City of Janesville Weekly Press Release

Weekly Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2008
Contact: Rebecca Smith, Management Assistant
Phone: 608-755-3104
Fax: 608-755-3196
E-mail: smithr@ci.janesville.wi.us
Website: www.ci.janesville.wi.us

Sidewalk Notices Will be Sent March 21
On March 21, 2008 the City of Janesville will send sidewalk repair notices to approximately 1,500 citizens.  These notices address complaints dating to Year 2000.  Inspections in 2007 confirmed whether the complaint was a repairable defect or met the standards established by the City of Janesville.  Information will be provided to each property owner about his or her sidewalk and whether it is in violation or not.  Notices of sidewalks requiring repair will include a copy of the inspection report with photos of the violations, estimates of the cost of repair, and information about how to make the repair.  

Owners have the option of the City performing the work and billing the cost upon completion or doing it themselves. A self-addressed-stamped-envelope is included for citizens to reply as to whether they will complete the repair or have the City do it.  Owners will be given until August 1, 2008 to make repairs.  The City will be bidding a contract and using the 2008 construction season to make repairs for those citizens who desire to take advantage of City construction administration. Citizens who have questions about their specific notice may contact the Engineering Division at 755-3160. Media inquiries may be forwarded to Jack Messer, Director of Public Works, at 755-3160.

Holiday Hours: Good Friday, March 21 & Easter Sunday, March 23
All City of Janesville facilities will be open and all services will be provided as usual on March 21 including trash and recycling collection and JTS bus service. The library will be closed Easter Sunday, March 23.

Adult Softball Leagues Begin in May; Manager’s Meeting Scheduled for March 24
Adult summer softball leagues will start the week of May 11. The manager’s meeting will be held on March 24 at 7PM at the Senior Center (69 S. Water St).  The cost per team is $490 and includes 20 resident players.  The cost for non-resident players is $13 per team member.  Team rosters must be finalized and registration fees must be paid by April 11.  For questions, call 755-3030.

2008 Street Sweeping Schedule Announced
First Round Begins March 24
The City of Janesville annually performs street sweeping on all City streets.  City crews sweep residential areas five times per year and crews sweep downtown and main arterial streets six times per year. 

The first round of residential street sweeping is scheduled to begin on March 24 and is expected to be completed about April 18. Street sweeping in residential areas begins in the northwest portion of the city and moves through the City in a counter-clockwise direction, generally finishing in the northeast portion of the City.

2008 Residential Street Sweeping Schedule
1st Cycle
Late March to April
2nd Cycle
Late May to June
3rd Cycle
July to Mid August
4th Cycle
Late August to September
5th Cycle
November

The City schedules two days to complete a street sweeping cycle for downtown and main arterial streets.  The next cycle of downtown and arterial street sweeping is scheduled to begin March 27 and be completed the following day. On the first day of the cycle, City crews typically sweep downtown parking lots and the following main arterial streets: West Court Street, Rockport Road, Crosby Avenue, Center Avenue, Delavan Drive, Beloit Avenue, East Racine Street and Ruger Avenue.

On the second day of the cycle, City crews sweep the downtown streets and the following main arterial streets: East Milwaukee Street, Mount Zion Avenue, Milton Avenue, Parker Drive and Black Bridge Road.  Traxler Park and Veterans Memorial Bridge are often swept on the second day when necessary. 

2008 Downtown and Main Arterial Street Sweeping Schedule
1st Cycle
Late March
2nd Cycle
Late May
3rd Cycle
Early July
4th Cycle
Early August
5th Cycle
Late August
6th Cycle
Early November

Street sweeping dates are subject to change depending on the volume of waste collected, equipment failures, weather conditions and shifting departmental work priorities.  The City of Janesville encourages off-street parking of vehicles during street sweeping events.  Watch the Janesville Gazette and the City’s website for information on exact dates for future street sweepings. For more information, please call the City Services Center at 755-3110.

