Frequently Asked Questions

Administration

When does the Common Council meet?

How can I run for the Common Council?

How do I obtain a bartender’s license?

How can I become a member of a City Board or Commission?

How do I register to vote?

Community Development Authority

What kinds of financial assistance can the CDA provide to businesses?

What does it take to get a Facade Loan?

How do I qualify for financial assistance to make improvements to my home?

What types of improvements can I make if I qualify for assistance?

What financial assistance can the CDA provide me for home improvements?

Court

Do I have to appear in court?

I want to plead “not guilty.” What do I do?

What happens if I don’t appear in court and haven’t posted bail?

I appear in court, but would like to consult with my attorney. What can I do?

I violated a city ordinance. What happens next?

I received a traffic violation. What do I do?

Finance

I am going on vacation. Where do I go to have my water shut off?

When do the water bills come out?

Can I have the quarterly utility billing automatically deducted from my accounts?

What forms of payment can I use for the payment of transactions with the City?

Where can I drop off my utility payments?

What kind of business can I conduct at the Finance/Utility office?

Library

Does the library have a meeting room when can use?

Does the library have any materials for genealogists?

What kinds of children’s activities does the library offer?

When is the library open?

Does the library have a Friends of the Library group?

Does the library have a book sale? When is it?

Does the library accept donations of books?

Is there Internet access at the library?

Does the library provide fax service for the public?

Neighborhood Services

Do I need a building permit to add a deck to my house?

Do I need a permit for a shed or detached garage?

Do I need a permit for new siding or replacement windows?

Do I need a permit for new cabinets or replacing drywall?

Who has to remove the snow and/or ice off the sidewalk in front of my house?

When do I have to cut my yard?

How many non-family household members can I have in a single family house?

Parks & Recreation

How do I contact the Aquatic Center?

Where do I get attraction tickets?

How do I get a copy of the next program brochure emailed or mailed to me?

How do I find out about canceled activities?

Where can I get a job with the parks and recreation department?

Can I rent out any parks or recreation facilities?

When do the parks open or close?

What is “Seniors in the Park?”

Where and when can I volunteer?

Public Works

Is there a charge for trimming my tree which is within the public road right-of-way? If you cut it down, do I pay for it?

What can and can’t be flushed?

When is the compost site open?

I seem to be using a lot of water. What should I do?

My street light is burnt out or doesn't work properly. Who takes care of it?

Who maintains the trees within the public road right-of-way?

I have rusty water. What should I do?

I am moving out of the city. What should I do?

What type of wastes can be treated at the wastewater facility?

Does the City plant terrace trees?

What do I do when there is a sewer backup in my home?