City Offices Closed December 31st

Just a reminder - City offices will be closed on Friday, December 31st.

We will accept tax payments with a December 31st postmark to be credited in 2010.

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable time ringing in the new year!

"A Christmas Carol" Rescheduled for Milton House

The Milton Historical Society rescheduled their Sunday, December 12th performance of "A Christmas Carol" to Sunday, December 19th. Please see the press release below from the Milton Historical Society for more details.



The Milton Historical Society has rescheduled their performance of Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” to this coming Sunday, December 19, starting at 6 P.M. The show will be preformed by Creative Outlets Community Theater Group from Whitewater at the Milton Historical Society, 18 South Janesville Street, Milton. After the performance, there will be a cookie and cider reception with the cast.

“A Christmas Carol” tickets are $12.00 each or two or more for $10.00 each. Seating is limited, tickets must be reserved in advance.” Tickets are on sale now at The Milton Historical Society, and we will honor tickets sold for the December 12 show. Tickets can be purchased over the phone with a credit card by calling the Milton Historical Society, 608-868-7772. Proceeds will benefit the Milton Historical Society/Milton House Museum.

For additional information or to schedule a tour of the Milton House Museum please contact The Milton Historical Society at 608-868-7772, 18 S. Janesville Street, Milton.

Milton Public Library Community Survey

Residents:

Please help our Milton Public Library with its strategic planning process by completing a community survey. The information gathering process associated with the survey is outlined below in the message from Library Director Lisa Brooks:

The Milton Public Library is in the process of developing a new strategic plan. We’d appreciate it if you’d take a few minutes to share your opinions and ideas for making the Milton Public Library even better. We’d like your thoughts even if you’re NOT a regular library user.
Thanks for your help!


http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/428563/Milton-Public-Library-Other-Organizations-Web-Survey

The Perfect Holiday Gift: A Milton Library Coffee Mug

Please read the information below from Milton Public Library Director Lisa Brooks. This fundraiser supports the Friends of the Milton Public Library, a non-profit organization that donates thousands of dollars to support our public library every year.

I bought one of these myself last week and believe you will find that they are the perfect holiday gift for that coffee drinker on your list....-Jerry

The Friends of Milton Public Library are selling a special mug and coffee gift set for their 2010 holiday fundraiser. The gift set is available for $9, with all proceeds going to the library. The mugs are printed in full color with the Milton Public Library logo. The set also includes a full-pot package of coffee, roasted locally especially for the library, by Mocha Moment in Janesville.The fundraiser will help fund the Summer Reading program as well as other children’s and adult programs throughout the year.The Friends of the Milton Public Library is a non-profit organization that raises thousands of dollars each year for the library.

16:49:00 to be Shown at The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place will be showing the ground-breaking film 16:49:00 on Tuesday, December 7th at 6:00 pm.

16:49:00 is about the challenges that homeless teens face. The movie features honest, candid interviews with three Beloit Memorial High School students, including heart-felt accounts of other unaccompanied youth in our area, that reveal the struggle homeless students face at the high school level. Insight from both educational and community leaders shed light on how we may be a part of the solution.

Robin Stuht, the producer for the documentary, said, "The sixteen hours and forty-nine minutes between school ending one day, and starting the next, for some kids, are the longest hours of their entire lives."

16:49:00 project leaders will lead a brief informational Q&A session after the viewing.

The viewing is free and open to the public.

Shop Local this Holiday Season

As Thanksgiving marked the beginning of the holiday season, I wanted to remind all of you of some of the great opportunities to shop local this holiday season. The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT) is partnering with our 187 businesses right here in Milton, advocating and promoting a Holiday "Shop Hop" that highlights many of the great deals our local businesses here in Milton are offering this time of year.

Our local businesses offer so very much to Milton's community. They provide jobs and offer our citizens services and goods right here in our community that help sustain our economic infrastructure. Many of those same businesses give back to our community via generous donations that support our schools, our co-curricular activities. As this time of year often involves a bit more shopping for all of us for food, decorations or gifts, I'd ask that we all consider showing our gratitude and support our local businesses this holiday season by shopping right here in Milton every chance we get.

-Jerry

City of Milton 2011 Proposed Budget and Service Plan Public Hearing

On Monday, November 29th at 7pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, the City Council will be holding a public hearing on the proposed 2011 City of Milton Budget and Service Plan. The 2011 proposed draft budget outlines proposed service levels and the necessary taxing and spending to provide those service levels in our community.

The current proposed budget and service plan calls for a 1.95% increase in the tax levy from 2010. The plan is a product of several months of work by the Mayor, Council members and staff during budget workshops held in October and November. The purpose of the public hearing is to provide citizens the opportunity to voice any questions, concerns or comments they have about the proposed budget to the Mayor and the Council, prior to adopting a final budget for the upcoming calendar year. Residents and/or business owners with questions, concerns or comments or those who are merely interested in the proposed 2011 budget and service plan are encouraged to attend the public hearing.

-Jerry

A day for giving thanks....

As most of our City and the rest of the Country prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I like many others, wanted to take a brief moment to publicly state some things that I personally am thankful for. These include the following:

1) I am thankful for the many sacrifices of others: In particular, it is appropriate we give thanks and remember Scott Nagorski, the serviceman who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life (and the reason why flags were lowered to 1/2 staff today) while serving our Country during Operation Enduring Freedom. To him and all of those who have served and continue to serve in our Military and sacrifice time away from their families during the holiday season, I extend my thanks.

2) I am thankful for our City Employees who work the holidays: While I am grateful for all of the hard working dedicated employees we have that keep our City running, most offices are closed during the holiday weekend. That being said certain City operations must continue, particularly in our Department of Public Works and Public Safety Departments where staff must work the holiday to keep the City running. I am grateful for the sacrifices those folks make to keep our City safe and operating, knowing that many sacrifice some time with family or other scheduled traditions to keep the City safe and operational.

3) I am forever thankful for a healthy and ever-supportive family.

4) I am thankful to have a job, one that I very much enjoy, and one that provides for my family.

5) I am thankful to live in in Milton, where caring and concerned people make the City the great place that it is to live, go to school or work.

I personally hope that each and everyone of you who follows the City and its happenings on this blog have the opportunity to share that which you are thankful for with your family and friends this holiday, and that you all enjoy a very safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving weekend.

-Jerry

Congratulations Milton Girls Swim Team-STATE CHAMPS

Over the weekend I had the opportunity to catch up on some articles from our local weekly newspaper the Milton Courier. Without a doubt the ones that stood out were those congratulating our Milton High School Girls Swim Team and their bringing home a State Championship, the first ever for Milton in girls swimming. As I read the articles and the accomplishments of these young women, I thought about the sacrifices that parents, coaches and those student athletes make to achieve such an accomplishment. I am glad that our local newspapers give them the coverage and the credit they so deserve. I am also proud to live in a community where parents, kids, coaches and our community come together to support the efforts of all of our co-curricular activities we have here in Milton.