2008 Spring/Summer Activity Guide Coming Soon
The 2008 Spring/Summer Activity Guide will be delivered to Janesville residents as an insert in the March edition of Park Place News the week of March 24.  The Activity Guide is packed with information regarding many of the adult & youth programs, aquatics lessons, camps, family activities, lessons and special events that will be offered by the City of Janesville’s Leisure Services Department this summer!  Registration forms are also included. The activity guide will not be mailed separately, so please keep your copy handy for your reference.  Check out the exciting programs that will be offered and register early, as many programs fill quickly! For questions, call 755-3030

Pet Licenses Now On Sale
The City of Janesville would like to remind Janesville pet owners that a city license is required for all dogs and cats residing within the city limits.

All cats and dogs, 5 months and older, are required to be licensed.   A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required for licensing.  A license can be obtained from two Municipal Building locations, the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office or Leisure Services (18 N. Jackson Street). Licenses are $5 for animals that are spayed or neutered (proof required) and $10 for animals that have not been spayed or neutered.  License renewals may be purchased until March 31, 2008; otherwise, a $5 late fee will be charged.  The fine for keeping an unlicensed dog or cat in the city limits is $249. (Municipal Code 06.04.020)

When a dog or cat is reclaimed or adopted at the Rock County Humane Society, the owner is provided written notification that they have thirty days to obtain a city license. The cost to taxpayers for care of animals at the Rock County Humane Society exceeds $90,000 per year. In 2007, the City of Janesville issued 4,393 dog licenses and 903 cat licenses. The burden on all city taxpayers would be reduced if animal owners would comply with licensing requirements.

In 2007, the Janesville Police Department began taking a more enforcement-oriented stance towards owners of unlicensed animals and other animal-related ordinances. Enforcement begins with those city residents who have recently adopted or reclaimed an animal at the Rock County Humane Society and who have failed to vaccinate and license the animal after thirty days. This strategy was put in place because previous efforts to educate and warn citizens of the requirement and importance of licensing dogs and cats did not result in compliance with licensing requirements.

The City of Janesville and the Rock County Humane Society urge Janesville dog and cat owners to be responsible by complying with the laws on rabies vaccinations, licensing, leashes, and litter clean up. For questions about animal licenses, please call 755-3073.

Mercy Hospital Parking Structure/Medical Office Building Informational Meeting Planned for March 26
Mercy Hospital will hold an informational meeting on March 26 at 6:30PM at the Mercy Center Conference Meeting Room 1128A (1000 Mineral Point Avenue) regarding a proposed parking structure and medical office building. This building would be located adjacent to the Mercy Regional Cancer Center near the corner of Mineral Point Avenue and Franklin Street. Representatives from Mercy Hospital as well as the City of Janesville will be in attendance. For questions, please contact Kelly Lee at 755-3052.

Animal Licenses & Paw Print Park Tags Sold at Mounds on March 29
On Saturday, March 29 from 9AM–1PM, Leisure Services will sell 2008 animal licenses at Mounds Pet Food Warehouse (1725 Lodge Drive). To purchase an animal license, pet owners must live within the City of Janesville and must provide a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Proof their pet has been spayed or neutered is required for those owners wishing to receive the discounted rate. Leisure Services, along with Paw Print Park committee members, will also sell 2008 permit tags and Paw Print Park clothing, including shirts and hats, on March 29 at Mounds. For questions, contact Leisure Services at 755-3030.

April 1, 2008 Election Information
The candidates for the Janesville City Council Election are: Kevin Bishop, Tom McDonald, Yuri D. Rashkin, Kathy Voskuil, Kelly O'Brien and George Mark (in ballot order). There are three seats open on the Council; therefore, electors may vote for no more than THREE candidates.
 
The election will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, and polls are open from 7AM – 8PM.  If you are a new resident, you may register to vote at the City Clerk-Treasurer’s Office in the Municipal Building (18 N. Jackson Street) or at your voting ward on Election Day.  In order to register, you must be a United States Citizen, 18 years of age or older on Election Day, and a Janesville resident for ten or more days.  Your driver’s license or state ID card number (if you have never been issued a driver’s license or state ID card number, then your Social Security number may be used) and identification that shows your current address is required for registration.  If you have recently moved, please contact us to update your information. 
 
Janesville is divided into 32 wards.  If you do not know which ward you live in, contact the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at 608-755-3073 or visit the City of Janesville website at www.ci.janesville.wi.us.
 
