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TOWN OF BLACK WOLF 380 E. Black Wolf Ave. Oshkosh, WI 54902 Phone: (920) 688-1404 Fax: (920) 688-1405 E-mail: tbw@northnet.net ___________________________________________________________________________________ General Information News Meetings Calendar Agendas-Minutes Forms Garbage-Recycling Ordinances Property Taxes Tax Collection Newsletters Smart Growth Picture Page |
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____________________________________________________________________________________ Newsletters for Spring 2008, Fall 2007, Spring 2007, Fall 2006 and Spring, 2006 are shown below. 2008 Spring Newsletter OFFICE HOURS: Town Hall Office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday - 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm Use the drop box located by the front door when the office is closed. Please note: Phone calls should be directed to the Town Hall, unless it’s an emergency. Messages will be taken and forwarded to the proper individual or department, thus eliminating the need to contact town officials at their homes. Thanks! Zoning Administrator, Tom Verstegen - Mondays & Tuesdays 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. - Zoning permits and information may be obtained by contacting Tom at the Town Hall on Monday or Tuesday evenings (688-1404) or his cell phone (379-3081). Appointments can be made to meet with him at any time. Building Inspector, Dave Frank - Tuesdays 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Building permit questions may be answered by calling Dave directly at his home (920) 233-1999. Black Wolf requires the following permits: Accessory building/structures, Building addition permit, Fence permit, Fill Permit, Mechanical permit, New Construction Permit, Road access (culvert) permit, Sign Permit, Special project permit (window, door, foundation repairs, siding, decks), Zoning Permit. MEETING SCHEDULES – Town Hall Special circumstances sometimes require the need to change meeting dates and/or times. Postings are updated on a regular basis. Check the website or posting boxes located at the following locations: Town Hall, Lakeshore Mart, Lakeshore Superette, and on Ripple Road across from Oshkosh Country Club Town Board Meetings - 7:00 p.m. – 2nd Monday of each month. Town residents are welcome! Planning/Zoning Committee Meetings 6:30 p.m. – 1st Tuesday of each month. Members of this committee are: Jim Chitwood, Sandra Golliher, Tracy Kollock, Joe Sagen, and Eric Youngbauer. Plan Commission The initial meeting was held February 26, 2008, and a Public Hearing on March 24th. Watch for future meeting dates. This Commission will be working with Martinson & Eisele to finalize the Town’s Comprehensive Plan in 2008. Members are: Brad Disch (Chairman), Jim Chitwood, Sandra Golliher, Bob Kossel and Leon Luker.
ANNUAL MEETING The Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. This meeting is open to the public and town residents are and encouraged to attend. This is a time for residents to present and discuss concerns, and/or issues they would like town officers to consider. Comments are welcome! Town Board - Comments Frank Frassetto, Town Board Chairman Comprehensive Plan The Town of Black Wolf along with the Town of Friendship has retained the services of Martenson & Eisele, Inc. to assist in guiding our towns through the comprehensive planning process as we work to get our long range planning in line with the Smart Growth Initiatives for the State of Wisconsin. We joined with Friendship because our two towns are very similar and we were able to reduce the overall cost of this project. An informational/kick-off meeting has already been held and a second one is scheduled for March 24th. Blue post cards have been sent to all residents to alert you to this process. If you have not received one or thought it was “junk mail” contact Ellen or Mona in the town office to get the details. A formal planning committee was formed to help the town in the process. We expect the process of updating our comprehensive plan to take approximately 12 months. As an off shoot to our comp plan, the town is continuing to engage the City of Oshkosh in developing a boundary agreement that would established clearly defined city growth area, a specific town area and establish a third area called rural preservation so that our municipalities can move forward without the potential of disagreements arising the would unduly jeopardize developments in various segments of the town. At a recent meeting between the city and the town, a tentative outline was reached that could help in moving this process forward. In essence, there would be a city growth area encompassing those properties that are west of the railroad tracks south to Nekimi Ave. The lands west of Country Club Road to the county line would be designated Rural Preservation areas. And, finally anything east of the tracks from the city to Nekimi Ave., and east of Country Club south of Nekimi Ave. to the county line would be designated Town Growth Areas. Of course there are many other details that have to be addressed but before that occurs, the town board believes that this step should be discussed at the Annual Meeting on April 8th. Hopefully you all will attend to share your thoughts on this particular item as well as the other issues that will be a part of a broader boundary agreement. Quiet Zone – Ruekert-Mielke has recently signed on by the town board to assist with establishment of a railroad quiet zone in the town. This firm has successfully assisted other municipalities in this regard. There is a significant amount of ground- work that must be done to meet Federal Railroad Administration requirements before determining the amount of work and resources the town needs to put toward this project. You can expect an update on their progress in approximately two months. General – After a long and snowy winter, I want to wish everyone a pleasant spring and summer. And, don’t forget, if you have skills or a desire to help the town be a better place, don’t hesitate to let me or Ellen know what you would like to do to help Tom Herzing, Town Board Supervisor I Cell Phone: 379-4433 It is not uncommon for property owners to plant, mow, or otherwise landscape part of “their” property, which are, in fact, part of the Town of Black Wolf RIGHT-OF-WAY. The Town Board, on advice of legal counsel, reminds property owners of the following: The Town has the legal right to control the road right-of-way. Any improvements, plantings, etc. within the right-of-way are done at the risk of the property owner. The Town is not responsible for damage(s) resulting from such activities. Other decorative landscaping items are not permitted in the right-of-way. They present problems for snowplow drivers. Bob Keller, Town Board Supervisor II Cell Phone 379-0717 The winter of 2008 has recorded the most snow for this area in modern history. It did put a strain on our 3 part-time drivers and 2 snowplow trucks. Even before the season started, the town had ordered one replacement truck. This truck was put into service on Jan. 11th. It has served us well, even though it did already require some upgrading. At one point we used it to back-up the much larger truck which needed servicing. We still have the truck that has been replaced and disposition of this truck will be discussed at the April Annual Meeting. The 3 drivers should receive commendation for the dedication and responsibility they have shown. We wish to increase the crew to 4 for the next season in an attempt to lighten the load. Any experienced individual with interest in the position should apply at the Town Hall. It is possible to get a repeat of this year and we want to be ready. As the season progressed, we received calls about special situations that needed attention. We welcome such calls, as the drivers were available and willing to address most situations. Our snow plowing policy has been included in fall newsletters in the past. Part of that policy includes a reminder not to push snow across the road. This year, I wish to emphasize WI Stat. 346.96(5), which prohibits placing injurious substances on the roadway. This includes pushing snow from your driveway across the road into the ditch. This can cause damage to the snow plow equipment, reduction of road width, obstruction of safe views of the road as well as reduced drainage. We received numerous complaints of this being done. When necessary, the Town may request the Sheriff’s Dept. to issue citations. As a quick update on the 2 bridge projects (Lone Elm and Koelpin Road), we have received environmental approval and design approval from the state. Final design will be completed this summer and a bid letting will take place in Dec. 2008. We expect construction to begin in spring 2009, with completion in that summer. The annual April inspection of the road will facilitate summer maintenance and any necessary upgrade plan for the Town of Black Wolf road system. John McDermott, Town Treasurer Phone 688-1404 Lottery Credit: Make sure you check your tax bills each year to make sure you have received a lottery credit. If you are a new resident to the Town of Black Wolf, you will need to apply for the lottery credit. The form is available in the Town office, or at the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website (Form LC300 (R.10-04). For additional information about the lottery credit, call the Town office 688-1404 or the WI Department of Revenue (608) 266-9457 or (608) 266-0772. Escrow Payments: Depending on your mortgage company, there are usually several options when it comes to paying your property tax escrow check. The two most common methods are: 1. The mortgage company sends you the check payable to you and to the Town. By using this method you will usually receive the check faster, and puts the timing of your payment in your control. You are also sure that the check has been sent to us. 2. The mortgage company sends the check directly to the Town. This method is more direct, but experience has shown that many taxpayers go through major frustrations due to incorrect mailing address, etc. Whichever method you select, it is recommended that you contact your mortgage company to make sure they have our correct mailing address and other necessary information. Reminders about tax collection: · Business-size, self addressed stamped envelopes should be enclosed with your tax payments and/or dog license payment. PLEASE provide a stamped-self addressed envelope if you want a receipt mailed back to you. · One check may be written for all payments (including dog licenses) · If you have concerns about your assessment, call Bowmar Appraisal (920)733-5369 or attend the Open Book and/or Board of Review. Watch for these dates to be scheduled. ELECTION NEWS Voters have the choice of using either the paper ballot machine or the touch screen machine (with paper tape back-up). Voting hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Voters must be registered. Register during regular business hours or on the day of the election. To avoid long registration lines on Election Day, please register prior to the election. The following two items are required to register to vote: 1) Elections Board “Voter Registration” Form EB131 (available from Town Hall office or under “Forms” on our website; and 2) Drivers License OR the last four (4) digits of your Social Security No. (Only if you don’t have a driver’s license). The Primary Election was held on February 19, 2008. Turnout was excellent with 810 residents voting, or more than 45% of registered voters.
