January 7, 2021

Department Updates

Administration: We want to hear from you! Keep an eye out for a sustainability survey that might be coming your way this week!

Assessor's Office: Learn about a new virtual portal available for both residential and commercial property owners.

Building Inspection: Here's your friendly winter reminder to clear sidewalks of all accumulated snow and/or ice after a snowfall.

Clerk's Office: 2021 Dog Licenses and Dog Park Permits are now available! And new this year, the City of Sun Prairie is offering an online option for obtaining your license(s).

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: The January/February Digital Rec Guide is now available. Sign up today for virtual fitness classes, a Winter Walk/Run Challenge or join us for our 1st virtual stuff and fluff Snowman Party!

Sun Prairie Police Department: Meet your newest police officer, Officer Wagner!

Sun Prairie Public Library: The new drive-thru window is now available, plus upcoming programs like Gaming with Melissa and Adult Winter Reading Program. Plus, express technology services still available.

Administration

Sustainability Survey

Starting this week, 700 randomly selected Sun Prairie households will receive a survey from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls asking for their opinions about a range of sustainable policy options. Sun Prairie hopes that those of you who receive the survey will take the time to fill it out and return it to UW-River Falls. Your responses will be anonymous, and the survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. We need to hear from as many of you as possible to feel confident that the opinions expressed truly represent the hopes and wishes of this community.

Sustainability means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. There are environmental, economic and social dimensions to sustainability:

Environmental sustainability means that we live gently in this place and minimize any negative environmental impacts our lifestyles generate.
Social sustainability means that relations between people are equitable, everyone is treated respectfully, and people in Sun Prairie share strong social bonds.
Economic sustainability means that businesses are profitable, and households are able to afford their basic needs (food, shelter, health, etc.).

With your help, we can work toward building a more sustainable Sun Prairie!

Assessing Department

Announcing Virtual Assessing Upload Portal

For properties that recently took out a building permit, you may be receiving an appointment request in the mail from the Assessor's Office to review your property.

In lieu of an in-person inspection, property owners now have the option to take pictures and videos of their renovation and submit it to an online portal. Residents can upload pictures and videos of their work at https://cityofsunprairie.com/VAUR and commercial property owners can do so at https://cityofsunprairie.com/VAUC. This virtual portal allows staff to review the work being done while also limiting in-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic. For questions and more information, visit https://cityofsunprairie.com/Assessing or call 608-825-1186.

Building Inspection

Winter Snow Removal Reminder

When you think of the Building Inspection and Code Enforcement Department you probably think permits, right? Issuing permits and performing inspections, while at the center of our department, is definitely not all we do. Our inspectors enforce the State of Wisconsin Building Code Statues and city ordinances including snow and ice removal.

As a reminder, to make public sidewalks safe for pedestrians, sidewalks must be cleared of all accumulated snow and/or ice within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the snow ceases to accumulate on such sidewalk. Additionally, sidewalks are to be kept clear of snow and ice to a minimum of four feet in width.

In the event that removal of ice is impossible, sand, salt or another suitable substance may be used to prevent the ice from being dangerous. Barrels containing a mixture of sand and salt for use on public sidewalks are available throughout the city. Find your closest location here.

Click here to report a snow/ice covered side walk.

You can read more about what the ordinance says here.

Clerk's Office

2021 Dog Licenses are available for purchase

2021 Dog Licenses and Dog Park Permits are now available! And new this year, the City of Sun Prairie is offering an online option for obtaining your license(s). Simply go to https://sunprairiewi.viewpointcloud.com/ to create an OpenGov account. Once your account is created, you will be able to submit and pay for your application for dog license(s) and dog park permit(s). All applications must include a current copy of the rabies certificate, which can be easily uploaded into your account.

If you are unable to obtain your license online, the City offers a mail-in and drop-off methods too. You will need to complete the Dog License Application which is found on our website: https://cityofsunprairie.com/256/Dog-Licenses-Dog-Park-Permit or can be picked up at City Hall (in the Main St lobby). Once the Dog Registration Form is complete, you can mail it to City Hall or drop it off at City Hall in the secure drop-box (in the Main St lobby). Remember to include your payment and current copy of the rabies certificate! We highly recommend using an envelope that has been clearly labeled if using the secure drop-box.

All licenses and park permits will be mailed once the applications are reviewed by City staff and payment has been made.

City Ordinance and State Statues requires every dog five months of age or older to be licensed. The license year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31 of each year. Proof of the current rabies certificate must be provided when purchasing the dog license. If the owner fails to obtain a renewal license prior to April 1 of each year, or within 30 days of acquiring ownership of the dog, a late fee of $5 is assessed. Additional information, including fees, can be found at cityofsunprairie.com.

