Mayor's Community Update - 06/08/19
Greetings! This week I want to say thank you to City staff for the work they do keeping our community looking great. Every community struggles with pockets of vacant buildings, trash, grass/weeds, and concerns over general property maintenance. Today I’d like to talk about the impact of these issues on our community and the important work of code compliance. The upkeep of properties is one of the criteria people use when deciding to locate here. We have established ordinances that are intended to keep Waupun attractive, clean and safe. Compliance with ordinances helps to reduce vandalism, deter crime and maintain property values. While most property owners maintain their properties and comply with codes – some do not. In those cases, City staff has the responsibility to work with owners to bring their property into compliance. This can sometimes be a lengthy process but is essential to promoting community pride and helping Waupun grow. To help those who may be struggling with property maintenance, I would like to call attention to a tool that is available to qualifying property owners. The City of Waupun has funding for housing rehabilitation through the Community Development Block Grant program. These funds are used to assist owners in making repairs to their homes. Repairs preserve and improve the overall quality and value of homes in the City to achieve the goal of keeping our community vibrant. You can find more information about the program on our website or by calling City Hall.
On Tuesday, June 11, 2019, the Waupun Common Council will meet at 6 p.m. The second reading of the proposed chicken ordinance will occur after which the council is scheduled to take action on the proposed ordinance. The current draft ordinance restricts the number of hens that can be kept to 4, limits the number of permits in the community to 10, and requires that property owners seek the approval of all abutting property owners prior to obtaining a permit. A copy of the draft ordinance can be found in Tuesday’s agenda packet on the city’s website.
Around town, the Waupun Aquatic Center officially opens for the season on Saturday, June 8. On Thursday, June 13, the Waupun Public Library will host a Lego & Game Night, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be games for all ages (age 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Finally, on Saturday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to noon, you are invited to help the Waupun Area Animal Shelter “Cram the Van” to stock up on much needed supplies. Supplies can be dropped off across from Piggly Wiggly. Details on all of these events and more can be found on the city’s website. See you around town!
Around town, please join us for our annual Memorial Day parade on Monday, May 27, at 9 a.m. The parade route has been altered this year due to Madison Street construction. Parade line up will be near Howard’s Field (off East Spring Street) at 8:30 a.m. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and will proceed west on East Spring Street toward North Madison Street, ending at Shaler Park at the War Veterans Memorial where a ceremony will be held at approximately 10 a.m. Parking is available at the Community Center, Tanner Park and Rock River Intermediate School. I’d like to extend a special thank you to the all-volunteer committee that works each year to make this important celebration happen in community. I hope to see you there!
