summer tower times 2011

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The Tower Times City of Stoughton Issue 2, Summer 2011 BUDGETING FOR OUTCOMES UPDATE We introduced the Budgeting for Outcomes process in the Tower Times Spring issue I would like to bring you up to date Department Heads participated in a training session with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and have completed their offers or proposals for the service(s) provided by their departments Results Teams, comprised of city employees and a few citizen members, were trained with the GFOA on the first round ranking procedure A draft of that process follows: First Round Ranking 1 The Finance Director will receive all offers from De- partment Heads, check for completeness and distribute (electronically) to all team members 2 Each individual team member reads all of the offers submitted to that particular team and, taking into ac- count the purchasing strategies and the cause-and- effect analysis shown on their map, does an indi- vidual ranking of 1, 2 or 3, with 3 being the highest ranking, but only 1/3 of the total number of pro- posals can be given a 1, 2, or a 3 This is called a “forced” ranking because it requires team members to have high, middle and low groups Otherwise you could get into a sit- uation of someone saying “they’re all good so I gave all of them a 3” which does not move the process along 3 The Finance Director will col- lect all of the individual rankings, tally the scores, and provide team members with a prelimi- nary ranking sheet There is likely to be a lot of agreement at the very top of the list (all 3’s) and at the very bottom of the list (all 1’s) This allows team members to focus on the middle, where there are differ- ent views on the value of the proposals Therefore, the forced ranking enables the group to very quickly focus on the pro- posals that need to be compared so they do not waste time on the ones where they all already agree on 4 Team members discuss and reach agreement on absolute rankings, 1 through x (total num- ber of proposals) During this process, they may need to ask departments for clarifica- tions, have depart- ment heads meet with their team to explain parts of the proposal, or ask for advice from outsiders if they want to At this point, it is important for each team to look at their entire “package” of rankings to see whether the package as a whole looks like it will support the Priority and the purchasing strategies They should look for balance - are the most important purchas- ing strategies being supported, or are there too many programs focusing on only 1 or 2 purchasing strategies, in which case they may need to rethink the rankings and ask one or more departments to revise their proposals to address other aspects (other purchasing strategies) of the Priority 5 Each team prepares a summary memo explaining how they did their rankings, and highlighting key areas/questions they focused on, any mandates that ranked low, and any other highlights that will help the reader understand the logic of their rankings The memo should be short, no more than 3 pages Each team should also provide specific feedback to departments on how they could improve their offers, any questions about service level options for programs that are “above the line” once the teams see what offers are “below the line,” and any other information the departments should submit to give their offers a better chance in the second round 6 Finance Department will then work on the dollars to see how revenue estimates for each fund line up with the rankings Finance Director will then advise team leaders and other team members what the implications are for the second round The rankings, the teams’ memos, and team feedback to departments on their offers will be posted for transparency purposes Then departments get to work improving their offers and the teams get a short break Second Round Ranking: 1 Departments submit improved offers, which Finance will again review for complete- ness 2 Teams review all revised offers and either do another forced ranking or simply meet to discuss how the offers have been revised and also discuss the information you give them on revenue by fund and what this means for the initial rankings Unless they really want to go through rankings again (for example, if a whole lot of the offers have been substan- tially revised), it’s best to begin with the Round 1 rankings and discuss what to move up or down It’s more organized and takes less time They can still call in department heads or others, or ask additional questions via email Departments need to understand that quick responses are important so rankings can be completed Again each team needs to look at their entire package of offers they’re recommending be funded - is it balanced, does it cover key purchasing strategies? 3 Same process as above for final rankings the teams will recommend to the Mayor/Lead- ership team and a second summary memo providing the logic of their rankings, anything that’s changed substantially since the first rankings (for example, service level changes in large programs so that more programs can be brought above the line), and key issues the teams think will help the Mayor make decisions and help the Leadership Team to focus its discussions on key issues 4 Leadership team members read all offers, review rankings and team memos, then meet to discuss anything that they collectively think has to be addressed Leadership team members should be reminded that their role is to have a total budget that works for the community and they should not be advocating for their own offers This is difficult The leadership team (and the Mayor) may decide to change some rankings, and to shift some funding from one priority to another Note that by this time the results teams will be really, really invested in their decisions They have to be reminded every once in awhile that their decisions are recommendations, not binding on the Mayor On the other side, it’s important that their recommendations be treated respectfully and that they receive an explanation if and when their rankings are revised 5 Mayor makes final decisions Finance puts together the proposed budget A Note from the Mayor: We are all in the midst of very difficult economic times. Just like at home, the City of Stoughton is taking an in-depth look at all our revenues and expenses. We can no longer afford to do things or provide services “just because we have always done it that way”. Budgeting for Outcomes and citizen input in the process will help us take a comprehensive look at our budget as well as identify our community’s needs and pri- orities. Reduced aids and shared revenues increase the strain on a budget that is already stretched to make ends meet. The Stoughton community has always been fiscally conservative. The City of Stoughton will continue to work very hard to provide the best for our citizens and community with the funds that we have available. With your help we can identify the best way to utilize those funds to meet the needs of our community. Watch the City of Stoughton website for an op- portunity to provide your personal in- put or send me an e-mail at dolson@ ci.stoughton.wi.us. Working Together, We make a Difference Donna Olson, Mayor City of Stoughton

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Page 1: Summer Tower Times 2011

TheTower Times

City of Stoughton Issue 2, Summer 2011

BuDgETIng FOr OuTCOMES upDaTEWe introduced the Budgeting for Outcomes process in the Tower Times Spring issue . I would like to bring you up to date .

Department Heads participated in a training session with the Government Finance Offi cers Association (GFOA) and have completed their offers or proposals for the service(s) provided by their departments .

Results Teams, comprised of city employees and a few citizen members, were trained with the GFOA on the fi rst round ranking procedure . A draft of that process follows:

First Round Ranking1 . The Finance Director will receive all offers from De-partment Heads, check for completeness and distribute (electronically) to all team members .

2 . Each individual team member reads all of the offers submitted to that particular team and, taking into ac-count the purchasing strategies and the cause-and-effect analysis shown on their map, does an indi-vidual ranking of 1, 2 or 3, with 3 being the highest ranking, but only 1/3 of the total number of pro-

posals can be given a 1, 2, or a 3 . This is called a “forced” ranking because it requires team members to have high, middle and low

groups . Otherwise you could get into a sit-uation of someone saying “they’re all good so I gave all of them a 3” which does not move the process along .

3 . The Finance Director will col-lect all of the individual rankings, tally the scores, and provide team members with a prelimi-nary ranking sheet . There is likely to be a lot of agreement at the very top of the list (all 3’s) and at the very bottom of the list (all 1’s) . This allows team members to focus on the middle, where there are differ-ent views on the value of the proposals . Therefore, the forced ranking enables the group to very quickly focus on the pro-posals that need to be compared so they do not waste time on the ones where they all already agree on .

