The
Tower Times
City of Stoughton
Issue 2, Summer 2021
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Durand, Amanda Kostowski, Alaina Schindler and Maddy Meeker are new Police Dispatchers. Kathy Anderson and Taylor Dyreson joined the Stoughton City buildings were reopened in May. We expect public meetings to EMS as Volunteer EMTs. Julie McDougall is our House Manager at the Opera House. Casey Howard (Lineman) begin in person soon. and Austin Seiling (Apprentice Lineman) have joined As part of our services, we have the Stoughton Utilities team. Robin Behringer is implemented numerous initiatives the new Circulation Supervisor at the library. Julia to support our local businesses and Hayde is the new Senior Center Program & Volunteer residents. Coordinator. Many seasonal employees were hired, we wish them all well. I would like to welcome Rachel • Extended outdoor dining with alcohol option Venegas to the City Council, and wish Holly Licht best (downtown) permanently • City of Stoughton sponsored the third Chamber Bucks of luck. promotion Kettle Park West (KPW) is preparing the site for the • Sign and banner ordinance updated single-family residential lots. A national home builder is • Purchased 2 new taxi vans with lifts, utilizing grant expected to be announced for the project. The 51 West funds project is working toward completion of a Developers • Assessing American Rescue Plan money Agreement. Zink Power continues to construct their 110k sq. ft. building next to Stoughton Trailers Plant 6. I would like to introduce new members to our team. We have hired Amanda Brekken as custodian in our Planning Department. Kelsey
The City Council and Planning Commission have approved plans for a Starbucks in the former Old National Bank building. Shopko Optical is moving in next to Dunkin Donuts. A three unit building will be constructed in Kettle Park West, which includes a sub shop and paint store. New shops have opened, remodeled or relocated including; Wisconsin Monument & Vault, Triwell and Pizza Hut. Former Senior Center tenants Stoughton Hairstyling is moving next to Stoughton Chiropractic and Jenny Britain Blue Wing Physical Therapy and Lisa Resch LMT relocated to Silverado Point. Fired Up
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Other notable accomplishments include: • Lead Service Line replacement began • Rotary Park improvements completed • Downtown Revitalization Committee presented their report • Nordic Ridge Inclusive Park constructed • Racetrack Park Master Plan underway • Over 300 VITA tax returns were completed at the Fire Station • Eight community members appointed to Standing Committee’s • Landscaping improvements at Public Safety building, City Hall & Senior Center • Public Works received a recycling grant • Food Pantry added freezers and shelving and additional services • 4th of July Fireworks partnership with Chamber & Fair • Outdoor Sales and Mobile Vending Ordinance approved • Approval to form a Sustainability Committee • Bathrooms added to Rotary Park Please join me for “Coffee with the Mayor” the second Friday of the month at 9:30. Mayor Tim Swadley
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Nutrition moved to Stoughton Plaza and Coffee Café is opening in the Stoughton Wellness and Athletic Center.
The Tower Times
2 Summer 2021 grant, but will need to go through with a traditional dam removal in order to receive the funding. The City has no desire to move forward with a traditional dam removal, which precludes us from receiving the grant funding. Moving forward with a traditional dam removal will result in significant negative impacts to water levels and no recreational benefits whatsoever. Therefore, the City has applied for the DNR’s outdoor recreation grant program for the whitewater park, river access, trails, and pedestrian areas. If awarded, this grant is expected to cover up to 50% of the cost to reconstruct the dam. For more information about the project, please watch the Committee of the Whole video: https://youtu.be/fOULb2xFmlc
July is National Park & Recreation Month
Since 1985, people in the United States have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation, and to recognize the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — that maintain our country’s local, state and community parks. Parks & Recreation Benefits • The Centers for Disease Control found that increased access to places for physical activity led to a 25.6 percent increase in people exercising 3 or more times per week. • Living close to parks and other recreation facilities is consistently related to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth. Moreover, parks provide a connection to nature, which studies demonstrate relieves stress, strengthens interpersonal relationships and improves mental health • Children that have easy access to a playground are approximately five times more likely to have a healthy weight than children that do not have easy access to playgrounds. • Local park and recreation agencies play a vital role in the protection of our environment through green infrastructure, maintenance of public lands, preserving wildlife habitats and more. • According to a study conducted by the Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University and NRPA, America’s local park agencies generated more than $166 billion in economic activity and supported more than 1 million jobs from their operations and capital spending alone in 2017. • 83 percent of U.S. adults agree that visiting their local parks, trails and open spaces is essential for their mental and physical well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we estimate that as many as 100 million people — 30 percent of the U.S. population — lack access to the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits parks and recreation provides
Feeling Stressed? Try the 20-5-3 Rule
Recently published book The Comfort Crisis: Embrace Discomfort to Reclaim Your Wild, Happy, Healthy Self, by Michael Easter outlines a way to spend time in nature to reduce stress and be healthier. It is called the 20-5-3 rule. 20 stands for spending 20 minutes outside three times per week in a neighborhood park or trail. This is based on research that discovered spending 20 minutes outside three times per week had the greatest effect on reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol. 5 stands for the minimum amount of hours each month someone should spend in semi-wild nature such as a state park. This is based off a study that showed that wilder spaces provide more mental health benefits. 3 stands for the number of days someone should spend each year off the grid in nature. Think Boundary Waters canoe trip where no cell phone reception is possible. Studies show these types of trips can reduce or eliminate burnout and boost creativity. The next time you are feeling down, try the 20-5-3 Rule. You can take a stroll through one of our parks or trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and you might end up feeling better.
Yahara River Park Update
The City presented information regarding whitewater park at the February 4, 2021 (COW) Committee of the Whole meeting. The presentation included an analysis of water levels based on the preliminary design. The analysis will be updated once more engineering is completed. This in includes taking the feedback and concerns from residents upstream to heart. The City will survey six (6) different areas of the river starting at the Stoughton dam and moving upstream to the LaFollette Dam at Lake Kegonsa. The City has contracted with Strand Engineering to complete this work. The survey work to be completed by Strand, along with the final report, has been delayed due to the low amount of precipitation we have seen this year. Once a range of flow rates has been gathered, Strand will forward this information to Recreation Engineering and Planning to complete the final design and document the resulting water levels. The City will continue to provide updates regarding when the survey work will commence and when we expect to see the results. In order to minimize the financial impact to the City, staff has been extremely active in pursuing multiple grant opportunities as they relate to this project. The City initially applied for a dam removal grant in 2020, but at the time of submittal, it was unknown how the DNR would define this project. Following the review of the grant application, the DNR ultimately concluded that this project is in fact a dam reconstruction and not a dam removal. Because the DNR has defined this project as a dam reconstruction, the City was placed on a priority-funding list to receive the dam removal
Nordic Ridge Park Inclusive Playground
If you stopped by the splash pad at Nordic Ridge Park this summer, you will have noticed a new playground was installed. This playground is unique as it is Stoughton’s first inclusive playground. Inclusive playgrounds can be used by anyone regardless of ability level. The playground features poured in place surfacing, music equipment, a glider, and a spinner. Special thanks to the Wahlin Foundation, Fosdals Bakery, and former Dream Park Committee members for making this playground come to realization.
Rotary Park Improvements
Rotary Park is undergoing a lot of change with the installation of a restroom, accessible pathways, and landscaping. The restroom was installed on June 18 and a few other items need to be completed before the project is completed. The restrooms will be open starting in mid-July.
Youth Activities and Events
Youth Tennis Lessons (Ages 3-18) Session 2 Active Start, FUNdamentals, Learning to Train Stoughton Parks and Recreation Department and Premier Tennis and Fitness are working together to bring top notch professional tennis lessons to Stoughton area children and adults. Skills that will be covered consist of serving, forehand, backhand, and footwork, along with learning the rules of the game and how to score. Barry Hankel, the Tennis Director at PTF, will be overseeing the program. Ages 3-6 Using Quick Start approach, children are taught using balls that bounce lower and move slower than regular tennis balls so they are easier to hit. Ages 7-8 Children will further develop tennis strokes, ground strokes, volleys, and the serve. Footwork drills and point playing will be introduced. Ages 9-12 Students will refine stroke mechanics with major emphasis on improving the consistency and accuracy of ground strokes, volleys, overheads, and learning the rules of the game. Ages 13-18 This group is designed for the high school players and/or advanced middle schoolers. Drills become more intense and focused on strategy, point play for singles and doubles. Lesson Details Session Age Group Dates Fee Session 2 Ages 3-6 July 24-August 21 $25 Session 2 Ages 7-8 July 24-August 21 $25 Session 2 Ages 9-12 July 24-August 21 $50 Session 2 Ages 13-18 July 24-August 21 $50 Session 2 Adults July 24-August 21 $35 Days: Saturday Mornings Times: Ages 3-6, 9:00-:9:45 a.m.; Ages 7-8, 9:45-10:30 a.m.; Ages 9-12, 10:30 a.m.-Noon; Ages 13-18, Noon-1:30 p.m. Location: High School Tennis Courts Fall Miniball Soccer Active Start Start your little Pele on his or her way to a lifelong love of recreation activities. Nothing compares to soccer for an introduction to structured team sports. The emphasis on this program is having fun, getting your child to like sports, and developing their physical literacy. This program isn’t intended on teaching high level soccer skills to your child because of the ages of the participants. Volunteer coaches needed! Days: Sundays Dates: September 12-October 17 Location: Racetrack Park Fee: $40 We have a supervisor run the program, but we need assistant coaches. Times: Ages 3-4 year olds, 4:00-4:45 p.m.; Age 5, 5:00-5:45 p.m.
