.com • www.cars608.com

Your Hometown Dealer With Small Town Prices — Where We Always Treat You Right!

Kevin Doerr

Larry Franceschi

Ken White

Ruben Gonzales

10

Fall 2012 • The Tower Times

Save Time and Money With Automatic Payments

Stoughton Utilities Responds to Hurricane Sandy

How would you like to never have to write another check to Stoughton Utilities? You can, by enrolling in one of our automatic payment programs. Each month, the billed amount due will be deducted from your checking or savings account, or charged to your credit card. All banking information is securely stored within our systems, and you’ll never have to transmit your sensitive account numbers through the mail again.

On Tuesday October 30, Stoughton Utilities joined other Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW) members, as well as responders from throughout the Midwest, in providing mutual aid to the millions of electric customers without power due to Hurricane Sandy.

You can add, cancel, or change your automatic payment program participation at any time. Simply give us a call at 873-3379 or send an email to CustomerService@StoughtonUtilities.com and one of our customer service representatives will get you started.

Appliance Recycling Program Are you stuck with older, inefficient appliances that are still in use? Did you know they’re costing you extra money on your energy bills? We think it’s time to break free. When you’re ready to get rid of your old refrigerators or freezers still in working condition, Stoughton Utilities will arrange for, and cover the costs of pick-up, haul-away and responsible recycling. We’ll even pay you up to $60!

Refrigerators built before 1993 can use two to three times more energy than newer, high-efficiency models. Many homeowners keep a second fridge or stand-alone freezer in their garage or basement. Recycling these appliances can save you approximately $150 a year on your energy bills.

Cash-back rewards through the Appliance Recycling Program are available to residential customers and subject to the following criteria: • $30 for each refrigerator and freezer (limit 2 per customer per calendar year).

• Refrigerator or freezer must be: o Between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size. o Clean and empty on the day of pick up, and in working condition. o Accessible with a clear and safe path of removal.

• The removal team will not risk injury; remove personal effects or modify your home (e.g. remove doors or railings) to have the unit(s) removed safely If you have an old refrigerator or freezer in working condition, scheduling a pick-up is fast and easy. To start saving money on your energy bills simply call the appliance turnin center’s toll free number at (855) 398-5226 to schedule a pickup. Customers may also sign up for appliance pickups online at http://incentives.stoughtonutilities.com.

If you are just disposing of a dehumidifier, air conditioner unit, or other small appliance and live inside the City limits, you can simply put it out with your trash on the last garbage pick-up day of each month. John’s Disposal will collect any small appliances and responsibly recycle them.

Please note that this does not include televisions or other electronics. If you have a non-working unit, please contact John’s Disposal to arrange a pick-up for a fee.

Stoughton Utilities sent one crew to assist in restoration efforts in Pennsylvania.

Restoration efforts included clearing downed power lines and trees, replacing damaged power poles, and rebuilding the overhead electric distribution system.

Stoughton Utilities employees were assigned to assist restoration efforts in Tannersville, PA in Monroe County, which is on the Eastern edge and borders New Jersey. At the time the Stoughton Utilities crew arrived, Monroe County had over 34,000 customers without power and was said to be the hardest hit portion of Pennsylvania.

“There was an immediate need for overhead infrastructure restoration, and when we heard the request for mutual aid, we immediately volunteered to help in the effort” said Sean Grady, Stoughton Utilities Operations Superintendent. “Approximately 20,000 linemen from across the country had been requested to respond to the emergency, and Stoughton Utilities was proud to have two volunteers amongst them.”

for providing consumers with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service to local recognition for demonstrating best practices that help consumers reduce energy costs, save energy and protect the environment, Kardasz’s involvement in the electric industry continues to benefit Stoughton Utilities in many ways.

Kardasz is also a guiding force on several committees and advisory groups that oversee WPPI Energy programs and services. In addition to serving as Stoughton’s representative on the board of directors, Kardasz currently serves on WPPI Energy’s Rates and Delivery Service Advisory Group and Distribution Services Advisory Group. He has also contributed to WPPI Energy through his prior work on the WPPI Energy Executive Committee and the WPPI Energy Personnel Committee.

