Official Site of the Government of Stevens Point, Wisconsin   Archive of StevensPoint.com's 2008 Home Page News Stories See All Home Page News Archives Stevens Point listed in Top 10 Dreamtowns 2008 In an article titled, "Dreamtowns that offer refuge from big cities and congested suburbs," Bizjournals says many residents of big cities and inner-ring suburbs would prefer to live on the suburban fringe or in small-town America. The best place for them to go, according to Bizjournals, is found in their analysis of 140 micropolitan areas which identifies America's 10 dreamtowns, "the small towns that offer the best quality of life without metropolitan hassles." Bizjournals compared 140 micropolitan areas in 20 statistical categories, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. A micropolitan area, they say, consists of a central community with 10,000 to 50,000 residents, and the surrounding countryside. "It is, in effect, a small-scale version of a metropolitan area." The study was inspired by heavy public interest in small-town life. Its aim was to identify communities that would be most attractive to people considering moving to such a place. The highest scores went to "well-rounded places with light traffic, healthy economies, moderate costs of living, impressive housing stocks, strong educational systems, and easy access to big-city attractions." Stevens Point was listed in the Top 10 out of the 140 areas studied. The Bizjournals profile of Stevens Point says, "This is easily the most affordable of America's 10 dreamtowns. The cost of a typical home is $28,500 lower in Stevens Point than in Mankato, the second-cheapest place on this elite list. Other pluses in Stevens Point are short commutes, strong schools and a sizable stock of big houses." Read the Bizjournals article about Dreamtowns. See the Bizjournals profile of Stevens Point. Visit the Mayor's Office December, 2008 Mayor Andrew Halverson has recorded a new episode of his TV program "The Mayor's Office" which you can see on Community Television, channel 984 on Charter digital and 95 on Charter analog cable. In this episode, Mayor Halverson and his guest Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice discuss the 2009 City of Stevens Point budget and the work that went into developing it. The budget will be voted on by the Common Council at a special meeting on December 3. "The Mayor's Office" can be seen on Community TV at the following times: Mondays at 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Watch "The Mayor's Office" Episode 4 here. Fire Safety: Ways to Stay Safe this Christmas December, 2008 'Tis the Season ... Please be careful. With the onset of the holiday season, it is important to keep our families and friends safe by focusing on fire safety and prevention. Each year during this festive season fires claim the lives of 400 people, injure 1,650 and cause over $900 million in damage. Please follow the Stevens Point Fire Department's suggestions to help keep your family safe during this wonderful holiday season. Test your smoke alarms to make certain they are functioning properly. Don't be tempted to remove batteries from these life saving devices for other uses. Keep in mind, smoke alarms make wonderful gifts for those who might not have them. Natural Christmas trees are highly combustible. So keep them well hydrated, away from heat sources and don't keep them in the house too long. Make certain your tree is secured so it cannot be knocked over. Candles are a tradition and very beautiful during the holiday season but are responsible for twice the fires as compared to any other time of the year. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders, out of the reach of children and where they cannot be easily knocked over. Hot wax is very dangerous and can cause severe burns. Be cautious and position your candles so that the flame will not come into contact with items that could start on fire. Never leave a room where candles are burning. Maintain your holiday lights by inspecting them for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear. Never string more than three stands of lights together or overload your wall outlets. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory. And do not leave holiday lights on unattended. Decorations are beautiful this time of year but can be highly flammable. Try to use decorations that are labeled non-flammable or flame retardant. Do not burn Christmas wrappings or boxes in your fire place. If you have an artificial tree, be certain it is labeled as flame retardant. Watch a video of a Christmas tree burning. Shop Local and Give the Gift of Fine Art December, 2008 Through December 24, the Riverfront Arts Center is offering a Fine Art Gift Gallery including items made by local artists such as paintings, jewelry, pottery, hand blown glass, photography, hand woven and knit accessories, wood sculpture, and more. Give your loved ones a unique gift they can't find in the big box stores and isn't mass-produced in some other country. The Riverfront Arts Center is located at 1200 Crosby Ave., on the east bank of the Wisconsin River, just west of downtown Stevens Point, off of State Hwy. 10. The Center is open Tuesday - Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Christmas Parade on TV December, 2008 The 2008 Stevens Point Christmas Holiday Parade is scheduled to be seen on Community Television (Charter analog channel 95 and digital channel 984) at the following times: Friday, November 28 at 9:00 p.m., Saturday, November 29 at 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Monday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 2 at 5:00 and 11:00 p.m., and Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 a.m. Public Input on Mall Redevelopment Plan November, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Common Council held a special meeting in the Center Court of CenterPoint MarketPlace at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 13. The Council listened to input from members of the public regarding the Centerpoint Mall Redevelopment Plan, and then the Council discussed the plan but did NOT take action on it that evening. The meeting, including all comments from members of the public, is scheduled to be seen on Community Television at the following times: Friday, November 14 at 9:00 p.m., Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m., and Monday, November 17 at 7:30 a.m. The meeting is just under 3 hours long. Watch the video of the meeting here. Creation of Public Safety Department November, 2008 As area newspapers have reported, the City of Stevens Point has been carefully considering the creation of a Public Safety Department which would include an Administrative Director who would report to the Police and Fire Commission. The city's plan would save taxpayers $300,000 annually without taking police officers or firefighters off the streets. Reorganizing the police and fire departments will allow for savings in the short and long term and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the departments. By creating the position of Administrative Director, the City will eventually be able to eliminate 4 management-type positions and take office management duties off the desks of the police and fire chiefs, allowing them to focus on running their departments. Read Mayor Halverson's letter explaining the Public Safety Department. Community TV has Moved AGAIN - to Channel 95 November, 2008 When Channel 3 moved to Channel 96 in late September, people throughout Stevens Point and Plover reported a significant amount of interference (wavy lines) in the picture, and some people reported that they couldn't tune in the channel at all. Evidence suggested this problem was caused by interference from a local FM radio station. Because the problem was so widespread, Charter Communications decided the best way to solve it was to move Community Television to another channel that is not as close to the frequency used by the radio station. During a brief test period, a few people reported little interference on the new channel, but most people reported a clear picture. Although Charter can not legally "shut off" channel 96 until after they give customers a 30-day notice, they are currently cablecasting Stevens Point's Community Television channel on Channel 95. To see the local government meetings, local church services, Pets on Parade, Polka Potpourri, and other locally-produced or locally-sponsored programs that used to pay on channel 3, Basic and Expanded Basic cable subscribers can now tune to channel 95. Customers with cable-ready TVs do NOT need a converter box from Charter to tune in channel 95, even if they are "Basic" subscribers who typically only get channels 2-14. Channels 95, 98, and 99 are part of Charter's Basic package and do NOT require special equipment or upgraded service from Charter. This notice does not apply to viewers using a digital set-top box from Charter. Charter is not sending channel 95 to those digital set-top converter boxes at all. Subscribers to Charter's digital service can see Community TV on channel 984. Holiday Parade November, 2008 The 2008 Holiday Parade, including the lighting of Main Street and the City Christmas Tree, happens this Thursday, November 20, at 6:00 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Stevens Point. Visit the Riverfront Arts Center October, 2008 As you are out enjoying the beautiful Fall colors around Stevens Point, stop by the Riverfront Arts Center in Pfiffner Pioneer Park along the Wisconsin River and enjoy the latest exhibit "Revealing/Concealing" which features drawings, paintings, and sculptures by Jane Herrick. The exhibit is open through Sunday, October 26.       Water Street Reconstruction Meeting October, 2008 The City of Stevens Point and AECOM will be conducting a public information meeting to discuss the reconstruction of Water Street from Whiting Avenue north to Wisconsin Street. Local officials, property owners and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be held Wednesday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stevens Point Water Department Office Building at 300 Bliss Avenue in Stevens Point. The purpose of the meeting is to present information to the public about the preliminary design of the roadway and utility reconstruction. The meeting will follow an open house format. Maps showing the proposed improvements will be on display. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2010. All citizens with concerns as well as those with historical knowledge, which may assist in the development of this project, are encouraged to attend and/or contact project personnel. Trick or Treat on Halloween, Friday, October 31 October, 2008 Trick-or-Treating in the City of Stevens Point will take place this Friday, October 31, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. As always, be extra careful when operating a motor vehicle during these hours, and more than ever, be extra, extra careful from dusk until 8:00 p.m. See Important Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips from the Police Department. See Important Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips from the Fire Department. I-39/Business 51 Ramp Closure October 29 October, 2008 Ramp closures are scheduled at the north I-39/Business 51 interchange, located on the north side of Stevens Point, on Wednesday, October 29. These ramp closures will include both the northbound on ramp and the northbound off ramp. The closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. During the closures, crews will grind the bridge approaches to improve motorists' ride quality. Green Circle Trail Wins Award October, 2008 "Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin, Inc." has announced that the Green Circle Trail will receive a 2008 Scenic Beauty Award. The award presentation will take place Friday, October 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Schmeeckle Reserve. Members of the Green Circle Trail Committee will be there to accept the award. Each year, Citizens for Scenic Wisconsin recognizes individuals and organizations that have made a special effort to protect or enhance the quality of our visual environment. Past recipients include government agencies that have implemented programs to preserve and protect our scenic Wisconsin, individuals that have maintained rural landscapes, and volunteer organizations that have beautified their urban communities. The criteria used in choosing the award winners were: impact on the attractiveness of the State of Wisconsin; potential to be used as a model by others; uniqueness; and effort relative to size of the organization. Congratulations to all of the users and contributors of the Green Circle Trail. Special Events Funding Applications being Accepted October, 2008 The Stevens Point Hotel/Motel Specials Events Committee is now accepting applications for funding of 2009 Special Events sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Applications and guidelines are available below and also at the Recreation Office during normal office hours, Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The deadline for returning a completed application will be November 3, 2008. The committee and funds were established to help fund original and innovative events that are open to the public, will provide entertainment for the community, and attract visitors to the area. Get more information by stopping by the Parks, Recreation & Forestry office at 2442 Sims Avenue or by calling 346-1531. Print the Special Events Funding Application. 30 kB File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader Using Your New Garbage & Recycling Carts October, 2008 City residents must use their new EZ Go Garbage and Recycling Carts - do not put garbage or recyclables at the curb unless fit in your cart with the lid at least halfway closed. Be sure to place your carts at least 4 feet apart and at least 4 feet from all other objects so the remote arm on the truck can grab your cart. Here are several information resources to help you with the new system: Look Up Your Collection Day by Street Name & Calendar (pdf file*) New Recycling Instructions (pdf file*) Watch a 3-Minute Video about Where to Place your Carts Get More Automated Refuse/Recycling Collection Information *pdf Files Require Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader Interference on Community TV Channel 96 October, 2008 The management of Community Television has noticed a significant amount of interference (wavy lines) in our picture since Charter moved us to channel 96. Evidence suggests this is caused by interference from a local FM radio station. If YOU see wavy or squiggly lines, or worse interference on channel 96 at your house, please contact John Quirk, the Community TV manager. Leave your name and address so we can map the areas affected and give the information to Charter. Call us at 346-1535 or contact us by E-mail. If we don't hear from you, we can't help Charter find a solution to the problem, and we can't help you get a clearer signal. Thank you for your assistance! This notice does not apply to viewers using a digital set-top box from Charter. Charter is not sending channel 96 to those digital set-top converter boxes at all. Digital subscribers can see Community TV on channel 984. Stevens Point's PEG TV Channels have MOVED October, 2008 Charter Communications moved all PEG (Public, Education, and Government Access) TV Channels in Wisconsin from their current locations on the channel lineup to a new "Public Affairs Neighborhood" on September 30, 2008. Where you will find our PEG Channels now depends on what kind of TV you have and whether or not you use an external digital tuner "box" from Charter. Station Old Channel New Channel on Analog TV on Charter Digital Tuner "Box" on Digital TV with QAM Tuner Community TV 3 96 984 984-1 UWSP TV 10 98 983 983-1 SPASH TV 99 99 982 982-1 Channels 95-99 are unscrambled analog channels, which means ALL Charter subscribers, even those with the most low-cost level of analog Basic cable TV service, should be able to view the new PEG channels without special equipment and without renting a digital converter box from Charter. Exit 138 CLOSED - No Exit at Highway 10 from Southbound I-39 September, 2008 Improvements made during this project will include adding two right turn lanes exiting southbound I-39 at US 10 and lengthening the southbound deceleration lane onto US 10. See a map of this project area. 594 kB File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader Southbound I-39 traffic wanting to exit onto US 10 should use County Road HH (Exit 156) to County Road R and back to US 10. See a detour map. Reminder: City Meeting Videos Available Online September, 2008 In order to provide you with even better access to records of public meetings, the City of Stevens Point is now making its meeting videos available here on this web site. For many years, Stevens Point has cablecast government meetings such as Plan Commission, Common Council, Finance and Personnel Committees, Board of Public Works, Park Board, and others on Community Television, Channel 3. Now those same videos are also available here at StevensPoint.com. If you are interested in a particular agenda item of any given meeting, you don't have to watch the rest of the meeting leading up to that item. The meeting videos are indexed so that, by clicking a text link underneath the video, you can cause the video player to jump to the specific agenda item you wish to see. As soon as they are available, each meeting's minutes are displayed alongside the video player so you can read them while you watch or listen to the video. Until the minutes of the meeting are available, the agenda will be displayed in the same location. In addition to playing our meetings several times each on Community Television, Channel 3, and making agendas and minutes available here on our Web site, we hope that integrating those videos, agendas, and minutes and making them available here will help you stay informed about how your city government is working for you. Visit the City of Stevens Point Meeting Video Archive. Shed For Sale September, 2008 The City Treasurer's Office will be taking sealed proposals from anyone interested in purchasing a city-owned wooden shed located on the north side of the Portessi building between Jerry's Auto and Belke Lumber on Second Street. Proposals [were] accepted until Noon on Friday, September 19. Removal will be the responsibility of the new owner. The shed is sold as-is, where-it-is. The shed will need to be removed within a very short time after purchase because the Portessi building is going to be demolished and the shed is in the way and will be destroyed if not moved. The city reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.       See Larger Photo See Larger Photo See Larger Photo       City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Voting September, 2008 The Stevens Point Clerk's Office hours will be extended to make it easier for residents to register or to vote absentee for the September 9 Partisan Primary Election. The office will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4 and Friday, September 5, and Monday, September 8. The City Clerk asks that residents use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances. City Clerk Moe also reminds Stevens Point residents that they do not need a particular reason to vote absentee. Any voter wishing to cast a ballot in the Partisan Primary Election may vote at City Hall, 1515 Strongs Ave., through September 8. Voters may also submit a written request that a ballot be mailed to them, although such a request must be received by 5 p.m. September 4. City residents who need to register to vote may do so at the clerk's office or at their polling place on election day. Voter registration and absentee ballot applications are available on our Voting Information page. Further questions may be directed to the clerk's office at 346-1569. Vote in Primary Election Now by Absentee September, 2008 Ballots are now available for City Residents who wish to vote early for the September 9 Partisan Primary. Voters have two options for voting absentee. The first option is to vote at the City Clerk's office in City Hall, 1515 Strongs Avenue, through September 8. The second option is to submit a written request to receive an absentee ballot through the mail. Please note that requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m. If an individual is not already registered to vote, he or she will need to register before they will be allowed to vote by absentee ballot. Please note that there are exceptions for military voters and indefinitely confined electors. Please contact the Clerk's office at 346-1569 for more information. Application for Absentee Ballot Read Instructions Carefully. (149 kB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) You can fill out and save this form on your computer. News! See a Sample Ballot for the September 9 Primary. Pay Attention When Voting in "Open" Partisan Primary September, 2008 Voters should remember that Wisconsin's September 9 partisan primary election is different than this November's Election. Since the early 1900s, Wisconsin has had an "open primary" which gives voters more choices on Election Day. The partisan primary is a "party activity" in which voters may assist a single party in choosing its nominee for the general election. "Our open primary system allows voters to receive a ballot without publicly declaring any party affiliation," said John Moe, Stevens Point City Clerk. "At the partisan primary, an elector may vote only within one political party or for independent candidates. Voters cannot crossover and vote for candidates of more than one political party." The offices that will appear on the partisan primary ballot are: Representative in Congress, State Senator, Representative to the Assembly, District Attorney, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Register of Deeds, and Surveyor. The performance of state legislative candidates in the primary will affect their eligibility for state grant money. Independent candidates for Congress, district attorney or county offices will appear on the November ballot. City of Stevens Point voters with questions about Wisconsin's partisan primary election should contact City Clerk John Moe at 346-1569, visit the City of Stevens Point's voting information web page, or visit the State Elections Division website at http://elections.wi.gov. Start Using Your New Garbage & Recycling Carts! September, 2008 The City of Stevens Point began collecting Garbage and Recyclables using their new automated trucks on Tuesday, September 2. City residents must use their new EZ Go Garbage and Recycling Carts beginning that day - do not put garbage or recyclables at the curb unless they are in your cart. Be sure to place your carts at least 4 feet apart and at least 4 feet from all other objects so the remote arm on