City of Milton Committee and Commission Vacancies

The City of Milton has a variety of vacancies on committees, commissions, and boards that need to be filled.  Those interested in serving need to complete and return to City Hall a Committee/Board/Commission Questionnaire.  The questionnaire is available at City Hall and on the City’s website (www.milton-wi.gov/Questionnaire).

Immediate openings include the Parks & Recreation Commission (1 vacancy) and Ethics Board (1 vacancy).  The Parks & Recreation Commission meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. and the Ethics Board meets as needed.

The Board of Review has four vacancies.  In 2016, the Common Council approved an ordinance changing the membership of the Board of Review from exclusively Council members to all citizen members.  The Board of Review is responsible for hearing property assessment objections from property owners.  The Board of Review will meet once in 2017, which will be on May 17, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

There will also be a vacancy on the Tourism Development Committee and an opening for a Milton High School representative to serve an advisory role on the Parks & Recreation Commission beginning on April 18, 2017.  The Tourism Development Committee meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 8:30 a.m.

New Property Assessments to be sent in April

The City of Milton contracted with a new assessment company.  The City will now be working with Musser Appraisal from 2017-2021.  Assessment notices are expected to be sent out to property owners around April 1, 2017 for those that changed. If you do not receive a postcard, it means your assessment did not change.

Open Book will be held on April 19, 2017 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  To make an appointment for Open Book or to discuss your assessment, call Musser Appraisal at 608-712-0236 or email musser.apprz@frontier.com.  You can make an appointment regardless of changes in your assessment.

Board of Review is scheduled to take place on May 17, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.  Anyone who would like to object to their assessment, can make an appointment to appear at Board of Review with City Clerk / Deputy Treasurer Elena Hilby at 608-868-6900 ext. 2.

If there are any questions on your assessment, please contact Musser Appraisal at 608-712-0236.

Liberty Park and Central Park Outfield Fence Advertising

The City of Milton offers the opportunity for area businesses to advertise on the outfield fences at Liberty Park and Lamar Park.  The advertising fees will go directly to the City’s Park Fund for improvements at the parks.  Applications are available on the City’s website (www.milton-wi.gov/BaseballSponsorship).

The cost is $100 for one year or $250 for three years.  The business is also responsible for purchasing a 4 foot by 8 foot sign.  The sign must be approved by the Parks & Recreation Commission.

The depiction or description of alcohol or tobacco including but not limited to logos, firearms, and products and services not suitable for youth or the promotion of their values, are prohibited.  Restaurants or distributors may advertise their business name provided no prohibited items are included.   If a sign becomes damaged, the City of Milton will require that the sign be replaced at the business’ cost.

Make a Difference Day – April 29, 2017

The City of Milton will be hosting Make a Difference Day on April 29, 2017.  All groups or organizations that are interested in completing projects are asked to contact Assistant to the City Administrator Inga Cushman at (608) 868-6900 ext. 5 or by email at icushman@milton-wi.gov.  Participants can choose alternate dates to complete their projects.

Any individual who would like to be involved can assist the Parks & Recreation Commission at the annual Tails n Trails Dog Park Clean Up on April 29, 2017 starting at 10:30 a.m.  Those who participate are encouraged to bring gardening gloves, dog waste shovels/scoops, and plastic bags for waste.

Scrap Metal Drive to Begin April 17, 2017 to Benefit the Parks Fund

The City of Milton will be conducting a scrap metal drive April 17 – April 28, 2017. Proceeds from the scrap metal drive will go into the Park Fund for future improvements.  In addition to raising money for the Parks Fund, the scrap metal drive will also aid in the reduction of mosquito and rodent areas. Collection of these items also reduces unwanted infiltration into the groundwater and adds to the improved look of the neighborhoods by removing items from backyards and other areas of the properties that have outgrown their use.

