Village of Weston Newsletter 2014-1112

THEWIRE

5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Dear Citizens and Taxpayers, We hope that this latest, and improved, edition of the Village’s newsletter, the Weston Wire, finds you enjoying these first beginning weeks of fall. We made some positive improvements to our print newsletter. We are looking forward to increasing the editions of this publication and communicating often with you.

The elected Board of Trustees believes our Village government has a responsibility to communicate with all of you, and provide you with information about what is happening within your local government. Printed newsletters are great tools for communicating with all Village stakeholders. Yet, printed newsletters are the most expensive form of communication that we have. I mention this not because the village is reluctant to author and print these newsletters. Rather, I want to remind all our readers we have a number of other great tools to provide you with information about the Village.

This past year we updated the Village’s website, and I believe we have the best website of any local government in the area. You can set up individual profiles and accounts within the website itself and the website will email you or alert you through text message about new content and public meetings. We have a weekly email newsletter called, “This Week In Weston”, which is emailed out every Friday. We are the only community in the area that does weekly email newsletters. We also have a very active presence on social media. We regularly post new content on Facebook, LinkedIN, Twitter, and YouTube. We also have a brand new social media platform called Nextdoor, for connections between your neighbors here in the village. Each of these tools helps us keep you informed about what is happening here in the community.

Having you connected with us, actually helps us do our job better serving you and helping to advance this community forward. Would you consider helping us out? If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to connect with us, stay informed, and be engaged. Thank you for reading this newsletter. Please let us know if there are any questions we can answer for you about the content within.

Sincerely,

Daniel Guild Administrator

General Election is on November 4, 2014 See page 2 for Election Information

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

IN THIS ISSUE. 2

November 4th Election

3

Winter is Approaching

6

Zoning Update

7

2015 Budget

8 9

Seasonal Positions Surveillance at Kennedy Park Changes at S.A.F.E.R

10 Ribbon Cuttings

Ground Breakings New Businesses

11

Connect with us Online

THE WESTON WIRE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1 Administrators Update

We have been working on some exciting projects the past several months.

• We continue to implement Marathon County’s first single stream recycling collection program. Environmentally responsible, the amount of untarnished recycling collected by the village is also an important revenue stream for our municipality, which helps keeps costs down.

• We have been working hard on recruiting new retail and commercial businesses into the community. The village has been partnering with the Retail Coach, a national retail recruitment firm from Texas. If you are interested in some of the work products that Retail Coach has put together for us, please check them out on our website at: http://www.westonwi.gov/retail.

• We continue working on plans for the Camp Phillips / County Road X corridor. We have information about these plans on our website and a video of our presentation on the village’s YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/westonwi.

• We continue to explore efficiencies and cost effective strategies to provide you better services through cooperation and consolidation with our neighbors. We are currently exploring some partnerships with the summer management of the Weston Aquatic Center and additional partnerships with our municipal court.

Elections U.S. Supreme Court Decision Blocks Wisconsin Voter Photo ID Law

This question will appear on the November 4, 2014 Ballot

Late Thursday, October 9, 2014, the United States Supreme Court issued an order blocking implementation of Wisconsin’s voter photo ID law for the November 4, 2014 General Election. Any information stating that voter photo ID is in effect for the November 4, 2014 General Election should be disregarded.

Under state law, the increase in the levy of the Village of Weston for the tax to be imposed for the next fiscal year, 2015, is limited to 1.16%, which results in a levy of $4,641,264. Shall the Village of Weston be allowed to exceed this limit and increase the levy for the next fiscal year, 2015, and on an ongoing basis, by $60,000 per year, to pay for the cost of providing public transportation (which for 2015 equals an additional 1.308% for a total increase of 2.468% and results in a total levy of $4,701,264, which sum does not include other exemptions from the levy limit)?

In-person Absentee Voting In person absentee (early) voting for the November 4, 2014 General Election is from Monday, October 20, 2014 to Friday, October 31, 2014, 8:00am to 5:00pm at the Weston Municipal Center, 5500 Schofield Avenue, Weston.

Request an Absentee Ballot by mail, fax or e-mail If you are a registered Wisconsin voter, you can download the Application For Absentee Ballot. Just complete the form and mail to the Municipal Clerk’s office at 5500 Schofield Avenue, Weston, WI 54476. You may also e-mail your request to sweinkauf@westonwi.gov or fax to 715-359-6117. Your application must be received by the clerk no later than 5:00pm on Thursday, October 30th in order for an absentee ballot to be sent to you. If you are not registered, you will need to register to vote (www.myvote.wi.gov) before an absentee ballot can be sent to you.

Sample Ballot - November 4, 2014 General Election You can see your sample ballot at www.myvote.wi.gov. Choose what kind of voter you are (regular, temporary overseas, permanent overseas or military), give the website your information (name and date of birth), and it will show you your sample ballot based on your address, and you can start the voter registration process online.

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5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

• NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

Winter is Approaching Winter is just around the corner and the Department of Public Works would like to remind you of a few things to prepare for the coming winter and remind you of the following:

Snow Plowing The Village’s Public Works department is responsible for maintaining approximately 290 lane miles of streets in the Village and Town of Weston.

Snow plowing priorities have been established to allow you to travel to work and get our children to school safely, with minimal inconvenience and delay. The map (please see page 4) details the Village’s strategy. Schofield Avenue, Ross Avenue, Camp Phillips Road (in conjunction with Marathon County), Alderson Street, Weston Avenue, Fuller Street, Jelinek Avenue, and other streets highlighted in red shown on the map receive first priority as main thoroughfares. Even though the street you live on may not be cleared right away, residents should only be a few blocks from a cleared roadway. Further information regarding the Village’s snow removal policy can be found on the Village’s website at http://westonwi.gov/372/Snow-Removal or by contacting the Public Works Department at 715-359-6114.

An election will be held in the Village of Weston, on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, the following offices are to be elected to succeed the present incumbents (3 Village Trustees and 1 Village President).

If interested in running for local office, the first day to circulate nomination papers is December 1, 2014 and the final day for filing nomination papers with the Village Clerk is Tuesday, January 6, 2015. If you are interested in taking out nomination papers, please contact the Clerk’s office for more information at 715-359-6114 or by email at sweinkauf@westonwi.gov.

Proper Snow Removal

Winter Parking

A “yes” allows the Village Board to exceed the state imposed levy limits to pay for the estimated cost of providing public transportation services.

Are you interested in Running for Local Office?

It is important to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow and/or salt truck when the driver is operating the vehicle. These vehicles make frequent backing maneuvers (primarily at intersections) and cannot easily see behind them, especially during a storm.

As a reminder, it is a violation of state statutes and Village ordinance to plow snow from your driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot onto any public right-of-way (Sec. 86.022 Stats and Sec. 70.104 Weston Municipal Code). The process of plowing snow from private property onto public right of ways can create a safety hazard.

Explanation

A “no” vote does not allow the Village Board to exceed the state imposed levy limits to pay for the estimated cost of providing public transportation services. In the event the majority of eletors vote “no” to the question, the Village Board may reduce or eliminate public transportation services, or other municipal services, as necessary, to balance the budget.

Give Plows Room to Manuever

During the snow season, November 1 through May 1, all vehicles must be off the streets and roadways between the hours of 2:00am and 6:00am and any other hours during a declared snow emergency to allow for proper snow removal.

Right-of-Way Obstructions Landscaping materials including shrubbery, rocks, boulders, planters, lawn sprinkler systems, pet fences, decorative pieces, signs, etc., are prone to damage during street maintenance work including snow removal, sweeping, and utility work.

The landscaped area within the right-of-way is often misinterpreted as being part of private property. The Village cannot accept responsibility for damage to private property within the right-of-way because it interferes with the Village’s equipment.

On most streets and roads in the Village, the right-of-way extends to 33 feet from the center of the road. Since there are a variety of right-of-way widths on streets in the Village, please call to get more specific information to understand where the right-of-way line is in front of your property.

Sidewalk Snow Removal Policy The adjacent property owners are responsibile for snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Snow removal is required within 48 hours after snow fall ceases and failure to remove snow or ice within the allotted time specified may result in the village having to clear the sidewalk at the expense of the property owner. Failure to pay the special charge by the due date will result in the charges being added to the tax bill for said proerty.

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THE WESTON WIRE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

• NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

Mailbox Installation Requirements Fall is a good time to check your mailbox post and general placement of your mailbox in relation to the roadway. Typically, when a post has been in the ground for a few years, the wood may begin to rot and metal posts may begin to rust. This severely weakens the post’s ability to withstand the force of snow being thrown from a snow plow during the winter.

The Village will assist residents in repairing mailboxes ONLY if the mailbox and/or post are physically struck by the plow itself. The Village is NOT responsible for damage caused by plowed snow hitting the mailbox or frozen snow/ice moved during plowing operations. It is important that residents check the condition of their mailbox and post prior to the winter season.

It should be noted it is the responsibility of residents to clear the snow away from their mailbox to allow regular delivery of mail.

The snowplows will get as close to mailboxes as possible, but will not be able to clear all of the snow.

Another issue the Village encounters with some frequency is damage to plastic mailboxes. Plastic boxes are more easily damaged since they naturally become more brittle with age and even more so in colder weather.

The Village has a mailbox replacement policy which includes a maximum reimbursement amount in instances when the Village has determined responsibility for damage to a mailbox. If you have any questions regarding the requirements and guidelines for the installation of mailboxes, please contact the Public Works Department at 715-359-6114.

Most Preferred Placement - Either Side of Driveway

Wrong Placement - Too Close to Mailbox

Too Close Together

Good Placement -on One Side of Driveway

Prevent Home Water Line Freeze-Ups With severe cold again predicted for the coming winter, it is important for property owners and tenants to assess areas where their interior or exterior plumbing may be exposed to the cold.

The Village website includes some information about frozen laterals, which provides some items you can check before winter. Some important notes include: •

•

• •

Check basements and crawl spaces to make sure all windows are closed and that any exposed water piping is not subject to cold drafts, particularly your water meter.

Make sure piping on the interior side of an exterior wall isn’t insulated from the interior heat (such as under a kitchen cabinet).

Insulate any exposed piping in areas not heated.

Know where your water lateral is located between your home and the street. If possible do not remove snow from the ground above the lateral.

As winter approaches the Village will update its website in preparation for the season. Hopefully the weatherman is wrong about the temperatures and we will only need to be concerned with a lot of snow.

Utility Rate Increases Recycling and Garbage Containers Please place garbage and recycling containers behind the curb (behind the shoulder) on the day of the scheduled pickup.

Containers placed in the roadway or at the end of the driveway are more likely to be damaged or knocked over and the contents strewn either from being struck by the snowplow or from the snow off of the snowplow. Safe and efficient snow plowing practice dictates the snow plow drivers do not cross the centerline of the street and remain on a consistent path as possible. This means the plow operators are not able to drive around containers or set up containers that are knocked over.

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The topic of rate increases is certainly not a popular one. However, to keep rates at the same level indefinitely will ultimately lead to diminished levels of service as operational costs rise. The last rate increase for the sanitary sewer utility occurred in 2004. The last rate increase for the water utility occurred in 2009.

While the Village has held the line on personnel costs for its operations, there are other operational cost increases which impact the overall cost of utility operations. Also, maintenance and replacement of aging infrastructure is looming as a national crisis with an estimated $1 trillion dollar spending need nationally over the next 10 years in both water and waste water. (continued on pg. 6)

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THE WESTON WIRE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Since Weston is a relatively new utility system (on the order of only 50 years old) there currently are no serious problems due to aged infrastructure. However, the Village wishes to be proactive in helping to keep the physical assets of our water and sanitary sewer systems in top condition and provide proper staffing levels to deliver reliable and uninterrupted service. Another factor is to implement smaller more frequent rate increases to avoid the shock of double digit percentage increases.

