Like us on Facebook  Follow us on Twitter  windpointwi.us December 2015
Tax Bill Information
It's that time of year once again... property owners should receive 2015 property tax bills in the mail by the second week of December. Tax bills can also be retrieved online at  http://ascent.racineco.com/LandRecords. 

Tax payment options will be same as prior years - the first installment or full payment is due to the Wind Point Treasurer by January 31. Payments may be made by mail or in-person at the Village Office or Johnson Bank on Three Mile Rd. Payments after January 31 must be made to the Racine County Treasurer.

Property taxes have increased 4.6% compared to last year, largely due to an increase to the Racine Unified School District levy (10.0%). The portion for Gateway Technical College increased 2.4% while State and Racine County portions decreased 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively. The Village of Wind Point portion changed 0.0% compared to last year.

The chart below illustrates the breakdown of the 2015 tax bills:
Dog License Renewals
Beginning December 1, dog owners can stop by the Village office to renew dog licenses for 2016. A dog license application, along with license fee and copy of rabies certification, can be submitted to the office by mail, dropbox at the end of the driveway or in-person. If submitting by mail or dropbox, please remember to include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the dog tag and receipt to be returned to you. Dog license applications will be included on tax bill inserts and are also available online.

It is state law to license your dog each year before April 1. The late fee for licensing a dog after April 1 is now $10.00.
Nomination Forms Available for Spring Election
Nomination forms are available for Wind Point residents interested in running for Village Board Trustee. Prospective candidates can begin collecting signatures on December 1. T he final day for filing nomination papers is 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016.  For more information,  click here .
Photos IDs Required for Voting
With upcoming elections just around the corner, residents are reminded that the Photo ID requirement is now in effect. Voters will be required to show a valid photo ID in order to obtain a ballot at the polling place or before obtaining an absentee ballot. To view a list of acceptable IDs and for more information, visit bringit.wi.gov.
Pedestrian Safety: Be Seen!
Residents are reminded to wear reflective gear or carry a flashlight when heading out for an evening or morning walk. As a matter of safety, pedestrians need to be visible to vehicles and other pedestrians. A variety of clothing items are available with lights or reflective fabric, such as jackets, vests, wristbands, dog collars, shoes and belts. Many stores also carry reflective tape.

If no sidewalks exist on the road, it is recommended to walk facing oncoming traffic on the same side of the road as the oncoming traffic. Also, you should get as far to the side of the road as possible to provide additional space between you and oncoming cars.
When bicycling, you will want to ride on the right (going in the same direction as automobile traffic).
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
Preparation is the best way to prevent frozen pipes.   Some of these tips may require some time to complete ahead of cold weather, but they all can help to keep water flowing: 
  • Disconnect all garden hoses and install covers on outside faucets.
  • Keep your house temperature at 55 degrees or higher, even if you are leaving the house for an extended period of time.
  • Open cabinet doors below sinks to allow heat from the home to circulate.
  • Identify the location of the main water valve and the valve on your water heater. Apply oil such as WD-40 to the shut off valve before operating it to prevent the valve from breaking. (Learning the location of these valves may come in handy during an emergency).
  • Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape. This could prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
  • Close all windows near water pipes; cover or close open-air vents. Freezing temperatures combined with wind drafts can cause pipes to freeze more frequently.
  • Heat your basement and consider weather sealing your windows.
  • If you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time, shut off water supply valve. (be cautious if in a multi family home, so you don't shut off water to neighbor).
  • Identify the location of your water meter and take precautions to keep it from freezing.
  • Check water temperature and run a little water if unusually cold.
  • Run small amounts of water from highest faucet until full flow returns
In the event you have pipe burst in your house, and, your main shut off is not working properly, please call the Wind Point Water Utility at 262.639.3560 or the emergency line at 262.939.1378.

The Community Club Holiday Party & Lighting Ceremony was held on November 29. Many families and children were in attendance to enjoy caroling, refreshments and a visit from Santa. Thank for to the Wind Point Community Club for organizing another successful event!

Community Club Seeking Volunteers
The Community Club is looking for help from other community-minded Wind Point residents to assist with organizing events, like the annual Village Picnic, Independence Day Bike Parade and Holiday Party. It's a great way to meet neighbors and serve the community! Please contact Sherry Heck at 639-5370 or [email protected] for more information.
Park Planning Updates
The Parks & Facilities Committee met on November 30 to discuss the Village Green Park concept plans and to review comments submitted by residents. The Committee worked with Blake Theisen of Ayres Associates on coming up with one refined plan to present to the Village Board along with a phased budgeting plan.  Blake and his team will also be preparing concept plans for Village path connectivity and lighthouse grounds. Updates will continue to be posted on this newsletter and on the Village website.
2016 Collections Calendar
The 2016 collections calendar is now available. The collections schedule will be the same as 2015:
  • Garbage collected every Monday.
  • Recycling collected every other Monday.
  • Bulk collections on the first Monday of the month.
  • Yard waste collected every Monday, April-November.
  • Branches collected by the Village on the second Tuesday, April-November.
  • Household hazardous wastes drop-off the third Saturday of the month, May-October.
  • Prescriptions drop-off the third Saturday of April and October.
Hard copies of the calendar are available at the Village Office and will also be printed in each issue of Wind Point Living magazine (produced by N2 Publishing). To download a PDF of  the calendar, click here.
Village Extends with Johns Disposal through 2021
If you didn't use up all of your yard waste stickers this fall, don't worry, they will be good for a while longer. The Village Board has agreed to extending the Village's contract with Johns Disposal for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection services through December 31, 2021. Board members expressed satisfaction with the quality of service and competitive pricing with Johns compared to other contracts in the area.
Lighthouse Kitchen Updates
Remodeling work at the lighthouse caretakers kitchen is underway and we would like to extend a big thank you to InSinkErator of Racine for donating a new garbage disposal! The remodeling work is being done by Wind Point resident Tom Rivers.
Village Staff Updates
  • We are happy to welcome Michelle Tucker to our office team! Michelle is a graduate student at UW-Milwaukee studying public administration. She will serve as management intern for the village, carrying out special projects and assisting the public.
  • Three Wind Point Police Officers celebrate their seven year anniversary with the Village this month - John Lewis, Brett Seifert and Bob Stauss. Thank you John, Brett and Bob for your service to Wind Point!
Village Board Highlights
The Village Board held a regular meeting on Thursday, November 12. The Board...
  • Approved the 2016 Village Budget, including the levy amount, reserves designations and fee schedule.
  • Approved a 2015-2016 Path Snow Removal Agreement with Reliable Property Services for an amount not to exceed $500.
  • Approved a conditional use permit for the construction of a single-family home located within the shoreland overlay zoning district at tax key 192-04-23-27-045-010.
  • Heard an update on the Plan Commission's review of zoning ordinances related to sheds.
  • Approved an amendment to the Human Resource Manual establishing a health insurance opt-out benefit.
  • Instructed the administrator to submit a counter proposal to AT&T for the cell tower lease amendment.
  • Approved an agreement with Johns Disposal extending service through 2021 with annual increases limited by CPI or 4%, whichever is less.
  • Heard an update on the park planning process and that the Parks & Facilities Committee will next meet on November 30.
  • Approved a list of 2016 Village priorities and initiatives.
  • Approved the 2016 Animal Sheltering Agreement with Humane Society of Racine County.
  • Approved a quote from Carpet City in the amount of $4,160.92 to purchase and install new carpet in the office.
  • Reviewed and discussed communication material regarding 2016 revaluation project.
The Village Board will meet for a regular meeting on Thursday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. at the Village Hall (Lighthouse).