Mequon Weekly Bulletin - January 22, 2021

UPCOMING MEETINGS
Planning Commission: January 25 - 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Economic Development Board: January 26 - 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Board of Police & Fire Commissioners: February 2 - 8:00 A.M.
Mequon-Thiensville Bike & Pedestrian Way Commission: February 4 - 8:00 A.M.

COVID-19 Update for the Week Ending Friday, January 22
The City of Mequon, in coordination with the Washington/Ozaukee Public Health Department and other state and federal agencies, continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19.

• As of this afternoon, the State reported that 305,937 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered and 56,680 Wisconsin residents have completed the vaccination series.

• In addition to individuals who are within the 1A vaccine distribution group, the State has announced that beginning January 25, residents of the ages 65 and over will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination.

• To assist in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, Ozaukee County residents 65 years of age or older may complete a short online form issued by the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department to receive updates and information pertaining to upcoming vaccination clinics.

• On January 19, Governor Evers issued Executive Order 104 and corresponding Emergency Order 1, which extends the state-wide mask mandate until March 20.

Please help to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19 in the community by wearing a mask, maintaining a safe social distance, avoiding large gatherings, following proper hygiene practices, and staying home when sick.

How the City Responds to Winter Weather
While there was a late start to winter weather this season, it is now here in full force.  In general, the Department of Public Works (DPW) receives the same information regarding potential weather as the general public. That information can be accurate, but in some cases it is not. DPW 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 regular working hours, it will contact standby staff for a response.

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 staff must ensure sufficient rest between shifts.  At times, this requires plow drivers to be sent home while inclement weather continues.

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 helps ensures uninhibited passage for 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 to avoid an accident.  Do not assume that the plow truck driver sees your vehicle.  Plow trucks are large, heavy vehicles that take more time to get to full speed or stop than the average passenger vehicle.  Patience is appreciated.

If residents have concerns, please feel free to contact DPW at 262-236-2913. Office hours are generally 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday – Friday. If a call is not immediately answered, please leave a message including the concern and location so that DPW staff can dispatch a response as appropriate.  The City understands that inclement weather can affect residents’ ability 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 commuters’ patience and understanding while DPW works to make the roads safe.

Fire Department Sees Increase in EMS Calls
In 2020, the Mequon Fire Department responded to 2,216 Fire and EMS calls, 107 less than in 2019.  When COVID-19 was first reported in March of 2020 and Wisconsin went under the “Safer at Home Order,” Fire and EMS calls dropped by 40% in the three months immediately following the Order.  Since August, requests for EMS have dramatically increased.  In November alone, the Fire Department responded to 205 EMS calls.  Previously, the largest number of EMS responses in any one month had been 168. 

Police Department Participates in “Click-It-Or-Ticket” Program
The Mequon Police Department Drive Sober/Click-It-Or-Ticket Winter 2020 enforcement campaign ran from December 18 - January 1.  Below is a snapshot of the Department’s activity during this campaign.