Upcoming Elections:
September 9, 2008 Fall Partisan Primary November 4, 2008 General (Presidential) OPEN BOOK / BOARD OF REVIEW
Bowmar Appraisal is expecting to conduct their annual “Open Book” during late June, 2008. This is the time to review the Assessment Roll for 2008 and for Town residents to ask questions or express concerns about their assessment. Watch for notice of the exact date. If you object to your assessment after meeting with Bowmar Appraisals, you may meet with the Board of Review (usually held a few weeks after the Open Book --watch for notice of date). You will need to file the Objection Form at least 48 hours prior to the Board of Review, unless the Board of Review chooses to waive this requirement. Call the office with any questions about the Open Book and/or Board of Review. Tom Verstegen, Zoning Administrator Cell Phone: 379-3081 The Town of Black Wolf has been mandated by the Department of Natural Resources to work toward reducing pollutants into Lake Winnebago from our stormwater sewer system. Open ditches make up the entirety of the Town’s stormwater sewer system. The Town was required to obtain an MS4 (Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer System) General Discharge Permit from the DNR. The permit lists steps that are being required by the DNR to reduce pollutants from our MS4. One of the required steps is public education. Although most of it is common sense, it still needs to be reiterated: Properly dispose of automobile fluids such as waste oil and anti-freeze Pick up and dispose of pet waste Try to mulch or burn leaves away from a ditch Properly manage household hazardous chemicals Water quality tests will be performed annually to see how we’re doing in limiting pollution in our “storm sewers.” Chris Martell, Town Constable Phone 688-2445 Please make sure your animals are properly contained in appropriate building structures, pens, and pastures. Loose animals cause traffic problems, destruction of property and are a threat to others. The Town’s ordinance allows only two dogs per household, and they must be licensed within six months of initial ownership. If you have any complaints or concerns, please call me at home, 688-2445, and leave a complete message. Be sure to include your name and phone number in the event that I would need more information. Sanitary District Report Office: 233-2901 This spring the Black Wolf Sanitary District plans to televise the remaining 10% of its sewer mains. This will complete the sewer main televising portion of the district’s five-year clear water abatement program. This spring we will also be televising the 27 house laterals (the sewer line connecting a residence to the sewer main) that we found discharging clear water during last spring’s main line televising. After televising 90% of our sewer mains, we have found over 250 gallons per minute of leaks (mostly through house laterals) and corrected more than 222 gallon per minute of these discovered leaks. We have already seen our Oshkosh treatment fees decrease as a result of our efforts. Your cooperation in identifying and repairing these leaks, and diligence in making sure that your sump pumps are not connected to the sanitary sewer, have enabled the Sanitary District to keep user fees at the same rate for the past 17 years. We are proud to report that our user fees are significantly lower than any other district that we are aware of, and in some cases, half of what other districts charge. This spring promises a heavy snowmelt and should be a good test for the newly repaired portions of our system. We would like to thank residents and businesses for their continued patience and cooperation over the final 18 months of our clear water abatement program. TOWN BURNING POLICY Black Wolf does not have an ordinance which prevents burning, however, please respect your neighbors. Observe good safety practices, and be especially careful to burn only during calm periods of the day or early evening. Do not leave any fires unattended! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR RECYCLING EFFORTS Based on the number of tons of recycled materials, Black Wolf placed third again out of the 15 towns in Winnebago County for 2007. 1st place – Town of Neenah - 249 tons 2nd Place – Town of Clayton - 232 tons 3rd Place – Town of Black Wolf - 207 tons 2008 Garbage & Recycling Calendars We still have a supply of magnetic calendars showing the days Veolia Waste Management Services picks up paper and co-mingled recyclables in addition to regular garbage pickup. Stop in the Town Hall Office and pick one up. Call 800 688-4285 to contact Veolia directly. Van Dyne Fire Department Is Looking for More Volunteer Firefighters The Van Dyne Volunteer Fire Department has 13 openings. Firefighting, fire protection and fire prevention are essential in today’s community which requires time and dedication. These can only be accomplished by having a full roster of firefighters. We face the problem of the availability of manpower at all times, but especially during the daytime hours. With only a few people available to make that initial response, we need to recruit more people. So, you ask what is all involved to become a member? Fill out an application and meet with the Chief and Training officer who will inform you of what is expected. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and previous experience is not required. Although our daytime help is short-handed, we will consider all applicants regardless of your schedule. We offer a retirement plan to all active members. Please call Chief Doug Seffern (688-2364) or First Assistant Chief Dave Babler (688-2226) for more information. The Van Dyne Volunteer Fire Department takes great pride in protecting the people in the community and providing fire education to adults and children. Please consider volunteering some of your time by joining us. Town of Black Wolf Phone: (920) 688-1404 FAX (920) 688-1405 E-mail: tbw@northnet.net Website: townofblackwolf.com Town Chairman: Frank Frassetto Supervisor I: Thomas Herzing Supervisor II: Robert Keller Treasurer: John McDermott Clerk: Ellen Chmielewski Constable: Chris Martell Deputy Clerk: Brenda Keller Deputy Clerk/Office Assistant: Mona Schultz Zoning Administrator: Tom Verstegen Contact Directly: Building Inspector: Dave Frank (920) 233-1999 Assessor: Bowmar Appraisal, Inc., John Bodouski (920) 733-5369 APRIL...These are the days of Spring supreme, when the sun pours down and gardeners’ scheme. And people released from Winter’s break, step out in the sun with hoe and rake. Their spirits soar, they heave a sigh, and see great things in their mind’s eye. For never in this world has there been such grass as in our dreams is seen, And never flowers, even rare, can with those in the mind compare. April blossoms with such ease, the world becomes a gardener’s tease. Comes May, and weeds, and bugs, and tools...and then we know how April fools!
