WINTER 2011 FROM THE MAYOR WHAT’S INSIDE Dear Brookfield Residents, These are challenging economic times for Finance Department...... 3 most of us individually and for Brookfield as a city. Still, it is important to recognize that Police Department...... 4 Brookfield’s fundamental economic strength and the City government’s long standing fiscal Parks, Recreation and responsibility are serving us well. Forestry Department...... 5-6 Brookfield is fortunate to have a very strong real estate tax base. In fact, Brookfield, which has a population of about Water Department...... 6-7, 15 38,000, has the third highest equalized property valuation in the State. “Equalized value” is the estimate by the Wisconsin Department of Fire Department...... 8 Revenue of the full value of the real property in a municipality. Brookfield’s equalized property value at about $6.1 billion trails only that of Milwaukee Highway Department...... 8 and Madison in the State of Wisconsin. The City of Brookfield is also fortunate to have a relatively low unemployment Elmbrook Schools Link..... 9-12 rate. The most recent statistics from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development indicate that Brookfield currently has an unemployment rate of Library...... 13-14 5.8% compared to 7.7% for Wisconsin, and 9.0% for the United States. The City of Brookfield has had a triple A bond rating by Moody’s Investors Elmbrook Service — the highest credit rating achievable — continuously since 1999. Humane Society...... 14-15 It is one of only five municipalities in Wisconsin to have this rating. With this strong base, I have proposed a City Budget for 2012 which Community maintains the existing high level of City services with a very modest increase in Development...... 16 the tax levy. The property tax levy to fund the 2012 budget will increase less than 1% — the specific increase is 0.95%. This is one of the lowest increases in Wilson Center...... 16 recent decades and is well below the 2.7% increase in the consumer price index. For the owner of a home with the average assessed value of $335,000, For Your Information...... 17-19 the City portion of the tax bill will increase about $16 to fund the 2012 City Budget. That property owner will actually see an estimated reduction Elmbrook Historical Society...19 of $220 in his total real estate tax bill (with levies by the City, County, Elmbrook School District and Waukesha County Technical College) due Dog Licenses...... 20 mainly to the state mandated decline in the school tax levy. After hours of deliberation over the course of three evenings, the City’s Finance Committee recommended to the Common Council that this Recycling Center proposed Budget be adopted without amendment. I am pleased to Hours report that the Council acted unanimously in accordance with this Winter Hours recommendation at its meeting on November 15th. December through March Mayor Steve Ponto Saturdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! CITY DIRECTORY City of brookfield City Hall council members Phone Numbers MAYOR Emergency 911 Steven V. Ponto City Hall...... (262) 782-9650 (262) 787-3525 Assessor...... (262) 796-6649 ALDERMEN Building Inspection...... (262) 796-6646 District 1 District 5 Code Enforcement...... (262) 796-6646 Bill Carnell Scott Berg City Clerk...... (262) 796-6653 (262) 781-1058 (262) 797-8772 Community Development Daniel Sutton Gary Mahkorn Planning...... (262) 796-6695 (262) 373-0173 (262) 784-0605 Economic Development...... (262) 796-6694 District 2 District 6 Court...... (262) 796-6660 Engineering...... (262) 787-3919 Bob Reddin Christopher Blackburn (262) 781-4029 (262) 821-5262 Finance/Treasurer...... (262) 787-3513 Rick Owen Jerry Mellone Fire Non-Emergency...... (262) 782-8932 (262) 790-9888 (262) 786-6719 Highway/Streets...... (262) 782-5029 Human Resources...... (262) 796-6642 District 3 District 7 Library...... (262) 782-4140 Ron Balzer Renee Lowerr Parks, Recreation & Forestry...... (262) 796-6675 (262) 782-1177 (262) 853-9657 Police Non-Emergency...... (262) 787-3700 James Garvens Lisa Mellone (262) 782-8482 (414) 573-3822 Police Operations...... (262) 787-3702 Community Services Officer...... (262) 787-3557 District 4 Municipal Judge Crime Prevention Lieutenant ...... (262) 787-3623 Mark Nelson Jeffrey J. Warchol Police Social Worker...... (262) 796-6689 (262) 797-8503 (262) 796-6660 Police Administration...... (262) 787-3566 Buck Jurken Records Request...... (262) 787-3701 (262) 789-7445 Business Fax...... (262) 782-8757 CITY INFORMATION Public Works Inspection...... (262) 796-6673 2000 N. Calhoun Road Senior Community Center...... (262) 796-6675 Brookfield, WI 53005 Veolia (Trash Contractor)...... (262) 367-6040 (262) 782-9650 Water Pollution Control Center....(262) 782-0199 Webpage Water Utility...... (262) 796-6717 www.ci.brookfield.wi.us

Email Tax Information Line...... (262) 787-3513 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Laurie O'Shea (262) 787-3500

WATCH CABLE CHANNEL 25 FOR ADDITIONAL BROOKFIELD INFORMATION.