Compost Site and Demolition Landfill to Reopen April 1
The compost facility and demolition landfill will re-open on April 1.  It may open earlier if weather permits.  Hours through October are Monday & Thursday 8AM – 7PM, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8AM – 3PM and Saturday 8AM – 5PM.  The compost facility will offer free, unscreened compost to Janesville residents.  Ask the attendant where to pick up the unscreened compost. For questions, call the City Services Center at 755-3110.

Public Input Session Regarding City Manager Attributes Scheduled for April 2
The Janesville City Council recently began the process to recruit a new City Manager as a result of Steve Sheiffer's recent announcement of his intention to retire in the fall of 2008. As part of this process, a public input session is planned for April 2 to obtain feedback from residents. During this session, all members of the Janesville community are invited to share the attributes they would like to see in Janesville’s next city manager.

This session will take place from 6:30-8PM in the Municipal Building Training Room #416 (fourth floor, 18 N. Jackson Street). All residents are welcome to attend this session and no appointments are necessary. This session will be conducted by PAR Group President Ms. Heidi Voorhees, Janesville’s contracted recruitment consultant.

Individuals unable to attend the session may share their comments by contacting Ms. Voorhees at 847-256-7299 or hvoorhees@pargroupltd.com.

In addition to this input session, Ms. Voorhees will also obtain feedback from City staff, City union representatives and various business and community groups. Ms. Voorhees will then report the input received to the City Council.

For questions, please contact Human Resources Director Sue Musick at 755-3080.

New Paw Print Park ‘Friends’ Opportunity Available
Become a ‘Friend’ Today!
Leisure Services and the Paw Print Park Committee recently began providing an opportunity for individuals to become a ‘Friend’ of Paw Print Park, Janesville’s fenced dog park located at Prairie Knoll Park on Oakhill Avenue near the Hwy 11 bypass. The purpose of becoming a ‘friend’ is to provide support and funding for future park improvements.

The fee to become a ‘friend’ is $30 and includes an annual park permit tag and a Paw Print Park logo t-shirt. ‘Friends’ will be able to choose the color and size of their t-shirt. To become a ‘friend’, visit Leisure Services at the Municipal Building (18 N. Jackson Street) during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:30AM – 4:30PM). ‘Friends’ will need to have a current dog license to receive the park permit tag. For more information, contact Leisure Services at 755-3030.

Upcoming Events at the Janesville Senior Center
A variety of activities and events will be taking place at the Janesville Senior Center (69 S. Water Street) in the upcoming weeks.  For questions or to register, please call the Senior Center at 755-3040.

A trip to The Theater at the Center in Munster, Indiana is planned for May 1 to see the musical “Rockne of Notre Dame.” The production celebrates the life of the “winningest” football coach in history to the ragtime rhythms of the last century.  The cost is $60 per person and includes travel, the show, and dinner at the Old Country Buffet.  Payment and registration are due by April 4.

Persons who enjoy square dancing are encouraged to come and dance on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 1-3PM.  Mainstream calls will be given, and singles and couples are welcome.  There is no charge for this event.

A beginning quilting class, instructed by Myrtle Ballmer, is presently being held on Tuesday mornings at 9AM.  New persons who wish to learn the skills involved in making patchwork quilts are welcome to attend.  There is no charge for instruction; students provide the materials for their projects.     

The Mill Pond Pantry will provide lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11AM-12:30PM.  The food will be healthy, tasty, and prepared right at the Senior Center kitchen. The menu is available at the reception desk and will include soups, salads, wraps, fruits, breads, and the cookie of the week.   You can purchase a complete lunch for $4.50 or individual items at reasonable prices. Reservations are not necessary.

A presentation on radio-control modeling will be given by Pat Ryder on April 2 at 1PM in the Conference Room.  Pat is interested in starting a model-building group at the Senior Center. 

A Spring Fling Potluck and Dance Party featuring the music of the band “Wild Rose” will take place on April 16.  The potluck will begin at 5:30PM and the music will begin at 6:30PM.  Please bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert. Tableware and beverages will be provided.  The cost of the event is $4.50 per person.    