4 . Team members discuss and reach agreement on absolute rankings, 1 through x (total num-

ber of proposals) . During this process, they may need to ask

departments for clarifi ca-tions, have depart-

ment heads

meet with their team to explain parts of the proposal, or ask for advice from outsiders if they want to . At this point, it is important for each team to look at their entire “package” of rankings to see whether the package as a whole looks like it will support the Priority and the purchasing strategies . They should look for balance - are the most important purchas-ing strategies being supported, or are there too many programs focusing on only 1 or 2 purchasing strategies, in which case they may need to rethink the rankings and ask one or more departments to revise their proposals to address other aspects (other purchasing strategies) of the Priority .

5 . Each team prepares a summary memo explaining how they did their rankings, and highlighting key areas/questions they focused on, any mandates that ranked low, and any other highlights that will help the reader understand the logic of their rankings . The memo should be short, no more than 3 pages . Each team should also provide specifi c feedback to departments on how they could improve their offers, any questions about service level options for programs that are “above the line” once the teams see what offers are “below the line,” and any other information the departments should submit to give their offers a better chance in the second round .

6 . Finance Department will then work on the dollars to see how revenue estimates for each fund line up with the rankings . Finance Director will then advise team leaders and other team members what the implications are for the second round . The rankings, the teams’ memos, and team feedback to departments on their offers will be posted for transparency purposes .

Then departments get to work improving their offers and the teams get a short break .

Second Round Ranking:1 . Departments submit improved offers, which Finance will again review for complete-ness .

2 . Teams review all revised offers and either do another forced ranking or simply meet to discuss how the offers have been revised and also discuss the information you give them on revenue by fund and what this means for the initial rankings . Unless they really want to go through rankings again (for example, if a whole lot of the offers have been substan-tially revised), it’s best to begin with the Round 1 rankings and discuss what to move up or down . It’s more organized and takes less time . They can still call in department heads or others, or ask additional questions via email . Departments need to understand that quick responses are important so rankings can be completed . Again each team needs to look at their entire package of offers they’re recommending be funded - is it balanced, does it cover key purchasing strategies?

3 . Same process as above for fi nal rankings the teams will recommend to the Mayor/Lead-ership team and a second summary memo providing the logic of their rankings, anything that’s changed substantially since the fi rst rankings (for example, service level changes in large programs so that more programs can be brought above the line), and key issues the teams think will help the Mayor make decisions and help the Leadership Team to focus its discussions on key issues .

4 . Leadership team members read all offers, review rankings and team memos, then meet to discuss anything that they collectively think has to be addressed . Leadership team members should be reminded that their role is to have a total budget that works for the community and they should not be advocating for their own offers . This is diffi cult . The leadership team (and the Mayor) may decide to change some rankings, and to shift some funding from one priority to another . Note that by this time the results teams will be really, really invested in their decisions . They have to be reminded every once in awhile that their decisions are recommendations, not binding on the Mayor . On the other side, it’s important that their

recommendations be treated respectfully and that they receive an explanation if and when their rankings are revised .

5 . Mayor makes fi nal decisions . Finance puts together the proposed budget .

A Note from the Mayor: We are all in the midst of very diffi cult economic times. Just like at home, the City of Stoughton is taking an in-depth look at all our revenues and expenses. We can no longer afford to do things or provide services

“just because we have always done it that way”. Budgeting for Outcomes and citizen input in the process will help us take a comprehensive look

at our budget as well as identify our community’s needs and pri-orities. Reduced aids and shared revenues increase the strain

on a budget that is already stretched to make ends meet. The Stoughton community has always

been fi scally conservative. The City of Stoughton will continue to work

very hard to provide the best for our citizens and community with

the funds that we have available. With your help we can identify the

best way to utilize those funds to meet the needs of our community. Watch the City of Stoughton website for an op-portunity to provide your personal in-put or send me an e-mail at [email protected].

Working Together, We make a Difference

Donna Olson, MayorCity of Stoughton

Page 2: Summer Tower Times 2011

2 The Tower Times

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CITY OFFICES WILL BE

CLOSEDMOnDaY, SEpTEMBEr 5, 2011

In hOnOr OF LaBOr DaY

Mayor and Alderpersons Contact ListDonna Olson, Mayor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6459

District 1Tim Swadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205-8663Sonny Swangstu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-9428Larry Wiess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-0945

DISTRICT 2Ron Christianson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444-7022Paul Lawrence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516-2392Dave McKichan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-4531

DISTRICT 3Carl Chenoweth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-5015Greg Jensen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-9567Ross Scovotti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6268

DISTRICT 4Eric Hohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-0930Eric Olstad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-5846Larry Peterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 877-0738For more City of Stoughton information visit: http://www .cityofstoughton .com

Frequently Used Phone NumbersBuilding Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-7626Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-7912City Clerk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6692City Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6677Clerk of Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6676Election Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-0423EMS (Non-Emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6500Fire (Non-Emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-7218Food Pantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-8103Johns Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-473-4701Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6281Licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-0423Mandt Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-1900Opera House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-0433Planning and Zoning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-0421Police (Non-Emergency) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-3374Recreation Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6746Senior Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-8585Street Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-6303Treasurer’s Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646-0420Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 873-3379

ELECTIOnS arE COMIng TO a pOLL SITE nEar YOu!Everyone will be there includ-ing friends, family, neighbors and co-workers . All exercising their right to vote!

Have you ever considered taking a day of vacation and working at a poll site? Check with your employer first, how-ever many employers will al-low you to take a day of paid vacation from your regular job to work a poll site on Elec-tion Day . This is a great way to earn a little extra spending cash for your Christmas List or your Rainy Day Fund .

Election workers are appointed for two year terms and typi-cally work 2 to 4 elections per year . We will check your availability prior to scheduling you to work .

Typical duties of an election worker include; issuing ballots, registering new voters, monitoring voting equipment, pro-cessing absentee ballots or tallying votes .

Municipal clerks are required by law to provide training to election workers . The training provides all the necessary in-formation and knowledge to be a successful election worker .

If you are interested, please review the qualifications and job skills necessary on the application posted on the City’s webpage at www .ci .stoughton .wi

ThE EaST MaIn STrEET rECOnSTruCTIOn prOjECTThe project is a joint effort be-tween the City of Stoughton and Stoughton Utilities . The first phase from the Chamber of Commerce office to Lynn Street began on April 25, 2011 and was completed on June 13, 2011 . The remaining phase from Lynn Street to Amund-son Parkway, including a small portion of Academy Street, is scheduled to conclude in late August . The second phase detour is in place .

As of July 18, 2011, the new water main has been installed . The new sanitary sewer main has been installed on Acad-emy Street and is under construction in an easterly direction from Academy Street . Water and sanitary sewer laterals are installed as the project proceeds . New storm sewer main will be installed along the eastern end of the project .

