Issue 31April, 2014

HULL PROPERTY TAXES

Hull’s officials and staff continue to receive questions from citizens about their property tax bills. In the past we have attempted to explain the property tax through use of a Pie Chart.A little perspective: Hull sends out property tax bills related to not just Hull’s government operations but also the taxes need by the Stevens Point Public Schools, Mid State Vocational College and Portage County for their operations. You get one property tax bill sent by Hull that funds these government institutions. In 2013, Hull’s share of your property tax dollars that actually provided Hull’s services was fifteen percent (15%) of your total property tax bill. In other words, eighty-five percent (85%) of your bill went to other government institutions (Stevens Point Public Schools, the Mid State Vocational System or Portage County). What did you get for Hull’s fifteen percent (15%) of your property tax that Hull received? You received the essential services Hull homeowners have come to expect - snowplowing/road maintenance, Fire Depart./EMS service, curbside garbage/recycling pickup, park maintenance/improvement, and voting administration/implementation.

Bringing Hull’s property tax discussion up to date, the 2014 property tax bill you received in December, 2013 for payment in 2014 shows Hull’s share of the property tax dropped from fifteen percent (15%) in 2013 to thirteen percent (13%) in 2014. In a more detailed analysis of Hull’s share of the 2014 property tax bill shows that sixty-one percent (61%) of Hull revenue comes from the property tax. The next largest share of revenue comes from the State of Wisconsin through direct state aid to the Town. That amounts to twenty-three percent (23%) of Hull revenues. If you look at how your tax is spent, thirty-seven percent (37%) of the thirteen percent (13%) of your property tax bill that goes to Hull pays for road maintenance and improvement. The next largest, twenty percent (20%) funds general government service. Another seventeen percent (17%) goes to pay for curbside garbage and recycling pickup.The Town of Hull Board of Supervisors is very sensitive to the impact of the property tax on Hull households. The portion of the property tax retained by Hull is small compared with the services provided by Hull. If you have a question about the property tax, please call the Town Hall. We will share the facts with you.

John Holdridge-Chairperson

STEVENS POINT’S WELL #11

Stevens Point constructed a new well (Well #11) along Highway 66 about one mile east of the Stevens Point Airport. Since the new well began pumping water in March, 2012 to Stevens Point households, approximately 35 Hull households have seen their water flow disrupted and leaving them with no household water. We believe there is a relationship between Well #11 coming on line and the halting of water to Hull households. The Town of Hull is asking Stevens Point for documents relating to the installation, operation and monitoring well data for Well #11. The Town has hired a Hydro- geologist

and retained the Stevens Point Law Firm, Anderson/O’Brien. A detailed questionnaire is being developed to obtain additional information from those householders impacted by Well #11’s operation. The Well #11 investigation will take time as there needs clear documentation of the relationship between Well #11 and harm done to Hull households. The cost to households of a new well and pump is approximately $6,000 to $7,000. We will keep Hull citizens informed as this issue develops and more information becomes available.

CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Citizen participation in government decision making is crucial to representative democracy. Hull has encouraged citizen participation in many ways. We have three (3) standing commissions or committees that Hull citizens serve on - the Hull Plan Commission, Hull Park Commission and a newly created Hull Water Committee. Both the Hull Plan Commission and the Hull Water Committee have vacancies and need citizen volunteers.HULL PLAN COMMISSION is made up of seven members. The State of Wisconsin mandates the towns have a Plan Commission. We have two elected officials and five citizen members. A member who served for about four years did not seek reappointment. If you have an interest in giving direction to the Town of Hull by serving on the Plan Commission, please let us know. We will be happy to elaborate on the

Plan Commission’s functions, term of office and duties of members.HULL WATER COMMITTEE: Water is a huge issue today, not only in California as the national media has reported but also in Wisconsin, Portage County and the Town of Hull. Who has priority for the usage of the water, and who determines the distribution and how does water get distributed to the various interests needing it? Realizing the importance of water, the Hull Town Board created the Hull Water Committee. There are several water projects/investigations ongoing in Hull. Nine (9) members serve on this committee including, seven (7) citizens. If you would like to explore serving on this Hull Water Committee, please contact the Town Hall. We can elaborate on the committee’s function, term of office and need.

