Building upon regional planning efforts that began in August, the four health departments representing southwestern Milwaukee County (Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, and Hales Corners) have scheduled two large-scale H1N1 influenza clinics for residents of all ages - one on Saturday, December 5 and one on Saturday, December 19. More...

In accordance with State guidelines and vaccine supply, the Greendale Health Department has expanded groups to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Appointments are being taken for people who are at highest risk for complications from the disease. These groups are:

• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons 25-64 years of age who are actively being treated for diabetes, kidney, heart (not high blood pressure), respiratory, or other conditions which put them at risk for complications from flu
• Pregnant women
• Families and caretakers of babies under 6 months of age
• Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
  

Healthy adults and seniors should call the Health Department after Thanksgiving for updated information. The CDC is advising that there will be enough vaccine eventually for anyone who wants it.

As more vaccine becomes available, clinics will be announced through the schools and on the Greendale website and other locations. You can also call 2-1-1 for location of clinics throughout the area, but most local health departments are following the same guidelines. You can attend a clinic in any location.

Continue to protect yourself and your family by frequent hand washing, avoiding large crowds and people who are ill and staying home from work or school if you or your family members are ill with fever, cough and sore throat.

Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The Greendale Health Department no longer has seasonal flu vaccine available. The Visiting Nurse Association is now giving this vaccine. Clinic sites close to Greendale are:

Saturday, November 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Aurora VNA, 11333 w. National Avenue, West Allis
Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Aurora VNA, 11333 W. National Avenue, West Allis
Tuesday, December 8 from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m.
At Aurora Health Center, 5250 S. 108th Street, Hales Corners
Thursday, December 10 from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
At South Milwaukee City Hall at 2424 15th Avenue, South Milwaukee
Tuesday, December 15 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
At Aurora St. Luke’s Health Center 14555 W. National Ave., New Berlin

For other dates and sites, contact the Visiting Nurse Association.

Please take the time to review the condition of your on street mailbox before the snow flies.

On street mailboxes must conform to United States Postal Service guidelines. The proper height from the road surface, the proper set back from the road or curb edge and the use of correct materials for installation are necessary for a durable, long lasting structure.

The Village can only review mailbox damage complaints to properly maintained and positioned structures that have been physically struck by a Village vehicle since the structure must be robust enough to withstand the force of plowed snow. Plow drivers will get as close as possible to mailboxes but you can expect that extra snow removal efforts by the owner may be necessary especially after heavy snow events.

The Greendale Police Department has joined the High Visibility Enforcement program along with the Southeast Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force to arrest drunk drivers according to Greendale Police Chief Rob Dams. 

Since the program began many drivers are now trying to sidestep the freeway system in Milwaukee County by using other through fares such as Highway 36 and South 76th Street to avoid detection. 

The deployment is called “Stop, Test, Arrest” with the goal of reducing the number of Operating While Intoxicated traffic deaths and injuries. The ultimate goal is to create voluntary compliance with OWI laws.

The Greendale Police Department recognizes that the abuse of pharmaceuticals is a serious health and social problem. The Greendale Police Department also recognizes that improper disposal of medications is a threat to our environment.
Our children today are experimenting with prescription drugs that can cause death. The Greendale Police Department must frequently deal with the results of drug abuse. The department recognizes that the diversion of pharmaceuticals has become a significant problem. The medicine collection program is one strategy we use to help fight the war on illegal drugs. We are committed to reducing both the supply and demand side of the problem. Please help us help the children.

Expired, unwanted medications can be turned into the Greendale Police Department by Village of Greendale residents during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Medication should be kept in the original package or bottle. Names and addresses can be crossed off the bottle, but DO NOT cover up or remove the name of the medicine.

ACCEPTED MEDICATIONS: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials and pet medications.

NOT ACCEPTED: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, bio-hazardous material (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).