Much is written about young people getting in trouble and juvenile delinquency. Those issues are serious, and need attention. But it was nice to read about a team of young people committing themselves to excellence, and celebrating the success that hard work and dedication can bring. I am glad our local newspaper covered this great story so well, as the accomplishment of first year Coach Kristin Lehman and her team are now forever a part of Milton's proud athletic history. Thank you, 2010 Milton High School Girls Swim Team Division 2 State Champions, for your dedication and commitment to hard work made you a part of Milton's history that makes all of us in our community proud.

-Jerry

Veterans Day

We as a City, a State and a Nation celebrate Veterans Day today. It is a day for which we honor all those men and women who have served in our armed forces, and those who continue to serve. It is a day that we are reminded of all of the sacrifices those heroic individuals have made so that we can enjoy the many freedoms we have and enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. The symbols of that freedom are found throughout the City of Milton, and exist because of so many of our residents and others throughout the nation who have had the courage to protect them. Many have fought so those ideals could be preserved not only in America, but so that freedom could be protected throughout the world. The courage of the men and women who served in our military, as well as those who continue to serve cannot be overstated.

The flags that fly high above our institutions throughout the City symbolize the pride that we have in America, our freedom, and our Country's core values. I am proud to see so many symbols of that freedom in our City that celebrate America and am proud to know many City of Milton employees and residents who have honorably served our Country in the armed forces. While we may never be able to show these heroes enough appreciation for their service, I would ask that all of us take some time out of our busy days today here on this Veterans Day to say "thank you" to our Veterans for their service to our country.

-Jerry

A different view......

As today concludes my first full week as City Administrator, I wanted to take a brief moment as we start up blog posts again to reflect on some of the many fantastic things I saw as I got used to watching our great City from a different view. Below are some of the highlights:

-Elections: This year I got to see firsthand the great work done by so many of our Citizens and City Hall staff as we celebrated another election. The right to vote is one many have sacrificed for, and it was great to see the cooperation of so many. Be it our Department of Public Works staff that sets up the election, our library staff that held a “kids election” and all of our citizen election workers whose work is coordinated through our Clerk/Treasurer’s office. All of them working together, coupled with you who took the time to vote make the voting process a success.

-The Budget: Over the past few months I have gained a much greater sense of respect for how challenging the development of an entire City budget is. I am grateful for all the work our Mayor and Council put into this process, as well as our Department heads and this year, the good fortune of both the wisdom and knowledge of our budget consultant, Milton resident Herb Stinski. As we come near the conclusion of that process, I believe our citizens will find that we have taken a balanced approach to developing a budget that will provide for the services our citizens expect in the most cost-effective manner.

-Our non-profits: Tying into my learning as a City Administrator is a recognition of how fortunate Milton is to have some great non-profit organizations working so hard to better our community. Their relationship to the City is invaluable. Whether it be the recently formed Celebrate Milton commmittee who is working to enhance the 4th of July events we all enjoy so much, or MACCIT who assists the City with coordinating business and economic development, or our historical society, who ensures our history is preserved and presented to our citizens and visitors for all of us to be proud of. We also celebrate the Gathering Place, as they hosted their annual fund raising play that due to time limitations I could not participate in this year, but the have participated in past plays as this event helps support a valued institution that provides an invaluable service to our community’s senior population and beyond.

-Our Police and Joint Fire Department: While I am obviously a bit more familiar with these organizations than a few others, the week’s conclusion included a dangerous pipe bomb found in our community. Watching the folks work through that incident, ensuring public safety and the police department effectively and efficiently holding those who made a poor choice accountable made me proud.

In concluding my first blog post, I also want to thank all of you who have sent me nice cards, e-mails or stopped in to say “congratulations”. As I stated throughout the interview process, the greatest asset the City of Milton has is its people. I look forward to working with you all and serving as your City Administrator. -Jerry

10th Annual Seed Pick - October 9th

The Parks and Recreation Commission will be holding their 10th Annual Native Wild Flower/Grass Seed Pick this Saturday, October 9th. All participants will meet at Crossridge Park located on Parkview Drive at 9 a.m. to pick from the Crossridge Park prairie. After picking at Crossridge, they will collect seeds from various areas around town as a group.

This is a family friendly event designed to beautify the green spaces in Milton, provide restored habitat for native wildlife, and reduce or eliminate mowing/maintenance costs otherwise passed on to the taxpayers. Bring friends, family, and anyone else you can convince to try something new.

The seed collected this year is going to be used to surround the new detention pond on Hwy 59 on the east side of Milton. It will also line the highway if enough seed is collected. The Commission has managed to restore 7 acres of prairie land and has over $1,000 worth of seed in storage ready to plant. This may sound like a lot of seed, but it really isn't. The seed costs hundreds of dollars per pound, but goes a long way. The finished product is a crushed seed that is very small and light.

Click here to view tips on what to wear.

Log on to the Parks and Recreation Commission's Crossridge Park blog page to read information and see pictures from previous seed hikes: http://crossridgepark.blogspot.com/.

We hope to see you there!

Spotlight on The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place is the center of senior recreation in the City of Milton. Marion Allen had a vision in the early 1990's to create a place specifically for senior citizens to have lunch and socialize. She purchased a lot at 715 Campus Street, hired architect Paul Dalberg and builders Ed and J.P. Hale, and began construction on The Gathering Place. The grand opening was held on October 4, 1992. In her grand opening speech, Marion Allen said, "This is not a house of stone; this is not a house of bricks and mortar. This is a home from the heart - a house built with love."

There are a few things that you may not know about The Gathering Place:

1. There is no "qualifying age" to participate in many of the activities of The Gathering Place. The majority of our activities are open to adults of any age. Come and experience a Zumba Gold class or enjoy line dancing or Tai Chi. Check out the website for a complete list of scheduled activities: www.gatheringplacemilton.com
2. The Gathering Place is the perfect venue for your wedding reception, anniversary party, or any celebration you may be planning. Check out more information at www.gazlo.com/gatheringplace.
3. The Gathering Place is a private non-profit supported only in part by monies from The Allen Foundation. The remainder of the operating budget comes from membership fees, a stipend from the City of Milton, and donations and endowments from individuals. If you are looking for a worthy organization to gift, please contact The Gathering Place for more information at (608) 868-3500.
4. So far this year, over 23,500 people have utilized The Gathering Place for community education, cultural events, fitness, health screenings, recreation and social events.

For more information about The Gathering Place, log on to their website at www.gatheringplacemilton.com.

The New Website was Launched

The City launched a new and improved website today!

Milton staff have been working with Foremost Media from Janesville, Wisconsin on a website upgrade for the last few months. The website has significant appearance changes, and one of the major site enhancements was the introduction of a new document manager system. Click here to view the new system.

The website is at the same web address as the old site: www.ci.milton.wi.us.

Milton House Twilight Tours this Saturday

The Milton Historical Society will be holding its Annual Twilight Tours, this Saturday, September 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tour a National Historic Landmark, The Milton House, in the evening by lamplight.

This year the tour will focus on the plight of the fugitive slaves seeking refuge with the Goodrich family. Ticket prices are $4.00 adults, $2.00 children, for this once a year event. After the tour enjoy the Goodrich Square Celebration taking place in the Tomah Room. There will be wine tasting, food, raffle items, music, and so much more! The Milton Historical Society/Milton House Museum is located at 18 S Janesville Street, Milton.