John Holdridge-Chairperson

WATER QUALITY IN HULL

This past November (2013), 109 Hull residents (5% of Hull households) took part in a Hull-sponsored Drinking Water Test and Education Program conducted by Kevin Masarik of the UW-Stevens Point Center for Watershed Services and Education. Nitrate was the most common contaminant identified through this testing. Results showed 20% of test participants’ wells detected levels above the nitrate standard of 10 milligrams per liter. The highest levels in Hull were generally found south of Hwy. 66. Areas close to the Wisconsin River generally showed low levels of nitrate water. Nitrate levels above the 10 milligrams per liter standard should not be consumed by infants and pregnant women. Everyone should avoid long-term consumption of water that has nitrate levels above the 10 milligram per liter standard. Test results were made available to each household participant with suggestions for corrective action. Although these tests report the water quality, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to take action, if needed, to address their specific water quality issues. Additional monitoring of Hull water quality and quantity continue to be a focus of study through Hull’s cooperation between local residents and UW-Stevens Point personnel. Additional test programs may be offered in the future if there is an interest by Hull citizens. Please let us know if you have an interest.

Municipal Building Project Update

Work has started on the Town Hall addition and remodeling project. The footings and the foundation walls are in. Above ground construction will begin soon. During construction the front parking lot is closed. Parking has been relocated east of the building and the building entrance has been relocated there as well.

Remodeling of the existing office and meeting space will begin when construction of the addition is complete and our office staff has relocated. Remodeling will increase the size of our meeting room to accommodate larger groups. This will also be made available for Hull residents to use as a Community Meeting Center.

The project is scheduled for completion in August. You are welcome to stop by and check on our progress.

David Pederson, Hull Supervisor

HULL JOINS METROFIRE DISTRICT

On October 1, 2013 the Town of Hull / Hull Fire Dept joined the Metro Fire District. The Metro Fire District consists of Hull FD, Stevens Point FD and Plover FD covering the Town of Hull, City of Stevens Point, Village of Plover and Village of Whiting. Hull residents are already benefiting from quicker responses to certain areas at times with an assurance of receiving a “minimum” of three Engines and fourteen fire fighters on the initial call. Training between the three Departments continues on a regular schedule, learning from each other and working together to benefit all the communities involved. Hull residents are now receiving the best fire/rescue response and protection in Portage County.

In addition, Hull FD has formed a committee who’s objective is to complete an ISO (Insurance Service

Office) re-evaluation that we feel will improve our ISO rating thus possibly lowering insurance premiums for residents and businesses if their insurance company honors ISO ratings. We expect to complete the process by the end of September 2014 with a revised ISO rating in early 2015. However, I’d recommend residents contact their insurance companies even now and ask if they honor the ISO rating system. If they do not, no premium adjustment may occur. Also, let them know Hull has joined the Metro Fire District which is an automatic aid agreement on the initial call of an engine company from a full time Fire Dept as well as two additional engine companies responding. It may be possible to lower your rate with just that already. Additional details are available by calling Hull FD. 715-344-2174.

2013 FIRE & EMS RESPONSE TOTALS

HULL FIRE / RESCUE = 72

HULL EMS = 117

Hull EMS

Hull EMS is currently made up of 8 members who are trained at the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) level. We are always looking for members who would like to serve their community and fellow citizens in time of need. Our responders are paged for all ambulance calls in the Town of Hull and provide initial care and/or assist the Paramedics with the Portage County Ambulance Service. If you are interested in volunteering as a Medical Responder, contact Mark Fritsche (715-341-8382).

The Hull Emergency Medical Responders responded to 117 calls in 2013.

BURNING PERMITS REQUIRED;

Burning permits are required Jan 1st to May 31st.

Annual permits can be obtained by applying online at site below. Daily checks on the latest conditions and if burning is allowed for the current date can be obtained by visiting the following DNR Burning website just after 11 am daily.

If you’re burning in an area where there is no snow surrounding 100% of the fire, a permit is required.

http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/ForestFire/restrictions.asp OR Call 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876)

REMINDER!!!WHEN THE SNOW IS GONE

BURNING PERMITS ARE REQUIREDTOWN OF HULL FIRE WARDENS

Jim Laska……………..1936 North Second Dr…..715-344-4261Max Rutta……………..1494 Torun Rd…………….715-344-7570Whiting Ranger Station…301 W Cedar……………715-344-2752

Elections

From the Desk of Your Clerk,

With this reading the April Spring Election is past. This fall we have the Partisan Primary Election on August 19 and General Election on November 4th.