Upon completion, the eastern gateway project will also in-clude new pavement, safety crossing islands, curb and gut-ter, sidewalk, driveway aprons, park row restoration and trees . Please check the project progress at http://construc-tion .stoughtonutilities .com

UTILITYWORKAHEAD

STOughTOn pOLICE DEparTMEnT nEWS rELEaSE – juLY 18, 2011

Wisconsin Heat Wave – Record Temperatures And Humidity Start SundayStoughton area residents should be aware of the Exces-

sive Heat Warning that is in effect through this Thursday and take precautionary steps to stay safe . Residents should try to shelter in place as much as possible covering windows from direct sunlight and stay on lower floors if at all possible utilizing air conditioning and fans to stay cool . Adjust your activity so any physical exercise or exertion is

performed in the early morning hours and resting and hy-drating throughout the day . Check on your elderly and vul-nerable neighbors to make sure they are doing well .

The Stoughton Emergency Management Team has opened 2 cooling centers for those without air conditioning .

Stoughton Public Library is air conditioned and open Mon-day through Thursday from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm and Friday and Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm . Stoughton Area Senior Center is air conditioned and open from Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm . Please review the Heat Wave press release from Wisconsin Emergency Management be-low .

(From Wisconsin Emergency Management 7/15/11)

(MADISON) - Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service (NWS) are urging people to pro-tect themselves from the dangerous heat and humidity ex-pected next week . Temperatures will rise to the mid-90s with heat indexes of up to 115 degrees . The NWS has al-ready issued an Excessive Heat Watch for southwest Wis-consin and more watches and advisories are expected to be posted over the weekend .

In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wis-consin resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses . Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes and severe storms . To help keep cool this summer, here are some tips to keep safe in hot weather:

1 . Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car - even briefly. Temperatures in a car can be-come life threatening within minutes . On an 80-degree day,

the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked slightly can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes!

2 . Keep your living space cool. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in . If you don’t have an air conditioner open windows to let air circulate . When it’s hotter than 95 degrees use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on your body . Basements or ground floors are often cooler than upper floors .

3 . Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark when tempera-tures are cooler .

4 . Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don’t wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day . Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals .

5 . Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool . . .and don’t forget sunscreen!

6 . Don’t stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doc-tor or pharmacist for any special heat advice .

7 . Infants should drink breast milk or formula to get the right balance of water, salts and energy. You may supple-ment your infant’s fluids with an additional 4 to 8 ounces of water per day, but don’t dilute formula beyond what the instructions say (unless instructed by your doctor) .

8 . Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down. A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air condi-tioner . Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly .

Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness and What To Do• Heat Cramps - cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs . Solution: Stop activity . Cool down, drink clear juice or sports drink .

• Heat Exhaustion - heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting . Solution: Cool down, seek medical attention .

• Heat Stroke - extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nau-sea, confusion, unconsciousness . Solution: Call 911 and cool the victim with shower or hose until help arrives .

(Courtesy: Wisconsin Department of Health Services) For more information, visit http://readywisconsin .wi .gov and click on our Heat Awareness section .

Page 3: Summer Tower Times 2011

The Tower Times 3

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1869206 W Prospect Ave 873-9244

CITY OF STOughTOn DEparTMEnT OF pLannIng & DEvELOpMEnT

Pool InformationBefore construction or assembly of a pool, there are a few re-quirements 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 con-structed or assembled within the city until a permit is obtained from the Department Of Planning & Development at City Hall, 381 E . Main Street . In ground pools require a permit . A plan showing the location of the proposed pool in relation to the lot line is required prior to approval .

2 . Placement: pools may be installed on rear or side lots only and shall not be closer than six feet to any lot line or building unless designed and approved as an addition to the building . Pools shall not be installed in utility easements designed to convey wastewater, electric dis-tribution, water distribution, 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 nor greater than 6 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 .

Contact Diggers Hotline at 1-800-242-8511 prior to placement .

These requirements are not all inclusive . If you have any questions regarding pools please call the City Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421

WhY YOu ShOuLD KnOW WhErE YOur prOpErTY LInES arE?It is very helpful to know exactly where your property lines are when:

• Buying a home/property so you know what you are buying and for future reference;

• Landscaping including planting trees and shrubs so they are planted to allow future growth to remain on your property;

• Seeking to install fencing, an accessory structure or adding onto your home so when applying for a permit you can easily draft a plan to show where the structure will be located;

• Trying to locate any recorded easements.

Many times we hear people say they were told or they assumed their property line is where a fence, plantings, transformers or power poles are located . In fact that is seldom the case . The only way to be certain is to locate the lot corner stakes as follows:

• A plat map which shows the dimensions of a property may be obtained from the Depart-ment of Planning & Development at no charge to you . This document can be picked up at City Hall, 381 E . Main Street, Emailed, Faxed or Mailed . The dimensions of your property will give you a reference to start from and is much easier once one stake is found;

• The stakes which are sometimes called “irons” or “monuments” vary in size but are typi-cally approximately a 1-inch solid stake, 1 .5 feet long and buried at ground level or by as much as a foot deep at each corner of the property;

• A long tape measure is helpful but not necessary to aid in your search;

• Renting a metal detector may also be helpful in locating the lot stakes;

• Ask neighbor’s if they have an idea where the lot stakes are located to aid in your search;

• Department of Planning & Development staff will assist but cannot locate lot stakes for you . City staff cannot come to your property to locate your property line or take sides in a dispute over a private property line . Property line disputes between property owners are a legal issue and are not regulated by City Ordinances;

• If lot stakes cannot be found, a registered land surveyor may be hired to locate them or in some cases restake them . Only a licensed surveyor can determine your actual prop-erty line . State law requires that lot stakes are not removed however that does not mean they have not been inadvertently removed . Also, many historic areas originally had wood stakes . Surveyors can be found in the Yellow Pages or contact the City staff person below for information . The cost of a survey can vary greatly so it pays to check around;

• Over time property stakes may be removed or buried beneath retaining walls, paved drive-ways, concrete walks, plantings etc . . .making them more difficult to find;

• In some cases a survey is required for new home construction, building additions, de-tached accessory structures or other major projects .

For questions related to locating your lot stakes contact the Zoning Administrator at 608-646-0421 or mstacey@ci .stoughton .wi .us

In CaSE YOu havE BEEn FEELIng WarM ThE LaST FEW DaYS - IT WaS!

The past 7 day temperature readings (taken at the Stoughton Wastewater Treatment Plant):

High/Low Temperatures July 14 83/58 July 15 88/67 July 16 94/69 July 17 84/71 July 18 93/71 July 19 94/73 July 20 96/75

Page 4: Summer Tower Times 2011

4 The Tower Times

auTOMaTED COLLECTIOn anD SIngLE-STrEaM rECYCLIng FOr ThE CITY OF STOughTOnSingle-stream recycling is the industry name for a new system that changes the way people sort, collect and process recyclables .

Single-stream means mixing all recyclables in one con-tainer then collecting in one compartment of a truck and finally processing the mixed material .

In the past it was very time consuming to manually sort paper from bottles and cans . Processing technology has developed machines that sort paper and cardboard from the bottles and cans .