For additional information or to schedule a tour of the Milton House Museum please contact The Milton Historical Society at 608-868-7772.

Emergency Management Training Exercise

On Wednesday, September 15 at 10 a.m. there will be an emergency management training exercise at Air Products, 337 Vincent Street. Below is a press release from Milton Police Chief Jerry Schuetz.

The joint City and Town of Milton Fire Department, City of Milton Police Department and Janesville level B hazardous materials team, in conjunction with the Rock County Emergency Management office will be conducting a simulated critical incident training exercise on Wednesday, September 15th, 2010 at 10am.

The exercise will be held at Air Products, located at 337 Vincent Street in the City of Milton. The training exercise will simulate a chemical gas leak from a rail car. The event is being used for training purposes only, and is intended to train multiple agency first responders in coordinating a joint response to a critical incident with Air Products staff. The training exercise will include a notification to the public about the training exercise itself and will be testing emergency notification systems that request those in the potentially affected area of the gas leak to shelter in place during the simulated critical incident.

The duration of the exercise is anticipated to be between 10am and 11am on Wed. September 15th, 2010. Residents will notice an increased presence of police, fire and other first responder vehicles in the vicinity during the training exercise.

Any questions about this critical incident training exercise may be directed to Chief Jerry Schuetz who can be reached at 608-868-6910 ext. 21 or via e-mail at jschuetz@ci.milton.wi.us.

September City Departmental Report Available

The City's Monthly Departmental Report for September is now up on the City Website. Check it out by following this link: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3416.

MPD Volunteers in Police Program

The Milton Police Department is now accepting applications for the new Volunteers in Policing (VIP) Program. Volunteers will have the opportunity to help the police department with a variety of non-hazardous tasks like filing police reports, assisting with community outreach events, and possibly traffic analysis in an unmarked police car.

If interested, log on to the City's website to access an employment application form: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=1495. All applicants will be subject to a background check.

For more information about the program, read this recent article from the Milton Courier: http://www.miltoncourieronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=1509.

Internet Crimes Against Children Awareness

Thanks to Lt. John Conger for providing this timely reminder:

As our children return to school, their time spent on the internet will likely increase due to homework and other school responsibilities. Because of that we wanted to remind you of some safety tips to keep in mind and discuss with your children, regardless of age.

• First, remember never to give out personal information such as your name, home address, school name, or telephone number in a chat room or on bulletin boards. Also, never send a picture of yourself to someone you chat with on the computer without your parent's permission.
• Never write to someone who has made you feel uncomfortable or scared.
• Do not meet someone or have them visit you without the permission of your parents.
• Tell your parents right away if you read anything on the Internet that makes you feel uncomfortable.
• Remember that people online may not be who they say they are. Someone who says that "she" is a "12-year-old girl" could really be an older man.

We also remain committed to our participation in the nationwide law enforcement initiative, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Since joining the task force in early 2009 our agency has arrested four adult individuals that traveled to our community with the intent to have sexual relations with what they believed to be a 15 year old female girl. This should not be considered a victimless crime, as these predators will continue to troll the internet until they fulfill their desire to have sexual contact with a child. While the internet continues to evolve and our children have communication devices that evolve, we feel it is important to aggressively investigate online predators that intend to harm children, as well as provide the community with tips to keep their children safe. We encourage all parents to communicate these safety tips as well as have conversations about sexting, social networking, and appropriate use of the internet and cell phones.

Milton PD Brat Fry

The Milton Police Department is hosting their 2nd Annual Brat Fry at the Redhawks Football game Friday night. The proceeds will benefit the Crime Prevention Fund that is used to fund community outreach activities like the Prescription Drug Box and the recent "Movie Night" at Milton East.

We hope to see you there!

Radio Pod-Cast

This morning I enjoyed participating in a radio interview with Jim Lyke on WCLO. We talked about my upcoming departure and things that are happening in the City. You can listen on-line at http://wclo.com/podcasts/your-talk-show/2010/aug/31/miltons-todd-schmidt/.

Milton Historical Society Fall Events

The Milton Historical Society will be hosting a variety of events at the Milton House this fall including a Vintage Film Series, Twilight Tours, and Heritage Day.

Click here to view an article from the Milton Courier for details.

"What's That???" Winner!

The new "What's That???" winner is Casey Fagan. The Red Rooster is the featured business. The photo was the feet of the rooster on the sign in the front of the store. The original picture is below.

The Red Rooster is located in the Old Junction Mill at 613 W. Madison Avenue on the west side of Milton. The building is a renovated 150 year old feed mill. Click here to view a map.

The Red Rooster is the perfect place to shop for unique gifts for friends and family. There is a distinctive selection of jewelry and a variety of furnishings for your home including accent lighting, seasonal items, candles and accessories, linens, and rugs.

The Red Rooster is holding a summer clearance sale through the end of August to make room for new Fall merchandise. Discounted items include purses, candles, baskets, garden items, and much more!

Ice cream is the perfect thing to treat those back to school blues. Consider taking your family down to The Red Rooster to enjoy an ice cream cone. There are 16 flavors available!

For more information about The Red Rooster, log on to their website at http://oldjunctionmill.com/cms/index.php?page=the-red-rooster.

Thanks to everyone that participated, and watch for another installment of “What’s That???” coming soon.

"What's That???" - August 25, 2010

Today is the fourth installment of "What's That???". Click here to read more information about the blog series.

Pictured to the left is a photo taken at a Milton business. The first correct response will receive a $10 gift certificate from the featured business.

Please submit your answer to the City’s Intern, Inga Jacobson, by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

"What's That???" on Wednesday

Watch for another "What's That???" blog on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information about the "What's That???" Blog Series.

Family Movie Night Moved to Milton East Elementary Gym

Family Movie Night scheduled for tonight, August 20th, has been moved to the Milton East Elementary School Gym due to inclement weather. The event will still begin as scheduled at 6 p.m.

A Bitter-Sweet Resignation

Dear Friends - Following is an announcement that I made at last evening's Council meeting:

It is with bitter-sweet feelings and a tremendous amount of respect for you and the City of Milton that I submit my resignation as Milton City Administrator. I have accepted the position of Village Administrator / Economic Development Director for the Village of Waunakee, which accommodates both professional growth for me and personal desires for my family.

As required by my contractual agreement with the City of Milton, I am providing a 30 day notice. My last day as Administrator with the City will be on Tuesday, September 21st.

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve our beautiful City. I have enjoyed being a part of the City team which has achieved so much since I began more than seven years ago. Together I believe we have made Milton a better City in many different ways. What more could we hope for?

Fortunately for Milton, opportunity abounds. The table is set for growth and prosperity. So many good things are in motion right now which makes this community exciting and vibrant. A talented and dedicated team of department heads and staff will continue to serve this City well. For these reasons I believe my successor will enjoy working for the City as much as I have. You should be encouraged by the direction in which Milton is headed.

To the Mayor and Council I thank you for allowing me to grow as a manager here in Milton. You have trusted me and provided me with resources and creative freedoms in order to succeed. I have enjoyed working with all of you; Mayor Chesmore, former Mayor Bruce, current Alderpersons and past. It has been my distinct privilege to serve you.