NFL Youth Flag Football FUNdamentals, Learning to Train The program provides young players a fun and exciting opportunity to engage in non-contact, continuous action while learning lessons in teamwork. This is a great way to introduce your child to the basic fundamentals of football and be active. Each player will receive an authentic reversible NFL Flag Football jersey. NFL Flag (Grades K-3) – House Leagues The grades K-1 and 2-3 programs are house leagues that will always play other Stoughton teams at Racetrack Park. The K-1 league will feature the coach playing quarterback to make the games run smooth. Games will be played on Saturday mornings. Teams for this age group typically practice one day a week during the season. Practice night is at the discretion of the coach. Game Dates: Saturday mornings, September 11-October 16 Practice Starts: The week of August 19 Place: Racetrack Park Fees: $65 Deadline: Register by August 1 Coaches: Volunteers are needed. NFL Flag (Grades 4-8) – Travel Leagues Learn to Train, Train to Train The grades 4-8 programs are local travel leagues. Other communities involved with the leagues are Cross Plains, Fitchburg, Verona, McFarland, Monona, Cottage Grove and Mount Horeb. Teams will play seven regular season games and an end of season tournament. Teams for these age groups typically practice 1-2 times per week. Practice night(s) are at the discretion of the coach. There is no make-up date for the tournament if it is rained out. Game Dates: Saturdays, September 11-October 16 Tournament Date: Saturday, October 23 Game Times: Vary throughout the season. Games are typically in the morning and early afternoon. Place: Racetrack Park for home games. Road games will be played at various Dane County communities. Fees: $75 Deadline: Register by August 1 Coaches: Volunteers are needed.
Adult Activities
Tennis Lessons for Adults Active for Life Premier Tennis & Fitness Club coaches will be providing tennis lessons this summer with us. All levels are welcome from Beginner to Advanced. Drills will work on technique, strategy, and point play. Drills will be fast paced and keep you moving. Session Dates Fee Session 2 July 20-August 17 $35 Days: Saturday Mornings Times: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Registration Deadline: One week before class or when full Place: High School Tennis Courts Min/Max Participants/Class: 6/16 Fall 3 on 3 Basketball Active for Life Grades: High School (Currently) - Adult Dates: September 13-November 1 (8 weeks) Days: Monday Nights Time: 6:00-9:00 p.m. Place: Yahara School Gym Fee: $90/ team (Register by August 28)
Adult Flag Football League Active for Life This will be the sixth year of our adult flag football league. The league features a 4 on 4 passing style that is action packed. Players sign up as a team. If you would like to get on a free agent list, contact the Recreation Department. Who: Men Age: Adult When: Thursdays, September 2-October 21 (8 weeks) Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m. Where: Racetrack Park Registration: $250/team Fees and roster are due at the Recreation Department by August 21 or until league is filled. Schedules will be made and emailed to managers. Adult Fall So�ball Active for Life We offer a fall softball league on Tuesday nights. The season features a seven game season that starts in September and runs through October. Fees and roster due to the Recreation Department by August 20 or before league is full. Who: Men Age: Adults When: Tuesdays, September 7-October 19 Time: 6:00-10:00 p.m. Where: Racetrack Park Registration: $150.00 per team
Stoughton Parks & Recreation | 207 S. Forrest Street | Stoughton, WI 53589 | 608-873-6746 | www.stoughtonrec.com
The Tower Times
Spring 2021 3
Police Notes
— See it, Hear it, Report it — We can prevent a lot of crime by citizens reporting anything suspicious. We would rather check on your concern, than investigate a crime later. Let’s be proactive together. Our non-emergency line is (608) 873-3374
Gazebo Musikk
This will be our sixth summer of offering Gazebo Musikk! Gazebo Musikk are weekly concerts at Rotary Park in the summer. These shows wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Check out the Gazebo Musikk Facebook page for the latest information - https://www.facebook.com/ gazebomusikk/ When: Thursdays evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Where: Rotary Park (next to the fire station) Cost: Free! Donations accepted 2021 Lineup July 15 The Rotation July 22 Woodland Spring Band July 29 JP Cyr & Midnightmen August 5 MadTown Mannish Boys August 12 Common Chord August 19 Mystery Mirrors August 26 Mark Croft Band September 2 Katie Scullin Band
Parking
City ordinance - Sec. 70-7. - Street storage prohibited. No vehicle shall be parked on any street or public parking lot for more than 48 hours, unless otherwise posted. (Code 1986, § 7.04) This includes vehicles, campers, trailers, boats, etc.
Bike Registration
Did you know you can register your bicycle? Stop in at the dispatch window with the make, model and serial number of the bike you would like to register. The cost is $1 per bike and you can register any and all bikes, child size to adult. Get your bike licensed today to help get it returned to its owner if it were ever lost or stolen.
Troll Beach
Troll Beach is the result of a complete makeover of the Mandt Park Pool. New innovative play structures, a rebuilt full concession stand, pool chairs and umbrellas, are just a few of the updates for this historic pool. Hours: Noon-5:00 p.m. daily Resident Pricing: Ages 16+ is $7, Ages 15U is $6 Non-Resident Pricing: Ages 16+ is $9, Ages 15U is $8 Last Day: August 15
National Night Out - Tuesday, August 3 at Nordic Ridge Park from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. The Stoughton Police Department will be hosting the second annual National Night Out in the City of Stoughton on August 3, 2021. This event will be held at Nordic Ridge Park located on Hoel Avenue. This event will be free to the public and open to everyone.
Medication Drop
www.stoughtonareayouthcenter.org Stoughton Area Youth Center
The Stoughton Area Youth Center (SAYC) is open and better than ever! The SAYC will be a leader in youth development and healthy lifestyle choices. Not only is the center “the” place to be for students 5-8 during afterschool hours, the program has expanded to include high school students with great programming that is both fun and educational. Regular hours: 3:00-6:00 p.m. after school, Noon-5:00 p.m. during the summer and non-school weekdays Location: 567 E. Main Street Phone: (608) 877-9980 Staff: Greg Hoyte, ghoyte@ci.stoughton.wi.us
City of Stoughton Parks and Recreation 2021 Sponsorship Program
Thank You to Our Sponsors! The Stoughton Parks and Recrea�on Department introduced a Sponsorship Program to help improve the Gazebo Musikk shows, Troll Beach, and our recrea�on programs. We appreciate the businesses and individuals that made this program a success.
The Stoughton Wellness Coalition sponsored the Medication Disposal Program by installing a permanent and secure drug disposal site in front of the Stoughton Police Department. This provides 24/7 access to the public in disposing of their unused or unwanted medications (liquid, pills, gel, patches, aerosols, vaps). Please leave all medications in their original containers and use a marker to cross off any personal information. There are two driveup events at the Stoughton Fire Department in April and October of each year. For further information contact Det. Hill.
Gun Safety Locks
You may be proficient at loading, aiming and shooting your firearm, but are your safety precautions on target? Project Child Safe disseminates firearm safety kits (which include a gun lock and safety education brochure) through law enforcement agencies across the country. For a free gun safety lock and brochure, stop by the Stoughton Police Department front lobby.
Internet and Social Media
The Stoughton Police Department always looks for ways to better communicate with our community and provide services in a more efficient way. Part of that process is to have a presence in cyberspace. Visit us on the City of Stoughton website at https://www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/ police. This website contains contact information, records request forms, vehicle registration information, Safety Camp updates, Briarpatch brochures, Facebook information and much more. Like our page on Facebook at Stoughton Police Department to keep up to date with crime, found animals and property, scams, and other events in Stoughton.
Citizens Academy
The Stoughton Police Department Citizen Academy is designed to give citizens an inside look at the operations of the police department. The academy covers topics such as constitutional law, firearms training, emergency vehicle operations, crime scene processing, K9 demonstration, as well as scenario training and a ridealong with an officer. The academy is designed to be a combination of lecture and hands-on-training to keep students engaged in the program. This primary objectives of this program are to increase citizen awareness of a police officer’s job responsibilities. To improve communication with citizens and create an understanding between police department employees and residents of the community. Applications are available online on the City of Stoughton website or by contacting Sgt. Patrick Frisch.
Coffee with a Cop
Coffee with a Cop...What is it? It’s a simple concept. Police and community members come together in an informal, neutral space to discuss community issues, build relationships, and drink coffee. Be a part of Wisconsin’s First Coffee with a Cop in the city where “the coffee break started.” If you are interested in participating, look for our announcements on our Facebook page or call to suggest a gathering.
Refuse To Be A Victim
The Stoughton Police Department now offers Refuse To Be A Victim seminars. The seminar teaches methods to avoid dangerous situations and prevent criminal confrontations. Seminar participants will be presented with a variety of common sense crime prevention and personal safety strategies and devices that may be integrated into their personal, home, automobile, telephone, technological, and travel security. This seminar is available to the public for community groups or businesses. Please contact Sgt. Andrew Johnson with any questions and watch our Facebook page for upcoming events.
Paul Kraby Memorial Scholarship
In 2019, the Stoughton Police Department started to raise money to fund a scholarship in memory of Stoughton’s only fallen officer, Paul Kraby. This scholarship will be presented to a local high school student planning to pursue a career in law enforcement. The department raised money while attending local events such as the Stoughton Junior Fair, Coffee Break and through our donation box at the dispatch window. We also sold our own coffee “Grounds for Arrest” which was a big hit and helped us increase our scholarship funds. We have teamed up with the Stoughton High School Honors Committee and hope to present a senior with a $1,000 scholarship each year. If you would like to make a donation to support a Stoughton High School graduate, please contact Brooke Schmidt or stop in to the STPD dispatch window.
Neighborhood Watch Program
The Neighborhood Watch Program, which started in 1972, takes a proactive approach to prevent crime. Its community-oriented endeavor provides a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement, and citizens for the protection of their communities. We have officers assigned to different neighborhoods to help prevent problems and work with concerned citizens when they do arise. Additionally, we have started a Business Watch. We have installed cheap cameras in the strip mall using the business’ Wi-Fi to save on costs. We then have coverage of the area which we can monitor back at the police station. The goal is to prevent crimes from happening, stop a crime in action and can even help us to receive suspect information. Since the creation of these watch groups, the neighborhoods have improved and there are fewer calls for service to these areas. If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Group or a Business Watch Group, please contact Sgt. Andrew Johnson.
Bike Patrol
The STPD Bike Patrol originated in 1995 consisting of two officers whose focus was on bicycle and pedestrian safety, especially in the downtown area. Currently there are six officers trained through the International Police Mountain Bike Association who continue to patrol the downtown area along with the bike trails and parks. The use of bikes instead of cars can make police officers more easily approachable and visible while on patrol or at community events.
Motorcycle Patrol
In 2020 we started a Motorcycle Unit with our first motorcycle in our fleet since the 1950s. The unit consists of four patrol officers and one, 100% electric motorcycle. The motorcycle is being used for traffic control and park and recreational trail patrol.