The last snowfall of the winter occurs in April...several times. ______________________________________________________________ NEWSLETTER Fall 2007 Newsletters are published twice a year, in April and October. PLEASE Keep the latest publication for reference. TOWN HALL - Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Use the drop box located at the front of the building for when the office is closed. Zoning Administrator Office Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Building Inspector Office Hours: Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: All phone calls should be directed to the Town Hall (unless it’s an emergency). Messages will be taken and forwarded to the proper individual or department, thus eliminating the need to contact Town Officials at their homes. Thanks! Town Board Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m.* Planning/Zoning Committee Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.* * Special circumstances sometimes change meeting dates or times. Please check the posting boxes located at the Town Hall and at 3 other locations: Lakeshore Mart, Lakeside Superette, and on Ripple Rd. across from Oshkosh Country Club. Posting are updated on a regular basis. WEB SITE: Our web site, townofblackwolf.com is updated on a regular basis. This site contains general information, current news, calendars, newsletters, Town Board and Planning & Zoning agendas, Board minutes, zoning ordinances, meeting dates, forms, photographs, and many other items. v 2008 RECYCLING CALENDAR MAGNET The Town will once again provide calendar refrigerator magnets. The 2008 garbage and recycling schedule is highlighted. Stop in and pick up your magnet during normal business hours. We also have Garbage Collection Guides and Winnebago County Recycling Guide brochures in the office. The 2008 garbage and recycling calendar is included in this newsletter, in the office, and also on the Website (Garbage/Recycling page). v “RECYCLE” STICKERS We are offering “Recycle” stickers for residents who prefer using recycling containers instead of plastic recycling bags. The stickers can be picked up at the Town Hall and should be affixed to your recycle containers/bins. This will help our haulers identify the recyclable containers from regular garbage containers. Thanks for your efforts in making the Town’s recycling program very successful! _________________________________________________________________________________________ ELECTION NEWS: Voters now have the choice of using either the Accu-Vote machine (paper ballot) or the Diebold TSX machine (touch screen with a paper tape back-up). Everyone is encouraged to vote and try out the new machine. The Spring Election was held on April 3rd, 2007. 410 residents turned out to vote. Upcoming 2008 Election Dates: February 19th, 2008 Spring Primary Election – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. April 1st, 2008 Spring General Election – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. September 9th, 2008 Fall Primary Election – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. November 4th, 2008 Presidential Election – 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Voter Registration is required. If you are not registered, Voter Registration forms may be filled out on the day of an election or at any time during regular business hours at the Town Hall. Please bring identification. You will be asked to provide your drivers license number, or the last 4 digits of your social security number only if you don’t have a driver’s license. The Statewide Voter Registration System (SVRS) requires new voters to register using the State Elections Board’s Form EB131. The forms are available at the Town Hall office and under “Forms” on the Website. Absentee Voters must be registered in the Town and need to fill out the Application for Absentee form before a ballot can be mailed or handed out. This form is available at the office or from the website, “Forms”. ANNUAL BUDGET MEETING DATE: The Budget Hearing for 2008 will be held on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the proposed budget will be available at the Town Hall prior to the hearing. The regular monthly Town Board meeting will follow at 7:00 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING DATE: The Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. This is the time for residents to present and discuss issues they would like the town officers to consider. The meeting is open to the public and town residents are invited and encouraged to attend. Comments are welcomed! CHANGE IN TOWN TREASURER POSITION: Please join us in a warm welcome for John McDermott who was recently appointed as Treasurer for the Town. John will be replacing the current Treasurer, Scott Altmann, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities in Northern Wisconsin. John will be working closely with Scott, learning about the Treasurer position to ensure a smooth transition. A special “Thank You” to Scott Altmann for his many years of service and commitment to the Town. We wish him the best as he starts this new chapter of his life. Thanks again Scott, you will be missed! FROM THE CHAIRMAN, Frank Frassetto: Comprehensive Planning – The state of Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth Initiative” requires that municipalities have in place a comprehensive plan by January 1, 2010 and accordingly we are looking to hire a professional engineering firm to help guide us through