SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT

SCHOFIELD FALL,
SPOTLIGHT
2010
PAGE 33
ISSUE
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
Dates to Remember... Citizens of Schofield:
Compost Site Extended Hours
October 18-22 - 7 AM-8 PM
Fall Clean-Up
October 22 - 10 AM-5 PM
October 23 - 8 AM-NOON
Make a Difference Day
October 23
Hydrant Flushing
November 1 - November 19
Community Halloween Party
October 31 - 1-3 PM
Greenheck Fieldhouse
Trick-or-Treat
October 31 - 4-7 PM
No Overnight Parking
November 1 - March 31
Regular City
Council Meetings
Are held the second Tuesday
of the month October through
March at 6 p.m. and April
through September at 7 p.m.
at Schofield City Hall in the
Council Chambers.
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the current
situation with the Mayor position in the City of Schofield.
With the unfortunate death of Mayor Allen Bremer last
June, it became my responsibility as President of the City
Council to assume the duties of Mayor in his absence. At
that point, the City Council had several options to fill the
Mayoral vacancy. Being that the vacancy occurred after
June 1st, a special election is not an option per State Statute. The Council could have appointed an Interim Mayor
to fill the vacancy until the next election in April, 2011.
What the Council ultimately chose to do was not to take
any formal action. By doing that, I continue to fulfill the duties of President of
the Council which as stated before includes assuming the duties of the Mayor
in his absence. Therefore, I will remain as Acting Mayor until either the Council
appoints an Interim Mayor or until the April, 2011 election.
I would like to give you, the citizens of Schofield, the same assurance that
I gave Mayor Bremer before his death. That assurance is that as long as I fill
the role as your Mayor, I will give that responsibility my complete and thorough
attention. I will carry out the duties of the position to the best of my ability.
At the current time we are working on several very important issues. One,
of course, is the 2011 City budget. With the current economic climate and the
issue the State has with its budget, we will be challenged to continue to provide
you with the services you expect and deserve with little or no increase in overall
spending.
We have also been working with the Wisconsin D.N.R. to clear up some compliance issues with our storm water runoff permit.
Recently, we have secured funding from the Metropolitan Planning Organization to cover approximately one half of the reconstruction costs for South Grand
Avenue. The M.P.O. is a group that administers State funds for road projects in
this area. This is the first time the City of Schofield has been able to get funding
through this group. This is great news for Schofield as the funding committed
to our project is approximately $900,000. I have detailed more about this in my
Public Works update.
In conclusion I would like to say that I am honored to be serving as your
Mayor. As always, if you have any comments or suggestions please contact
me.
Sincerely,
Ken Fabel, Acting Mayor
City of Schofield
Pictures Wanted! “City of Schofield Pride”
Send us a picture(s) of your favorite Schofield location and we may post it
on our website. Photo should be no wider than 500 pixels. Email your photo(s)
along with the location and your name (will be posted with picture) to lreeves@
cityofschofield.org. (Photo postings are at the discretion of the City.)
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Thank you from Esther
Bremer and Family......
I want to thank the Citizens of Schofield, council members and city staff for
the love and support you showed Allen
and our entire family during his 2½
year battle with colon cancer. Whether
you offered supportive words, sent
cards, food, plants, flowers or offered
a prayer for us..................please know
that you helped us endure and gave
us strength to keep going.
My husband Allen truly loved being
your Mayor. It was his life’s passion
because he grew up here and wanted
Schofield to continue to be a beautiful
and safe place to live. Some of Allen’s
favorite times as Mayor were when he
walked the neighborhoods during his
campaigns and visited with all of you.
He enjoyed talking to residents about
their concerns and ideas. Another
special time for Allen was when he
delivered Christmas food baskets from
the city’s annual food drive. One little
boy even said “Thank you Allen”. We
asked how he knew who Allen was
and he replied, “From your campaign
magnet on the refrigerator”. Allen sure
got a kick out of that.
Probably Allen’s proudest moment
was when he was able to visit the
James Krause Mayoral Park a week
before he died. That park and what
it stands for was so important to Allen
and we are all grateful he was able to
visit the park, see his paver stone, and
sit on the Mayors’ bench. We have
pictures of that and I will treasure them
always.
Thank you again,
Esther
Butterfly Garden
This summer along with the Mayoral
Walk we had a butterfly garden built at our
James Krause Mayoral Park. The butterfly
garden will need a couple of years for the
plants to grow big enough to attract butterflies. The type of flowers in our garden will
only attract butterflies for food and not for
reproducing.
The monarch butterfly lays its eggs on
the milk weed plant. From there the eggs
Photo Courtesy of Tom Wetterneck
hatch into larva and mature into caterpillars.
They then find a stem or branch to change into a cocoon and later hatch into butterflies. The butterfly will only live for two to six weeks with its main purpose to lay eggs
before it dies. This life cycle is repeated about four times with the last two cycles here
in Wisconsin. The last butterflies to hatch in September and October will migrate
south to Texas or Mexico. This is where they hibernate. Maybe you have seen pictures of the thousands of butterflies in one tree. They are the lucky ones to live for
eight to nine months. They then start the migration north laying eggs along the way.