To the department head team and my co-workers, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your lives. You all mean so much to me, and I credit all of you for helping shape and mold me as a manager and human being. For that I will be forever grateful and forever your friend.

To my family; Tonya, Sydney and Sawyer... You guys are my glue and my passion. Without your support and faith, there is no way I could be the manager I am today. I am especially grateful for Tonya, who for many weeks in the fall each year becomes a “budget widow” and has endured hundreds of evenings without dad’s help putting the kids to bed. I love you so much and look forward to our new adventure.

Finally, to the people of this great City I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, kindness and graciousness. My family and I treasure the friendships we have made while living here. If a City is defined by its people, Milton stands tall and proud aside all others. It is the people of Milton who truly make this community a wonderful place.

May God bless all of you and the City of Milton in mighty ways. As I have since the day I was hired, my prayers will continue to seek abundance and happiness for the City and its leaders, staff, businesses and citizens. Thank you so, so much for everything.

Rummage Sale Fund Raiser This Weekend

GOT RUMMAGE??? SELL YOUR ITEMS AND HAVE FUN DOING IT

Rent a space for just $5.00 in the Piggly Wiggly Parking Lot on Saturday, August 21. Huge Rummage Sale from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Brat Fry from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Delicious, sizzling Piggly Wiggly Brats, grilled by The Gathering Place volunteers. To sign up for a rummage spot, call Ashley Cowley at Piggly Wiggly at 868-7900.

Rain Barrel $5 Credit

The City of Milton is now offering a $5 water bill credit to the first 20 residents who purchase a rain barrel for their home. Residents are asked to submit a copy of their receipt and a completed application form to the Clerk/Treasurer's office. Rain barrels are available locally at Dave's Ace Hardware and Patty's Plants.

Click here to access the form and view a brochure with additional details about the program.

Goodrich Square Plan Comments

Maps from the Goodrich Square plan are now available to view at Milton Savings Bank, Bank of Milton, Milton House, and Northleaf Winery. Boxes and comment sheets are also available to submit any thoughts or ideas about the plan.

Click here to view a copy of the entire plan.

Drunk Driving Over the Limit Under Arrest

The Milton Police Department will be participating in the national Drunk Driving Over the Limit Under Arrest campaign. Read the following press release from Officer Kyle Johnson for more information.

The Milton Police Department is announcing the upcoming mobilization of Drunk Driving Over the Limit Under Arrest. This is part of a statewide campaign to crackdown on drunken driving. From August 20 to Sept. 6, 2010 officers will be out in force to arrest impaired individuals who choose to get behind the wheel. This campaign is mobilized with the intent of deterring impaired driving.

Unfortunately, Wisconsin has the shameful reputation of having the highest drunk driving rate in the nation. Last year, there were approximately 45,000 convictions for drunken driving in Wisconsin. 238 people were killed in alcohol related crashes in Wisconsin in 2009. On July 1, 2010, a new state law took effect which significantly strengthens penalties for drunken driving. Various OWI convictions yield penalties of increased jail time. Also, first time offenders with a high blood alcohol level, as well as repeat offenders, are forced to install ignition interlock devices in all vehicles they own. These devices make convicted offenders prove they are sober before they can start the vehicle.

Police want motorists to enjoy the end of the summer. Our goal is not to arrest more drunk drivers. We are simply trying to deter people from getting behind the wheel if they are impaired. If you are feeling “buzzed,” you are likely over the .08 blood alcohol limit and should not drive. Choose a sober driver before you start drinking. With your cooperation in the prevention of drunk driving, we can reduce the number of preventable traffic deaths in Wisconsin to zero.

August City Departmental Report Available

The City's Monthly Departmental Report for August is now up on the City Website. Check it out by following this link: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3363.

August 20th - Family Movie Night

The City of Milton Police Department and the School District of Milton are sponsoring a family movie night on August 20th, 2010 in Goodrich Square. The event is designed to encourage family use of the playground equipment and other facilities around the Goodrich square area, and is free of charge. The event details are as follows:

WHAT: FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

WHEN: Friday, August 20th, 2010

WHERE: Goodrich Square, near Milton East Elementary School Playground equipment

TIME: 6:00pm-9:30pm

The movie that will be playing in our outdoor theatre is “Toy Story 2”. Popcorn, beverage and hot dogs will be available for purchase. The first 250 kids in attendance will receive a free Frisbee that they can play with in the park until the movie starts.

If you have questions about the event please contact Chief Jerry Schuetz at the Milton Police Department at 608-868-6910.

Historical Society Completes Work on Goodrich Cabin

Congratulations goes out to the Milton Historical Society for completing work on the Goodrich Cabin. This $130,000 project restored a critical piece to the Milton House campus and the historical role it played with the Underground Railroad. The Janesville Gazette recently ran a nice story about this. You can check it out on-line at http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2010/aug/02/milton-historical-society-repairs-historic-cabin/.

MACCIT Raffle Underway

The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT) has launched the 2010 MACCIT Raffle. There are 13 chances to win, with a $2,500 cash grand prize. The drawing will occur during the Chicken BBQ on August 15th. Prizes Include: Grand Prize of $2,500, 2nd Prize $500 and 3rd Prize $100. Prizes are based on 950 ticket sales and winners need not be present to win. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. All proceeds go to MACCIT and assist with Milton Tourism & Economic Development. Click here for more information including locations where you can buy tickets (or you can get them from me!): http://www.maccit.com/CalendarofEvents/MACCITEvents/MACCITRaffle/tabid/204/Default.aspx.

Milton College Preservation Society to Host Sept. 18th Homecoming Event

The Milton College Preservation Society recently released its summer newsletter. Included in the newsletter is information about an upcoming event on September 18th. To read more about this event and other happenings at Main Hall you can download the newsletter at this link: http://www.miltoncollege.org/newsreview/review_summer_10.pdf.

Mark Your Calendars - Arts & Crafts Fair and Chix BBQ Aug. 15th

On Sunday, August 15th, Milton will host the annual Arts and Crafts Fair and Chicken BBQ on the grounds of the historic Milton House Museum and neighboring North Goodrich Park. The Milton Historical Society and Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT) co-host this event.

Click on this link for Arts & Crafts Fair information: http://www.miltonhouse.org/arts-crafts.htm.

Click on this link for the Chicken BBQ information: http://www.maccit.com/CalendarofEvents/MACCITEvents/ChickenBBQ/tabid/205/Default.aspx.

Be sure to come out for what is typically one of the largest annual community events in Milton.

New Restaurant in Milton - Gopher's at The Caddy Shack

Welcome to Gopher's, a new restaurant which has opened at The Caddy Shack on Highway 26. Congrats to Danny and Tina on their new venture. The Milton Courier recently ran an article on the business. Check it out at http://www.miltoncourieronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=1401.

Milton PD Permanent Prescription Drug Drop-Off Site

The Milton Police Department will be the first permanent drug drop-off site in Rock County. Read the press release below from Lieutenant John Conger about the program.

Beginning on July 30th the City of Milton Police Department will become Rock County’s first permanent, 24 hour, drug drop-off site. The box will be located outside the department at 120 Parkview Drive.

