Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Johns Disposal Cart Distribution Update

Distribution Route Map
 Distribution will begin on December 12th and continue through December 23rd

Click here to view a map that shows the routes that will be taken for distribution.  Johns Disposal will start in the orange, southern section.  Next, Johns Diposal will move to the light blue, northeastern section.  Johns Disposal will finalize the distribution in the green, northwestern section.

Winter Road Conditions Map

As you start making holiday travel plans and the potential for snow increases, drivers should check the weather and road conditions before leaving. 

The University of Wisconsin, Space Science and Engineering Center has a regional map that shows winter road conditions for the Midwest.  It is updated every 30 minutes, and there are plans to add Nebraska and Kansas. 

Follow this link to access the map: http://www.ssec.wisc.edu/data/paw/radar/ssecwrc.gif.

Public Works Garage Construction

The construction of the Public Works Garage is progressing along.  Above is a photo of the garage taken today, November 30, 2011.  The new address for the garage will be 150 Northside Drive. 


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Cyberbullying Speaker in Milton on Dec. 12th


Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding an upcoming program on cyberbullying at the Milton Middle School.  



The School District of Milton and the Milton Police Department are proud to announce an upcoming presentation that we think can be beneficial to our entire community. On December 12th, Professor Justin Patchin, a national expert on cyberbullying, will be on hand to speak to the entire student body at the Milton Middle School. Professor Patchin will also be giving a community-wide presentation that evening at 6:00pm, also at the Middle School, on the same topic. 

With the advancements in technology and social networking our children are often victims of this destructive behavior. We feel that this age group is a good target audience to get across this important message and hopefully change some conduct on the part of our young people. 

The evening presentation is open to the public. We would encourage parents, and children of an age that are engaging in social networking, or will be soon, to attend. 

Dr. Justin Patchin is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. For the past several years he has been exploring the intersection of teens and technology, with particular focus on cyberbullying and social networking. He travels around the country training educators, counselors, law enforcement officers, parents, and youth on how to prevent and address the consequences of cyberbullying. Dr. Patchin is Co-Director of the Cyberbullying Research Center (www.cyberbullying.us) and has written numerous articles on adolescent behaviors online. His co-authored book: “Bullying beyond the Schoolyard: Preventing and Responding to Cyberbullying” was named Educator Book of the Year by ForeWord reviews. He has appeared on CNN, NPR, and in the New York Times to discuss issues related to teens use and misuse of technology.

Professor Patchin’s appearances are being sponsored jointly by the School District of Milton and the Milton Police Department’s Crime Prevention fund.

Consider Running for City Council

Photo of alderpersons taking the Oath of Office in April 2011 after the election.
Have you ever considered running for City Council? Now is your opportunity to serve your community. Beginning December 1st, residents may begin circulating nomination papers.  Alderpersons up for reelection include Dave Adams, Nancy Lader, and Maxine Streigl.

Requirements: Be 18 years of age and a City of Milton resident. There are no education or experience requirements.

You are only 3 steps away from being on the Ballot for the Spring Election on April 3, 2012.
  • 1st Step: Complete your Declaration of Candidacy and Campaign Registration at Milton City Hall, 430 E. High Street, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 2nd Step: Circulate Nomination Papers to collect at least 20, but no more than 40 signatures. 
  • 3rd Step: Turn in completed paperwork by Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 by 5:00 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions:
  1.  What if I do not have any experience? No experience is required. However, an interest to serve your community is always an advantage.  
  2. What are the time responsibilities? The Common Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers located on the lowest level of the Shaw Municipal Building, 430 E. High Street. Alderpersons are appointed by the Mayor to serve on other various Committees/Commissions that meet during the month in the evenings.
  3. Do I have to run a campaign? No. You do not have to advertise or create signage. Some Candidates have chosen in the past to place ads in the local newspaper and/or create signage. This is not a requirement.
  4. Is this a volunteer position? Alderpersons are compensated at $1,200 a year and are paid quarterly.  
  5. Are Common Council meetings open to the public? Yes. Attending a meeting is a great way to meet the current officials. 
Have more questions? Contact Clerk/Treasurer Nancy Zastrow at 868-6900 ext. 5.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Awaken Your Holiday Spirit in Milton on December 4th

Come to Milton on Sunday, December 4th to awaken your holiday spirit!