2 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER FINANCE DEPARTMENT

2012 City of Brookfield Budget 2012 City Expenditures The Common Council approved the year 2012 budget Public Safety/Health...... $30.00 on November 15, 2011. Tax bills mailed in early Wastewater Utility...... 20.00 December fund the 2012 budget. Public Works...... 13.00 Your property taxes support five governmental units. Paying off debt...... 9.00 Water Utility...... 9.00 The City Treasurer collects the taxes for all five General Government...... 6.00 governmental units starting in early December. Library...... 4.00 When you pay your property tax bill every one hundred Parks and Recreation...... 4.00 dollars is divided in this way: Community Development...... 2.00 Capital Outlay/Other ...... 3.00 Tax Rate Summary Total...... $100.00 Elmbrook or Waukesha Schools...... $52.00 Capital City of Brookfield...... 31.00 Outlay/Other $3.00 Waukesha County...... 10.00 Water General WCTC...... 6.00 Utility Government $9.00 $6.00 State of Wisconsin...... 1.00 Total...... $100.00 Public Wastewater Safety/ City Utility Health $31 $20.00 $30.00

Schools Paying $52 Off Debt $9.00 Public Community Works $13.00 Development Parks & Library WCTC $2.00 Recreation $4.00 $6 $4.00 Waukesha County State The City portion of the tax bill will increase approximately $10 $1 $16 on the owner of a home with an average value of $335,000 and will allow the City to continue to provide the The City of Brookfield uses tax monies to pay for high level of service citizens desire and have come to expect. approximately 54% of its expenses. The remainder of If you have more detailed questions regarding the the City’s income comes from other sources including: budget please contact the Finance Department in utility charges, state aid, licenses and permits, fines and City Hall at (262) 782-9650. You can view the forfeitures, earnings from investments, grants, and charges complete 2012 budget document which is available for services (e.g. ambulance and park and recreation fees). for review in the Finance Department at City Hall, at Every one hundred dollars the City receives from all the Brookfield Public Library or on the City website sources combined is spent in this way, in support of City at www.ci.brookfield.wi.us (available after official services and operations: publication in mid-December).

Tax Collection Holiday Hours will remain open on Friday, December 30, 2011 from Payments will be accepted at City Hall during normal 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. for tax collection. This is the business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 last day of collections for payments to be marked p.m. City Hall will be closed on the following dates in received and posted for 2011. observance of holidays: For more information regarding locations, hours and Closed: Friday, December 23, 2011 payment options, please refer to the inserts that will Monday, December 26, 2011 be included with your tax bill. Also, visit the City of ** Friday, December 30, 2011 ** Brookfield website atwww.ci.brookfield.wi.us or Monday, January 2, 2012 call the City of Brookfield Tax Information Line at 262-787-3513. ** City Hall is closed; however, the Treasurer’s Office

WINTER 2011 3 POLICE DEPARTMENT

Tips for a Safe Holiday d Lock your doors and windows and keep your garage The City of Brookfield Police Department’s Crime door closed. An unlocked door or open window Prevention Unit offers the following tips to help you creates an attractive crime of opportunity for a thief. to be more careful, prepared and aware during the d Do not display holiday gifts where they can be seen holiday season: through a window or doorway. Keep presents out of Safety When You’re Out and About sight until they are given. Store gifts in a secure place before you go away on a holiday trip. d Thieves are looking for an easy target in parking lots of When you are away from home, make your home malls, banks, and shopping centers. Be aware of your d  look occupied. Have some interior lights activated surroundings and pay attention to activity around you. by an automatic timer and consider leaving a radio d Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you or television on. Ask a neighbor or family member to must shop at night, go with a friend or family member. watch your house, shovel new snow, pick up the mail d Park as close as you can to your destination and take and newspaper and park their motor vehicle in your notice of where you parked. Whenever possible, park driveway from time to time. and walk in well-lighted areas. d If you observe a person or vehicle doing anything d Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while that looks suspicious, call the police. in or out of your car. d Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Lock your Distracted Driving Prevention packages and gifts in your vehicle’s trunk. Keep Distracted drivers pose a deadly risk to everyone on receipts with you. Immediately remove all purchases the road. Here are some tips for managing some of the from your car when you return home. most common distractions. d Be careful if you carry a wallet or purse. They are ● Turn off your phone or switch to silent mode before the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping you get in the car. areas. Never leave a purse or wallet in a shopping cart ● Set up a special message to tell callers that you unattended. are driving and you’ll get back to them as soon as d Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Keep cash in possible, or sign up for a service that offers this. your front pocket. Consider taking only what you ● If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first. need — ID and the credit ● Ask a passenger to make a call for you. or debit cards you intend to ● Don’t ever text and drive or send e-mails while use. Remove unnecessary driving. It is dangerous and against the law in credit cards, debit cards, your Wisconsin and most states. Texting while driving can Social Security card, and cause fatal accidents. It doubles a driver’s reaction other unneeded documents time and makes a driver less able to respond to that could compromise your sudden roadway dangers. Do not use electronic identity if lost or stolen while devices if they interfere with your attention and your shopping. The more documents that you carry with ability to keep your car safely on the road. you, the more difficult and time consuming it will be to report and recover from your loss. Make sure you ● Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before have recorded all account and phone numbers of your you get into the car. credit cards. Keep this information in a safe place at ● Review maps and directions before you start to drive. home, and make sure to save your receipts. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a d Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to card is lost, stolen or misused. Keep a record of all of review the map/directions again. your credit card numbers in a safe place at home. ● Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive. Safety Around Your Home ● Pull over to a safe location to address situations with d Be extra cautious about locking your doors and your children in the car. windows and keep your garage door closed. Park your car in your garage whenever possible. If you ● Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking reading park on the street, take your garage door opener and and any other activity that takes your mind and valuables in the house with you. eyes off the road.