Please call the Department of Public Works at (608) 868-6914 if you have an item that you would like to donate to the scrap metal drive. Examples of acceptable items include appliances, (refrigerators, air conditions, stoves, etc.), metal siding, metal fence posts, tire rims, cans, scrap metal, tin, pipes, metal tools, wire, Christmas lights, old wires, motors, engines, metal doors or windows, metal fences, light fixtures, and much more. Almost all metal items are collectable. Residents may also take old oil to the City’s Oil Recycle Site located at 620 W. Madison Avenue behind the Fire Station.

Staff will be available to pick up items at business and residential properties or items can also be dropped off at the Public Works Facility, 150 Northside Drive, during this recycling drive Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Friday – Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. If an owner requests it, the Public Works Department can go into backyards, garages, etc. to collect items that are accessible. If residents are dropping off items on weekends, please call (608) 868-6914 to make an appointment.

City of Milton Seeks Nominations for Community Awards – Due April 28, 2017

The City is seeking nominations for Community Awards to recognize any citizen, city employee, non-profit organization, or business that has shown an exemplary commitment to the community by way of time, resources, or extraordinary commitment to the betterment of Milton.  Please submit nominations by April 28, 2017 through the City’s website (www.milton-wi.gov/CommunityAwardNomination) or directly to City Administrator Al Hulick at City Hall, 710 S. Janesville Street, or by email at ahulick@milton-wi.gov.

The awards will be presented at the annual Community Recognition Picnic on May 25, 2017 at the Milton Community House, 20 Parkview Drive.  The City of Milton will provide BBQ pork sandwiches, BBQ Boneless wings, soda, and water.  Community members are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to pass.

The picnic will start at 5:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Please RSVP to City Hall by May 19, 2017 by calling (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

Annual Cemetery Clean Up

The Annual Cemetery Clean Up will take place April 15 – 20, 2017. During this time, Public Works employees will remove old flowers, wreaths, and other items from the cemetery. If there are items that you do not want disposed, staff recommends removing the items prior to April 15, 2017.  New items should be not placed until April 21, 2017. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at (608) 868-6914.

Veterans Brick Orders – Due April 14, 2017

All brick orders for the Milton Area Veterans Memorial must be submitted by April 14, 2017 at Noon in order to be placed by Memorial Day, May 29, 2017.  Order forms are available on the City of Milton website (www.milton-wi.gov/VeteransMemorial) and at City Hall, 710 S. Janesville Street.

Spring Election - April 4, 2017

The Spring Election is on April 4, 2017.  All City of Milton residents vote in the Council Chambers located at City Hall, 710 S. Janesville Street.  The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Any resident that would like to register to vote prior to the election can register online, by mail, or in person now through March 15, 2017.  After March 15, 2017, voters may only register in person at the Clerk’s office prior to the election.  The last day to register to vote prior to the election is March 31, 2017 by 5 p.m.  Residents can still register to vote on the day of the election.

The City of Milton will mail absentee ballots to permanent absentee voters no later than March 14, 2017.  In-person absentee voting will begin March 20, 2017 at City Hall.  The last day for most voters (except military and indefinitely confined) to request an absentee ballot by mail is March 30, 2017 at 5 p.m.  All absentee ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on April 4, 2017.

The public test of the voting equipment will be March 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers.

Last day for voter registration prior to the election, in-person absentee voting, and military and indefinitely confined voters to request an absentee ballot by mail is March 31, 2017 at 5 p.m.  No voter registration or in-person absentee voting on April 3, 2017.

Community Recognition Picnic – May 25, 2017

The City of Milton will host the 4th Annual Community Recognition Picnic on May 25, 2017.  This event will serve to recognize citizens and city employees that have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the Milton community through their actions in 2016.  The event is also a chance to recognize the many volunteers the City has serving on the various committees and commissions.

The Community Recognition Picnic will be held at the Milton Community House, 20 Parkview Drive.  The City of Milton will provide BBQ pork sandwiches, BBQ Boneless wings, soda, and water.  Community members are encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to pass.

The picnic will start at 5:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m.  Please RSVP to City Hall by May 19, 2017 by calling (608) 868-6900 ext. 5.

