Mequon Weekly Bulletin - January 29, 2021

Upcoming Meetings
Board of Police & Fire Commissioners: February 2 - 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Mequon-Thiensville Bike & Pedestrian Way Commission: February 4 - 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Planning Commission Policy Subcommittee: February 8 - 6:00 P.M.
Architectural Board: February 8 - 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Public Safety Committee: February 9 - 5:30 P.M.
Public Welfare Committee: February 9 - 6:00 P.M.
Finance Personnel Committee: February 9 - 6:45 P.M.
Public Works Committee: February 9 - 6:45 P.M.
Water Utility Commission: February 9 - 7:30 P.M.
Sewer Utility District Commission: February 9 - 7:30 P.M.
Common Council: February 9 - 7:30 P.M.
Festivals Committee: February 11 - 6:30 P.M.

COVID-19 Update for the Week Ending Friday, January 29
The City of Mequon, in coordination with the Washington/Ozaukee Public Health Department (WOPHD) and other state and federal agencies, continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19.

• As of this afternoon, the State has reported that 469,942 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered and 90,668 Wisconsin residents have completed the vaccination series.

• The WOPHD is currently providing vaccine to frontline health care personnel, residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, police and fire personnel, and people age 65 and older. This group also includes school staff who are ages 65 and older. Vaccine is only available to those who live or work in Washington or Ozaukee Counties.

• The CDC updated its vaccine guidance to reflect that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or other COVID-19 vaccines. This means an individual’s second dose should match the first: Pfizer to Pfizer, Moderna to Moderna.

• As a friendly reminder, the State-wide mask mandate is currently still in place 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.

Sanitary Force Main Break Results in Sanitary Sewer Overflow
On Wednesday, January 27, at 11:00 a.m., a sanitary force main break occurred along 5300 W. County Line Road near the City’s lift station, and it resulted in an isolated sanitary sewer overflow (SSO) into the drainage ditch.  In response, staff contacted the City’s emergency response contractor, and a spot repair was completed.  In addition, staff notified the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and water supply utilities of this SSO, as required. 

Replacement of this ductile iron force main, built in 1971, is a priority and plans have been prepared for its replacement as part of the 5-year capital improvement program.  However, the area is complicated by factors including other utilities located in close proximity (gas, electric, telephone) and crossing the railroad. For more information, please visit the City’s website.

Staff is moving forward with replacement and addressing any utility protection and/or relocation costs and pavement replacement in County Line Road near the railroad corridor.

In-Person Absentee Voting Begins Tuesday, February 2 at City Hall
Starting Tuesday, February 2, in-person absentee voting will take place at City Hall in the City Clerk’s Office during regular office hours.  The election to be held on February 16 is a primary election for the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  In-person absentee voting will take place from February 2 to February 11 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Friday February 12.  As a reminder all voters who wish to cast their ballot in-person on election day (February 16) will come to City Hall for this election. City Hall will be open on election day from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Wisconsin’s ‘Safe Haven’ Law Protects Unwanted Newborns
Safe Haven, also known as “Infant Relinquishment,” allows a parent to leave their newborn in a safe place in certain circumstances with certain individuals. Under Wisconsin law, a parent can leave their unharmed newborn child under 72 hours old with a: Police Officer, 911 Emergency Medical Staff person, or Hospital Staff member without fear of legal consequences.

If a parent does not indicate that they will be back for their child, this is called “Safe Haven” or “Infant Relinquishment.” The parent does not have to give their name or address to the professional accepting the baby, unless: the baby has been harmed, the parent is being forced by someone to give up the baby or the baby is more than 3 days old. Some basic information may be asked; however, it is not required.  It will, however, help providers give the best care to the infant. For more information, please click here to visit the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families website.  

Candlelight Walk-In-The-Woods Scheduled for February 20
The Mequon-Thiensville Sunrise Rotary Club, Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and the City of Mequon have been working collaboratively on an effort to host the first annual Luminary “Walk-In-The-Woods” at Pukaite Woods in Rotary Park.  The event will take place on February 20, 2021 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.  This event offers the community a unique opportunity  to enjoy a candle lit walk in the park during hours that it wouldn’t customarily be open to the public and provides an outdoor activity during a time of the year when residents do not typically frequent the parks. 

The event is free to the public, but registration is required to meet COVID-19 safety guidelines.  To register for the event, please click here.  Masks are required with staggered arrival times helping to limit crowding.  The public restrooms will be open, and volunteers from the Rotary Club will be serving hot cocoa.  Bonfire stations will be positioned throughout the park, winter attire is still strongly encouraged.