“We are pleased to recognize Bob for his longstanding efforts and commitment to the success of Stoughton Utilities and WPPI Energy,” said Mike Peters, WPPI Energy president and chief executive officer. “Bob has demonstrated a strong commitment to the public power utility model and his dedication and ongoing commitment to the public power mission benefits the community and the residents of Stoughton.”

Through his participation in several state associations and utility activities, Kardasz continues to promote the interests of Stoughton Utilities’ customers and public power in general. He is a regular participant in the efforts of the Municipal Electric Utilities of Wisconsin (MEUW), participating in several legislative rallies since 2000, including the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Legislative Rally in Washington, D.C. Kardasz has also been active in shaping legislation that affects public power communities and the electric utility industry. His service to various utility groups has made him widely recognized and well-regarded among utilities in the Midwest region.

Sun Prairie, Wis.-based WPPI Energy serves 51 local, nonprofit electric utilities in Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. Together, WPPI Energy’s member utilities share resources, own generation facilities, and combine their purchasing power to provide reliable, affordable electricity to more than 195,000 homes and businesses. Visit www.wppienergy.org.

Shown leaving for Pennsylvania are Journeyman Linemen John McLain and Brian Scheel, who drove an electric hybrid bucket truck over 800 miles.

Stoughton Utilities’ Director Recognized for Contributions to Benefit Municipal Utilities Stoughton Utilities’ Director Bob Kardasz was recognized by the utility’s nonprofit power supplier, WPPI Energy, with the Individual Achievement Award for his commitment and dedication to helping municipal utilities provide excellent service to their customers. WPPI Energy presented Kardasz with the award at its annual meeting on September 13 in Green Lake.

Kardasz has more than 30 years of leadership experience in the electric utility industry. Kardasz has assisted the utility and WPPI Energy staff in evaluating, developing and maintaining programs and services that are accessible to all WPPI Energy member utilities. From national recognition

(L to R) Chair of the WPPI Energy Board of Directors and General Manager of Kaukauna Utilities, Jeff Feldt; Stoughton Utilities’ Director, Bob Kardasz; WPPI Energy President and CEO, Mike Peters. Bob Kardasz received the WPPI Energy Individual Achievement Award in recognition of his commitment and dedication to the success of municipal utilities.

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. To help you get started, we’ll even give you two strands of LED holiday lights for free!

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.

LEDs and CFLs also emit much less heat than traditional lights, greatly reducing the risk of fire hazards, and do not have the same components that cause traditional lights to burn out or combust.

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

• Always remember to turn off tree and decorative lights, both indoors and outdoors, before leaving home or going to bed.

• Always check last year’s leftover lights for cracked or broken sockets, frayed insulation or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw away damaged cords.

• Before you buy lights for use outdoors, read the packaging and the tag on the cord to make sure they’re approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lighting outside!

• Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations.

F AMILY O WNED & O PERATED S INCE 1869 206 W Prospect Ave 873-9244

For more holiday energy-saving ideas, contact us at 873-3379. Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season!

The Tower Times • Fall 2012

11

Street Talks

Hello, I’m Street Superintendent Karl Manthe. Welcome to the first article of “Street Talks�. You may ask: “What is Street Talks? Why should I read this article?� Street Talks provides you with all the information you need to know about the services the Street Department provides. This information will benefit both you and the city so we can continue to excel with customer service.

Mailbox Placement

Thank you to all those that have already been following the guidelines for brush collection, leaf collection, garbage cart placement, mailbox placement, and snow removal requirements.

Snow Emergency

The equipment we use to carry out curbside service is large and needs adequate space to be able to navigate around vehicles and other obstacles.

Leaf Collection

Even though we are on the tail end of finishing up with fall leaf collection, it is important to make sure leaves are placed in the terrace (area between curb and sidewalk) for collection. It is a violation to rake leaves into the gutter/street.

