Mayor Dave Ament

Vol. 19 No. 2
Fall 2014
LETTER FROM MAYOR DAVE AMENT
New Berlin City Hall
3805 S. Casper Drive
(262) 786-8610
Regular Hours:
8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Closed for the following
Holidays:
September 1st, November
27th, November 28th, December 24th, December
25th, December 31st (close
at noon), January 1st.
Watch us Live!
Committee of the Whole and
Common Council Meetings
may be seen live on Cable
Channel 25 or during rebroadcast at 10 a.m. the next morning. Meetings, both live and
previously recorded, for many
of the City’s various boards,
commissions and committees
can also be viewed at the
City’s website at:
www.newberlin.org
Several major road projects including safety and drainage improvements should already be completed or will be completed soon. The Coffee Road East (from National to Calhoun) reconstruction project with
substantial improvements to the Calhoun, Moorland and National Avenue intersections as well as lane widening and the addition of a 5’
shoulder path on both east and west bound lanes is scheduled to be
completed by the end of October. These improvements are being made
with the least amount of impact as possible on the rural character of the
historically designated “Coffee Street.”
The Lincoln Avenue reconstruction project (from Moorland to Calhoun)
should be completed by the end of October as well. The Lincoln Avenue project also includes intersection and drainage improvements and is the beginning of the long term Industrial Park Roadway
Improvement Plan. Waukesha County has rescheduled the reconstruction of the Calhoun Road and
Cleveland Avenue intersection to begin on September 2nd. The aggressive Roadway Rehabilitation
program that was approved by the Common Council several years ago is making significant progress
in improving our subdivision streets. Because I am writing this September Leaflet letter to you in early
July the completion dates could vary somewhat.
City Center news…..Michele Witmer Memorial Drive improvements should be completed by October.
This project includes a number of roadway, intersection and pedestrian improvements, as well as internal and external “way-finding” signs. The once vacant spaces in the City Center are almost all occupied now. We have been focused on resurrecting the original vision of a pedestrian friendly retail
area with a mix of small locally owned shops to accent the larger anchor stores in the City Center.
The renewed excitement about New Berlin’s future is not limited to the City Center. Our New Berlin
Industrial Park and Westridge Business Park are both seeing a resurgence of activity. Expansions of
existing facilities have taken place as well as multiple applications for re-occupancies of vacant space.
I encourage you to periodically check the Department Of Community Development website at
www.newberlin.org or our Facebook page for project updates and photos at http://bit.ly/
CommunityDevelopmentNewBerlin.
I’m very proud of the professional and cooperative efforts of our City Staff and the Common Council
for their leadership that has resulted in a very bright outlook for the City of New Berlin. I look forward
to working with them as we continue to improve New Berlin’s image and quality of life. I’m currently
working with the Common Council and staff on the 2015 budget process. We look forward to continuing to provide essential city services at a cost the taxpayers can afford. If you have any questions
about these or any other issues, please feel free to contact me at 262-797-2441 or [email protected]. If you would prefer to talk in person, contact my office to set up a meeting or
stop by City Hall for my open office hours between 10:00am and 12:00 noon on the 4th Saturday of
each month.
Mayor Dave Ament
Fall 2014
Trick or Treat Hours
SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, October 26th
4:00p.m.-7:00p.m.
50th Annual New
Berlin Soap Box Derby
Sunday, September 7th, 2014
Valley View Park
5100 S. Small Rd.
Historic Day
Sunday, September 7th, 2014
Historic Park
19885 National Ave.
12:00p.m.-4:00p.m.
4th Annual Taste of
New Berlin
Saturday, September 20th, 2014
Hal’s Harley Davidson
1925 S. Moorland Rd.
11:00a.m.
Applefest
Sunday, October 5th, 2014
Historic Park
19885 National Ave.
1:00p.m.
Fall Harvest
Art & Craft Fair
Saturday, October 18th, 2014
Ronald Reagan Elementary
4225 S. Calhoun Rd.
9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.
The police department would
like to emphasize the importance of parental monitoring of their subdivision during the designated hours.
Set a time limit for children
to trick or treat.