the truck can grab your cart. Here are several information resources to help you with the new system: Look Up Your Collection Day by Street Name & Calendar (pdf file*) New Recycling Instructions (pdf file*) Watch a 3-Minute Video about Where to Place your Carts Get More Automated Refuse/Recycling Collection Information *pdf Files Require Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader Note: We are currently out of 95 gallon garbage carts. More carts are on order and should be here later in September. If you would like another 95 gallon garbage cart, you can put your name on our waiting list. We do have 95 gallon recycling carts for those who want them. EZ Go Refuse Carts Being Delivered - Do Not Use until September 2 August, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Streets Department has begun delivering EZ Go Refuse and Recycling carts. Please do not use your new carts until the program is implemented on September 2 - we will be unable to tip the carts until the new trucks arrive. Please take the time to read the informational guide that came with your first cart. Your second cart will be delivered by the end of August. Get more information about the automated refuse & recycling pickup program. News! Watch a 4-Minute Video about Automated Collection Or, Watch a 25-Minute Video about Automated Collection. Charter to Move Stevens Point's PEG TV Channels August, 2008 On Friday, August 29, Charter Communications announced that they will be moving all PEG (Public, Education, and Government Access) TV Channels in Wisconsin from their current locations on the channel lineup to a new "Public Affairs Neighborhood" on September 30, 2008. All Wisconsin PEG Channels, including Stevens Point's Community TV (channel 3), UWSP TV (channel 10) and SPASH TV (channel 99) will get moved to the channel 95 - 99 range on September 30. Those channels will ALSO be delivered to digital customers on channels 980 - 999. Where you will find our PEG Channels on September 30 depends on what kind of TV you have and whether or not you use an external digital tuner "box" from Charter. Station Old Channel New Channel on Analog TV on Charter Digital Tuner "Box" on Digital TV with internal QAM Tuner Community TV 3 96 984 984-1 UWSP TV 10 98 983 983-1 SPASH TV 99 99 982 982-1 Channels 95-99 are unscrambled analog channels, which means ALL Charter subscribers, even those with the most low-cost level of Basic cable TV service, should be able to view the new PEG channels without special equipment and without renting a digital converter box from Charter. "While I would prefer to see us stay on Channel 3 where we have been since the mid 1980s," says Community TV Coordinator John Quirk, "this move appears to be allowable under state and federal laws - unlike Charter's previous plan to remove us from analog completely and move us to digital. If Charter had gone ahead with that plan, nearly 50% of cable subscribers in Stevens Point would not have been able to watch our PEG channels without buying a new TV or renting a converter from Charter for $5 a month." "People in Stevens Point and other cities in Wisconsin expressed their concerns about that plan," Quirk says, "and now Charter has announced that they heard those concerns and they are addressing them." Wisconsin River Drawdown Began Thursday, August 14 August, 2008 Consolidated Water Power Company (CWPCo), a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, has secured approvals from federal and state agencies, and began drawing down the Wisconsin River the evening of Thursday, August 14. Read a detailed explanation and Schedule in Consolidated's Advertisement. 195 kB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Charter Postpones PEG Channel Move August, 2008 Charter customers in Stevens Point were notified in early July that Charter was moving their local Public, Education, and Government Channels (3, 10, and 99) from analog to digital. While the channels would continue to be available to all customers free of charge, customers without a QAM digital tuner or a converter box from Charter (available at a cost of $5 a month) would not be able to see the channels. Charter has now temporarily delayed the move of our PEG channels. A Charter official has told the City's Community TV Coordinator that the company will mail a notification to subscribers, which will explain the delay, sometime during the week of August 4-9. The Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels (WAPC), of which Stevens Point's channel 3 is a founding member, hired legal counsel early in July and immediately notified Charter that they believed the move would violate state and federal laws which guarantee availability of PEG channels to all cable customers. Wisconsin Senator Judy Robson (D-Beloit) later filed a complaint against Charter with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Robson said, "These [PEG] channels make it easier for citizens to watch their local government meetings, to understand the issues their leaders are contending with, and to hold those leaders accountable." The WAPC and state legislators like Judy Robson believe PEG channels should be available to all cable subscribers without extra cost or special equipment, which means Charter should continue to carry PEG channels in analog format as long as they carry any other channels in analog. Residents who are unhappy with Charter's plan to move PEG channels to digital can Contact Stevens Point's Community TV Coordinator, and can also register a complaint with Jim Rabbitt at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-422-7128 or filling out a form on their web site. The conversion of PEG channels to digital has nothing to do with the FCC-mandated conversion to digital television by February, 2009. That mandate applies only to broadcast channels which use a transmitter to send signals through the air to televisions with antennas - it does not apply to cable or satellite companies. Mayor's TV Program Explains Automated Garbage/Recycling Collection July, 2008 A new episode of the "The Mayor's Office" with Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson and guest Joe Euclide, Director of Public Works, began airing on Community Television, cable channel 3, on Thursday, July 24. On the program, Mayor Halverson and Director Euclide discuss the new automated refuse and recycling program that is scheduled to be implemented in September. The program includes background information about the program and also features detailed information about how the program will work and where residents can place their carts for pickup. Watch this "Mayor's Office" episode now. See the Community TV Schedule for "The Mayor's Office" cablecast times. Wisconsin River to be Drawn Down August 14 - 27 July, 2008 Consolidated Water Power Company (CWPCo), a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, has secured approvals from federal and state agencies to begin drawing down the Wisconsin River the evening of Thursday, August 14. The maximum eight-to-ten foot drawdown is being requested to conduct necessary repairs on the seawall located upstream from the NewPage Stevens Point mill. Plans are in place to first complete repairs to the lower seawall sections, thus allowing for the river refilling while higher seawall sections are repaired. The Wisconsin River reservoir refilling will be completed on Wednesday, August 27. The Wisconsin DNR (WDNR) has reviewed and discussed the drawdown schedule proposed by CWPCo and is in agreement with it. The proposed schedule gave consideration to the recreational activities of surrounding landowners as well as the least possible impact on local wildlife. Several time tables were considered but ruled out by the WDNR because fish begin entering a period of fall migration, which could cause a substantial amount of fish to leave the reservoir downstream. Studies show that most fish species stay put during August and begin moving either up or downstream in September. Beginning the evening of Thursday, August 14, the drawdown rate will be .2 feet per hour. The final goal of eight to ten feet below normal levels will be achieved by the evening of August 16. The water will remain at this level for seawall repairs. As the lower seawall section repairs are completed, reservoir refilling could begin as early as August 19. The reservoir refilling rate will continue as repairs are completed progressing up the seawall. Normal water elevations will be restored on Wednesday, August 27. During the drawdown, CWPCo will also use this opportunity to conduct inspections of the other Stevens Point dam structures, shorelines, boat launches, Rocky Run spillway, and DuBay dam tailwater apron/diffuser steps. The information will be valuable to access how different dam features are changing with time and where future dam repairs may be required to maintain a safe operating dam. CWPCo and the WDNR are working with several organizations to support stranded fish recovery, river cleanup, and carp reduction programs. If you or your organization is interested in supporting these or other efforts, please contact the following individuals for more information: Don Keck, Twelve Apostles Musky Club of Stevens Point, Phone: 715-340-3970, dkeck@cesa10.k12.wi.us; or Jeff Reed, Representing several bass organizations (www.outlawbass.com), Phone: 715-630-1903 wisconsinbass@charter.net. Residents with specific drawdown concerns or community members seeking additional information on this process may contact Thomas Witt at (715) 422-3927 or Gary Romanski, operations manager for CWPCo at (715) 422-3481. Consolidated Water Power Company, a subsidiary of NewPage Corporation, operates five hydroelectric dams on the Wisconsin River, from the DuBay Flowage in Marathon County, to the Wisconsin Rapids dam in Wood County. Headquartered in Miamisburg, Ohio, NewPage Corporation is the largest coated paper manufacturer in North America, based on production capacity, with $4.7 billion in pro forma net sales for the year ended December 31, 2007. The company's product portfolio is the broadest in North America and includes coated freesheet, coated groundwood, supercalendered, newsprint and specialty papers. These papers are used for corporate collateral, commercial printing, magazines, catalogs, books, coupons, inserts, newspapers, packaging applications, and direct mail advertising. NewPage owns paper mills in Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nova Scotia, and Wisconsin. These mills currently have a total annual production capacity of approximately 5.5 million tons of paper, including approximately 4.3 million tons of coated paper, approximately 920,000 tons of uncoated paper and approximately 300,000 tons of specialty paper, as well as approximately 3.2 million tons of pulp. Meeting Videos Online July, 2008 Videos of all 2008 City of Stevens Point Common Council meetings and many city committee meetings are available on our meeting video archive page. Minutes are added to the video pages as soon as minutes become available. Until then, agendas appear with the videos to help you follow the meeting. To see a particular agenda item, click the item number under the video. Videos are typically uploaded, indexed, and ready to view within 24 hours of the end of the meeting. Bull's Eye Credit Union Phone/E-Mail Scam. July, 2008 If you receive a phone call or email claiming to be from Bull's Eye Credit Union and asking you for your credit or debit card number, or any other account information, do