Enjoy a Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at the Historic Chapel in Main Hall from 2 to 4 p.m..  Come join the fun and sing-a-long to some traditional carols.  For more information, contact the Milton College Preservation Society at 868-2354.

For dinner, stop by The Gathering Place between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. for the annual Hot Dogs with Santa.  The hot dog meal (hot dog, chips, pickle, and beverage) is $2, and pictures with Santa are $1.  Roller Pin Bakery Cream Puffs and Eclairs will also be for sale.  Participate in the Cupcake Walk and other games for kids of all ages. For more information, call The Gathering Place at 868-3500.

Finish your evening by viewing Milton homes during the 9th Annual Holiday Walk from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Admission is $7 and children under 12 are free, and $1 from each of the tickets sold will help fund the Goodrich Square Splash Park.  Tickets are available at various locations throughout the City and at homes the day of the walk. For more information, contact the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MACCIT) at 608-868-6222.

Also consider participating in the Holiday Shop Hop when you are shopping for gifts for your loved ones.  Get your card stamped at local area businesses Monday, November 28th through Sunday, December 4th to be entered in a drawing for a gift basket worth $200.  Local retailers will be offering specials and promotions throughout the week.  Find unique gifts for all the people on your list.  For more information, contact the Milton Area Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MACCIT) at 608-868-6222.



Snow Parking Enforcement Policies

Please see the press release below from Milton Police Chief Dan Layber regarding snow parking ordinances.



In a proactive effort to partner with our citizens and our Department of Public works to keep Milton’s streets clear of snow and ice during snow events, the Milton Police Department is informing citizens of our strict enforcement policies as it pertains to Milton’s snow parking ordinances.

City of Milton Ordinance 70-155 (a): “Parking during and after snow storms”. The ordinance specifically states “No person shall park or leave standing any vehicle on any street or municipal parking lot in the city after a snowfall of 1 ½ inches in depth until after the snow from such street or parking lot has been removed, or plowed to the curb.

City of Milton Ordinance 66-171: “No person shall obstruct or encumber any street, alley, sidewalk or public grounds…..”. This ordinance is intended to prohibit anyone from moving snow from their premises and in turn obstructing other’s right of way.

In an effort to be more efficient in our enforcement of this ordinance the police department will NOT be waiting until the snow plows pass vehicles before enforcing the law. Instead the police department will be issuing citations to vehicles noted violating the ordinance as they see them through the course of routine patrol. Simply put, if your car is out on the street and there is more than 1 ½ inches of the snow, per ordinance directive and in an effort to improve our efficiency in enforcing it, Officers will be issuing citations to violating vehicles when they see them, and not waiting until plows have passed by. If vehicles continue to obstruct snow removal efforts in violation of these ordinances, they may eventually be towed. The fine for a violation is $38.00. Also, Officers may write tickets to those that cause an obstruction by moving snow into the roadway or alley, or on to the sidewalk or public way adjacent to their property.

Our objective in this enforcement strategy is not to write more tickets or tow cars, but instead to ensure swift compliance with these ordinances, which were created to ensure the effective and efficient removal of snow and ice from our community’s roadways following snow events.

If you have questions about theses ordinances or our enforcement of them, please contact the Milton Police Department at 608-868-6910.

Update on Johns Disposal Cart Delivery

Johns Disposal will start delivering the new refuse and recycling carts on Monday, December 12th on the south side of the City.  They will move to the north and east side.  The last carts will be delivered to the north/west side.   

Please do not put the carts out for collection until the first collection day in January 2012.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

New Carts to be Delievered 12/12 through 12/23

Carts for the City of Milton ready to be delivered
The City of Milton will be switching to Johns Disposal for refuse and recycling service in January 2012.  Both services will be automated, which means residents will receive two carts - one for recycling and one for refuse.

The new carts from Johns Disposal will be delivered between Monday, December 12th and Friday, December 23rd.  All of the carts delivered will be 96-gallon containers.  If residents find that they want a smaller size after using the carts through January, residents can contact Johns Disposal to switch to a smaller, 48-gallon container for refuse or recycling.  Sample bins are available to view on the landing before coming into the door to City Hall on the second floor.  The bins are viewable any time the Shaw Municipal Building is open, during regular City Hall and Library hours.

Attached to the carts will be clear plastic bags with collection information and the schedule for 2012.  The only major schedule change is that bulky trash collection will be on the third collection day of the month starting in January.  One new service for Milton residents is the collection of electronics (televisions, computers, etc.) on bulky trash days. 

The old recycling carts from Waste Management should be collected on the last recycling collection day of the year (December 21st for Green and December 28th for Yellow).

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

City Offices Closed - 11/24 and 11/25


City offices will be closed Thursday, November 24th and Friday, November 25th in observance of Thanksgiving.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Milton Historical Society - Diva Party at Lillians

Put a dent in your holiday shopping list and support the Milton Historical Society at the same time!

Lillian's of Milton will be hosting a "Diva Party" this Thursday, November 17th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a percentage of the proceeds going to benefit the Milton Historical Society. 

Shop their selection of handbags, accessories, and fashion. 

Bring all of your friends! 

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

K9 Searches in Milton Schools


Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding K9 Searches that occurred at three Milton schools today.



Today, in conjunction with the Milton School District, the City of Milton Police Department facilitated K-9 searches at three district schools. The searches began at Milton High School at 9:00am this morning. Subsequent searches were also conducted at the Milton Middle School and MECAS (Alternative School).

Assisting with K-9 units and related investigations were the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, the Janesville Police Department, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The search at Milton High School resulted in three arrests; 
  • A 16 year old female for Possession of a Controlled Substance (marijuana), within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • A 17 year old male for Possession of a Controlled Substance (marijuana), within 1000 feet of a school and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
  • An 18 year old male for Possession, With Intent to Deliver, A Controlled Substance (marijuana), within 1000 feet of a school, Maintaining A Drug Vehicle, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 
This is an ongoing investigation.

There was nothing of concern found during the searches of the other facilities.

Monday, November 14, 2011

City of Milton Meeting Notifications - Week of Nov.


The following official City meetings will take place this coming week. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers (lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High St.).
  • Tuesday, November 15th
    • Personnel & Finance Committee @ 6:00 p.m.
    • Common Council & 2012 Budget Public Hearing @ 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 16th
    • Library Board @ 7:00 p.m.
    • Joint Fire Commission @ 7:00 p.m. 
Agendas for these meetings will be posted at all three official posting places. Those locations include City Hall (430 E. High St.), Piggly Wiggly (727 S. Janesville St.) and Dave's Ace Hardware (430 S. John Paul Rd.).

In addition, the agendas and most meeting packets (which include related memos and other supporting materials) will be posted on the City's website by the end of this work week. Click here to access those materials.

You are welcome to contact City Hall with any questions about these meetings at info@ci.milton.wi.us or call (608)868-6900 (ext. 5).