Remind
children not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys
or playing fields. Remind kids not to enter a strange house
or car. Remember to check candy over before children eat
it. If trick or treating when it is dark, make sure a couple
of people are carrying flashlights. And remember, have fun!
17th Annual City Wide Family Halloween Party
Sunday, October - 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
$2 per ticket in advance, $3 per ticket at the door
Have a ghostly ghoul time at the 17th Annual Family Halloween
Party. Activities include arts & crafts, Halloween carnival games,
hay rides, cookie decoration, a police safety booth and more!
For more information contact Parks & Recreation at (262)797-2443
2ND ANNUAL REINDEER ROMP
Presented by the Prospect Lions Club of New Berlin, the Reindeer Romp will take place on Thursday, November 27th. This
will be a 5k fun run/walk with a two mile turn around point. The
race will start at 8a.m. in New Berlin’s Malone Park. Proceeds
from the race will be used to help finance the New Berlin Christmas Parade. Strollers and Pets are welcome! The entry fee is
$30.
Christmas Parade
Saturday, November 29th, 2014
Moorland Rd. from National Ave.
proceeding West to Malone Park
3:00p.m.
Sunday, December 18th
New Berlin Public Library
Community Room
7:00p.m.
Don’t miss Santa’s Annual visit to
the library. There will be stories &
treats. Children can sit on Santa’s
lap for a picture—don’t forget your
camera!
Fall 2014
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“The public library is where place & possibility meet.”– Stuart Dybek
Friends of the Library
Book Sale
Library’s Community Room
Saturday, September 20, 2014,
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 21, 2014,
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Nutcracker Sweets
Buy homemade cookies by the
pound, bags of nuts, handmade holiday gifts and ornaments, and used books.
Saturday, December 6, 2014,
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
All proceeds for these events benefit the New Berlin Public Library.
For information about the library’s storytimes, playgroups, Read-to-Rover, Lego Club, afternoon movies,
adult book clubs, computer classes and other informational programs, please stop in to the library at
15105 Library Lane , call 262-785-4980 or visit the library’s web-site at: www.newberlinlibrary.org
REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE
There seems to be a slight pause in recent gains made by the New Berlin Housing Market. This pattern
mirrors the trend for much of the southeast Wisconsin region. Review of sales activity by the City Assessor’s Office, as well as reports by the Wisconsin Realtors Association; indicate slight
increases in prices contrasted by sluggish
overall sales volume.
Some reported theories for the pause include:



Hesitation by first time buyers to enter the market
Lack of overall inventory
Recent changes in lending reforms
The pause is considered to be temporary;
with the general consensus among real
estate professionals being that of a gradual improvement as the economy gains
back the ground it lost during the recession.
An important aspect of the Assessors job is to continuously monitor and analyze changes in the real
estate market and recognize these changes in the assessed values of the community. Property values
are continually changing, and the values do not change at the same rate for all properties. Without
changes in the assessments to reflect the local market, inequities will soon develop. When there are
inequities, the property tax system becomes unfair resulting in some tax payer’s paying more than
what they should and some not paying enough. To iron out these inequities the City conducts revaluations.
The City of New Berlin is on a triennial revaluation cycle. The last revaluation was conducted in 2012
with the next revaluation scheduled for 2015. Statistics compiled by the City Assessor’s Office indicate
slight gains in home prices in the 5% range since 2012. Planned completion of the revaluation is for
the spring of 2015. Notices advising property owners of their new assessed values will be mailed upon
completion. Additional updates regarding the progress of the revaluation will be posted in upcoming
editions of the City Newsletter as well as on the Assessor’s web page @ www.newberlin.org. Questions
regarding the revaluation can be directed to the City Assessor’s Office (262) 797-2465
Fall 2014
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CITY CLERK RECOGNIZED FOR
MARION ONESTI NAMED 2014 CITIZEN
MUNICIPAL EXCELLENCE
City Clerk Kari
Morgan is the
recipient of the
17th Annual John
W. Bauer Award
for Municipal Excellence.
“I wish to congratulate Kari on
her well-deserved
2014 JW Bauer
Award,” said
Mayor Dave
Ament. “She is an
exemplary employee and an asset to this organization.
“She leads by example and embraces a challenge with an eye
to the future. Her professionalism and strong ethical compass always prevail. We are extremely fortunate to have her amongst our
ranks.”
City employee John W. Bauer retired from the City of
New Berlin in May of 1998 after 30 years of service. The creation
of this award was announced at John’s retirement party, noting
John’s commitment to get the job done, as well as his outstanding
service to internal and external customers.
Marion Onesti, an active
volunteer and passionate advocate of the New
Berlin Public Library, has
been named the 2014
Citizen of the Year.
Onesti has served as
President of the Friends
of the New Berlin Public
Library and was instrumental in its incorporation as a charitable 501
(C)(3) organization. Under her leadership,
Friends of the NBPL
grew to be a grassroots organization of over 250 members that
has given more than $100,000 to supplement Library programs
and services.
Onesti gives over 400 volunteer hours each year to support
the Library. When a major source of books for the book sales
was lost, Marion initiated ways to keep a large supply of new
items for sales.
Onesti also has served on the City’s Library Board for 12
years and has represented New Berlin Waukesha County Federated Library System Board of Directors trustee.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR BUSINESSES OF THE MONTH!
June 2014
May 2014
July 2014
August 2014
September 2014
The City of New Berlin is partnering with local businesses to grow economic activity and promote the
City as a place to live, work and play! If you are interested in becoming the next “Business of the
Month” contact the Community Relations/Clerk’s Department at (262)786-8610. We look forward to
hearing from you!
Fall 2014
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DCD TOOLS YOU CAN USE!
The Department of Community Development has been busy promoting economic development in the City of New Berlin! DCD has been using social media to connect and
share information about the department including updates and announcements regarding the 2020 Comprehensive Plan, development projects, new businesses, meetings,
events and links to relevant news and articles. There are several searchable databases
available to assist with finding
commercial and industrial properties
available for lease or sale on
the City website. Please go to http://
www.newberlin.org/
index.aspx?nid=217 and click on
“Economic Development Opportunities” or “Locate in Wisconsin”.
We hope businesses looking to relocate or
start a new business in
New Berlin will find this tool
useful!
The quarterly newsletter called
“Economic Development Watch”
will be sent out this October! This newsletter provides updates on economic development efforts in the City including a list of new businesses, expansions and relocations.
The goal of the newsletter is to engage the business community and provide information on resources to help build, grow and expand business in New Berlin! Every issue is
posted on the City website and social media sites.
NEW BERLIN POLICE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS
Anniversaries are a good time for reflection
and this year marks our fiftieth year of service to the City of New Berlin. To commemorate the occasion we have adopted
the motto ‘Protecting with courage and serving with compassion’ as it best embodies not
only what we do but how we
do it.
Fifty years ago the newly
appointed New Berlin
Police Officers each received 40 hours of training
before going out on patrol. Today, officers attend 720 hours of academy training, and must
successfully complete
four months of field training
before going solo.
Fifty years ago officers carried a six
shot .38 caliber revolver and a wooden
baton to defend themselves and others
against attack. Today, officers carry a semi
-automatic pistol, have immediate access
to a semi automatic rifle, and are armed
with an array of less than lethal force op-
tions including pepper spray and electronic
control devices. Bullet resistant vests and
shields are also part of their defense systems.
Fifty years ago officers did not
carry portable radios and the
police radio in their car had
perhaps two channels. Today, officers carry a portable radio on their duty
belt that is programmed to
allow them to communicate
with hundreds of other police, fire, and emergency
government personnel.
Technology, training, and
events over the last 50
years across the globe
have undoubtedly changed
the way we do police work. The
one constant, however, is that police work
is still ‘people work’; people serving and
protecting other people. That principle will
never change and we look forward to serving and protecting people in New Berlin for
another 50 years.
NEW BERLIN POLICE CITIZEN ACADEMY – the New Berlin Police Department is seeking applications
for our Citizen Academy course. We run two classes (Spring & Fall) from 6:30-9:30pm typically
on Tuesday evenings. If interested, please visit our website, www.nbpolice.org under the Community Programs tab. If you have questions, please contact Officer Tony Fus at (262)780-8148.