Leaves raked into the street often wash into the stormwater system and pollute our water. Our leaf vacuums need to be close to the curb line of the street and it really helps if you can keep that area free of parked vehicles and trailers.

Refuse & Recycling Cart Placement

John’s Disposal and the City request that carts not be placed in the street, but instead place refuse carts on the terrace or your driveway approach. Place one cart within 2 feet of the street on one side of the driveway and the other on the terrace or driveway approach 2 feet within the street on the other side of the driveway. Please do not set carts to close to mailboxes, trees, and light poles. Keeping the carts out of the street also allows street crews to effectively sweep streets and plow snow to the curb. During the winter we ask that you shovel an area to place your cart.

To reduce the chances that your mailbox may be hit by a snow plow, you should follow US Postal regulations and place your mailbox 40-42 inches above the road surface and back 6 inches from the curb with the door down. Following these guidelines will increase productivity by snow plow operators.

A snow emergency is handled differently in the City of Stoughton. Most area communities have alternate side parking daily from mid November to mid April. Stoughton institutes alternate side parking only when a snow emergency is called. A snow emergency is called when 3 inches or more of snow is forecasted or 3 inches or more has fallen or as conditions warrant (ice storm, etc). The snow emergency lasts for 3 days and vehicle owners must abide with alternate side parking during this time frame. Notifications are made on the three (3) local television channels, most local radio channels, posted on city web page, and message on street department voice mail system. You can also sign up for direct email notifications. It’s really helpful to move your vehicle(s) completely off the street if possible; it makes for a better plowed street and improves plowing time efficiency and you don’t have to shovel snow to get your vehicle out.

Snow Removal from Driveways/Sidewalks

Our snow plow operators take a lot of pride in cleaning the snow off the streets. Nothing looks better then a freshly plowed street! So please, when you clean your driveways and sidewalks of snow do not blow or throw snow back into the street (city ordinance 64-13 (b) prohibits this). Please deposit your snow on your front yard; it can use the extra moisture after the summer drought. Let us know if you witness anyone violating this ordinance.

Social Media

We currently use email to send snow emergency notifications. Let us know of a better way to get the word out to you or other information you would like provided. We are exploring Facebook and Twitter as another option to communicate with residents.

Up Coming Changes

The proposed 2013 budget has some changes to the brush collection schedule. The Street Department has normally picked up brush curbside on the first full week of the month from April thru November. Due to promoting best pruning practices, we will only be collecting brush in the months of April, May, October and November. It is not healthy to prune trees in the summer heat, open wounds attract insects that can spread diseases to your trees. If you need to prune or remove a tree during the summer months, brush can be hauled to yard waste site (permit needed).

Future Articles Will Include Information On

Parkrow Tree Plantings and Maintenance, Spring Leaf Collection, New 2013 Brush Collection Schedule, 2013 Yardwaste Site Schedule, and Reporting a Pothole.

These articles will be published in Tower Times issues and placed on our web site at www.ci.stoughton.wi.us with time related information. While on the web site, check out Frequently Asked Questions.

Feel free to call with any questions, hope you find some helpful information with this article Until the next time, have a safe and happy holiday season Sincerely, Street Superintendent Karl Manthe 608-873-6303 • kmanthe@ci.stoughton.wi.us

Stormwater Utility

In September, the City of Stoughton approved the creation of a Stormwater Utility. A Stormwater Utility provides a fair and equitable way of collecting revenue for stormwater management under which all property owners are charged a user fee based on the amount of stormwater “produced� on their property. The fees collected will be used to carry out stormwater management activities as follows:

• Engineering studies to determine the size and type of structures that must be used to improve the drainage system and reduce risk of flooding. • Water quality studies to determine the areas where pollution reduction practices must be utilized along with other state requirements to meet Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) permit goals.

a. Maintenance • Cleaning, repairing, and replacing storm sewer manholes, inlets, and pipes. • Constructing new storm sewer projects. • Mowing ditches and greenways. • Cleaning brush or debris from drainageways where allowed. b. Water Quality Practices • Street sweeping. • Leaf collection. • Inspecting and enforcing construction site erosion control standards. • Maintaining stormwater detention basins. c. Planning and Engineering • Reviewing and approving land development stormwater management practices.

