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City of Port Washington, WI 
2016 Summer Newsletter
In This Issue
Mayor's Message
Elections Office
Treasurer's Office
Police Department
Fire Department
Public Works
Building Inspection
Parks & Recreation
W.J. Niederkorn Library
Senior Center
City Officials Directory
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Dear City Residents:

I write this to you as we move into the heart of Summer in our great City of Port Washington. The 4th of July holiday has passed, and our community celebration was once again a huge hit. In a few short days, we will celebrate the 52nd Anniversary of Fish Day, our iconic city festival that highlights the special historical and cultural role we've played as a proud Lake Michigan community. As always, the Summer months are busy and festive and memorable ones in "Our Home Port!"

I also write this having just recently returned from Sassnitz, Germany, where I had the profound honor and privilege of representing our City of Port Washington as we formalized our Sister City relationship. On so many levels, it was a very memorable experience, one I will always be grateful to have shared with such extraordinary people in such a special place. Our two communities - Port Washington and Sassnitz - may be separated by thousands of miles, but we share much in common that forms the basis for our partnership. We are both beautiful coastal communities; our populations are similar; we celebrate a proud maritime history and culture; tourism and fishing play central roles in our local economies; 
we aim to grow strategically while retaining our special charm; and we have a very real commitment to outdoor recreation, coastal access, and environmental sustainability and stewardship. Perhaps most importantly, both our communities are filled with people very proud to call them home - and people who warmly and graciously welcome visitors, just as they did our traveling Port Washington delegation. And so, it was with great pride that I signed a Letter of Intent to formally establish our Cities' Partnership, one that I know will lead to a very meaningful and enduring friendship between the people of Port Washington and Sassnitz for generations to come.
Before I close this Summer message, two quick reminders related to our lakefront:

  • Our city's partnership with Discovery World Science & Technology Center in the City of Milwaukee continues this Summer, enabling us to welcome the tall ship S/V Denis Sullivan (the world's only re-creation of a 19th century three-masted Great Lakes schooner that offers sails to the general public) for four scheduled visits in 2016. We enjoyed two of those visits during the month of June; we have two more scheduled in September and October. If you've yet to sail that amazing tall ship, please consider doing so during one of those remaining two visits - what a great time to be out on our beautiful Lake!  For a full listing of deck tour and sail opportunities in Port Washington and to reserve a seat, individuals can book online via the Port Exploreum website at: http://www.portexploreum.com/parties-rentals/denis-sullivan-bookings/.  Special "Family Sails" are also available on certain dates, and discounts for Seniors, Veterans and Active-Duty Military are being offered; to purchase or learn more, please call Reservations at (262) 284-2406.

  • I've heard from many people wondering about the buoy that "mysteriously appeared" out in the lake off of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. That buoy is a part of our new INFOS Port Washington System, designed to provide up-to-date information about lake conditions in general and possible rip current conditions in particular. This initiative has been driven by our City's Waterfront Safety Team and Environmental Planning Committee; those two City groups have partnered with Professor Chin Wu and his team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and staff from the University of Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute and Wisconsin Coastal Management Program.  The INFOS website effectively gathers very relevant and useful lake information in one place and serves as a fantastic resource for our residents and visitors. 

If you've yet to visit the INFOS Port Washington website, please do so now and often as you spend time at our beaches. The website can be found at:  http://infosportwashington.cee.wisc.edu/. There, you can find a live camera view of North Beach, important real-time lake data (wave height, water temp, wind direction and more), and a model of projected rip current formation. You can click on "About INFOS" to get a quick overview and on "Rip Risk Watch" to find the camera and the rip current model. An "App" is even available for download on your mobile phone.

Again, another accomplishment and partnership for us all to celebrate and of which to be very proud!

Enjoy your Summer in "Our Home Port!"

 
Tom Mlada 
Mayor - City of Port Washington

 
ELECTIONS OFFICE
Remaining Elections 2016
August 9, 2016
Partisan Primary
 
November 8, 2016
Fall General Election - Presidential
 
Photo ID - Who are you?
PHOTO ID is required to VOTE A BALLOT. This includes voting at a polling location and also voting by absentee ballots by mail or in-person early voting. This excludes active military, permanent overseas and indefinitely confined persons. An acceptable PHOTO ID for voting does not have to include a current address. For a list of acceptable PHOTO ID's, please visit: http://bringit.wi.gov/do-i-have-right-photo-id ,or contact the City Clerk's Office at 262-284-5585.
 