Fall 2014
THE CITY OF NEW BERLIN WOULD
LIKE TO WELCOME THE
FOLLOWING NEW BUSINESSES:
A-1 Pools
16040 W. National Avenue
Alliance Brick and Stone Supply
16980 W. National Avenue
DCM Usimeca
16335 W. Lincoln Avenue
Dickey’s BBQ Pit
15175 W. National Avenue
Eye Site Vision Care
15441 W. National Avenue
Grand Appliance
16535 W. Beloit Road
Heritage Estate Settlement
2600 S. 162nd Street
Inglesia Casa de Restauracion
1600 Pleasant Hill Drive
Jayhawk Sales Midwest
2995 S. Moorland Road
JLK Outlet
15160 W. Library Lane
Kumon Math & Reading Center
15445 W. Howard Avenue
LFFH
2385 S. 179th Street
Melt Chocolates
16775 W. Dakota Street
Meyer Construction
17020 W. National Avenue
Nexius
16445 W. Beloit Road
Pantheon Industries
3050 S. Calhoun Road
Prototype Stampings
16055 W. Ryerson Road
Sears Holdings
16261 W. Lincoln Avenue
Sidex Corporation
16336 W. Lincoln Avenue
The Window Store
2706 S. 163rd Street
Thrifty White Pharmacy
2700 S. 163rd Street
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OUR
CITY!
5
RECYCLING CENTER HOURS
As a convenience, weather permitting the
Recycling Center will be open
April 6th, 2014 to December 6th, 2014
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00a.m.-7:00p.m.
Saturdays 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
December 7th, 2014 to April 6th, 2015
Saturdays 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
Closed major holidays
Reminder: The Recycle Center is not a
“DUMP! We cannot accept household
garbage or items such as mattresses, lumber, furniture, construction materials, and
appliances with freon, such as dehumidifiers, refrigerators or air conditioners.
Please contact your private hauler for disposal of these items. More information:
262-780-4606
New Berlin
NOTES
The City has launched an
electronic bi-weekly newsletter. If you would like this
newsletter delivered to your
e-mail or cell phone please
sign up on the City’s website, www.newberlin.org, by
using the “Notify Me” module and choosing “City
Leaflet/New Berlin Notes.”
METER READING
3rd Quarter Utility Meter Reading Dates:
August 18th to September 5th
4th Quarter Utility Meter Reading Dates:
November 12th to December 5th
All personnel will have ID badges and
vehicles marked City of New Berlin. If
you see meter readers, please bring your
pets inside. If you have any questions,
please call the Utility Department at 262786-7086.
As you may know you’re supposed to move over and slow down for police squad cars
& Emergency Vehicles, but the Wisconsin “Move Over Law” doesn’t just apply to emergency responders. It also applies to Highway and Utility maintenance vehicles who are
working on roadways.
If you see one of these vehicles stopped on the side of the road with its emergency
lights flashing, you are required to provide a safety zone by moving out of the lane closest to the vehicle. If a safe lane change isn’t possible or you are on a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow down.
Please adhere to this law and help keep our emergency and maintenance personnel
safe and help you avoid a $264 fine and 3 demerit points on your license. For additional information http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/motorist/workzones/moveover.htm
ADOPT A HYDRANT
New Berlin residents are asked to assist Water Utility by locating the hydrant protecting his or her home and remove the snow from around and near it so that the hydrant
will be accessible to the Fire Department. Imagine having a fire at your house and the
fire hydrant is buried in a snow bank. It should take you less than 5 to 10 minutes
every snow storm to gain access to the hydrant near your house. With over 2,200
hydrants citywide and minimal vehicles/equipment to remove snow, the Utility, as a
customer service, tries to remove snow from as many hydrants possible, but it takes
almost 2 weeks to clear the entire service
area. Thank you for your help.