this process. It is anticipated that this effort will take approximately 8 – 12 months and be completed in 2008. In order to defray some of the costs associated with this project, the Town of Friendship has agreed to be a joint participant due to the fact that both our towns are similar. This will require working closely with Friendship (as we have done in the past through the Van Dyne Fire Department) and we look forward to this partnership. As of this writing, two firms have shown an interest in lending their services – Omni Associates and Martenson and Eisele. Either of them is very capable and would surely do a fine job for our town. Please stay tuned to the posting boards around town and log on to our website to keep abreast of the progress and to find out when public hearings are announced. Boundary Agreement - The City of Oshkosh and the Town continue to engage in discussions on a potential boundary agreement. We’re trying to set up a face to face meeting where we can establish more concrete parameters within which to frame a broad agreement. At our last Annual Meeting, the town electors passed a resolution that identified Fisk Ave. as the southernmost border and bordered on the east by the CNN railroad for a city growth area and that this agreement would be for 20 years. This is not what the city has been indicating as a preference for them to sign off on; obviously we’ve got some issues that could be contentious. Nonetheless, the board will continue to promote the values and lifestyle that Black Wolf residents have come to know and appreciate. FROM SUPERVISOR I, Tom Herzing: Change in Zoning Requirements - On October 2nd, the Black Wolf Planning and Zoning Committee held a public hearing on a proposal to bring the Town's setback requirements along the lake shore into conformity with those of Winnebago County. The Town Board approved the change, based on the recommendation of Planning & Zoning and the fact that no Town resident spoke against the change. The old setback was 50 feet from the street right of way and 10 feet from side property lines. Under the new regulations, properties East of Highway 45 have minimum setbacks of 30 feet from the road right of way and 10 feet and 7 feet from the side property lines. is beginning discussions toward a possible boundary agreement. Up to this point, the Town has consulted widely with its Long Range Planning and Planning and Zoning committees and has studied agreements that have been signed with Oshkosh by the towns of Algoma and Nekimi. The Town Board has also sought input from its citizens, most recently at the annual town meeting. The people of Black Wolf have given strong indications that they want to see the rural character of the community preserved and that they want to see reasonable limits set for City growth to the South. Discussions will most likely last well into next year, and the Town will keep in contact with its residents regarding progress. Town Cleanup: The Town is considering holding a Town cleanup sometime in 2008. Please let us know if this is something you would be interested in. FROM SUPERVISOR II, Bob Keller: Roadwork: This summer the town of Black Wolf saw resurfacing of US Highway 45 (WDOT Project) and West Decorah Avenue (TBW Project). Numerous town roads received seal coat surfacing. County Road “R” was also seal coated (Winnebago County Project). Bridgework: The Town of Black Wolf has two bridge replacement projects that have been approved for State/County/Town funding. The Bridges are on Koelpin Road and Lone Elm (County Line Road). They are currently scheduled for Spring/Summer 2008 bid letting and construction. At present, the WDOT is considering the delay of road and bridge projects due to over scheduling and funding issues. Therefore, one or both of these projects may be delayed. The Town of Black Wolf has requested maintenance of the existing schedule. Truck Purchase: We have found the need for replacement of our smaller snow plow/maintenance truck. The process to purchase the truck was approved in late September. We expect to have the new truck in late December for the 2007/2008 winter plowing season. This spring we televised an additional 30% of the sanitary districts sewer mains. This brought the total mainline televised to 90%. We also televised 25 house laterals and discovered discharging clear water this spring. The homeowners are now in the process of repairing these laterals. During mainline televising we discovered 51 more manholes that need to be raised or repaired. This work is now complete. We have already seen a substantial drop in sewage flow as a result of this work. If you have questions about lawn restoration around a repaired manhole in your yard or know of a manhole in a road that needs more gravel, please do not hesitate to call our office at 233-2901. We would like to remind residents and businesses that it is illegal to discharge sump pumps into the sanitary sewer. Please check your sump pump to make sure that it is not connected to the sewer. Once again we would like to thank residents for their continued patience and cooperation. Chuck Linde, Sanitary District __________________________________________________________________________________________ This Snow Plow policy is being re-printed as it is important everyone understands how snow plowing is handled during the winter months. Supervisor Bob Keller is in charge of the roads in the town. Contact the office to leave a message for Bob if you have a concern.