It is usually June before they get this far. They can fly up to about 200 miles in a day.
Up to 95% of all monarch eggs do not make it to full mature butterflies. They have
a lot of predators such as ants, spiders, and flies, not to mention the weather, and
mowing down the milk weed.
To help out the success rate I have bought a butterfly sanctuary. I hope to have a
couple more by spring. This is a screened-in container I have on wheels and hope to
keep at the park. If everything goes right we will have monarchs in all stages of their
life cycle for you to observe next summer. I hope that while you and your children
check out the caterpillars and cocoons you will be careful of the delicate butterfly containers. The containers will be put away each night and brought out in the morning.
I want to thank the city crew for the cart they made to wheel the container around
for your observation pleasure.
Kregg Hoehn
Parks & Recreation Chairperson, 4th Ward Alderman
Recipe Corner
Meet Virgine (Jeanie) G. White, City of Schofield Election Worker
Cranberry Apple Pie
2 ½ cups of cranberries
1 ½ cups of sliced apples
1 ½ cups of sugar
3 tbsp of quick cooking tapioca
3 tbsp of water
Combine the above ingredients in a large bowl and let stand
until you make the crust (top & bottom). Bake in a hot oven
at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce the temperature to
350 degrees and continue to bake for about 30 minutes until
the crust is golden brown.
Jeanie White has been a member of the Schofield community for 56 years, 36 of which
have been served as an election worker. Bob Gwidt was Mayor at the time. One of her
highlights of being an election worker was when the ballot machine was fixed, so it wouldn’t
jam anymore!
Jeanie chose the Cranberry Apple Pie because she likes cranberries and is always
looking for new recipes. She found this one in Better Homes and Gardens.
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Everest Metro Police Department News
MARATHON COUNTY SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS UNIT (SIU)
On August 26, 2010, the Marathon County Special
Investigations Unit was recognized as the “Drug Unit of
the Year” by the Wisconsin Narcotic Officers Association.
Officer Dan Goff of the Everest Metro Police Department
also received a letter of Commendation from the
Marathon County District Attorney’s Office for his role
in SIU as a lead investigator
in a major drug case. This
case resulted in numerous
felony convictions following
Chief Wally Sparks
a two-year investigation into
a cocaine trafficking ring that was operating in the
Wausau area in 2008-2009. The investigation also
resulted in the federal indictment of a major Chicago
cocaine distributor, who is believed to be responsible
for the sale and distribution of between 40 to 50 kilos
of cocaine into the central and northern areas of
Wisconsin. A federal arrest warrant was issued and
members of SIU and the Chicago PD arrested this
subject in Chicago on March 17th 2010.
New Community Service Officer
The department is pleased to welcome “Officer Leah” Long as the department’s
new Community Service Officer (CSO). She started her official duties on September 6, 2010 and replaces Officer Brenda Pellowski who served as CSO and
did an outstanding job serving the community in that capacity for the past six
years. Officer Long will teach DARE classes to our 5th grade children and will
serve as the department’s liaison to, or directly involved with, many community
service programs including: Crime Stoppers, Marathon County Domestic Abuse
Intervention, Reduction and Fatality Review Teams, Marathon County Adults at
Risk I Team, Marathon County Restorative Justice Program, Safe Kids Coalition, Neighborhood
Watch, Child Passenger Safety Seat Checks, Family Advocacy Mentoring, National Night Out, Gifts
from Heaven, Child Advocacy Center of North
Central Wisconsin, Everest Optimist Club & Bike
Rodeo. Officer Long will also be handling a number
of other educational and service related functions
that directly benefit our local youth and schools programs.
Join United Way Volunteer
Connection for . . .
Make A
Difference Day
On October 23, join United Way
Volunteer Connection and volunteers across our community for
Make A Difference Day.
You,
your family or a group can make
a difference that day by volunteering to rake for someone elderly or
disabled, hauling bagged leaves
to the yard waste site, or making
a donation of food, toiletry items
or winter outerwear to help neighbors in need.
All projects are
happening from 8 am-noon at the
Wausau National Guard Armory.
Register in advance or read the
details
online
at
www.united-
waymc.org/madd.
For residents in need of raking
help, the request deadline has
passed.
Welcome New Businesses
We're happy you are in Schofield!!!
T&D Truck Repair
El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant
Please call Volunteer
Connection at 715-848-2927 to
get on the “stand-by” list for this
year or to get included on the list
for assistance in 2011.
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Greetings from Schofield Fire Department
The Firefighters were busy this summer training in a house
on Spring Street that was later demolished. Training in
vacant homes provides valuable hands-on, real scenarios.
If you have a house or a building/garage that is going to be
vacant or demolished please contact the Fire Chief to give
the Firefighters the opportunity to train in a real situation.
Schofield EMT’s have responded to 85 ambulance calls as
of July 31st 2010 and 23 fire calls.
Firefighters are out and about doing fire safety inspections
at all Schofield businesses and apartments. We do these
to ensure the safety of the employees, the public and the
Chief Tracy Fremming
Firefighters responding to a fire call there.