Proof of Residency - Where are you?
PROOF OF RESIDENCY is required to REGISTER TO VOTE. This excludes active military and overseas electors. An acceptable PROOF OF RESIDENCY document must have your full name and current address on it. For a list of acceptable PROOF OF RESIDENCY documents, please visit: http://cityofportwashington.com/pdf/ProofOfResidency.pdf , or contact the City Clerk's Office at 262-284-5585.
 

VISIT THE CITY OF PORT WASHINGTON ELECTIONS WEB PAGE
As always, visit our Elections page on the City of Port Washington website for more information: http://cityofportwashington.com/elections

 
 TREASURER'S OFFICE
Mark your calendar - Real estate taxes due
The second installments of real estate taxes are due to the Ozaukee County Treasurer by July 31, 2016. Please make your check payable and mail to:
Ozaukee County Treasurer
121 W. Main St.
P.O. Box 994
Port Washington, WI 53074-0994
Please contact the County Treasurer's office at 284-8280 with any questions.
 
Need a copy of your property tax bill?
You can always find property tax information on the City of Port Washington.  Please visit http://cityofportwashington.com and click on the "Tax Data Search" button in the right column.
 
Water and sewer events
Water bills are always due by the 25th of the month issued. View and Pay Your Water Bills Online - IT'S EASY!
Visit the City website at http://cityofportwashington.com for details. Click on the black box that reads "Click To View Bill or Pay Online". There are several ways to pay - E-Check, Debit Card, Credit Card or Automatic Withdrawal.
 
If you prefer to write a check, you may drop it off in the secure yellow drop box located at the back entrance to City Hall or the secure metal drop box located in the City Hall lobby during business hours, or you may mail it to:
City of Port Washington
100 W. Grand Ave.
PO Box 307
Port Washington, WI 53074-0307
 
Landlords: Delinquent tenant reminders are sent out after each billing due date and you are welcome to contact the Water Billing Department any time at 262-284-5585 for a review of your tenant accounts.
 
Dog and cat license - Did you forget?
Dog and cat licenses must be renewed annually between January 1 and March 31. City Hall has the necessary forms. Fees are $6.00 for spayed/neutered or $11.00 non-spayed/non-neutered. Also required is a current rabies certificate from your veterinarian. A late fee of $5.00 will be assessed on payments made after March 31st.
 

VISIT THE CITY OF PORT WASHINGTON TREASURER'S WEB PAGE 
As always, visit our Treasurer's page on the City of Port Washington website for more information: http://cityofportwashington.com/treasurer
.


POLICE DEPARTMENT
Remember to stay Connected - Follow the Port Washington Police Department on Facebook and Twitter and don't forget to check out our website at www.pwpd.org
 
Summertime safety

Open intoxicants
The Port Washington Police Department wants you to enjoy outdoor summertime activities to the fullest.  However, a reminder that the possession or consumption of open intoxicants on a public way is strictly prohibited within the city unless the public way or public area has been specifically designated or posted as to permit such activity.
 
Fireworks
For your safety and that of the community, the possession and/or discharge of fireworks is strictly prohibited within the City of Port Washington.
 
Watch for bicycles and pedestrians
Along with summer weather, there's an increase in all types of warm weather outdoor activities.   The Port Washington Police Department reminds you to be extra aware of both pedestrians and bicyclists especially throughout the warm weather months.  Remember, as a general rule pedestrians and bicyclists have the right-of-way when crossing a roadway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
 
Pedestrians and bicyclists are reminded that sudden pedestrian movement into traffic or the path of a vehicle is dangerous and prohibited.  Bicyclists are considered vehicles in Wisconsin.  Bicyclists are reminded to obey all traffic laws.
 
Bicycle helmets required
The Police Department reminds parents that the City of Port Washington requires that every person less than 16 years of age operating or riding on a bicycle on a public roadway, public sidewalk, public bicycle path or any other public right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the City must wear a protective helmet designed for bicycle safety. 
 
The Department encourages everyone who rides a bike to wear a helmet, while challenging adults in the community to set an example by wearing an approved helmet whenever riding a bike.  PARENTS - Please make sure that your children are wearing a properly fitted, fastened and approved bicycle helmet whenever they're riding their bikes ... safety is everyone's responsibility!
 