It is requested that, if possible, medications be left in their original packaging and that all personal information be removed. Please leave the information identifying the drug on the container, as it will make for easier identification of the substance. Sharp items such as syringes and lancets cannot be dropped at this location. Illegal narcotics should also not be dropped at this location.

The drop box will be under 24 hour video surveillance.

Funding for the box was provided by the Milton Police Department Crime Prevention Fund, which consists of money raised as the result of our fundraising efforts throughout the year. Also partnering with us to share the costs were the Rock County Health Department, Partners In Prevention-Rock County, Janesville Area Crimestoppers, and Mercy Health System.

Officers from the City of Milton will be kicking off the program with promotional items and brochures at the Rock County Fair on Friday, July 30th.

Safe and secure storage of your prescription medications at home is of the utmost importance, and we are proud to begin assisting those in Rock County with a safe and easy means of disposal for dangerous drugs that are no longer needed. The safe disposal of these dangerous drugs reduces the potential abuse of them in our community and also helps to protect the environment.

Milton House Museum Hosts "Business After 5"

The Milton Historical Society is hosting the MACCIT (Chamber of Commerce) "Business After 5" on Thursday, July 29th, from 5 to 7. The Society plans to highlight the Goodrich Cabin Completion. All the buildings will be open for viewing and the construction workers will be on hand to talk about all they did to renovate the Goodrich Cabin. The general public is welcome to attend.

2nd Installment Property Taxes Due July 31st

The second installment of property taxes are due by July 31st every year. Sometimes we find that residents are unsure about where and to whom that payment is made. Remember that Rock County coordinates the second installment collections; not the City.

There are two options to make those second installment payments:

• Mail their payments to the following address. Note that the Treasurer's Office accepts July 31st postmark as a timely payment.
  
  Rock County Treasurer
  PO Box 1975
  Janesville, WI 53547
  
  
• Pay in person at the Rock County Treasurer's Office located in the Rock County Courthouse at 51 S. Main Street, Janesville, WI. The Treasurer's office will NOT be open on Saturday, July 31st to collect tax payments.
  

If you have any questions feel free to contact City Hall at 868-6900 or the Rock County Treasurer's Office at 757-5670.

"What's That???" Winner!

The new "What's That???" winner is Megan Ellefson. The photo was the top of a wine bottle at Northleaf Winery. The original picture is below.

Northleaf Winery is located at 232 S. Janesville Street. Click here to see a map. The winery is located in the newly restored John Alexander/Sunnyview Orchard Warehouse. The building was put on the National Registry of Historic places in 1978, and work on restoration of the building and an addition to accommodate the winery began in 2007. Northleaf Winery officially opened for business on February 11, 2009.

Northleaf Winery offers a variety of wines that are crafted on site, and patrons are able to taste test the wines in the Tasting Room. The facility is also available for private tastings. Through the Wine Club, members are able to access limited quantity wines from the Town Square Series. Contact the Northleaf Winery for more information about the program.

If you want to personalize a bottle of wine for an event or someone special, consider asking Northleaf Winery to create a custom label for your bottles of wine.

The Winery also has a wide selection of chocolates, crackers, and locally crafted cheese and sausage to compliment any bottle of wine. Other gifts available at the winery include locally crafted gift baskets and wine charms, hand painted glasses, corkscrews, and wine racks.

For more information about Northleaf Winery, log on to their website at http://www.northleafwinery.com/.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and watch for another installment of "What's That???" coming soon.

"What's That???" - July 23, 2010

Today is the third installment of "What's That???". Click here to read more information about the blog series.

Pictured to the left is a photo taken at a Milton business. The first correct response will receive a prize from the featured business.

Please submit your answer to the City’s Intern, Inga Jacobson, by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

"What's That???" on Friday

Watch for another "What's That???" blog on Friday, July 23, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information about the "What's That???" Blog Series.

Goodrich Square Plan Presentation on July 20th

The Milton community is welcomed and encouraged to attend a meeting at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 20th to learn about possible plans for the Goodrich Square development in Milton. The meeting will be held in the Common Council chambers in the lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High Street.

For several months the City's Community Development Authority and City Council have been working with the City's planners from Vandewalle & Associates to prepare a vision and plan for our Parkview Drive downtown district. Specifically, that area is being dubbed "Goodrich Square". The purpose of this planning effort is summed up best by taking a direct quote from the draft plan: “Goodrich Square should be a well-designed, well-maintained, and vibrant part of the community that instills pride and a strong sense of place to Milton residents while communicating the city’s rooted and historic identity to visitors.”

The draft plan documents and maps are now available on the City's website. Because of its size, the plan document is split into two separate PDF files. Click on this link to view the on-line information: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_display.aspx?cat_id=437&cat_type=.

The Milton Courier recently ran a story about this project. Click here to read the story: http://www.miltoncourieronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=1316&TM=2628.007.

DPW Facility Study Final Report

On July 6th the City Council heard a presentation from General Engineering who recently completed our Public Works Facility Needs and Site Selection study. For those who are interested, I have uploaded the report to the City website. Click on the following links for more information:

• Final Report: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3314
• Report Appendices: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3321
• 3-D Building Drawing: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3313

A related article was also recently published in the Milton Courier: http://www.miltoncourieronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=1315,

I want to be clear that this DOES NOT mean that the City has already decided to build a new building. The Council has made no official decision on this project, however it will be discussed at future meetings. Citizens will have opportunity to provide input and direction as the City considers possible plans for this and other facility improvements. In fact, if any citizens who would like to be more directly involved in City facility issues there are opportunities to participate. Please contact me for more information at 868-6900 or tschmidt@ci.milton.wi.us.

Carnival Confusion???

I've heard from several people wondering if there will be a carnival as part of the 4th of July festivities at Schilberg Park. The answer is "no". I'm sure this probably disappoints many Milton children who love to stir up their stomachs on the Tilt-a-Whirl, eat cotton candy and throw darts at balloons (kind of sounds like a dangerous combination, doesn't it?).

Your next question is probably "why not?". I did contact a representative from the Milton FFA Alumni (the group that coordinates the whole event) to get an explanation. Here's his response:

"The carnival we had last year found a "better" opportunity some where in Iowa. We found out about 5 months ago and could not find a replacement carnival. If anyone knows of another carnival for next year let us know."

So, I'm sorry to say that the carnival is a no-go in 2010. I hope everyone is able to enjoy the other activities that are happening throughout the weekend. Click on this link for more information: http://miltonmatters.blogspot.com/2010/06/milton-fourth-of-july-celebration.html.

Milton Fourth of July Celebration!

The Milton Fourth of July Celebration will take place Friday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 4th at Schillberg Park. The schedule of events is below:

Friday, July 2nd - Open 4 pm-11pm

• Softball & Baseball
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's)
• Entertainment (Rainbow Bridge 7-11 pm)

Saturday, July 3rd - Open 8:30 am - 11:30 pm

• 3 on 3 basketball 8:00am
• Softball - Baseball - Volleyball
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's)
• Entertainment (HK - Thundernut - EFS)

Sunday, July 4th - Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

• 7am Fun Run @ MHS - Softball - Baseball (click here for details)
• Beer Tent - Food (Captain's) - Parade 1:00 pm
• Entertainment (Rainbow Bridge 7-11 pm)
• Entertainment (Joe Roberts & The Country Classics @ Lamar Park 3-5 pm)
• FIREWORKS AT DUSK

Fun, Food and Entertainment for the entire family!