Schofield Fire Department is currently seeking residents for employment. You
do not have to be an EMT or Firefighter; we will send you to the classes and
pay for them. You must be 18 years old, live in Schofield and have a current
driver’s license. You respond from home via pager and are paid per run and for
training. Please pick up an application from City Hall or on our website at www.
cityofschofield.org.
With winter just around the corner, remember to keep your fire hydrants
shoveled all winter.
County Board Update
The
County
Board’s primary
focus over the
past two months
has
been
evaluate
to
and
rank all County
Ken Fabel
County Board Supervisor
District 16
and 3rd Ward Alderman
programs.
The
reason this has
been done is that
extremely difficult
budgeting decisions for 2011 and
2012 are anticipated. It is expected
that some programs will have to be
reduced or eliminated.
The ranking process was completed
at a special County Board retreat
in
August.
With
the
information
generated through this process, Brad
Karger, the County Administrator,
City Employees
along with his staff will now prepare
City of Schofield employees work hard everyday to make our city a great place to
live and work. Employees are (left to right):
a preliminary budget to present to
ranking of programs will be reflected in
Kevin King, Public Works/Zoning Administrator
Jarrod Zilisch, Public Works
Virgil Wenzel, Public Works
Mark Thuot, Public Works
Lori Hauswirth, Deputy Clerk/Treasurer
Lisa Reeves, Clerk/Treasurer
Rick Stoviak, Public Works
Email Addresses at City Hall
Acting Mayor Ken Fabel
Public Works/Kevin King
Clerk/Treasurer/Lisa Reeves
Deputy Clerk/Treas/Lori Hauswirth
Building Inspector/Dan Dziadosz
Website
The City of Schofield’s website
has all the latest calendar of events,
agendas, minutes and much, much
more. You can view the website at
http://cityofschofield.org.
kfabel@frontier.net
kking@cityofschofield.org
lreeves@cityofschofield.org
lhauswirth@cityofschofield.org
ddzia@charter.net
the Board. The expectation is that the
his proposed budget.
I’m sure that the news media will
continue to provide coverage on where
cuts to various programs will be made.
If you have any questions, concerns,
or comments on this or any other
County Board issues, please contact
me. I would appreciate hearing from
anyone who has an opinion on this
before final approval of the budget in
November.
Ken Fabel
County Board Supervisor District 16
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Leaf and Brush Policy
Under the City of Schofield Burning
Ordinance 23-370, leaves and brush
cannot be burned within City limits.
You can haul your leaves and brush
to the compost site on Drott Street
or the City will pick up curbside. To
utilize curbside pickup, brush should
be neatly piled with the large ends of
the brush facing the street and leaves
must be bagged. No grass clippings
allowed in pickup.
Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal
Public Works News
Compost Site Hours
Mon.-Tues., Thurs.-Fri. – 7 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Wed. - 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sat. - 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Closed Sun. and Holidays
Compost Site Extended Hours
During Fall Cleanup Week
Monday-Friday, October 18 - 22
7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cleanup Dates
Friday, October 22nd – 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday, October 23rd – 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Winter Parking
The owner, occupant or person in
charge of any building fronting upon
or adjoining any street, and the owner,
or person in charge of any unoccupied
dwelling or lot fronting any street, is
required to remove snow and ice from
your sidewalk within 24 hours after a
snowfall. Please do not throw snow
or ice in the streets. The City would
like to thank residents who shovel out
around fire hydrants.
With winter around the corner, issues
arise regarding parking on City
streets. The City has an ordinance
which goes into effect from November 1st to March 31st stating that “no
person shall park any vehicle on any
public street or highway in the City of
Schofield between the hours of 2 a.m.
and 6 a.m.” This allows the City crew a
clear road for snow removal.
Snowmobile Regulation
Christmas Tree Pickup
It is unlawful for anyone to operate a
snowmobile upon any public right of
way, in any public park, sidewalk pedestrian way, or on any other public municipal property in the City of Schofield.
Fall Cleanup
Items need to be brought to the cleanup site at the shelter parking lot by City
Hall, 200 Park Street. For the elderly,
the City workers will pick up items
at your residence if you have item/s
placed curbside. You MUST call 715359-5230 by Tuesday the week of
the cleanup to make arrangements
for payment and pickup.
The City of Schofield Public Works
Department will pick up your Christmas tree curbside during the month
of January. Remember to remove all
ornaments and lights.
Christmas Tree Safety
A dry cut evergreen tree can become a raging inferno in seconds. Follow these safety precautions to ensure that the only
thing burning brightly is your spirits:
• Water, water, water. Never let a cut tree dry out. Check the tree stand’s water reservoir frequently, particularly when you first bring the tree into your home. If the water does fall below the bottom of the tree, even for a few minutes,
recut the trunk about an inch up.
• Location, location, location. Place the tree well away from heat sources like radiators, fireplaces, wood stoves, and hot air vents.
• Recheck for dryness. On a daily basis, check for excessive needle drop or
dry, brittle needles. (Needles should bend easily without breaking.) If your
tree fails these tests, it is dry and has become a fire hazard.
• Use only approved lights. Look for the UL seal on all Christmas lights. Never allow candles near a tree.
• Keep cords at bay. To avoid a tripping hazard, stow extension cords out of
traffic lanes near the tree.