The new single-stream system has an ease of separa-tion that is appreciated by consumers . It is depressing to see how many items (especially paper) are not being recycled . Most are recycling but many are not properly set up in the home or work place . If every waste recep-tacle area has one bin for trash and one for recycling it becomes much easier to recycle more items . Each home in Stoughton has a brown 64-gallon cart for garbage and a green 96-gallon cart for recycling . Garbage will be collected weekly and recycling will be collected every other week . The City will be divided into two days of pickup (Tuesday and Friday) . The carts make taking waste and recyclables out much easier . The carts are designed with ergonomics in mind . They have large wheels and the lids are imprinted with instructions . Additional cans and bags will not be collected with this automated collection program . Additional cans, bags and large items will be collected once a month on the last collection day of each month .

Just like all other garbage removal services, the pick up schedule changes for certain holi-days . Contact City Hall at 873-6677 or the Street Department at 873-6303 if you have any questions .

AppliancesJohn’s Disposal will now pick up appliances that are placed out to the curb on your scheduled trash pick up day on the last week of every month .

You may also contact Stoughton Utilities at 873-3379 for information on a program for refrigerators and freezers that are still in working order.

Lead Acid BatteriesJohn’s Disposal will take automotive batteries that are placed out to the curb on your scheduled trash pick up day on the last week of every month .

You may also contact Dane County Clean Sweep at 294-5366,visit their website www.danecountycleansweep.com.

Used Motor OilCounty sites are available-at the county garage at the cor-ner of Highways B & N or next to the Clean Sweep facility at 2302 S . Fish Hatchery Road . Please empty oil into the drums provided and dispose of the containers .

John’s Disposal will pick up drain oil (in sealed 1-5 gallon containers) when placed out to the curb on your scheduled trash pick up day on the last week of every month .

Hazardous Materials(partially full cans of paint, paint thinner, cleaning materials, pesticides, ignitables, non-empty aerosols, etc.)

Can be taken to the Clean Sweep location at the Dane County Highway Garage located at 2302 S . Fish Hatch-ery Road (north end) at the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and Badger Road .

This is a seasonal facility (not open in the winter) so please call to check on their hours of operation . For more information please call the Clean Sweep facility (294-5366) or visit their website at here

TiresWhen purchasing new tires, ask the dealer to take your old tires . The Dane County Landfill on Highway 12 & 18 (838-9555) will accept tires off of the rims for a fee .

John’s Disposal will take tires (2 per home per month-8 per year; do not need to be off the rim) if placed out to the curb on your scheduled trash pick up day on the last week of every month .

Packaging Materials & Ink Jet CartridgesClean packaging materials (packing peanuts, Styrofoam, silver foam bags, air bags) can be taken to The UPS Store, 2364 Jackson St ., Stoughton WI . They also recycle ink cartridges from ink jet computer printers .

ViolationsCertain items are not allowed in the Dane County Landfill, and cannot be included in your regular trash containers . The City of Stoughton has an ordinance that prohibits this activity, and includes the provision of a penalty of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than two hundred ($200) for each separate violation . Subsequent violations within a twelve-month period carry penalties of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) for each separate violation . Each incident of violation shall be a separate offense and each day or part thereof during which a violation occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense

If you would like information on leaf, brush or Christmas tree pick-up, please contact the Street Department at 873-6303 .

rECYCLIngToo often, people don’t recycle many required items because they don’t know how to han-dle certain items . If you don’t know what to recycle there are a few things that you can do . Use the internet - www .johnsdisposal .com . Call Johns toll free at 1 888 473 4701 .

Just focus on the basics.1 . All bottles cans and paper can be mixed in the green cart .

2 . All clean dry paper and paper products are recyclable including, newspaper, cardboard, junk mail, magazines, cereal boxes and any other clean, dry paper products .

3 . Bottles or jars with any number 1 - 7 can be recycled . Only bottles or jars with twist on tops can be recycled . Bags, buckets, tubs and deli type containers are trash .

4 . Save glass bottles jars, tin or aluminum cans are all included and may be mixed with paper and plastic .

It is important to be set up correctly in the home . If a waste basket or recycle bin is left alone it is common for both materials to end up in the same basket . Keep the trash and recycling baskets close together and well labeled . Everyone will do a better job if it is easy and available .

The issues that trouble recycling include:- Please do not mix bread bags with recycling .

- No plastic grocery bags with recycling .

- No cellophane with recycling .

- Please flatten all cardboard .

- Do not put anything in cardboard boxes .

- Keep recyclable items separate from trash on the bulk collections weeks .

- Please do not pile bags of trash on cardboard or metal items because two crews come thru for bulk . It is difficult to see if recyclable items are under the trash .

If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 873-6677 . The City’s garbage and recy-cling contractor is Johns Disposal Service, Inc . Contact them via telephone at (888) 473-4701 or via e-mail at office@johnsondisposal .com

www.edwardjones.comMember SIPCThomas M. Fendrick

Financial Advisor

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Page 5: Summer Tower Times 2011

The Tower Times 5

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Page 6: Summer Tower Times 2011

6 The Tower Times

The activities listed are a sampling of what we will be offering this fall . Please check our online registration site at https://activenet9 .active .com/stoughtonrec/ for a complete list of our program offerings . Our 2011-2012 fall and winter seasonal activities guide will be inserted in the Great Dane Circular in August . The activities guide will also have a more comprehensive listing .

Fall LacrosseOur lacrosse program is for children in grades 1st through 6th . The philosophy behind our lacrosse program is to teach basic skills and fundamentals, make new friends, and most importantly have fun! The program stresses good sportsmanship at all times . All equipment needed will be provided .

Gender Grades Program CodeGirls 1-2 1302 .300Girls 3-4 1302 .301Girls 5-6 1302 .302Boys 1-2 1302 .303Boys 3-4 1302 .304Boys 5-6 1302 .305

Days: Sundays

Dates: August 14-September 25 (no class on September 4)

Time: 5:00-6:00 PM

Location: Racetrack Park

Fee: $30-Residents, $38-Non-Residents

Floor HockeyThis is a great way for your child to learn stick technique, teamwork, and stay in great shape . Teams will be formed and games will be played . The program will be a great intro-duction to the fun sport of hockey .

Program Code Ages (Coed)1301 .302 5-71301 .303 8-10

Days: Wednesdays

Dates: August 17-September 21

Time: 6:30-7:30 PM

Location: Mandt Community Center

Fee: $30-Residents, $38-Non-Residents

Registration Deadline: August 10

Fall Miniball SoccerStart your little Pelé 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 and getting your child to like sports . This program isn’t intended on teaching high level skills to your child because of the ages of the participants .

Ages/Grades Program Code Times3 year olds 1130 .107 3:00-3:45 pm4 yrs & K 1130 .108 4:00-4:45 pm

Days: Sundays

Dates: September 11 - October 16

Location: Racetrack Park

Fee: $30 - Resident, $38 - Non-Resident

Registration Deadline: September 1

NFL Youth Flag FootballThe 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 . Each player will receive an authentic reversible NFL Flag Football jersey .