Things you need to know but never thought to ask
 
Animals
  • The City of Port Washington requires all dogs and cats kept in the city to be licensed and vaccinated. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies. Dogs and cats when anywhere other than on the owner's property must be leashed or confined within a fenced enclosure. 
  • Vicious dogs are prohibited. Dog bites must be reported. Barking dogs that continuously bark or create a disturbance are prohibited.
  • There is a limit of no more than 2 dogs and 2 cats per household within the city. 
  • Animal owners are required to have with them a "pooper-scooper," bag, etc. with which to immediately pick-up and properly dispose of fecal material deposited by their animal on any public or private property, other than the premises of the animal owner.
  • With the exception of service animals and police dogs, animals are not allowed on any public grounds or public way designated for use as part of a public festival held within the city.
Bicycles
  • Bicycles are to be registered and all bicyclists are to obey all WI traffic laws.    http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/bicycle/rules.htm
  • All persons under the age of 16 operating or riding upon a bicycle or seated in an auxiliary child's seat or trailer designed to be pulled behind a bicycle must wear an approved helmet.
Open Fires
  • Open fires are prohibited within the city limits. 
Parking
  • Parking on state highways (Hwy 32 and 33) within the city is prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. throughout the year.
  • Parking of commercial vehicles in districts zoned as residential is prohibited.

  • Parking of camping trailers, recreational vehicles, trailers, buses or school buses on city streets for a period exceeding 4 days, whether consecutive or aggregate, per month is prohibited.
For a detailed listing of city ordinances go to:

Back-to-school safety reminders
 
The school year officially begins on Thursday, September 1st, 2016. So . . . here's an early reminder to everyone regarding traffic laws designed to protect children and students. The Port Washington Police Department asks that you drive safely throughout the city at all times, but reminds you to always be especially observant when approaching or traveling through school zones. 
  • Take special notice of parking restrictions posted near schools. 
  • Parking restrictions are meant to enhance pedestrian safety (yours and your child's) in the vicinity of the school.  Please obey the restrictions!
  • Reduce your speed around school properties and especially in the posted school zones.
Remember
Children are children, not young adults.  It's important to understand children's limitations in understanding traffic.  Specifically, children:
  • Have a narrower field of vision than adults, about 1/3 less.
  • Cannot easily judge a car's speed and distance.
  • Assume that if they can see a car, its driver must be able to see them.  However, children are easily hidden from view by parked cars and other objects.
  • Cannot readily tell the direction a sound is coming from.
  • May be impatient and impulsive.
  • Concentrate on only one thing at a time. This is likely not to be traffic.
  • Have a limited sense of danger.
  • Often mix fantasy with reality.
  • Imitate the (often bad) behavior of others, especially older children and adults.
  • Watch for and obey adult school crossing guards and their signals. They're protecting our children!
Wisconsin law requires every operator of a motor vehicle approaching a school crossing which is controlled by an adult school crossing guard to follow the directions of the school crossing guard. If directed by the school crossing guard to stop, the operator must stop the vehicle not less than ten feet or more than 30 feet from the school crossing and shall remain stopped until the school crossing guard directs the operator to proceed.
 
Remember: Be mindful of speed limits, school zones and crossing guards. Take an extra moment in reaching your destination by slowing down and watching out for children so they too may reach their destination safely. We'll all benefit as a result!

Police Department Open House
The Port Washington Police Department will host an open house on Sunday, October 9th from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  McGruff the Crime Dog will be at the open house and greeting visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.!

 
VISIT THE PORT WASHINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE  
For more information on the above and much more, please visit the City of Port Washington Police Department website at: http://www.pwpd.org .  
 

FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Department Open House & Fire Prevention Week 2016
The Port Washington Fire Department invites residents to attend our Annual Open House, Sunday October 9, 2016. The Open House will be held between 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the fire station located at 104 W. Washington Street. Fire extinguisher demonstrations, equipment displays, and fire station tours are just some of the activities planned.
 
The National Fire Protection Association has officially announced "Don't Wait: Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years" as the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2016. The focus on smoke alarm replacement comes as the result of a recent survey conducted by NFPA, which showed that many people don't know how old their smoke alarms are or how often they need to be replaced.

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, requires smoke alarms be replaced at least every ten years, but because the public is generally unaware of this requirement, many homes likely have smoke alarms past their expiration date, putting people at increased risk in the event of a home fire.
 
Trash & leaf burning prohibited
Residents are reminded that Chapter 5.13.160 of the City Code states that all trash burning is prohibited. Trash defined includes leaves, grass, branches, and yard waste, as well as rubbish, construction and industrial waste.


VISIT THE PORT WASHINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
Please visit the City of Port Washington Fire Department website at: http://www.pwfd.org/


PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
2016 Recycling Calendars
2016 Recycling Calendars are available at City Hall and on the city website at
cityofportwashington.com/publicworks.html
 
 
Garbage and recycling carts
The City of Port Washington is requesting that all residents record the serial numbers of the garbage and recycling carts and report these numbers to the Department of Public Works. This will assist in locating your cart if it is missing. If there are any questions regarding this information, please call the Department of Public Works at (262) 284-2600 or email: jklumb@ci.port-washington.wi.us
 
Street Department Yard
Street Department Yard is open from Saturday, April 2, 2016 and will close on Saturday, December 3, 2016.  The Street Yard accepts leaves, grass clippings, garden waste and other materials.  These materials may also be disposed of at the Street Department yard during the following hours of operation:
 
The hours of operation are as follows:
 
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 p.m.  -  6:00 p.m.
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
 
The Street Department Yard will close for the season on Saturday, December 3, 2016.
 