Library News
For questions or more information about any of the library items below, please call the library at 758-6607.

Exploring Cultures @ Your Library
Spend a night exploring cultures at Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main St., on Friday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Sing songs, read stories and more at this interactive family storytime for speakers of English and Spanish! No registration necessary for this free program. Visit www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org for more program information.

Researching Your Family Tree @ Your Library
Members of the Rock County Genealogical Society will share ideas, tips and resources to help you research your family’s history during a four-part program series at Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main Street.
               
How to Begin: The who, what, when, where and why of genealogy
Saturday, March 29, 2-3:30 p.m.    
Linda Herrick, member of the Rock County Genealogical Society, has spoken at many area genealogical society meetings and has taught genealogical classes. As the former owner of Origins Genealogy Bookstore, she authored and assisted in authoring books on German, Wisconsin and general genealogical topics. She is presently the editor of the Rock County Genealogical Society Newsletter.
 
Evaluate What You Have: Is There More?
Sunday, March 30, 2-3:30 p.m.     
Ruth Anderson, member of the Rock county Genealogical Society, will teach you to evaluate family records, public records and census returns and identify primary and secondary resources.  Ruth serves as the Society librarian and the Rock Co. Historical Society Archives researcher. She serves heritage societies, such as Daughters of the American Revolution and Colonial Dames 17th Century, as a lineage specialist.
 
The Four Cs of Research
Saturday, April 26, 2-3:30 p.m.   
Wendy Uncapher will show you how to research in courthouses, churches, cemeteries and the census bureau. Wendy is a member of the Rock County Genealogical Society and is the former owner of Origins Genealogy Bookstore where she authored many books and published many more on Wisconsin, German and general genealogy topics. She conducts research for hire in Rock County. Besides being project coordinator of the Rock County Genealogical Society, she has also been the editor of the German Interest Group-WI newsletter for many years.
 
Surfing for Ancestors 
Sunday, April 27, 2-3:30 p.m.       
Rock County Genealogical Society’s Webmaster and chairman, Dave Bradford, will show you how to get the most out of genealogy websites using search engines, databases, online records and more. Dave lectured regionally on technology, the Internet and genealogical software tools. He performs contract research for people whose ancestors pioneered southern and southeastern Wisconsin. He has indexed several historical Rock County books and plat maps to create RCGS publications and web pages. All programs are free and open to adults and older teens. No registration is necessary. For more information, call 758-6588 or visit www.hedbergpubliclibrary.org.

Free Computer Classes @ Your Library
Hedberg Public Library, 316 S. Main Street, will offer several free computer classes in April for adults.  Classes meet in the Woodruff Training Room at the library. Classes will be canceled 24 hours in advance if noet enough participants are registered. For more information or to register for any of these classes, stop by the library service desk or call 608-758-6600.
Free Computer Class Schedule

E-Mail Basics
1.5 hours. This session introduces the basics of electronic mail. Participants will learn to check, read, sort, compose, delete, spell-check and send e-mail using a popular free service. Knowledge of Internet Basics and Introduction to Computers is required. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Monday, April 7 at 1:30 p.m.
 
Tuesday, April 29 at 1:30 p.m.

E-Mail Expanded
1.5 hours. This session expands on the prerequisite E-Mail Basics class. Participants will learn to send and open attachments, update the address book, send electronic greeting cards and use the Yahoo calendar for recording events. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 29 at 4:30 p.m.

E-Mail Setup
45-minutes. Create a personal e-mail account using a popular free e-mail service. Participants only need to attend one session either before or after attending the E-Mail Basics class. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 29 at 3:15 p.m.


Internet Basics
1.5 hours. This session introduces participants to the Internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) using the Internet Explorer browser. This is a basic introduction, but does assume participants have basic computer skills and keyboard experience. Topics include operating the browser, looking up known Web sites and exploring HPL’s Web site. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 1 at 4:30 p.m.
 
Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Introduction to Computers
1.5 hours. Introductory class on the basic operation of a Windows 2000 personal computer, including keyboard, mouse and desktop features. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00 a.m.
 
Thursday, April 17 at 5:15 p.m.
 
