Chamber News
Santa Is Coming To Alton: Santa will be at the Alton Public Library on December 12, 2015 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Children can come meet Santa, have a snack and pick up a bag of treats! There will also be crafts! Ham Giveaway: The winners of the Thanksgiving Ham giveaway are: Rose Owens, Chris Schwarz, Rebecca Feller, Jane Horkey, Julie Hummel, Kasi Steven, Jon Roetman, Wyatt Konz, Denny Korthals, and Lee Steichen. Chamber Bucks: The Alton Chamber is offering Chamber Bucks at a 15% savings for a limited time. These are available in various amounts for use at any Alton Chamber business. There is a limit of $300 per household, while supplies last. Purchase the Bucks at the Community Insurance Office. Christmas Drawings: The Chamber is sponsoring a drawing during the Christmas season. Register whenever you shop at a local business. Chamber bucks will be awarded as follows: 1st – $100, 2nd – $50, 3rd – $25. Drawings will be held December 18, 2015.
Caring for Your Gas Meter in Winter
Outdoor natural gas meters and/or pressure regulator sets are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. But please remember to protect them from ice and snow build-ups during our harsh winter months. Clean and repair your leaky eaves gutters regularly to prevent ice and melting snow from dripping onto the natural gas meter and/or pressure regulator set causing them to be encased in ice when the weather is cold. Do not pile snow against your natural gas meter and/or pressure regulator set when shoveling or using a snow blower. Never allow snow to completely cover your natural gas meter and/or pressure regulator set. Remove soft snow build-up gently, using only a broom or your hand. Call ALTON MUNICIPAL UTILITIES AT 756-4314 if you notice an ice build-up on any part of the natural gas meter and/or pressure regulator set. Do not try to remove it by kicking or hitting the gas meter or piping.
Municipal Reminders
- The Alton City Offices will be closed on Friday, December 25, in observance of Christmas Day and Friday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Day.
- Reminder: Snowmobiles must stay off private, residential property unless permission has been obtained from the property owner.
- We would like to remind everyone of the sidewalk snow removal policy for Alton. It is the responsibility of the abutting property owners to promptly remove from the sidewalks natural accumulations of snow and ice. If the property owner does not comply within a reasonable amount of time, the City may do so and assess costs of removal to the property owner. Your cooperation is appreciated.
- Property owners are not allowed to push snow onto City streets or alleys. Try to keep snow piles on corners to a minimum for the safety of vehicles and pedestrians.
Dunlop Wildlife Area
Efforts to develop a master plan for the Dunlop Wildlife Area, the Alton Roadside Park, and the surrounding area is now a step closer. A proposal from Nepple Architech & Landscaping, from Ames, was accepted. The firm will be charged with creating concept drawings that will include new park amenities, trails, and recreational spaces. Community input meetings will also be held with notices placed in the Ad Visor.
Chamber of Commerce News
Drawing: The winners of the Christmas Chamber Bucks were, Laura Lenz $100, Millie Harms $50 and Kevin Plathe $25. Valentine’s Day Drawing: Register to win a Sweetheart gift from the Alton Chamber of Commerce. Stop by your local Chamber Businesses, January 28, 2013 through February 11, 2013, to register for a chance to win.
Rides Van
After a year and a half of availability, the RIDES Van program will no longer be offered in the City of Alton. Due to lack of riders and the cost, the Council has decided to cut the program. The Van will continue to run Monday – Thursday 8:30-11:30 A.M. through Thursday, March 28, 2013. If you would like to schedule a ride call the City Office at 712-756-4314.
Avoid a Surprise in Your Water Bill
On occasion outside water meters stop measuring usage. If the City Staff notices your readings are substantially down from previous months this could result in a significantly higher water bill when it is caught up with the inside meter. To prevent the possibility of this happening, be sure to check your inside and outside water meters to verify they match. If there is a discrepancy contact City Hall so our Water Superintendent can assess what steps need to be taken, either fix or replace the meters. If you want the City to check the meters for you, call City Hall 712-756-4314. The meter on the left is the water meter in your basement connected to your incoming service line. The meter on the right is your outside reader that is read by the City Staff on a monthly basis. The way to check them is to match the meter on the outside to the meter in the basement. The basement meter is the true reading of water usage in your house. The outside meter is more apt to be incorrect/slow due to equipment failure, stuck numbers or broken wire, etc. The readings should match, with the exception of the last digit. The last digit on the outside meter will always be “0” while the last digit on the basement meter will change. The usage will be based off of the outside meter, so it will always end in a zero.
Efficiency Incentives Available
Efficiency Incentives Available Now is the time to invest in energy-smart products and take advantage of the cash incentives offered to you by Alton Municipal Electric. We offer a variety of energy efficiency programs that can help you lower your utility bills. Bright Ideas Delivered Right to Your Email. Are you looking for more energy-saving tips, simple hints, and other timely information about energy efficiency for your home? Then sign up today for our free Bright Ideas e-newsletter that is distributed monthly to your email inbox. Questions? Visit www.brightenergysolutions.org or contact Leonard Pottebaum at Alton Municipal Utilities.
Winter Parking Reminder
Winter Parking Reminder Seasonal Parking Rules We would like to remind citizens that parking is prohibited on Alton streets from October 15, 2013, to April 1, 2014, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Violators will be subject to a $10 fine.