The City is seeking nominations for Community Awards.  These awards will be given to any citizen, city employee, non-profit organization, or business that has shown an exemplary commitment to the community by way of time, resources, or extraordinary commitment to the betterment of Milton.  Please submit nominations by April 28, 2017 through the City’s website (www.milton-wi.gov/CommunityAwardNomination) or directly to City Administrator Al Hulick at City Hall, 710 S. Janesville Street, or by email at ahulick@milton-wi.gov.

For additional information contact Al Hulick, City Administrator, at 608-868-6900 or by e-mail at ahulick@milton-wi.gov.

Business Listing Opportunity in 2017 Milton Tourism Guide

Dear Business Owner,

It’s a very exciting time for Milton as we approach the Publish Date for the 2017 Milton Tourism Guide.  There will be 5,000 copies distributed to Northern Illinois and the Madison and Milwaukee markets, complete with history of Milton, great places to eat and dine, great things to do, a map of the area, and a reference guide for businesses and services in the area.

If your business has already purchased a display ad, thank you.  If you would like some more information please contact Scott Maenner at smaenner@communityshoppers.com.

We also have a listing option available if you have not purchased a display ad - 4 lines of text about your business for only $25.  Please opt in by emailing the Chamber Office at execdir@maccit.com.  The deadline for this advertising option is October 18th.

Thank You again for your participation in the 2017 Milton Tourism Guide.

Scott Maenner                            
Sales Development Manager            
CSI  Inc.                                    

Inga Cushman

Asst. to the Administrator

City of Milton

Dani Stivarius

Executive Director

Milton Area Chamber of Commerce

Budget Kick-Off Meeting Scheduled for October 10th

On October 10, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., the City of Milton Common Council will be having their “Budget Kick-Off” meeting to talk about the “Preliminary” 2017 Budget Document.  To see what the Council will be discussing, please visit the City of Milton website.  You will find the 2017 Preliminary Budget Packet and 2017 Preliminary Budget Presentation.  Please note that these numbers are all preliminary at this point and are subject to change before the budget is officially adopted on November 29, 2016.

Please feel free to contact City Hall with any questions you may have regarding the attached documents or the 2017 Budget process!

City of Milton Leaf Collection

The city collects leaves at the curb in the fall. In 2016, the dates are anticipated to be October 17 - November 13.  Leaf collection has been delayed due to an unexpected repair to the vacuum system.

The following rules apply for fall collection of leaves:

• Rake the leaves into the curb area of the street at any time during the leaf collection period.  
• Do NOT put grass clippings, brush, twigs, garden waste, or pumpkins in the curb area.  These materials clog the vacuum system used for leaf collection and delays the process.  
• Collection will occur as weather permits.

Yard waste and garden materials can be taken to the yard waste collection at the Public Works Facility, 150 Northside Drive.

Brush collection will be taking place from October 17th - October 24th.

Early Voting in Rock County Cities begins after Sept. 26th and runs through Nov. 4th

As a result of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals recent court decision to deny a motion to stay Judge Peterson’s decision in the One Wisconsin Institute case, several election administration changes will be in effect for the November 8th election. One such change is how in-person absentee voting hours (sometimes referred to as early voting) may be conducted in municipalities across Wisconsin. Under this court decision, the time limits for in-person absentee voting, have been removed except for the Monday before the election.

In an attempt to create some uniformity among voters in Rock County, the Municipal Clerks in the five cities (Beloit, Edgerton, Evansville, Janesville, and Milton) have agreed to carry a consistent message for voters on when they may vote an in-person absentee ballot in the City Clerk’s office.

Beginning Monday, September 26, absentee ballots will be available for request by mail as well as in-person during regular office hours Monday-Friday. Regular hours may vary between jurisdictions, so check with your clerk for specific hours.  For the City of Milton, regular office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will also be three extended hour opportunities for those who require evening or weekend hours:

• Wednesday, October 26th until 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, October 29th, 9:00 a.m. until noon
• Wednesday, November 2nd until 7:30 p.m.

All in-person absentee voting will end by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4th – no voting will be available November 5th through Monday, November 7th.