Permits for the Pet Exercise Area

The Pet Exercise Area located on South Bird Street is a great place for pets and their owners to enjoy the outdoors and to socialize their pets off-leash. Anyone using the park must have an annual permit or pay the daily user fee at the self-registration center at the park. If you purchase your permit through the City Clerk’s office, the fees stay in Sun Prairie for our Pet Exercise Area maintenance and upgrades. Fees for 2021 are $35 for an annual permit and $5 for daily use. You must purchase a dog license before you can obtain a Pet Exercise Permit.

Recreation Department

COVID-19 Update

SPPRF office staff is available by phone at (608) 837-3449 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com, or by appointment as needed.

All in-person services have been suspended until further notice. We encourage participants to take advantage of our virtual program offerings by utilizing our online registration system, RecPro. You may view more information by visiting http://rec.cityofsunprairie.com.

**If you want to pick up materials, shirts, etc. from our recent bike challenge, fitness challenge or virtual swim program, you can do so by setting up an appointment with us by calling the listed above.

2021 January/February Rec Guide now available!

Registration is open for Winter Programs: January-February!

Our Winter Rec Guide is digital only featuring January-February programming and is available now on our website, rec.cityofsunprairie.com, and on our Facebook page @sunprairierec

Upcoming classes...register today!

Virtual Fitness, $18 Residents, $25 Non-Residents
Turn your new year’s resolution into reality with our full line up of virtual fitness!
Virtual P90X – Mondays, 1/18-2/22, 5:30-6:15 pm
Virtual Zumba Tuesdays-ZOOM-BA! – Tuesdays, 1/19-2/23, 6:00-6:45 pm
Virtual Yoga for Beginners – Tuesdays, 1/19-2/23, 7:00-7:45 pm
Virtual Zumba Thursdays-ZOOM-BA! – Thursdays, 1/21-2/25, 5:30-6:15 pm

Virtual Tot School

Tuesdays/Thursdays 1/12-1/28

10:00-10:30 AM, Course # 1254365.1

Fee: Resident $20, Non-Resident $30

Looking for ways to keep your 2 or 3 year old interested and engaged at home this winter? Tot School is a virtual class where each meeting students enjoy a circle time with a welcome song, a story/ read aloud, a movement song and a special activity, which may be a science activity or a craft. Each week is themed. January's themes include snow, penguins and mittens. A Zoom link will be emailed to you. Craft supplies will be delivered to your residence. Non-resident supplies will be available for curbside pick-up.

Music and Me

Thursdays, 1/14-2/18

10:00-10:30 AM, Course # 1254320.1

Fee: Resident $30, Non-Resident $45

Music & Me is a mixed-age class of toddlers and preschoolers along with their parents or caregivers. Activities include playing rhythm instruments, having fun with finger plays, and singing and dancing to music of different meters and tonalities. A mixed-age setting allows children the freedom to develop basic skills like singing in tune and keeping an accurate beat at their own pace. Required instruments are included. This is a virtual class. A Zoom link will be sent to you at the email address you have provided by 9:00 am the day of the program.

Rec on the Go
January, Snow Much Fun – Basic Kit $7
January, Snow Much Fun – Deluxe Kits $17
February, Spread a Little Love – Basic Kit $7
February, Spread a Little Love – Deluxe Kit $17
Subscribe to our Rec on the Go kits! Our theme for January is Snow Much Fun. Each kit will include some snow based activities and challenges. The February theme is Spread a Little Love! Each kit will include a theme based activity and challenges. Non-residents must use curbside pick-up, delivery is available for Sun Prairie residents. Sign up for both January & February kits and receive a 10% discount, you must enroll by phone to get the discount 608-837-3449.

Winter Run/Walk Challenge, Ages 8+

January 17-March 27

Fee: $55 Residents, $75 Non-Resident

Program Options:

Couch to 5k (suitable for walkers), Ages 8+, Course # 1253100.1

5k maintenance, Ages 14+, Course # 1253101.1

5k to 10k, Ages 14+, Course # 1253102.1

10k to Half Marathon, Ages 14+, Course #1253103.1

Join us this winter as we walk or run towards our next race goal! Jamie Adcock, Madison area’s Running Diva Mom/Running Coach/Personal Trainer, will be your coach every step of the way. Choose your distance and get moving! Jamie will provide valuable resources, weekly check-ins and even a few LIVE Zoom workouts designed specifically for runners. Walkers are encouraged to participate! The Couch to 5k option is suitable for walkers who want to work their way up to running.

Stuff n' Fluff Snowman Party

Saturday 1/23

10:00-11:30 AM, Course # 1254310.1

Fee: Resident $33, Non-Resident $50

Join us for our 1st virtual stuff and fluff Snowman Party! We will be reading a snowman story and you will be able to stuff your very own Snowman! All materials, including the book will be provided and available for pick-up at the Westside Community Services building. An email will be sent out with the zoom link for the class and the day/time you can pick up your supplies.

**For more information or to register for these and other Recreation programs please visit the Recreation Department page at rec.cityofsunprairie.com Registration closes online one week prior to the start of class, to register after this date call 608-837-3449

Public Works

The first round of tree collections started this week. The next collection week will start on January 19.