K-9 K-9 Ole started his career in Stoughton in March 2013 as a dual purpose patrol dog; trained in narcotics detection and tracking. Ole also enjoys interacting with children during school presentations with his handler, Officer Chad O’Neil. The purchase and upkeep of Ole has been made possible by donations to the Stoughton K-9 Fund. If you would like to make a donation or purchase a K-9 T-shirt, please contact Officer Chad O’Neil or stop in to the STPD dispatch window.
4 Summer 2021
The Tower Times
CITY ORDINANCES DECK INFORMATION Before installing a deck there are a few requirements that need attention. 1. Obtain a permit: no deck shall be erected or replaced within the city until a permit is obtained from the department of planning & development at city hall. A completed deck framing worksheet and a detailed plan showing location of the proposed deck in relation to the lot lines and the house is required prior to approval. Lot stakes may need to be located then city staff will verify the stakes prior to permit issuance. 2. Placement: decks for one and two family residences must adhere to the setback requirements for the specific zoning district where located. Contact the zoning administrator to find out the specific setback for your situation. 3. Construction requirements: for attached decks, it is required to use 48-inch deep footings to prevent heaving. A guardrail is required for decks more than 2-feet above ground. The minimum height for a guardrail is 3-feet and the guardrail must restrict the passing of a 4-inch or larger sphere through spacing. 4. Contact diggers hotline: prior to construction at 1-800-242-8511. 5. Call for an inspection: it is your responsibility to call for an inspection. An inspection is required after digging the holes for the footings, prior to pouring concrete. The building inspector can be reached at (608) 873-7626. These requirements are not all inclusive. If you have any questions regarding decks please call the building inspector at 873-7626 or the zoning administrator at (608) 646-0421.
FENCE INSTALLATION Before installing a fence, there are a few requirements that need attention. 1. Locate your lot lines: there should be metal stakes buried at each corner of your lot. Talk with your neighbors and/or use a metal detector to help find the stakes. Copies of any lot within the city of stoughton can be attained from the planning department which will aid in finding stakes and to draw a site plan. If lot stakes cannot be located, it may be necessary to hire a surveyor. There is a verification inspection of the lot stakes required by the department of planning and development staff prior to permit issuance. 2. Obtain a permit: no fence shall be erected within the city until a permit is obtained from the department of planning & development at city hall. A detailed plan showing where your fence will be located is necessary, including distances from lot lines and any structures. A sample site plan is provided with the zoning permit application. 3. Placement: fences may be installed a minimum of 3 feet from side and rear lot lines, unless the adjacent owner consents in writing to the entrance upon such owner’s land for the purpose of maintenance; or a maintenance free fence is being installed, in which case the fence may have a minimum setback of 6 inches from the lot lines. Side and rear yard fences in residential districts shall not be more than 6 feet in height from grade. Front yard fences shall not exceed 4 feet in height from grade. 4. Easements and greenways: fences shall not be installed in utility easements designed to convey wastewater, electric distribution, water distribution, or stormwater drainage and shall be prohibited from dedicated greenways. There are also distance requirements from electrical transformers. 5. Contact diggers hotline: prior to placement at 1-800-242-8511. These requirements are not all inclusive. If you have any questions regarding fences please call the city zoning administrator at (608) 646-0421 or email mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us.
NOXIOUS WEEDS AND GRASS INFORMATION Noxious weeds, as defined by Wis. Statute § 66.0407(1)(b), are not allowed in the City of Stoughton.
Property owners in the City of Stoughton who allow noxious weeds to grow and/or allow grass/weeds to exceed 1-foot in height, are in violation of the City of Stoughton Public Nuisance Ordinance Section 58-8(6). A citation may be issued to the property owner after notice of violation. Additionally, the City may contract to have the grass and/or weeds mowed, and bill the property owner. One notice will be sent per year. Violations are found through weekly inspections by Department of Planning & Development staff. If you have any questions related to this issue, contact the City Building Inspector at (608) 8737626.
OUTDOOR STORAGE Sec. 10-318 (B) restrictions on outdoor storage No person may store or keep any of the following items outside of a fully enclosed structure on any private land in the city, unless outdoor storage of such items is expressly authorized by the zoning regulations applicable to such land use: • Inoperative or unlicensed vehicles, boats or aircraft. • Junk or machinery. • Building or construction materials not being used in an active, ongoing and lawful building or construction project. • Landscaping materials, unless those materials are incorporated as an integral part of the landscaping on the property, or unless those materials are in the process of being incorporated in an active, ongoing and lawful landscaping project. • Commercial trucks, tractors or trailers. • Appliances, including but not limited to furnaces, hot water heaters, or water softeners, stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers, except that an operable gas or charcoal grill may be kept outside. If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact the building inspector at (608) 873-7626.
SWIMMING POOL INFORMATION
Before construction or assembly of a pool, there are a few requirements that need attention. 1. Obtain a permit: Above ground pools having a water depth greater than thirty-six inches at any point shall not be constructed or assembled within the city until a permit is obtained from the department of planning & development at city hall, 207 s. Forrest street. All in ground pools require a permit. A dimensioned plan showing the location of the proposed pool and fencing in relation to the lot lines is required prior to approval. The applicant will need to locate lot stakes and planning department staff will need to verify the stakes have been located prior to permit issuance. 2. Placement: Pools may be installed on rear or side lots only and shall not be closer than is permitted in the zoning code for an accessory building and in no case shall the water line of any pool be less than 6 feet from any lot line. Per code, no pool shall be located under or over electrical services. Pools and fencing shall not be installed in utility easements designed to convey electric distribution, water distribution, wastewater, or stormwater drainage and shall be prohibited from dedicated greenways. 3. Fencing: Pools that are not enclosed by a permanent building and have a water depth greater than thirty-six inches shall be completely enclosed by a fence to prevent access. Such fence shall not be less than five feet in height and shall be placed not less than four feet from the pool edge, constructed so as not to have holes or openings larger than four inches in one dimension. Gates and doors shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices, located near the top of the gate, on the poolside of the enclosure. 4. Electrical conductors: The following clearances must be adhered to and shown on the plan: • Underground electrical conductors shall be a minimum of 5 feet from the outer edge of the inside of the pool. If closer than 5 feet, the conductors shall be in conduit; • Overhead electric conductors shall be a minimum of 22.5 Feet in any direction to the water level, edge of water surface, base of platform, or permanently anchored raft.
• T he horizontal limit of clearance measured from the inside wall of the pool shall not be less than 10 feet. Contact diggers hotline at 1-800-242-8511 or 811 prior to placement. These requirements are not all inclusive. If you have any questions regarding pools please contact the city zoning administrator at (608) 646-0421 or email mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us
PROHIBITION OF ILLICIT DISCHARGES
Discharge of any material other than stormwater into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) is prohibited in the City of Stoughton. Stormwater refers to surface runoff and drainage of rainfall and snow or ice melt. The storm sewer system includes roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, and constructed channels or storm drains. City of Stoughton Municipal Code section 10136(e)(1) states, “No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the MS4 or waters of the state located within the city any materials, including, but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illicit discharge to the MS4 is prohibited. The following nonstormwater discharges or flows are generally not considered illicit discharges if done in a nonpolluting manner: water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, uncontaminated groundwater infiltration, uncontaminated pumped groundwater, discharges from potable water sources, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, irrigation water, lawn watering, individual residential car washing, flows from riparian habitats and wetlands, dechlorinated swimming pool water, street wash water and fire fighting.” Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall forfeit no less than $100.00 nor more than $500.00 and also pay fees and disbursements incurred in the prosecution of such violations. Each and every day during which a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. If you have any questions regarding this ordinance, please contact the Building Inspector at (608) 873-7626.
SIDEWALK CAFÉ LICENSES A sidewalk café is an outdoor area for dining, drinking, or both located in any public sidewalk or right-of-way that is operated adjacent to and in conjunction with an indoor commercial entertainment use as defined under City Ordinance Code subsection 78-206(4)(h). The owner or person in legal possession of a premises authorized for indoor commercial entertainment use within the Central Business District may apply to the City Clerk for a license to operate a sidewalk café. The application for a sidewalk café license is available at City Hall, as well as at https:// ci.stoughton.wi.us/applications. The application form must be accompanied by a written description of the proposed outdoor dining area, a site plan, a current certificate of insurance, and payment of the one-time $100 license fee. If you have any questions regarding sidewalk café licenses or requirements, please contact the City Clerk at (608) 873-6677.
SIGNAGE INFORMATION FOR BUSINESSES
No banners, pennants, streamers, feather flags, strings of lights or any similar sign are permitted, except: 1. For churches, schools, civic and nonprofit organizations. 2. For business and industrial districts, provided banners, pennants, streamers, and strings of lights are affixed to the front wall and that lights do not flash. Strings of lights may also be affixed to vegetation. Banners must comply with the requirements of front wall signs per City Ordinance subsection 78-814 (1). Banners and other similar temporary signs for the front wall are exempt when placed for no more than 30 days.
3. For business districts, each parcel is allowed one feather flag per street frontage with a maximum height of 12 feet and maximum width of 3 feet. Feather flags shall be removed when business is not open. Feather flags shall be setback a minimum of 3 feet from any side lot line. 4. For the Main Street Historic District: one avenue banner up to 10 square feet in area is allowed for each private light pole. An avenue banner is attached at the top and bottom of the banner to the light pole. Avenue banners shall be removed or replaced within 30 days of notice when faded to the point of illegibility or when damaged in any way. Business signage shall not be installed within the city until a permit is obtained from the department of planning & development at city hall, 207 s. Forrest street. These requirements are not all inclusive. If you have any questions regarding signage, please contact the city zoning administrator at (608) 646-0421 or email mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us.