Any qualified elector who is unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place on Election Day may request to vote an absentee ballot. A qualified elector is any U.S. citizen, who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day, who has resided in the ward or municipality where he or she wishes to vote for at least 10 consecutive days before the election. The elector must also be registered in order to receive an absentee ballot. Proof of identification must be provided before an absentee ballot may be issued.

City of Beloit                 City of Edgerton                       City of Evansville
Lori Stottler                   Cindy Hegglund                        Judy Walton
(608)364-668                 (608)884-3341                          (608)882-2266
www.beloitwi.gov          www.cityofedgerton.com         www.ci.evansville.wi.gov

City of Janesville                             City of Milton
David Godek                                    Elena Hilby
(608)755-3070                                 (608)868-6900
www.ci.janesville.wi.us                   www.milton-wi.gov

Crossridge Park Prairie Seed Collection Scheduled for October 15th

The City of Milton’s Parks & Recreation Commission will be hosting the Crossridge Park Annual Prairie Seed Collection on October 15, 2016 from 10 a.m. to Noon.  Participants can enter Crossridge Park from Parkview Drive or Brown Drive.

The Parks & Recreation Commission has been working for over a decade to develop the prairie at Crossridge Park.  The prairie seed collected will be utilized at Crossridge Park and in various locations throughout the City to reduce mowing costs.  The prairie grasses and flowers also create a beautiful, natural landscape with plants native to Wisconsin.  Those who participate can also take seed home for use on their own property.

Seed collection is typically done by hand, but some people find scissors/snips helpful.  Wear clothes that are appropriate for walking in tall grasses and dress for the weather.  Garden or leather gloves are helpful when collecting the seed.  Also consider bringing sunscreen and a bottle of water.

For additional information contact Inga Cushman, Assistant to the City Administrator, at (608) 868-6900 ext. 5 or by e-mail at icushman@milton-wi.gov.

Advertising Opportunities Available in 2017 Milton Tourism Guide

The City of Milton is proud to announce the Tourism Development Committee will be working on developing the 2017 Milton Tourism Guide with CSI Media.  Advertising opportunities are available.  See the letter below from Scott Maenner from CSI Media.  This is a great opportunity to promote your business.



September 14, 2016

Dear Business Owner,

The City of Milton Tourism Development Committee, in cooperation with CSI Media, is developing the 2017 Milton Tourism Guide. The guide will be distributed in Northern Illinois and the Madison and Milwaukee markets through CSI Media’s distribution network.

Representatives from CSI Media will assist in the production and placement of advertisements in the 2017 Guide.  A Price Guide is available on the City of Milton's website that fits every budget.  With every ad the business will receive a FREE listing (additional listings will be $15).

There are a limited number of spaces available, so reserve your ad today and send proofs to rdiaz@communityshoppers.com.

This is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to potential customers, continue to build commerce in the Milton Area, and take advantage of a marketing piece that has long term value and return on your investment.

Scott Maenner
Sales Development Manager
CSI Media
262-427-2134 Direct
608-290-9363  Cell
smaenner@communityshoppers.com

Press Release: Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today.

(MADISON) – This summer, several areas of Wisconsin have been hit hard by severe storms, flash floods and tornadoes. That’s why Governor Scott Walker has declared September as Preparedness Month to encourage people across the state to take time now to prepare before disaster strikes.

“Developing a family emergency plan is important,” says Major General Don Dunbar, Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor. “Everyone should have a plan that includes information on where to go during an emergency and how to communicate with loved ones if separated in a crisis.”

An emergency plan should include:

• Family meeting places to make sure everyone is safe. One designated location should be close to your home and the other in your neighborhood. 
• A contact list in both paper copy and electronic with current contact information for those individuals you may need to reach during an emergency. Make sure you keep a paper copy in your wallet and in your emergency kit. 
• The plan should contain alternative methods of communications in case phone service is not available. 

Consider text messaging during an emergency. Often times in a disaster, phone service may be overwhelmed and unavailable. Cell phone text messages may still get through because they take less band width to send and receive messages.