New DNR Rules
New DNR rules will now require chlorination of City wells. We will be adding
corrosion control measures by the end
of this year. If you have any questions
feel free to contact Kevin King at 715241-8863.
WPS Light Poles
If you notice a WPS light that is burned
out, jot down the pole number (example: 17ac76) and call WPS at
1-800-450-7260 to make them aware
of the outage.
Off-Premise
Advertising Prohibited
The City of Schofield prohibits offpremise advertising of any kind. This
includes, but is not limited to, garage
sale signs, real estate signs, temporary
banners, etc. Any sign you put up must
be located on your property.
Random Acts of Being Neighborly
Please be sure to help your elderly neighbors with their leaf raking and snow
shoveling. We all could use some extra help from time to time and this is a great
opportunity to show our neighbors we care!
Kevin King
Public Works
Zoning Administrator
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Parks and Recreation Committee Report
Another summer has come and gone and with it we
have had many changes. Our great City has lost another
Mayor way too early. This early summer we had our dedication of the James Krause Mayoral Park. Thank you to
all the citizens that showed up for it. A special thank you to
all the City crew along with Lisa Krause for all of their work.
Thanks to Kevin King, our Public Works Administrator for
donating the food and also cooking for us that day. If you
haven’t visited the park recently we have a Mayoral Walk
honoring all of our Mayors for their service. We also put in
a butterfly garden. Look on page 2 in this edition of the Schofield Spotlight for an
article on the butterfly garden.
The tennis courts at our James Krause Mayoral Park have been repainted. The
new stripes are for pickle ball, a sport that is gaining popularity. If you want to
know more about this sport you can look it up on the internet or better yet ask the
people using our courts.
We are working on the boat landing above the dam as we go to print. This
should be done in the next few weeks.
We will be refinishing the wooden picnic tables in our parks this winter. Hopefully they will be finished by spring. We would like to thank Intercity Bank, Greenheck and Grand Daddy’s for donating park benches this summer. Also Mayor
Bremer’s family has donated a picnic table to be put at the Mayoral Park in honor
of Al Bremer. Another thank you goes out to Norm Zurawski for making the new
Mayoral Park sign.
Remember, check out our web site, www.cityofschofield.org for things
happening to our City. We have a link for parks with pictures of some of the parks.
The updated pictures of all the parks will be ready by late fall.
Sincerely, Kregg Hoehn
Rental Facilities
Public Works Update
By the time this newsletter is printed
work will be completed on the Landon
Street reconstruction project. Several
other street repair and chip seal projects
were also completed this year. We are
currently working on finalizing our budget which includes projects for 2011. If
you have comments or suggestions for
projects you would like to see included
for 2011, please contact Kevin King or
myself.
As mentioned in the Mayor’s comments,
our South Grand Avenue reconstruction
project has been approved for funding
by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. The amount approved was $892,179
which is approximately one half of the
anticipated cost. The Schofield portion of
the project will be from Kort Street to the
stop and go lights by the Eau Claire River
Bridge. The reconstruction project will
most likely take place in 2013. We have
worked on securing funding for this project through the M.P.O. for several years
and the fact that it has been approved is
truly great news for the City. Without the
M.P.O funding, the City would have had to
absorb the entire cost of the project which
is approximately $1.8 million.
Once again if you have any comments
or questions on public works issues,
please contact myself or Kevin King.
Ken Fabel, Public Works Committee
Chairman & 3rd Ward Alderman
The City has several facilities available at City Hall for large gatherings.
Banquet Hall (inside City Hall)
This facility can accommodate a standing crowd of up to 360, or 257 people if chairs are set up; or 120 occupants if both tables
and chairs are used.
The hall features a full serving kitchen with appliances (stove/refrig/large coffee maker), bathroom facilities and a large blacktopped parking area. Chairs and tables are provided and must be set up and taken down by those using the facility.
Outdoor Shelter
Located on the grounds of City Hall at Schofield Park and directly in back of Schofield Elementary School, this facility is a rustic,
roofed shelter with a cement floor. Sixteen large picnic tables in the shelter can accommodate large gatherings.
The Shelter has kitchen facilities with appliances, indoor bathroom facilities and features a large stone fireplace. The area around
the shelter has a sand-based volleyball court with net and a scenic view of Lake Wausau (a chain-link
fence separates the lake/embankment from the shelter property). The softball diamond and playground
area/equipment adjoin the shelter property. Paved parking is plentiful.
Reservations
In person only at City Hall. Open dates can be checked by calling City Hall at 715-359-5230.
Resident
Non Resident
Indoor Hall
$100
$125
Park Shelter
$75
$100
Security Deposit Required
Reservations for both the Hall and Shelter require a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the rent fee. This
must be paid at the time of making the reservation and is in addition to the refundable key deposit of $50.
Dennis Richmond
Public Property
Chairperson
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Water & Sewer News
Water Usage
Water Rate Increase
The most common reasons for high water usage are excessive irrigation and
leaky plumbing fixtures. Following are some conservation tips and possible
causes of excessive water usage. Every water-using appliance or activity in
your home/business can make a difference.
• You can install faucet aerators and restrictors - inexpensive inserts that can help reduce water use. They’re easy to install by yourself.