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Remembering our Veterans on Nov. 11th

Although I don't do as many blog posts as I'd like (and quite frankly our Community Services Manager Inga Jacobson is much better at it than I am), I do feel the need to write this post annually, a post that asks all of our Milton residents to take time on Veterans Day and remember those who have served or are still serving in our armed forces.
Working in government often means taking an oath of office. When I think about the words that are read at a Council meeting when we swear in a newly elected official, or swear in a new police officer, they reference words like duty and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Those words depict the values that many in our City spent time defending and deployed in tours of duty fighting to protect. Pincipled values that some even died for.
All of our Veterans who have served in the armed services made many sacrifices, some even the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may live in a great community, in the greatest nation on earth. I am proud to live in a City that celebrates America the way we do here in Milton each 4th of July with one of the best celebrations in the region, and feel fortunate to know so many dedicated service men and women who helped preserve those freedoms we all celebrate annually and enjoy each and every day as citizens of the United States. Please join me in taking time this Veterans Day to thank our Veterans for the many sacrifices they have made and for their dedicated service to our Country. We remain forever grateful for their service.
Sincerely,
-Jerry Schuetz
City Administrator
City of Milton

Milton's Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot


MILTON'S THANKSGIVING 5K 
TURKEY TROT 
(UNOFFICIAL) 

Thursday, November 24, 2011
7:00 AM 

Schilberg Park 
(3.1 mile loop around town)

Start your holidays off on the right foot this Thanksgiving with Milton's Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot (Unofficial).

Whether you're a casual or serious runner, walker, or you're just looking for something fun to do before the busy day begins, the Milton Turkey Trot (Unofficial) is the perfect event for everyone! 

Trade in your view of the hectic kitchen for scenic glimpses of Milton. Join us for a fun-filled casual morning run. 

In the spirit of the Holiday, let’s help some local organizations! Please plan to bring non-perishable food donations to be given to the Milton Food Pantry

New this year, we had a request to help out the Milton Area Youth Center with food donations as well. Due to the success of the center, they are in need of teen friendly items: disposable plates/cups, mac and cheese, canned fruit, chex mix, pretzels to name a few items. 

Please pass this along to anyone you know may be interested in joining us!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The Gathering Place of Milton, Inc. Receives Grant

Photo from a 2011 Concert in the Park
Below is a press release from The Gathering Place's Executive Director Paula Schutt.  




The Gathering Place of Milton, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a $1,200 grant from the Milton Fund to support the 2012 Concerts in the Park. For more information about this program, please contact Paula Schutt, Executive Director. 

This grant is made available from the Milton Fund, a component of the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin. The Milton Fund, an endowment fund to benefit Milton, responds to not-for-profit organizations wanting to start new programs, or expand current services and provides the greatest flexibility for addressing changing needs to advance the most promising, creative approaches to strengthening Milton. Grants from the Milton Fund have strengthened ties between generations and have encouraged community participation in the arts, education health and human service programs, and historical preservation. For more information about how you can impact your community For good. For ever. through the Milton Fund, please call 608-758-0883.

Auditions This Saturday for “A Christmas Carol”

Below is a press release from the Milton Historical Society's Executive Director Cori Olson about auditions for "A Christmas Carol" that will be held this Saturday, November 12th.



Creative Outlets Community Theater Group of Whitewater will be hosting auditions for this year’s production of Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol” this Saturday, November 12 at the Milton Historical Society, 18 South Janesville Street, Milton. Auditions will begin at 1 o’clock, and all audition materials will be on hand. Several positions are available for this production including all ages, six years and up. For further information or questions please contact the Directors: Deb and Phil Williamson at 262-473-3209.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Milton Fund Grants Received

The City of Milton received three grants from the Milton Fund that will help complete three projects.  Click on the links below to read recent press releases about the grant award and the projects.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Meeting Notifications - Week of November 7 - November 11, 2011

The following official City meetings will take place this coming week. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held in the Common Council Chambers (lower level of City Hall, 430 E. High St.)
  • Monday, November 7th
    • Plan Commission @ 5:00 p.m.
    • Community Development Authority @ 6:00 p.m.
    • Parks & Recreation Commission @ 7:00 p.m.
Agendas for these meetings will be posted at all three official posting places by 5:00 pm at the end of this work week. Those locations include City Hall (430 E. High St.), Piggly Wiggly (727 S. Janesville St.) and Dave's Ace Hardware (430 S. John Paul Rd.).

