Dear Residents:

Summer is here and with the warm weather comes traffic concerns. While walking through the ward, speeding and not coming to a complete stop at stop signs are problems, especially with children on summer vacation. These issues are also the subject of many resident calls.

SPECIAL WATCHES: Our ward has the most “special watches” in the city. Please be vigilant. All residential streets have a 20 m.p.h. speed limit. Special watches typically last for two weeks and if you feel one is needed let us know. Please watch for children playing. The main complaints are speeding and not stopping at stop signs. Contact us any time there is a concern, question, or comment that will make a difference in our ward and the city.

TERMITES: Termites are found in all states except for Alaska. If by any chance you have these pests in your home, please inform neighbors so they can check their property.

CURFEW: Anyone 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult at least 18 years old. Curfew Hours: 11:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday.

ANTI DISTRACTION LAW: No electronic device can be held in your hand, even if you are at a stop light or sitting in traffic.

PROPERTY AND MAILBOX UPKEEP: Please check the condition of your mailbox and make repairs or replace if necessary. Check your home and property for areas that need repairs, paint, and landscaping. Driving through our city and other towns, you canʼt help but notice some properties that look amazing because they take pride in their homes, lawns and landscaping. Bushes are trimmed and lawns are kept at required heights. Higher resale prices are affected by these conditions.

DIGGING: Before digging on your property call Julie at 811 or 1-800-892-0123.

CON ARTISTS AND SCAMS: Be aware that unsavory people sometimes approach residents (especially seniors) with empty promises and proposals. If this should happen to ou, contact the police at 9-1-1. Remember not to allow repair people into your home without picture ID, and some assurance from the agency or company they represent. Do not end money if requested until you check with family members. The IRS does not make calls to inform you of a problem; they send letters. Some calls also state that you have won some money. If even a small amount of money is requested, information could be removed from your check and thousands of dollars can be removed from your bank account.

9-1-1: If you need the police or if there is a property problem like drains backing up, call the city. They will respond even if it is a holiday.

VACATION: Consider asking the police department for a “vacation” watch if you will be away from your home.

YARD WASTE: Stickers are available for containers at no charge at City Hall. Yard waste is collected until the last pick up day in November.

MOSQUITOES: Because of the amount of rainfall, a large number of mosquitoes are anticipated. Please remove standing water on your property so these pesty, and possibly dangerous insects wonʼt breed.

HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Your Second Ward Aldermen

Pauline A. Stratton

Mark Brachman

430-2240 (aldpstratton@aol.com)

233-0511 (m.brachman@sbcglobal.net)