Why Should We Care?
We are working in conjunction with MSSD to provide safe water. MMSD wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove all medicines from wastewater. Drugs can end up filtering through the plants and directly to our rivers and lakes. Various levels of antibiotics, anti-depressants, veterinary drugs, birth control hormones and other drugs have been detected in waterways across the United States. Research suggests that hormones found in pharmaceuticals may cause abnormalities in the reproductive cycles of fish. Antibiotics in the environment may also contribute to the development of drug resistant germs. As a community we need to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of our children and water systems of the State.

Prevent Childhood Poisonings
Reduce Substance Abuse
Help Protect Lake Michigan

The Department of Public Works will conduct a final leaf collection service throughout the Village beginning on Monday, November 16, 2009. Residents may place bulk leaves in the street until Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Please remember to place the piles at least 2 feet out from the curb and only leaves will be collected. Piles containing branches, rocks, soil, garbage or any other materials will be rejected and become the homeowners responsibility to properly dispose of. As each street is completed the street sweeper will do a final pass. The street sweeper cannot pick up piled leaves so please do not place leaves in the street after November 15.

Leaves may always be disposed of at the Refuse Recycling Center during regular open hours. Please call 423-2133 for further info.

The Greendale Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Village of Greendale will conduct the Village’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on “Thanksgiving Friday”, November 27, 2009 in front of Village Hall (6500 Northway). The Tree Lighting Ceremony will include the Greendale High School Choir leading the crowd in a community sing-along of carols starting at 6:30 P.M. Village President, John R. Hermes, will then lead the crowd in counting down to the lighting of the holiday lights throughout the Village Center at 6:50 PM. Shortly thereafter, Santa Claus will arrive to provide treats to all the “good little boys and girls.”

The Tree Lighting Ceremony will welcome the United States Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots program. During the holiday season, and year-round, attendees of the Tree Lighting are asked to remember the less fortunate children of the area and make voluntary monetary donations to support this worthy program. Due to space limitations, donors are asked to make monetary donations to support the Toys for Tots program instead of bringing toys. Marines will honor the event with their attendance and thank donors for their generosity.

Greendale residents and visitors are welcome to the Tree Lighting Ceremony to kickoff the holiday season. Residents and visitors are also reminded to Shop Greendale 1st and support local Chamber of Commerce and Greendale Village Business Association (GVBA) businesses. Many Village Center businesses will remain open until 8 p.m. for the special event.

Treating Ash Trees – Fact vs. Fiction

Do you have questions about the care of your ash trees? Are you confused by all of the offerings to “treat” your ash trees to protect them from emerald ash borer? Have you taken down an ash tree and don’t know what to do with it? Come to the emerald ash borer (EAB) workshop to get all of your questions answered about ash tree care, emerald ash borer and the quarantine regulations that exist in our county concerning transport of all hardwoods. This workshop is designed for homeowners, but anyone who has a responsibility for making tree care decisions is encouraged to come.

Kristin Krokowski, Commercial Horticulture Educator for Waukesha County UW-Extension, will facilitate the workshop and discussion on EAB. Dr. Chris Williamson, entomologist for UW-Extension in Madison will explain how emerald ash borer kills trees and teach you how to identify the insect. He will also explain the potential treatments available to protect ash trees from emerald ash borer and dispel many of the myths you may have heard about different treatments. He will also discuss costs of treatments, and long-term effects of treating ash trees.

Dr. Robert Dahl, Pest and Disease Specialist with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, will explain how the quarantine works in our area, and describe the regulations surrounding firewood and all hardwood materials in our area.
The workshop is scheduled for Friday, November 6th at the Boerner Botanical Gardens Education and Visitor Center located at 9400 Boerner Drive in Hales Corners, an accessible location. The program will run from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and there will be time for questions. Publications will be available for participants to explain EAB, treatment options and quarantine regulations. In addition, EAB adult and larval insect samples will be available to examine along with bark samples showing the “D”- shaped exit holes of the adult borer.

There is no fee for this program, and it is open to everyone.