In addition, the agendas and most meeting packets (which include related memos and other supporting materials) will be posted on the City's website by the end of this work week. Click here to access those materials.

You are welcome to contact City Hall with any questions about these meetings at info@ci.milton.wi.us or call (608)868-6900 (ext. 5).

Updated Vehicle Information From Hit and Run Accident

Below is a press release from Milton Police Lieutenant John Conger regarding the recent hit and run accident.



On October 31st our agency reported our investigation regarding a hit and run that occurred at a local church, located at 910 E. High Street. At that time we indicated that the suspect vehicle was likely a Ford pickup truck and blue in color. Subsequent investigation has revealed that the suspect vehicle is actually a blue Ford sedan that was involved in this incident. Anybody with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Milton Police Department at 757-2244 or Janesville Area Crimestoppers at 756-3636. You can also text tips to 274637, then JAC + the message.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Milton Public Library November News

Below is a message from Library Director Lisa Brooks about great upcoming events and activities in November and December that the Milton Public Library will be offering.  Feel free to contact the Library for more details at 868-7462 or log onto their website: www.miltonpubliclibrary.org.

November News

Dear Library Friends,
The weather may be getting cooler, but we've got some hot new events coming up that you're going to love.  Here's a preview:

Meet Author of Survival Novel - Friday, November 11 at 3 p.m.
In the first of the Desserts and Author series, meet exciting new author Mike Mullin, who wrote the highly acclaimed novel, Ashfall.  Copies of the book are available.

American Girl Tea Party with American Girl author, Kathleen Ernst. - Monday, December 5 at 4:30 p.m.
All the fun of a tea party plus author Kathleen Ernst shares stories about her American Girl mysteries about Kit, Josefina, Kirsten, and Molly. She’ll have props, photos,a take-home craft and more! Register today!

Old World Mysteries! - Monday, December 5 at 7 p.m.
Second in the Desserts and Author series, adult mystery writer, Kathleen Ernst, will be talking about her latest book, "Heirloom Murders." Her series takes place at Old World Wisconsin. Copies available at the library.

Antique and Collectibles Appraisal Event - Monday, January 30, 2012
Bring your antique/collectible item to see what, if any, historical or monetary value it may have. Mark F. Moran, author and antiques expert, will be available to appraise objects. He has been a guest expert on the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. The number of participants bringing items for appraisal is limited. Please register.

See you at the library!
Lisa Brooks, Library Director

November Activities
(for a complete listing of our events, please visit our website) 

Battle Books!
The Milton Public Library has a great selection of battle books for the Milton School District. Multiple copies are available. You can call or visit our catalog at www.miltonpubliclibrary.org to check for availability.

Library Coat Drive! – through November 30
Drop off your clean, gently-used children or adult coats at the Library to benefit those in need in Milton.

Twilight Trivia Challenge - November 8-18
For all ages! Come in anytime between the 8th and 18th to answer trivia questions about the Twilight series. No Internet allowed! Prizes will be rewarded for the most questions answered.

Early Release Lego Day – Thursday, November 10 from 2-3 p.m.
For all ages. Join us and create your own masterpiece! Legos will be provided. No personal Legos please!

Bleach Pen T–shirts! - Saturday, November 12 from 1-3 p.m.
Get creative by decorating t–shirts with bleach pens. For ages 11-17. It’s free, but registration is required. All materials will be provided.

After–School Anime - Tuesday, November 15 at 4 p.m.
The Library’s monthly showing of an anime movie for tweens and teens ages 12-17. Snacks will be provided. Call the library for the movie title.

Food for Fines - November 28 through December 31
Pay your library fines with food donations to our local food pantry. The library will take $1 off in fines for every 1 non-perishable food item donated.