YARD CARE TO PROTECT OUR LOCAL WATERS The rain that runs off our rooftops, driveways and yards also carries pollutants down storm drains and ditches to our waters. When too much pollution washes into lakes, rivers and stream it not only harms fish and other aquatic wildlife, but it makes it difficult to boat, fish or swim. The good news is that you can reduce pollution to our waters by the choices you make in your own backyard. Maintaining a healthy lawn or creating a rain garden are great ways to help rain soak into the ground and reduce runoff. Check out these water friendly tips to care for and beautify your landscape this summer: • Build a native rain garden and/or install a rain barrel to capture roof runoff. • Mow high (3” or more) using a sharp blade. High lawns lead to deeper roots, which reduce runoff, promote infiltration and shade out weeds. • Leave grass clippings on lawn and keep them out of streets and sidewalks where they can wash into storm drains. Clippings act as a natural fertilizer- good for the lawn, bad for our lakes. • Fertilizer may be needed to maintain a dense lawn, which actually reduces runoff. If using fertilizer, fertilize in the fall (and spring, if needed) with a phosphorus-free, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. • Make sure to apply fertilizers and pesticides at the right time of year, when they are most effective and avoid applications right before a heavy rain. • Re-seed bare soil and cover with straw to prevent erosion. Bare spots create a channel for water and increases runoff. • Good soils lead to better denser lawns. Improve lawns with compacted, poor soils, by applying a thin layer (1/4 in) of compost in spring and fall. • Dispose of unwanted lawn care products and household hazardous waste properly to prevent accidental spills from washing into storm drains. Drop off household hazardous waste at Dane County Clean Sweep for only $10 per trip. For more information on how you can have a Ripple Effect on our waters visit www.rippleeffects.com . Visit the City’s storm water utility webpage for more information on how you can help our lakes and streams www.cityofstoughton.com/ stormwater .
UNLICENSED AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES
• Are not allowed to be stored outside on private property unless zoned for such storage. • May pose a danger due to loose, sharp, or jagged parts, to the public, particularly small children who are often attracted to junk motor vehicles. • May contain fluids that, if leaked, may contaminate the environment or may be a fire hazard. Some available options are: • The vehicle may be placed in a closed garage. • The vehicle may be made operable. • If unlicensed (registration has expired), a license may be obtained.
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Spring 2021 5
• L ocal salvage yards often pay $cash for motor vehicles with a title, or make a donation to st. Vincent depaul or other non-profit organization. Some property owners store inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on their property with the eventual plan to make them road worthy. Unfortunately, they may reduce property values and can pose a threat to the public. If you have any questions regarding this issue contact the Zoning administrator at (608) 646-0421 or email mstacey@ci.stoughton.wi.us.
DRIVEWAY AND PUBLIC SIDEWALK PERMIT INFORMATION
A zoning permit is required for any private driveway and/or public sidewalk construction, replacement, expansion, or reconstruction. A permit can be obtained from the Department of Planning & Development, City Hall, 207 S. Forrest Street prior to construction. There is a $30 fee for driveway projects not affecting the right of way, and a $50 fee for driveway and/or public sidewalk projects in the right of way. A site plan showing all lot lines and dimensions of the driveway/ public sidewalk must be provided with the permit application. Proof of liability insurance must also be provided for work in the right of way. If a permit is required, but not obtained, fees are doubled, and a municipal citation may be issued.
The permit would still need to be obtained and any construction that does not comply with city specification or ordinances would need to be brought into compliance. Driveways and public sidewalks must adhere to the City of Stoughton Standards. Please find a summary of the specifications below. Driveways • Shall be a minimum of 25 feet from another driveway serving the same property, as measured at the property line. • I n no instance shall any lot be permitted more than one access point on any one street if its frontage is less than 100 linear feet, as measured along the right-of-way line. • S hall not interfere with utilities that are in place. • Shall have a width of at least 10 feet for one and two family dwellings; and 18 feet for all other uses. Public Sidewalks • S idewalk thickness shall be 5 inches, 6 inches if through a driveway. • Sidewalk width shall be 5 feet and may taper to match existing sidewalk. •P lacement shall be within 6 inches outside the property line or even with existing. •B ackfilling around sidewalks shall occur as soon as practical after 7-day cure. If you have any questions regarding driveway or public sidewalk permits, please contact the City Engineering Technician at (608) 480-3661.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE… INSTALL A RAIN GARDEN
Rain Gardens
(shallow depressions planted with native wildflowers) soak up rainwater or melted snow from your rooftop, driveway and lawn. They are positioned to collect water from downspouts or at a low-point in the yard where drainage naturally occurs. The gardens allow water to soak into the soil rather than running off to the nearest lake or stream. A rain garden can soak up to 30% more water than a traditional lawn. Why is that important? Because the water from rain and snow that runs off our roofs and driveways to the streets and through the storm drain system to our lakes carries with it all sorts of pollutants like fertilizers, oil, pet waste and more. Whatever is in the street—garbage, pet waste, oil, etc.—gets washed to the nearest lake or stream. Mature rain gardens are easy to maintain. Once plants get established, very little weeding is needed. Do not install a rain garden in any easement designed to convey underground electric, water, wastewater and stormwater. Besides helping our lakes and streams, rain gardens are aesthetically pleasing and provide habitat for birds, butterflies and beneficial insects—including dragonflies that eat mosquitoes. You can make a big difference by devoting a small amount of space, time and money to the creation of a rain garden. Visit www.ripple-effects.com to learn more about rain gardens!
Opera House 2021-22 Season Highlights The chandeliers will be lowered and the bulbs replaced. New ticket stock is on the truck, and the brochures have been proofed, approved, and sent off to the printer. It’s been a difficult year and a half, but good news is on the way — The Opera House is getting ready to open its doors! Dedicated patrons of this historic theater have championed the venue through unprecedented times, but the charm that built its reputation and the sublime acoustics that keep it tuned to the modern day saturate the ground where it stands and leave an imprint of lasting determination. That determination is evident when looking through the 2021-22 season schedule. Perennial fan favorites Marty Stuart, Rhonda Vincent, Rodney Crowell, Aoife O’Donovan, and Riders in the Sky are not only familiar faces, they have proven their dedication to Opera House patrons as they worked through postponements and rescheduled dates on multiple occasions. Opera House friends and supporters, many of whom have been holding tickets since August, 2019, have shown that they, too, are willing to wait out the storm. To the delight of many, the new season is set to pick up on September 16 where it left off with the long anticipated blues guitarist, Albert Cummings, who has played alongside Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, Susan Tedeschi, Sheryl Crow, and B.B. King. Blues is a musical form known to be abundant in history, story, and emotion. Though many practice the art, few legends are around today who share the deep roots and breadth of knowledge of Taj Mahal. Appearing on Friday, October 15, Mahal’s show has been sold out since 2019, but a wait list is available through the Box Office. November starts strong with a four day run that includes Peter Rowan's Free Mexican Airforce feat. Los Texmaniacs on Wednesday, November 3 followed by the Wood Brothers, the Milk Carton Kids, and wrapping up on Saturday with the Del McCoury Band. New to the schedule and certain to cause a stir is acclaimed musician and musical historian, Rhiannon Giddens — Giddens’s lifelong mission is to lift up people whose contributions to American musical history have previously been erased, and to work
toward a more accurate understanding of the country’s musical origins. Giddens will be performing with Francesco Turrisi on Tuesday, November 9 and tickets are again expected to sell out quickly. “I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up into the mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier, all of ’em Zen Lunatics who go about writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason and also by being kind and also by strange unexpected acts keep giving visions of eternal freedom to everybody and to all living creatures.” -Jack Kerouac, Dharma Bums The great Rucksack Revolution as imagined by Sarah Voswinkel of Dead Horses and Adam Greuel of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades will ransack the early winter gloom on Thursday, December 16, a day before Sean and Sara Watkins’ Family Hour closes the fall calendar. As exciting as it all sounds, spring will be just around the corner with Mardi Gras Mambo 2022 featuring The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan and the Zydeco Cha Chas on Saturday, March 5. Singersongwriter and multi-instrumentalist Amy Helm arrives on Thursday, March 10 and Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra returns with Peacherine’s Stage & Screen Spectacular on Saturday, March 26. These are only a sliver of the acts filling out this ambitious post-pandemic calendar. Visit www.stoughtonoperahouse.com for the full lineup or call the Box Office at (608) 877 4400, Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to request a brochure. As the great Janice Ian says, “We artists are the last alchemists, pulling your dreams, your hopes, your deepest desires out of thin air. We turn them into something you can hear, and play, and sing. So let us never forget this — we don’t sell music. We sell dreams.” Grammy winning folk artist Janis Ian lays it all out on Friday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. at the Stoughton Opera House, 381 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI 53589. Tickets go on sale Monday, August 16 at 9:00 a.m. to Members and Monday, August 30 at 9:00 a.m. to the General Public. More information about Memberships can be found on the website.
Upcoming events....
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6 Summer 2021
Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage! The Library is Open!
Our building is now open for in-person holds pick-up, browsing, and computer & technology use under our latest reopening phase, Library to Go!
Open Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sunday hours are scheduled to resume on September 12.)
Guidelines for visiting the library during the Library to Go phase:
The Basics: The Stoughton Public Library is located at 304 S. Fourth St., at the corner of 4th and Main, just west of the clock tower in downtown Stoughton. There is no charge for a library card – just provide a picture ID with proof of current address. If your ID does not list your current address, please provide another proof of address such as a piece of mail, personal check, utility bill, etc. Parents must sign the registration form for children under age 16. Now you can apply for a library card online! Go to stoughtonpubliclibrary.org/get-library-card, complete our secure online form, and we’ll mail you your card. Inquiries about library cards can be emailed to storef@stolib.org For more information, visit us online at www. stoughtonpubliclibrary.org, on Facebook and Instagram, or call our information desk at 873-6281.
Library Book Discussion Groups Until it safe to meet in person, our book discussion groups will continue to meet virtually via Zoom or, weather-permitting, outside at one of the City’s parks. Times and dates may differ from regularly scheduled meetings, so please check our events calendar at stolib.org/calendar/ month Page Turners – This group reads a variety of titles both nonfiction and fiction. It usually meets the 4th Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. Please see the library’s online calendar for more details. The Foundation – This is Library’s science fiction/ fantasy book group, named in honor of science fiction grand master 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 PM Thursdays With Murder is the Library’s mystery and crime fiction book discussion group. Now in its eighth year, the group reads mostly crime and murder mystery novels, but also dabbles in short stories and true crime. Meetings are the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 PM, with no meeting in December.