Joseph Masters, President of The Kinetic Co., Inc. was thinking of a way to say “thanks” to the Greendale Fire Department and Greendale Village officials who assisted with making the recent addition to Kinetic a reality. Mr. Masters also wanted to say “thanks” and give back to Kinetic’s neighbors and the community for putting up with the visual “mess” during the construction process.

During one of several visits to Kinetic during the addition process, Greendale Fire Chief Jon Cohn and Mr. Masters discussed some of the new technologies incorporated into the Kinetic addition. Chief Cohn was envious of the technology and stated the fire department was just now on the verge of purchasing GPS units. When Mr. Masters heard this he immediately offered to donate the funding for several GPS units for the Greendale Fire Department.

On September 11, 2009 the Greendale Fire Department placed into service three GPS units with a generous donation from The Kinetic Co., Inc. Although firefighters typically use maps to route calls, the GPS units provide assurance to finding the correct location especially when not responding from the fire station, and when responding into neighboring communities.


Above: Greendale Fire Department Ambulance, Ladder Truck, and firefighters visit Kinetic on October 5, 2009 to show off the newly installed GPS units and say thank you.

The Greendale Fire Department looks forward to the continued, well established relationship with Kinetic that has been enjoyed since Kinetic moved to Greendale in 1970. The Greendale Fire Department wishes to thank Mr. Masters and Kinetic for not only purchasing the GPS units but for supporting the Greendale Fire Department by incorporating fire safety and suppression into their facility.

The Greendale Health Department in consultation with the Wisconsin Division of Health has given permission to the Greendale School District to reopen Canterbury Elementary School on Friday, October 23, 2009. The school was closed from October 20-22 due to the high number of students and staff ill with influenza-like illness most likely due to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

The Greendale Health Department will work closely with the Greendale School District to continue to monitor absences of students and staff at Canterbury as well as all other Greendale school district schools on a daily basis. Because influenza outbreaks happen in waves, more people may become ill and other measures may need to be taken.

All well children may return to school. Any people who continue to be ill with influenza-like illness of fever, cough, sore throat, chills or body aches should remain at home and not go into the community until 24 hours after their fever has subsided without fever reducing medication.

Ways to stay healthy and to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Stay home when sick or have flu symptoms.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Frequently wash commonly used surfaces.
• Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
  

Additional information can be found at the Greendale Health Department website at http://www.greendale.org or visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov or www.greendale.K12.wi.us.

You may also call 2-1-1 for information on the 2009 H1N1 virus. 2-1-1 service will provide information on prevention and community resources. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and confidential, and is available throughout Wisconsin. 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours 7 days per week. If your cellular provider does not allow calls to 2-1-1, please call (866) 211-3380 or (414) 773-0211 or (262) 547-3388.

The Village of Greendale Health Department, in consultation with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, announces the closing of Canterbury Elementary School, 7000 Enfield, because of the high incidence of influenza-like illness.

On October 19, 2009, over 40% of students were absent and experiencing influenza-like illness symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat. Effective Tuesday, October 20, 2009, through Thursday, October 22, 2009, Canterbury School will be closed. During this time, all academic activities and before and after school activities including Bridge for Kids child care are canceled for Canterbury students and other groups who utilize Canterbury School. School will resume on Friday, October 23, 2009 pending approval of the Health Officer. All other schools in the Greendale School District will remain open at this time.

Any individuals with influenza-like illness should stay home and not go into the community, except to seek medical care, for 24 hours after their fever has subsided.

Asymptomatic contacts of ill people, including contacts of patients with probable or confirmed 2009 H1N1 virus, are not restricted in their activities in the community. However, they should assess their own health frequently, and if they become ill, they should immediately be subject to the same restrictions as currently indicated for ill persons.

Ways to stay healthy and to protect yourself and those around you from getting the flu include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Stay home when sick or have flu symptoms.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Frequently wash commonly used surfaces.
• Eat nutritious meals, get plenty of rest and do not smoke.
  