4 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY

indoor track. Please no skateboards, razors/scooters, 2012 Winter/Spring large bikes or inline skates. There is no charge for this Registration Dates event, but every family that brings a food donation for the Waukesha Food Pantry will earn an entry for a Saturday, January 7, 2012 chance to win a $25.00 Brookfield Parks, Recreation Online registration begins at 8:00 a.m. and Forestry gift certificate good towards any class In person registration will be available registration fee. Parents must attend this event and at the Parks, Recreation and Forestry office supervise children at all times. from 8:00-10:00 a.m. Brookfield Senior Community Center The Brookfield Senior Community Center is located Adult Open Gym within Brookfield City Hall. Membership for seniors The Parks and Recreation Department offers an Open 55 and older is free to all Brookfield residents. You Gym program at Brookfield East High School. The may register at the Parks and Recreation Department program is offered Monday evenings from 8 p.m.-10 Office during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and includes two courts each for volleyball and p.m., Monday-Friday. Non-residents are eligible basketball as well as the indoor track for walking or to participate by paying an annual fee of $12.00. jogging. Program dates are September-March with no Members need to register on an annual basis in order program when school is not in session. The admission to continue membership and receive the quarterly fee is $2.50 for City of Brookfield residents. newsletter in the mail. The program is for adult residents of the Elmbrook Daily and weekly activities are available including School District only, men and women, ages 18 and exercise, watercolor painting, bridge, sheepshead, above. High School students will not be admitted. movies, guest speakers, line dancing, and bingo. You are Non-residents are permitted only if there is space sure to find something you will enjoy. available after all residents have entered. Senior Bus Tours Civic Band and Chorus Winter Seniors are invited to join the Senior Community Center Concert — December 18 on one of the many fun day tours. Catch a show, visit a The Brookfield Civic Band and Chorus will combine new museum, and spend the day with some friends and their musical talents for a special winter concert to be enjoy stress-free travel on a luxury motor coach. Below held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011. are just a few of the fun trips planned for 2012. The performance will be held in the Kuttemperoor Auditorium at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the January 18 Bolz Conservatory and Quivey’s Arts, located in Mitchell Park at 19085 W. Capitol Drive. Grove, Madison, WI General admission prices are $5.00 for adults, $3.00 February 1 Viva Vegas, Fireside Theatre, for seniors (60 and older), and children 12 and under Ft. Atkinson, WI are free. Tickets are available at the Wilson Center box April 20 Badger Band Concert, Madison, WI office. For more information on the concert or how you can become a member of the Civic Band or Chorus, call the Brookfield Parks, Recreation and Forestry Online Recreation Program Department at 262-796-6675. Registration Tips Thank you for continuing to make the online Play Day 2012 registration a success! Did you know that you can see The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is and print your family’s history of classes taken, reprint a planning a “Play Day” on Monday, January 23, 2012. receipt and change your password online? The event will take place at the Brookfield East High School field house from 10:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. This To view your history: is a scheduled “day off” from school. Basketball hoops ● After signing into the online program registration, on will be available, as well as jump ropes, hula hoops and the left hand side select “My Account”. other fun activities. Children 8 years old and under are ● Select “View My History”. You are then able to invited to bring their big wheel, cozy coupe, tricycle, select by current, past or all transaction history. Scroll or other small bicycle to the field house and ride on the (continued on page 6)

WINTER 2011 5 PARKS, RECREATION AND FORESTRY (continued from page 5) Has Your Email Address Changed? down to see a section with all past history of classes Our on-line process is set up to send a confirmation taken since 2003. email of class selections as well as communicate To reprint a receipt: additional class information/cancellations as needed. If ● After signing into the online program registration, on your email has changed, please call our office at 262- the left hand side select “My Account”. 796-6675 to update your information. ● Select “Receipt Reprint”. Park Facility Reservations ● You are able to select by receipt number or date 2012 reservations for park building, shelters and picnic purchased. areas can be made by City of Brookfield residents, To change your password online: in-person at the Parks and Recreation office on a first come, first served basis. Facility recreation applications ● After signing into the online program registration, on for dates between now and April 30, 2012 are currently the left hand side select “My Account”. being accepted. Applications for dates after May 1, ● Select “Change User Name or Password”. You are 2012 will be accepted beginning Tuesday, January 3, able to make changes to the field and click “Submit” 2012 at 8:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the year to make the changes. during regular office hours.

