Burlington Spotlight
January 2005

UPCOMING 2005 PROJECTS

As most of you noticed the City had many new developments and major projects going on in 2004. With Burlington continuing to grow there are several more developments and projects ahead for the City in 2005. The following is an overview of some of those projects:

Department of Public Works

Once again, the City of Burlington will be implementing the Sidewalk Reconstruction Program. Existing sidewalks, where complaints have been received, will be removed and replaced. This work will be performed along with the contract for the 2005 Street Improvement Program. The sidewalk work will be assessed to the property owners. It is a 50/50 cost share with the City. Those property owners affected will be properly notified by mail.

In addition, the City will be installing connecting sidewalks at the following locations: 1) W. State St. from the sidewalk terminus westerly to Schmalings; 2) E. State St. from west of Hwy. W to McCanna Parkway; and 3) E. State St. from Larkspur Lane westerly to McCanna Parkway. These sidewalk extensions are partially funded through the Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation's Pilot Retrofit Sidewalk Program.

The City is also continuing to work with the railroad to repair the crossing on South Pine St. The asphalt approaches will be replaced when the railroad can schedule their contractor and weather permits.

Focus Group Meetings - Two Way Street Conversion

The City will be holding two focus group meetings on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 from 7 - 9 a.m. and Thursday, February 3, 2005 from 6 - 8 p.m. These meetings will be held in the Eppers Room located at the Racine County Service Center, 209 North Main Street. Residents and business owners will be invited to discuss the ending of the one-way streets in Burlington.

As you may recall the City had previous focus group meetings regarding this issue early in 2003 with excellent feedback and ideas from the community. The City hopes to now be able to show the community the revised plans for the two-way street conversion and the attempt to make downtown Burlington more accessible and traffic friendly.

New Developments

As most of you are aware the City is bustling with new developments. In 2005 it is expected that there will be 125 new single-family homes as well as several apartment and condo units constructed in various developments throughout the City.

For further information on any of the above, please contact City Hall at 763-7996.

 

JANUARY LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Children and Young Adult Events

Book Groups

Both the Youth Book Group and Teen Book Club are meeting in January. The Youth Book Group is reading There's a Bat in Bunk 5 and meets on January 13 at 4 p.m. The Teen Book Club is reading The Sword of Shanara and meets on January 18 at 3:30 p.m. You MUST register for these programs.

Preschool Storytimes

Another round of preschool storytimes will begin at the end of the month! Programs are offered for babies through kindergartners, each having their own time slot. For details visit the Burlington Library webpage: www.burlingtonlibrary.com/youth You MUST sign up for this program. Registration begins the week of January 17. Please contact Ruhama Kordatzky, Youth Services Librarian at (262) 342-1140 or rkordatz@burlington.lib.wi.us

Adult Book Discussion

Join the Burlington Public Library Adult Book Discussion Group on Monday, Jan. 24 at 7:00 p.m. for a discussion of THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the fair that changed America by Erik Larson. Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spell-binding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men-the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.

Total water usage in the home will vary depending on lawn watering practices and also on whether a home has a washing machine and a dishwasher. The U.S. average is about 50 gallons per person per day. In Burlington, the average for residential customers is about 60 gallons per person per day. Of this amount, less than one (1) percent is used for cooking and drinking purposes.

The Water Utility encourages your water conservation efforts and will be happy to answer your water-related questions. Feel free to contact the Water Utility at 342-1173 with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your water usage.

Winter can be a beautiful time of the year. Winter can also be a very dangerous time of the year for driving. If you plan on traveling during the winter there are several tips, and it pays to be prepared for the worst.

Following a few simple driving habits like planning ahead, driving at a safe and legal speed, driving alert and sober and buckling up could insure you make it to your destination safely.

Safe winter driving tips:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights, even the hood and roof before driving: People often think the heater will defrost the windows as they drive and have poor visibility. They leave their homes with only a small portion of the windshield cleared and most accidents occur within two miles of one's residence.

• Pay attention: Don't try to drive faster than conditions allow. If you drive safe and slow you will get to your destination, it sure beats waiting for a rescue squad and tow truck. Remember posted limits are for dry pavement.

• Leave plenty of room for stopping: You never know who is driving in front of you, and what their driving habits are like. Road conditions can change at any time.

• Know the current road conditions: Call 1-(800)-ROADWIS or log onto the winter road conditions Web page.

• Watch for slippery bridge decks: Even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition the bridge decks will ice up sooner.

• Don't get overconfident in a 4X4 or Sport Utility Vehicle: Four-wheel drive vehicles will help you get going quicker but will not help you stop quicker. In fact, they are heavier than passenger vehicles and may cause you to need more room to stop.

• Do not pump anti-lock brakes: If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump the brake pedal in attempting to stop. The right way is to "stomp and steer". If you have questions on how these brakes function, call your local service center.

• Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do: Actions by other drivers will alert you sooner to problems ahead.

• Drive slowly!

• Remember: Wisconsin snowplows plow the snow wide off the road and can make ditch lines invisible.