Additional information can be found at the Greendale Health Department website at http://www.greendale.org or visit www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov or www.greendale.K12.wi.us.

You may also call 2-1-1 for information on the 2009 H1N1 virus. 2-1-1 service will provide information on prevention and community resources. Your call to 2-1-1 is free and confidential, and is available throughout Wisconsin. 2-1-1 service is available 24 hours 7 days per week. If your cellular provider does not allow calls to 2-1-1, please call (866)211-3380 or (414)773-0211 or (262)547-3388.

On October 6, the Village Manager released the recommended 2010 Village Budget. Click here to download (pdf).

(Click here to download this notice as a pdf)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Village Board of
Trustees on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 in the Court Room of the Greendale Safety Center
located at 5911 W. Grange Avenue in Greendale, WI at 7:00 p.m. (Or as soon thereafter as is
practical) to consider adoption of the Village of Greendale Comprehensive Plan.

The Village of Greendale Comprehensive Plan: 2010-2035 will guide the future growth and
development in the Village of Greendale over the next 25 years. The comprehensive plan
contains the nine required elements required by Wisconsin State Statute 66.1001 including:

Issues & Opportunities Element
Housing Element
Transportation Element
Utilities & Community Facilities Element
Agricultural, Natural, & Cultural Resources Element
Economic Development Element
Intergovernmental Cooperation Element
Land Use Element
Implementation Element

Local government staff that can be contacted for additional information:
Todd K. Michaels, Village Manager (414) 423-2100
W. Scott Satula, Director of Inspection Services (414) 423-2100

The Comprehensive Plan is available for public inspection at the following locations:

• Greendale Village Hall during normal business hours
• Greendale Public Library during normal business hours
• On the Village of Greendale website at: www.greendale.org

The Department of Public Works will collect bulk leaves from one, two and three family residential properties only beginning on October 19 and ending on November 13. Each street in the Village will receive collections on your two recycling days during that period of time.

Please place your leaves in the street at least two feet from the curb and in piles no wider than four feet. Never place leaves within fifteen feet of a storm sewer inlet and PLEASE help keep inlets clear of leaves at all times to help prevent street flooding during rain events. 

Leaves and grass clippings only can be accepted from the street. Piles containing branches, garden waste, soil, rocks or any material that could damage our expensive machinery will be left and become the property owners responsibility to remove and recycle.

Please remember that the Village Leaf Collection is intended to assist residents during the heaviest part of the leaf fall. All equipment used during the Leaf Collection must be reconfigured into a snow removal mode immediately after November 13, thus ending the leaf season. Leaves may also be brought to the Public Works Yard for recycling during our normal hours of operation. No leaves may be placed on the street after the last scheduled collection for your street. Please call the Department of Public Works for more information, 423-2133

As reconstruction of Grange Avenue comes to a close, a number of people have asked questions about the wildflower covered medians in a portion of the project. Sections of the new pavement on the Grange Avenue project have been shaped to direct storm water toward the median and into the bio-retention swales. A series of 41 openings in the curb-line equally distributes the water in the filtering area via concrete flumes. After being collected in the swale, the water then percolates through large native wildflower covered beds comprised of layers of engineered soils, crushed stone and sand. The filtered water collects at the bottom of the swale and flows through a series of distribution pipes into Dale Creek.

This bio-filtration device is designed to remove silt and other pollutants from storm water runoff. It is an excavated area that is backfilled with crushed stone (for storage) and an engineered soil mix (consisting of sand, topsoil and compost) that is covered with a mulch layer and then planted with wildflowers. Storm water percolates through the mulch and engineered soil, where it is treated by a variety of physical, chemical and biological processes that trap pollutants and silt before infiltrating back into the native soil or overflowing into the storm sewer system.