June 21st Storm Damage Collection

While the June 21st storms didn't do any major widespread damage in the City of Milton, we are aware that quite a few tree branches and limbs came down. For City residents who have limbs and branches down on your property, please place them at the curb as soon as possible. City DPW crews will be coming around throughout the rest of this week to chip and remove that debris. If you have particularly large limbs down, please contact the DPW office at 868-6914 or by e-mail at miltondpw@charter.net for special instructions.

DATE CHANGE - Ald. Brett Frazier to Hold Office Hours - June 29th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM

***NOTE DATE CHANGE FROM JUNE 28TH TO THE 29TH***

DATE: Tuesday, June 29th
TIME: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Milton Public Library, Heritage Room (just to the left of the library circulation desk)

Ald. Frazier welcomes any citizens to visit with him during his office hours. Citizens with questions or concerns about City business may meet with Ald. Frazier for an informal, face-to-face conversation during this time.

Those interested in connecting with other Council members as well are welcome to contact them directly. Follow this link for a listing of all Council members and their contact information: http://www.ci.milton.wi.us/Mayor--City-Council.aspx.

"What's That???" Winner!

The new "What's That???" winner is Debbie Nelson. The photo was the snout of the pig featured in the Piggly Wiggly logo.

Piggly Wiggly is located at 727 S. Janesville Street. Click here to see a map.

Piggly Wiggly is a grocery store that provides all of the essentials, and it has a great deli, bakery, and meat department.

Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and many families are starting to think about what to prepare for the festivities. Consider ordering a food tray from the deli at Piggly Wiggly. There are a wide variety of trays available from veggie trays to sandwich trays. Family gatherings are also a perfect time to try something from the bakery.

Stop in at Piggly Wiggly to see all they have to offer. Log on to the Piggly Wiggly website (http://www.shopthepig.com/) to sign up to receive Piggly Wiggly's weekly ad. Be sure to also sign up for a Pig Card to save even more when you "shop the pig."

Thanks to everyone who participated, and watch for another installment of "What's That???" coming soon.

Goodrich Square Open House

The City of Milton and the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MACCIT) are hosting an Open House at the Community House on July 1st from 6pm to 8pm to unveil preliminary ideas from the Goodrich Square Master Plan. The area dubbed “Goodrich Square” is the historic district centered by Goodrich Park and includes the surrounding streets, businesses, historic sites, and public spaces.

Over the last several months, the City of Milton and consultants from Vandewalle & Associates have been developing a Master Plan for the future of this area. The Open House will be an opportunity for community residents, business owners, property owners, and any other interested parties to review the preliminary vision and strategies for this important part of the community.

Some of the topics and strategies addressed in the Plan include:

• Strengthening the business environment for existing and new businesses in the area
• Celebrating, highlighting, and marketing the area’s historic significance
• Improving parking and circulation patterns
• Creating a concept for a redesigned Goodrich Park

The Open House format will give people the opportunity to drop-in anytime between 6pm and 8pm to review the key recommendations and design concepts, which will be displayed around the room. Consultants and city staff will be on hand to answer any questions and take any suggestions.

Tails n Trails Park Donation Bins

The next time you take your dog to the Tails n Trails Dog Park, consider placing a contribution in the donation bins that are now located at the park. Any amount you can donate is appreciated. The money received will go toward improvements and maintenance at the park.

I would like to offer a special thanks to Print Max for the donation of the signs for the donation bins.

The Tails n Trails Dog Park has fenced areas for large dogs and small dogs to play with their owners. All dogs must be licensed by their municipality in order to use the park. Contact City Hall at 608-868-6900 or by e-mail for more information.

What's That??? - June 16, 2010

Today is the second installment of "What's That???". Click here to read more information about the blog series.

Pictured to the left is a photo taken at a Milton business. The first correct response received will win a $10 gift certificate to the business featured.

Please submit your answer to the City’s Intern, Inga Jacobson, by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

Community Garden Update

Plants are starting to grow at the Milton Community Garden. A total of 14 plots have been rented this year. For more information about the community garden, click here. As the growing season continues, be sure to check back for more photos of the Community Garden. If you're still interested in renting a plot, contact the Public Works Department at (608) 868-6914.

City Now Participating in the National Flood Insurance Program

The City of Milton has now joined over 21,000 communities that now participate in the federally backed flood insurance program. This availability follows the community’s adoption and enforcement of ordinances to reduce flood losses and acceptance by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

The City is a participant in the NFIP effective May 26, 2010. Residents of the City of Milton will be able to purchase flood insurance through participating insurance carriers up to specified program limits. However, there is a 30-day waiting period before flood insurance coverage goes into effect. For single-family dwellings, the building coverage limit is $250,000, and the contents coverage limit is $100,000. Renters can also protect their belongings by purchasing contents coverage. For commercial properties, the building and contents coverage limits are both $500,000. Lenders must require borrowers whose properties are located in a designated flood hazard area to purchase flood insurance as a condition of receiving a federally backed mortgage loan in accordance with the Federal Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

The NFIP is implemented through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). There are over 5.5 million flood insurance policies in more than 21,000 participating communities nationwide.

Click here to access more information on the City's website. For specific information on the overall NFIP program, click here for the official site of the NFIP. You can also find an agent by visiting this website.

July 4th Independence Run/Walk Information

The Milton Optimist Club Independence Run/Walk will take place on Sunday, July 4th. Registration is 7:00 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. There are staggered start times for the three races - the 10K, the 1 Mile Run, and the Fun Run. Click here to access additional information and the registration form.

What's That??? on Wednesday

Watch for another "What's That???" blog on Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 9 a.m.

Click here for more information about the "What's That???" Blog Series.

June City Departmental Report Available

The City's Monthly Departmental Report for June is now up on the City Website. Check it out by following this link: http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3288.

MACCIT Business After Hours

The Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism will be hosting Business After Hours at Anytime Fitness, 237 Parkview Drive, on Wednesday, June 9th from 5 - 7 p.m. Business After Hours is an opportunity to visit Anytime Fitness and network with other MACCIT members and the public. Light refreshments will be provided and the general public is welcome to attend. If you have any questions, contact MACCIT Executive Director Christina Slaback at (608) 868-6222 or by e-mail at christina@maccit.com.

Wisconsin's New Insured Motorist Laws

Effective June 1st, 2010 the State of Wisconsin began requiring drivers operating a motor vehicle to have auto insurance and to carry with them proof of that insurance. What this means for our drivers is that should you have the opportunity to meet one of our police officers via either a traffic stop or at a motor vehicle accident, the Officer will be asking to see not only your driver’s license, but will now also be asking to see, as required by law, proof of auto insurance.

The following is a brief overview of new laws and their respective fine amounts associated with violations:

• Statute 344.62(1) - Operating a motor vehicle w/out insurance - $114.00*
• Statute 344.62(2) - Operating a motor vehicle w/out proof of insurance - $10.00*

*Note: Fine amounts listed are for Milton Municipal Court and may be higher if stopped in another jurisdiction.