• Periodically check throughout the house for leaky faucets and valves. Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An inexpensive washer is usually enough to stop them.
• Have you had extra guests? Remember, extra people mean more water usage.
• Check your toilet for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring to water in tank. If coloring appears in toilet bowl with out flushing, there is a leak. Also, listen for the sound of running water.
• Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. Any longer comes under the heading of recreation. Five-minute showers use less water than baths, and tub bathers should keep in mind that a half-
full tub cleans just as well as a full tub.
The City of Schofield Water & Sewer
Commission will be filing an application
with the Public Service Commission
for a 3% water rate increase on September 30, 2010. If the application is
approved by the PSC and City Council
the water rate increase will take effect
on January 1, 2011. If you have any
questions or concerns, please join the
Water & Sewer Commission at the
monthly meetings held on the second
Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.
Sewer Backups
Schofield residents and businesses having sewer backup problems should call
the Schofield Water/Sewer Department Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM
for a complete assessment before calling any sewer cleaning service. After 4:30
PM and on weekends, call the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department at 715-2611200 (DO NOT call 911). They will contact a City Utility Worker after normal working hours. A City Utility Worker will respond to all sewer backup requests for assistance.
The Schofield Utility will not provide any compensation to property owners or renters for damage done by sudden and accidental sewer backups. We recommend
that you add this coverage to your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Reminder: Do not place items such as personal hygiene products, clothing, diapers and small toys in the sewer lines. These items will plug your sewer lateral, City
sewer mains and could result in unnecessary expense for you and the City.
Unused & Unwanted
Medication Drop-Box Program
Drop Box Rules
• YES drop off over-the-counter or prescription drugs
• YES drop off medications in original containers
• YES remove personal information by either tearing off or marking out
• YES leave on medicine name and dosage
• NO radioactive chemo drugs or IV bags
• No needles or syringes
• No garbage or trash
Location & Times
Everest Metro Police Dept – 5303 Mesker Street, Weston
Drop Box in Public Lobby Area – M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
No holiday drop off
Rothschild Police Dept – 211 Grand Avenue, Rothschild
Drop Box in Public Entrance Area – 24/7-365 days a year
Wausau Police Dept. – 515 Grand Avenue, Wausau
Drop Slot in Public Lobby Area – M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m
No holiday drop off
Hydrant/Water Main Flushing
Mains will be flushed between 7 a.m.
and 3 p.m. Areas may experience
“dirty water” for short periods of time.
It’s best to leave an outside faucet run
for a short time to clear the problem.
Avoid the use of bleach in your laundry for it may stain your clothing during this time. Some areas may also
experience low water pressure during
this process.
Water Main Flushing Schedule
North End, November 1-5
South End, November 8-12
Industrial Park, November 15-19
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE Finance Committee Update
The Finance Committee will soon be reviewing the 2011
budget. Each year we must balance the need for services
provided and necessary capital outlays with our projected
unreserved funds and revenues. Like any business entity, a
large portion of our annual budget disbursements are for necessary services the City provides. These include police and
fire protection, garbage collection, bus and pool subsidies, labor costs and expenses of public works and staff employees,
debt payments, and general administrative expenses. These
are our fixed costs regardless of revenue. Discretionary disbursements in a given budget can include major equipment
James DeBauche
Finance Committee Chairperson purchases and street improvements.
th
& 4 Ward Alderperson
Per Acting Mayor Ken Fabel’s comments, we have received a large grant for reconstruction of South Grand Avenue. This is a project truly
needed and will save a considerable amount of interest if the City had to finance the
total cost of the reconstruction. The grant, however, will not cover the total cost of
construction. The projected completion date is 2013. The City’s portion of the cost
will have to be covered by the next few years’ budgets for street construction and/or
future bank borrowing. Bank loans can be a quick fix to balance an annual budget.
They do, however, have to be paid with interest and impact future budgets.
Having covered the budget disbursements, we go to the City’s revenue in the budget process. The main revenues are State Aids and grants and real estate taxes.
Your real estate tax statement includes County, State, two school districts and City
taxes. The City’s portion for 2009 on my personal tax statement was 31.17%. In the
budget process we have always tried to keep the City’s portion of your property tax
as low as possible. We do however have to provide services and programs needed
and are always subject to increased demand and inflation factors. The grants and
aids are also subject to change from year to year and impact the budgeting process.
Although our Mil rate per thousand in computing your city taxes may be higher than
some of our neighboring communities, Schofield to date has not in effect reduced
the rate by substituting separate fees for customary services. Examples of these
separate fees charged by other municipalities are garbage collection, fire hydrant,
and ground water fees. Your Schofield rate includes all of these services.
The new member of the Wausau City Council has suggested cooperation and
possible consolidations. This is not entirely new and undoubtedly will be discussed
in the future. Schofield has a good history in cooperating with other communities
to reduce the cost of providing services. We are always open to discussions which
will be beneficial to the City of Schofield and our neighboring communities.
If you have questions on any of the above information, please contact me. As
chairman of the Finance Committee and a 4th Ward Alderman, I am always interested in your thoughts and comments as they relate to the City of Schofield. You
may of course, also contact your ward’s council members and Acting Mayor, Ken
Fabel. I am sure they too want your input.
