City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - February 16, 2018
Economic Development Board: February 20 – 7:30 a.m. (Agenda)
Park and Open Space Board: February 21 – 6:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Special Finance-Personnel Committee: February 27 – 5:45 p.m.
Public Safety Committee: February 27 – 6:30 p.m.
Milwaukee River Advisory Committee: February 28 – 6:30 p.m.
Three Year Fire & EMS Collective Bargaining Agreement Attained
Last month, the City and the Mequon Fire & EMS Association came to an agreement on a three-year contract governing 2018-2020. The Association’s members voted and ratified the contract on February 12. The proposed contract, along with an analysis, will be on the Finance-Personnel Committee and Common Council’s agenda for approval in March.
New Issue of the Mequon-Thiensville Today Magazine Now Available
The first 2018 edition of the Mequon-Thiensville Today Magazine is out for delivery to residents and local businesses. The cover highlights the upcoming episode of Around the Corner with John McGivern with a picture of Mayor Abendroth and John McGivern, which PBS is scheduled to air at 7:00 p.m. on March 22. Additional copies of the new Mequon-Thiensville Today Magazine are available at City Hall.
Time to Renew Annual Dog Licenses
All dogs in the City must be licensed yearly. The dog license fee must be paid at City Hall. Payment for multiple dogs can be combined on one check. A current rabies immunization statement from a veterinarian must be on file at the time of application. The City does not return mailed statements. The annual license fee for non-neutered male or unsprayed female dogs is $15. The annual license fee for neutered male or spayed female dogs is $10. There is a $5 late fee for dog licenses issued after March 30.
Mequon Nature Preserve Issues 2017 Year-end Report
Each year the Mequon Nature Preserve (MNP) issues a year-end report highlighting everything from the success of their numerous programs and environmental education efforts to land restoration and the MNP’s fiscal status. The Report states that MNP saw $787,658 in expenses and $827,305 in revenue in 2017. Additionally, the MNP acquired an additional 6 acres through the purchase of a parcel on the corner of County Line Road and Wauwatosa Road, which is slated for restoration in 2019. Please see the attached report to learn more about how the MNP performed in 2017.
City Staff Assess Partial Railroad Quiet Zones
Partial railroad quiet zones from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for the Union Pacific Railroad crossings at Zedler Lane, Donges Bay Road, and Mequon Road were applied for by the City on December 11, 2017. Union Pacific Railroad and the Federal Railroad Commission provided comments on the quiet zone requests this week. The crossings at Mequon Road and Zedler Lane lack a constant warning time device which is a minimum requirement, and Mequon Road has a driveway within 60-feet of the crossing which is a safety concern. The Donges Bay Road crossing includes all of the minimum safety measures. Staff will continue to evaluate the proposed quiet zones. Next steps include meeting Union Pacific Railroad, the Federal Railroad Commission, and the Department of Transportation at each crossing to perform a diagnostic review and assess the required safety measures. A copy of the comment letter from Union Pacific Railroad is attached.
Building Sewers Rehabilitated
Mequon’s first implementation of Private Property Inflow and Infiltration (PPII) reduction and building sewer rehabilitation project is substantially complete. Final restoration is planned to be finished in the spring. 42 of 45 eligible property owners volunteered to participate in the program and signed Clear Water Compliance forms. The program was implemented in 2016 for approximately $460,000 after the completion of an investigation in 2014 and adoption of a pilot policy in 2015. The full amount is being reimbursed by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD). The City is allocated nearly $2 million from MMSD’s reimbursable program through 2020. Staff plans to present PPII results to the Sewer Utility District Commission this spring and discuss future PPII implementation.
Information Regarding Water Lateral Insurance Flyers
It has come to the City’s attention that HomeServe USA has been mailing flyers to some Mequon Water Utility customers. The flyers describe how the customers are responsible for the repair of their water service line. The company proposes to provide repair coverage for leaking water lines. Mequon Water Utility customers are responsible for the water service from the curb stop valve outside (typically near the right of way line) into their house and past the meter. Mequon Utility customers are encouraged to check with their insurance company to see if repairs are already covered. The City of Mequon Water Utility does not endorse HomeServe USA. The Water Utility is not affiliated in any way with HomeServe and its programs.