Property owners will be billed monthly through a separate charge found on their Stoughton Utilities’ Invoice starting in January 2013.

ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝

8;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1>ďż˝ /-9ďż˝ .1ďż˝ >1;-=-?10ďż˝ 59?:ďż˝ ?B:ďż˝ /:8;:919?>ďż˝ ->ďż˝ >4:B9ďż˝ 59ďż˝ 53@=1ďż˝ ďż˝ ) ()% ďż˝ " #- -ďż˝ B41=1ďż˝ B1ďż˝ 75A1ďż˝ -90ďż˝ B:=6 ďż˝ -90ďż˝ +ďż˝ " #- -ďż˝ B41=1ďż˝ B1ďż˝ 0=5A1ďż˝ -90ďż˝ ;-=6ďż˝ :@=ďż˝ A145/71> ďż˝ ďż˝ (?@051>ďż˝ 2=:8ďż˝ -/=:>>ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ /:@9?=Dďż˝ >4:Bďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1>ďż˝ -=1ďż˝ /-=ďż˝ 4-.5?-?ďż˝ -;;5177-ďż˝

ďż˝ 5?Dďż˝ :2ďż˝ %7D8;5-ďż˝ ďż˝ #!.+ ďż˝ ďż˝ " ! ďż˝ ! ďż˝ ďż˝

�   

 "� $ $

 ! � $ $

   

! ďż˝ $ďż˝ ďż˝ $ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝

>ďż˝ >4:B9ďż˝ 59ďż˝ 53@=1ďż˝ ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ -8:@9?ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1ďż˝ 5>ďż˝ -ďż˝ 61Dďż˝ 5905/-?:=ďż˝ :2ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 41-7?4ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 7:/-7ďż˝ >?=1-8> ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ $ďż˝ # ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ! ďż˝ ďż˝ " ! ďż˝ ! ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ # ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ (/4@171=ďż˝

For more information contact the Director of Planning and Development, Rodney Scheel. He can be reached at (608) 873-6619, or by e-mail: rjscheel@ci.stoughton.wi.us

1-7?4D >?=1-8> B5?4 25>4 >;-B9593 -=1-> 27:B> -90 >?-.71 .-96> ::7 >4-0D B-?1= 2:= - 05A1=>5?D :2 25>4 ::0 -90 4-.5?-? 2:= >:93.5=0> -90 :?41= -958-7> $-?@=-7 >/191=D 2:= =17-C-?5:9 -90 ;=5A-/D

53@=1 $ # " ! !

      





 