Jim DeBauche, 4th Ward Alderman
Dog and Cat Licenses
The City would like to remind you that
dog and cat tag licenses are required
each calendar year for your pet. The
tag licenses for 2011 will begin mid
December to be processed at the
Schofield City Hall. The license application will be mailed in your tax statement or can be filled out at City Hall. A
current copy of your pet’s rabies vaccination is required.
Fee: Dogs – Male/Female-$10
Spayed/Neutered-$5 Cats-$5
Pet Reminders
Tax Collection Information
REAL ESTATE
• At least 50% per parcel must be paid at City Hall or through Official Payments by January 31, 2011.
• After January 31, 2011 payments must be made to the Marathon County Treasurer.
• If at least 50% of each parcel’s tax is paid by January 31st, the balance due, without interest and penalty, at the County Treasurer’s office by July 31st. After that date, the bal-
ance remaining is subject to a 1.5% interest and penalty per month from February 1st.
• If no tax payments, or less than 50% of each parcel’s tax payment is made to City Hall or through
Official Payments by January 31st, any balance remaining is payable at the County Treasurer and sub-
ject to a 1.5% interest and penalty per month from February 1st.
PERSONAL PROPERTY
• Entire tax is due at City Hall or through Official Payments by Janu-
ary 31, 2011.
• Amounts not paid by January 31, 2011 are delinquent and bear inter-
est and penalty at 1.5% per month from February 1st.
You can use Official Payments by
going to: www.official payments.com
or calling 1-800-272-9829 (Jurisdiction code 6777). Official Payments
charges a 2.75% convenience fee.
Discover, Mastercard, Visa and American Express are accepted.
Boat Launch/Duck Hunters
Daily boat launch permits are still
available for duck hunters at the
boat launch site. As a reminder, duck
hunters are not allowed to discharge a
fire arm within 150 yards of shore.
• No more than 2 dogs and/or 2 cats allowed in one residential unit.
• Pets shall be vaccinated against rabies within 30 days after the pet reaches 4 months of age and revaccinated within 1 year after initial
vaccination.
• No dog or cat shall run at large in the City.
• No person shall exercise or walk a dog on a leash more than 6 feet in length.
• No person shall own any animal which by frequent or
habitual howling, yelping, barking, or wailing shall disturb other persons.
PAGE Building Permits
IS THERE A GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR WHEN A PERMIT IS NEEDED?
Yes, generally speaking, if the work that you plan on doing
is an alteration, that might affect light, ventilation, structural
elements, or exiting, a building permit is required.
GETTING A PERMIT - All permit requests will be routed
through the Zoning Administrator for review, prior to referring them to the Building Inspector for review. Applications
for a permit may be picked up at the municipal center, filled
Dan Dziadosz
out, and returned for review. Applications are then passed
Building Inspector
on to Building Inspector Dan Dziadosz for code compliance
review. You may call Kevin at the municipal building, 715-359-5230, or the public
works garage with your zoning questions. You may also call the municipal building
and leave a message. Either Kevin or Dan will return your call. The Building Inspector
is available Thursday evenings, or by appointment. You may call the municipal building, or call the Inspector directly, at 715-297-7115.
IS A PERMIT NEEDED FOR –
• New construction or an addition to a building? YES
• Remodeling of a house? YES
• Construction of detached garages and storage buildings? YES
• Construction of decks and porches? YES
• Residing or repairing a building with the SAME materials? NO
• Replacement of shingles? NO (one overlay only – however, if a structural repair is needed – a building permit is needed)
• Replacement of windows in the same openings? NO
• Installation of new windows? YES, if changing the opening size.
• Replacement of heating units, water heaters or air conditioners? NO
• Replacement of light fixtures, switches or plumbing fixtures? NO
• Installation of a satellite dish? YES
• Demolition or moving of a building? YES
• Construction of a fence? NO
WHAT IS THE COST OF A PERMIT? Permit fees vary depending on the work that
you will be doing. Always check if there is a question, as failure to get a required permit is a DOUBLE FEE.
CHANGES OF USE – Did you know that the change of use in a building requires that
building to be reviewed for changes in the code? Recent examples might include a
cold storage warehouse that is now being used to store something hazardous; or an
office building being converted to a restaurant. Several important code issues may
need to be addressed, such as exiting, toilet rooms and sprinkler systems. Another
type of change in use, involves the zoning and building code. As an example, if you
have a single-family residence in a commercial zoning district, the use of the building
is only approved as a single-family dwelling. It may not be converted to a commercial
use, even though the underlying land is zoned commercial. Changing a residence to
a commercial use usually involves having a registered architect, engineer or designer
review the building for commercial code compliance, and then submitting it to the
State of Wisconsin for their approval.
City Council Meetings from
October to April are now
being held at 6 p.m. the second
Tuesday of the month.
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
Winterize Your Water Pipes
Prepare your plumbing (outside and
inside) for freezing weather. Know what
to do during freezing weather and if your
pipes freeze or break.
OUTSIDE PLUMBING
• Caulk around pipes where they
enter the house. Close all foundation
vents. Cut wood or styrofoam blocks to
fit vent openings, then slide them into the
vents. Open the vents again in the spring
to prevent dry rot.