WATER DEPARTMENT City Water is Coming property and add the cost for the service. Typical properties in Brookfield have frontages ranging from to a Street Near You 130 feet to 200 feet. So for a property with a frontage The City will continue to extend water main to of 130 feet, the water main assessment costs can range unserved areas over the next five years. A copy of the from approximately $7,750 to $10,950, including map is included in this newsletter and available on the service cost. For a property with a frontage of 200 feet, City’s website at www.cityofbrookfield.com. If your the assessment can range from approximately $11,250 street is not highlighted on the map, then you either to $15,500 including service cost. already have water available to your property or are not This information is provided so you can begin planning scheduled for water until sometime after 2016. now for this future water main assessment. The Costs for water main are assessed to abutting property assessment may be paid in a lump sum or over ten years owners. In the past few years, assessment costs have at a 7% interest rate. ranged from $50 per frontage foot to $65 per frontage These are only examples of what an assessment could foot depending on the project, plus the cost for the be, based on averages and bids received on projects service from the main to the lot line, typically ranging in the past few years. Actual assessments will vary as from $1,250 to $2,500 each depending on the size of construction costs vary and the frontage of properties the service. To estimate your assessment cost, multiply vary. These costs are meant to be representative only the cost per frontage foot by the frontage for your and in no way provide a guarantee of a maximum cost for the water main assessment. There are other — SELLING YOUR HOUSE? — rules that apply for oddly configured or small lots ALL PROPERTIES REQUIRED TO CONNECT that affect the assessment costs. For further details, TO CITY WATER AT TIME OF SALE please contact the Engineering Division on rules for calculating water main assessments. As part of the City’s efforts to provide City water These sample assessments do NOT include the cost for to all properties, City ordinance requires all property owners to install water service from the lot properties that have City water available to them line to the house. These costs can range from $3,000 to connect to City water at the time of sale or to $6,000 or more depending on internal plumbing, within 10 years of the water main assessment distance from the lot line to the house, trees or patios date, whichever occurs first. that may need to be restored, etc.

6 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER Municipal Water Main Extensions in the Next 5 Years

North Central portion of city, North Ave. to Lisbon Rd. and Brookfield Rd. to Lilly Rd.

KEY: 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Southeast portion of city, Bluemound Rd. to Greenfield Ave. and Moorland Rd. to S. 124th St.

KEY: 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

WINTER 2011 7 FIRE DEPARTMENT Holiday Fire Safety Typically, shorts in the electrical lights or open flames With the onset of the Holiday from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Season, it is important Select a Fresh Tree to keep fire safety and ● Needles on a fresh prevention in mind. The tree should be celebration of the season green and hard to brings with it increased pull back from the usage of electric lights, branches; if the tree decorations, candles, Christmas has been freshly cut trees and greens. More fires occur the needles should in the Winter months than any other time of the year. not break. However, by following some simple prevention rules, ●  The trunk should be your home can be fire safe. sticky to the touch. ● Stay in the kitchen when you are: frying, grilling or ● If you bounce the tree on the ground and it loses broiling food. many needles the tree should not be used. ● Have a child free zone of at least 3 feet around the cooking area. Caring for Your Tree ●  Keep a fire extinguisher handy, and remember the ● Do not place the tree near a heat source, including word PASS — pull, aim, squeeze and sweep. fireplaces or heating vents. ●  All big fires start small. Be sure to have your back ● Keep the water container filled with water. to an exit when using an extinguisher, and have ● Do not leave a fresh tree up longer than two weeks. everyone else leave the house. ● Check your smoke detectors every month to be sure Help the Fire Department Help You they are working; after 10 years replace them. Please be sure that your house numbers are ● Do not overload your outlets. Use power strips in visible from the street and both day and night. place of extension cords. If you have a fire hydrant on or near your property, Christmas Tree Safety please make sure that the snow is removed from around it and that it is visible. Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires annually.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Christmas Tree Pickup please exercise extreme caution. Also, when stopped behind a in January 2012 only! plow, you must be at least 20 The City will pick up Christmas trees at 7 a.m., January feet behind the plow, 9th through January 23rd. Call-in requests after the as sometimes the plow 23rd will not be accepted. Trees should not be buried in must back up during the snow. Wire, metal and plastic bags must be removed plowing operations. from the tree and disposed of separately. You may also bring the tree to the Recycle Center or cut them into 4' long pieces and place them at the road edge for removal by the solid waste contractor. Wreaths should be disposed of in your weekly garbage. Use Caution When Following a Snow Plow! Remember, the law requires motorists to stay at least 75 feet behind a snow plow on City streets. If you must pass,