The day has come for making adjustments to the Village’s water and sanitary sewer utility rates. Operational costs continue to rise for both utilities. Major expenses in both areas include electricity (for pumping) and chemicals (for treatment). In the case of the sanitary sewer utility, electricity and chemical costs come back indirectly from the regional treatment facility at Rib Mountain Metropolitan Sewerage District (RMMSD). An additional expense, which RMMSD will be taking on this coming year is a facilities planning study to evaluate the best options for the future to maintain the reliability of the treatment facility. Among options to be considered is consolidation of wastewater management with the City of Wausau.

The impact to the utility for the RMMSD increase alone is on the order of 5% of utility expenses. The proposed amount of increase for each utility and implementation dates will be determined as the Village prepares its 2015 operating budgets in October and November.

Overview of Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Updates The Village is undertaking significant updates and upgrades to its plans and ordinances that guide future growth and economic development. Specifically, the efforts will result in complete updates to the Village’s 2006 comprehensive plan and 1990s-era zoning ordinance. The updates focus on how Weston can best capitalize on its assets and future opportunities to enhance the local economy and quality of life.

Assets include Highway 29, the excellent school system, and economic strengths like healthcare.

A steering committee made up of the Village Board and Plan Commission is overseeing and will eventually adopt the plan and ordinance updates. The Village’s Planning and Development Department staff is managing the updates. The Department is also directing the work of MDRoffers Consulting -an urban planning, zoning, and economic development firm. Collaboration with neighboring communities, the County, and other community stakeholders is a big part of these efforts.

The Village’s comprehensive plan is a long-range guide for its future growth and development. Once updated, it will provide a vision and specific initiatives for Weston to achieve its future opportunities. Updating the comprehensive plan will also position the Village to receive grants to fund its various initiatives.

The comprehensive plan update is being undertaken in three phases, which will be completed by 2016. The first phase, well underway, will deliver: •

•

•

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A plan for the lands along Camp Phillips Road—perhaps the Village’s most important entryway—focused particularly on redevelopment opportunities and associated road improvements.

A plan for expanding broadband internet service to serve existing and future technology-based businesses and provide an increasingly important tool for home use.

Updates to economic development, transportation, and natural and agricultural resources chapters to guide future decision making in each of these areas.

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5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

• NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

A new parks and open space plan, in the form of a parks and recreation chapter of the comprehensive plan, linking Village parks and trails to economic and community health.

Updates to the land use chapter of the comprehensive plan, which will provide guidance on future decisions to rezone land for development.

2015 Budget Hearing The Weston Village Board will hold a public hearing for the 2015 Operating Budget and 2015 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget on Monday, November 24th at 6:00pm. After the public hearing, the Village Board will make any final adjustments to the budget and adopt the 2015 Budget and the property tax levy for the December 2014 tax bills. All interested residents are welcome to attend the meeting. Copies of the 2015 budget will be avaiable for Village residents at the Weston Municipal Center front desk, beginning on Monday, November 10th. A copy of the 2015 budget will also be placed onto the Village of Weston’s website at www.westonwi.gov at that same time.

The Finance Department expects to be mailing out the 2014 property tax bills during the week of December 8th. The Village will continue to work with the local Weston banks and credit unions in assisting the Village in the tax collection process during December 2014 and January 2015.

2014 Village Population Increased

In collaboration with the Village of Kronenwetter, Weston is also completing a full update to its zoning ordinance and zoning map. The zoning ordinance divides the Village into different zoning districts, each with its range of allowable land uses (e.g., residential, commercial). It also sets qualitative standards for new development and procedures to get new development projects approved. A goal of the zoning ordinance update is to simplify development review processes, while emphasizing high-quality and care in the approval of future development proposals. In total, the updated zoning ordinance will contribute to the overall thrust of advancing quality economic growth in the Village of Weston.

The estimates recently received from the Wisconsin Department of Administration indicate that the Village of Weston population for 2014 is 15,090. This is an increase of 222 residents from the 2010 census.

This 2014 population of 15,090 places the Village of Weston as the 54th largest community in the State of Wisconsin.

A table of annual population and annual increases is shown below (table 1) for all years since the 2000 census.