Leaf pickup
The raking of leaves only into the street is allowed beginning on October 1st, until November 20th. Raking of grass, garden waste, and other materials into the street is not permitted at any time.
The last day of operation at the Street Department yard for 2016 will be Saturday, December 3rd.
 
Brush pickup
Brush Collection is bi-weekly April 18 - May 7 , weekly May 16 - August 27, and bi-weekly September 6 - October 29. Brush will be accepted at the Street Yard November 1 - December 5. 

Brush shall consist of all "woody" material, maximum eight inches in diameter.  Place brush (cut ends with the flow of traffic) at roadside.  Brush and logs cut by a contractor must be disposed of by the contractor.
 
Leaves may be raked into the street October 1 - November 20 only.
 
The last day of curbside brush pickup for the year will be the week of October 2.  Brush pickup will resume in April 2017.
 
Reporting street light outage
To report a street light outage please call (262) 284-2600 or email jklumb@ci.port-washington.wi.us. Please include the street address and the pole number that is located near the bottom of the pole on an aluminum tag.
 
New: Live streaming!
Live streaming is now available for meetings that are normally only available on Time Warner Cable Channel 25. Also, you can watch Cable Channel 25 at any time and St. Mary's Sunday Masses are available for viewing on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.  
Currently, only Common Council and Plan Commission meetings are available for live streaming.
Just a reminder -
Please check our City's website: http://www.cityofportwashington.com/boardsCommitteesCommissions.html  for dates and times.   Also, you can access past meeting videos by visiting our Meeting Video Archive


VISIT THE  PUBLIC WORKS, ENGINEERING AND PLANNING WEBSITES 
BUILDING INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
VISIT THE BUILDING INSPECTION WEB PAGE 
For more information, please visit our website at:  http://cityofportwashington.com/buildingInspection.html

 
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Pirates' Hollow Waterpark
Swim Lessons for the 4th sessions are still available. Also, call today to reserve your private rental at the pool. You'll enjoy exclusive use of the waterpark with our staff and all its features. Bring your own snacks and soft drinks, or have the Pirates' Galley cater your event. Check out our birthday pool parties for kids at an affordable price!
 
Friday Nite Flicks:
Join us for 2 FREE family friendly movie nights this summer featuring "Inside Out" and "Zootopia." Bring blankets and chairs to reserve your spot on the lawn. The movies will start at dusk. Popcorn, soft drinks and candy will be available for purchase for "Inside Out." Portview Church will be giving away FREE hot dogs, popcorn & drinks! Starting at 7:00 p.m., there will be lots of fun activities including face painting, balloon animals and bounce house.

To win a prize basket, include a DVD, all you have to do is like & share the FNF events on our Facebook page!!! We will announce the winner before the showing of this film. You must be present to win.
 
"Inside Out" will be shown on August 6 at Veteran's Memorial Park at dusk.
"Zootopia,"  generously sponsored by Portview Church, will be shown on August 26 at Meadows Park at 8:00 p.m.
 
Adult pick-up soccer
Women and men of all skill levels are invited to participate in our Thursday night 7 vs 7 pick-up soccer.  In order to keep costs down, the pick-up games do not have referees. Times are 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Play is held at the Meadows Park (behind Dunwiddie Elementary School). The cost is $5.00 per person.
 
Triathlon
Saturday, August 13 is the date for the 7th annual Parks & Recreation Triathlon.  Check-in starts at 5:00 a.m. and the race starts at 6:00 a.m.  There will be a 400 meter swim at Pirates' Hollow Waterpark, a twelve-mile bike ride and a three-mile run.  How about volunteering to work this event?  See Charlie at the Recreation Office.
 
Super Sprint Triathlon
This event is for younger athletes. Distances are short and intended simply to expose our youngest triathletes to the basic elements of the race and give them a taste of the unique sense of accomplishment that comes with finishing a triathlon. This Super Sprint distance race will be held on August 13 and features a 200 meter swim, a 4.3 mile bike and a 1.2 mile run. Check in at 6:00 a.m. Race begins at 7:00 a.m.
 
