Smash the Rumor Mill

The "rumor mill" can create some interesting challenges for government. However, at the same time I realize it's a fact of life. It feeds the human desire and need for information. But, when the subject matter takes on a life of its own the whole situation can become awfully difficult to manage.

City officials can sit by and let the rumor mill run its course, or we can be out front trying to provide accurate and timely information on a regular basis. I prefer the later option.

So, I invite all citizens of Milton to join me in smashing the rumor mill. If you hear rumors about City happenings and would like the "skinny" on what's fact and fiction, I invite you to contact me directly at tschmidt@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608)868-6900 (ext. 4). Or, feel free to stop up to City Hall at 430 E. High Street and make use of my open-door-policy. If I'm unable to answer your question right away, I will work to find the answer or direct you to who can give you the answer.

Milton PD Now Publishing Department Newsletter

The Milton Police Department is now publishing a departmental newsletter. While the newsletter is somewhat intended for members of the department, it has community-wide application as well. To view a copy of the first volume, click on this link: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=2694. Kudos to Lt. Brad Smith for coordinating the newsletter project.

Loss of a Community Member

Earlier this week the City learned of the death of Mac McMillan in a tragic 3-person plane crash in Iowa. Mac had served for years as a member of the City's Zoning Board of Appeals. On behalf of the City, Mayor Chesmore and the Common Council, I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the McMillan family.

Celebrate the 4th in Milton

Parade, fireworks, carnival, live bands, athletic events, and fireworks... (I said fireworks twice because Milton always puts on a great show!) There's plenty of ways to celebrate the July 4th weekend in Milton. Follow this link to view information about this year's events: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/news_detail.aspx?news_id=130. Check back from time to time, as I'll post updates and additional events as the information becomes available.

Hot Weather Poses Health Risks

Following is an important announcement from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services:

As summer heat builds in many parts of Wisconsin, state health officials are urging everyone to be aware of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to take protective safety measures.

“Although most heat-related illnesses involve persons who are elderly or have chronic illnesses, we know that children, athletes, and outdoor workers are also at risk,” said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health Officer. “Do not leave individuals – especially children and infants – or any pets unattended in cars for even brief periods of time. Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.”

Sustained temperatures in excess of 90 degrees pose a risk of heat-related illness and death, especially when humidity levels exceed 35 percent. The risk is highest for older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses, or for individuals taking medications that inhibit perspiration and the body’s natural cooling process.

General symptoms of heat exhaustion include fainting, rash, fatigue and nausea. Skin may become clammy and moist or hot and dry. The onset of heat stroke can be rapid and may progress to life-threatening illness within minutes. If heat-related symptoms appear, immediate actions should be taken to reduce body temperature.

The following actions are recommended when temperatures are above 90 degrees:

• Drink more fluids during hot weather to avoid dehydration. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration.
• Spend the hottest part of the day in a cool, preferably air-conditioned place.
• Do not plan strenuous activities during the warmest part of the day.
• Use fans to increase ventilation unless temperatures exceed 90° (at which point fans become ineffective in reducing heat-related illness).
• Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to reduce body temperatures. In addition, wet clothing has a cooling effect.
• Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors and move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.

For more information on heat-related health concerns, visit:http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/WeatherRelated/Heat.htm

Consider Adopting a Downtown Flower Basket

The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism is seeking donations from the community for the Adopt-a-Basket program. Just visit Parkview Drive and Merchant Row to see the quality and character these baskets add to our downtown areas.

Unfortunately adoption participation has been very low this year. I would like to challenge the whole community to SAVE THE ORPHANED BASKETS! Adopt a basket today.

Check out the details at the following website: http://www.maccit.com/CalendarofEvents/MACCITEvents/AdoptABasket/tabid/100/Default.aspx

Library Kicks Off Summer Reading Program

The Milton Public Library staff have put together a super summer reading program for 2009! From juggling, to movies, to tie-dying, to guitar lessons, to acting, and more, the Library has all kinds of things going on this summer for all ages. Check out the program details at http://als.lib.wi.us/MPL/09MPLsummer.htm or call the Library at 868-7462.