The construction of the Grange Avenue bio-retention swales will help the Village of Greendale meet WDNR storm water permit compliance goals. The Village is proud to have participated in this beneficial Water Quality Initiative Project, with assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District.


Graphic: Bio-Retention Swale

Please join the Zone D Fire Departments (Franklin, Greendale, Greenfield, Hales Corners) on September 11, 2009 at 5 p.m. at Boerner Botanical Gardens for a short remembrance ceremony. Click here for more information (pdf).

The Village of Greendale is watching the approaching Emerald Ash Borer threat very closely. The recent confirmation of the insect in Franklin has ramped up response planning and the monitoring of vulnerable tree assets.

Public Works Forestry staff has been undergoing EAB training for more than two years on various topics such as identification, de-barking methods, quarantine issues and pesticide application as well as monitoring Village Ash trees for the insect. The Village EAB Response Plan will allow for guidance from the Wisconsin Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources as well as intergovernmental cooperation with area municipalities.


Emerald Ash Borer

Residents can help by monitoring the Ash trees in their yards for signs of the insect. Adult EAB's are about 1/2 inch in length and dark metallic green. The larvae leave a 1/8 in "D" shaped hole when they emerge from under the bark to take flight in the summer. Trees may take several years of infestation before they begin to show the debilitation and canopy die-off that is a common indicator of infection. Unfortunately it is quite likely that like many other invasive pests such as Japanese Beetle and Gypsy Moth the Emerald Ash Borer is here to stay. Minimizing the initial damage and managing cyclical outbreaks may be the best option for the near future.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website at http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fh/ash/ or call the Public Works Department at 423-2133.

The Greendale Police Department recognizes that the abuse of pharmaceuticals is a serious health and social problem. The Greendale Police Department also recognizes that improper disposal of medications is a threat to our environment.
Our children today are experimenting with prescription drugs that can cause death. The Greendale Police Department must frequently deal with the results of drug abuse. The department recognizes that the diversion of pharmaceuticals has become a significant problem. The medicine collection program is one strategy we use to help fight the war on illegal drugs. We are committed to reducing both the supply and demand side of the problem. Please help us help the children.

Expired, unwanted medications can be turned into the Greendale Police Department by Village of Greendale residents during the hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Medication should be kept in the original package or bottle. Names and addresses can be crossed off the bottle, but DO NOT cover up or remove the name of the medicine.

ACCEPTED MEDICATIONS: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, ointments, sprays, inhalers, creams, vials and pet medications.

NOT ACCEPTED: Illegal drugs, needles/sharps, bio-hazardous material (anything containing a bodily fluid or blood), personal care products (shampoo, soaps, lotions, sunscreens, etc.), household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, oil, gas).

Why Should We Care?

We are working in conjunction with MMSD to provide safe water. MMSD wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove all medicines from wastewater. Drugs can end up filtering through the plants and directly to our rivers and lakes. Various levels of antibiotics, anti-depressants, veterinary drugs, birth control hormones and other drugs have been detected in waterways across the United States. Research suggests that hormones found in pharmaceuticals may cause abnormalities in the reproductive cycles of fish. Antibiotics in the environment may also contribute to the development of drug resistant germs. As a community, we need to keep prescription drugs out of the hands of our children and water systems of the State.

Help Protect Lake Michigan
Prevent Childhood Poisonings
Reduce Substance Abuse

The Step Up to Better Health Run/Walk will be held in Greendale on Saturday, October 3, 2009. Click here for the registration form and more information...

Need help getting a job online? A job trainer specialist will be available to help you learn how to:

• Complete online job applications
• Write a resume online
• Search online job listings
• Obtain a free email account

Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. -- No appointment necessary.
August 22, 29
September 5, 12, 19, 26
October 3, 10

Contact the Information Desk at the Greendale Public Library for additional information 423-2136.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, the Greendale Health Department will be giving away free digital thermometers to families and individuals who do not already have one. There is a limited supply for families in need, and the thermometers will be given out on a first come first served basis starting at 9 am. Instructions will be given with the thermometers. A public health nurse will be available to answer your questions.