Do you have a young adult(s) in the household interested in voting and going off to college? If they want to vote in the upcoming elections please:

Make sure they are registered to vote and,

Have applied for an Absentee Ballot before they leave for school

If the young adult(s) in your household are entering the Military they can either:

Register to vote and apply for an Absentee Ballot while still home or,

Complete a Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) and return to my office at:

o Town of Hull4550 Wojcik Memorial DrStevens Point WI 54482

You will be voting for:Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Representative in Congress 3rd District, Representative to the Assembly 70th District, County Partisan Offices Sheriff, Coroner and Clerk of Circuit Court.

Help us help you – please do not wait until the last minute to register to vote or request an Absentee Ballot. With questions please contact me at 715-344-8280 or jrw@tn.hull.wi.gov.

Enjoy your spring and summer. Above all, take care and be safe.

Janet Wolle, Clerk

PARKS

IN THE TOWN OF HULL

Pictured are just “4” of the “10” properties that are considered Parks in the Town of Hull. The Town’s Road Crew takes great pride in maintaining Hull’s Parks for its citizens to use. Some have baseball fields and basketball courts, most have a variety of playground equipment, one is a conservancy only with a walking path and one is just a field for kids to run in.

The Town of Hull Parks Commission has seven dedicated residents that volunteer their time to help the Town in all aspects of park maintenance, equipment repair and purchases, safety concerns along with Vision Planning for the future.

If you have the opportunity, EXPLORE AND ENJOY your Parks.

Other Parks In Hull:- Sorenson Park: South of Hwy. 10 (Sorenson St.)- Pleasant View East Park: South of Old Hwy. 18 (west of County R) near Audrey’s Ln.- Pleasant View Park: South of Hwy. 10 (west of I-39) Intersection of Carol’s Ln & Mary’s Dr.- Conifer Acres Park: South of Hwy. 10 (west of County R) – Near Conifer Dr.- Plover Heights Park: South of Hwy. 66 – Plover Heights Rd. to (east) Riverview Dr.- Treders Park: North of Hwy. 10 on Maple Bluff Rd. to Woodland Circle.

SPRING CLEAN UP – 2014

If you live north of or on State Hwy. 66 (north & south side), Spring Clean Up will be on:Thursday, May 8 th

If you live south of State Hwy. 66 (does not include Hwy. 66), Spring Clean Up will be on:Thursday, May 15 th

Recyclables will be picked up as usual per the schedule.

5 th ANNUAL TRASH OR TREASURE DAY(S)

Spring has finally arrived which prompts many of us to do some spring cleaning. Once again, the Town of Hull is promoting Trash or Treasure Days. If your pick up day is May 8th, you may place items at the curbside beginning on Monday, May 5 th. If your pick up day is May 15th, you may place items at the curbside on Monday, May 12 th. This will allow plenty of time for those people who feel your Trash is their Treasure to pick those items up. The remainder of the items will be picked up by Harter’s Disposal on the appropriate day.

YES – WILL PICK UP NO – WILL NOT PICK UP

GARBAGE & RUBBISH MAJOR APPLIANCESSmall Appliances (toasters, mixers, etc.) MicrowavesFurniture/Mattresses, Carpeting Yard Waste/Grass/Leaves, etc.Lawn Mowers (gas & oil drained)** Demolition Materials (LumberPaint (dried hard paint) remove lid Shingles, Drywall, etc.)Grills (not the gas container)** Hazardous Materials

Fluorescent FixturesNO – WILL NOT PICK UP Concrete Materials or RocksTelevisions, Radios ** Scrap MetalComputer Monitors, Keyboards & Printers

**Note: These items may be also recycled, some for a fee, at the Portage County Solid Waste Transfer Facility. Please see: http://www.co.portage.wi.us /index.htm for more information.

BRANCH/BRUSH PICKUP

FOR TOWN OF HULL RESIDENTS

BRANCHES MUST BE AT CURBSIDE BY 6:00AM MAY 5, 2014.