• Wear a mask – A mask covering your mouth and nose is highly recommended at this stage in the pandemic, even if you are fully vaccinated. Our busy library sees hundreds of visitors per day, and we continue to believe that masks are the best way to make sure our space is safe for everyone. • Leave food and drink at home – For now, please refrain from eating and drinking in the library • Limit your visit – During this phase we are limiting capacity to protect everyone’s health. Minimizing your time in the library will ensure more people have access to services. Computer sessions are limited to 1 hour. If the library reaches capacity, we will shift to hold pick-up only and no additional patrons will be admitted for browsing. • Maintain physical distancing – We have placed signs and decals at points of service to remind everyone to maintain 6’ of distance at all times. • Sanitize your hands when you enter the building – Hand sanitizing stations have been placed at the library entrance and on the 2nd floor. Restrooms are also available.
of the Stoughton Public Library Reading Journal for only $10 and never forget another title, author, or plot again! The Friends’ Book Nook booksale has returned! Patrons can once again purchase new and gently used books from the Book Nook on the library’s Mezzanine level, near the window facing Main Street. Cash payments can be deposited in the lockbox attached to the cart.
Virtual Library Services and Programs The Digital Library is always open! Download the free Libby app on your phone or mobile device to start downloading eBooks and audio books from the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium’s Collection. You can also browse the collection of nearly 100,000 downloadable eBooks and audio books at wplc.overdrive.com.
Join the Friends of the Library The Friends of the Stoughton Public Library is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and improving library services, materials, and facilities for the Stoughton community; encouraging gifts and bequests to the library; and promoting the broadest possible use of Library facilities, materials and services. Friends’ membership levels range from $10 to $100 a year. In addition to becoming a member, you can help out with book sales, fundraisers, and more. For more information about joining the Friends, contact storef@stolib.org or call 608-873-6281. NEW! Tired of struggling to recall which book you’ve read from your favorite author or where you’ve left off in that mystery series? Stop by the library and pick up a Friends
NEW! Users of Libby now have access to thousands of magazine titles! Click or tap on the Collections option at the top of the screen to browse periodicals in over a dozen categories. Titles include: Better Homes and Gardens, Bon Appétit, Clean Eating, Cook’s Illustrated, The Economist, Harper’s, HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, In Touch Weekly, The New Yorker, Newsweek, Reader’s Digest, Rolling Stone, Us Weekly, Vogue and more! If you need help obtaining or renewing a library card to use Libby, please call the library’s information desk at 608-873-6281 or email storef@stolib.org
Curbside pick-up: For patrons who might not be comfortable picking up their holds in person during our open hours, curbside pick-up will continue by request. Please note: Curbside pick-ups are now at the rear entrance of the library, nearest the parking lot. You can schedule a pick-up by calling the library at (608) 8736281 or emailing (608) 873-6281. Please note that the above information may change as the library expands services and open hours in the coming months. For the most up-to-date information about library services, visit our website at www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org.
NEW! Wireless Printing
Now you can print wirelessly at the library from your laptop or mobile device using our secure service! It’s as easy as adding an attachment to an email and dozens of file formats are supported. Printing costs are $.15/page for black & white and $.50/page for color. And don’t forget that the library offers scanning and faxing services, too!
New! LINKcat App Available
As of June 1st, a new app for searching the library’s catalog is available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The new app features enhanced searching capabilities, the ability to link multiple library accounts, and a digital library card. Apple users should receive the update automatically, but Android users will need to search the Google Play app store for “LINKcat Mobile.”
Featured Online Resources: Creativebug and Ancestry
We’re excited to announce our newest online resource available to anyone with a Stoughton Public Library card: Creativebug! Stream hundreds of art and craft classes for free anytime from the comfort of your home. Go to creativebug.com/lib/stoughtonlibrary and enter your library card number and PIN to get started.
And now through the end of the year, enjoy at-home access to the world’s most-searched online genealogy resource, Ancestry.com! Normally available only in the library building, Ancestry is now accessible from home with your library card throughout 2021. Visit our website at stoughtonpubliclibrary.org and click on Research Help near the top of the page. New virtual programs and events are being added all the time! For the most-upto-date information, visit h�ps://www. stoughtonpubliclibrary.org/calendar/month
Outdoor Story Time
Nordic Ridge Park, 1300 Hoel Ave Tuesdays at 9:30 AM through August 10 No Story Time on July 13 We’re taking story time outdoors this Spring and Summer! Weather permitting, join us on Tuesday mornings for stories, songs, activities, and a simple take-home craft or coloring sheet. Nordic Ridge Park also has a Splash Pad so be sure to take advantage of this on warm days! We request that adults wear masks and maintain social distancing. No registration required. Recommended for ages 2-6, but older and younger children are more than welcome!
Educate, Enrich, Empower, Engage!
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, August 14 Children, teens, and adults: stop by the library to pick up some free comics! And while supplies last, get a free copy of Vidar and Hans, a small-town superhero comic by Gary Nauman and Nathan Peterson set right here in Stoughton. Many thanks to Deep Well Studios and Westfield Comics for partnering with us to offer free comics!
Summer Reading Program goes online! The Library’s annual Summer Library Program for all ages runs June 5 through August 14. Be sure to visit our website for full details! This year’s theme is Tales and Tails. Like last year, you can use Beanstack to record your reading hours, track your progress, and earn badges. To register online and begin tracking your reading, go to https://stoughtonpubliclibrary.beanstack. org or download the "Beanstack Tracker" app on your mobile device. Children, teens, and adults can track their reading using Beanstack. Or, if you prefer, you can pick up a traditional paper reading log to track reading. Children and teens will earn free books for reading, and everyone will earn raffle tickets for a chance to win grand prizes. Email abosky@ stolib.org or call 608-873-6281 for more details.
Check-Out a Board Game The library now has board games you can check out! Give one (or a few) of them a try today! These board games vary in recommended ages (from about 8 to 14) and are kept inside the TARDIS (now located on the top floor of the library). Go to stoughtonpubliclibrary.org/board-games for more information and a link to our Board Game Geek page listing the games available!
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Spring 2021 7
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8 Summer 2021
The Tower Times
City of Stoughton - Department of Public Works YOU MAY NOT KNOW WE WERE THERE, BUT YOU WOULD KNOW IF WE WEREN’T Dams are not a Place to Play
Curbside Bulk-On-Call and E-Waste Collection Program
Bulk Waste Collection Under the ‘bulk-on-call’ program, you have more flexibility to choose when you want your bulk items collected. Whenever you have bulk items to dispose of, simply call Johns Disposal to schedule a pick up. You are still allowed one bulky item collection per month, which is the same as the original program. The only difference is that that you need to call (262) 473-4700 to schedule the collection of your bulky items and will be able to enjoy the flexibility to schedule your collection anytime during the month. Bulk items will be collected within 7-days of the call for collection. Items collected with the bulk item pick up include: Acceptable Bulk Items: • Furniture, Appliances, Large metal items • Carpeting (no wider than 4ft and rolled) • Extra garbage bags or garbage in personal cans • Tires (2 per home per month – 8 per year) • Cardboard (flattened & empty) • Drain oil & antifreeze (sealed in 1-5 gallon containers) • Paper & other recyclables should be in clear plastic bags • *NEW* Electronics (see approved list) • Humidifiers/De-humidifiers, Water Softeners • Air Conditioners Unacceptable Bulk Items: • Yard waste • Hazardous materials • Liquid paint • Loose bulk construction materials All items for bulk pick up should be placed within 2 feet of curbside and 6 feet from the carts. If you have a question about a specific item, please call Johns Disposal at 262-473-4700. E-waste Stoughton residents can dispose of up to two (2) qualified household electronics at the curb each year as part of the bulk on-call program. Residents are currently afforded one bulk items collection per month for a total of 12 collections per year. Residents may substitute up to two (2) bulk item collections for qualified electronics collection. For example, a resident can set out 10 bulky items for 10 months and they can put out one (1) electronic item the other two months. Just like the bulky collection, each e-waste collection must be scheduled on the phone with Johns Disposal by calling 262473-4700 Approved E-Waste Items • Televisions • Computers (desktop, laptop, netbook and tablet computers) • Desktop printers (including those that scan, fax and/or copy and 3-D printers) • Computer monitors • Other computer accessories (including keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives and flash drives) • E-readers • DVD players, VCRs and other video players (i.e., DVR) • Fax machines • Cell phones If you have any questions about if an item can or can’t be set out, or to schedule a collection, please call John’s Disposal at (262) 4734700. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon.
Bring that sunny outdoor feeling indoors! • Proud to be Serving the Stoughton Community for over 58 years! • Family Owned and Operated • Stop In During Happy Hour Fridays 3-5pm 1/2 Price Single Stem Flowers (Cash & Carry)
www.stoughtonfloral.net
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Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm; Open Sat. 8am-1pm
Driving in Work Zones The safety of our staff and the contractors that work in our community is paramount. The workers aren’t there to try to inconvenience you or impede your travels. Rather, they are there to improve the roadways we all depend on to get where we need to go. When you see construction signs and orange barrels, take your foot off the gas, get off the phone and keep your eyes on the road. Remember, when you enter a work zone, be patient. Worrying about the time and traffic won’t get you anywhere faster. Instead, slow down and pay attention to your surroundings. These tips can help you get in and out of a work zone safely: • Don’t Text and Drive. It can wait and it’s against the law. • Stay Alert. Eliminate distractions like eating, drinking, fiddling with the stereo. • Expect the unexpected. Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road. • Slow down. The faster you go the longer it takes to stop. • Give yourself room. Rear-end collisions are the most common work zone crashes, so don’t tailgate. • Allow about three seconds of braking distance. Look for signs. Orange, diamond-shaped signs usually give you ample warning of lane closings, construction areas, and flaggers and other workers ahead. • Be patient. If you don’t see workers, that doesn’t mean they’re not there. Observe the signs until you see one that says you’ve left the work zone. • Plan ahead. Leave early or map out an alternate route. • Follow the law. Slow down and move over, if possible, when you see flashing lights
Remaining 2021 Curbside Brush Collection Dates
Have Brush Place on the Terrace by 7:00 a.m. on the Following Dates: August 23 and October 26 Acceptable Sizes • Branch Diameter – No greater than 6 inches • Branch Length – No greater than 8 feet in length • Pile Size – The pile must fit within the terrace area (back of curb to either the sidewalk or property line if there is no sidewalk) and shall not be greater than 20 feet in length. Piles must not impede the vision triangle for motorists. • Branches shall be stacked neatly parallel to the roadway. • Any trees/brush that have been cut by a paid contractor will not be collected. Note: Brush and Christmas trees must be put out on the terrace by 7:00 a.m. on Monday of the collection week. Please DO NOT set brush out more than 10 days prior to the scheduled collection date. Violators will be subject to a municipal citation.
