Filing your taxes using Direct File and WisTax is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Check to see if you are eligible and register at directfile.irs.gov.

2. File your federal return.

3. File your Wisconsin return.

Direct File and WisTax: Simple, Secure, Free

Eligible Wisconsin taxpayers can use Direct File, a no-cost IRS program that offers safe and secure electronic filing via a mobile-friendly platform. Best of all, Direct File offers a seamless connection with WisTax, a free alternative for Wisconsin residents to file their state taxes. Direct File is quick, intuitive, and user-friendly. The verified information from your federal return is automatically imported to WisTax, eliminating the need to complete W-2s, 1099s, and additional forms twice. Not only does this save you time; it lowers the likelihood of errors, making it among the fastest refund options available. Instant confirmation ensures your return was received. If Direct File and/or WisTax is not an option for you, there are other free options, such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs and the IRS Free File Alliance. To get help or find more information on Direct File, go to the IRS Direct File website. For WisTax, visit the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website.

Driveways

As much as many people would like, it is impossible for the City to schedule snow removal times to coincide with their respective snow shoveling or snow removal from their driveways. Plowing streets inevitably will put snow on property owner's driveway approaches. Per Ordinance Section 6.1.3(d)(4) the city does not assume responsibility for the removal or clearance of snow, ice or sleet or the opening of any windrows at private driveways within the dedicated portion of the city street. Property owners are responsible for clearing all snow accumulated at the end of the driveway.

If possible, all major thoroughfares will be plowed and salted by morning. Residential side streets will not be completed until the major streets are completed.

The City does not plow or maintain County or State highways located within Glendale. Those streets include North Green Bay Avenue north of West Good Hope Road, West Good Hope Road from North Port Washington Road west to the City limits, West Mill Road, North Milwaukee River Parkway and North Port Washington Road from West Daphne Road north to the City Limits.

The City's 12-person Public Works Department will do all that is humanly possible to clear all City streets in a timely fashion. All snow plowing is done by Public Works employees. 

Please have the appropriate amount of patience and understanding with the Public Works Department in this type of climate.

Sidewalks

All property owners are reminded that Glendale City Ordinance requires all public sidewalks and curb ramps to be kept clear of snow and ice within 24 hours from the time snow ceases to accumulate. Property owners who have sidewalks will receive a reminder notice of their responsibility to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks if not shoveled within 24 hours.

After each inclement weather event, the City will inspect all sidewalks and curb ramps to ensure they are safely passable. If a sidewalk or curb ramp is not safely passable, a notice may be posted or otherwise placed at the property indicating the need to comply with the snow and ice removal requirement within a specified time.

Upon re-inspection, any sidewalk or curb ramp not properly cleared will be cleared by the City with all costs and expenses, including administrative fees and/or ice and salt/sand costs, charged to the property owner or manager as a special assessment.  Residents are also asked to help keep area fire hydrants cleared of snow to allow easy access in case of a fire.

Anti-Icing

Stripes on roads before a storm are anti-icing. Anti-icing is the term used when the liquid brine is placed on the roadway surface prior to a winter precipitation event. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind a white residue. 

A roadway that has anti-icing applied to it usually has white streaks on it. This white residue is a light coating of salt. The residue helps jumpstart the melting process, inhibits ice formation, and reduces the total amount of salt needed. Lines show that your DPW maintenance crew is concerned about safety and is saving money, time, and protecting our environment. 

The main thoroughfares have primary ice and snow control. All main routes are at a minimum, anti-iced (brine) and/or salted as necessary during every measurable snow event regardless of the accumulation. If possible, all major thoroughfares will be plowed and salted by morning. Residential side streets will not be completed until major streets are completed. The City does not provide "bare pavement" at all times and at all locations during winter season. Bare, dry pavement should not be expected after each snowfall or ice storm.

Winter weather is here and it’s important to be mindful of the amount of road salt used to de-ice surfaces. One teaspoon of road salt can permanently contaminate 5 gallons of freshwater. Increased salinity levels make freshwater environments toxic to aquatic life as well as mammals and birds that rely on freshwater systems.   As little as 12 ounces of salt can melt 20 feet of driveway. Using excessive amounts of salt does not increase its effectiveness. Once salt is applied, sweep up excess salt for later use.  Road salt does not work when temperatures dip below 15 degrees or when ice is more than ½ inch thick. In these situations, it will be more effective to use materials that increase traction such as sand, bird seed, or cat litter.  Biodegradable de-icers can be used in place of or in conjunction with road salt to melt ice and add traction. These alternatives include beet juice, molasses, and pickle juice. For more information, please visit www.respectourwaters.org

Knowing how to identify an illicit discharge is an important part of preventing water pollution! Illicit discharges can appear as suds, unnatural odors, oil sheens, or unnatural turbidity near a storm drain or stormwater outfall. If you notice any of these signs, please contact your local municipality or call the DNR’s 24–hour tip–line at 1-800-TIP-DNR to report any potential illicit discharges. To prevent hazardous substances from entering storm sewers and waterways, they must be disposed of properly. Household hazardous waste and motor fluids should be dropped off at municipal-run hazardous waste drop-off sites or recycling centers. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about the effects of illicit discharges. Even just a small amount of a hazardous substance can have large effects on the health of the environment as well as people and wildlife that rely on it.