Monday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m.
 
Monday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m.

Operating with Windows
1.5 hours. Learn to format and save to disks, create folders, and save files to folders on both your disk and hard drive. Learn to display or hide toolbars, open and view multiple windows and more, using the Windows operating system. Knowledge of Introduction to Computers is required for this session. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Monday, April 7 at 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m.

PowerPoint Basics
1.5 hours. Use a presentation-graphics program, Microsoft’s PowerPoint, to create a basic slide presentation. Word processing skills or the library’s Word Processing classes are required to register for this class. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Monday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m.

Searching the Internet
1.5 hours. Participants will be introduced to a variety of ways to search for topics using search engines, search directories and metasearch engines. Participants will be introduced to Boolean logic and simple and advanced search techniques. Knowledge of Internet Basics is required for this session. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Thursday, April 10 at 9:15 a.m.
 
Tuesday, April 22 at 6:45 p.m.

Searching the Internet II
1.5 hours. Learn to save time, avoid Internet overload, and find exactly what you want when you want it. Discover the strengths and weaknesses of various search tools and learn how to keep up-to-date with their constant changes. Knowledge of both Internet Basics and Searching the Internet is required. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Wednesday, April 16 at 1:00 p.m.

Spreadsheet Basics
1.5 hours. Learn the basic terminology and skills to use Excel as a tool for organizing information in a spreadsheet. Some items covered include moving around the spreadsheet; inserting information; inserting and deleting columns and rows; and application of simple calculations. Knowledge of Introduction to Computers is required. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Thursday, April 17 at 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 30 at 9:15 a.m.



Spreadsheet II
1.5 hours. Continue learning features of Excel including: performing calculations, auto calculate, formatting techniques and charting. Spreadsheet Basics or Excel knowledge is required for participation in this class. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Tuesday, April 1 at 11:15 a.m.
Monday, April 21 at 11:15 a.m.
Wednesday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.

Using RockCat
1.5 hours. Learn to use the shared system. Search the holdings of all participating libraries (HPL, BPL and EPL), place holds, review and renew items loaned to you, and more. Bring your library card. Knowledge of Introduction to Computers is required. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Wednesday, April 1 at 2:45 p.m.
 
Thursday, April 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Word for Seniors
Series
1.5 hours. Learn the basics of MS Word using the MS Word for Seniors workbook during this multi-session class. Participants need to register for all eight sessions and must have a library card in good standing to register. Limited to ten participants.
 
Tuesday, April 1 at 9:15 a.m.
 
Monday, April 7 at 9:15 a.m.
 
Tuesday, April 8 at 9:15 a.m.
 
Monday, April 14 at 9:15 a.m.

Tuesday, April 15 at 9:15 a.m.

Monday, April 21 at 9:15 a.m.

Tuesday, April 22 at 9:15 a.m.

Word Processing Basics
1.5 hours. This class goes beyond the required Introduction to Computers class. Participants should have an understanding of keyboard basics and use of the mouse. This class focuses on the procedures of editing a document including cutting, copying, pasting, inserting, deleting, bolding, italicizing, and underlining. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Wednesday, April 2 at 1:30 p.m.
 
Monday, April 14 at 11:15 a.m.
 
Tuesday, April 22 at 5:00 p.m.
 
Tuesday, April 29 at 9:15 a.m.

Word Processing II
1.5 hours. This class expands on word processing techniques by teaching how to change line spacing; use special symbols and WordArt; correct spelling and grammar; create and use tabs; and more. Word Processing Basics is required before this session. Call 758-6600 to register.
 
Wednesday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m.
 
Tuesday, April 15 at 11:15 a.m.
 
Thursday, April 24 at 9:15 a.m.


Photo Opportunities Available
There are several City of Janesville events that would make excellent photo opportunities and story ideas. Please mark your calendar for these upcoming events and look for more information in future press releases.

Date
Event
Time & Location
Contact
March 27
S.A.F.E. Training
5:30-7:30PM, Mercy Center at Mercy Hospital (1000 Mineral Point)
Sergeant Donohoue, 755-3133.

City of Janesville Press Release 3/20/08 Page 6 of 12