State Budget Could Increase Your Trash Collection Fees

Waste Management, who handles the City's recycling and sanitation collection services, mailed a letter to the City recently indicating Governor Doyle’s proposed state budget calls for new taxes of $4.40 on each ton of waste sent to a Wisconsin landfill.

The cost for refuse and recycling services are included as a fee on your tax bill, and that fee will be impacted directly by this increase. Waste Management passes landfill tipping fees and taxes directly back to the City in its regular billings, which are, in turn, paid for using the fees that property owners pay.

According to Waste Management, the super-majority of additional fees will not be used to improve recycling or waste services. The estimated $33 million in additional fees will be used for unrelated state spending, including $21 million in debt service and $4 million to create a new BioEnergy Institute.

I urge our residents to discuss this new “tax” with our State Senator, Judy Robson, to ensure everyone is fully informed. If you feel these fees are not being utilized properly or unnecessary, please let your representatives know. Sen. Robson's contact information is available by clicking here.

Milton PD Warns of Scam

At approximately 10:15 a.m. this morning the Milton Police Department became aware of a traveling sales scam taking place in Milton. City hall staff reported to us that a citizen had contacted them inquiring about the status of a seller’s permit for a group known as Face to Face technologies. I spoke with the complainant/victim who informed me that on Tuesday, 6/9/09 between the hours of 4:50-5:15 p.m. a woman walking door to door asked her to purchase magazine subscriptions. The woman did make a purchase from her and became suspicious when she inquired about the required City of Milton Seller’s permit. What has us believing this is a true financial scam is that the address of the victim who bought the subscriptions was never obtained, and Internet research on this company indicates it is a fairly common traveling financial “scam”.

The suspect in this incident is described as a white female between 18-19 years of age with dark black hair and Star tattoos on her right arm. She referred to herself as “Amber” to the person she sold to. There is no vehicle information associated with this complaint at this time.

If anyone who sees an individual matching this description or has anyone attempt to sell you a magazine from Face to Face Technologies, I would ask that you have them contact the Milton Police Department immediately. Further information about this or anyone wishing to provide information may contact the Milton Police Police Department at 868-6910 or by e-mail at miltonpd@charter.net.

Milton Mayor Tom Chesmore Announces Community Listening Sessions

Milton Mayor Tom Chesmore will be holding three community listening sessions on Friday, June 19, 2009. Those sessions are scheduled as follows:

• 10:00 AM – The Gathering Place (715 Campus St.)
• 12:00 PM – The Red Zone Restaurant – Lower Level (403 W. High St.) – Servers will be available for those interested in having lunch.
• 5:00 PM – The Gathering Place (715 Campus St.)

This will be an opportunity for Mayor Chesmore to share information with and get feedback from the public in an informal setting. According to Mayor Chesmore, “This is just a chance for me to sit down with folks and talk face to face. No formalities and no agendas. I plan to provide some information on City programs and priorities, but more importantly I’d like to hear from the citizens about what’s important to them.”

Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend. These are the first listening sessions being held by Mayor Chesmore. Additional sessions may be scheduled depending on the interest shown on June 19th. Those who would like to provide feedback but unable to attend may contact Mayor Chesmore directly at 868-3361 or by e-mail at tom_chesmore@yahoo.com.

June Departmental Report

The City's June monthly departmental report is now available on-line. Check it out at
http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=2659.

Swimming Pool Reminder

It's that time of year again when swimming pools start popping up in back yards around the City. As a reminder to those pool owners, City of Milton ordinance 10-182 requires that anyone with a swimming pool with a height of 30 inches (total side height - not water depth) or more have a fence around the pool that is at least five feet in height and cannot readily be climbed. Access to the pool area shall be through a gate of similar construction and equipped with a security latch that is secured when no responsible persons are present. The now popular inflatable pools qualify as a pool under our ordinances and require a fence. The intent of this ordinance is (to the extent possible) ensure the safety of children in our neighborhoods throughout the summer months when swimming pools are in use.