• Protect outside pipes and faucets.
In some homes, the outside faucet has a
separate shut-off in the basement. If you
have a separate valve, shut if off. Then
go outside and turn on all the faucets to
drain water in the lines. Leave the outside
faucets on while you go back and check
your outside shut-off valve for a small
brass plug or cap on the valve. Turn this
plug far enough that water drains from
the valve. Then, tighten the plug back
and turn off all the outside faucets.
• Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs.
Do this if you don’t have a separate valve
to turn off outside faucets. (Also remember to disconnect garden hoses.) Use
newspaper or rags covered with plastic,
fiberglass or molded foam insulating covers to wrap the faucet.
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
Check manufacturer’s instructions for the
best way to do this.
INSIDE PLUMBING
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas
such as the crawl space, attic, garage
or basement. Use insulating tape or
molded pipe sleeve and wrap it over the
entire length of exposed pipe.
• Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for several days. (Turn off the water heater
before draining the system.) Turn off the
main shut-off valve, then go through the
house and turn on all faucets, sinks, tubs,
showers, etc., and flush the toilets. Go
back to the valve and remove the plug so
that it can drain completely. Follow-up by
re-tightening the valve and turning off the
open faucets.
• Open cupboard doors in the kitchen
and bathrooms. Leaving the cupboard
doors open when the temperature is
below freezing allows pipes behind the
cupboards to get more heat.
• Let the water run if the temperature
dips below freezing. (A stream slightly
smaller than a pencil width should be sufficient.) Faucets farthest from the street
should be the ones left running. Using
cold water will save on your gas or electric bill.
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 10
Electronics Banned from Landfills
Wisconsin’s electronics recycling law, 2009 Wisconsin Act 50, was signed into
law by Governor Doyle in October 2009. The law established a collection and
recycling system in Wisconsin for certain consumer electronic devices discarded
by households, K-12 public schools and Milwaukee Parental Choice Program
schools. This is now called the E-Cycle Wisconsin program.
The law also enacted a disposal ban that restricts landfilling or incineration of
these devices as of September 1, 2010. The following electronics are covered in
the ban:
• Televisions
• Computers (including desktop, laptop, netbook and tablet computers)
• Desktop printers (including those that scan, fax, or copy)
• Computer monitors
• Other computer accessories including keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives and flash drives
• DVD players, DVRs, VCRs and other video players
• Fax machines
• Cell phones
This ban covers everyone in the state, and applies no matter where a device
was purchased or who used it. Households, schools, businesses, governments
and institutions are all covered under the ban.
Marathon County
Hazardous Waste Site
Has Moved!
Hazardous waste can
now be dropped off at
Marathon County
Solid Waste Department
R18500 E. Hwy. 29 – Ringle, WI
Materials Accepted
Degreasers – Cleaning Solvents
Drain Cleaners – Dry Cleaning Fluid
Floor/Furniture Polish
Mildew Cleaners
Herbicides – Insecticides
Metal Cleaners – Oven Cleaners
Oil-based Paints – Solvents
Strippers – Thinners
Turpentine – Varnish
Creosote – Fuel – Ether
Questions? Call 715-446-3101 Ext. 2
Schofield Feels the Affects of the September 24, 2010 Flood Waters
South Grand Avenue
Boat dock at Schofield Lions Boat Landing
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 11
2010 Community Halloween Party
Sunday, October 31, 2010 - 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Greenheck Fieldhouse
Fun, Games and Prizes
for All Children through Grade-School Age
Sponsored by:
EMPD & Schofield & Weston Businesses
Anyone looking for additional information or any businesses
that would like to contribute towards this event can contact
Officer Leah Long at (715) 359-4202.
Halloween Trick or Treat Hours for the City of Schofield
October 31, 2010
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Please heed these basic recommended safety tips to keep your children safe:
~ Have each child carry or wear something “lit” (flashlight, glow stick, etc.).
~ Plan a route in advance.
~ Children of any age should be accompanied by a parent.
~ Never allow children to eat any candy before it is inspected (throw away any “opened” candy).
~ Children should walk, not run and avoid cutting across yards or driveways where hidden obstacles may be present.
Only trick or treat at houses that are lit.
PAGE 12
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 13
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 14
Garbage and Recycling Collection
Garbage Pick-up Days (please have to curb by 6 a.m.)
North of Eau Claire River Bridge: every Tuesday - South of Eau Claire River Bridge: every Wednesday
Recycling Pick-up Days (please have to curb by 6 a.m.)
North of Eau Claire River Bridge: 1st Tuesday of each month - South of Eau Claire River Bridge: 1st Wednesday of each month
Veolia Waste Services Midwest Inc.
Veolia ES Solid Waste LLC is the handler of waste and recycling in the City of Schofield. Our goal is to make recycling as
easy as possible for you. Changes have been made in the sorting of recycling materials. The color of your bins does not
matter.
** During Holiday weeks, always expect a pickup a day later, after scheduled Holiday.
(ex. Memorial Day, Monday’s pickup will be Tuesday, and everything that week is a day later.)
