Mequon Weekly Bulletin - January 17, 2020
Upcoming Meetings
Future of Our Fire Department Committee: January 21 – 6:00 P.M. (Agenda)
Park and Open Space Board: January 22 – 6:30 P.M. (Agenda)
Planning Commission – Policy Subcommittee: January 27 – 6:00 P.M.
Festivals Committee: January 27 – 6:00 P.M.
Economic Development Board: January 28 – 7:30 A.M.
Finance-Personnel Committee: January 28 – 6:00 P.M.
Ethics Board: January 30 – 6:00 P.M.
Hawthorne Road Public Information Meeting Scheduled for February 4
The City’s consultants have completed a Technical Report of Hawthorne Road. The next step will be for the Technical Report to be discussed at a Public Information Meeting (PIM). The PIM is scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Mequon City Hall on 11333 N. Cedarburg Road. The meeting will be an open-house style. Both City staff and the consultant will be there to answer any questions. The City is seeking feedback on residents’ support or opposition to the various options outlined in the report for Hawthorne Road. If residents are unable to attend the meeting, but still want to provide an opinion, please send your feedback to Director of Public Works Kristen Lundeen by email at klundeen@ci.mequon.wi.us. Please click here to view the Technical Report.
City Sees Significant Savings in Bond Sale
On January 14, the City went to market to sell $6.21M of general obligation refunding bonds that were initially approved by Council in December in order to refinance existing general obligation bonds to a better interest rate. The winning bid came from FHN Financial Capital Markets in New York City with a true interest cost of 1.424%. Due to a premium being paid by FHN Financial Capital Markets, the City was able to reduce the issue size from $6.21M to $5.9M. With the decrease in the issue size and favorable market rate, the City will see a savings of $667,171 over the eight-year life of the refunded bonds. This is $212,000 of additional savings compared to the preliminary estimations. A significant portion of these savings is directly related to the debt payments of Tax Increment District #3.
How the City Responds to Winter Weather
While there was a late start to the winter weather this season, it is now here in full force. In general, the Department of Public Works (DPW) receives the same information regarding potential weather as the general public. That information can be accurate, but in some cases it is not. The DPW works closely with the Police Department to time its response to weather events. If inclement weather is anticipated, the Highway Division may have a planned call-in for essential staff. If the Police Department identifies inclement weather ahead of a scheduled response or outside of normal working hours, it will contact standby staff for a response.
The DPW responds to events in a variety of ways. Both the number of employees dispatched and the type of response (plowing vs. salting, etc.) is based upon pavement temperature, air temperature and the weather forecast. Response is also subject to regulations on work hours. For the sake of both public and plow driver safety, DPW must ensure sufficient rest between shifts. At times, this requires plow drivers to be sent home while inclement weather continues.
Property owners can assist DPW crews by adhering to general safety practices and local ordinances. That includes not pushing snow into or across the road, which is a violation of City ordinances. Keeping roads free from garbage cans and vehicles also ensures uninhibited passage of plow trucks. When in a vehicle, please leave plenty of space between yourself and a plow truck. Do not attempt to pass or turn in front of a truck to avoid an accident. Do not assume that the plow truck driver sees your vehicle. Plow trucks are large, heavy vehicles that take more time to get to full speed or stop than the average passenger vehicle. Patience is appreciated.
If residents have concerns, please feel free to contact the DPW at 262-236-2913. Office hours are generally 7:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. Monday – Friday. If a call is not immediately answered, please leave a message including the concern and location so that DPW can dispatch a response as appropriate. The City understands that inclement weather can affect residents’ ability to get to work, school and other critical appointments. DPW crews work around the clock to provide the best service it can under the conditions. The City appreciates commuters’ patience and understanding while DPW work to make the roads safe.
2020 Marks the Year of the Census
Every ten years a mandatory counting of people and gathering of information takes place as mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The census counts every resident in the United States. The data collected by the census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also used to distribute billions in federal funds to local communities. Every household will have the option of responding online, by mail, or by phone. The U.S. Census Bureau will be sending out an invitation on how and when to complete the 2020 Census. For more information, please see the two attached documents from the U.S. Census Bureau titled How the 2020 Census Will Invite Everyone to Respond and Census 101. Additional information can be found on the City’s website by clicking here.
I-43 North-South Reconstruction Public Meeting Scheduled for January 21
As a reminder, The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will be hosting an open-house style meeting regarding updates on the I-43 reconstruction project between Silver Spring Drive to Wisconsin 60. The meeting is scheduled from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. on January 21 Mequon City Hall located on 111333 N. Cedarburg Road.