The Greendale Health Department is located at 5650 Parking Street, Greendale, WI 53129 (Click here for map and directions).

The Village of Greendale has two projects in the planning stages as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. 

West College Ave will be reconstructed from Loomis Rd. to S. 51st St. Highlights of this project will include new pavement, curbing in select areas, stormwater conveyance and storage improvements,  a bicycle lane and grade corrections.

The other project involves the reconstruction of S. 51st St. from Grange Ave. to Loomis Rd. with the same type of improvements. 

Both these projects will be significantly financed by the Federal Government with additional funding provided through cooperative agreements between Greenfield, Greendale and Milwaukee County.

Work is in the design stage now and will be put out to bid in the Spring of 2010. Construction will begin shortly after that. Please watch for updates as more information becomes available.

Click the links below for preliminary information on the projects:

• Suggested Typical Street Section (pdf)
• West College Avenue Proposed Curb Location (pdf)
• South 51st Proposed Curb Location (pdf)

The Village Assessor continues to work on the revaluation of property in 2009, and an on-going assessment maintenance program to try and maintain assessments at their Equalized Value or “Fair Market Value”. Over the past year, the Village Assessor has been performing inspections and reviewing assessed values. Please note that assessments may not change from 2008 to 2009, and only property owners whose property changes in assessed value will receive a “Change of Assessment” notice by mail.

Property owners concerned about their assessment can schedule appointments with the Assessor during the Open Book Session, at the dates and times listed on the “Change of Assessment” notice. Property owners are encouraged to schedule an Open Book meeting with the Assessor as soon as they receive their notice of reassessment. Property owners that wait until the end of the Open Book Session to schedule a meeting with the assessor may not get an opportunity to speak with the Assessor.

Property owners who are not satisfied with their assessments after meeting with the Assessor during Open Book can appeal their assessment to the Board of Review. Objection forms are available from the Clerk-Treasurer’s Office. These forms MUST be filed with the Clerk-Treasurer BEFORE your objection can be heard by the Board of Review.

---

Quick Links:

• Property Assessment Appeal Guide for Wisconsin Real Property Owners
• Objection Form for Property Assessment
• Reassessment Information

Village offices including Village Hall, Department of Public Works, Water/Sewer Utility, Health Department and The Library will be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the 4th of July.

The Greendale Public Library will also be closed on Saturday, July 4.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be resurfacing W. Forest Home Ave.from Hwy. 100 to W. Oklahoma Ave. Project highlights include curb, gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer improvements and complete resurfacing of all traffic lanes.

Please remember that road construction can cause delays and dusty conditions. Always be extra alert in work areas.

The Village of Greendale has awarded its 2009 Street Rehabilitation Program contract to Black Diamond Inc. to provide numerous stormwater conveyance improvements, pavement repairs and to resurface the following streets:

• Eastway.- S.51st St. to W. Ramsey Ave. (Through the “L” Section)
• Mead Rd..-All
• Radcliff Dr.-All
• W. Grange Ave. Project ( Now Underway)
• Spot Pavement Repairs - S 43rd St. Along Grootemaat Park, S 68th St. North Bound lanes from Manchester Dr. to W. Edgerton Ave.
• Stormwater Conveyance Improvements - Glenwood Dr., Mansfield Dr., Manchester Dr.
• Misc. Sidewalk Repairs, Cracksealing- S. 51st St. From W. College Ave. to W. Grange Ave.
  

Construction work related to streets and storm sewers are expected to begin approximately June 15, 2009. Weather permitting, all of the work is to be completed by September 18, 2009. Access to roads and driveways will be maintained except for short periods of time when work is being done in your immediate area. The contractor will provide emergency vehicle access at all times. Recycling and refuse collection will continue on regularly scheduled days. Property owners having concrete work done in front of their properties (curb, approach or sidewalk) will not be permitted to drive on the new concrete for a period of 7 days. When access to your property is not possible, you will be allowed to park your vehicle on the adjacent street by contacting the Greendale Police Department at 423-2121 for permission.