________________________________________________________________________________ FROM THE TREASURER, John McDermott: Town of Black Wolf Tax Collections Updates & Reminders Methods of Payment: Ø By Mail * 380 E. Black Wolf Ave, Oshkosh, WI 54902 Ø Town Hall Drop Box* drop slot is located next to the front door of the Town Hall (on the left) Ø In Person Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 5:00 – 7:00 pm and Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008 5:00 – 7:00 pm * Payments made by mail or dropped in the drop box must be postmarked by 12/31/2007 (for December payments) or 1/31/2008 (for January payments). Payment Tips: DO NOT bring in or send CASH. Cash Payments will not be accepted. DO NOT send or drop off your entire bill with payment – use the appropriate stub from the bottom of your bill. DO NOT send your second payment (if electing installment) to the Town Hall. This must be sent to Winnebago County by July 31st, 2008. DO INCLUDE a self addressed stamped envelope if you are paying by mail or using the drop box. CHECKS should be made out to “TOWN OF BLACK WOLF”. Statutory Due Dates: Pay in Full by January 31st, 2008 or Elect Installments – 1st pmt due Jan 31, 2008 (to the Town) 2nd pmt due Jul 31, 2008 (to Winnebago County) Dealing With Your Mortgage Company (FAQ’s): 1. Will my mortgage company send my escrow check to me or directly to the Town? It seems most mortgage Companies send checks to the property owner payable to the property owner and the Town. There are some, however, that do send payment directly to the Town. Check with your mortgage company if you are not sure. 2. Will the town endorse my mortgage check over to me and allow me to write a personal check for the exact amount of my taxes? NO - It is the Town policy NOT to endorse mortgage company checks over to the property owner because of collection issues with NSF checks. 3. If my escrow check is for more than my taxes, how and when will I get my refund? Town policy is to get refund checks mailed out as quickly as possible. You should normally receive your check within 2-3 weeks of when taxes were paid. 4. IF I haven’t received my escrow check from my mortgage company and the due date is approaching. Who should I call? Call your mortgage company first. If they indicate that your payment was made directly to the Town, then call the Town Treasurer for verification. Lottery Credit Information: You are only entitled to one Lottery Credit – on your principal residence as of Jan 1st of the tax year. (If you have multiple parcels, please check to make sure you are receiving only ONE Lottery Credit) If you DO NOT see a Lottery Credit on your bill and think you should have one, please call. The Town may be able to issue a late Lottery Credit.
DOGS: Neutered/Spayed $3.00 Unneutered/Unspayed $8.00 Limit of 2 dogs - per Town Ordinance Proof of VAC – only for new or expired VAC OK to include Dog license payments with your taxes. Dog License Information: The Town of Black Wolf will only issue 2 dog licenses per residence as specified in the Town Ordinances regarding dog licensing. Dog Vaccinations: There still seems to be some confusion as to when you need to send in your rabies vaccination information. I will attempt to provide some clarification. You DO NOT need to send along your vaccination information if: 1) You licensed your dog with the town in the prior year AND 2) Your dog’s rabies vaccination has not expired since the last licensing You DO need to send along your vaccination information if: 1) Your dog was not previously licensed in the town OR 2) Your dog’s rabies vaccination expired since the last licensing. Please check your vaccination dates before sending in for a license. You need to supply proof of spaying or neutering if this was done since the last licensing. IF IN DOUBT, PLEASE SEND ALONG A COPY OF YOUR VACCINATION INFORMATION Address changes should be communicated to the Town Treasurer in writing. Please send these change requests to the Town Hall. The town will then submit these changes to the County. DO NOT CONTACT THE COUNTY DIRECTLY ON ADDRESS CHANGES. Name Changes must be made through the Register of Deeds at the County level. The town does not have the capability of changing your name as it appears on your tax bill. If you have questions regarding this procedure, please contact the County. Payments made after January 31: There are still a number of taxpayers making their 2nd installment payments to the town. These 2nd installment payments must be paid directly to the County. Any payments received by the town will be returned. _________________________________________________________________________________ ANIMAL CONTROL: Chris Martell, Constable (Home Phone: 688-2445) The Town Dog Ordinance states that dogs must be under control at all times. This doesn’t mean that the dog needs to be on a leash, but if that’s what is needed to keep a dog under control, then do so. With that in mind, if your dog does get away, call me at home (688-2445) so that I can make a note of it and call you back if I get a call or find your dog. If you find a dog running loose, DO NOT CAPTURE OR HOLD THE DOG!!!. Don’t let it in your garage, put it in your kennel, tie it up or let a stray in your house! There have been many instances that a seemingly friendly dog turns on and harms the person(s) that has captured them. All stray or strange dogs should be treated with caution and not approached. Also, try not to leave food out for animals. If you feed them, they will return. This applies to dogs and cats. There are no ordinances regarding cats in the Town. If you have strays in your area and you want them captured, again, call me at home and I will do what I can to capture them. If you trap a cat on your own (without the knowledge of the Town) you will be responsible for the disposition of the animal. FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR, Tom Verstegen
Test your soil before
applying fertilizers containing phosphorus. phosphorus-free fertilizers if you fertilize. Look for 0 as the middle number-all fertilizers show three numbers on the label (10-0-5, for example). The middle number represents the amount of phosphorus. So, buy zero. Keep leaves and grass