The zoning ordinance update and the first phase of the comprehensive plan update are both scheduled to be completed by winter 2015. Public Hearings are required prior to the adoption of both project documents. For more information, please visit www.westonwi.gov. Webpages have been created specifically for each project. To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan Update and review draft documents as they become available, please visit http://www.westonwi.gov/329/Comprehensive-Plan-Update-2013---2016. To learn more about the Zoning Code Update Project and review the draft Zoning Code and Map, please visit http://www.westonwi gov/365/ Zoning-Code-Update-Project-2013-2014. Maps are available to view at the Municipal Center as well. For additional information please contact Jennifer Higgins, Director of Planning and Development via e-mail at jhiggins@westonwi.gov, Jared Wehner, Planning Technician via e-mail at jwehner@westonwi.gov or at 715-359-6114.

Table Table11

Village of Weston Population

15,090

Table Table 22

Increase

Year

Equalized Value

12,079

--

2000

$485,305,400

--

12,249

170

2001

$530,132,500

+ 9.24%

2002

12,502

253

2002

$563,738,900

+ 6.34%

2003

12,802

300

2003

$597,633,300

+ 6.01%

2004

13,003

201

2004

$669,758,500

+ 12.07%

2005

13,195

192

2005

$751,617,800

+ 12.22%

155

2006

$867,363,000

+ 15.40%

$956,047,100

+ 10.22%

Year

Population

2000 2001

2006

13,350

% Change

2007

13,805

455

2007

2008

14,040

235

2008

$1,059,625,700

+ 10.83%

$1,052,951,500

- 0.63%

2009

14,310

270

2009

2010

14,868

558

2010

$1,017,654,200

- 3.35%

2011

15,045

177

2011

$1,030,372,700

+ 1.25%

2012

15,051

6

2012

$966,710,400

- 6.18%

2013

15,052

1

2013

$996,473,000

+ 3.08%

2014

15,090

38

2014

$1,000,982,900

+ 0.45%

2014 Equalized Valuation Increases again above $1 Billion mark for first time since 2011 The Wisconsin Department of Revenue recently released their 2014 equalized valuations for Wisconsin communities in August. The 2014 equalized valuation for the Village of Weston is $1.001 billion compared to $996 million in 2013. This represents a slight increase of 0.45% in the 2014 property valuation. With the assistance of net new construction, the Village is slowly regaining the property valuation lost due to the economic recession that impacted the Village beginning in 2009. A table of the Village’s equalized valuation is shown below (table 2) for all years 2000-2014.

The Department of Revenue (DOR) reported a 1.16% increase in net new construction for the Village of $11,528,900 in 2014. However, the State had applied a negative economic adjustment of $8,785,900, primarily to commercial property, to arrive at the net +0.45% increase in the overall equalized valuation.

Changes in equalized value do not necessarily translate into a change in taxes.

The DOR also certifies the valuation for the individual Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) Districts of the Village each year, namely TIF #1 & TIF #2. The increase in the valuation of each TIF District is used to calculate the amount of property taxes collected from each TIF District in order to meet its annual debt service payments. The typical Village taxpayer is not paying off the debt of the TIF Districts.

The 2014 total cumulative TIF increment valuation created to date from the two TIF Districts since 1998 is now almost $200 million.

Tax Increment District #1 $185,640,800 Tax Increment District #2 14,120,200 Total Tax Increment Districts $199,761,000

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THE WESTON WIRE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

• NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

Parks and Recreation Ice Rinks The Village of Weston Park Department is now accepting applications for ice rink attendants for the 2014-2015 ice skating season. These positions run from the middle of December through February. Applications are available at www.westonwi.gov in the Village E-Services section.

The Village will be operating one open rink and one hockey rink again this season.

Both rinks are located at Kennedy Park. Rinks will be open from 1:00 to 5:00pm and 6:00 to 9:00pm on Saturdays, Sundays and School Holidays and from 6:00 to 9:00pm Monday through Friday. Call the Weston Park Department at 715-359-9988 with questions regarding the rinks or the available positions.

Surveillance at Kennedy Park The Village recently took some steps to help Kennedy Park remain a site for families to gather. We are delighted that we have a skate park to offer as an alternative to mainstream sports, and a new water slide that attracts thrill seekers. However, with the added features at the park over the recent years, there has been an increase in foot traffic and park loitering. Everest Metro Police Department has seen a rise in hit and runs in the Aquatic Center parking lot, as well as issues related to loitering in the skate park parking lot. The Weston Parks and Recreation Department has also spent many hours addressing vandalism at our signature park.