not give it to them. The phone calls and e-mails are part of a scam and are not coming from Bull's Eye Credit Union. Bull's Eye Credit Union says it would never ask its members to provide credit card numbers or account information via a phone call or e-mail. More information is available on Bull's Eye's web site. Community TV, Channel 3, is Moving Soon July, 2008 Since State of Wisconsin lawmakers took away cities' rights to negotiate television franchise agreements with cable and phone companies, cable companies like Charter now have free reign to do a lot of things cities would never have allowed them to do under our local franchises. The new state law's first impact on the City of Stevens Point was that it will not allow the city to collect PEG Channel support fees from Charter after 2010. This will mean a loss of about $33,000 a year that the city currently uses to purchase TV equipment. But the city's Community TV channel is now faced with another problem that might prove to be worse than that - the loss of many of its viewers. Our local franchise agreements with Charter always made it clear that our PEG (Public, Education, and Government Access) Channels 3, 10, and 99 were to always be available to all customers for no additional charge and with no need for special equipment. We also required those channels to be located near local broadcast channels like 7, 9, and 12, so viewers could easily find all of their local programming. Now that local control has been removed, Charter is moving all PEG channels in the state, including Stevens Point's channels 3, 10, and 99, to the digital realm on or around August 12, 2008. After the move, our PEG channels will be located somewhere in the channel 980 to 995 range, which Charter is calling their "Public Affairs Neighborhood." C-SPAN 2, Wisconsin Eye, and PEG channels from Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and other central Wisconsin cities will also be located in this channel range. The new digital versions of our local PEG channels will only be viewable with the use of a QAM tuner found in some new TVs, a few DVD recorders, some standalone tuners, and the cable tuner boxes that are available from Charter for a monthly rental fee. Charter says that all subscribers with "basic" service will be able to see the channels with the use of a QAM tuner because the channels will not be scrambled like premium digital channels. QAM digital tuners are not the same as ATSC digital tuners which are found in many TVs and DVD recorders, and the $40 coupons available from the federal government for purchasing digital to analog converter boxes can not be used to purchase QAM tuners, according to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration which administers the coupon program. Wisconsin's new video franchising law, Act 42, only requires that PEG channels be available to at least 50% of a video provider's subscribers, and Charter claims that a little over 50% of its subscribers in Wisconsin already have digital service and therefore should be able to view the PEG channels. The City of Stevens Point is concerned that a little under 50% of cable subscribers could NOT be able to see our PEG channels without purchasing or renting new equipment. When the PEG channels are moved to digital on August 12, people who do not already have a QAM tuner are not going to be able to watch local government meetings, The Mayor's Office, Inside the County Lines, Pets on Parade, Polka Potpourri, local church services, SPASH and UWSP sports, or anything else they currently watch on channels 3, 10, and 99 unless they buy a new TV or DVD recorder with a QAM tuner, or buy a standalone QAM tuner, or rent a digital tuner "box" from Charter. Preliminary reports from Charter officials indicate that if people who currently subscribe to analog-only service threaten to cancel their cable service after August 12 because they can no longer watch the PEG channels, Charter will rent them a digital tuner box for 6 months for free, after which time normal monthly rental charges will apply. The city hasn't received any information directly from Charter, but has been kept up to date of Charter's plans by the Wisconsin Association of PEG Channels (WAPC), of which Stevens Point is a founding member. When the city receives more information, it will be made available here and on Community TV. The City of Stevens Point, the WAPC, and a few state lawmakers including Representative Louis Molepske Jr. and Senator Julie Lassa fought to keep local control over cable TV and to preserve access to local community programming. Wisconsin Act 42, known as the Video Competition Bill before it became law, was heavily endorsed by AT&T and was supported by the cable industry. AT&T has not announced plans to deliver video service in Stevens Point. Charter was granted a statewide video franchise earlier this year. Please Water your Trees July, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Urban Forestry Department asks city residents to remember to water the street trees in front of your homes when you are watering the trees on your property. During dry times like those we presently are experiencing, this is especially important for recently-planted trees. Soak the soil beneath the tree, out to the outermost ends of the branches, for an hour or so every week. On smaller, younger trees, you may not have to water as long, but you may have to water more often during hot weeks. Give the soil time to dry out a little before watering again. Ride the Bus for FREE during Crazy Days July, 2008 With gas prices as high as they are, there has never been a better time to try riding the City Bus, and this weekend you have a chance to ride it for FREE. Point Transit is offering Free Rides on all city buses Friday July 11, as part of downtown Stevens Point's Crazy Days event. They will also offer Free Trolley Rides on Saturday July 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Get on the trolley at the downtown Transfer Center near ShopKo. Get more information about Point Transit. Bukolt Boat Launch CLOSED July 11 & 12 July, 2008 The Bukolt Park Boat Launch and Parking Area will be closed from 8:00 a.m. Friday, July 11, until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. This area will be used to host the Annual Triathlon. Please use the Wells Marina Boat Launch area on Franklin St. Thank you for your cooperation. City Council Approves Downtown Re-Design June, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Plan Commission met Thursday, June 12 to consider adopting the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and approved recommending the plan to the Common Council, who approved it at their meeting on Monday, June 16. See the video and minutes of the June 12 Plan Commission Meeting. See the Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Acrobat). 5 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader. EZ Go Refuse/Recycling Cart Delivery in August June, 2008 The City of Stevens Point will be starting delivery of new EZ Go Refuse and Recycling Carts around August 4, 2008. Each Property Tax Parcel will receive one 65-gallon cart with a brown lid for refuse and one 95-gallon cart with a green lid for recyclables. There will only be two cart sizes available, 65-gallon (which measures, 26" square x 42" tall) or 95-gallon (which measures, 28" wide x 30" deep x 46" tall). Property owners will have the option to purchase extra carts (additional fees may apply) or request to change sizes before delivery by contacting the Streets Department at 100 6th Avenue, 346-1537, or Engineering Department at 1515 Strongs Avenue, 346-1561, or using the request form below. Print a Form to Exchange or Purchase Carts. 76 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader. You can fill out and save this form on your computer. We are expecting delivery of the new collection trucks mid August. Please do not use your new carts until the program is fully implemented - we will be unable to tip the carts until the new trucks arrive. The start date for implementation will be in early September. Watch your local newspapers, radio stations, Community TV, and this web site for information. Get More Information about the EZ Go Cart Program. The Southbound I-39 On/Off Ramps are Now Open June, 2008 The southbound ramps will be open for the remainder of the construction. The interchange pavement replacement and bridge rehabilitation project continues on the northbound on/off ramps at Business 51 (Division St.) north of North Point Drive. Improvements to this interchange include raising and replacing the concrete bridge deck, repainting the steel bridge girders, replacing the ramp pavement and adding a deceleration lane for the northbound I-39 exit ramp. Get more information about this project from the WisDOT Web Site. Concrete Street Repairs Began Monday, June 23 June, 2008 A contractor for the City of Stevens Point has begun concrete joint repairs to Church Street and Division Street. Joint repairs on Church Street will be between Minnesota and Patch Streets, and repairs on Division Street between Jefferson and Ellis Streets. The work will be done under traffic but traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction. Work will be completed by July 18. Please slow down in construction zones and give our crews a BRAKE. Get more road construction information. Plover and Shaurette Street Project June, 2008 The City of Stevens Point is reconstructing Plover Street from Brawley Street to Division Street, and Shaurette Street from Division Street to Church Street. This project involves sanitary sewer and water main replacement and reconstruction of the street. Beginning Thursday, June 26, Shaurette Street between Division Street and Church Street will be closed. Beginning Monday, June 30 the entire intersection of Church Street at Shaurette Street will be closed through Thursday, July 3. During this time, Church Street from Division Street to Shaurette Street, and Shaurette Street to Wisconsin Street will each have two-way traffic along with parking restrictions. Access properties or driveways on Shaurette St. may be restricted or unavailable. For your convenience, on street overnight parking restrictions will be lifted for Shaurette St. residents during this time. Please park only in areas that currently allow parking during the day. A permit for overnight parking will not be required in these areas. Do not block driveways, hydrants, loading zones, fire lanes or crosswalks. If you are uncertain where you may park, please call the Police Department for assistance, 346-1500. Please use caution when in or near the construction zone. Garbage and recyclables must be out on your usual day by 7:00 a.m. and we do not anticipate any problems with mail delivery. Please direct any telephone inquiries to the Engineering Department, 346-1561, or you may e-mail your questions or comments. Our department hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Thank you for your anticipated patience and cooperation. Governor Doyle Approves Additional $400,000 for Project at Stevens Point Airport June, 2008 Governor Jim Doyle has released $400,000 in state airport development funds to complete improvements including installation of an Instrument Landing System at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport. These funds will be added to the $918,000 in federal funds received last month for the project. In addition to paying for the ILS equipment, the project will pay for construction