clippings out of the town ditches, compost, and practice other water-friendly
lawn care. They can also be tilled right into your garden. Or you could use a mulching mower to chop the leaves into little bits for your turf. If you do rake, make sure that the leaves stay out of the ditch. Keep water on site and
soil in place (so it stays out of our waters). rather than hard surfaces (such as driveways and sidewalks that will deliver stormwater to ditches and eventually our water resources). Be sure to mulch or plant any bare soil so that rain and snow don't erode it away. Reduce motorized vehicle use; maintain vehicles in an environmentally friendly way (don't dump oil in storm drains or on the street, for
example). Never let any oil make its way to the storm ditch. Make sure your car doesn't leak antifreeze, brake fluid or windshield wiper fluid. These leaks and drips could be washed into the storm ditch from the street or your driveway with the next rainstorm. Make sure you sweep your driveway instead of using the hose to wash debris away. Wash your car on your lawn instead of your driveway. Or go to a carwash. Learn more about local waters and
join a local watershed or conservation group. Watershed Associations, Friends Groups and Other Natural Resource Groups to locate an active group in your area. There are many groups in Wisconsin all working to preserve and enhance the natural resources here. Check out their web sites or get in touch with their contact person to find out how you can get involved. If you don't find one where you live, consider starting one! Original article taken and modified from http://www.danewaters.com/private/tips.aspx To access other links included in article, access this website. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Things you can do to help keep your lakes and streams clean: (Reprinted and Revised from www.websterlakeassociation.com) If you want to help birds and make sure they have a good fish supply (fish, crustaceans, etc.) from the Lake Winnebago (lake) environment, spread the word about alternatives to pesticides and fertilizers (excessive algae growth caused by fertilizers disrupts the natural balance in the lake, causing dangerously low oxygen levels to occur in the nighttime hours). Start picking up trash around the lake if you notice a lot of trash coming from the storm drain system. Rain washes a mix of pollutants off of our streets, parking lots, and neighborhood yards. Pollutants such as soil, pet waste, motor oil, antifreeze, grass clippings, pesticides, and fertilizers wash into storm drains or ditches and eventually into the rivers and lakes without being treated at all. This is in contrast to the wastewater system that takes waste from the drains inside your house and goes through a septic treatment system and/or treatment plant before it enters the lake. This treated water is in many cases of higher quality than the water that is in the river already (untreated runoff carrying pollutants from neighborhoods, farms, etc.) This polluted runoff kills wildlife and contaminates our waterways. Easy ways to reduce pollution: Keep all litter out of storm drains, and bring a trash bag with you on walks near streams and lakes to pick up trash (don’t forget your gloves!). Pick up pet waste. Wrap it tightly in a bag, and throw it in the garbage. Or flush it down the toilet. Recycle used motor oil and antifreeze. Learn about organic gardening, instead of resorting to pesticides and chemical fertilizers Compost your grass clippings. Take unwanted household chemicals, oil paints, and solvents to a hazardous household waste collection center. We as humans often restrict consumption of fish that contain harmful pesticides and chemicals, but water birds don’t have a choice, since their full diet consists of fish and other creatures in our lakes and streams. We also have the luxury of drinking treated water from our treatment plants, whereas birds and other wildlife must drink from the streams and lakes we have contaminated. The more the public learns about these issues, the faster we can do something about it and put an end to the needless suffering experienced by wildlife, while keeping the waters looking amazing! Source: Meadow Lake- http://www.birdcrosstitch.com/environment/MeadowLake.html For additional information on storm water pollution and the effect on Winnebago County lakes, rivers and streams, see:
ZONING PERMITS: Zoning Permits are issued by Zoning Administrator, Tom Verstegen. Call the Town Hall Office 688-1404 for zoning information or to set up an appointment with Tom. He is in the Town Hall Office on Monday & Tuesday evenings, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. ______________________________________________________________________________________________
1-800-621-CASH (you may remain anonymous). You could receive up to $1000 cash for your information, if it leads to the solving of a crime. Also, a crime prevention flyer, “The Crime Reporter” is available at the Town Hall. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department prepares these flyers every other month with updated information. The Sheriff’s office is collecting cell phones to help crime victims. These can be donated at the Oshkosh Seniors Center, 200 N. Campbell Road, Oshkosh. Call Deputy Steve Herman at 236-7309 for more information. Consumer Alert Affects Medicare Beneficiaries: as Medicare officials. In this scenario, the caller asks for bank account information stating Medicare needs this information in order to deposit money directly into the beneficiary's account. In some cases, the caller threatens the person by saying if the Medicare beneficiary doesn't disclose accurate bank account information; the person will risk losing his or her Medicare benefits. If you receive such a call, please report it to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection by contacting the Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-422-7128. Consumer Alert: Don't Dial 9 0 # on your Telephone Scam Originates from local jails and prisons.