Discounted amusement park tickets
Parks and Recreation Department offers discounted tickets for the area's most popular amusement parks, including Great America, Milwaukee County Zoo, Noah's Ark, Mt. Olympus, Wisconsin Ducks, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Bigfoot Zipline, and more. Tickets will be on sale until August 26.
 
Port Summer Theatre 
This year the production is "The Little Mermaid" and is showing July 21 - July 24 at Port Washington High School auditorium. Advanced tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office or at Sentry Food Store. 
 
Beer Gardens
Scheduled dates are August 6, 13, 20, and 27; September 3, 10, 17, and 24; and October 1, 8, 15, and 22. Daily times are 11:00 a.m. -  8:00 p.m. Upper Lake Park East Mini Shelter will be the setting for the Saturday beer gardens that are operated by civic groups in the community. Eat there or feel free to bring your picnic basket.  Also feel free to bring your own beer stein!
 
Stop in at the Parks and Recreation office at 201 N. Webster Street for more information or call (262) 284-588. For faster updates, be sure to "like" us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PortWashingtonParksAndRec


VISIT THE PARKS & RECREATION WEBSITE  
For more information, visit our website at: http://portparkandrec.com 


W.J. NIEDERKORN LIBRARY
WJ Niederkorn Children's Department
The Children's Department in the WJ Niederkorn Library has been bustling with excitement since the kiddos have gotten out of school. Our summer reading program kicked off on Tuesday, June 7 and we currently have over 850 children registered. Don't worry if you think that you have missed out on all the fun; we still have several more weeks of fun programming to entertain the entire family. Check out our online calendar for details.

Summer is not the only time to find great programs for your children. Watch for postings on the calendar for all the fall programming for preschoolers and babies once the schools reopen in September.

Have a great summer  ---  Keep reading
 
WJ Niederkorn Adult Services
In the upcoming months the library will be holding many more craft classes as well as new Art Classes taught by Jeanne Azoff from the ArtHouse in Saukville. Jeanne will be teaching us Watercolors in August (2 classes,) and Acrylic Painting in October. Check our website for days and times, and don't forget to sign up! Spaces are limited! 
 
We also welcome John Leis from Physicians Mutual in August to talk about Medicare, and our friend Mark Moran in September to appraise those waiting treasures in your attic. Watch for more information coming soon, and a Halloween treat coming in October! 
 

VISIT THE W.J. NIEDERKORN LIBRARY WEBSITE  
For more information, visit our website at: http://www.wjnlib.org/ 
   
 
ADULT COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER
Concert in the Park  
Held on August 25,  1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at a new location, Veteran's Park Band shell is the Adult Senior Center community wide event for adults 55 and better. Thanks to the Port Washington- Saukville Rotary Club and the Friends of the Center, this is a free event open to adults. The entertainment this year is Groovy!  Groovy offers a polished upbeat show of soulful music from Patsy Cline to Bobby Darin that is tailored for adults to lift the spirit and endear the heart. Please join us, RSVP to 262-284-5821 to assist with planning, bring a chair and plan on a "groovy" time.  
     
Summer activities 
Summer activities include a pick-up bocce league, competitive horseshoe league on Tuesday mornings, A Jazzy Ice Cream Tea, and a volunteer-led Yoga basics demonstration on July 20 with a 4-week course August 3 - 24. Register at the Center. Check out more details at  http://cityofportwashington.com/seniorCenter.html  
     
The Adult Community Senior Center, a department of the City, is also a membership organization for adults 55 and better. Currently, the Center Membership Organization and the Friends of the Center, a 501 C3 charitable organization, are working with the Ad-Hoc Strategic Plan Committee, City Commission on Aging, and the City Council to establish a future location for these needed services, programs and events sponsored by this department. The programs and services are open to adults in the community with preference to age 55 and better. You can support this "hidden gem" through advocacy, participation or membership.   


VISIT THE PORT WASHINGTON ADULT COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER WEBSITE 
Please visit our website at: http://cityofportwashington.com/seniorCenter.html 
 

CITY OFFICIALS
Mayor
Tom Mlada
262-573-8736
Alderman District 1
Michael Ehrlich
262-689-2668
Alderman District 2
Paul Neumyer
262-689-2668
Alderman District 3
Bill Driscoll
262-284-6640
Alderman District 4
Doug Biggs
262-268-9296
Alderman District 5
Kevin Rudser
414-940-9696
Alderman District 6
David Larson
262-268-1171
Alderman District 7
Dan Becker
262-284-6043
City Administrator
Mark Grams
262-284-5585
Port Washington City Hall

262-284-5585


COMMON COUNCIL MEETINGS

1st and 3rd Tuesday each month at City Hall