All trees from residential housing, condominiums, multi-family units, schools, churches, and businesses will be included in the collection.

Tree Collection Rules

Please follow these simple rules for holiday tree collection:

Set out by 7 a.m.
Trees should be placed curbside with the cut end facing the street for collection.
Everything should be removed from the tree (ornaments, lights, wires, garland, tinsel, etc.).
Do not bag the tree.
Wreaths and rope materials, due to their wire content should be placed in your refuse cart for collection.
Please keep tree(s) clear of snow.
The crews collect city-wide beginning on those days. Depending on the amount of trees out and size of crew we have collecting, it can take a few days to complete but do not count on this because we only travel each street once. Also, if snow or rain fall we will clear that first as it is a potential safety concern. Please be patient and we will get out to you.

Late Set Outs

If trees are not placed out for collection by the 2nd collection date (January 19), residents are responsible for disposal. We will not collect late set outs.

Sun Prairie Police Department

Welcome Officer Wagner

Officer Thomas (TJ) Wagner graduated from the police academy on December 17th. TJ was hired this past summer. He went through the academy at Madison College starting August 17th and has graduated. Due to COVID-19, they were unable to have a formal graduation and had a small intimate ceremony. It was attended by the class and a few instructors in the classroom. TJ began phase 1 training on January 4th.

The first photo is with his friend, Ryan Conybear, who is with UW Madison PD. The second is with Monica Barman (a retired Sun Prairie Police Officer) and Chief Deputy Jeff Parker with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Sun Prairie Public Library

The library will be closed on Monday, January 18^th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.

New! Drive-Thru Holds Pick-Up Window: Sundays, 1:30-4:30pm

The drive-thru window is available for contactless, no-appointment pickup every Sunday afternoon. To pick up at the window, place a hold in LINKcat. When you receive notice that your hold is available, drive to the library and into the driveway that leads past the bookdrops. Follow the signs to the service window that has been installed in the porch. Pick-ups will take around 5 minutes per vehicle, so if 2 cars are in front of you, expect to wait 15 minutes before you have your holds in hand. Visit our website (www.sunlib.org) for more details.

Children’s & Teen Services

Did you enjoy our Summer and Fall Reading Programs? We've got you covered for winter as well! The Winter Reading Program is December 20^th-February 28^th for ages 0-18! Read 25 hours, earn a book! Register today at https://sunprairiepubliclibrary.beanstack.org/

TWEEN Book Club

TWEEN Book Club is intended for readers in grades 6-9 and meets once a month. We will discuss lighter topics than our Teen Book Club. All meetings will be held on Zoom and registration is required. We will talk about a book of your choosing! Come prepared to convince us we should read the book you read. Email us if you'd like help finding a book to read. Email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org to register.

Thursday, January 14^th from 3-4pm

Gaming with Melissa

Melissa wants to learn how to play Among Us! Teach her how! We will also play Codenames, Jackbox, and more! Registration required for each session and space is limited. Email Melissa at mcarollo@sunlib.org to register. All sessions will be held on Zoom.

Fridays from 3-4pm

Adult Services

Adult Winter Reading Program

Need something fun to help get you through the winter months? Join the virtual Adult Winter Reading Program, running in January and February! Register starting January 1^st at https://sunprairiepubliclibrary.beanstack.org/. Keep warm and read on!

Book Buzz

Want to know what books are buzzing? Looking for something great to read? We've got you covered! Every Friday at noon, library staff are live on Facebook to share with you some of the hot books we are reading! You can also watch Book Buzz videos when it is convenient for you. Find us on our Facebook page.
Fridays @ 12:00 noon

Dream Bus Bookmobile

The Dream Bus is a library on wheels! Sign-up for a library card, return materials, and get free books, movies, wi-fi and more! Visit the table outside the Dream Bus, for touch-less browsing.

Mondays, 4-5pm C.H. Bird Elementary School

Express Technology Service

Due to increased rates of COVID infection via community spread, most services inside the library are suspended and the front doors are locked. Patrons who need technology services (computers, copier, printer, fax, scan) are allowed inside the library, but all other patrons will be asked to access the library through digital services and curbside pickup. To access library technology services, ring the doorbell in the front of the library. A staff member will escort you into the building. No other in-person services are available until further notice.

Technology Service Hours:

M, W, Sa 9am-1pm

T, R, F 2pm-6pm

Services available

Computer use (limited to 4 people at a time and 1 hour sessions)

Copy, print, fax, scan services

Curbside delivery of holds (during Curbside Pickup Hours)

All digital services and collections

Phone consultations with Adult and Youth Services staff

Wireless service from the parking lot

Curbside pickup of holds continues to be available by appointment. For questions about holds pickup, please call the library at 825-7323 or email us using our contact form, under “Contact Us” on our website (www.sunlib.org).

Curbside Pickup Hours:

Monday-Friday 10am-1pm and 3-6pm

Saturday 10am-1pm