HYDRANT FLUSHING
Fall: September 15th – October 17th
Water Main Flushing is designed to remove natural minerals that sometimes collect in
the bottom of water mains and make sure that hydrants are operating correctly. This
operation may cause a temporary discoloration in your water supply. By allowing your
water to run for a short period of time, the problem should clear itself. Please be assured, although the water may be discolored, it is safe for human use. If you have any
questions contact the Utility Office Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. through 3:30
p.m. at (262) 786-7086.
Fall 2014
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LEAVES IN DITCHES
Please do not rake leaves into the ditches, or leave
the ditches full of leaves. When you see that water
backing up to your sump line, or running over your
drive and not flowing through the culvert, 99% of the
time you’ve got the leaves and ice holding it back.
Remember, it is your responsibility to remove the
debris before it causes problems with your property.
Reminder: If you are thinking of replacing your driveway, give us a call to inspect your culvert and determine if it needs to be replaced.
You or the contractor need to pull a culvert permit prior to any work starting. There is
no charge for the permit if you are just replacing your old one. If you have any questions please call the Street Dept or Inspection Dept. at 262-786-8610.
FLOOD SAFETY
The following common sense guidelines can help protect you from the dangers of
flooding:
 Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere
else. Do not drive around barriers!
 Do not walk through flowing water. Currents can be deceptive. Six inches of
water can knock you off your feet.
 Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. If your house is about to be
flooded, turn off the power at the service box. Electrical current can travel
through water. Electrocution is the 2nd leading cause of death during floods.
 Be alert to gas leaks. Turn off the gas to your house before it floods. If you smell
gas, report it to a City official or your gas company. Do not use candles, lanterns
or open flames if you smell gas or are unsure if your gas has been shut off.
 Keep children away from the flood waters, ditches, culverts and storm drains.
Flood waters can carry unimaginable items that have dislodged themselves. Culverts may suck smaller people into them rendering them helpless.
 Clean everything that has been wet. Flood water will be contaminated with sewage and other chemicals which pose severe health threats.
 Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded
out of their home may seek shelter in yours.
 Do not use gas engines, such as generators, or charcoal fires indoors during
power outages. Carbon monoxide exhaust can pose serious health hazards.
MAILBOX IN GOOD SHAPE?
Can your mailbox stand up to the winter?
Repair or replace your mailbox and post
now before the weather is cold, the snow
is falling and the wind chill factor is below
zero. Please be sure your mailbox is firmly
planted in the ground to eliminate tilting,
has a door to secure the mail, and is in
good condition to prevent an accident by
the carrier delivering the mail. Contact the
Post Office at 262-797-2431 for proper
heights and dimensions of your mailbox.
The plow crews keep an eye open and do
the best they can to prevent hitting the
mailboxes, but unfortunately some things
just can’t be avoided. If we strike your
mailbox with a plow, please report it immediately to the Street Department at 262780-4609. Any repair requests not received in a timely manner may be denied.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER
AND LINKEDIN!
Stay connected to the City of New Berlin
through social media. Several of our
departments regularly post city news and
events. Keep up-to-date with the latest
happenings from your home computer,
tablet or mobile device!
City of New Berlin
FLOOD PROTECTION MEASURES
If your property is susceptible to flooding, there are many flood damage reduction
measures you can employ.
 Watertight seals can be applied to brick and block walls to protect against low-level
flooding.
 Utilities such as heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and other
major appliances can be elevated to higher floors in the structure or on raised platforms.
 Temporary measures such as moving furniture and other valuables to higher floors
or sandbagging exterior openings will also help.
 Elevating or relocating the entire structure may also be a feasible option.
Fall 2014
Community Development
Park & Recreation
New Berlin Police
New Berlin Fire
New Berlin Public Library
Access links to all the
City’s social media pages
by scanning this barcode!
7
FALL GENERAL ELECTION INFORMATION
The Fall General Election will be held on November 4th, 2014. The ballot for this election will include: Governor; Lieutenant Governor; Attorney
General; Secretary of State; State Treasurer;
State Representative; U.S. Representative;
County Sheriff; & County Clerk of Circuit Court.