Also, calling long distance may be easier than making a local call. Ask a friend or family member to be your “out of town” contact. During an emergency, you can contac
t that person to let them know you are ok and that they can share that information with your family.

Developing an emergency communications plan is just one step to get ready for emergencies.   Each week this September, ReadyWisconsin will highlight easy and inexpensive ways for you and your family to prepare for emergency situations. You can visit http://readywisconsin.wi.gov for more information. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Sanitary Sewer Overflow – 1006 W. Madison Avenue

On August 18, 2016 a sanitary sewer overflow was reported at 1006 W. Madison Avenue, Milton, WI.  The Department of Public Works responded, and the overflow has been fixed.  This press release serves as official public notification of a sanitary sewer overflow as required by the Department of Natural Resources.

The contractor for the water main project on Madison Avenue, GMS Excavators, Inc., struck the force main from the City of Milton’s lift station using a boring tool.  Approximately 10 gallons of sewage was discharged before it was directed to a nearby sanitary sewer manhole by the contractor.  The break was reported at 4:20 p.m., and the repair work was completed by 4:45 p.m.

For additional information contact Howard Robinson, Director of Public Works, at 608-868-6914 or by e-mail at hrobinson@milton-wi.gov.

City of Milton Receives A1 Credit Rating

Once more there is good financial news for the City of Milton taxpayers. Moody’s Investors Service reaffirmed the City of Milton’s credit rating of A1 in a report issued August 17, 2016.  The rating was made as part of the City issuing $7.475 million in General Obligation Bonds.  A1 is four levels below the highest rating of AAA. An A1 rating is considered an upper medium investment grade. The higher the rating, the lower the City of Milton should pay in interest costs for borrowings.

The report listed several strengths for the City of Milton including:

1. City’s management team is strong
2. Adhering to long-term capital plans
3. Favorably located within commuting distance to large regional economic centers
4. Solid financial operations with strong reserves
5. Conservative budgetary approach

As a result of current market conditions and excellent bond rating, the taxpayers of the City will save over $1 million in interest expenses because the main purpose of the bond sale was to refinance existing debt. $128,000 of the savings was directly related to an early refinancing on bank loans issued by First Community Bank and Bank of Milton in which they allowed the City to refinance earlier than they legally had to.

The interest savings breaks out into the following:

• General tax levy = $475,000
• TID #6 = $387,000
• Water Utility = $55,000
• Sewer Utility = $86,000
• Library donations = $13,000

For more information, please contact Finance Director/Treasurer, Dan Nelson at 608-868-6900 ext. 3 or dnelson@milton-wi.gov.

Press Release - Sanitary Sewer Overflow

On August 3, 2016 a sanitary sewer overflow was reported at 301 Elm Street, Milton, WI.  The Department of Public Works responded, and the overflow has been fixed.  This press release serves as official public notification of a sanitary sewer overflow as required by the Department of Natural Resources.

The property owner of 301 Elm Street called Diggers Hotline for a locate; however, the locate was for the area north of the home and the property owner excavated south of the home.  The property owner struck a City of Milton sewer main at approximately 7 p.m. on August 2, 2016, and was unaware of the damage that was caused.

The Director of Public Works and the Public Works Foreman drove past the property on August 3, 2016 at 10:15 a.m. and saw the excavator parked near the City of Milton sewer line.  Upon further investigation, they observed sewage flowing out of the ground.  The flow went into a nearby wooded drainage area where it was absorbed into the soil.  This drainage area is owned by the property owner.  The Department of Public Works Sewer Division responded at 10:35 a.m. on August 3, 2016 and plugged the line by 11 a.m.

The sewer overflow repair to the break was completed at 11 a.m. on August 3, 2016.  The damaged sewer main section was cut out and replaced with a piece of plastic sanitary sewer pipe.    The restoration and repair of the site was complete by 1:30 p.m. on August 3, 2016.  The Department of Public Works jetted and vacuumed the sewer line to remove any remaining debris left in the sewer main.

For additional information contact Howard Robinson, Director of Public Works, at 608-868-6914 or by e-mail at hrobinson@milton-wi.gov.