SPECIAL WASTE RECYCLING
USED MOTOR OIL
Motor oil should be left curbside on your recycling day in a plastic container with lid fastened. (milk jug)
BATTERIES
Lead acid batteries (car, lawnmower, motorcycle, etc.)
CONTAINER FOR CO-MINGLE (any color bin)
#1 PLASTICS
These primary plastics include pop bottles. Rinse and remove caps and rings. (Look at bottom of container for number
)
#2 PLASTICS
These plastics include milk jugs & detergent bottles. Rinse and remove caps and rings. (Look at bottom of container for number
)
GLASS
Clear, Brown and Green in color. Only bottles and jars. Rinse and remove cap and metal rings. DO NOT BREAK GLASS!! NO
CERAMICS, DISHES OR WINDOW GLASS!!!
ALUMINUM CANS
Do not crush cans. (cans only)
TIN/BI-METAL CANS
Rinse and remove labels from cans. (food cans only)
CONTAINER FOR PAPER PRODUCTS/FIBERS
CORRUGATED CARDBOARD
Flatten boxes. They do not need to be tied. (All contaminated cardboard including pizza boxes should go in your regular trash.)
OFFICE PAPER, NEWSPAPER,
MAGAZINES
Place in a paper bag and then place next to cardboard.
*If you have any questions, or have to schedule large item pickups, call Veolia at: 715-359-6637.
Veolia also offers a 95 gallon cart service for $6 a month.
Stickers are available at Schofield City Hall for $1 each for additional bags.
Veolia Waste Services Midwest Inc. - Wausau
5509 Fuller Street, Weston, WI 54476-3106
Phone 715-359-6637 Fax 715-359-2123
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 15
Direct Bill Payment
Take advantage of the FREE DIRECT BILL PAYMENT SERVICE we are offering at the City of Schofield Utilities. You
can have your utility bill electronically paid from any bank, savings & loan or credit union account. Sign up today to start
enjoying these benefits:
*No check to write.
*No more late payment charges.
*No postage to pay.
*No matter where you are your bill will be paid.
The due date that appears on your bill is the date the funds are withdrawn from your account.
To sign up for the City of Schofield Utilities Direct Bill Payment Option service, please fill out the attached form, and along
with a CHECK OR SAVINGS DEPOSIT SLIP marked “VOID”, drop off or mail it to the City of Schofield Utilities address
found on the form. If you have any questions, please contact us at 715-359-5230.
(Clip and return bottom half)
Application for Electronic Payment
Please clip out and return this electronic transfer authorization agreement.
Name on City of Schofield Utilities Bill (please print)
Customer Address
Name of Financial Institution
Account Number
Telephone Number
Telephone Number
Address of Financial Institution Routing Number
Name of Bank Account Holder
Account Number
I hereby authorize the financial institution named to charge my:
r Checking Account
Authorized Signature
r Savings Account
Date
Mail this completed form along with a check or savings deposit slip marked “Void” to:
City of Schofield Utilities
200 Park Street
Schofield, WI 54476
Resident Extended Vacancy Form
(**Don’t Pay Late Fees)
If you leave home for any extended period of time (one month or more), complete this form and send it to
City of Schofield Utilities (address above) to receive your utility bill on time.
Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Expected Departure Date_ ________________________________________________________________________________
Expected Return Date____________________________________________________________________________________
Forwarding Address_ ____________________________________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip___________________________________________________________________________________________
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
Prsrt Std
PAGE 16
SCHOFIELD SPOTLIGHT
US Postage
Paid
Wausau WI
Permit # 3
200 Park Street
Schofield, WI 54476
Phone: 715-359-5230
Fax: 715-359-5973
www.cityofschofield.org
ELECTED OFFICIALS
CITY OF SCHOFIELD
OFFICE HOURS AND PHONE NUMBERS
Ken Fabel, Acting Mayor
715-573-1410
City Clerk/Treasurer Public Works/Zoning Offices
Kevin Fabel, Ward 1
Robert Szekeress, Ward
1
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
715-581-3478 715-359-2642
715-359-5230 715-241-8863
Joan Joss, Ward 2 Fred Will, Ward 2
715-359-3524 715-573-7071
Building Inspector After Hours Emergencies
Ken Fabel, Ward 3 Dennis Richmond, Ward
3
715-297-7115 (after 4:30 p.m. and weekends)
715-573-1410 715-359-7575
Call the Marathon County
Kregg Hoehn, Ward 4 James DeBauche, Ward
4
Everest Metro Police Sheriff’s Department
715-581-0924 715-359-6704
715-359-4202 (non-emergency) 715-261-1200
Regular City Council Meetings:
Are held the second Tuesday of the month October through March at 6 p.m. and
April through September at 7 p.m. at Schofield City Hall in the Council Chambers.
Compost Site Extended Hours
(Monday-Friday, October 18-22)
Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Be prepared to show identification
to verify you live in Schofield.
Fall Cleanup Dates and Times
Oct. 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Oct 23, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cleanup drop off site is at City Hall on
Park Street. Note: Fees assessed to
residents reflect what the City is
charged to dispose of items.
Water Main Flushing/
Sewer Jetting Schedule
North End, November 1-5
South End, November 8-12
Industrial Park, November 15-19