Resurfacing work will involve some noise and inconvenience, and we ask for your understanding and patience. It is important to note there are no special assessments incurred by the property owners.

*Property owners are reminded that per Village of Greendale Policy any private systems such as lawn sprinkling apparatus, invisible pet fences, plantings, pathways and security systems that are installed in or placed on Village of Greendale Right of Way are the property owners responsibility. The Village cannot accept responsibility for damage done by contractors or Village personnel while working in the Right of Way.

If you have any questions regarding the Street Rehabilitation Program, please contact the Department of Public Works at 423-2133. Thank you for your cooperation.

Application has been made to the Village Board of the Village of Greendale for the renewal of Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage Licenses for the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. Please click here for the official notice (pdf)

The regular monthly Finance Committee meeting schedule has been changed to the Monday of the week prior to the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Board Room at Village Hall, 6500 Northway. Please click here for the agenda and minutes page for the Finance Committee.

Are radon levels high in your home?

Radon is a tasteless, odorless, invisible, radioactive gas found in a majority of homes within the United States.

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and is responsible for an estimated 14,000 preventable deaths per year. Your risk increases if you are a smoker.

Exposure to radon can occur in any kind of building and can be a problem in all types of homes with or without a basement. Radon levels vary from house to house. Just because your neighbor’s house has low levels does not mean yours does. Testing your home is the only way to assure your home is radon safe.

It does not matter how long you have lived with radon, reducing the radon levels in your home will reduce your risk of lung cancer.

The Greendale Health Department has radon kits available for sale. The cost is $10 per kit which includes the test results. Upon presenting your results to the health department from the radon lab, $10 will be returned to you.

Please call Greendale Health Department (414) 423-2110 for your kit as our supply is limited. Non-residents can check with their local health departments or kits can be purchased through the mail, at hardware stores and other retail outlets.

The Village of Greendale announced it will participate for the second straight year in America in Bloom, a national campaign and contest dedicated to promoting beautification and community involvement through the use of flowers, plants, trees, and other environmental and lifestyle enhancements.

During the unique and friendly contest, Greendale will compete against communities of similar size located across the United States and will be evaluated on eight criteria: floral displays, environmental awareness, landscaped areas, tidiness, urban forestry, heritage preservation, turf and groundcovers, and community involvement. Judging by representatives of the national organization will occur on June 22 and June 23.

The community-wide effort is being coordinated by the Greendale Park and Recreation Department, the Greendale Community Education Council, and the Village of Greendale. Residents, business owners, school groups, church groups, environmental clubs, scout troops, and community organizations are participating in this initiative by cleaning, painting, weeding and planting throughout the community.

In 2008, representatives from America in Bloom visited Greendale during the competition and were highly impressed with “The Garden Community.” As a result, the Village received several awards including a national criteria award for urban forestry, recognition for its heritage preservation, recognition as ‘community of the year’ in its population category, and the prestigious 5-Bloom Award – Greendale was the only community in the competition to receive this overall award.

Greendale Village President John Hermes looks forward to the community’s participation in the event again this year. “Competing in America in Bloom allowed Greendale to showcase all of our great attributes on a national stage,” said Hermes. “The true value of participation in America in Bloom is seen when citizens, business owners and community organizations work together to enhance the quality of life in our village.”

Greendale is one of three “Greenbelt Communities” in the United States designed by the federal government under the Roosevelt Administration. The community was laid out with a "greenbelt" of parkland, garden areas and farms encircling the urban development. Throughout the past 71 years, Greendale has preserved its rich history and fostered pride in its community.

For more information on America in Bloom, please call the Greendale Park and Recreation Department at (414) 423-2790 or visit the America in Bloom website at www.americainbloom.org.