Fall 2021 Curbside Leaf Collection
STOUGHTON FLORAL 168 E. Main Street, Stoughton, WI Flower Phone: 873-6173
Every year people are killed or seriously injured at dams. Most of these accidents could have been avoided by simply not getting close to the dam, understanding the potential dangers, and obeying the warning signs. The Fourth Street Dam is not a place to play. The current just upstream of the dam can be very strong, especially during the high flows that we have been experiencing, and can pull watercraft or swimmers into and through the dam. The turbulent discharge, sometimes called the “boil”, can trap a swimmer under the water. If you should happen to get caught in the boil, you should curl up, dive to the bottom, and swim or crawl downstream as shown in the picture. The diagram below shows the areas that should be avoided by boaters and swimmers. The headwater, boil, and headrace pose a potential danger to human health and safety. If you are going to portage around the dam, please use the designated “take out” area just south of the dam and re-enter downstream of the Fourth St bridge. Fourth St Dam Critical Danger Zones • Headwater of the dam can create dangerous currents that can pull boats and swimmers into the dam. • The turbulent dam discharge, or “boil” can trap swimmers under water. • The headrace, which flows through the old power house, could pose a threat to safety if a person were to go over spillway.
Fall Leaf Collection will start October 11 and will continue through November 24. You can put your leaves on the terrace any time during this period. Collection may be extended or shortened depending on weather conditions.
Please help by doing the following: • Place all leaves on the terrace (park row) • Do not place leaves in the street • Do not mix brush or trash in with your leaf pile • Do not park cars in front of your leaf pile • Remove leaves from the storm inlet grates and place on the terrace Please keep in mind, it may take crews several days to make it through the entire community. We will continue to loop through the entire city at least one per week. To make sure your leaves are collected, try to have them out each Monday. Once crews go by, they may not be back around until the next week.
Yard Waste Site Site Guidelines • The site is open to residents and non-residents. There is an annual fee for the use of the site. There is a $20.00 fee for residents of Stoughton and a $25.00 fee for all non-residents. Bring a driver's license or utility bill with a current address for proof of residency. • A 2nd sticker is available for $5.00 for multiple vehicles. If your sticker is lost there will be a $5.00 charge for replacement. • No commercial haulers or landscapers. • Materials must be separated, debagged and unloaded by the resident. Acceptable Materials • Leaves, grass clippings, garden waste, etc. (bags/containers must be removed) • Brush of any length • Logs- up to 14 inches in diameter (we would encourage repurposing logs for firewood, furniture, milled planks, etc.) Unacceptable Materials • Solid Waste - garbage, recyclables, food waste • Construction debris, rocks, dirt • Stumps, root balls, etc. The yard waste hours of operation are as follows: Open: April 1-November 23 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Annual Fee: C ity Resident, $20.00 Non-Resident, $25.00 Note: To protect the safety of the staff and public, the yard waste site may close early during inclement.
City of Stoughton Memory Tree Program The City of Stoughton Forestry Division offers you a unique and thoughtful way to celebrate life, love and accomplishments while making a meaningful contribution to your community by planting a tree. Trees leave a living, growing legacy for our future generations to cherish and enjoy. Trees can be planted in a city park or in the terrace area in front of your home or business if the area is suitable for tree planting. Your name, or the person you are memorializing or honoring will be inscribed on a plaque located at the Public Works Facility. The cost to purchase a tree, which includes planting and inscribed plaque, is $325. If you are interested in purchasing a tree, please fill out the application below. The City Forester will contact you to discuss the type of tree to be planted and the location. Please note that the placement of permanent markers or plaques are not permitted within the city right-of-way. If you are interested in the participating in the Memory Tree Program, please contact City Forester, John Kemppainen, at 608646-0414 or via email jkemppainen@ci.stoughton.wi.us
Lost a Tree To Emerald Ash Borer on your Private Property? Well, we have a tree for you! The City of Stoughton is pleased to announce that we will be providing 40 free trees to residents this year to plant on their property. This program is funded in part by a DNR Urban Forestry Grant. The goal of this grant is to help replace trees lost to the Emerald Ash Borer. If you have lost an ash tree on your property and are interested in a new tree this fall, please visit the Forestry section of the Public Works website at https://www.stoughtonpublicworks.com/forestry to fill out an application today. Applications will be accepted until July 31. If you have any questions about the program, please contact City Forester, John Kemppainen, at (608) 646-0414 or via email at jkemppainen@ci.stoughton.wi.us
The Tower Times
Spring 2021 9
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Stoughton Area Senior Center
Thirteen Moves Tai Chi Monday Drop-in Class Beginners: 10:30 -11:30 AM Advanced: 1:00 - 2:00 PM Cost: $10/per class or 4 classes for $36.
Ongoing Social and Recreation Activities Bridge Mondays, 9:30 AM Cribbage Mondays, 1:00 PM Handiwork Group Mondays, 1:00 PM Mahjong Tuesdays, 1:00 PM Pinochle Wednesday, 1:00 PM Pool Tables Available daily, 8:00-4:30 PM
PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES Kim’s Home-Cooked Curbside Pick-Up Meals On the first and third Thursdays of each month we offer delicious home-cooked meals for those aged 60 and older. Pick-up begins at 11 AM. Suggested donation is $4.00, pay what you can afford. Call (608) 873-8585 for more information.
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Wards 5 and 6 constitute Aldermanic District 3
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For more information on services and activities please contact the Stoughton Area Senior Center at 248 W. Main Street, Stoughton.
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Sheepshead Thursdays, 1:30 PM
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Please contact Cindy at (608) 873-8585 for more information on these volunteer roles.
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Wii Bowling Mondays and Fridays, 10:00 AM, FREE
Amundson Pkwy
Become a Substitute Driver: Being a Meals on Wheels volunteer involves picking up meals at the Senior Center and delivering them along a pre-determined route directly to the homes of several older adults. Once you’re done, you return the delivery packaging items and get back on your way. The volunteer schedule is up to you. We will call when a need arises for substitute needs.
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Ping Pong, FREE Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:00 PM Fridays, 10:30 AM
Support Groups The following support groups are now meeting in-person at the Senior Center. Memory Loss Caregiver Support Group, 2nd Thursdays, 2:00 PM Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 2nd Tuesday, 10:00 AM Low Vision Support Group, 3rd Thursday, 1:00 PM Grief Support Group, 3rd Wednesday, 2:00 PM Call the Senior Center at (608) 873-8585 if you have any questions regarding these groups.
Become a Kitchen Volunteer: Help with the behind-the-scenes tasks required to package and serve up to 100 meals a day to participants of our home delivery and onsite meal programs. Ability to walk independently and stand for 1-2 hours is required. Commit to 1-2 days per week, or on a substitute basis.
District 1 Brett Schumacher, bschumacher@ci.stoughton. wi.us Rachel Venegas, rvenegas@ci.stoughton.wi.us Joyce Tikalsky, jtikalsky@ci.stoughton.wi.us District 2 Phil Caravello, pcaravello@ci.stoughton.wi.us Jean Ligocki, jligocki@ci.stoughton.wi.us Lisa Reeves, lreeves@ci.stoughton.wi.us District 3 Regina Hirsch, rhirsch@ci.stoughton.wi.us Greg Jenson, gjenson@ci.stoughton.wi.us Tom Majewski, tmajewski@ci.stoughton.wi.us District 4 Ben Heili, bheili@ci.stoughton.wi.us Leonard “Ozzie” Doom, ldoom@ci.stoughton.wi.us Fred Hundt, fhundt@ci.stoughton.wi.us
Chair Exercise Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8:15 AM Chair exercise classes are back! Cost: $2/class
Transportation Options For the latest updates for in-town shopping, medical and other rides call us at (608) 873-8585 or see page 2 of our Yahara Senior News newsletter: https://stoughtonseniorcenter.com/ newsletter-1
Help the Meals On Wheels Program! Make an impact in your community by prepping or delivering meals and friendly greetings to homebound older adults.
City Council Members
Ongoing Fitness and Wellness Activities
Home Delivered Meals Meal delivery is available to homebound older adults in the Stoughton Area School District every weekday. If you or a loved one need assistance with meal delivery, please call the Senior Center at (608) 873-8585 to learn how to learn how to sign up.
We’ll be selling Coney dogs with the Chose family’s secret A&W stand Coney sauce. Plus, chips and a surprise dessert from Kim’s kitchen! Containers of Chose’s Coney Sauce and Kim’s cheese spread will also be for sale. All food sales will support our renovation goals for the next door Annex space. We hope to see you there!
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Hosted by the Stoughton Public Library, July’s featured book is The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister. Please call the library at (608) 873-6281 or email storef@stolib.org to check availability, and they’ll get a copy ready for you to pick up.
N Morris St
Great Food, Great Music, Great Cause Thursday, July 29, 6:00 - 7:30 PM Come to the Gazebo Musikk event for our latest fundraiser event! Enjoy the fresh air and music of JP Cyr and Midnightmen—plus great food!
Clerk-Election
Page Turners: Adult Book Discussion Tuesday, July 27, 6:30 PM—Via Zoom
Equipment Loan Closet Durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers may be checked out on a short-term basis to those residing in our case management service area: City of Stoughton, Albion and Dunkirk Townships. Monetary donations accepted.
NEWS
The 4 Year Voter Maintenance has begun by Wisconsin Elections Commission. The Elections Commission sent out postcards the week of June 15, 2021 to voters who have not voted in the past 4 years. In order for those voters to stay on the voter rolls they will have to sign and return the post card to the City of Stoughton Clerk’s department. If the postcard is undeliverable or the voter fails to return it to the Clerk’s department by July 15, the voters’ registration will automatically become inactive in WisVote and the voter will need to register again. 344 postcards were sent out to voters in Stoughton. More info may be found here: https://elections. wi.gov/node/7451. If you received a postcard and have questions about the information please call the Clerks Department for assistance, (608) 873-6677.