Please read the policy for branch/brush pick up in the Town of Hull:

For a number of years, the Town of Hull has picked up curbside brush piles during the annual spring cleanup.

The following procedures apply:

1. The maximum dimension of the brush pile cannot exceed12’L x 12’w x 6’h. Brush piles larger will not be picked up by the Hull road crew (see #4 below).

2. The following additional requirements applies:a. Only one pile per land parcel.b. Branches must be piled in one direction with butt end toward the road.c. Branches must be placed at least 15 feet from mailbox, sign or trees.d. Branches can be no longer than 12 feet in length.e. Branches can be no wider than 6 inches in diameter.f. No scrap lumber or pallets will be picked up.

3. Other provisions of policy:a. No tree stumps or tree roots will be in the pile. The pile will not be picked up if tree stumps or

roots are present.b. Branches cut for resale as pulp will not be picked up.

4. Inspection of pile:a. Brush piles will be inspected prior to pickup. Those exceeding dimensions will be flagged

by the Town of Hull to notify the resident of policy violation. Those branch piles will not be picked up.

Exception to this policy requires approval by Hull Board of Supervision.

Adopted By: Hull Board of SupervisorsDate: March 4, 2013

MUNICIPAL SITE DROP OFFFOR BRANCHES/GRASS & LEAVES

The Town of Hull has available to Town of Hull residents only, a drop off site at the Town Municipal Building for grass, leaves and branches. This site is for yard cleanup only; not to be used for commercial disposal.

When hauling leaves or branches to theTown of Hull drop off site, please cover

and secure your load to prevent contentsfrom spilling on to the roads

Thank you for keeping our roads safe!!!!

TIRE COLLECTION

Once again, Weller Salvage will be assisting the Town of Hull with Tire Collection. Collection will occur on:

May 9th – 1:00pm to 5:00pmand

May 10th – 7:00am to 4:00pm

During this time period ONLY you may bring the tires you wish to dispose of to the Town of Hull Municipal Building. There is NO disposal limit on tires. An employee from Weller Salvage will be available to assist you. The cost to dispose of the tires is as follows:

Car/pickup tires $3.00 Semi/Dump truck tires $10.00 End loader tires $20.00 Small trailer/Motorcycle tires $1.00 Bicycle tires Free

The cost for other larger or foam tires is based on weight. If you need to know the approximate cost to dispose of these types of tires, feel free to call Weller’s Salvage at 715-677-6757. Also, there cannot be fluid in any tires .

Weller’s Salvage also offers the following services:

You may bring in the following when disposing of your tires –

• Electronics (TV’s, computers, keyboards, mouse’s, monitors, cell phones, all televisions) @ $.30/lb.

• You may also bring in appliances (washing machines, dryers, hot water heaters, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, etc.) at No Charge “UNLESS” the appliance contains Freon. A $15.00 fee will be charged for any appliance containing Freon.

• Old Sheet Iron, tin cans, basically anything metal.

Wellers cannot take paper products, plastics, wood, furniture or items which are meant for the landfill or other means of disposal. If you are uncertain of an item you want to dispose of, please call Weller’s Salvage or the Town of Hull to confirm.

REUSE REDUCE RECYCLE

IT’S THE LAW

All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.

WHY DOES MY DOG HAVE TO BE LICENSED?

The goal of licensing programs is two-fold. First, licensing helps prevent against rabies outbreaks by requiring a certificate of vaccination for all dogs over the age of 4 months. More importantly, licensing your pet increases the chance that you will be reunited with your pet in the unfortunate event he or she is lost. When you license your pet, your contact information is on file with the licensor allowing them to contact you if your pet is taken to an animal care facility.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO ME?

Your pet is part of your family. Licensing your pet acts as a form of insurance, enabling animal control officers to contact you if your pet becomes lost. Additionally, by purchasing a license for your pet, you are helping to ensure that all lost pets are given the appropriate attention and medical care while waiting to be reunited with their owners.

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT LICENSING MY DOG?

In Portage County, a pet owner who chooses not to license their dog can be fined up to $263.50. Licensing your dog is a quick and easy way to avoid a stiff fine down the road.

