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1. Where is the Recycling Center located?

The address of the Recycling Center is N116 W17230 Main Street near Haupt Strasse Park. The Center has seasonal hours:

• February - March: Second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• April - November: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• December - January: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Holidays: Closed on all observed holidays throughout the year

2. Who maintains the Village grounds and plantings?

Village staff maintains all the turf, and planting for all Village buildings.  We have a greenhouse provide all the annual planting materials for pots, decorative areas, and hanging baskets.

3. Can you fix the drainage on my property?

The Village does not fix drainage problems located on private property.  Germantown Engineering staff are compiling a list of overall resident requests regarding drainage concerns.  Drainage projects are selected based on the degree of impact to public safety and property, as well as available resources.

4. What if I have a storm drain that is plugged in my area?

If there is debris or leaves plugging an inlet near your home, please call 250-4721.  If a major rain event is forecasted, Village crews are dispatched, and we check and clean as many inlets as possible before the rain begins.  Residents can help keep inlets clean by not blowing grass clippings and leaves into the street.  This plugs inlets, causes street flooding and creates hazards for our neighbors.

5. How do I report a streetlight out?

To report a damaged streetlight or lamp that is out, please call 250-4721.  Some lights are maintained by the Village and some by WE Energies.  Typically, a simple lamp replacement takes 3-5 business days once reported.  Other failures can take longer to repair, especially if there is a fault underground.

6. When will you take care of my neighbor's sump pump discharge? It is icing up the street.

Currently there are no funds budgeted to address sump pump complaints.  Germantown’s Engineering Department is working in conjunction with Germantown’s Highway Department to compile a list of resident requests to eliminate sump pump discharges to the street surface.  Once a comprehensive list is created, Engineering will provide recommendations for the Public Works & Highway Committee to review and act upon.  Please contact Project Engineer, Ryan Ehlerding, at (262) 250-4721 for additional information.

7. Can we add stop signs to (name of intersection)?

Typically, it is the policy of the Engineering Department to refrain from adding stop signs to existing neighborhood intersections because stop signs are to be used based on traffic counts and accident data.  Stop signs are not good traffic calming devices in neighborhoods where speeds are already designated to be 25 mph.  Also, too many stop signs in a neighborhood may condition drivers to practice unsafe habits like “rolling” through intersections.  If stop signs are to be installed, an analysis by the Engineering Department must be completed beforehand.  Any recommendation would need to be taken to the Public Safety Committee and Public Works & Highway Committee for approval prior to installing the signs.

8. Why does the Village sweep streets and how often are street swept?

The Village sweeps streets to keep as much debris out of our storm system as practical.  We also sweep streets to keep our Village looking clean and neat!  We try and sweep all Village streets at least twice annually.  We attempt to sweep main streets and intersections at least 4 times a year.  Weather, workload and other factors all play a role in when, and how often we sweep.

9. How do I report a pothole, street sign issue, or dead animal?

If you have any of the above-mentioned issues, please call 250-4721.  Village crews will resolve the issue as quickly as possible.  Please note that dead deer are picked up as part of a County wide contract.  It can take up to two weeks (or more) to get one removed, especially in the fall.  Potholes and signs can take 3-5 business days to address on average.

10. Does the Village have a brush pickup? Why didn't my brush get picked up?

The Village of Germantown has two brush pick up events each year. The Spring pickup generally begins on the second Monday of May and the Fall pickup generally begins on the second Monday of October. Please note that brush must be out next to the curb the day prior to the beginning of the brush pick up event (Sunday). Exact dates and details will be provided as the events approach.

The Village will not pick up yard waste (twigs, grass clippings, annual flowers, etc.) or leaves. These will need to be taken to the Recycling Center on Main Street to be disposed of.

For complete rules and regulations please contact the Public Works Department at 262-250-4721 or visit their webpage at this link.

If your neighbor’s brush was picked up and yours was not, it is most likely because there was Buckthorn in the pile of brush.  Buckthorn is prohibited and will not be collected by the Germantown Highway Department.  Please see the attached photo for an example of what Buckthorn looks like:

11. Who do I call about missed garbage/recycling collection? What about general questions like pickup days?

All questions regarding garbage/recycling collection should be directed to Waste Management Customer Service at 262-251-4000 or 1-888-960-0008 or via email wmeservice@wm.com.