Mayor Tim Swadley of the City of Stoughton is back leading his monthly "Coffee with the Mayor '' meetings at the Stoughton Area Senior Center. It’s a chance to learn the latest City news and ask questions of the Mayor.
Case Management Service area: Stoughton, Towns of Albion and Dunkirk The Case Management program links older adults with services (food, housing, legal, medical, financial, social well-being, etc.) that are available to help them remain as independent as possible in their own homes and community. Our Senior Center’s case managers are devoted to coordinating, evaluating and advocating for such services to meet each individual’s needs and preferences.
We are here for you. Anyone in need of assistance or information is invited to give us a call at (608) 873-8585, subscribe to our monthly Yahara Senior News newsletter, or visit stoughtonseniorcenter. com.
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2nd Friday of the month, 9:30 AM
SERVICES
The Stoughton Area Senior Center is dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of older adults and their families by providing diverse programs, social services and volunteer opportunities. Consider supporting our mission and annual fundraising goal by making a donation today. Contact Cindy McGlynn at (608) 873-8585, or donate online at: stoughtonseniorcenter.com/fundraiser.
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Coffee with the Mayor, now in-person!
Dane County is looking for your thoughts and ideas that will help improve programs and services for residents as you age. Your responses will help develop a plan for 2022-2024 that will guide the County’s work and funding of existing and needed programs. Please visit this link during July: surveymonkey.com/r/ DCAging_2022_2024
S Franklin St
Many groups are beginning to meet here at the Senior Center. Masks are not required for those who have been COVID-19 vaccinated, but it is recommended for those who are not vaccinated to continue to wear a mask while in the building. We encourage everyone to mask to their comfort level. We value your health and support your decisions to stay safe.
Make Your Voice Count!
S Academy St
Come In, We’re Open!
The Tower Times
10 Summer 2021
Your resource for saving energy and money stoughtonu�li�es.com • (608) 873-3379
Stoughton Utilities COVID-19 Update For the safety of our customers and employees, the utility office remains closed to walk-in traffic at this time, however, all customer service operations will continue during our normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please contact our office by phone at (608) 873-3379 if you have questions about your utility account. If you would like to meet with any Stoughton Utilities employee in-person to discuss any topic, please contact us to setup an appointment for an individual office visit. Energy Assistance Customers who are having trouble paying their utility bills may consider contacting Wisconsin’s Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) for assistance. Eligibility guidelines have changed due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, so you may now be eligible for assistance even if you previously did not qualify. Contact Energy Services at (866) 432-8947 for more information and to apply for assistance, or apply online at energybenefit.wi.gov.
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confirmed that your home is not served by a lead • You have large areas of landscaping and gardens approximately 2-4 hours or less. After this time, Is it Flushable? Past Due Balances that are frequently watered with similar amounts the sediment will settle back out and the water What we put down our drains and toilets can service line. as listed above. will become clear.your You unique can speed up thesituation. process Please visit stoughtonuti liti es.com/constructi on negatively impact the environment and our You can contact Stoughton Utilities to establish a deferred payment arrangement and we will work with you individually to negotiate payment options based upon financial You all have a constructi on caught or otherupbusiness on as thepossible cold water tap atpenalties full pressure project updatesthe throughout year. We •urge Any arrangement will items requirelabeled a down-payment of at least one-third past-due the balance. customers to get on theirand utility by billsturning as soon to avoid and wastewater system. Even as for regular frequently fill tanks with water for use outdoors nearest where the water enters your home, such further efforts. “flushable” cancollection clog pipes, tangle pumps, and Outdoor Water Use or offsite. as a basement laundry tub, or a first-floor sink, and result in messy and costly sewer backups into When using water outdoors for watering lawns • Or any combinati on of the above allowing the water to run until it is clear. homes and businesses. Help us avoid unnecessary and gardens or refilling your pool, please keep During these periods, it's important to try to avoid maintenance and prevent sewer backups by not in mind that Stoughton Utilities does not offer Annual Drinking Water Claim Your $25 Bill Credit with our Bill Credit Incentives! using hot water, as the sediment can be drawn into putting any product other than toilet paper in sewer or wastewater billing credits unless you Quality Report your hot water heater's water tank, which could toilets orStoughton down drains. rated products, appliance and smart thermostats. ENERGY STAR products Utilities customers can receive a have $25 bill credit installed incentiveawith the purchase of certainStoughton ENERGY Uti STAR already secondary “water-only” lities®issues an annualincluding water quality require you to have to flush the tank later. arenot more efficient, you energy and money on your utility bills. Please do flush any ofsaving the following products meter to measure the usage that goes only to your report with important information about the down toilets, or put them down the drain: source and quality of your municipal drinking Signs the discoloration is from the underground outside faucets. Qualifying products include ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, air purifiers, and smart Visit waterthermostats. system • “Flushable” wipes for complete details and to download To havethe a water-only meter,forms. you will first need to water. In an effort to lower our environmental our website reimbursement • Disinfectant wipes work with a plumber to complete in-house piping impact, this report will be published online for you • Only the cold water is discolored. discolorati on affects to view at your convenience. Stoughton is • The • Paper To towels qualify for the Stoughton Utilities rebate, revisions purchases as ENERGY products at energystar.gov, or listed Uti aslitiaesqualifying smart thermostat at all faucets and taps in to must createbea listed separate water lineSTAR® to your rated your home or business. nually working to improve water quality andDecember 1, 2020. Visit Available for purchases madefaucets in 2020 only. Completed forms sales receipts must be received prior to • Cottonfocusonenergy.com. balls outside and/or sprinkler system. Onceand conti for full details and to download reimbursement forms. • Greasestoughtonutilities.com/incentives and oil that is complete, Stoughton Utilities will physically protect our water resources. We are committed to • The discoloration takes two or more minutes to clear when running a tap at full pressure. install a second meter in your home. Your primary ensuring the quality of your water remains at the • Diapers • The discoloration continues to be present hours highest possible level. meter will measure all water consumed inside • Baby wipes Stoughton Utilities RoundUp Program Donates $1,000 to Stoughton Area Resource Team at CCR. after your first notice it. You can view the full report the home, and standard wastewater charges will • Sanitary products Discoloration Caused by Your Plumbing stoughtonuti lities.com. IfThis youdonation do not have internet to donated its measured usage. The second meter • Tissues Stoughton Utilities apply recently $1,000 to Stoughton Area Resource Team (START). is part of Stoughton Utilities’ RoundUP program, a voluntary access, or if you are prefer a physical copynon-profit of the community Just like the underground START water mains corrode will only measure all utility waterbills consumed outside the dollar. • Towels program that ‘rounds up’ customers’ to the next whole All proceeds distributed to local organizations. helps families annual report, please contact office at (608) over time, so doesassistance the plumbing yourutilities, home, home, charges will not apply since in our community whoand are wastewater having trouble meeting their basic needs. The program provides caseour management services and financial for inside housing, Lead Service health, employment, and more. Their primary goal is todown prevent ourwill community and help in need gain independence 873-3379 andinwe mail a paper copy those to your apartment, or business. and You self-sufficiency. can often know that it’s known that this water is not going the homelessness Line Replacement Project the discoloration is a problem with your internal drain. Water-only meters must remain in place home or business. Stoughton began its 2006 as assist local non-profit organizations in our community. Over fiveonly percent of Stoughton Stoughton Utilities has worked with the StoughtonUtilities plumbing if rust appears in your hot water, throughout theRoundUP year, and program must be in installed foraaway to further What Causes Rusty Water? Utilities customers have voluntarily chosen to participate in the program and are continuing the "neighbor helping neighbor" concept that founded Stoughton Utilities Utilities Committee and the Stoughton City Council minimum of 12-months. comes only from certain faucets, or clears very C u s t o m e r s to be considered for future donations, may sign over a century ago. Customers wishing to participate in the RoundUP program, or non-profit organizations requesting to enact a new ordinance that up declares lead quickly aft er running the water. Internal plumbing In addition to your plumbing Stoughton online at stoughtonutilities.com/roundup, or bycosts, calling Stoughton Utilities customer service at occasionally (608) 873-3379. ask us, service lines as a public nuisance and mandates Utilities charges a one-time installation fee of "what causes dirty or is typically constructed using either copper or the replacement of all public and privately-owned $40.00 to set and activate the second meter. After rusty water, and is it galvanized steel. lead service lines. that, there is a $9.27 monthly charge that is in safe to drink?" Rusty Copper pipes are generally considered to be Celebrate the Holidays Safely We are excited to announce that Stoughton addition to your current monthly charges, and any water may look and better, since they last longer and typically don't Utilities Keep has been grantduring funding the bymetered is billed at $2.90 perand every 1,000 yourawarded family safe thefrom holidays keepingusage electrical safety in mind by following these simple safety tips... taste unpleasant, significantly affect water quality as they age. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gallons of water used. and possibly stain Galvanized steel pipes, on the other hand, Lighting that willOutdoor cover the homeowner costs associated Who will benefit? sinks and clothing, typically last twenty years before they show signs • If your outdoor decorating requires a ladder, always look up first before raising it. Don't raise ladders or other extended into of corrosion and rust. Replacing galvanized steel with lead service line replacement. Our goal is You must consume at least 23,000 gallons of water but it is objects not a health or near power lines. to use this grant funding to replace 100% of the annually through your outside faucets and/or concern. Rust is plumbing with copper can improve your internal • Planning string lights in outdoor trees? Make sure tree limbs haven't grown into or near electric lines. Branches and even lead service lines in the city to prior to December 31, sprinkler oxidized iron,entire and water quality and prevent discoloration, but it's systems in order to offset the additional trees can become energized if they contact the line. 2021. is introduced to tap important to never connect copper pipes directly monthly charges and therefore benefit from a to steel pipes, as this can actually increase the water from of the water mains using lights outdoors, labels to meter. be sureBelow they have for outdoor use.the Tocorrosion hold lights in place, string under them Homeowners• thatBefore have private lead service linescheck water-only are abeen few certified simplified through hooks or insulated staples, not nails or tacks. Never pull or tug lights to remove them. the street and/or the plumbing inside your home, corrosion of the steel. Be sure to use the proper have been notified by utility staff. They will be scenarios in which a customer would benefit: apartment, or business. Tap water can turn brown, dielectric couplings when connecting the two all outdoor electric decorations intohave circuits with ground circuit contacted by• the Plug constructi on contractor in the • You a pool with a waterfault capacity in interrupters excess of to avoid potential shocks. red, orange, or yellow due to the iron particles dissimilar pipe materials. upcoming months to schedule replacement, • Don't overloadthe extension cords or allow them to run water snow the ground. 