of a parallel taxiway required for this kind of air navigation system. According to Mike Gabor, airport engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the project includes an environmental assessment, design and construction engineering, approach clearing, construction of a taxiway parallel to the primary runway, and purchase and installation of the ILS. The Instrument Landing System will provide a much safer approach to Stevens Point's primary runway and will allow aircraft to land in inclement weather and darkness when flying under instrument flight conditions. WisDOT's Bureau of Aeronautics will provide oversight of the project construction. The FAA will take ownership of the system and provide future monitoring and maintenance. The project is expected to be completed by October 2008. Stevens Point Municipal Airport consists of two runways that together accommodate some 37,000 aircraft take-offs and landings each year. A newly completed business/industrial park south of the city has attracted businesses that depend on the airport to conduct their business operations. Division Street (Business 51) CLOSED for Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Work June, 2008 Sanitary sewer and water main tie-ins for the Plover Street Project will close Division Street beginning at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4. The work will be completed by Friday, June 20. A signed detour for Business 51 northbound traffic will use Michigan Avenue to Main Street and back to Business 51 (Division Street). Southbound traffic will use Clark Street to Michigan Avenue and back to Business 51 (Church Street). See the Division St. Detour Map. 371 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Visit the Mayor's Office Without Leaving Your Couch June, 2008 A new episode of the "The Mayor's Office" with Stevens Point Mayor Andrew Halverson and guest Tom Schrader, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Forestry, began airing on Community Television, cable channel 3, on Monday, May 19. On the program, Mayor Halverson and Director Schrader discuss Point 150, Riverfront Rendezvous, and an overview of the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department and its many services. See the Community TV Schedule for "The Mayor's Office" times. Plan Commission Approves Downtown Re-Design June, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Plan Commission met Thursday, June 12 to consider adopting the Downtown Redevelopment Plan, and approved recommending the plan to the Common Council, which will vote on it Monday, June 16. See the video and minutes of the June 12 Plan Commission Meeting. See the Downtown Redevelopment Plan (Acrobat). 5 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Videos and minutes of other meetings which will be considered for approval by the Council are also available in our Video Archive. The June 12 Plan Commission meeting is also scheduled to be seen on Community Television, channel 3, at the following times: Saturday, June 14 at 7:30 a.m.; and Monday, June 16 at 4:30 p.m. Church Street Underpass to Close for Repairs June, 2008 Repairs to the Church Street (Business 51) underpass will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 30. The repairs will consist of milling the entire width of the old surface and repaving the street. The repairs are scheduled to be completed by Friday, June 6. There will be a signed detour for Business 51. Northbound traffic will use Michigan Avenue to Main Street and back to Business 51 (Division Street). Southbound traffic will use Clark Street to Michigan Avenue and back to Business 51 (Church Street). See the Church St. Detour Map. 365 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Adobe Acrobat Reader. City Council Approved TIF District 7 for AIG Project May, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Common Council held a special meeting on Wednesday, April 30 and approved the creation of a Development Agreement between the City and Meridian TG LLC (TOLD) at the northeast intersection of U.S. HWY. 39 and County Trunk Road HH. The council also adopted resolutions approving project the plan for Tax Incremental District No. 7, and authorizing the Mayor, Clerk, and other appropriate city officers to implement the Development Agreement with TOLD. Watch the Video of the Special Council Meeting. TOLD Development will construct a 125,000 square foot, four story office building for Travel Guard in the Portage County Business Park (which is located in the City of Stevens Point), along Business Park Drive. Travel Guard currently employs over 700 people. Site plans for the building show expansion potential to 300,000 square feet. Construction is scheduled to begin early Summer 2008 and is scheduled to be completed by the Summer of 2009. Travel Guard is the premier provider of travel insurance to the world. They are looking forward to moving into their new quarters where they can be even more efficient in providing service to their customers. Rendering of Travel Guard Building See Larger Photo 1 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader.   Rendering of Travel Guard Building See Larger Photo 1 MB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader. Happy Birthday, Stevens Point! May, 2008 The May 17 Stevens Point Birthday Parade and Party were a huge success. Thank you to all who participated! The celebration isn't over, though. See the Complete List of Point 150 Activities. The winners of the parade competition in the 5 categories were: Stevens Point Area Catholic Schools (School), Portage County Public Library (Non-Profit Organization), Joern's Health Care (Business), Portage County Cultural Festival (Just for Fun), and St. Stephen's (Church). The Point 150 Parade and highlights from the Party are scheduled to be seen on Community Television, cable channel 3, at the following times: Friday, June 6 at 9:00 p.m.; Saturday, June 7 at 3:00 and 9:00 p.m.; and Monday, June 9 at 10:00 a.m. The program is anticipated to be between 1 and 2 hours long. It's Construction Season! May, 2008 The City of Stevens Point Department of Public Works and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation have big plans for Summer vacation this year, and none of them involve vacationing. They will be busy reconstructing and improving streets, overpasses, trails, and intersections in Stevens Point. See this Summer's construction projects, with maps (subject to change, so visit regularly). Get the Point Transit Summer Freedom Pass May, 2008 Stevens Point Transit is offering Elementary, Jr. High, and High School students the opportunity to purchase a Summer "Freedom Pass" for $20. The pass will allow students to ride the City Bus during Summer break, June 9 through August 29, 2008, as often as they would like. The new pass is now available at our pass outlet stores. Get More Information about the Summer Freedom Pass. Governor Doyle Approves $918,000 Project at Airport May, 2008 Governor Jim Doyle has approved a $918,150 project to install an instrument landing system (ILS) and a partial parallel taxiway at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport. The Governor's action releases $918,150 in federal funds to complete the project. According to Mike Gabor, airport engineering specialist with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the federal funds will be used to complete an environmental assessment, provide design and construction engineering, provide approach clearing and land easements, and construct and install the landing system. The instrument landing system will provide needed guidance for aircraft into the airport during marginal weather conditions. Many local businesses will benefit from the enhanced instrument landing system. The project is expected to begin in May, 2008 and will be completed by October, 2008. Stevens Point Municipal Airport consists of two runways that together accommodate some 37,000 aircraft take-offs and landings each year. A newly completed business/industrial park south of the city has attracted businesses that depend on the airport to conduct their business operations. Air Show and Fly-In Sunday, June 1 May, 2008 The Stevens Point Pilot's Association presents the Annual Air Show and Fly-In Drive-In at the Stevens Point Municipal Airport on Sunday, June 1 from 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The Air Show will feature aerobatic acts, displays of local corporate aircraft, a B-25J Mitchell bomber, remote control aircraft demonstrations, helicopter rides, an collector automobile display, fire engines, food, and more! Visit the Air Show Web Site for more information. You're Invited to a Birthday Party! May, 2008 Celebrate the City of Stevens Point's Birthday on Saturday, May 17 with Point 150! The Celebration starts with a "Parade To Remember," the largest parade our community has ever seen, featuring the contributions we've made over the past 150 years. Be sure to follow the parade to the Pfiffner Pioneer park for the party! Picnic with your community, meet the city's founder George Stevens, enter the Largest Amateur Liar's Contest, eat some of the 150 Birthday Cakes, enjoy some music and a helicopter flyover, test your logger's skills, and enter to win one of 150 birthday presents. See the Birthday Party Schedule. If you just can't wait, start your celebration now with some Point 150 merchandise, available at the Visitor Information Center while supplies last! Hurry - they are going fast! We'll see you there, Saturday, May 17 at Pfiffner Pioneer Park! Read about more special Point 150 events. Notice of Open Book and Board of Review April, 2008 The Board of Review for the City of Stevens Point will meet May 29, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. in the City Conference Room, 1515 Strongs Ave. for the purpose of reviewing and examining the assessment roll of real and personal property in said city, and all sworn statements and valuations of real and personal property therein, and of correcting all errors in said roll, whether in description of property or otherwise, and to perform such other duties imposed by law. The Open Book was held from Monday, May 5, 2008, to Friday, May 9, 2008. Open Book is an informational session with the Assessor's Office where you will learn how your assessment was made, what factors were considered, and what type of records are kept regarding your property. Read the Complete Public Notice and Requirements 10 KB pdf File Requires Acrobat or Free Acrobat Reader. City Meeting Videos Available Online April, 2008 In order to provide you with even better access to records of public meetings, the City of Stevens Point is now making its meeting videos available here on this web site. For many years, Stevens Point has cablecast government meetings such as Plan Commission, Common Council, Finance and Personnel Committees, Board of Public Works, Park Board, and others on Community Television, Channel 3. Now those same videos are also available here at StevensPoint.com. If you are interested in a particular agenda item of any given meeting, you don't have to watch the rest of the meeting leading up to that item. The meeting videos are indexed so that, by clicking a text link underneath the video, you can cause the video player to jump to the specific agenda item you wish to see. As soon as they are available, each meeting's minutes are displayed alongside the video player so you can read them while you watch or listen to the video. Until the minutes