Burlington Spotlight
December 2006

PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

By David Walsh, Chief of Police

As we transition our downtown streets from one-way traffic to two-way traffic, it seems like the perfect time to remind all drivers about Pedestrian Safety.

Please remember that drivers must yield to pedestrians in the following circumstances:

• When the driver is crossing a sidewalk or entering and alley or driveway,

• When the pedestrian has started crossing at any intersection or a crosswalk,

Drivers are also not allowed to pass any vehicle that has yielded to a pedestrian (or bicyclist).

Pedestrians have their own responsibilities. They must yield to drivers when they are not crossing at an intersection or marked crosswalk and they cannot dart into a crosswalk if a vehicle would not have sufficient time to yield to a pedestrian.

The City of Burlington will be highlighting pedestrian safety during the coming weeks. Watch for our banner downtown and watch for added patrol and enforcement. Please drive safety!

Click here to view a video on pedestrian safety (1.2 Mb).

 

LIBRARY NEWS

By: Gayle Falk, Head Librarian

The Burlington Public Library is closed Saturday through Tuesday, December 23-26; and Saturday December 30 through Tuesday, January 2. The library reopens January 3.

 

WINTER PARKING

By: Scot Eisenhauer, Police Lieutenant

The City of Burlington Police Department would like to remind all citizens of winter parking restrictions. The year round ordinance states no vehicle may be parked on any city street from 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. Citizens may call the police department and request special permission to park during these hours. This is normally reserved for out of town guests where adequate parking is not available. Parking without prior approval from the police department will result in a ticket. With a 3-inch snowfall this privilege may be withdrawn to allow snowplows to clear the roads. Citizens will be advised when they call that no overnight parking is permitted due to snow removal. Downtown Resident Permits (DTR) allow residents who live in an area with restricted parking availability, the privilege to park in municipal lots. The permits cost $10.00 dollars a month, the vehicle must be registered to the residence and a vehicle cannot be parked in the same stall for more than 24 hours. Snow removal in these municipal lots has always been a challenge. We are asking all permit holders to follow guidelines to allow city snow removal equipment to clear lots in a timely manner.

If you have any questions regarding parking or snow removal operations please contact Lieutenant Mark Anderson at the City of Burlington Police Department Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., 342-1103.

 

SNOW PLOWING

By Larry Gobel, Department of Public Works–Streets and Parks Supervisor

City of Burlington employees make every effort possible to safely remove snow from all streets in a timely manner as soon as possible after a snowfall. State highways are the first streets to be plowed, followed by the main (arterial) streets, side streets, and then parking lots and alleys. Because of the many variables such as traffic conditions, amount of snowfall and how heavy (or light) the snow is, we cannot predict with certainty how long it will take to clear our streets following a storm event. Please drive safely and don't follow snow plows too closely. Any concerns or questions regarding snow plowing can be directed to the Department of Public Works at 763-2060.

 

2007 COUNCIL ELECTIONS

By Beverly Gill, City Clerk

The Spring Election Aldermanic posts and the Municipal Judge is scheduled for Tuesday, April 3, 2007. An alderman from each of the four districts is up for election. If you are interested in seeking office you may pick up the necessary nomination papers at City Hall located at 300 North Pine Street. These papers may be circulated beginning December 1, 2006 and must be returned by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2007. If you have any questions regarding elections, you may contact the City Clerk at (262) 342-1171.

 

HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY

The City of Burlington Fire Department would like to encourage everyone to use the following fire safety tips to ensure a safe and happy holiday season:

• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. The tree should be sticky with resin, and when bounced on the ground, the tree shouldn't lose needles.

• Choose a sturdy tree stand designed not to tip over and be sure to keep it filled with water.

• Carefully plan where your tree is to be placed. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any source of heat. Never block a door or hallway with a tree.

• Use only lights that have been tested by a recognized laboratory. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the lights. Check each set for broken or cracked sockets, bare or frayed wires and throw defective strings away. Use no more that three strands connected together at a time.

• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label "fire-resistant," and never use electric lights on a metal tree.

• Turn off all lights when you go to bed or use a timer.

• Never use candles on a live tree.

• Keep a watchful eye on small children and pets around the tree.

• Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are very dangerous and should not be left in a garage or next to the house.

Be safe this holiday season! We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!