Mequon Weekly Bulletin - October 2, 2020

Upcoming Meetings
Board of Police and Fire Commissioners: October 6 - 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Appropriations Committee: October 6 - 7:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Planning Commission Policy Subcommittee: October 12 - 6:00 P.M.
Architectural Board: October 12 - 6:30 P.M.
Public Safety Committee: October 13 - 5:00 P.M.
Public Welfare Committee: October 13 - 5:30 P.M.
Finance-Personnel Committee: October 13 - 6:30 P.M.
Public Works Committee: October 13 - 6:30 P.M.
Common Council: October 13 - 7:30 P.M.

COVID-19 Update for the Week Ending Friday, October 2
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 has had 127,906 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,353  associated deaths. Of the cases in Wisconsin, 1,449 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 19 related deaths have been in Ozaukee County, based on information from the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department (WOPHD).

• Current CDC guidance recommends wearing masks with two or more layers, which fit snugly and over the nose and chin. Face shields and masks with valves have not been shown to effectively prevent aerosols from being expelled by the wearer.

• The CDC advises regular mask washing and published a webpage providing guidance for cleaning your mask.

Ozaukee County Ranks #1 in 2020 Census Self-Response Rate by County Nation-Wide
The massive undertaking of accurately counting every person in the United States and the five U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) is soon coming to an end.   According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ozaukee County ranks number one in self-responding by county for the whole nation.  To view a list of the 2020 Census response rates please click here.

Safety Building Boiler Stack to be Replaced
As identified in the 2018 Facility Condition Assessment, the 10” stainless steel flue (boiler stack) at the Mequon Public Safety Building will be replaced.  The 29-year-old boiler stack has exceeded its expected lifespan and has started to corrode and leak into the building.  The Buildings Division received three proposals and has chosen J & H Heating of Port Washington to complete the work.  The $23,000 project will be starting soon and will be finished before the winter heating season. 

Water Utility to Complete Annual Flushing of Pipes
Each year, the Mequon Water Utility flushes the pipes throughout the distribution system that brings water to residential homes.  The intent of water flushing is to clean out old water and potential sediments that build up in the system.  This is the most effective way of removing impurities from the system.  Flushing is a water quality task that all utilities perform annually, and it is a requirement of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  After the Water Utility has finished flushing the distribution system this fall, it is important to remember to flush interior plumbing by running faucets for a minimum of 5 minutes or until the water runs clear, first the cold water, then the hot.  In addition, it is a good idea to flush interior plumbing after a water main break occurs in the vicinity.

Tips to Keep Water Pipes from Bursting
To avoid water pipes from bursting, especially if you are heading to a warmer climate for the winter months, provided below are a few suggestions.

• Keep your furnace set at 55°F or higher.
• Open room and cabinet doors where pipes are located to help heat circulate.
• Shut off water to washing machines and dishwashers where possible, to avoid any leaks or broken hoses while you are away, along with toilets.
• Shut off and drain outdoor faucets to prevent damage due to freezing.
• Before turning off the water to the entire house, check with a professional to find out if it is safe to turn off the water to avoid damage to other equipment that may use water.