“Open communication fosters trust.” — John C. Maxwell
Thank you for your positive feedback regarding the question-and-answer articles. If you have a question you would like answered, please email me at mayor@shawanonet.net.
Q: How do I start a Neighborhood Watch program?
A: (Police Chief Mark Kohl) This is a partnership program between the police and you, our citizens. It is an opportunity for neighbors to look out for one another. The program is designed to enlist the active participation of citizens to reduce crime by reporting suspicious activity to police and to improve the quality of lives in your neighborhoods.
Remember, Neighborhood Watch Programs help residents to become acquainted with your neighbors; work together to solve neighborhood problems; help police become aware of and reporting unusual activities; implement crime prevention techniques so you don’t become a victim. It is not apprehending someone; leave that to the police.
Start by organizing your neighbors. Schedule a Block Watch meeting. Contact the Shawano police at 715-524-4545 and ask for Chief Mark Kohl, Lt. Dan Mauel or school resource officer Jody Johnson. At your meeting, a police representative will explain how you can create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. Call today!
Q: What crime prevention resources are available from our city Police Department?
A: (Police Chief Mark Kohl) Our resources and crime prevention tips can be found on the city’s website:www. cityofshawano.com. Other Internet resources are the Police Department’s Facebook site, Shawano Police Department, and a Twitter site, Shawano Chief. The Police Department has the following programs: Citizen’s Police Academy, Operation I.D., Alzheimer’s/autism program, Coffee with a Cop, landlord training program, Vacation Watch, ride-along program, Neighborhood Watch and radio call-in show, “Chief Chat,” monthly on WTCH Breakfast Club.
Q: What is a portable sign?
A: (Brian Bunke, zoning administrator/building inspector) Mobile/portable sign is a sign not permanently attached to the ground that is designed to be moved from one location to another. Also, a sign mounted on a frame or chassis designed to be easily relocated, including vehicles and/or trailers whose principal commercial use is for signage.
Q: How long can a portable sign be displayed?
A: Mobile/portable signs shall not be used as permanent signs but are instead considered and regulated as temporary signs. Display of mobile/portable signs shall be limited to 10 consecutive days and no more than 30 days per calendar year. One mobile/portable sign is permitted per property. No sign shall be located within 5 feet of the public right-of-way at a street intersection or in the right-of way.
Q: What does the city do to encourage commercial and industrial growth?
A: (Brian Knapp, city administrator/SMU general manager) We respond to and strongly support our local businesses who request help in staying or expanding here and we respond to and eagerly encourage and assist outside businesses who show an interest in moving here.
We support and work closely with SCEPI’S chief economic development officer, Dennis Heling, and the business recruitment and retention promoted throughout the county.
The city has created and currently offers three active commercial and industrial TIF districts that can provide grants, loans and infrastructure improvements to existing and new business. So far in 2015, we have assisted two new businesses with development grants (ClockTower and 153 SMS) and one existing business expansion (United Co-op).
We are working diligently to improve the condition of our streets, parks and public amenities as well as the upkeep and appearance of Shawano in an effort to make our city an attractive place for businesses and people to locate.
We have an Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund Program in place to assist businesses wishing to expand or establish their business in the city. The city has participated with many local industries in issuing industrial development revenue bonds.
Additional information is available from the city administrator ’s office at 715-526-6151 or from Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. at 715-526-5839.
The answer to last week’s question — Who was the meter maid in the City during 1970? — is Luella Guenzel.
This week’s question is: Who was the owner of Shawano Abstract Co. in 1976?
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
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