ďż˝

(@.05A5>5:9>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ :?41=ďż˝ ?D;1>ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 01A17:;819?ďż˝ 59/7@01ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1> ďż˝ >@/4ďż˝ ->ďż˝ =:-0> ďż˝ =::2?:;> ďż˝ 0=5A1B-D> ďż˝ >501B-76>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ ;-=6593ďż˝ 7:?>ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ ;=1A19?ďż˝ =-59B-?1=ďż˝ -90ďż˝ >9:B817?ďż˝ 2=:8ďż˝ >:-6593ďż˝ 59?:ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 3=:@90 ďż˝ ďż˝ )41ďż˝ 3=-0@-7ďż˝ -005?5:9ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1>ďż˝ 5>ďż˝ -ďż˝ /@8@7-?5A1ďż˝ ;=:/1>>ďż˝ B41=1ďż˝ :91ďż˝ 4:@>1ďż˝ 0:1>9F?ďż˝ 8-61ďż˝ -ďż˝ .53ďż˝ 05221=19/1 ďż˝ .@?ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 91Bďż˝ 4:@>1> ďż˝ =:-0>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ ;-=6593ďż˝ 7:?>ďż˝ .@57?ďż˝ :A1=ďż˝ ?581ďż˝ 4-A1ďż˝ -ďż˝ .53ďż˝ 58;-/?ďż˝ :9ďż˝ 7:/-7ďż˝ B-?1=>ďż˝ .Dďż˝ 59/=1->593ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ A:7@81ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =@9:22 ďż˝ ďż˝ 9ďż˝ 2-/? ďż˝ :91ďż˝ 59A1>?53-?:=ďż˝ 4->ďż˝ 1>?58-?10ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ B419ďż˝ -ďż˝ :91 -/=1ďż˝ 81-0:Bďż˝ 5>ďż˝ ;-A10 ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ -8:@9?ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =@9:22ďż˝ 2=:8ďż˝ -ďż˝ :91 59/4ďż˝ =-59>?:=8ďż˝ 59/=1->1>ďż˝ 2:70ďż˝ (/4@171=ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ 9/=1->1>ďż˝ 59ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ -8:@9?ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =@9:22ďż˝ =1>@7?ďż˝ 59ďż˝ 8:=1ďż˝ 1=:>5:9 ďż˝ 3=1-?1=ďż˝ 0175A1=Dďż˝ :2ďż˝ ;:77@?-9?>ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ 7-61>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ >?=1-8> ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 71>>ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ =1/4-=31ďż˝ 3=:@90B-?1=ďż˝ -<@521=> ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝

19?1=ďż˝ ď &#x20AC;ď &#x2C6;ď &#x2039;ďż˝ "-90ďż˝ *>1ďż˝ 0@/-?5:9ďż˝

#!.+ ďż˝ ďż˝ .&.% -#/ ďż˝ &) -,ďż˝ -(ďż˝ -+ &,

ďż˝ ďż˝

:ďż˝ D:@ďż˝ 69:Bďż˝ 4:Bďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 91Bďż˝ >@.05A5>5:9ďż˝ 59ďż˝ ?:B9ďż˝ -221/?>ďż˝ 7:/-7ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ =1>:@=/1>ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ D:@ďż˝ @>1ďż˝ 2:=ďż˝ 25>4593 ďż˝ >B588593ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 0=596593 ďż˝ ďż˝ ?ďż˝ -77ďż˝ 01;190>ďż˝ :9ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ =:@?1ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ =-59B-?1=ďż˝ -90ďż˝ >9:B817?ďż˝ ?-61ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 7-61> ďż˝ >?=1-8>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 3=:@90B-?1=ďż˝ 59ďż˝ D:@=ďż˝ /:88@95?D ďż˝

The Stormwater Utility charge is based on an ERU (equivalent runoff unit). An ERU is defined as the average impervious area of a single-family parcel. A sample of the single-family residential parcels was measured using aerial photography and the average impervious area of a single-family home in Stoughton was determined to be 3,105 square feet. Thus, 1 ERU equals 3,105 square feet for the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stormwater Utility rate structure. The monthly charge per ERU is estimated to be $4.26.

$ ( % )41 25=>? >?1; 5> ?: >4-=1 ?45> 592:=8-?5:9 B5?4 /5?5E19> -90 7:/-7 :225/5-7> 59 D:@= /:88@95?D -90 ?: 417; ?418 @901=>?-90 ?41 1221/?> :2 58;1=A5:@> >@=2-/1> :9 B-?1= =1>:@=/1> '1818.1= ;=1A19?5:9 5> 71>> /:>?7D ?4-9 =18105-?5:9 -90 /:77-.:=-?5:9 5> 8:=1 ;=:0@/?5A1 ?4-9 /:92=:9?-?5:9

