City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - June 14, 2019
Upcoming Meetings
Frank L. Weyenberg Library Board of Trustees: June 19 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Park and Open Space Board: June 19 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Economic Development Board: June 25 – 7:30 A.M.
Community Survey Responses Due Now
All paper copies of the community survey should be placed in the mail as soon as possible. The online version of the survey will remain open through this weekend to afford any residents who haven't participated yet the opportunity to respond. Please click here to view the online version of the community survey. Feedback gathered from the survey will be used by the City for years to come and provide direction on important topics. Thank you to those who have completed the survey!
Fire Department Review Committee Established
At the June 11 Common Council meeting, Mayor John Wirth appointed an ad-hoc committee to examine ways of optimizing the future viability of the City’s Paid-on-Call (POC) fire and ambulance services. The group, known collectively as the Future of Our Fire Department Committee, will review the Mequon Fire Department organization and consider techniques used by other successful POC departments to determine if such practices should be adopted in Mequon. Further, the Committee will be reviewing recommendations contained in a departmental staffing study completed in 2017 and additional information regarding staffing, operations and other long-term planning considerations, as appropriate.
Members of the Committee include:
Common Council: Dale Mayr, District 3 (Chair) & Brian Schneider, District 6
Fire Department: Kurt Zellman, Deputy Chief & Rick Lemke, Mequon Fire/EMS Association
Mequon Residents: Melissa Bleidorn, Kirsten Hildebrand & Lynn Streeter
Fire Chief David Bialk will serve as staff liaison to the Committee, which is expected to complete its work over the next 6-12 months. Thereafter, a written report will be prepared and delivered to the Common Council, summarizing the Committee’s work and any associated recommendations.
City of Mequon Financial Transparency Center Goes Live
The Finance Department has launched the Mequon Financial Transparency Center. The City partnered with ClearGov to provide an infographic-based tool that allows comparisons to all Wisconsin municipalities in a concise and informative format. The Finance Department will periodically update detailed revenue and expenditure account data. A link to the Center may be found by clicking here.
Park and Open Space Public Input Session Scheduled for Wednesday, June 19
The City of Mequon Parks and Open Space Board is hosting a public input session in Christine Nuernberg Hall at City Hall located at 11333 N. Cedarburg Road, from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 19. The Board would like to invite all user groups and interested residents to attend. The City is currently undergoing an update of the Comprehensive Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. This plan requires an update every five years, and the information gathered will be used to set the course for the Parks Division in the future. Any feedback that pertains to users’ overall Park experience would be appreciated. In particular, the Board and the Board’s consultants, Ayres and Associates, are hoping to gather information on the following, but not limited to:
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If anyone can’t attend next week’s session and wishes to share their input, please send feedback by email to parks@ci.mequon.wi.us.
HOME Consortium Program Participation Continues
The HOME Consortium Program is a four county program established in 1998 that assists in advancing home ownership opportunities through various programs for households with income below 80% of the county’s median income. The program is offered through federal funds via Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The four county participants are Ozaukee, Washington, Waukesha and Jefferson. The City of Mequon became a participant of the program in 2005. Based on a recent inquiry, there have been no loans executed in the City during 2017-2018. However, there have been 24 rehab loan applications within Ozaukee County and 3 executed loans. There are no costs to the City for participating in the program and it is offered as a useful tool to some homeowners during the City’s enforcement proceedings. The City continues to participate in the program today as it is identified as one of many goals and objectives in the City of Mequon 2035 Comprehensive Plan.
Public Works Department Removes Ash Trees
The crews from the Public Works Department (DPW) have been working through the winter, spring, and now into the summer months removing roadside Ash trees. Due to weather conditions experienced in mid- January through February and other operational needs, crews are behind in the removal of trees, as well as the stump grinding and the restoration of the sites where trees have been removed. The City intends to continue efforts in tree removal and site restoration through the summer. Due to other necessary operations crews will be out more sporadically than in the winter. The City will continue to work diligently to complete tree operations. If residents have any further questions or concerns, please contact DPW directly at 262-236-2913.
Engineering Division Sees 40-Year Employee Retire
After serving the City of Mequon for 40 years, Guy Hansen has joined the ranks of the nation’s retirees. Guy most recently worked as an Engineering Technician II within the Engineering Division of Public Works. The City thanks Guy for his 40 years of service to the City and the residents of the community.
Public Works Employee Retirees after 26 Years of Service
Today was Kurt Schoessow’s last day on the job with the City of Mequon Public Works Department. Kurt held the position of Heavy Equipment Operator within the Highway Division of the Department. The City extends its gratitude to Kurt for his years of service to the City and helping make the community what it is today.
