City of Mequon Weekly Bulletin - September 6, 2019
Upcoming Meetings
Planning Commission: September 9 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: September 9 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners: September 10 – 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Public Welfare Committee: September 10 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Safety Committee: September 10 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Finance-Personnel Committee: September 10 – 6:45 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Works Committee: September 10 – 7:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Common Council: September 10 – 7:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Festivals Committee: September 16 – 6:00 P.M.
Appropriations Committee: September 17 – 6:00 P.M.
Library Board of Trustees: September 18 – 6:00 P.M.
Park and Open Space Committee: September 18 – 6:30 P.M.
Board of Review Completes Annual Meeting
On Tuesday, September 3, the Board of Review held its annual meeting to hear assessment objections. This year the Assessor’s Office mailed 765 notices of change of assessment to residents and businesses. The Board heard three appeals to value. After taking testimony and deliberating, the Board lowered two of the assessments and sustained the third. The rolls will now be finalized and sent to the county for reconciliation in advance of tax bill preparation.
City Sign Code Survey Sent to Chamber of Commerce Membership
The Public Welfare Committee has begun a review of the City’s sign code located in Chapter 62. To gather input, the Committee has issued a short four question survey to the Members of the Mequon–Thiensville Chamber of Commerce. The goal of the survey is to allow businesses to provide input to the Committee to consider as it completes its review over the next several months.
City Earns Governmental Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award
The City of Mequon has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2019 budget. This award represents a significant achievement by the City. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity must satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and as a communications device.
The budget document must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. See the attached letter from GFOA for further details.
East Trunk Sewer Project Nears Completion
The East Trunk Sewer project is substantially complete and under budget. All relief sewer pipes have been installed and now three connections to the existing sanitary sewer system divert high flows into the relief sewer for storage during wet weather events. Additionally, the contractor has also performed restoration, such as pavement replacement and landscaping. Restoration is now mostly completed at Katherine Kearney Carpenter Park. City staff is checking the restored park area to make sure the fences remain installed until the grass grows on all four acres of the 35-acre park impacted by the project. Furthermore, the contract acceptance period extends into spring of 2020 to replace any dead trees and grasses.
Also, as part of East Trunk Sewer design contract, City staff is continuing to work with the consultant team on the East Growth Area build-out scenarios and evaluating new lift station options. Cost estimates are being prepared for the ultimate build-out scenario. A sanitary sewer service area (SSA) amendment would be necessary to implement sewers beyond the current SSA.
City’s Finance Director Announces Retirement
After nearly 20 years of service with the City of Mequon, Finance Director Tom Watson has announced his retirement at the end of the year. During this time, Tom has been a trusted member of the organization and the City’s executive staff team, and a faithful steward of the public resources that flow daily through the offices of the City Treasury. The City is grateful to Tom for his dedicated service to the community and staff has begun a recruitment process for the next Finance Director to ensure a smooth transition. Details can be viewed by clicking here.
New Civic Campus Parking Lot Now Open
Since the end of April, the parking lot that services City Hall and the Civic Campus has been closed for reconstruction. The parking lot has reached a point where it is now open for public use. There is a short punch list of items that will be completed in the coming weeks that may require some sections of the parking to be restricted in the short term. The public may once again resume use of the parking lot and the City thanks the community for its patience during this project.
Taste of Mequon Scheduled for this Saturday, September 7
The 7th annual Taste of Mequon is here! Join in the fun from 12:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. this Saturday, September 7 in front of City Hall, 11333 N. Cedarburg Road. Attendees can enjoy food prepared by local restaurants, listen to three local bands, visit with friends and neighbors, and appreciate works crafted by local artists. There are also activities geared just for children. Click here to learn more details about this free event, and view a list of participating restaurants.
Mequon Nature Preserve Launches Eco-Venture
Come celebrate the Mequon Nature Preserve’s efforts of turning tired agricultural fields into an ecological haven for everyone to enjoy. Starting at 5:00 P.M. on September 19 attendees will learn about the forests, wetlands and prairies of the preserve and collect ecological stamps. Starting at 7:00 P.M. there will be a raffle drawing. MNP is located at 8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon.