ď&#x20AC;Ą

(:@=/1 ďż˝ ,-93ďż˝ ďż˝ :?41=> ďż˝

ďż˝ -90ďż˝

ďż˝

:=ďż˝ 1C-8;71 ďż˝ 59ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ #57B-@611ďż˝ 81?=:;:75?-9ďż˝ -=1-ďż˝ 59ďż˝ >:@?41->?ďż˝ ,5>/:9>59 ďż˝ >?@051>ďż˝ 4-A1ďż˝ 2:@90ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ 25>4ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 59>1/?ďż˝ ;:;@7-?5:9>ďż˝ 59ďż˝ B-=8ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ >?=1-8>ďż˝ 01/7591ďż˝ 0=-8-?5/-77Dďż˝ B419ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1>ďż˝ 1C/110ďż˝ -.:@?ďż˝ ďż˝ :2ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ B-?1=>410 ďż˝ ďż˝ (?=1-8>ďż˝ B5?4ďż˝ 8:=1ďż˝ ?4-9ďż˝ ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>91>>ďż˝ 4-A1ďż˝ /:9>5>?19?7Dďż˝ ;::=ďż˝ 25>4ďż˝ /:88@95?51>ďż˝ ,-93ďż˝ -90ďż˝ :?41=>ďż˝

ďż˝ -90ďż˝

ďż˝ 'ďż˝ ďż˝ ! "& %#ďż˝ #%" #ďż˝ $ďż˝ ( %"ďż˝ % $( >ďż˝ 53@=1ďż˝ ďż˝ 577@>?=-?1> ďż˝ 59ďż˝ -ďż˝ 9-?@=-7ďż˝ >D>?18ďż˝ -;;=:C58-?17Dďż˝

ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =-59B-?1=ďż˝ 27:B>ďż˝ :A1=ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 7-90ďż˝ >@=2-/1ďż˝ 05=1/?7Dďż˝ ?:ďż˝ 7-61>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ =5A1=>ďż˝ B4571ďż˝ ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =-59B-?1=ďż˝ 257?1=>ďż˝ 59?:ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 3=:@90ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 5>ďż˝ >?:=10ďż˝ ->ďż˝ 3=:@90B-?1=ďż˝ :=ďż˝ >7:B7Dďż˝ 8-61>ďż˝ 5?>ďż˝ B-Dďż˝ .-/6ďż˝ 59?:ďż˝ =5A1=>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 7-61> ďż˝ ďż˝ 9ďż˝ @959?19010ďż˝ =1>@7?ďż˝ :2ďż˝ 01A17:;819?ďż˝ 5>ďż˝ ?4-?ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1>ďż˝ /-@>1ďż˝ 8:=1ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ =@9ďż˝ :22ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 7-90>/-;1ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 71>>ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ 59257?=-?1ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ 3=:@90B-?1= ďż˝ ďż˝ :=ďż˝ 1C-8;71ďż˝ -ďż˝ 91534.:=4::0ďż˝ B5?4ďż˝ -/=1ďż˝ 7:?>ďż˝ B5?4ďż˝

ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1ďż˝ /:@70ďż˝ 1C;1/?ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ -8:@9?ďż˝ :2ďż˝ =@9:22ďż˝ ?:ďż˝ 0:@.71ďż˝ -2?1=ďż˝ 01A17:;819?ďż˝ & ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ *92:=?@9-?17D ďż˝ ?45>ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ .D;->>1>ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 9-?@=-7ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ 257?1=ďż˝ ;=:A5010ďż˝ .Dďż˝ >:57 ďż˝ 85/=:.5-7ďż˝ -/?5:9ďż˝ -90ďż˝ A131?-?5:9ďż˝ -90ďż˝ /-==51>ďż˝ -005?5:9-7ďż˝ ;:77@?-9?>ďż˝ 05=1/?7Dďż˝ ?:ďż˝ >@=2-/1ďż˝ B-?1=> ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ,419ďż˝ ?=11> ďż˝ >4=@.>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 3=->>1>ďż˝ -=1ďż˝ =1;7-/10ďż˝ B5?4ďż˝ 58;1=A5:@>ďż˝ >@=2-/1> ďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 2:77:B593ďż˝ /:88@95?Dďż˝ .19125?>ďż˝ -=1ďż˝ ?4=1-?1910 ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ (-21ďż˝ 0=596593ďż˝ B-?1=ďż˝ 257?1=10ďż˝ .Dďż˝ ?41ďż˝ 9-?@=-7ďż˝ >:57>ďż˝ -90ďż˝ ;7-9?>ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ (@225/519?ďż˝ 3=:@90B-?1=ďż˝ 2:=ďż˝ 0=596593 ďż˝ 5==53-?5:9ďż˝ -90ďż˝ 590@>?=Dďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ďż˝ ,-?1=ďż˝ >?:=-31ďż˝ /-;-/5?Dďż˝ ?:ďż˝ ;=:?1/?ďż˝ 4:81>ďż˝ 2=:8ďż˝ 27::0593ďż˝