of the meeting are available, the agenda will be displayed in the same location. In addition to playing our meetings several times each on Community Television, Channel 3, and making agendas and minutes available here on our Web site, we hope that integrating those videos, agendas, and minutes and making them available here will help you stay informed about how your city government is working for you. Visit the City of Stevens Point Meeting Video Archive. Reconstruction of Fourth Ave. April, 2008 The City of Stevens Point will be reconstructing Fourth Avenue between Second Street and Lee Street. This project will involve sanitary sewer and water main replacement and reconstruction of the street. Portions of Fourth Avenue will be closed to traffic during construction and access to your property or driveway will be restricted or unavailable during portions of the construction. The City of Stevens Point will be holding an informational meeting on May 6, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. in the St. Peter's School Auditorium. The public is welcome to come and hear what will be taking place. Those property owners that have clay sanitary sewer services and or galvanized water services will be required to upgrade to new materials in the street (the area between sidewalks). The cost to upgrade is assessed to the property. Please direct your telephone inquiries to the Engineering Department at 346-1561 or you may e-mail questions or comments to dpw@stevenspoint.com. Our department hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Water Mains Being Cleaned April, 2008 The Water Department plans to clean all water mains each evening, starting at approximately 10:00 p.m., from Sunday, April 27 through Thursday, May 1. During cleaning times, water pressure might be low but your water will not be shut off. You might see some discolored water at any time throughout the process. Thank you for your patience during this necessary process. Spend some Time in the Mayor's Office April, 2008 Residents of the City of Stevens Point can now get an inside look at the workings of Stevens Point's municipal government by watching "The Mayor's Office," a brand new regularly-scheduled program on Community Television, channel 3. Mayor Andrew Halverson hosts the program and provides a wealth of information about the biggest issues facing the city. People who already stay in tune with their local government by watching municipal board, committee, and common council meetings on Community TV regularly can gain additional insight about the subjects discussed at those meetings by watching "The Mayor's Office." In the premiere episode, Stevens Point Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice joins Mayor Halverson in his office to discuss city financial issues including the budget, restrictions put on the city by the state, and Tax Incremental Finance Districts and how they work. "The Mayor's Office" can be seen weekly on Community TV at the following times: Mondays at 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m., Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. City Newsletter Available April, 2008 The Mayor's Office has just published a new issue of "City News," which contains a message from the mayor and articles about various city departments, the services they provide, and how the city budget is allocated to them. Read and/or print the City Newsletter. (423 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) "Math in Motion" Paintings and Sculptures On display through April 27 at the Riverfront Arts Center. Arbor Day: 150 White Pines for 150 Years April, 2008 Stevens Point will hold its Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 25, behind Fire Station #2 in the 4400 block of Industrial Park Road at 10:00 a.m. A third-grade class from Madison School will help Mayor Andrew Halverson plant a ceremonial Arbor Day tree and 150 white pine seedlings in commemoration of Stevens Point's 150th birthday. The white pine was selected because much of Stevens Point's history revolves around it. The City of Stevens Point thanks the students from Midstate Technical College's Urban Forestry Program, the Golden Sands Homebuilders Association, and Zblewski Brothers LLC Wood Waste Recyclers for their cooperation in this event. Visit our Urban Forestry Department. Share your Green Thoughts on Eco-Municipality Logo April, 2008 Students with an artistic flair and concern for the environment might get to see their ideas represent the Stevens Point Eco-Municipality through the city's logo design contest. Becoming an environmentally sustainable community means getting everyone involved, and a logo contest is a great way for younger citizens to share their creative ideas, according to the eco-municipality's community involvement and education subcommittee. The contest ends April 22 (Earth Day). The winner will receive a $50 Portage County gift certificate, redeemable for merchandise at any Portage County business that accepts checks. The winner will be announced at the city's Birthday Bash at Pfiffner Pioneer Park May 17. The contest is open to students in grades 7-12. Complete rules are available at SustainablePoint.org (on the "Logo Contest" link), or at local middle schools and Pacelli and SPASH high schools. Stevens Point is working to become an eco-municipality. In eco-municipalities, city officials and community members work together to protect the environment while creating family-supporting jobs and a healthy community. More information on the effort is also available at the Web site. Contestants with questions also may contact Bobbi Kubish at Bobbi.Kubish@uwsp.edu. City Seeks Bids for Public Works Projects April, 2008 The City of Stevens Point is seeking bids for the Willett Arena Lighting Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice 22 kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader The City is also seeking bids for a Bituminous Patching Project. Deadline is 11:00 a.m. April 3, 2008. Read the Notice 20 kB File Requires Free Acrobat Reader Thank you for Voting. April, 2008 Polls closed in the City of Stevens Point at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2008. Results in District 2: Walther 72, Write-In 4 Results in District 4: Wiza 137, Write-In 4 Results in District 6: Slowinski 232, Write-In 2 Results in District 8: Molski 246, Write-In 3 Results in District 10: Brooks 142, Write-in 1 County-Wide Election results, when available, will be posted on the Portage County Web Site. Sixth District Listening Session April 3 April, 2008 Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Jeremy Slowinski will hold a listening session at McKinley School's IMC (Room B110) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 3, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Sixth District. City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Absentee Voting March, 2008 City residents who will not be able to go to their polling place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot. The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its hours for those who wish to register or vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances. Thursday, March 27: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 28: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, March 31: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eco-Municipality Task Force Hosts Listening Sessions Task Force Looks for Feedback on Goals and Recommendations March, 2008 The Stevens Point Eco-Municipality Task Force is set to share their progress at several listening sessions this spring. The Task Force has been working to develop goals for Stevens Point to become a sustainable community. The Task Force will use the meetings to gather feedback and make a formal presentation to the Stevens Point City Council this spring. The public is invited to any of the following public listening sessions: 1) Wednesday, March 26, Portage County Public Library, Pineries Rm., 7 p.m. 2) Wednesday, March 26, UW-SP, University Ctr. Laird Rm., 7 p.m. 3) Wednesday, April 2, McKinley School Cafeteria, Rm. B103, 7 p.m. 4) Wednesday, April 2, Washington School, Cafeteria, Rm. 112, 7 p.m. "Part of developing an eco-municipality involves as much community participation as possible," said Alderperson Amy Heart, co-chair of the Task Force. "The ideas and solutions for a sustainable community will not be strictly for city government, but it will be a community-wide effort." The Task Force will bring forward, and ask for adoption of a resolution to the Stevens Point City Council this spring, officially making Stevens Point an eco-municipality. For details on the Task Force, visit www.SustainablePoint.org or contact the mayor's office at 346-1570. Election to be Held April 1 - Absentee Ballots Now Available March, 2008 City residents who will not be able to go to their polling place on April 1 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through March 31, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them. Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m. If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you. Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below. Print an Application for Absentee Ballot. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) Please note that there are exceptions for military voters. Please contact the Clerk's office for more information. Holiday Garbage and Recycling Pickup March, 2008 In observation of Good Friday, garbage and recycling will not be collected in the City of Stevens Point on Friday, March 21. Garbage and recycling that is normally picked up on Fridays will be picked up Monday, March 24. Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 22 March, 2008 Snow Site: Shopko Parking Lot The Hunt - The Easter Bunny will be busy hiding 16,000 candy-filled eggs, many with prize slips inside. Watch your little ones age 8 and under gather them up. No bags or baskets, please. Lucky finders of one of the several "special" eggs will receive a new bicycle! Ages 0-3 will hunt at 10:30 a.m., ages 4-6 at 10:35 a.m., and ages 7-8 at 10:40 a.m. The Hop - Follow the Easter Bunny for a hop over to CenterPoint MarketPlace where families can have their photo taken with the Easter Bunny and visit the Central Wisconsin Children's Museum FREE until 4 p.m. Enjoy the Museum's hands-on exhibits and fully-stocked art room where special Easter crafts will be available. Sponsored by the Stevens Point/Plover Area Breakfast Optimists Club and CenterPoint MarketPlace. A Parade to Remember February, 2008 Saturday, May 17, 2008 marks Stevens Point's 150th birthday! To celebrate, we intend to produce the biggest parade our community has ever seen. It will be a Parade to Remember! This once-in-a-lifetime event provides an opportunity for all businesses/organizations to promote their importance to the community with the theme, "The Contributions We Have Made." The parade will line up in reverse order of each business/organization's founding, our newest first and our oldest last - a civics and history lesson on wheels! Then, at the end of the parade, we will all gather on the riverfront for birthday cake as we celebrate ourselves and our home. Parade units will be judged on adherence to theme, historical connection, originality and quality. Winners in each of the four categories will win $150! There is no entry fee, but participants must submit a registration form by Friday May 9, 2008. Print a Registration Form. 59 