8 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER LIBRARY

Brookfield Public Library Basic Computer Class “Where to go, when you want to know!” No computer skills required. Come learn what computers are all about. Registration required. Library Hours January 9 Monday 2-3:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday...... 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 8 Thursday 10-11:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday...... 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (October-May)...... 1 to 4 p.m. new members are always welcome. Call the library for Phone...... (262) 782-4140 the movie selections. Movies are available for checkout www.brookfieldlibrary.com at the Circulation Desk. January 26; February 23 Book Clubs at the Library Bzzzzzz Anyone interested in reading and discussing these titles You are invited to BUG, the Brookfield Users’ Group, is welcome. Books are available at the Circulation Desk a drop-in, hands-on session designed to provide you about one month before the discussion. an opportunity to ask questions about computers, Armchair Travel the Internet and email. We meet the first Friday of Tuesday, January 17, 10:00 a.m. every month at 10:00 a.m. December 2; January 6; Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz February 3 Tuesday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. Are you “At Knits End”? The River of Doubt by Candice Millard Then join fellow knitters, both novices and experts Talking About Books at our monthly knitting group. 1:00-3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays: December 20; January 17; February 21 Safe From the Sea by Peter Geye Wii Bowling for the Seasoned Bowler It’s All Elementary — Mystery Book Club All the fun without having to rent shoes or throw a Monday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. heavy ball! We bowl on the second Friday of the month Isabella Moon by Laura Benedict at 10:00 a.m. in the Community Room. December 9; Monday, January 9, 7:00 p.m. January 13; February 10 Monday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. Reads-to-Reel “Great Lives” Biography Book Group Our film club meets on the fourth Thursday of the Monday, January 23, 1:00 p.m. month at 7:00 p.m. Registration is not required and Extraordinary, Ordinary People by Condoleezza Rice Monday, February 27, 1:00 p.m. Adult Internet Classes The Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Hands on Internet Classes for Adults. Registration News and Views Book Club is required. Keyboard and Mouse skills required. Wednesday, January 25, 7:00 p.m. December 1 Thursday 7-8:00 p.m. Introduction to the Internet 1 The Return: Russia’s Journey from Gorbachev to December 8 Thursday 7-8:00 p.m. Introduction to the Internet 2 Medvedev by Daniel Treisman January 18 Wednesday 2-3:00 p.m. Introduction to the Internet 1 January 25 Wednesday 2-3:00 p.m. Introduction to the Internet 2 Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. February 7 Tuesday 2-3:00 p.m. Email The Haves and Have-Nots: A Brief and Idiosyncratic History February 14 Tuesday 2-3:00 p.m. Advanced Email of Inequality Around the Globe by Branko Milanovic Read It and Eat: Celebrate Wisconsin! Basic WORD Class Wednesday, February 29, 6:00 p.m. Kick off our “Celebrate Wisconsin!” series of library Keyboard and Mouse skills required. Please programs by joining us for a quintessential Wisconsin register for a Part 1 and Part 2. meal and a discussion of books set in the Badger State! February 20 Monday 7-8:00 p.m. Part 1 February 27 Monday 7-8:00 p.m. Part 2 Registration is required and begins Monday, January 23. And (continued on page 14)

WINTER 2011 13 LIBRARY (continued from page 13) Holiday Program be sure to join us in March to hear local authors Teresa Allen Tuesday, December 13, 6:30–7:30 p.m. (The Flavor of Wisconsin: An Informal History of Food and Sing all the favorite secular songs of the holiday season Eating in the Badger State) and Erika Janik (Odd Wisconsin: and visit with Santa! Amusing, Perplexing, and Unlikely Stories from Wisconsin’s Past) speak about our state’s rich and fascinating history! Craft Saturday Stop in and make a seasonal craft. Afternoon Matinee Dec. 17, Jan. 14, Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Enjoy a free screening of new to DVD film at 1:30 on the third Thursday of the month. Titles of movies will Nearly New Year’s Party be available through the Library’s Newsletter or by Friday, December 30, 11:00 a.m.-Noon calling the Adult Reference Desk. (Adults only, please) A chance for children of all ages to celebrate New Year’s Thursdays: January 19, February 16, March 15 “Eve” with music, hula hoops, crafts and punch. Stress Management Using Family Fun Nights, 7-7:30 p.m. Traditional Chinese Medicine December 6 — Sing-Along with Miss Vicki January 3 — Kindermusik (Registration requested) Thursday, February 16, 6:30 p.m. February 7 — Sing-Along with Miss Vicki This is not your traditional “stress management” class. Men and women will learn about the flow of vital energy Sing-Alongs called “qi” and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Mondays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. including acupuncture, exercise and meditation can Dec. 12, Jan. 9, 16, 30, Feb. 13, 27 minimize the negative effects of stress and improve overall We sing all your favorites! health. Presented by Michael Culotti. Registration required. Playgroup Be a Friend of the Library! Alternate Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. Contact the Friends at friendsbrookfieldlibrary@ Dec. 13, Jan. 17, 31, Feb. 14, 28 yahoo.com and look for them on Facebook. This is an informal, drop-in group — a chance to meet Winter Tales and Treats new friends, chat and play. We provide the toys! Friday December 2, from 5-7:30 p.m., Open Storytimes and Saturday December 3, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Alternate Mondays, 9:30-10:00 a.m. or Third annual Library Friends winter book sale. All new 10:30-11:00 a.m. items since August. Library Community Room. Dec. 5, 19, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, 20 All ages and no registration. Join Mama Bear for music Children’s Department and stories and lots of fun! Storytime Registration Begins December 5 Alternate Thursdays, 1:30-2:00 p.m. Sign up for the next series of age-specific storytimes. Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23 Something for everyone — infants through 9-year olds! Join Miss Kathy for stories and music and silly puppets!