*Game times may change depending on how many teams there are.

Grades Program Code Game TimesK-1 1150 .307 9:30-11:00 am2-3 1150 .308 8:30-10:00 am4-6 1150 .309 10:30-Noon

Dates: Saturdays, August 27 - October 15 (no games September 3)

Location: Racetrack Park

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

Registration Deadline: August 12

Adult 3 on 3 BasketballWho: High School (Currently) - Adult

Dates: September 12 - October 31 (8 weeks)

Days: Monday Nights

Time: 6:00-9:00 pm

Place: Yahara School Gym

Fee: $80 per team (Register by September 7)

Contact Recreation Department for Team Registration Form

Adult Kickball LeagueGet out of the house this fall and play in our kickball league . This is a great way to socialize with your friends on a Friday night . This will be the fifth year of the league . Teams will play a seven game schedule .

Who: Coed

Age: Adults

Dates: 8/26 -10/14 (7 game season, No games 9/2)

Day: Friday Nights

Fee: $300 Team Fee plus $8 per non-resident player

Deadline: August 18th or first 8 teams to sign up .

Adult Flag Football LeagueOur flag football league features a 4 on 4 system that creates high scoring and play at a fast pace . This year we will be having a playoff with the top four teams .

Who: Men

Age: Adults

Dates: 8/25 -10/6 (7 game season) 10/13 -Playoff Night

Day: Thursday Nights

Fee: $250 Team Fee plus $8 per non-resident player

Deadline: August 18th or first 8 teams to sign up .

Fall Softball LeagueCome and play in our fall softball league . The league format will be eight teams splitting into two divisions . Each team will play each division member twice . There will be a league championship night where each team will play a game against the other division’s teams .

Who: Men

Age: Adults

Dates: 8/30 - 10/11 (7 game season)

Day: Tuesday Nights

Fee: $35 - Res ., $43 - Non-Res . (12 player min . rosters required)

Deadline: August 19th or first 8 teams to

Team registration forms for adult sports can be found on our website, www.cityofstoughton.com/rec

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Page 7: Summer Tower Times 2011

The Tower Times 7

SEvEn WOnDErS OF ThE STOughTOn puBLIC LIBrarY1. Service to Our Custom-ersFor well over a century, the Stoughton Public Library has prided itself on delivering outstanding customer ser-vice . Whether it’s help find-ing the perfect book, making a photocopy, or locating that hard to find recipe, our well trained staff members are al-ways ready to assist you .

As part of the South Central Library System, we have ac-cess to a variety of staff training opportunities each month such as storytelling, keeping up on the world of fiction pub-lishing, or how to use the latest technological gadget . We love putting our training, experience, and friendliness to work for you .

2. BooksWe have nearly 60,000 of them on site, and provide access to millions more . Everybody wants books, and in 2010 people want-ed over 200,000 of them (that’s books alone) from the Stoughton Public Li-brary . We have books of all kinds for all ages: teens, adults, and children; large print, regular print, and no-print; well-known best sellers and neglected gems; science fiction, westerns, romance, historical fiction, and mysteries; how-to, self-help, history, biogra-phy, politics, and more .

3. Children’s ProgramsNot only stories, but crafts, movies, and programs of all kinds are available for children at the Stoughton Public Li-brary . Baby Stories is for children age 2 and under, Totally Toddlers is for children 18-36 months, and preschool story times for birth through age 5 .

4. Magazines, Newspapers, DVDs, Videos, and Audio Books

In other words, even if it’s not a book, you can still find it at the Stoughton Public Library . Take home recordings of your fa-vorite novels . Check out award winning movies and docu-mentaries . Stop in and browse newspapers from around the state and the country and take a look at your favorite maga-zines .

5. Computers and Internet AccessNo computer at home? Use one at the Stoughton Public Library . Explore the Library catalog, surf the internet, or check your email . You can access dozens of online databases through the Library’s web site . Visit www .stoughtonpubliclibrary .org and click on “LINKcat” followed by “Databases .”

Have a laptop and need a place to connect to the internet? The Stoughton Public Library offers free wireless internet access in a comfortable environment .

6. Teen Special Interest ProgramsTeen Monday is scheduled monthly and includes Manga, crafts, good, movies, trivia, music, and more! All teens are invited and welcome .

7. The Friends of the Stoughton Public LibraryThe Friends group has over 200 members and is constantly growing . The Friends enhance the Library via fund raising activities; encourage gifts, endowments, bequests, and me-morials; provide volunteer support; speak up for Library funding; promote Library services, resources, and pro-grams; and sponsor cultural opportunities at the Library . You can get involved with book sales, volunteer to help at the Library, assist with Library activities, or simply support the organization financially .

aDuLT BOOK DISCuSSIOnSAdult book discussions are a great way to meet new people and engage in lively discussion . The discussions are held the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p .m . in the Car-negie room . Copies of the books are available at the Adult Services Desk . You do not need to register to participate - just show up ready to share your thoughts! Discussion dates are August 23rd (Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Che-valier), September 27th (Friendship Bread by Darien Gee), and October 25th (Tuesday with Murder- The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle plus any two Sherlock Holmes short stories also by Doyle) . If you need accommo-dations to attend these programs, please call 873-6281 two weeks in advance .

rEaDIng hISTOrYCan’t remember the title of that book you read last month? The Library’s online catalog, LINK-cat, can now keep a record of items you bor-row . Read below for instructions on enabling your Reading History .

Log into your account .*

Click on the My Reading History tab .

Next to Enable Reading History? click on the Yes option .

Click the Save button .

You will see the following message: You currently have this option ENABLED .

To view your reading history after you have enabled it, log into your account* and click the My Reading History tab .

By subscribing to My Reading History you acknowledge that the library’s online catalog will retain for your personal use a list of all materials that you borrow . You may unsubscribe from this service at any time, which will permanently delete anything not currently checked out from your reading his-tory . Library staff will not access or release your reading history unless required by law to do so .

Understand that anyone with access to your library card number and password can check your reading history or any other information attached to your account .

*Note: the login is your library barcode number and the password is your PIN

rEFErEnCE uSa BuSInESS DaTaBaSEThe Reference USA Business Database provides directory information for about 12 million U .S . businesses of all sizes . Who uses Reference USA?

• Small business owners and entrepreneurs to conduct powerful market research including selecting a location and doing a radius search to look up the number of simi-lar businesses in the area .

• Job seekers to locate and research companies.

• Movers to find schools, childcare, churches, doctors, and other services .

This resource may be accessed from inside or outside the li-brary with a valid library card . Visit stoughtonpubliclibrary .org and click on the “reference databases” link . Then click on the “locally-subscribed resources” tab .

For more information, contact the adult reference desk at 873-6281 or e-mail us at storef@scls .lib .wi .us .