23,000 gallons andthrough you drain andor refi ll it atonleast that break free from corroded iron or steel pipes. Signs the discoloration is caused by your internal which will require modifications to the plumbing annually, or you have a smaller pool could that you • Don't staple or nail through light strings or electrical/extension cords-you damage the wirepipes or insulation, which could lead North to an plumbing Corroded are common in most inside the property’s basement. occasionally refill or top off. electrical shock or fire. American cities, where many water systems were • The water is discolored every morning, or when Construction efforts began in May and will continue • You frequently water your lawn, running originally installed over a century ago. You can first used after several hours of inactivity. throughout 2021. If you are not contacted by sprinklers for at least an approximate average of determine if your water discoloration is caused by Indoor Lighting • The water clears after it has run for a few seconds Stoughton Uti yourallhome was either minutes per day (approximately 222 gallons) • lities, Check tree lights - evenbuilt if you've21 just purchased them - before hanging them on your tree. Make suresupply all theorbulbs work and that there are no frayed wires, broken sockets or loose the municipal water your home's internal or minutes. after lead service lines were prohibited, or we have between Memorial Day and mid-September. connections. plumbing. • The discoloration affects only certain faucets, but • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, a person be electrocuted. notcould all of them. Discolorati on Caused byand Water Mains touching a branch • The discolorati affects only the hot water, • Inside your home route cords so they won't trip anyone. Additionally, don't place them rugs, appliances or otheratobjects, if covered or become worn and Rustunder and sediment is always present the bottas omthey may overheat on cause a fire. the cold water tap runs clear. of water mains, and regularly mixes with drinking water in microscopic amounts. Certain events can • The discoloration clears after changing a water filter located inside your property. Trimming the Tree stir up the sediment in the water mains, causing • Whether artificial or freshly cut, a tree should be kept a safe distance away from all sources of on heat, including fireplaces, radiators or portable heaters. Constructi on: New water mains installed as discolorati as the particulates become visible to the naked eye, including water main breaks, water part of utility reconstruction projects and land • When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "Fire Resistant." development must be flushed before being placed main replacement during projects, • Cut a few inches off the trunk of your tree to expose the fresh wood. This allows for better water absorption andconstructi will helpon 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 vehicular out rapidly.accidents involving a fire hydrant, into service. Water mains may also need to be firefighting efforts with high water use, or other temporarily taken out of service for construction • 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. disturbances that cause a significant change in efforts. These activities may cause temporary • It is important to turn off all electrical light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.discoloration can also occur in water discoloration to homes and businesses in water flow. Water areasoverheating near activeand constructi and development areas of of lowlights water suchextension as cul-de-sacs • For both inside and outside lighting projects, follow the rule of using no more than three sets onflaow, single cord and to prevent reduceonthe chance of fire. projects. dead-end roads. • Follow the use and care instructions that accompany your electrical decorations. Stoughton Utilities flushes our 70 miles of water Laundry Tips: If you were in the process of mains at least once per year, which allows us to not washing laundry during a discoloration event, Stoughton Utilities wishes you and your family a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season! only remove any sediment that has accumulated in rewash the laundry once the water has cleared. Be the mains, but to also verify the proper operation sure to not dry them in the clothes dryer before of hydrants and valves and maintain firefighting treating the stains or rewashing, as the heat may Tree Branches vs. Electric Wires capabilities. Although this flushing is essential to cause the stains to set, and make them difficult or provide high water quality and prevent long-term impossible to remove. When washing, use a rust 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 or even fall, bringing the lines stain remover orbreak regularand detergent, but never use sedimentati on and discolorati on issues, it can energized down with them. This risk is increased over the winter months due to the heavy weight of snow and ice accumulation, as well as the high winds that frequently accompany winter storms. cause short-term discoloration as the sediment is chlorine bleach which can react with iron to form a permanent stain. disturbed to the higher water flows.Our line clearance To reduce outages caused by tree contact, Stoughton Utilities prunes trees away from its power lines ondue a planned five-year cycle. program is one of many efforts we employ When sediment getsTree stirred in award. the water Contact Us: If you've reviewed the tips above and to help ensure the reliability of your electrical service, and for many years, our program has been honored with the Lineup USA system, the resulting discoloration will typically last determined that your water's discoloration appears
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
The Tower Times
to be caused by the municipal underground water system, please contact us and our customer service staff will review your situation and dispatch a water operator to analyze your neighborhood's water quality.
Reduce Clear Water Discharge
What is “clear water”? Clear water is a source of unwanted water that enters the sanitary sewer system. Clear water can enter into the sanitary sewers through leaky manhole covers and broken sewer mains or laterals, but a very common source is from improperly installed sump pumps that discharge into the sewer rather than outside. Why is clear water a problem? Clear water does not belong in the sanitary sewer system. If it enters the sanitary sewers, this clear water mixes with the raw sewage and takes up much-needed capacity in the system. The mixture must be conveyed and treated just like sanitary waste. When sanitary sewers fill to capacity, (like traffic backing up on the freeway), waste can back up into residents’ basements or possibly overflow into the river. Clear water needs to be kept separate from sewage and conveyed through storm sewers or drainage ditches, or absorbed into the ground. Stoughton Utilities maintains a clear water reduction program and routinely replaces aging infrastructure that can lead to the entry of clear water, but we need your help too. How can I, as a property owner, make a difference? By eliminating improper connections to the sanitary sewer, you will significantly reduce the flow of clear water to the sanitary system, which helps keep wastewater rates low. A commonly found problem in homes is sump pumps that discharge to the sanitary sewer, either through a connection to the floor drain or to a laundry tub, rather than being properly piped to discharge outside the home into your yard. Consider this: An eight-inch sanitary sewer can handle wastewater from up to 200 homes. However, it takes only eight sump pumps discharging into the sewer to overload this same eight-inch sanitary sewer pipe. My basement has never flooded because of a sewer backup, so why should I bother? If plumbing on your property conveys clear water into the sanitary sewer, it may cause a backup and flooding in your neighbor’s basement. It may also add to sewer overflows, potentially leading to the pollution of local rivers and waterways. In addition, improper sump pump connections to the sanitary sewer system are illegal, and a violation of Section 74-89 of the City of Stoughton Municipal Code of Ordinances that prohibits clear water (ground water or surface water) discharge into the sanitary sewer system.
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How do I know if my home has improper connections? If you believe your sump pump discharges to any location other than outside your home, Stoughton Utilities encourages you to work with a licensed plumber to inspect your property and locate any source of clear water improperly entering the sanitary system. If problems are detected, it is up to each property owner to have the problems corrected. What other steps can I take to decrease the risk of basement backups and damage to my property? •A djust the grade around the foundation to slope away from your home. • Install downspout extension six feet from the foundation. • Install sump pump discharge line extensions and increase sump pump capacity. • Repair or replace sanitary sewer laterals connected to your home if leaks are found. • Install backflow prevention devices.
Claim your $25 Bill Credit with our Smart Thermostat Incentive!
Did you know that as much as half of the energy used in your home goes to interior space heating and cooling? Making smart decisions about your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can make a big impact on your utility bills and your comfort. Due to advances in technology, you can now save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that “learns” your habits to help you manage home heating and cooling costs. This thermostat then adjusts your HVAC equipment based not only on your home’s unique energy profile, but also the actual and predicted outdoor weather forecast. A smart thermostat saves up to $120 annually, and typically pays for itself in the first two years-- and we want to help you buy one! In 2020, if you purchase a new, currently-qualified Smart Thermostat, we’ll give you a $25 bill credit incentive. To request your bill credit, please download and complete the application form from our website. Return the completed form along with a copy of your sales receipt to our office, or scan and send the form and sales receipt to us by email. To qualify for the Stoughton Utilities rebate, your smart thermostat must be an ENERGY STAR® certified model or be on the approved Focus on Energy list. Available for purchases made in 2021 only. Completed forms and sales receipts must be received prior to December 1, 2021. Limit one incentive per customer every 5 years, subject to available program funding.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
Summertime in Wisconsin can bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small storm can result in a large power outage. Severe storms are
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inevitable, and may strike at any time. Once the lights go off, it is too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t be 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. We cannot assure any customer that a storm or equipment problem will not interrupt power. Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equipment and regularly test the equipment's back-up power sources. 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 is easy to locate in the dark. We suggest including these items: • Working flashlights • Battery-operated radio for news & weather reports • Batteries for flashlights & radios • Candles & matches to provide emergency lighting • Blankets • Bottled water (city customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not) • Canned or dried food • A corded or cellular telephone (cordless landline phones do not work when power is out) Other Things to Keep in Mind • Avoid any downed power lines, and never attempt to touch or move one, even if you are certain it is not live. A shock from a downed line can easily kill or severely injure – avoid the line and contact us immediately! • Remember that electric garage door openers will not function during a power outage. Place your unit on "manual" if possible. • Electric sump pumps will not work during a power outage. If you live in a low-lying area, you may want to consider purchasing a battery backup for your sump pump to keep your basement dry, even during a prolonged outage. • Pumps used for rural customer's wells will not operate during a power outage. Be sure to have a supply of drinking water ready. • 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. • P rotect 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 air-conditioning is off you should keep your windows covered. • If you leave your home or business, switch on a light that will be able to be seen from the street once power is restored. Our crews often "spot check" to ensure all customers have their electricity back on. • F or the safety of everyone, stay clear of crews, vehicles and equipment in the area. •A fter the power is restored, you can safely reconnect appliances and equipment, and reset devices that operate on timers. • S toughton Utilities’ drinking water and wastewater treatment processes will be active during an outage. •C reate a Family Plan. Make sure children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a caretaker.
Give Them a Brake!
Slow down, and drive safely in utility work zones. Working outdoors during Wisconsin’s hot summers and unpredictable storms 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. 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, depends on it! • Always buckle up. • P ay attention. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and people and vehicles may be working near the road. • Always slow down, and travel at posted work zone speed limits. • Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use. • K eep 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. • P lan ahead and give yourself time to reach your destination.
12 Summer 2021
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