To help eliminate many of these issues and to assist Everest Metro with enforcement, the Village of Weston invested in a surveillance system to cover areas of interest at Kennedy Park. The new system, which was installed by Dream Systems of Weston, and then implemented by Network Professionals of Wausau, was completed in August of this year.

Seasonal Positions Available The Village of Weston is currently accepting applications for Lifeguards, W.S.I. Certified lifeguards and Head lifeguards for the 2015 season. These seasonal positions will run from approximately May 29th through August 23rd, 2015.

Applications are available at www.westonwi.gov in the E-Services section.

Applications need to be completed by March 13th, 2015 with testing for new employees scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 21st, 2015.

The Weston Park Department is also accepting applications for seasonal positions for 2015. For questions concering the above positions, please contact the Weston Park Department at 715-359-9988, sosterbrink@westonwi.gov or bmroczenski@westonwi.gov.

Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan The Village of Weston is currently working with MDRoffers on updating the Village’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. The entire draft of the plan is available for review at www.westonwi.gov in the Planning and Development Department section. A public hearing will be held later this year so residents can comment or ask questions regarding the plan. Residents are encouraged to review the plan documents and to submit their comments via e-mail to sosterbrink@westonwi.gov or jhiggins@westonwi.gov. Residents are also encouraged to attend the public hearing later this fall.

The system features 12 cameras located throughout the park that record to a central disk array and can be accessed by appointed staff and Everest Metro personnel. Also, the system has the ability to be accessed in real time by Officers so they can keep an eye on loitering issues at various park facilities.

The surveillance system, along with signage and an increased police presence have already had a positive effect on the park.

Aquatic Center Gift Certificates Now is the time to purchase Aquatic Center Gift Certificates for the 2015 season. Weston Aquatic Center gift certificates are available in any amount and can be used towards the purchase of any pass throughout the 2015 season. To purchase a gift certificate, stop in at the Weston Municipal Center at 5500 Schofield Ave. between 7:30am - 5:00pm.

S.A.F.E.R Changes at South Area Fire District The South Area Fire District is going through some new changes; Chief Paul D. Wirth has announced his retirement effective October 12, 2014. Chief Wirth was hired as the first full time Fire Chief for the Town of Rib Mountain Fire Department in July of 2003 and then named the Chief of the South Area Fire District in January of this year. Chief Wirth retires with over 28 year in the fire service, 15 years with the City of Antigo, two years as a full-time Fire Service Instructor for Northcentral Technical College and just over 10 years as Chief of the Town of Rib Mountain Fire Department prior to the creation of the South Area Fire District.

The new Chief will be Steve Meilahn, who is the current Deputy Chief of the South Area Fire District and the former Chief of the Village of Weston. Chief Meilahn has over 32 years in the fire service including career, paid-on-call and volunteer experience, this along with 28 years of law enforcement to add to his background. Prior to being the full-time Chief of the Weston Fire Department Chief Meilahn was a Detective with the Everest Metro Police Department and is active as an educator for the technical college as a fire service instructor.

As Chief Meilahn moves from Deputy Chief to Chief, Battalion Chief Matt Savage has been chosen to be the new Deputy Chief. Chief Savage has over 17 years in the fire service and had served as the Deputy Chief of the Rib Mountain Fire Department for 16 of those years. Chief Savage is a Firefighter/Critical Care Paramedic for the department, a flight Paramedic for Aspirus MedEvac and is also active with the Marathon County Sheriff’s Special Response Teams as a Tactical Paramedic. Chief Savage also is active as an instructor in both Fire and Emergency Medical disciplines.

The South Area Fire District congratulates Chief Wirth on his career and retirement along with congratulating and welcoming Chief Meilahn and Chief Savage to their new positions.

For Your Information Municipal Center closed for upcoming Holidays The Weston Municipal Center will be closed on: •

November 27th and 28th (Thanksgiving)

•

December 24th and 25th (Christmas)

•

January 1st (New Years Day)

Christmas Tree Pickup The dates for Christmas Tree pickup is yet to be determined.

