It's starting to look like WINTER!

We finally got a good layer of snow on the ground and cold air coming through this week. For kids that may mean fun times outside building snowmen and sledding. For adults, that may mean slippery roads and shoveling. If you are the one shoveling and de-icing the sidewalks and driveway around your property, here are some friendly reminders:

• Salt (Sodium Chloride) is only effective at pavement temperatures 15 degrees F or above. Salting sidewalks at lower temperatures will NOT melt the ice.
• Sand is an abrasive; it DOES NOT melt snow and ice. However, it will provide traction on icy walkways
• If you use a 50/50 salt/sand mix, you're generally either half right or half wrong. Using a salt/sand mix leads to over application of both materials. 
• Always remove snow after it has fallen! This is the best way to avoid icy build-ups and avoid relying on ill-effective de-icers for sidewalk safety (de-icers not effective with 3 inches of snow accumulation).

And don't forget to enjoy the snow once the shoveling is done! Be in tuned with your inner child and go sledding/tubing or build a snowman!

Extended Deadline for 4th Quarter Bill!!

New deadline for sewage, stormwater, and recycling bill is now FEBRUARY 23, 2014 (bill states Feb. 13).
Bills were sent out later than usual due to software issues and other changes. Read more about it in the telegram article.

Fourth Quarter bill includes:
Stormwater fees for July-December 2014 (previously mailed as a separate semi-annual bill)
Sewages fees for October-December 2014
Recycling fees for November-December 2014*
*This is a new fee that the City enacted in November

The City combined the Sewage, Stormwater, and Recycling fees into ONE BILL sent out on a quarterly basis. Rates of sewage and stormwater DID NOT change. The switch to one bill will hopefully create less confusion and be beneficial to everyone.

Benefits of Wetlands

World Wetland Day was this past Monday (February 2, 2015). Wetlands come in various shapes and sizes, but must have these three components: Hydrology (soil must be saturated for 5% of growing season); Soils (must contain characteristics indicating water - like clay); and Vegetation (must contain wetland species). If you think this sounds like the entire city of Superior you would be correct! Superior is covered in wetlands.

Here are some benefits of wetlands:

• Flood control. They can slow runoff, minimizing the effect of floods. 
• Natural filter. They store nutrients and pollutants in the soil, allowing cleaner water to flow out. Some of the vegetation like cattails absorb pollutants. 
• Wildlife habitat. Many animals depend on wetlands for homes and resting spots. 
• Recreation. Wetlands are a great place to hunt, fish, explore, and overall enjoy nature!

Learn more about Wisconsin wetlands here: http://wisconsinwetlands.org/index.htm