! " $

+#-- ' 1 1 1'' +$" & ď&#x20AC;˘ '- + (+ ' , . -#(' ď&#x20AC;˘ - / ', (#'- ď&#x20AC;˘ 000 .0,) . '+ % ' '- + ď&#x20AC;˘

%" # 0-8> (

71-9593 -90 &=:?1/?593 ,5>/:9>59F> ,-?1=> 9257?=-?5:9 >?-90-=0> &=1A19?593 @=.-9 =@9:22 .D =1?-59593 9-?@=-7 B-?1= /D/71> 71-9 ,-?1= :-75?5:9 #-05>:9 , 4??; BBB B5>/:9>59=5A1=> :=3 71-9,-?1= 59257?=-?5:9 ;02

-;;5177- ! -90 ! =:B9

"-90 *>1 -90 8;1=A5:@> :A1= 59 ?41 41>-;1-61 -D '135:9 - +," +(- -#(' ď&#x20AC;¸ď&#x20AC;żď&#x20AC;˝ď &#x201A;ď &#x2021;ď &#x192;ď &#x160;ď &#x17D;ď&#x20AC;żď &#x152;

5?D :2 %7D8;5- 8;1=A5:@> (@=2-/1 '10@/?5:9 (?@0D )1/495/-7 -90 &:75/D 9-7D>5> G 59-7 '1;:=? &@.75/ ,:=6> 1;-=?819? %7D8;5- ,->4593?:9 ;; (/4@171= ) ' #5?53-?593 ?41 0A1=>1 8;-/?> :2 *=.-95E-?5:9 :9 (?=1-8> :8;=1419>5A1 (?=-?13D 2:= ":/-7 :A1=9819? 9 - +," ,-(+ -#(' (.+ (($ &@.75/-?5:9

:2 ?41 #1?=:;:75?-9 ,->4593?:9 :@9/57 :2 :A1=9819?> 105?10 .D & !@8.71 -90 ) (/4@171= (/4@171= ) ' )41 8;:=?-9/1 :2 8;1=A5:@>91>> - +," +(- -#(' "'#*. ,

:= 4??; BBB >?:=8B-?1=/19?1= 91? &=-/?5/1 8;:=?-9/1

:2

8;1=A5:@>91>> ;02 ,-93 " "D:9> & !-9147 ' -991=8-9 -90 88:9>

,-?1=>410 *=.-95E-?5:9 -90 4-931> 59 5>4 :88@95?51> 59 (:@?41->?1=9 ,5>/:9>59 (?=1-8> (.+' % ( -" & +# ' - + ,(.+ , ,,( # -#(' ,-93 " "D:9> -90 & !-9147

8;-/?> :2 *=.-95E-?5:9 :9 (?=1-8 -.5?-? -90 5>4 /=:>> #@7?5;71 (;-?5-7 (/-71> '/#+('& '- % ' ! & '-

005?5:9-7 =1>:@=/1> 19?1= 2:= ,-?1=>410 &=:?1/?5:9 ,& 775/:?? 5?D #

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

12 - The Tower Times - Fall 2012

CONANT AUTOMOTIVE INC; 10.377 in; 16 in; Process color; 252454