Please watch our social media sites and our webpage for the exact dates, or call the Village at 715-359-6114.

Advanced Disposal, our refuse contractor, has requested that the trees be cut in 4ft sections and be placed on their side, next to your trash container, at the curbside. Do not stand them in the snow banks, as they tend to freeze and may become impossible to remove.

Holiday Garbage/Recycling Reminder

November 20th - Great American Smokeout

Thanksgiving Holiday Garbage and Recycling Reminder

The American Cancer Society marks the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday of November each year by encouraging smokers to use the date to make a plan to quit, or to plan in advance and quit smoking that day. By quitting — even for one day — smokers will be taking an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk.

Thursday, November 27th pick up will be on Friday, November 28th Friday, November 28th pick up will be on Saturday, November 29th Christmas Holiday Garbage and Recycling Reminder Thursday, December 25th pick up will be on Friday, December 26th Friday, December 26th pick up will be on Saturday, December 27th New Years Day Garbage Reminder Thursday, January 1st pick up will be on Friday, January 2nd Friday, January 2nd pick up will be on Saturday, January 3rd

Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — a bit under 1 in every 5 adults. As of 2012, there were also 13.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes — other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco. *Source: www.cancer.org

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THE WESTON WIRE VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

Connect with us Online

Ribbon Cuttings/Ground Breakings Please help us congratulate these businesses for their ribbon cuttings or breaking ground.

Tender Reflections 3404 Community Center Dr., Weston

Permier Sports Academy 8702 Progress Way, Weston

New Businesses Please help us welcome these new Weston businesses Dunkin Donuts 4020 Schofield Ave., Weston 715-870-2444 Vino Latte 4204 Schofield Ave., Weston 715-298-9300

For Weston residents looking for up to date information regarding events and activities happening within the Village of Weston, please log on to our web site at www.westonwi.gov. Our new website gives residents a more convenient way to review meeting agendas and minutes, access our municipal codes, and download Village forms such as building permits. It also gives people looking to move to our community information regarding neighborhoods, schools, current businesses, available land and buildings.

Get Online with Social Media & the Weekly “This Week in Weston” E-Newsletter Stay in touch electronically with the Village of Weston’s current events, meeting notices, updated orfinaces, new businesses, weather emergencies and more! Please check out our social media sites: Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, YouTube and our website.

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Facebook: Village of Weston, Wisconsin

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Twitter: WestonWI

Weston V-Chat

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Nextdoor: Please visit www.nextdoor.com and enter your address and e-mail to sign up.

The Village of Weston has started creating informational videos called Weston V-Chat. During the next year we will be posting several short videos to communicate preferred procedures and practices for your services. Services like Spring and Fall Yard Materials Pick-up, the wheres and whys for snow removal process, proper yard maintenance, etc. Our videos will be posted on our YouTube page. Please check out our page to view the Weston V-Chat videos and other informational videos.

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YouTube: WestonWI

If you would like to subscribe to our weekly “This Week in Weston” E-Newsletter, please visit our website at www.westonwi.gov, click on the tab named Weston E-Newsletter (under the Popular Links bar on our homepage) and click Sign up for “This Week in Weston”.

Connect with Weston and your Neighbors via Nextdoor 11 neighborhoods in Weston are already using Nextdoor (www.nextdoor.com), the first private social network for neighborhoods, and now the Village of WESTON has adopted the platform to communicate directly with residents. This new partnership will improve Village-wide and neighbor-to-neighbor communications and help build stronger and safer communities across the Village.

On Nextdoor neighbors can get to know one another and exchange local advice and recommendations. WESTON residents will also be able to receive important notifications directly from the Village.