The Milton Police Department is asking drivers to please note that these new laws require BOTH insurance when operating a motor vehicle AND proof of automobile insurance. Failure to do either may result in a citation being issued. If any of you has questions about the new law and what is required, please contact the Milton Police Department at 808-6910 or by e-mail at miltonpd@charter.net.

High St. Public Meeting This Tuesday

A public meeting will take place tomorrow at 7 p.m. at City Hall (Council Chambers, Lower Level) to discuss the High Street construction project that will be completed this summer. Click here for more information about the project. Citizens with questions about property access, vehicular access, project timing, and other related issues are encouraged to attend. City staff, the City engineer, and engineers assigned by the State of Wisconsin will be at the meeting to answer your questions.

Adopt-A-Basket Campaign Underway

Every year, the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT) raises money to fund the hanging baskets which you now see in Milton's two downtown areas. The program was started four years ago to beautify the City and to benefit the downtown business districts. The flowers are up from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

MACCIT’s 2010 Adopt-A-Basket Campaign is well underway, but it’s still not too late to adopt a basket. Adopting a basket costs $95 to cover the cost of the flowers and maintenance. However, any contribution you would like to make to the program would be appreciated. Donations can be placed in canisters at various locations in Milton, or you can send donations to MACCIT at PO Box 222, Milton, WI.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to contact MACCIT Executive Director Christina Slaback at (608) 868-6222 or by e-mail at christina@maccit.com.

MACCIT Connections

Make sure you know all about upcoming Milton community events and business functions by signing up for "MACCIT Connections". This is an e-mail notification system that allows you to stay connected to the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism (MACCIT), which is bound to benefit you whether you are a resident or business owner. MACCIT Connections provides information about community events, business specials, lists upcoming MACCIT meetings, and provides information about MACCIT programs. To sign up just log on to MACCIT’s website: www.maccit.com. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click on “Get Email Updates", enter your e-mail address, and you'll be connected.

Holiday Week Forgetfulness

Quick note... I saw many people put out their trash and recycling on Wednesday this week. However, being a holiday week the collection is bumped back to Thursday. So, you may want to pull your trash bags back in the garage tonight so the crows and raccoons don't get to them.

Also, this is the first collection of the month, which means the bulky trash can also be put out for disposal. Residents can set out an unlimited amount of trash for collection each week, as long as each item is less than 50 pounds, and is no larger than 36 inches wide by 40 inches high. Larger items could be broken or cut into smaller sizes for weekly collection. If the items are larger than these specifications, you need to set them out on the bulky trash pick up day, which is the first pickup day of every month.

What's That??? Winner!

The first winner of the “What’s That???” contest is Dan Bekta. The correct response was Oak Ridge Golf Course. The photo was the bottom of a golf cup. Now, Dan has informed me that he plans to win all of these. So, let that stand as a challenge to the rest of you!

Oak Ridge Golf Course is an 18 hole course located right here in Milton. Click here for a map.

Rates range from $12 to $40 depending on how many holes you want to play, the day you’re golfing, and whether you want to walk or ride in a golf cart. All summer long on Friday mornings, you can golf 9 holes for only $5.

Do you need a little work on your golf swing? Never golfed before, but you want to start? Oak Ridge Golf Course offers 30 minute lessons for $30.

For more information about Oak Ridge Golf Course, log on to their website at www.oakridgegolfcourse.net or call (608) 868-4353.

What's That??? - May 28, 2010

Today is the debut of a new blog series called “What’s That???”. Click here to read more information about the blog series.

Pictured to the left is a photo taken at a Milton business. The first correct response received will win a $10 gift certificate to the business featured.

Please submit your answer to the City’s Intern, Inga Jacobson, by e-mail at ijacobson@ci.milton.wi.us or by phone at (608) 868-6900 ext. 4.

Good luck and thanks for participating!

What's That??? - A New Blog Series

Be sure to visit the blog at 9 AM on Friday, May 28th when we begin a new blog series called “What’s That???”. A unique or obscure photo will be posted on the blog of a Milton business. For example, the picture may be an extreme closeup of the doorknob, or a portion of the roof line, etc. You will then have a chance to correctly identify the business. The first person to contact City Hall with the correct response will receive a gift certificate or other item from the featured business. We'll be coordinating this series all summer long and you will be notified in advance of when the next "What's That???" post will be added.

There are two key purposes for this blog series. First, I hope this will draw more and more readers to the blog. Hopefully you'll be inclined to encourage your friends to subscribe. Second, this will feature some of the great businesses we have right here in Milton.

So, keep an eye on "Milton Matters", and be sure to check it at 9 a.m. this Friday, May 28th to see if you can identify the business and win!

Public Meeting Reminder - Parkview Drive Downtown Area

Just a reminder:

An interactive community meeting about planning for the Parkview Drive downtown area will take place this week on Thursday, May 27, 2010 from 5:30 – 9:00 pm in the lower level fellowship hall of Seventh Day Baptist Church (720 E. Madison Ave.). The planning session, also known as a “charrette,” will be an opportunity to learn about preliminary ideas and share input about the plan that is being developed.

The planning area encompasses Goodrich Park and the businesses and residences in the surrounding area. The charrette will be a lively, informal, and highly-interactive format with multiple opportunities for attendees to share input and ideas. Stations will be set up addressing Goodrich Park, the north end historic area (Milton House and surrounding properties), parking and school circulation, and business mix/district theme and character. Attendees do not have to participate in all topic areas, but can pick and choose the topic areas that interest them. A short formal presentation will be given around 5:45 pm, however attendees can come and go as schedules permit. Refreshments will be provided.

The City has contracted with Vandewalle & Associates to develop the plan. This project is funded in partnership by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the City of Milton, with assistance provided by the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Tourism (MACCIT).

I hope you will be able to attend to hear from the planners from Vandewalle & Associates and to share your input.

Click here to read a previous blog about the event. The Milton Courier also published an article on this topic: http://www.miltoncourieronline.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=7&ArticleID=1141.

Milton to Participate in Click It or Ticket Campaign

The Milton Police Department will be participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign that will take place May 24th through June 6th. Below is a press release from Patrol Officer Kyle Johnson.

The Milton Police Department would like to announce participation in the upcoming national Click It or Ticket campaign. This initiative will take place May 24 to June 6. During this time, officers will be patrolling with extra attention focused on traffic violations. Specifically, officers will be looking for compliance with Wisconsin’s mandatory seatbelt law. Motorists are reminded enforcement of this law was broadened in 2009, and allows officers to stop unbuckled individuals, even if no other violation is observed.

Officers will be concentrating on seatbelt violations and tickets will be issued for those who need a reminder to buckle up. The purpose of this is not to issue more tickets, but to get compliance from individuals who may think they do not need to use seatbelts. Wisconsin has one of the lowest rates of seatbelt use in the nation, but this leaves room for improvement. Seatbelts are the best way to prevent people from being ejected from a vehicle during a crash. Quite simply, seatbelts save lives and prevent serious injuries.

