GETTING READY FOR SPRING

By: Deb Rintamaki, Administrative Assistant, Department of Public Works

Compost Those Leaves This Spring!
Although it may seem like a long way off, Spring is just around the corner. After the snow melts, many residents will be cleaning and raking their yards. As a reminder, the City staff encourages you to drop off your spring yard clippings at the City's compost site on Maryland Avenue. City crews will not be picking up leaves this Spring, as the leaf pick-up program only occurs in the Fall.

Please Remember To Schedule Your Brush Pick Up
City crews will be picking up brush on the second and forth Wednesdays of the month. However, it is very important to call the Public Works Department at 763-2060 to be added to the pick-up list prior to the scheduled pick-up days. In addition to the pick-up, residents can also bring brush to the City's compost site on Maryland Avenue.

Park Reservations
Park Reservations can be made by contacting the Department of Public Works at 763-2060. Reservations are taken for Echo, Riverside and Wehmhoff Jucker Parks. Reservations are $35 for City Residents and $75 for Non-Residents. A refundable $100 Security Deposit is required.

Tornado Warnings - Be Prepared
Knowing that Wisconsin is prone to tornadoes is the first step in becoming prepared for one. As severe weather approaches, a TORNADO WATCH may be issued. This indicates that atmospheric conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms to produce tornadoes. Listen for updated forecasts and possible warnings. A TORNADO WARNING is issued when a tornado has been spotted on the ground or is indicated by radar. Take cover immediately.

In the City of Burlington, there are three outdoor warning sirens that would sound in the event of a tornado warning is issued. These sirens are tested weekly on Saturdays at noon. If activated during severe weather, seek shelter immediately. Remember that, even with the latest forecasting technology, tornadoes can occur with little or no warning.

In your home you should designate a safe place in the basement where family members can gather if a tornado is headed your way. If there is no basement retreat to a center hallway, bathroom, or closet, away from any windows or glass doors. Another step to being prepared would be to assemble a Disaster Supply Kit. Items needed may include a first-aid kit and essential medications, a battery powered radio and flashlight with extra batteries, nonperishable food items, bottled water and written instructions on how to turn off your home utilities, gas, electric and water. Conduct periodic drills, so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching.

City Maps Available on the City of Burlington Website
Next time you are on the Internet be sure to check out the various City maps available. There are four different maps: the City Base Map, City Zoning Map, Voting Map and Aerial View Map in addition to other maps. The City's maps are updated as needed by the Engineering Department. Questions regarding maps should be directed to the Engineering Department at 763-2060.

 

BURLINGTON POLICE DISTRICTS

The City of Burlington is divided into four Aldermanic Districts. The police department will begin to take advantage of these districts to help improve communication with our residents and improve our services. A Police Sergeants will be assigned to each district and respond to problems and concerns. The goal of the new districts is to open lines of communication between Citizens, Aldermanic Representatives and the Police. These districts will allow sergeants to apply their resources to a specific area of the city and develop a relationship with the people who live there. We are implementing plans to develop community meetings, Neighborhood Watch programs, and initiatives to help people get to know the police on a first name basis.

Often the police will find, through communication, many problems are very minor and can easily be fixed making Burlington a better place to live.

People interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program should contact Chief Scot Eisenhauer (262) 342-1102.

 

MARCH LIBRARY NEWS

By: Carole Rybarczyk, Circulation Supervisor

March and Early April Adult Programs

MY EYE ON THE PRIVATE EYE, Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
Gary Niebuhr, long time mystery fan and expert, will make a second appearance at Burlington Library to do a discussion and Powerpoint presentation on how fiction authors began to create the private eyes in the pulps of the 1920s and how this continues today with the works of Sue Grafton and other modern authors. He is an author, director of Greendale Public Library and a member of Private Eye Writers of America and Mystery Readers International.

ALL ABOUT BIRDS, Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m.
Learn about bird feeding, attracting birds and birdwatching with Brian Kullman from Wild Birds Unlimited. You are encouraged to bring your bird feeding questions.

ILLUSTRATE A POEM
To help the library and Authors Echo celebrate National Poetry Month in April, we are inviting community members of all ages to illustrate a poem to be displayed in the library or elsewhere in the community. The poem can be one you have written, one by member of Authors Echo, or one of your favorites by an author of your choice. The illustration may be whatever format you feel describes the poem and can be no larger than 8 inches by 10 inches. All ages may participate. Bring a copy of the poem and the illustration to the library any time before the March 21 deadline.

POETRY WORKSHOP WITH ELLEN KORT
Ellen Kort, Wisconsin Poet Laureate from 2000-2004 will conduct a poetry workshop at the library on Saturday, April 5 from 1 to 3 pm. Ellen has long been an advocate for poetry in Wisconsin; teaching, writing, giving public readings and instructing workshops and retreats. She is the author of eight poetry books and has been featured in a wide variety of journals and anthologies. This workshop is cosponsored by Burlington's writing group Authors Echo.

All of these programs are free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more information call 262-763-7623, ask at the Reference Desk, or email pburling@burlington.lib.wi.us

Book Discussion Group
It's not too late to act on that New Year Resolution to READ more and join a Book Discussion Group. The Burlington Public Library has an active and friendly group of readers who always welcome fellow book lovers into their midst. Join us on March 24 at 7 PM for a discussion of ASTRID & VERONIKA by Linda Olsson. This beautifully written first novel follows the creation of a friendship between two very different women, each caught up in a tragic moment from the past. Astrid and Veronika slowly reveal their stories to one another, and what happens between them over the course of a year will change both of their lives forever. I expect some comparison between this book and January's book: FIVE SKIES, which was about how men bond and develop a friendship. Both books are available at the library. You do not need to register for the book discussion.

Children's Storytimes
Storytimes are in progress and will end mid-March. Drop-ins are welcome. Pleas call the Library at 342-1130 for a schedule.

 

SAVE MONEY, SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT

By: Connie Wilson, Utility Manager

Have you purchased a bottle of water lately? You would probably be surprised that bottled water is priced from $6 to $10 per gallon. Additional, bottled water companies are finally admitting what we in the water industry knew all along - the water many of them sell is tap water.

Compare this cost to the City of Burlington's cost of 20¢ per gallon (or $1.95 per thousand gallons). Assume you buy 100 gallons of bottled water in a year (about two 20-ounce bottles per day). That would cost you between $600 and $1,000 a year. Compare that to the price of City water for the same amount at 20¢ - quite a difference!

Another incentive for drinking Burlington water is to reduce the amount of waste generated by plastic bottles (about 28 billion bottles per year). City water does not pollute the environment or fill landfills. Please, save the environment and save some serious cash - drink City water!