Tens of thousands of neighbors across the country are already using Nextdoor to: •

Find trustworthy local resources, such as babysitters, plumbers, and dentists

•

Communicate with neighbors and the Village about suspicious activity and safety concerns

•

Organize neighborhood events, such as garage sales and block parties

Subway 6606 Cty Rd. J, Weston 715-870-2440

•

Get assistance in finding lost pets and missing packages

•

Sell or give away items, like an old kitchen table or bike

Wausau Academy of Dance 6307 Schofield Ave., Weston 715-432-0203

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Visit our Website

Pizza Ranch 2715 Schofield Ave., Weston 715-298-5379

The Store 6606 Cty Rd. J, Weston 715-241-9059

Rennes Helath & Rehab Center 4810 Barbican Ave., Weston 715-355-5858

5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

• NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2014

Nextdoor was specifically designed to make neighbors feel comfortable sharing information with one another. All members must verify that they live within the neighborhood. Information shared on Nextdoor is password-protected and cannot be accessed by those outside the neighborhood or found on search engines.

Please join your neighbors and the Village in building a stronger, safer Weston today at www.nextdoor.com.

Single Stream Recycling Reminder Just a reminder to Weston residents, please make sure you are recycling the correct items in your 95 gallon cart (the yellow cover cart). For more information, or if you are unsure of what items can be recycled, please visit our YouTube page and watch “The In’s & Outs of Weston’s New Single Stream Recycling Program” video. If you have any questions please call the Village of Weston at 715-359-6114 or Advanced Disposal, the garbage company, at 715-359-6637.

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THE WESTON WIRE

5500 Schofield Avenue • P.O BOX 446 • Weston, WI 54476 • (715) 359-6114 • www.westonwi.gov

Village of Weston Municipal Center 5500 Schofield Avenue P.O. Box 446 Weston, WI 54476

Village of Weston Meeting Schedule Village Board of Trustee’s .................................................... 6:00pm 1st and 3rd Monday of the month Plan Commission ................................................................. 6:00pm 2nd Monday of the month

Office Hours: 7:30am to 5:00pm (Monday - Friday)

Community Development Authority ................................... 4:30pm 2nd Monday of the month

General Information: 715-359-6114 Website: www.westonwi.gov

Park & Recreation ................................................................ 5:15pm 4th Monday of the month

Elected Officals Loren White, President .............................................. 715-571-3904 lwhite@westonwi.gov Scott Berger, Trustee ................................................. 715-573-5118 sberger@westonwi.gov Barbara Ermeling, Trustee ......................................... 715-359-4365 bermeling@westonwi.gov Sharon Jaeger, Trustee ............................................. 715-845-7408 sjaeger@westonwi.gov Mark Porlier, Trustee .................................................. 715-218-6380 mporlier@westonwi.gov Fred Schuster, Trustee ............................................... 715-359-7098 fschuster@westonwi.gov Jon Ziegler, Trustee ................................................... 715-241-9301 jziegler@westonwi.gov

Important Phone Numbers Administrator ............................................................. 715-359-6114

Community Life & Public Safety .......................................... 6:30pm 4th Monday of the month S.A.F.E.R Board of Directors ................................................ 6:00pm 2nd Tuesday of the month S.A.F.E.R Fire Commission .................................................. 7:00pm 2nd Tuesday of the month Finance ................................................................................ 6:00pm 4th Wednesday of the month Personnel ............................................................................. 4:30pm 3rd Monday of the month Property & Infrastructure ..................................................... 4:45pm 1st Monday of the month All meetings, except S.A.F.E.R Board of Directors and S.A.F.E.R Fire Commission are held at the Weston Municipal Center. The S.A.F.E.R Board of Directors and S.A.F.E.R Fire Commission meetings are held at the Rib Mountain Municipal Center (3700 North Mountain Rd., Wausau). Meeting dates are subject to change; call the Village of Weston offices to confirm dates and times.

Aquatic Center (seasonal) .......................................... 715-241-7946 Assessor .................................................................... 877-687-3445 Building Inspections .................................................. 715-359-6114 Fire EMS (Non-emergency) ....................................... 715-355-6763 Municipal Court ......................................................... 715-359-3333 Parks, Forestry, Grounds ........................................... 715-359-9988 Police (Non-emergency) ............................................ 715-359-4202 Garbage & Recycling ................................................. 715-359-6114 Water & Sewer (After Hours) ...................................... 715-359-2876

VILLAGE OF WESTON 5500 SCHOFIELD AVENUE WESTON WI 54476

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