as AT&T or Verizon Service Technicians. The technician says he is conducting a test on telephone lines and in order for him to complete this test, the person on the other end of the line must touch 9 zero # and then hang-up. Don't fall for this trick. If you push 9 zero #, you are giving the caller full access to your telephone line. Then the caller can place a long distance call and bill those calls to your home telephone number. Deputy Steven L. Herman, President Wisconsin Crime
Prevention Practitioners Association
Dave is available at the Town Hall Office on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. You may also call Dave directly at his home (920) 233-1999 for building permit questions or problems. PERMITS REQUIRED:
. Veolia (formerly Onyx) is responsible for weekly collection of your recyclables and garbage. Along with regular garbage, either Paper (newsprint, magazines, cardboard, etc.) or Co-mingled (tin, aluminum, glass, etc.) recyclables is collected every week. Please refer to the recycling calendar for the regular collection and holiday pickup dates. Contact Veolia directly at 800 688-4285 with any questions or problems. Winnebago County is now looking into single stream recycling for the near future. We will keep you informed
Winnebago County now offers a Recycling option every day! Businesses are required by law to recycle computers. For households, it’s a choice. Choose to recycle and prevent hazardous materials like lead, mercury and other heavy metals from your electronics from entering your landfill. Fees will be charged. Here are a few examples: $10 for a TV or monitor, $5 for a laptop, CPU, Printer or VCR, $0 for keyboards, mice, speakers, cords, cell phones. The Winnebago County Transfer Station is located at 105 W Cty Rd Y, Oshkosh. Call: (920)232-1800. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: (920) 688-1404 ♦ Fax: (920) 688-1405 ♦ E-mail: tbw@northnet.net Website: townofblackwolf.com Town Chairman: Frank Frassetto Supervisor I: Tom Herzing Supervisor II: Bob Keller Clerk: Ellen Chmielewski Treasurer: John McDermott Constable: Chris Martell Deputy Clerk/Office Assistant: Sandy Reukauf Zoning Administrator: Tom Verstegen *Town Assessor: Bowmar Appraisal, Inc., John Bodouski, (920) 733-5369 *Building Inspector: Dave Frank (920) 233-1999 *Contact the Assessor and Building Inspector directly. __________________________________________________________ NEWSLETTER Spring 2007 Newsletters are published twice a year, in April and October. PLEASE keep the latest publication for reference. Current and past Newsletters are on our website: townofblackwolf.com TOWN HALL - Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. Use the drop box located at the front of the building for when the office is closed. Zoning Administrator Office Hours: Mondays & Tuesdays: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Building Inspector Office Hours: Tuesdays 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PLEASE NOTE: All phone calls should be directed to the Town Hall (unless it’s an emergency). Messages will be taken and forwarded to the proper individual or department, thus eliminating the need to contact Town Officials at their homes. Thanks! Town Board Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m.* Planning/Zoning Committee Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.* * Special circumstances sometimes change meeting dates or times. Please check the posting boxes located at the Town Hall and at 3 other locations: Lakeshore Mart, Lakeside Superette, and on Ripple Rd. across from Oshkosh Country Club. Posting are updated on a regular basis. WEB SITE: Our web site, townofblackwolf.com is updated on a regular basis. This site contains general information, current news, calendars, newsletters, Town Board and Planning & Zoning agendas, zoning ordinances, meeting dates, forms, photographs, and many other items. ELECTION NEWS: Voters now have the choice of using either the Accu-Vote machine (paper ballot) or the Diebold TSX machine (touch screen with a paper tape back-up). Everyone is encouraged to vote and try out the new machine. The Fall General Election was held on November 7, 2006. Turn out was very good with 1287 residents voting, which is more than 68 % of eligible voters. Spring Elections: February 20, 2007 Spring Primary Election: 149 Residents Voted April 3, 2007 Spring General Election : 410 Residents Voted Voter Registration is required. If you are not registered, Voter Registration forms may be filled o |