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader. Grants Available for Independent Arts Organizations February, 2008 The Organization Support Grant is a program of the Stevens Point Arts Council and will allow local independent arts organizations in Stevens Point to make the case for general support for their program. The groups eligible for consideration are approved local arts groups with 501(c)(3) status or who have a 501(c)(3) fiscal agent. The purpose of the grant program is to give these organizations an opportunity to identify what they think are their most important needs - those that will advance their overall mission or plans for the future. For example, grant support could include but is not limited to such possibilities as: hiring guest artists and/or guest directors for specific events making capital purchases for the organization underwriting publicity and/or promotion costs for public events hiring consultants to strengthen the organization's management hire consultants to train the board of directors and volunteer staff Applications may be picked up from the Riverfront Arts Center or the City of Stevens Point Department of Parks and Recreation office. Deadline for applications is Friday, April 11, 2008. Print a Support Grant Application Form. 32 kB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader Downtown Restoration Continues to Move Forward February, 2008 Although original target dates for the start of the Stevens Point Downtown restoration initiative may have been aggressive, the City is continuing to move forward. "There are many important projects in the works for Stevens Point and all deserve appropriate attention. Although we had hoped to release a final plan for the restoration of the downtown area in January, time has not been on our side. Undertaking a major re-work of the downtown area involves many individuals and many organizations. Similar to doing a remodel on a home, you never know what you are going to find until you 'pull up the old carpet,'" stated Mayor Halverson. On January 15, 2008, the City of Stevens Point and Planning and Design Institute, Inc. (PDI), a firm specializing in developing comprehensive land use plans, met with a variety of local business owners, building owners, architects, and the Association of Downtown Businesses (ADB) Board of Directors to review initial development and restructuring plans for the downtown area. The various groups provided input and suggestions to the City and PDI. When the final draft is complete, the City will provide an open session to the public for review of the plan. "Changing the face of the downtown and riverfront should not be taken lightly and should not be rushed. Doing something right the first time makes sense and is fiscally responsible. I was pleased that so many individuals were brought on board to review and challenge the initial plans," stated Carolyn Weiland, ADB Board President. "The ADB is supportive of the Mayor's efforts. We realize that projects of this magnitude don't happen overnight and appreciate regular updates to the ADB and community," said Weiland. Major changes will take time; however, the City can expect to see landscaping and other aesthetic enhancements to the downtown and market square in the Summer of 2008. Seventh District Listening Session March 13 February, 2008 Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Roger Trzebiatowski will hold a listening session at the National Guard Armory, 3116 Jefferson St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Seventh District. Community Show Honors Polish Heritage February, 2008 The 12th Annual Community Show, sponsored by the Arts Alliance of Portage County, celebrates Polish heritage and influence in Stevens Point among other significant milestones for the community. This year's community show titled "Point to the Future" not only celebrates the city's 150th Birthday, but also incorporates familiar significant pieces of history. Songs and scenes portraying Polish immigrants, weddings, ponczkas (paczki), and family bibles offer a taste of history for native Stevens Pointers and transplants alike. Other milestone markers within the show include the first school teacher in Stevens Point, the arrival of the railroad, winning the vote for UWSP, World War II, and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother opening Saint Michael's Hospital. Local celebrities including Mayor Halverson, County Executive Mark Maslowski, State Senator Julie Lassa, Saint Michael's Hospital President Brad Neet, and others are slated to join the cast making cameo appearances. Show times are February 29, March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Sentry Theater in Stevens Point. Tickets for "Point to the Future" are available at the door or call 346-4100. Portage County Flood Risk Information Open House February 28 General public invited to review preliminary floodplain maps and learn about risk in their community February, 2008 Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Marge Molski will hold a listening session in the Washington School Cafeteria, 3500 Prais St., from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 26, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Eighth District. Please Remove Snow from Fire Hydrants February, 2008 The Stevens Point Water Department and the Stevens Point / Plover Metro Area Fire Chiefs ask you to take some time to clear all the snow away from the fire hydrants in your neighborhood. With warmer weather here and more snow predicted for next week, this is a great time to do this incredibly important work. Having immediate access to fire hydrants can help firefighters save houses and lives. There are over 2,000 fire hydrants in the City of Stevens Point alone, and Fire and Water Department personnel in the area have worked very hard to get them cleared of snow, but they could really use your help. The house you save could be your own. Thank you! Ninth District Listening Session February 21 February, 2008 Mayor Andrew Halverson and Alderperson Randy Stroik will hold a listening session at the Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, to listen to concerns and comments from residents of the city's Ninth District. Thank you for Voting Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19 February, 2008 A Primary Election was held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts cast their vote for presidential preference, and First District voters chose Tom Mallison and Judy Bablitch to move on to the next election for County Board Supervisor. Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama and Republican Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee got the most votes in Portage County. Obama also won the most votes for a Democrat in the State of Wisconsin, but John McCain received the most Republican votes statewide. February 20 Public Meeting on Closure of East Avenue February, 2008 The public is invited to a hearing on the potential permanent closure of East Avenue, near Jefferson Elementary School. The public hearing is set for Wednesday, February 20 at 5:00 p.m. at Jefferson Elementary School, 1800 East Avenue. The hearing is designed to gather feedback from parents, neighbors and residents on the proposal closure of East Avenue in front of Jefferson School. Representatives from the Stevens Point Area Public School District will unveil initial drawings of some potential future uses for the space, including parking areas and green space, and will provide the preliminary results of the East Avenue Closure Survey. Input is still being collected on the survey. To provide feedback on how you think the East Avenue closure has worked, take the survey before February 28. To get access to the survey visit the Stevens Point Area School District Web site or call the District Office at 345-5456. Amy Heart, Stevens Point Alderperson, whose 5th District encompasses the school, said the input from neighbors and residents is important. "This is an opportunity to not only address safety concerns for Jefferson school students, but to develop a project that will benefit the entire neighborhood," said Heart. If you have questions or concerns, contact Jefferson Elementary School Principal Dave Lockett at 345-5418, or Alderperson Amy Heart at 345-2739. City Clerk's Office Hours Extended for Registration and Absentee Voting February, 2008 City residents who will not be able to go to their polling place on February 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through February 18. The City Clerk's office, located at 1515 Strongs Avenue, will extend its office hours for those who wish to register or vote absentee. Use the Strongs Avenue or north-west Arlington Place entrances. Saturday, February 16: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 18: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Register to Vote February, 2008 Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if they have not voted during the previous four years. Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election day, or at the polls on the day of the election, by presenting identification which includes a current and complete name, and a current and complete residential address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the City Clerk's office. Voter Registration Application Read Instructions Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) "Winter's Garden" Floral Art with Live Orchids in Bloom Available For Sale through February 17 at the Riverfront Arts Center The particular items in these photos might or might not still be available for sale. Presidential Primary and County Board Election February 19 February, 2008 A Primary Election will be held Tuesday, February 19. Voters in all city districts will cast their vote for presidential preference, and First District voters will chose one of three candidates to be their new County Board Supervisor. See a Sample Ballot for the February 19 Primary. City residents who will not be able to go to their polling place on February 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Voters have two options for voting absentee. They can come and vote at the City Clerk's office through February 18, or they can request an absentee ballot be mailed to them. Requests for an absentee ballot by mail must be received by the Clerk's office by Thursday, February 14. The completed ballot must be received by the Clerk's office no later than the day of the election so that it can be delivered to the polling location by 8:00 p.m. If you are not already registered to vote, you will need to register before an absentee ballot can be sent to you. Applications for an absentee ballot and to register to vote are available below. Application for Absentee Ballot Read Instructions Carefully. (149 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) You can fill out and save this form on your computer, then print it. Residents of Stevens Point must register to vote if they have never registered before, if they have moved, or if they have not voted during the previous four years. Voters may register at the City Clerk's office before election day, or at the polls on the day of the election, by presenting identification which includes a current and complete name, and a current and complete residential address. For forms of ID considered acceptable, please contact the City Clerk's office. Voter Registration Application Read Instructions Carefully. (198 kb pdf File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader) Housing