More importantly, a pet without identification is less likely to be reunited with its owner. In many cases, pets without a license or microchip are held at the shelter for a shorter time period before being made available for adoption. Licensing your pet could provide you with a longer timeframe to be reunited with your pet.

MY DOG NEVER LEAVES MY PROPERTY, WHY SHOULD I BUY A LICENSE?

Animals are resourceful! Although many people believe that their pet will never leave their property, dogs have a way of getting out from a "secure" yard by digging, jumping over a fence, or exiting through an open gate. Natural disasters, aberrant weather, and fireworks also often cause animals to become anxious and flee their property. A license identifies you as the pet's owner and provides animal control officers with the necessary information to reunite you and your pet.

And, of course, because it is required by law! Even if your dog is a total homebody, and never wanders off without you, if you're ever stopped by an Animal Control Officer you can be fined for failing to comply with the law.

MY PET IS MICROCHIPPED. DO I NEED TO BUY A LICENSE TOO?

Yes. In addition to the fact that licensing is often required by law, a microchip is invisible to the eye and can occasionally go undetected. A license is visible proof of ownership, which lets animal control officers and members of the public know that your pet is owned. It is highly recommended that all pets be micro-chipped and wear a valid license

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO LICENSE MY PET?

In Hull, a pet's license will expire after one year. The license is good from January 1st to December 31st of any given year. Visit the Town office to purchase your license or get a mail in form at: www.townofhull.us. The Portage County Humane Society serves as animal control agent for the Town. Any concerns regarding lost or missing dogs or animal nuisance or neglect should be addressed directly to PCHS at 715-344-6012.

Hello again to all the residents of the Town of Hull! Since the beginning of last year, I have been attempting to make a positive change in the direction and communication as the new Assessor for the Town of Hull. I believe that communication is key and if an effort is made to contact me, I

make sure to reply in a timely matter to discuss and help resolve any questions or concerns that you may have. I may not have all the answers, but will definitely take the time to answer the ones I know and either direct you to who would have the answer to a specific question or contact them myself to track down the answer to address your concerns.

We have also started utilizing and updating a new assessment software that will help bring equity to all the assessments as well as getting the Town in

compliance with new rules and mandates from the Wisconsin Dept of Revenue for electronic files for all properties. This has made looking up information and addressing concerns a much simpler and faster process.

In closing, I encourage any resident to feel free to contact me at either the Town Hall or my office/home. I like to make myself available and can be contacted days, nights, or even weekends! I assume that you know the number for the Town Hall, so if you’d like to contact me at my home the number is (715) 486-9019. If I am unavailable, please leave me a message and I will promptly return the call upon my return.

Jeremy KurtzweilAssessor, Town of Hull

HAS SPRING REALLY SPRUNG???

I believe most of us will agree that this has been a very long winter. Not only did we receive an abundance of snow, it was colder than normal.

With spring comes an array of outdoor activities. You will see our citizens using Hull roads for walking, running and biking. We would like to remind all users of roads, whether you are driving a vehicle or are a pedestrian to be aware of the rules of the road. REMEMBER:

SHOES on the LEFT…………..WHEELS on the RIGHTIf walking or running, please use the left side of the road (facing traffic). If biking, roller blading or using roller skis, travel with traffic. Vehicle traffic, please be aware of and courteous to pedestrian traffic. Let’s work together to make this a very safe year.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

ANNUAL MEETING: The annual meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2014 at 6:30pm at the Town of Hull Municipal Building. GREETIN

SFRM THE

GREETINGS FROM THE TOWN OF HULL

“Your” Town of Hull is made up of:

A five member Board …………………

John Holdridge-ChairpersonSupervisors: Melvin Bembenek Dave Pederson Dave Wilz LaVerne Syens

Other Staff: Road Crew Staff:Janet Wolle Clerk Pete Kaminski – Road ForemanJim Kruziki Treasurer Nick KaminskiBarb Brilowski Secretary/Deputy Clerk Randy HermanMarilynn Kranig Clerical Staff Bill OmernickPatty Amman Clerical Staff

Contact Information:715-344-8280 (p) 715-344-0717 (f)townofhull@tn.hull.wi.gov (e-mail)WWW.TOWNOFHULL.US (Web site)

4550 Wojcik Memorial Dr.Stevens Point, WI 54482

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