City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - October 11, 2019

Upcoming Meetings

Festivals Committee: October 14 – 6:00 p.m. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: October 14 – 6:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Public Safety Committee: October 15 – 6:00 p.m. (Agenda)
Public Welfare Committee: October 15 – 6:15 p.m. (Agenda)
Public Works Committee: October 15 – 6:45 p.m. (Agenda)
Finance-Personnel Committee: October 15 – 7:00 p.m. (Agenda)
Water Utility Commission: October 15 – 7:15 p.m. (Agenda)
Sewer Utility District Commission: October 15 – 7:15 p.m. (Agenda)
Common Council: October 15 – 7:30 p.m. (Agenda)
Library Board of Trustees: October 16 – 6:00 p.m. (Agenda)
Joint Review Board: October 21 – 9:00 a.m.
Economic Development Board: October 22 – 7:30 a.m.
Committee of the Whole:  October 22 – 6:00 p.m.
Water Utility Commission: October 22 – 7:30 p.m.
Sewer Utility District Commission: October 22 – 7:30 p.m.
Milwaukee River Advisory Committee: October 24 – 6:00 p.m.

Renovation of Mequon Pavilions Moves Forward
This summer, the Planning Commission took action to approve a number of improvements planned at the Mequon Pavilions Shopping Center, including architecture, landscaping and signage. Brixmor Property Group, the real estate investment trust which owns the center, is investing approximately $4M in the project. Presently, renovation work is underway and the Center’s tenants are pursuing building wall signage allowed per the City’s Sign Code.  In the near future, expect to see new signage facing I-43 at this location. While the property is located within one of the Port Washington Road Tax Increment Districts, Brixmoor did not pursue an authorized incentive. It is anticipated that the renovation project will be completed in early 2020.

Accelerated State-Certified Plan Reviews Available
Since rebounding from the economic recession in 2012-13, the Department of Community Development has contracted for commercial construction plan review services with retired state-certified plan reviewer John Eagon. Under this arrangement, Mr. Eagon conducts plan reviews that are required to be sent to the state. Historically, Mr. Eagon has only handled larger, more complex, or time-sensitive evaluations, which generally include plan reviews, some inspections and the necessary administrative filing for record keeping. Plans that are submitted electronically can be processed within a matter of days and traditionally, the cost of these contracted services has been covered by the applicant. With the state indicating it will now take 8-12 weeks to complete commercial plan reviews, Mr. Eagon has begun accepting all levels of plan reviews for interested applicants. This expanded level of service should assist developers, commercial property and business owners obtain quicker approvals, thus reducing unnecessary delays related to the commencement of construction and/or occupancy.

RFP for Design of Ozaukee Trail Crossing at Mequon Road in Development
Directors Lundeen and Tollefson and other staff members are developing a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the Ozaukee Inter-Urban Trail (OIT) Crossing at Mequon Road to enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.  The RFP will focus first on safety measures for the crossing and second on the necessary improvement to the variety of infrastructure elements at the crossing, which includes adjacent rail tracks.  In order to address the crossing, the intersections of Mequon Road and Weston Road and Mequon Road and Buntrock Avenue must also be evaluated for continuity.  This should result in an integrated system of solutions for this two block stretch of Mequon Road.  An ancillary objective includes advancing the aesthetic, unified theme of the Town Center neighborhood. Notably, expenditures related to the planning, analysis and necessary construction of improvements are Town Center TID-eligible.  Staff intends to present the draft RFP to the Public Works Committee this November.

Fall Edition of Mequon-Thiensville Today Magazine Arriving Next Week
The latest issue of Mequon-Thiensville Today is set to arrive in mailboxes around October 15. Articles relating to the City include information about the Finance and Fire Departments. Readers will also find content from Concordia University and MATC as well.

Great Lakes Water Level Informational Meeting Scheduled for October 17
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service, and Wisconsin Sea Grant are hosting a meeting about future water levels on the Great Lakes from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 17 at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center at 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee. This meeting is free and open to the public. Please click here for additional details.

Community-Wide Recycling Event Scheduled for October 19
The City’s last Appliance, Electronic & Lawn Equipment Recycling event for 2019 is October 19. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. - Noon in the parking lot of the Public Works Building, 10800 N. Industrial Drive. Please click here to view the flyer for more information. For questions about recycling or the event please contact the sponsors listed on the flyer.

State Issues 2019 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle
The City recently received the attached letter from Secretary Joel Brennan of the Wisconsin Department of Administration, announcing this year’s issue of the Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. The 2019 issue is the 18^th edition published by the State. The booklet provides information on public policies, highlights projects to protect, preserve and restore water resources and coastal areas, and creates a historical record of events and perspectives. Please see Secretary Brennan’s attached letter for more details and click here to view the 2019 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. 

County’s Human Services Department Launches Online Resource Library
An online resource directory of local human service agencies is now available through Ozaukee County’s Human Services Department. This initiative allows area residents to find support and also help organizations that provide support for those in need. This clearinghouse has information on a wide array of topics ranging from substance abuse and rent assistance to community events and volunteer opportunities. Please click here to view the new resource library.

Ozaukee County Issues Draft Board Meeting Minutes
Please click here to view the Ozaukee County Board of Supervisor’s October 2 meeting minutes.