Recession? Stevens Point Bucks Trend - Home Prices have Posted Gains Here February, 2008 There was a 5.62% increase in the average price of a valid house sale last year in the City of Stevens Point. The median sale price also increased by 6.67%. Median is the value that ½ of all home sales were greater and ½ home sales were less. The number of valid home sales also rose slightly last year as well. There were 379 valid home sales in 2007. This compares to 375 in 2006 and a record 383 in 2005. According to Mayor Andrew Halverson, "It is my opinion, based on this factual information, that if the slowing economy and difficult credit conditions caused by the meltdown in the subprime mortgage market hurt home sales, it is having less effect on Stevens Point home values than in other areas." People have been hearing a lot of things about the economy, and there is a certain perception of where values are headed. But real estate values are not falling here in Stevens Point. Last year even saw an increase in home sales over $200,000. In 2006, there were 35 sales greater than or equal to $200,000, and in 2007 there were 44 such home sales. "It is very clear, based on the diversified economy we have in Stevens Point, that we tend to be a bit more insulated from major economic swings," stated Mayor Halverson. See the Data: Stevens Point Residential Sales Analysis 25 KB pdf File Requires Free Acrobat Reader City of Stevens Point taking applications for Full-Time Positions February, 2008 The City of Stevens Point is accepting applications for Senior Accountant, a challenging full-time position in the Comptroller-Treasurer's Office. The Senior Accountant performs complex accounting and financial work. 2008 Salary is $45,000 plus excellent benefits. Get More Information about this Position. The City of Stevens Point is also accepting applications for Assistant Superintendent of Streets / Fleet Maintenance Supervisor. Duties of this Full-Time position include the oversight of maintenance for City vehicle fleet and equipment, as well as coordination of vehicle and equipment replacement. Starting salary: $46,400 plus excellent benefits. Get More Information about this Position. Automated Garbage / Recycling Collection Information January, 2008 City of Stevens Point residents will be receiving new rolling carts for refuse (garbage) and recycling when the automated refuse and recycling program begins later in 2008. The new automated collection program will allow the city to serve our growing community at a lower cost, and will provide better service to our customers while reducing the chance of worker injuries. This is a citywide initiative focused on making city government more proactive and efficient, using innovation and technology to provide quality services to a growing community while controlling costs to taxpayers. "Special assistance" waste collection service will be available to residents who are disabled or have a handicap and cannot move their cart. See the Top 10 things everyone should know about the Automated Program. $20 million AIG Project will bring Hundreds of New Jobs to Stevens Point January, 2008 AIG, through the Noel Group and Travel Guard, has a long history in Stevens Point and it has played a huge role in our economy for many years. Today's announcement means that role will not only continue for another generation, but that it will expand to a level that I imagine is what John and Patty Noel knew was possible when they started the Noel Group so many years ago. A project of this size and scope will have an incredible impact on our local and regional economy. A $20 million building project of over 125,000 expandable to 250,000 square feet, means good paying construction jobs, and that new building will need people, AIG Travel Guard already employs over 800 people with good paying jobs here in town, and they'll hire several hundred more over the months following the projects completion; due to growth averaging between 30-40% per year. The new AIG building will also give our business park a tremendous anchor and foundation, spurring further growth in and around the business park; supporting the City of Stevens Point and our region for years to come. It's important to note that we made an aggressive incentive offer in order to make this happen. Attracting and keeping businesses is competitive, not just regionally but globally; but when you have a partner with a proven track record of success in your community, along with an economic impact of their proposal that could change the direction of our entire local economy; the incentives are well worth the cost. There is no doubt the City of Stevens Point, Village of Plover and Portage County are thrilled most importantly to have retained such a great company. Many people deserve credit for this victory. I want to thank the numerous citizens who consistently voiced their support for keeping AIG in Stevens Point: Our Director of Community Development John Gardner worked tirelessly to help put this proposal together, as well as our City Comptroller/Treasurer John Schlice. I also need to thank Ministry Health Care for being as community oriented as they are in order to work with the City on a complicated land swap which was needed for us to be able to assemble a large enough parcel for AIG Travel Guard. I also want to thank members of the City Council for their strong steadfast support of economic development; and of course, AIG Travel Guard for making Stevens Point their permanent home, congratulations: we're proud to have you. Andrew Halverson, Mayor of Stevens Point 2007 Residential Housing Sales Figures Available January, 2008 If you wonder what your house is worth, or you want to find out what the house down the street sold for, or if you wonder if your home's assessment is fair and equitable compared to recent sales, or you are an appraiser looking for comparables, the Assessor's Office has posted the 2007 Residential Sales spreadsheet that provides the information you need. See the 2007 Residential Sales Spreadsheet (90 KB .xls Microsoft Excel File.)(To download and save the spreadsheet on your PC, right-click on the link and chose "save target as.") Winter Tree Pruning in Progress January, 2008 City of Stevens Point Forestry Department personnel are currently pruning street trees. The city maintains a four-year pruning cycle. That means that every tree in the right-of-way, usually trees located between the street and sidewalk, is pruned at least once every four years if needed. The city is responsible for all work performed on the trees in the right-of-way. The pruning crew is trained in proper pruning techniques that follow industry standards. Trees are pruned when they are young to train them to maintain a strong central leader and sound branching structure. As trees grow, they are pruned to provide sixteen feet of clearance above the street, and eight feet above sidewalks. Dead, diseased, insect infested, crossing and rubbing limbs, and competing leaders are some of the things the crew is pruning out of the street trees. Get more information about tree pruning. Christmas Tree Disposal January, 2008 City of Stevens Point residents may take their Christmas trees to the city's recycling and yard waste drop-off, which is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Residents who are physically unable to take their tree to the drop-off may leave it at their curb before the second week of January. Polka Music returns to Channel 3 January, 2008 Although it only played on Community Television (channel 3) for a short time last year, a volunteer-produced program called "Musical Songfest" prompted more telephone calls to Channel 3's office than any program has in at least 15 years. Many of those calls came from people wondering why the show wasn't on any more after the producer asked channel 3 to stop playing it (because it is now being shown on a local broadcast channel that wanted exclusive rights to the program). Beginning this week, Polka Music Lovers can tune to channel 3 and watch a new program, called "Polka Potpourri," which is also produced by a volunteer polka music fan from Central Wisconsin. A different episode can be seen every week at the following times: Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. See the complete Channel 3 Program Schedule. Vote for Top 10 Influential Events January, 2008 The Point 150 Committee has put together a list of 26 memorable events that they feel were the most influential in shaping this great community over the past 150 years. Please vote for your Top 3. Deadline for voting wa 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 25. Read Information about the 26 Events 66 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Vote for Top 10 Influential People January, 2008 The Point 150 Committee has put together a list of 24 individuals and 2 groups of people who they feel were the most influential in shaping this great community over the past 150 years. Deadline for voting was 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 18. Design a Commemorative Point Beer Can January, 2008 The Point 150 Committee and the Stevens Point Brewery are offering a special promotional design contest to celebrate the City of Stevens Point's 150th birthday in 2008. Community members who have access to graphic design tools are invited to submit their artistic concepts for a commemorative Point 150 Can! Deadline for entries was 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22. See the Contest Rules 63 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Download the Can Template 371 KB File Requires Free Adobe Acrobat Reader Celebrate Stevens Point's 150th Birthday January, 2008 On Saturday, January 12, the city of Stevens Point kicked off a year-long celebration in honor of its 150th Anniversary. With our city reaching this milestone, we are offered an opportunity to look back and cherish the moments that have been, appreciate them, and look forward to things to come. The 150th Anniversary of Stevens Point allows us to appreciate our heritage and celebrate the moments that molded our community. Join us in celebrating! See a list of activities planned for 2008! Snow Removal Reminder January, 2008 For the safety of all in our community who use sidewalks in the Winter, home owners and building occupants are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their house or building within 24 hours of the end of any snowfall, except in those areas where there is no boulevard, in which case snow must be removed within 48 hours. If it is not removed by you, the city may have it removed by a contractor and will add the bill to your property taxes. Do NOT throw snow into the street without specific permission from the Public Works Director. Throwing snow into the street can cause unsafe driving conditions, and city plows and other vehicles can push the snow right back onto your sidewalk when they pass, so throw the snow toward the side of the sidewalk that's away from the street. If there is a fire hydrant in front of your house, please keep it completely clear of snow all Winter - the home you save could be your own! The Police and Street Departments both ask that all residents help keep their neighborhoods safe by shoveling the wheelchair curb cuts at intersections, and pay particular attention to sidewalks and crosswalks in school zones. See Complete Snow Removal Regulations.         See All Home Page News Archives         Search this Site Site Index Departments Home