TEEn MOnDaYS3 October, 7 November, 5 December at 3:15pm Projects, food and books for teens in grades 6-8 .

prESChOOL STOrYTIMEWednesday, 21 September - 16 November at 10am Stories, puppets, music, movies and crafts for children ages 0-5 and their families .

TOTaLLY TODDLErSMondays, 3 October - 14 November at 9:30amStories especially for toddlers ages 18-35 months and their families .

BaBY STOrIESMondays, 3 October - 14 November at 10:30amStories and playtime for babies ages 0-23 months and their families .

EvEnIng STOrIESThursdays, 22 September, 20 October, 17 November at 6:30pmStories, puppets, music, movies and crafts for children ages 0-5 and their families .

STar WarS InvaDES ThE LIBrarYSaturday, 24 September at 10amMeet the 501st Legion, part of the Star Wars Costume Orga-nization . Meet characters from the movies, get autographs, check out Star Wars books and movies and even meet a working Droid . Make sure to bring your camera!

SpOOKY STOrIESSaturday, 29 October at 10amBefore you go trick or treating on Main Street, stop at the library for a spooky (not too scary) storytime for young children . Halloween stories, songs, movies and crafts will be featured during the program . Make sure to wear your costume!

DOra ThE ExpLOrEr parTYSaturday, 19 November at 10amCelebrate everything Dora, with this fun party for ages 2-6 and their families . Guests will participate in a story, make a craft and enjoy cake . Space is limited, call to register begin-ning Saturday, 5 November .

Check the library’s website www.stoughtonpubliclibrary.org

for more information on upcoming programs.

• Proudly serving the Stoughton Area Since 1962• Family Owned and Operated• Stop In During Happy Hour Fridays 3-5pm

1/2 Price Single Stem Flowers

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Flower Phone: 873-6173 or 866-595-6800Mon.-Fri. 8am to 5:30pm; Sat. 8am to 3pm

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STOughTOn puBLIC LIBrarY

Page 8: Summer Tower Times 2011

8 The Tower Times

WOrK SaFELY WITh DIggEr’S hOTLInE...It may be hot outside, but that list of outdoor improvements may still be incomplete - build a deck, plant some trees, install a gym set for the children, or more . If your list in-cludes any digging, state law (Wisconsin Statute 182 .0175) requires you to notify Diggers Hotline .

Diggers Hotline is a statewide notification system developed to provide excavators and the general pub-lic with the ability to inform multiple own-ers of underground facilities of intended non-emergency ex-cavation via a single telephone call .

You may contact Diggers Hotline at 811 from any phone year round . You must, however, allow three working days (excluding weekends and holidays) notice for the location of the underground facilities prior to digging .

Diggers Hotline will process three types of calls: 1) excava-tion 2) planning of excavation and 3) safe working clear-ance information for overhead lines . The call center will ask for an address or location information . Specific marking instructions also will need to be provided . Once the locate is completed, you have ten calendar days to begin your ex-cavation work before you must call to have the underground facilities relocated .

Please note that there are no charges to individual customers for this service . For more information on Wisconsin’s Dig-ger’s Hotline program, please visit www .diggershotline .com

LIvE EFFICIEnTLY WITh FOCuS On EnErgYAre you interested in becoming more energy efficient at home? Whether you own or rent, there’s always room for improve-ment . If you want to learn about increasing your efficiency, the Focus on Energy home assessment tool at is a great place to start . You’ll learn how efficient you already are, and what the next steps are toward greater energy efficiency .

Visit www .LiveEfficientlyWithFocus .com today for more in-formation .

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

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

In Stoughton, 437 customers purchase 1,087 blocks of renewable energy each month . That’s the equivalent of 326,100 kWh, enough to power 544 average-sized homes .

LOOK FOr aIr LEaKSYou tell your kids they’re cooling the Great Outdoors when they don’t keep the windows shut or close the door behind them . You could be doing the same thing without even knowing it .

Your cooled indoor air could be leaking out of your house through the tiny cracks and holes around phone lines, electrical outlets and plumbing pipes, as well as around windows and doors .

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

BE prEparED FOr pOWEr OuTagESSummertime in Wisconsin can bring very unpredictable weather, and even a small storm can result in a large power outage . Once the lights go off it’s too late to prepare for a power outage, so don’t get caught searching in the dark for a flashlight or candles .

Medical EquipmentIf you or a family member relies on medical equipment powered by electricity, create an emer-gency plan . We cannot assure any customer that a storm or equipment problem will not interrupt power .

Remember: Keep emergency numbers near medical equip-ment and regularly test the equipment’s back-up power sources .

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

GeneratorsTest your generator every 30 days to make certain that it is in good operating condition . Always follow manufacturer’s directions for safe operation . If back-feeding your generator into your home’s electrical system, ALWAYS use a transfer switch or disconnect your main breaker switch . Failure to do so could injure or kill our lineman working to restore our system, or bystanders who come into contact with wires on the ground .

Assemble An Emergency Kit Prepare one today by gathering a few basic emergency supplies and placing them in an emergency kit that’s easy to locate in the dark . We sug-gest including these items:

• Working Flashlights

• Battery-Operated Radio for news & weather reports

• Batteries for Flashlights & Radio

• Candles & Matches

• Blankets

• Bottled Water (City customers will still have water to their faucets, rural customers may not)

• Canned or Dried Food

• A Corded Telephone (cordless phones don’t work when power is out .)

Other Things to Keep in Mind• Remember that electric garage door openers will not func-

tion during a power outage . Place your unit on “manual” if possible .

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

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

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

• Protect food from spoiling by keeping freezer and refriger-ator doors closed as much as possible . Food will stay fro-zen 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 can be seen from the street . Our crews often “spot check” to ensure all customers have their electricity back on .

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

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

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

Create a Family PlanParents: make sure your children know what to do if an outage happens while they are home alone or with a care-taker .

100’s of marked down items,

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Shop early for the best selection!

Shrub Wagon$15 shrubs

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Perennial Wagon3 plants for $10

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Stoughton Mon-Thur 8-7 • Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 • Sun 10-4

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Storewide Maxwell Street DaysInside Rain or Shine!

Saturday, July 30 & Sunday, July 31

All Greenhouse Annuals On Sale!

For more information visit www.stoughtonutilities.com

Page 9: Summer Tower Times 2011

The Tower Times 9

gIvE ThEM a BraKE!Working outdoors in Wisconsin’s winters is hard enough, but when utility crews have to deal with dangerous drivers in work zones, it only makes it that much more diffi cult . Whether it’s around electric linemen restor-ing 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- depend on it!

• Always buckle up.

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

• Always slow to posted work zone speed limits.

• Minimize distractions, such as cell phone use.

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

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

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

nEW COnSTruCTIOn DESIgn aSSISTanCE avaILaBLE The key to a successful, energy-effi cient build-ing project is to analyze and incorporate ef-fi ciency measures into the design at the very start of the process, before key decisions have been made . Your business can take advantage of the benefi ts of sustainable design through the New Construction Design Assistance Pro-gram .