ABSENTEE VOTING IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE –
You can come to City Hall during the normal business hours of 8a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. For the November election in person absentee can be conducted from Monday, October
20th, 2014 thru Friday, October 31st, 2014.
provide their Wisconsin driver’s license number or
Wisconsin ID number. If they have neither one,
they may use the last four digits of their Social
Security number. Proof of residency is required
for all registrants.
POLLING LOCATIONS
Polling locations are open from 7a.m. to 8p.m. on
election day.
District 1—Hickory Grove School
District 2—New Berlin Community Center
District 3—New Berlin West High School
District 4—Peace Lutheran Church
District 5—New Berlin Public Library
District 6—Hoover Elementary School
District 7—New Berlin City Hall
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
District 1—John Hopkins
(262) 786-1213
District 2—Charles Garrigues
(262) 278-0115
District 3—Ronald Seidl
(262) 784-1352
District 4—Ken Harenda
(262) 971-1048
District 5—Joseph Stribl
(262) 391-4216
District 6—Dennis Horbinski
VOTER REGISTRATION
Residents who want to vote but are not yet registered may register in the City Clerk’s office until
Do you know where you vote? Visit the City’s
5:00 PM the Friday before Election Day or at their website at: www.newberlin.org or call (262)786polling place on Election Day. Residents must
8610.
We have been seeking a resident who resides in District #3 (Alderman Ron Seidl’s district) to
serve on the Crime Prevention Committee for quite some time now. The function of this committee is to advise the Mayor, Common Council and Police Department as to the best possible
methods of providing for the safety of the public regarding criminal activities, and to promote
programs that educate the public on matters of crime prevention. The committee consists of
seven citizen members, one from each district – as well as up to three at-large members and
an alderman. This vacancy for District 3 would have a term expiring 10/1/2015. We encourage residents to give it a try. It’s a great way to get know the members of your community,
while being proactive in keeping our community safe. Meetings are held the 3 rd Monday of the
month at 6:30 pm. Not sure which district you live in? Please visit our home page at
www.newberlin.org and click on “Voter Information Search” on the left-hand side. Interested
parties should send a letter of intent and a brief resume to [email protected] . Questions? Please call Melody at 262-797-2441
(262) 860-9052
District 7—John Fillar
(262) 786-8922
For complete Council Member contact
information scan the QR Code!
Special thanks to our various Board & Commission members:
We extend our gratitude and well wishes to the following citizens who have recently stepped down from their positions. We wish them well in their
new endeavors and thank them for their years of service.
Chuck Bedwell - Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission 1999-2014
Stephanie Belter – Youth Advisory Board 2012-2014
Richard Boya – Electrical Review Board 1994-2014
Katherine Carnahan – Youth Advisory Board 2012-2014
Larry Gold – Parks, Recreation & Forestry Commission 2011-2014
Warren Haut – Electrical Review Board 2006-2014
Jenna Hensel –Youth Advisory Board 2012-2014
Mark Mattes - Plan Commission 2012-2014
Laura Turzenski – Youth Advisory Board 2012-2014
Wayne Wielebski – Electrical Review Board 1994-2014
Regular Monthly Meeting Schedule—Please call 262-786-8610 to confirm meeting times.
Board of Appeals
1st Thurs. at 7 p.m. at City Hall
Library Board
3rd Mon. at 6 p.m. at Library
Board of Public Works
3rd Mon. at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall
Parks, Rec & Forestry
2nd Mon. at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
Civil Service Commission
As needed at City Hall
Plan Commission
1st Mon. at 6 p.m. at City Hall
Common Council
2nd & 4th Tues. at 7 p.m. at City Hall
Safety Commission
2nd Wed. at 6 p.m. at Safety Bldg
Crime Prevention Committee
3rd
Mon. at 6:30 p.m. at Safety Building
Utility Committee
4th Tues. at 5 p.m. at City Hall
Finance Committee
2nd
Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Hall
Water Resource Management
2nd Tues. at 4:45 p.m. at City Hall
Landmarks Commission
3rd Thurs. at 7 p.m. at City Hall
Youth Advisory Board
3rd Tues. at 4 p.m. at City Hall
Fall 2014
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