Mequon Weekly Bulletin - Sept. 30

 

U P C O M I N G  M E E T I N G S

 

Appropriations Committee: October 6 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Architectural Board: October 10 – 6:00 P.M.
Public Safety Committee: October 11 – 5:00 P.M.
Public Welfare Committee: October 11 – 5:45 P.M.
Finance-Personnel Committee: October 11 – 6:15 P.M.
Committee of the Whole: October 11 – 6:30 P.M.
Sewer Utility District Commission: October 11 – 7:30 P.M.
Common Council: October 11 – 7:30 P.M.
Joint Bike & Pedestrian Way Commission: October 13 – 9:00 A.M.

Sign Placement in the Right-of-Way and on Public Property
After receiving multiple inquiries about campaign signs being placed along roads within the City, the City Attorney is providing the following reminders about Sign Code revisions related to rights-of-way and City property that the Common Council adopted in February. The revisions did not specifically regulate campaign signs. Instead, these revisions looked to simplify the Code related to all signs located within these areas, and generally provide a few basic rules. In general, signs may not be placed on the street side of any sidewalk or path that is located within 15 feet of the edge of a road. If there is no sidewalk or path, no sign may be placed within 15 feet of the edge of a road. Signs may not be placed within a roadside ditch in a manner that would obstruct the flow of water. Beyond the rules above, the revisions also provide that no sign may be placed in the City’s rights-of-way or on City property. Finally, the Code provides that signs on property that is owned or controlled by another governmental entity are controlled or regulated by that entity. Thus, for example, where right-of-way is controlled by the County, the ability to place signs within that right-of-way (but outside of the 15 foot area described above) would be regulated by the County. If there are questions related to where property or right-of-way lines are located, interested parties are encouraged to access Ozaukee County’s GIS system.

City Welcomes Lumia Mequon to Port Washington Corridor
Construction recently began at Lumia Mequon that sits on 4.8 acres at 11900 N. Port Washington Road.  A ground turning ceremony took place on September 29 to celebrate the 68-unit boutique senior living community that is scheduled to open in March 2023.  Mayor Andy Nerbun, Aaron Matter of Matter Development, John Ford of Three Leaf Partners, and Andy Lange of Koru Health spoke at the ceremony.

GFOA Announces 2020 Triple Crown Winners
This week, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recognized 317 governments that received the Triple Crown award for fiscal year 2020.  Triple Crown winners have received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.  Mequon was one of seven governmental units from Wisconsin to achieve the award.  View all the winners here.  

Controlling Erosion on Stream Banks and Shorelines
Lakes and rivers are an essential part of Southeastern Wisconsin, yet they are at risk due to shoreline erosion.  An actively eroding shoreline can lead to infrastructure failure and poor water quality.  Severe sediment pollution from this erosion affects the health of these shore systems and all those who interact with it.  Poor stormwater management, exposed soil surfaces, and human activity can all contribute to erosion along water bodies.  A recent story regarding Lake Michigan erosion published by Mario Koran of Urban Milwaukee can be read here.  

However, there are ways that residents can reduce the amount of shoreline erosion that is currently occurring.  Help Mequon preserve its shorelines by checking out the causes of shoreline erosion and learn how to mitigate it. Visit Respect Our Waters website to learn more.

Morning Fitness Program at Homestead H.S. Now Available
The M-T Recreation Department is offering a free morning adult fitness program to all Mequon and Thiensville residents at the new fitness center at Homestead High School from 5:30 A.M. - 7:00 A.M. Monday through Friday.  This newly built space is equipped with treadmills, ellipticals, rowers, stationary bikes, and free weights.  Opportunities to swim in the pool or use the indoor track/basketball courts in the Fieldhouse are also available.  Residents are encouraged to drop-in year-round and should enter the building through Door 21 (Aquatic Entrance). 

Treasures of Oz Eco-Tour is Saturday, October 1
The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust and Ozaukee Parks will be hosting Treasures of Oz, a free family-friendly event, this Saturday, October 1.  This year’s Eco-Tour sites will be Cedarburg Bog, Kurtz Woods, Little Menomonee River Fish and Wildlife Preserve, Riveredge Nature Center, Thiensville Village Park, and Virmond Park.  For those wanting to see the concept plans for Cedar Gorge/Clay Buffs, they will be on display at Virmond Park.  Hours vary by location, find more information here.

Applefest Taking Place this Sunday, October 2
The Thiensville-Mequon Lions Club is hosting their annual Applefest this Sunday, October 2, from 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. at Thiensville Village Park.  Applefest is a family friendly event featuring Kohls Wild Theater, hayrides, an apple pie baking contest, coloring contest, polka dancing, big wheel racing, barrel train rides and face painting.  Get your fill of delectable apple treats such as apple brats, pies, turnovers, and cider!  Visit their website for additional details.

Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour is Next Weekend
The 40th annual Covered Bridge Art Studio Tour is taking place October 7 – 9 throughout Ozaukee and Washington Counties.  62 artists, including several from Mequon, will be participating in this free self-guided tour.  Access the map here to plan out your own itinerary and then follow the red signs.