The program works with prospective building owners and developers, design professionals and construction contractors to deliver high-performance buildings that provide improved energy effi ciency, peak load reduction, im-proved systems performance and greater com-fort . The program offers technical and design assistance and helps businesses achieve en-ergy savings by increasing effi ciency improvements in lighting, HVAC and other building systems .

Our power supplier’s new offi ce and operations center is the end result of successful plan-ning, something our customers can achieve through the program . The new WPPI Energy facility has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construc-tion Gold standards for energy effi ciency and sustainability and uses a number of green technologies . Like WPPI Energy, your business can achieve energy savings and demand reduction in new buildings, additions or remodels .

Contact us for more information on how your new construction project can be designed and built for greater effi ciency, performance and comfort .

prOjECT rOunDupStoughton Utilities customers can opt to enroll in the voluntary roundUP program . In this program, your utility bill will “round up” to the next high-est dollar amount . This small tax-deductible contribution may seem like only pennies a month, but the dollars add up quickly when many customers participate . A summary of the tax-deductible contribution for the past year will be mailed separate from your utility bill each January .

The average contribution per pro-gram participant is just $6 .00 per year, however an estimated $3,600 will be raised each year to be awarded by the Stoughton Utilities Committee twice annually to local community service organizations .

If you choose to participate, Stoughton Utilities will round up your monthly utility bills to the next dollar . For example, if your bill is $41 .70, it would be “rounded up” to $42 .00 . Your maximum contribution per year could be $11 .88, but generally will be less than that, averaging $6 per year . Your contribution is tax deductible and the funds are administered by the Stoughton Utilities Committee, and overseen by the Stoughton City Council . By join-ing this program you are continuing the “neighbor helping neighbor” concept that founded Stoughton Utilities years ago . If you decide to participate in this program, thank you .

To qualify for funding, projects must generally be related to community service, economic development, education and youth, environment, emergency energy assistance or disaster relief . Applicants for scholarship funding must be planning to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution in pursuit of their initial post-secondary degree . These institutions could include technical colleges, universities or colleges .

Although there are many worthy charitable and educational projects and community needs in our local area, the limited availability of funds requires us to establish funding priority categories as follows:

• Community Service

• Economic Development

• Education and Youth

• Environment

• Emergency Energy Assistance

• Disaster Relief

Contributions will be geographically within the area served by Stoughton Utilities and will include the City of Stoughton and the Townships of Dunn, Dunkirk, Pleasant Springs, Por-ter, and Rutland . Organizations which provide programs and benefi ts to people who live in this geographic area are eligible for funding consideration, even though the organization is located elsewhere .

If you are a customer and would like to sign up to participate in the program, or if you’re a non-profi t organization that could benefi t from a donation from Stough-ton Utilities’ RoundUP program, please contact us at (608) 873-3379 or online at www .stoughtonutilities .com .

hELp uS KEEp SEWEr COSTS DOWn BY rEDuCIng CLEar WaTEr TrEaTMEnT

What is clear water?Clear water is a source of unwanted water that enters the sanitary sewer system . Clear water enters into the sanitary sewers through leaky manhole covers, bro-ken sewer mains or laterals and sump pumps .

Why is “clear water”a problem?Clear water does not belong in the sanitary sewer system . It needs to be conveyed through storm sewers or drainage ditches, or absorbed into the ground . If it enters the sanitary sewers, clear water mixes with the sewage and takes up much-needed capacity in the system . The mixture must be conveyed and treated just like sanitary waste . When sanitary sewers fi ll to capacity, (like traffi c backing up on the freeway), waste backs up into residents basements or possible over fl ows into the river .

How can I, as one property owner make a difference?Improper connections allow water from sources other than sanitary pipes to enter the sani-tary sewer system . By eliminating the improper connections you will signifi cantly reduce the fl ow of clear water to the sanitary system .

Consider this: An eight-inch sanitary sewer can handle wastewater from up to 200 homes . However, it takes only eight sump pumps connected to the sewer to overload this same eight-inch sanitary sewer .

My basement’s never fl ooded because of a sewer backup, so why should I bother?If plumbing on your property convey clear water into the sanitary sewer, it may be causing fl ooding in your neighbor’s basement . It may also add to sewer overfl ows, polluting local rivers .

How do I know if my home has improper connections?The Stoughton Wastewater Utility encourages you to call us or 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, or my neighbor’s property?• Adjust 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 backfl ow prevention devices and contact your local plumber.

For more information, contact Stoughton Utilities Wastewater Supervisor Brian Erickson at (608) 877-7421, or at berickson@stoughtonutilities .com .

Stoughton’s Only Locally Owned Pharmacy!

Competitive Prices & Free Delivery(within the city limits & a small fee outside city limits)

Digital Photo Processing Available

100 E. Main Street in Stoughton

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

Our People Make the Difference

Lift Chairs!FREE Delivery! Within city limits. Small fee outside.

Several models in stock! Come try one today!

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OF DURABLE MEDICAL

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UTILITYWORKAHEAD

Page 10: Summer Tower Times 2011

10 The Tower Times

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com

Crystal Bowersox t Sept 16Nanci Griffith t Sept 22George Winston t Sept 30Warren Nelson & t

the Nelson Outfit Oct 1Richard Thompson t Oct 2The Dixie Doodlers t Oct 6Steven Wright t Oct 7William Elliott Whitmore t Oct 8Back to the Country Revue t

with Bill Malone Oct 14Justin Townes Earle t Oct 15Carolina Chocolate Drops t Oct 21Drakula: The Performance t Oct 28 & 29Blind Boys of Alabama t

with Sara & Sean Watkins Nov 4Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band t Nov 5The Amazing Acro-Cats t Nov 6John Scofield Quartet t Nov 10UW Russian Folk Orchestra t Nov 11Darrell Scott t Nov 12Alison Brown Quartet t Nov 13Maggie Mae’s Country Christmas t Nov 17Guy Clark t Nov 18Blake Thomas t Nov 19Ruth Moody Band t Nov 20Playtime Productions t Nov/Dec TBALou & Peter Berryman t

Santa Claustrophobia Dec 2Stoughton Chamber Singers t

Dancing & Singing Dec 4An Evening with Pokey LaFarge t

& the South City Three Dec 10Holiday Concert t Stoughton Festival

Choir & City Band Dec 11

Harmonious Wail t Jan 20Martin Sexton t Jan 21Disney’s Aladdin Jr. t

Fox Prairie Elementary Feb 8 & 9Xtring Quartet t Feb 11Lizz Wright t Feb 17Preservation Hall Jazz Band t Feb 18Jeffrey Foucault t Feb 25Author Michael Perry t

Clodhopper Monologues: Part Two! March 1Riders in the Sky t March 3Presto! John Measner Magic Show t March 4An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro t March 9Junior Brown t March 10Jason Petty: Hank and t