ELMBROOK HUMANE SOCIETY Wild Brookfield see a wild animal, even repeatedly in the area, it does Elmbrook Humane Society (EBHS) receives many calls not mean that there is a wildlife problem! It means that from area residents about wild animals. Mainly the calls the area you live in is providing a source of food, shelter relate to sick and injured wild animals, but we also field and comfort for wild animals. many calls from residents about wild animals on their If being a landlord to a wild kingdom is not something property and what should or could be done with them. that works for you there are effective ways that you can Brookfield is home to thousands of wild animals. Wild become inhospitable to the furry and feathered: animals have proven to be adaptable and able to live l Do not feed birds, squirrels, deer, or other animals. If with and around humans no matter what we do. If you you feed one species, the word is out. Other animals

14 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER will come to dine, and then other animals will come to dine on your guests. If you must feed birds, please do so in winter when more animals are hibernating, and food sources for birds are more limited. l Do not provide housing opportunities! Fix any holes in soffits, eaves, under decks or porches and clear any brush or debris piles. l Using lights and making noise in your yard will make your property unattractive to potential tenants. Wild animals, like humans, like privacy, and quiet and if these conditions are not available they often times will keep moving to find better accommodations. Many residents believe that trapping is the solution to ridding themselves of unwanted wild visitors. In Wisconsin, landowners or their agents are permitted significant risk of being preyed on by a wild animal in to trap wild animals. But then what? If you trap the Brookfield and to be safe, should be well supervised, raccoon living behind your shed you are legally required especially in morning and evening hours. There are to have that animal out of the trap within 24 hours. many diseases that can be transmitted from wild animals Landowners are not permitted to release the animal to domestic dogs and cats, such as ringworm and on any property without the express permission of that distemper. Poisoned small animals eaten by raptors and landowner, and are NEVER permitted to release a wild even cats or dogs can cause illness and death, which is animal on DNR managed land. EBHS can rent traps to why rodenticides should never be used outdoors. residents for the trapping of wild animals; however, we Elmbrook Humane Society provides services for the cannot remove or relocate wild animals for residents. pick up of injured wild animals ONLY! We do not We can also provide species specific assistance on what rehabilitate wild animals at our shelter, but work you can do when faced with a wild animal issue. with a licensed rehabilitation facility that takes in the If you have a dog or cat, you must be vigilant for their animals once we have triaged them and assessed their safety if you have a healthy wild animal population injuries. For more information about how you can live in your yard. Wild animals can and do prey on small in harmony with nature in Brookfield, please contact domestic animals. Any animal under 20 pounds is at Elmbrook Humane Society at 262-782-9261.

WATER DEPARTMENT Adopt a Hydrant Water Meter Change-out Program During the winter months, it is important to keep snow The Public Service Commission requires the Water away from the water hydrant in front of your home. Utility to replace inside water meters approximately If a fire started in your home and every ten years. We prefer contacting you by phone firefighters had to dig out the hydrant, to schedule an appointment, but many residents have the extra time to uncover the hydrant unlisted numbers or have abandoned their land line. could increase the damage by the fire In these cases we will contact you by placing a notice or possibly cost lives. We ask that you on your door requesting you contact us to schedule help by making sure the hydrant is an appointment to change out the meter. Please easily accessible and uncovered. help us complete this process in a timely manner by If you should have any questions having your inside meter accessible, and please make regarding the above information, sure your valves above and below your meter are in please contact the Water Utility at proper working order. With your cooperation, we 796-6717 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 can complete this process more efficiently, saving p.m., Monday through Friday. everyone time and money.

WINTER 2011 15 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT The Village Area Neighborhood visit the City’s website at http://www. Plan Update and Online Poll ci.brookfield.wi.us/ The City of Brookfield has begun work on updating index.aspx and give the Village Area Neighborhood Plan. City staff would us your thoughts. like to obtain feedback For those without from Brookfield access to a residents regarding the computer, a paper image and appeal of the version of Village area. Citizens the poll can are encouraged to visit be obtained the City’s website, at the City Clerk’s participate in an online Office. This poll is not poll and let staff know what they think of the Village scientific. Responses will be confidential. Area. The Village Area is generally defined as the area For more information regarding this neighborhood along and near Brookfield Road in the vicinity of the plan, please email questions or comments to CP Railroad tracks and north to Burleigh Road. [email protected]. Also, the This planning initiative ideally would be accomplished current neighborhood plan and a copy of the staff in 2012 and potentially include new economic memorandum presented to the September 26, 2011 development initiatives, more flexible land use and Plan Commission regarding the scope of the Village zoning standards and provide a process to preserve Area Neighborhood Plan Update can be viewed on the properties identified as historically significant. City’s website at http://www.ci.brookfield.wi.us/ To take the Village Area Neighborhood Online Poll index.aspx?nid=250

WILSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Jane Doud Collection of illustrious collection is greatly enhanced by the stories and experiences of her full-filling life and the strong Wisconsin Artists at the Sharon relationships she had with the work. Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts The Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts is a The exhibit, “One Woman’s Passion: The Jane Doud non-profit, multi-disciplinary cultural arts center that Collection of Wisconsin Artists” will be on view offers performances by regional and touring groups, November arts education, and an art gallery with changing 4 through exhibits. The Center nurtures lifelong learning December 26 through innovative programs and classes for all in the Ploch Art interests, ages, and abilities in state-of-the-art studios Gallery, at the and classrooms. Some of Southeast Wisconsin’s finest Sharon Lynne arts organizations offer professional instruction at Wilson Center the Wilson Center, including Danceworks, Inc., for the Arts. First Stage Theater Academy, and the Wisconsin The Gallery Conservatory of Music. Wisconsin fine artists are is free and open to the public Monday-Saturday, 9:00 showcased at the Hidden River Art Festival in a.m.-5:00 p.m. September and in the Ploch Art Gallery with five The late Jane Doud was a local artist, educator, and exhibitions each year. The Wilson Center for the arts patron. Her collection represents her untiring Arts is just minutes west of Milwaukee, nestled passion and promotion of Wisconsin Arts and Artists in Brookfield’s Mitchell Park south of 198th and such as Schomer Lichtner, Aaron Bohrad, John Capitol Drive. For information about the Wilson Colt, Ruth Grotenrath, and Karl Priebe. Doud’s Center call (262) 781-9470.

16 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER for your information Elections it meets the expiration specifications (see acceptable forms of photo ID in the Wisconsin New Voter 2012 Spring Election Dates Photo ID handout) February 21 — Spring Primary ● verify that the photo ID reasonably resembles the voter April 3 — Spring Election ● verify the name conforms to the name on the voter list (name variations are allowed) How do I get a free photo ID to vote? New voter ID law requires Wisconsin law requires the Department of voters to sign poll list Transportation to provide free ID cards to any One of the biggest changes for voters in elections will individual who will be at least 18 years of age on the be that they must now sign their name on the poll list date of the next election and who requests a free ID for before receiving a ballot beginning with the February the purpose of voting. For information about getting a 2012 Election. There is an exception for voters with state identification card, please visit the DOT’s website: a physical disability. Signing the poll book is now http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/ mandatory. If the voter refuses to sign the poll list, the apply/idcard.htm voter will not be able to vote. Due to the need to provide a birth certificate and other Signing the poll list serves two important purposes. In documents to receive a DOT-issued ID, individuals the past, election workers have marked the voter’s name should start the process of obtaining a statutory on the poll list with a sequential number to indicate he identification well in advance of an election at which or she has received a ballot. However, they occasionally they wish to vote. place the number by the wrong name or forget which can cause problems. When someone shows up at the What IDs are acceptable? polls and finds out he has already been marked as ● A Wisconsin DOT-issued driver license having voted, it raises concerns about election fraud. ● A Wisconsin DOT-issued identification card However, we have found that most instances are due ● An identification card issued by a U.S. uniformed service to clerical errors. We believe that having voters sign the poll list next to their names will eliminate most of these ● A U.S. passport kinds of errors. The other advantage of having voters (Identifications above must be unexpired, or if sign the poll list is that in the unlikely event someone expired, have expired after the date of the most would attempt to impersonate a voter, law enforcement recent general election.) will now have forensic evidence that could be used to ● A certificate of naturalization that was issued not prosecute the offender. earlier than two years before the date of an election at which it is presented Differences between “Proof of Residency” and “Proof of Identification (Photo ID)”? ● An unexpired driving receipt issued by Wisconsin DOT. Proof of residency is required for voter registration ● An unexpired identification card receipt issued by (in most situations) and must be current and valid. Wisconsin DOT. The purpose of the proof of residency document is ● An identification card issued by a federally recognized to establish the voter’s current address, not to prove Indian tribe in Wisconsin that the voter complies with the 28 consecutive day ● An unexpired identification card issued by a residency requirement. The voter’s sworn statement Wisconsin-accredited university or college that on the registration form that they meet the 28-day contains the following: requirement shall be presumed to be true unless the • Date of Issuance inspector or a challenger has first-hand knowledge • Signature of Student sufficient to question the certification. Photo ID • Expiration date not later than two years after Date is required upon voting before a ballot is issued to of Issuance voters. The purpose of photo ID is to verify the identity of the voter. What are election inspectors verifying with photo ID? Absentee Voters and Registering to Vote A voter submitting a mail in request for an absentee State law requires election inspectors to: ballot will need to provide a copy of their photo ● verify that the photo ID is unexpired or, if expired, (continued on page 18)

WINTER 2011 17 for your information

(continued from page 17) change will require them to complete another Voter id along with their absentee request application, Registration Application GAB-131). unless you are part of a group exempted by statute. Absentee voting in the Clerk’s office is limited to a Regardless of when the photo ID expires, once the two week period, beginning the third Monday before voter has provided photo ID with their absentee the election and ending the Friday before the election. application they are not required to provide photo ID Voters may no longer register, or vote absentee, on the again with subsequent absentee ballot requests, unless weekend or the Monday before the election.Voters may their registration status changes (address or name still register at the polling place on Election Day.

