Mequon Weekly Bulletin - July 31, 2020

Upcoming Meetings

Festivals Committee: August 3 - 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Ad Hoc Emergency Management Committee: August 4 - 3:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Future of Our Fire Department Committee: August 4 - 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: August 10 - 6:30 P.M.
Public Safety Committee: August 12 - 5:45 P.M.
Public Welfare Committee: August 12 - 6:15 P.M.
Finance Personnel Committee: August 12 - 7:00 P.M.
Sewer Utility District Commission: August 12 - 7:30 P.M.
Common Council: August 12 - 7:30 P.M.

COVID-19 Update for the Week Ending Friday, July 31
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 update, the State has had 52,940 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 934  associated deaths. Based on information from the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department (WOPHD), there have been  533 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 17 related deaths in Ozaukee County, and Mequon-Thiensville have had 177 confirmed cases.

• On Thursday, July 30, Governor Evens issued Emergency Order #1 that states effective Saturday, August 1, face coverings are required in certain situations for people over the age of five who do not have a medical condition, disability, or other sensory sensitivities that prevents it. According to the order, face coverings should be worn in the following situations:

  • Face coverings should be worn whenever indoors or in an enclosed space, other than at a private residence or when no one else is present.

  • Face coverings should be worn whenever any time another person who is not a member of your household or living unit is present in the same room or enclosed space.

  • Face coverings are recommended in all other settings, including outdoors, when it is not possible to maintain physical distancing.

The order also provides exemptions to the face covering mandate due to conditions or circumstances that could prevent someone from safely wearing a face covering. Additional information about the order and exemptions can be found in the frequently asked questions document (FAQ) published by the Governor’s Office.

• The Governor’s instructions (FAQ) say you should do nothing if you see someone who is not wearing a mask. Please do not call the Police Department. There are many exceptions to the order, and the Police have limited resources. The Police will, however, support local businesses and organizations that enforce the mask rule in their facilities. If you see people without face coverings, please maintain six feet of social distancing rather than calling the Police Department.

• In accordance with Emergency Order #1, beginning this Saturday, August 1:

  • Patrons of the Mequon Community Pool are required to wear face coverings when not actively swimming.  The City’s 2020 Mequon Community Pool Guidelines already require that staff wear face coverings.  While staff will educate and monitor patrons for adherence to the Order, the City asks that pool patrons be proactive and wear masks when possible as stated in the mandate.

  • People entering City Hall and other public buildings will be required to wear face coverings.

• The Department of Health Services has updated guidelines for ending home isolation. The website also provides information as to when someone should self-quarantine and how-to self-monitor during a quarantine period.

• The FDA expanded its list of hand sanitizers potentially contaminated with methanol to 87 products. The FDA urges consumers not to use certain hand sanitizer products that could contain methanol, which can be toxic when absorbed through the skin.

City of Mequon To Launch Zoning Change Notification System
As part of the August 12 Common Council agenda process, the City Clerk's Office will begin issuing a monthly notice of  proposed changes in the zoning on property, allowing different land uses (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) and density (number of dwelling units or size of buildings) requirements of property within the City. Community members may sign-up to receive a monthly email notification listing the first and second readings of proposed zoning amendments on the Common Council's agenda.  Please click here to sign up.

In-person Absentee Voting
In-person absentee voting is taking place in the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall through August 7.  A photo ID is required to vote in-person at City Hall.  Alternatively, a ballot can also be mailed to voters.  Please go to www.myvote.wi.gov to make a written request for a ballot, to find out what is on the ballot, or to find out where to vote on election day.  The Partisan Primary election we be held on Tuesday, August 11, and the polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M.

Contracted Tree Removal
The City has contracted with Wallace Tree and Landscape and Choice Cuts Tree Service to remove approximately 200 Ash Trees from two primary locations. The contractors have been hired to remove tress that are the largest, most difficult and present the greatest public safety concerns. The areas chosen for this year’s removal efforts are North Lake Shore Drive and West Chester Lakes neighborhoods.

A postcard has been sent to residents impacted by the removals to inform them that the painted pink line on a tree indicates it will be removed. Work should be completed by mid-September.  City crews will complete the stem and stump removal as secondary operations.  Tree replacement will be offered in the area in the spring or fall of 2021. 

Emergency Loan Fund Program Funds Available
The City has executed 20 loans to local business to date to assist during the economic downturn associated with COVID-19.  Fifteen of the loans were executed for the maximum $15,000 allowed.  In each of the other cases, the applicant requested less than $15,000, and the City was able to provide a full loan amount specifically requested.  The loan fund balance dedicated for this emergency program is approximately $140,000. 

Census Takers Start Follow Up with Non-responding Households

The U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up with households in select areas that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census.  Starting July 30, census takers will begin interviewing households in the following counties: