Mequon Weekly Bulletin - June 24, 2022

U P C O M I N G  M E E T I N G S
Planning Commission: June 27 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Economic Development Board: June 28 – 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Board of Police & Fire Commissioners: July 5 – 8:00 A.M.

Police Department Achieves Accreditation Status
On Friday, June 17, after nearly two years of work, the Department was awarded the status of becoming a Full Accredited Police Agency by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Accreditation Group.  The Department completed its three-day onsite inspection back in April of this year.  With over 500 law enforcement agencies across the State of Wisconsin, there are only 46 participating Full Accreditation Agencies.  A presentation will occur at the July Common Council meeting.  The Accreditation Certificate and Press Release are attached.

Southern Ozaukee Fire & EMS Department Update
The first Southern Ozaukee Fire & EMS Department Board Meeting took place on Thursday, June 16 at the Village of Thiensville.  The meeting began with a detailed presentation by Mequon City Administrator Jones regarding formation of the new Department, the Board’s roles, responsibilities for oversight of the Department, and benchmarks that need to be accomplished moving forward.  Upcoming meetings will focus on budget development and the progress of operationally merging the two existing Departments into one by January 1, 2023.  With the retirement of current Thiensville Fire Chief Brian Reiels occurring this weekend, Mequon Fire Chief David Bialk will be sworn in as the interim Fire Chief of the Thiensville Fire Department at the Village of Thiensville’s next Board of Trustees Meeting on July 18.  As of July 1, the two Departments will begin the process of functional consolidation and will share resources and personnel to ensure adequate staffing across both communities.

RFP Submissions for City Legal Services Due July 1
On May 25, the City Administrator’s Office distributed a Request-for-Proposals (RFP) for the provision of legal services to the City, beginning on September 1. The RFP is available on the City’s website. As noted in the document, submissions are due to the City by July 1.  Thereafter, it is anticipated that all proposals will be evaluated by a selection team that is to include the Mayor and one other alderman, prior to the Council’s formal consideration of an appointment in August. Any questions concerning the City’s process can be directed to City Administrator William Jones at (262) 236-2941/wjones@ci.mequon.wi.us.

Outdoor Emergency Siren Update
The “Outdoor Emergency Siren” activation system is located in the Mequon Public Safety Building’s Dispatch Center.  This activation system is for the six City of Mequon outdoor sirens and the one Village of Thiensville outdoor siren.  The Village of Thiensville had previously requested the siren located in their Village conduct a test alert every day at noon.  This week, the Village of Thiensville Board requested that the daily testing stop and the test alert for Thiensville should occur only on Saturdays at noon.  This coincides with the current City of Mequon testing schedule.  No changes are being made to the Saturday testing schedule for the City of Mequon sirens.  This places all the outdoor sirens for Mequon/Thiensville on the same testing schedule, every Saturday at noon.   

City PAFR now Available Online
The Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) is a brief summary of the City’s financial activities and is intended to increase awareness throughout the community of the financial operations of the City.  The financial information within this report is taken in large part from the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR).  The City’s Governmental funds are placed in a clear, concise, and more simplified format for the general public to read and understand.  Notably, the Enterprise funds are not represented in the PAFR.  For the past six years, the Finance Department has put together the PAFR and has submitted it to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).  The report, in each of the six years, has received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting.  The Finance Department will submit the 2021 PAFR for this award once again.  While the City has received very high remarks from the GFOA in previous years, the PAFR received a significant format refresh from City staff this year.   The report can be viewed on the City website.

Police Department Participates in Click-It-Or-Ticket
The Mequon Police Department Click-It-Or-Ticket Spring 2022 Traffic Enforcement Campaign took place from May 23 through June 5.  Below is a snapshot of the Department’s activity during this timeframe.

Celebrate Family Fun Before the Fourth this Saturday
Grab your family and friends and celebrate Family Fun Before the Fourth this Saturday, June 25.  Festivities begin with a parade at 10:30 AM starting at the Frank L. Weyenberg Library and ending at Thiensville Village Park.  After the parade, enjoy free ice cream, dance demonstrations, a waterski show, live music, great food, and fireworks at dusk.  Click here to learn more.

45^th Annual Pommerntag Taking Place on Sunday
This Sunday, June 26, from noon to 5:30 P.M., the 45^th annual Pommerntag will take place at Mequon Rotary Park.  Pommerntag is a celebration of the culture of northern Germany along the Baltic Sea.  Come enjoy good music, dancing, and delicious German food!  This event is free and open to the public.

Gathering on the Green Coming Soon
Since 1994, Gathering on the Green has grown to become one of Southeastern Wisconsin’s premier summer spots to enjoy world class entertainment.  Set in Mequon Rotary Park, this year’s performers are Bruce in the USA on July 7, Roots & Boots on July 8, Night Ranger & 38 Special on July 9, and Danny Gokey on July 10.  Get more information and purchase tickets here.