Mequon Weekly Bulletin - October 22, 2021

U P C O M I N G  M E E T I N G S
Economic Development Board: October 26 – 8:00 A.M. (Agenda)
Tree Board: October 28 – 5:30 P.M.
Planning Commission: October 28 – 5:30 P.M.
Water Utility Commission: October 28 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Sewer Utility District Commission: October 28 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Board of Police & Fire Commissioners: November 2 – 8:00 A.M.
Ad Hoc Port Washington Road Design Committee: November 2 – 1:30 P.M.
Board of Appeals: November 4 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)

City Now Providing Water to 6 of 7 MTSD Schools
After several years of careful consideration, the Mequon-Thiensville School District (MTSD) has converted the majority of their school buildings to the Mequon Public Water Utility.  This work was made possible by the close proximity of public water mains to most of MTSD’s buildings.  Some of the buildings required water main extensions in order for public fire hydrants to be close enough to the buildings to meet code.  The remainder of the buildings were connected via water laterals.  The construction work occurred over this past summer and was completed right before the school year started in the fall.  The School District buildings now benefit from significantly improved water quality provided by the Water Utility.  MTSD buildings should realize reduced maintenance due to the conversion to treated Lake Michigan water.  These improvements allow for enhanced safety due to the availability of private fire protection to all new additions, and the ability to retrofit the original structures with private fire protection in the future.  Homestead High School was the only facility that did not convert to the public water supply, due to being further from the public water supply than any of the other buildings.  MTSD continues to work on a design to connect the High School in the near future.

In-Person Absentee Voting for November 2 Election Continues
In-person absentee voting continues in the City Clerk’s Office for the November 2 Special Election.  All residents wishing to vote early may come to City Hall during regular business hours, and early voting will conclude on Friday, October 29 at 5:00 P.M.   A reminder that no electioneering can take place within 100 feet of the entrance to a polling location.  This means no signage or any candidate information within 100 feet of City Hall while early absentee voting is taking place.

DPW Alternate Work Hours End October 22
The alternate work hours or “summer” hours for the Department of Public Works end on Friday, October 22.  While “summer” hangs in the air with warmer temperatures, the modified work schedule allows the Department of Public Works to take advantage of extended daylight, reduced heat indices, reduced traffic flow and increased efficiency for larger scale projects.  As the operations turn to restoration, tree removal and winter snow removal, so comes the resumed work hours from 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., Monday through Friday.

Upcoming Event Reminders
The following events will be taking place over the next two weeks as noted below.

Proper Disposal of Pet Waste Affects Water Quality
Pet owners, take heed.  When you clean-up after your pet, do you dump the waste in the street or storm sewer?  Do you leave it to decay on the sidewalk or the grass near the street?  If so, you may be causing pollution or health problems.  Pollutants from improperly disposed pet waste may be washed into storm sewers by rain or melting snow.  Storm sewers usually drain directly into lakes and streams, carrying many pollutants along with the water.  The job of cleaning up after one’s pet can be as simple as taking a plastic bag or pooper scooper along on a walk.  What should one do with the pet waste after it is picked up?  No solution is perfect, but here are some choices:

1. Flush it down the toilet.  The water from the toilet goes to a septic system or sewage treatment plant that removes most pollutants before the water reaches a lake or stream.
2. Bury it in the yard.  Dig a hole that is about 5 inches deep, away from vegetable gardens, and away from any lake, stream, ditch, or well.  Microorganisms in the top layer of soil will break down the waste and release nutrients to fertilize nearby plants.
3. Put it in the trash.  This might be the easiest option, but not the best.  Waste taken to a landfill or incinerator can still cause pollution problems.

Ozaukee County Tree and Shrub Sale has Begun
The Ozaukee County Land and Water Management Department Annual Tree and Shrub Sale has started to accept orders.  There are a variety of species to choose from which tolerate different growing/soil conditions.  This is a great opportunity to start planting in areas impacted by the Emerald Ash Borer.  The sale also offers a selection of six different wildflower/prairie mixes, bluebird houses, and rain barrels.  Residents may order online here or pick-up an order form from City Hall.  Orders will be accepted through February 28 and pick-up is tentatively scheduled for late April.  Call (262) 284-8270 with any questions.

Community Blood Drive on October 29 at City Hall
The next Mequon Community Blood Drive is scheduled to take place from 7:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. on Friday, October 29, at Mequon City Hall. Walk-in appointments are accepted, but appointments are preferred. Please schedule an appointment here or by calling 877-232-4376.

Special Military Exhibit to Take Place October 30 and 31
A private collection of a wide variety of military memorabilia covering the Civil War to the present will be on display at the American Legion, 6050 West Mequon Road, on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. and Sunday, October 31 from 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The collection is provided by Mr. Todd Boettcher, a member and officer of the Howard J. Schroeder American Legion post.  This is a free family friendly event and a great educational experience for all.