New Aldermanic District/Ward Map

18 CITY OF BROOKFIELD NEWSLETTER Redistricting Sneak Peak — Tuesday, January 3, 2012. To request a candidate Effective 2012 Elections packet, call the City Clerk’s office at 796-6653 or stop The state legislature is required to redraw legislative by to pick one up. and congressional districts every ten years based upon Want to Voice Your Concerns the results of the decennial federal census which recently took place in 2010. Municipalities participate Before the Common Council? in this activity by redrawing their Aldermanic District At the start of every Common Council meeting is a 15 boundaries. The City of Brookfield has completed minute segment in which the public will be allowed to this task as required by law. Please note that effective address the Council. In order to address the Council, with 2012 elections some voters in the City may be pick up a “Sign Up” form available at the meeting, assigned to a new district and/or ward. Having a and submit it to the City Clerk prior to the meeting. change in district or ward may or may not result in a Common Council meetings begin at 7:45 p.m. and change in polling place for voting purposes. The State meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, except Government Accountability Board is currently working for July and August in which they meet the 3rd with the State Legislative Bureau to capture and overlay Tuesday of the month only. the new district information onto the Statewide Voter Registration Files. Once that activity concludes, we Agendas and Minutes will have access to the affected voter files and will send All agendas and minutes can be viewed on the written notifications to those voters in Brookfield City’s website at ci.brookfield.wi.us, under the who will experience a redistricting change. If you’d “Government” section and then “View All Agendas and like a “sneak preview” to see if you will be affected Minutes”. Agendas may also be viewed under “Living in by redistricting you can preview the new aldermanic Brookfield” and then “Calendar of Events”. district/ward map provided at left. Trash Delay Are You Interested Trash pickup will be delayed one day following in Running for Office? Christmas Day and News Years Day. Veolia will work The following city-elected positions will be on the on Saturday of that week to finish up the routes for the spring 2012 ballot. Candidates may begin circulating week. Remember to have garbage and recyclables out nomination papers on or after December 1, 2011. by 7:00 a.m. In the case of a severe storm during the Deadline to file candidacy papers with the Clerk is winter season, be prepared for possible delays.

Signatures Needed: Min. Max. Recycling Center Winter Hours Municipal Judge 200 400 Every Saturday: December thru March Alderperson 20 40 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

ELMBROOK HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Elmbrook Historical Society invites you to: A bake sale. Admission: Adults $5, children 6-16 $2; Celtic Christmas at the Inn. children 5 and under free. Sat., Dec. 3rd from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sun., Dec. After Christmas at the Inn, the Inn will be closed for 4th from noon-4 p.m. at the Dousman Stagecoach the winter. We will reopen the first weekend in May, Inn Museum, 1075 Pilgrim Pkwy, Brookfield. Tour 2012, with our Civil War Encampment event. the 1840’s Inn decorated for Christmas; learn about We would like to thank the community for their holiday traditions from Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, support in 2011. All contributions help us maintain Scotland and Victorian England; enjoy Irish dancers the Inn and all of the out buildings. Please continue from McMenamin Academy; make a holiday craft; listen your support — join the Elmbrook Historical to traditional Celtic music; sample soup, corn muffins, Society (see our web site for details: www. cookies and Welsh tea cakes; silent auction; shop our elmbrookhistoricalsociety.org).

WINTER 2011 19 DOG LICENSES

2012 dog licenses will be immediately receive your 2012 license tag. You may also available by December 15, mail the form, proof of rabies vaccination, and payment 2011; they are due March 31, with a self-addressed stamped envelope, and we will 2012. The lower portion of mail you the license tag. this page contains a registration The owner of a dog, more than 5 months of age on January form or you can download 1st of any year or 5 months of age within the license year, additional forms at www. shall annually pay the dog license fee and obtain a license. ci.brookfield.wi.us. The license tag must be attached to the dog’s collar. Please complete the form and bring it to City Hall Municipal Code requires that you pick up your along with proof of rabies vaccination and payment to dog’s waste!

Clip along dashed line

Office Use Only Date ______#: ______**DOG LICENSE REGISTRATION**

Owner’s Name: ______Address: ______Zip Code: ______Telephone: ______Dog’s Name: ______Dog’s Breed: ______Color: ______

FEES Pleaseremit separate checkto: _____Male $15.00 CITYOF BROOKFIELD—DOG LICENSE _____Male Neutered $10.00 2000 North Calhoun Road _____Female $15.00 Brookfield, WI 53005 _____Female Spayed $10.00 _____Late Fee $ 5.00 Clinic Name: ______Phone: ______Rabies Immunization Date: ______Expiration Date: ______*Proof of rabies immunization is necessary to obtain licenseat City Clerk’s office or Police Dept.

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BROOKFIELD, WI PERMIT NO. 99 2000 N. Calhoun Rd. Brookfield, WI 53005 www.ci.brookfield.wi.us

RESIDENT/BUSINESS BROOKFIELD, WISCONSIN