Reconstruction of the roadway is scheduled to begin tomorrow on West Grange Avenue from Loomis Road to S. 76th Street, South 60th Street from West Grange Avenue to the Water Utility Building and the concrete section of Northway adjacent to the Police Department. Work will include rehabilitated pavement, storm sewer improvements, new street lighting, traffic signal improvements and a bio-retention area to clean pollutants from storm water that is discharged into Dale Creek. The project is estimated to be completed by August 28, 2009.

Work will be completed in stages and the roads will always be open to traffic. Travelers can expect reduced speed limits in the construction zones and occasional short delays. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible. There will be brief periods of time when portions of Northway, south of Grange on the west and east ends will be closed for reconstruction. The Northway reconstruction segments are not scheduled to be closed at the same time. Alternate routes will be noted with orange signage for the duration of the project.

The pavement on these streets is now 40 years old and severely deteriorated. Storm water conveyance structures are also dated and the existing street lighting is inefficient and nearing the end of its service life. The total project cost is approximately $5 Million. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is funding 80% of the project costs with the Village of Greendale funding 20%.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Existing pavement will be pulverized and replaced with new asphalt pavement.
• Traffic signals will be installed on W. Grange Avenue at S. 60th Street, S. 68th Street and at the west end of Northway.
• The storm sewer system will be rehabilitated with new inlets and catch basin lead piping.
• All street lighting will be replaced with modern, increased efficiency poles and fixtures.
• The traffic signals will be removed at the southeast access drive of Southridge Mall to improve traffic flow.
• New signs and pavement markings along the project routes are included in the project.
• New turn lanes will be added where appropriate as well as shaping medians to improve traffic flow.
• A bio-retention area utilizing four medians near the Dale Creek crossing will help filter pollutants from the storm water prior to being discharged into the Dale Creek waterway. This will be the first bio retention project of this magnitude on public property in Wisconsin!
  

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Reduced speeds on project roads.
• Some dust and noise.
• Periods of time when the street lights are turned off.
• Occasional delays due to equipment in the roadway.
• Occasional short duration road closures.
  

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Please be patient.
• Please be extra alert when driving in construction zones.
• Use alternate routes if possible.
  

Persons wanting additional information can contact Carl Tisonik, Director of Public Works at (414) 423-2133 with questions, comments or concerns about this project. Additional information is available on the Village’s website at www.greendale.org. Project updates can also be requested by emailing ctisonik@greendale.org.

The Greendale Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County will once again conduct their annual Greendale Candidate Forum to educate voters on the upcoming local Greendale elections. Read More...

The Finance Committee meeting scheduled for January 29, 2009 has been cancelled. If anyone has any questions about this notice, please contact the Greendale Village Clerk at (414) 423-2100.

You can make a difference by becoming a volunteer member of a Village advisory committee, board or commission. These bodies provide advice to the Village Board and contribute to the development of policies, programs and initiatives. The Village can benefit greatly from your expertise, enthusiasm and civic pride. Get involved and play an active role.

Which advisory committees, boards or commission have volunteer members?

• Board of Review
• Plan Commission
• Police and Fire Commission
• Library Board
• Building Board
• Park and Recreation
• Public Celebrations Committee
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Historical Commission
• Board of Health
• Community Development Authority

Who is eligible?
All residents who are eligible to vote in the Village of Greendale.

What are the responsibilities as a committee or board member?
Terms vary from one to five years depending on the committee, board or commission. Meetings are generally held once a month, mostly in the evening; however members may be required to attend additional special meetings.

How to apply?
Submit a letter outlining how the committee(s), board(s) or commission(s) would benefit from your membership, and how your work, education, hobby and/or volunteer experience are relevant to its mandate. Please remember to include your home address.

Submit letters of interest to:
Todd Michaels, Village Manager
P.O. Box 257
Greendale, WI 53129-0257
E-mail: tmichaels@greendale.org