My Honky Tonk Heroes March 20The Seldom Scene t March 22An Evening with Dar Williams t March 23Alex DeGrassi: t

The Story of Floating Weeds March 24Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks t March 30Del McCoury Band t March 31The Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Show t

featuring The Fabulous Ginn Sisters April 13Wingra Woodwind Quintet t April 15The Pines t April 20The Music of George Gershwin t with

The Spectrum Brass Quintet April 21Opera for the Young: Hansel & Gretel t

Kegonsa Elementary April 22PlayTime Productions t April/May TBAMichael Hecht: t The Magicians of Light Edison Tesla and Van Gogh May 2Tony Rice Unit t May 4St. Ann Drama Dept. t May 11 & 12An Evening with The Kruger Brothers t May 24Stoughton Chamber Singers t

Music for the Evening June 2Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society t June TBA

STOUGHTON OPERA HOUSESTOUGHTON OPERA HOUSE

www.stoughtonoperahouse.com2011 2012

SOUTHERN WISCONSIN’S MOST CHARMING THEATRE

Page 11: Summer Tower Times 2011

The Tower Times 11

InTErESTED In Our WOOD ShOp?If you have a passion to create things or if you’re just look-ing for a new and exciting hobby, this could be it . The use of all the equipment is free of charge and now, thanks to new members and volunteers, they’re open 5 days a week from 8:30am until noon . You can bring in your own lumber or borrow some that is already here . Items made can be sold through the Senior Center and the proceeds go to the Center and to the creators to help buy more supplies . The Wood Shops’ latest creations are puzzles, shelves, figurines, and wood duck, wren, bluebird and bat houses! There is a safety test that you will need to pass . If you have any questions, you can call 8738585 to talk to one of the “woodies” . There is no limitation on creativity, so let your imagination run wild with a brand new hobby .

ChOSE’S FaMOuS COnEY SauCE & BBQRemember Chose’s A&W stand? Wouldn’t you love to eat one of their delicious Coney Dogs? Well, you can this summer! Tom Chose is cook-ing up his special Coney sauce and BBQ as a special fundraiser for the Senior Center . Watch outside the Senior Center for the yellow sand-wich board . This will let you know when we have Chose’s Coney sauce and BBQ for sale .

Coney Sauce 8 oz. container: $2.50; BBQ 16 oz. container: $5.00

SEvEn BrIDES FOr SEvEn BrOThErS

Fireside Dinner Theatre Trip September 21, 2011Join the Stoughton Area Senior Center in a day trip to see this classic musical . See the high stepping dancing, the side split-ting humor and it’s romantic escapades . The cost has yet to be determined . There will only be 24 tickets available, so sign up early . Call 873-8585 .

COMIng In OCTOBEr...Annual Flu Shot ClinicOctober 7, 8:30-11:30 AM

AARP Driver Safety ProgramOctober 25, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM

248 W. Main Street, Stoughton WI, 53589 873-8585

Visit our website at: www.ci.stoughton.wi.us/senior

SEnIOr CEnTEr

Page 12: Summer Tower Times 2011

12 The Tower Times

1324 Hwy. 51-138, Stoughton • conantauto.comHours: M-F 7:00am-6:00pm; Sat. 7:00am-12:00pm

Left to Right: Matt Olin & family, Bernie Sherwood & family, Joe Conant & family, Mike Dinges & family, Ben Juve, Greg Vale. Missing from photo: Jay Kwiatkowski & family.

CONANT AUTOMOTIVE… Neighbors serving NeighborsConant Automotive is proud to call the Stoughton community home. For the past four years we have been providing high quality service and repairs to our

friends and neighbors. Like you, we live and are raising our families here. We support the schools as well as other local businesses. We understand the importance and benefits of shopping local.

The Conant Commitment is to provide you with the highest quality repair service available. Our prices may not always be the lowest – but you can rest easy knowing that your job will be done right the first time. And, that I personally stand behind all work that leaves my shop.

Joe Conant

WeCare!

Home of the 2 year

24,000 mile warranty

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

aTTEnTIOn - BuSInESSES & hOMEOWnErS graSS CLIppIngSThere is a city ordinance (Sec 50-5) prohibiting yard waste in the street . We are asking that you be sure to keep the grass clippings on your property when mow-ing - not in the street .

FaLL LEaF COLLECTIOnWatch for an ad in the Hub for dates .

BruSh pICK up ruLESProperly sized brush if a maximum of 4” in diameter and for length (12 to 15 ft) - or longer if you can manually get it to the curb yourself .

Plan your trimming around the scheduled pick up to eliminate the brush from sitting out for lengthy periods .

Brush should be at the curb by 7AM on the first Monday of the month (unless Monday is a holiday, then Tuesday) .

Crews start at a different part of the city each month and once they have gone through an area they will not be back until the following month .

Do NOT place brush in the street .

Rootballs are prohibited - please dispose of at the Madison Landfill (267-1502)

Do NOT mix debris in with the brush

If a contractor trims or removes a tree from your property, they also need to remove the brush the city crew will NOT pick it up .

YarD WaSTE SITE1) $20 .00 Annual sticker(s) must be permanently affixed to the lower left hand corner of the front windshield of the vehicle .

2) ACCEPTABLE materials are: grass, leaves, garden waste and wood products less than 1/4 inches in diameter (size of a pencil)

3) NOT ACCEPTABLE materials are: root balls, trees, branches or large brush .

NEW: If you have a small amount of brush, it is now being accepted at the yard waste site if you have a sticker . There will be a separate area to place the brush in .

Please do not drop off yard waste when site is closed as it is considered illegal dumping and is subject to a fine or revoking your permit . The site may close early due to inclement weather or darkness .

2011 rOaD WOrK

The following streets are scheduled for Pulverization and Overlay:N . Johnson Street (Greig Trail to N . Page St)

Greig Trail (N . Johnson St to N . Page St)

Moe Court

Taft Street (N . Prairie - east 125 ft)

West Street (Johnson St to Van Buren St)

Johnson Street (West St to Roby Road)

Roby Road (Lincoln to Madison)

N Van Buren (Roby to Coolidge St)

Streets Receiving Seal Coating:N Page St (Taft St to W Main St), Forton St (N Page St to N Division St), N Divi-sion St (Forton St to E Washington St), W Washington St (N Division St to Wa-ter St), Water St (W Washington St to W Jefferson St), Jefferson St ( Water St to S Fourth St), S Lynn St (E Main St to Acad-emy St), S Franklin St ( E Main St to E South St), Amundson Pkwy (E Main St to Ridge St), Ridge St (Amundson Pkwy to N Academy St), N Academy St (Ridge St to Giles St), N Franklin St (E Main St to Ridge St) and Chalet Dr (E Main St to Vernon Rd) .

Also, all Public Parking Lots - (Fourth/Main Lot, Library and the North/South Parking Lots) will be seal coated .

NOTE: Seal Coating is scheduled to be done mid to late August . Expect crews from Scott Construction in the area .

STrEET DEparTMEnT