City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - February 22, 2019
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners: February 25 – 1:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Milwaukee River Advisory Committee: February 25 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Economic Development Board: February 26 – 7:30 A.M. (Agenda)
Park and Open Space Board: February 27 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Mequon-Thiensville Bike and Pedestrian Way Commission: March 7 – 8:00 A.M.
Board of Police and Fire Commission Moves Forward
Coming out of its Monday, February 18, meeting, the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners (PFC) confirmed their plan to interview the three final candidates for the Chief of Police position on Monday, February 25. Following the interviews, the PFC will decide what step(s) come next in the selection process for a new Police Chief. Furthermore, the PFC approved the next steps of the hiring process for the Fire Department’s Deputy Chief. Interviews will be conducted on March 5 with the goal of having the PFC approve an eligibility list shortly thereafter.
Annual Dog License Renewal Reminder
All dogs in the City are required to be licensed annually. To attain a new or renew a license, please visit the Finance Department at City Hall. A current rabies immunization statement from a veterinarian must be on file or accompany the payment to receive a license. The Finance Department accepts checks or cash only. The Fees are:
- Non-neutered male or unspayed female $15.00
- Neutered male or spayed female $10.00
- Late charge fee for dogs licensed after 3/31/19 $5.00
Brush Permits Now Available for Purchase
Brush permits for 2019 are available for purchase starting on March 1. The brush site is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, April 3 - November 27. Brush site, in addition to burn permits, are available for purchase with cash or check in the Finance Department at City Hall or the Mequon Police Department. A driver's license is needed to complete the purchase. Residents may also purchase a permit with a credit card by clicking here. If residents purchase a brush site permit online, then they must print their confirmation page and bring it with them when visiting the brush site.
How the City Conducts Snow Removal Operations
The increase in snowfall over the past few weeks has led to a number of questions regarding snow removal operations. In general, the Department of Public Works (DPW) receives the same information regarding potential weather as the general public. The DPW then works closely with the Police Department to time its response to weather events. If inclement weather is anticipated, the Highway Division may have a planned call in for essential staff. If the Police Department identifies inclement weather ahead of a scheduled response or outside of normal working hours, it will contact standby staff for a response.
The DPW responds to events in a variety of ways. Both the number of employees dispatched and the type of response (plowing vs. salting, etc.) is based upon pavement temperature, air temperature and the weather forecast. Response is also subject to regulations on work hours. For the sake of both public and plow driver safety, DPW must ensure staff is able to have sufficient rest between shifts. At times, this requires plow drivers to be sent home while inclement weather continues. The goal is to have roads passable for the morning commute. In addition, staff works to remove snow from parking lots and public buildings. The success in meeting this goal depends on the accuracy of the weather forecast and the timing of the inclement weather. As previously mentioned, work hours can also factor into the response. Snow removal also includes assistance from the Fleet Division, ensuring equipment downtime is minimized.
The City prioritizes main roads, with subdivision roads to follow. Roads are prioritized over sidewalks. Depending on the type of weather event, snow removal may take place in multiple stages. A first pass is intended to allow for safe vehicular travel. Further passes may be required to clear the full width of the roadway. If the snowfall requires, plow trucks may return again to clean up the roadway and push the snow back from the edge of the road to allow for additional snow storage. Please note that the multiple passes typically deposit snow at the ends of driveways multiple times within the same weather event. Once the roads are safe and cleared, DPW crews move to secondary snow removal including sidewalks and the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. Transitions between stages of snow removal can be complicated by overlapping events. At times, DPW has not yet completed the snow removal operations from the first event before another event begins.
Property owners can assist DPW crews by adhering to general safety practices and local ordinances. That includes not pushing snow into or across the road, which is a violation of City ordinances. Keeping roads free from garbage cans and vehicles also ensures uninhibited passage of plow trucks. When in a vehicle, please leave plenty of space between yourself and a plow truck. Do not attempt to pass or turn in front of a truck. Do not assume that the plow truck driver sees your vehicle. Plow trucks are large, heavy vehicles which take more time to get to full speed or stop than the average passenger vehicle. Patience is appreciated.
Especially given the amount of snow in recent weeks, property owners should make sure their driveway culvert is clear from snow as that will help manage runoff when the snow melts. If anyone notices a culvert that is frozen shut or notice that a crossroad culvert is blocked, please contact DPW.
If anyone has concerns, please feel free to contact the DPW at 262-236-2913. Office hours are generally 7:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. If your call is not immediately answered, please leave a message including your location and concern so that we can dispatch a response as appropriate. The City understands that inclement weather can affect the ability of commuters to get to work, school and other critical appointments. DPW crews work around the clock to provide the best service it can under the conditions. The City appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding while the DPW works to make the roads safe.