As Memorial Day approaches, Wisconsin’s roads will become busier with vacationing motorists. Drivers are asked to allow extra time in case of congestion. With busy roads, there is no room for negligent behavior. Travel at safe speeds and avoid the combination of alcohol and driving. Drivers are asked to buckle up, and make all passengers do as well. With your cooperation, we can make the vacation season safer, and work towards Wisconsin’s goal of zero traffic deaths.

June 8th - 7:00 PM - Public Info Meeting Re: High St. Construction

A special public information meeting regarding the High Street reconstruction / resurfacing project has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 8th beginning at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers (Shaw Municipal Building, Lower Level). More details on the project were included in an earlier post: http://miltonmatters.blogspot.com/2010/05/update-on-high-st-project.html. Citizens with questions about property access, vehicular access, project timing, and other related issues are encouraged to attend.

Tornado Siren Testing Resumes

Following is text from a recent press release from Rock County Emergency Management:

Tornado warning testing of the outdoor tornado sirens will resume with a test at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2, 2010. The TEST SIGNAL will be 1-2 minutes long.

The steady tone of 3-5 minutes will be the take cover signal that a tornado warning has been issued for Rock County and citizens should immediately take shelter and tune to your local broadcasting stations or weather radio for information.

If residents find the siren located in their area is not working, they should call 758-8440. Remember, siren testing will not be conducted if there is inclement weather within the county.

May 18th Council Meeting Commentary

The Common Council will hold their next meeting this Tuesday, May 18th, beginning at 7:30 PM (view full agenda here). One specific item to note would be Agenda Item #4.b. - Emergency Telephone Notification System.

City staff are recommending that the City Council approve an agreement with a company called Global Connect to create an emergency telephone notification system. Some of you may have experienced a system like this which the Milton Area School District uses when they make calls to notify parents that schools are being closed. In the City's case, we would use the system to notify residents of boil water orders, evacuations due to chemical or gas leaks, lost child alerts, etc.

The system is also interactive. For example, often a serious wind or snow storm can bring down quite a few branches around the City. We could make a call using this system to tell residents when crews will be by to collect branches. In addition, we could ask the resident to "press one" if they have branches available for pickup. The City then receives a report listing all of the properties which need branch collection.

You may wonder how the phone numbers would be entered into the system? The City would receive the numbers through Rock County's 9-1-1 system. Those with cell phones will be able to add their cell phones to the calling system by following on-line instructions on the City's website.

You may also wonder what a system like this will cost the City. Actually, it's surprisingly affordable web-based technology. Our first 12 months would cost $1,117, and the following two years would be $1,340/year. From a staff perspective, we believe this is a small price to pay for the potential benefits this system could offer in emergency situations.

As always, the full Council meeting packet can be viewed on the City's website at http://ci.milton.wi.us/document_detail.aspx?document_id=3231.

Helicopter Traffic

Heads up (literally)... During the next few months you may notice low-flying helicopters in the area. The City was notified by American Transmission Company that these helicopters will be performing visual inspections on the high voltage transmission lines.

Update on High St. Project

Many people in the community have asked the City for details on the High St. reconstruction / resurfacing project. While all details are not yet in order, with this post I hope to provide some information. One complication is that this project was bid and is being administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation because stimulus funding is involved. So, that limits the amount of information that the City has at its fingertips.

I guarantee you that a public informational meeting on this project will be held prior to the beginning of construction. I'm anticipating a meeting to occur near the tail-end of May or very early June. We are currently working with the State's engineers to try and nail down a date. We also want the construction company involved in the meeting as well, but the lead representative from that company is now recovering from a serious illness. Long story short, we are trying to put all the pieces together and it is not as easy as just setting a date and being done with it. So, thank you for your ongoing patience. Please stay tuned for more information to be provided in the very near future.

Following are the currently known facts regarding the project:

• Project Scope: Running east to west from John Paul Rd. to Janesville St., the High St. project consists of the removal of the existing pavement and base materials, placement of new base and asphalt surface, and spot replacement of curb and gutter. Generally, the new pavements will be reestablished to existing elevations. However, in areas where there are steep cross slopes (such as in front of the High School) the pavement elevations will be changed to lessen the severity of the slopes.


• Start Date: Per the construction contract, work on this project may begin no earlier than June 14th. People may have seen and will be seeing other work happening in the area prior to that date. Alliant Energy has been lowering the gas main in the terraces. The City also has some work to do on some of the utility infrastructure along High St.


• Street Closure: High Street will be closed to through traffic from John Paul Road to Janesville Street. Cross street traffic will be maintained at intersecting side streets. The detour route will be John Paul Road, Madison Avenue, and Janesville Street.


• Driveway Access: Interruptions to driveway access will take place when excavation work is taking place directly in front of individual driveways and when concrete curb and gutter and/or driveway aprons are replaced. Driveway access must always be provided in the evenings, except in cases where a new driveway apron is poured (which is only a few of the properties in the project area). In cases like that the contractor will work with the homeowner regarding the timing of the project and alternative accommodations for parking.


• 4th of July Activities: Between July 1st and July 5th, the contractor is required to maintain packed gravel access to the site at a minimum. Portions of the street may still consist of existing pavement. The traffic control signage will be adjusted to allow traffic into the park for that period of time. No work on the site will take place between July 2nd and July 5th and also September 3rd through September 7th.


• Historic Features: The stone wall fronting the Milton College Historic District will not be modified.


• Further Information: More information will be known once the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the contractor, Frank Brothers, Inc. provide the City with a schedule and conduct a pre-construction conference. That information should be known around late May and early June.


• Contacts: At the yet-to-be-scheduled public informational meeting citizens will be provided with contact information for the contractor representatives. Local contacts include Howard Robinson, City of Milton Director of Public Works, at 608-868-6914 and Gary Vogel, City Engineer with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., at 262-763-7834.

Wikipedia Article About the Library

Milton Public Library employee Ashlee Kunkel recently wrote a Wikipedia article detailing the history and other information about the Library. If you're interested in learning more about the Library, click on this link to access the page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milton_Public_Library.

May 24th - Bicycle Tour of City Projects

Last year I began a tradition of guiding Spring and Summer bike rides around the City to provide information on various City projects. Here's a link to a blog post that highlighted the very first "Tour de Milton" which was held last September: http://miltonmatters.blogspot.com/2009/09/tour-de-milton-fun-informational.html.

Below are details on the Spring 2010 Tour de Milton.

What: Tour of various municipal projects (both current and future) occurring in Milton. City Administrator Todd Schmidt will guide the tour.

When: Monday, May 24th - Leaving City Hall Parking Lot at 5:00 PM for about a 2-hour ride (although riders may leave the tour early if necessary). In the event of rain or strong threat of rain, the ride will be cancelled and scheduled for a later date.

Details: Milton City Administrator Todd Schmidt invites anyone who has interest in learning about city projects and enjoys bike riding to participate in this event. This bike tour will include stops around the city to highlight and explain some of the major public projects that are or will be occurring in 2010 and beyond. The level of biking experience needed will be minimal. There will be some hills, but the pace will be relatively slow. Those participating should plan to wear light colored clothing and bike helmets. The group will enjoy a Police Department Bike Patrol escort by our very own Chief Jerry Schuetz.

For questions please contact me (Todd) directly at 868-6900 (x4) or tschmidt@ci.milton.wi.us.