Hello City of Eau Claire residents, staff, and Council Members, 

Here’s some news from around the City for this week. As a reminder, prior updates can be found here, and people can sign up for updates here. Feel free to send me feedback.

You can view the update online here as well, which may help for anyone whose email program does not download pictures: News | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov)

CITY UPDATES:

Public Engagement Opportunities with Parking Consultant: As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, our parking study consultant, Jon Forster from Fishbeck Consulting, will be in Eau Claire to kick off the 2024 Downtown Parking Study next week (from May 20th to 23rd). The 2024 Downtown Parking Study is focusing on parking operations in the greater downtown area, largely the areas around North and South Barstow Street, Water Street, and East Grand Avenue. We are updating our prior study, as it is our understanding that the COVID crisis changed the landscape of downtown parking not only in Eau Claire, but across the nation. The study will focus on best management practices for parking in our downtown as well as other aspects of parking management, such as future parking lot/ramp locations and sizes, public/private partnerships, parking enforcement, paid on-street parking, and other items related to parking operations.

Members of the public and City Council are invited to an open house beginning at 6:30PM on Wednesday, May 22nd in the North Conference Room of City Hall to hear a brief presentation of the goals of the parking study. At that meeting, members of the public can provide input to the consultant on their perceptions and experiences with downtown parking. This is the first step in the Downtown Parking Study. Providing as much input as possible is important as it will help the consultant generate recommendations to be shared later in the study process. 

Members of the public are also invited to join in walking tours of the downtown with the consultant to provide input firsthand to him regarding downtown parking. To sign up for a tour, use the following link: https://calendly.com/d/ck7x-q28-tbx (space is limited). 

Capital Improvement Plan Published: At this past Tuesday’s Council Legislative session, the Council held a work session to discuss some decision points prior to finalization of the Capital Improvement Plan. Presentations and discussion focused on these four areas: 

• Parking, Bridges, and Street Configuration: Engineering Director Leah Ness shared plans for several major projects, which are all interconnected, including: the reconstruction of the Dewey Street Bridge, reconfiguration of Farwell, and reconstruction of parking garages. A plan to reconfigure Farwell, or put it on a “road diet”, has long been considered, and we hope to move forward. A reconfigured Farwell would, potentially, create more parking, create bicycle lanes, and promote pedestrian safety.
• Water Study: Community Services Director Lane Berge explained plans to carry out a water study, including a community engagement process that helps us clarify values related to how we can make sure that we use our very precious and unique abundance of water in ways that’s best for our community and its ecosystems.
• Affordable Housing Funds: Project Manager Billie Hufford shared ideas related to the use of funding set aside for affordable-housing related projects. She suggested that we define affordable housing allocations with more flexibility, as the crisis of growing numbers of unhoused residents and declining housing affordability requires adaptation.
• Resident Engagement: I shared updates and options related to community engagement. The City had carried out an extensive Participatory Budget process in the past, which is considered a well-regarded best practice in promoting engagement. Given our very tight resources, it has been a challenge to maintain this program. We are hoping to fund a grant-writer through the operating budget so as to be able to identify grant-funded approaches that allow us to promote community engagement.

A presentation from the work session and budget materials can be found here: Budget | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov), and a video of the presentation can be found here: https://eauclairewi.granicus.com/player/clip/470?meta_id=17375 Special thanks to Michael Korbel and Corey Lee, in addition to all our Directors, for the dedication and planning that goes into our process. Also thank you to the Council for thoughtful discussions.

Fire Public Protection Classification: Fire Chief Matt Jaggar shared an update about a process coming up for the Fire Department: 

“Next week, the Eau Claire Fire Department will be participating in a Public Protection Classification (PPC) evaluation. The Insurance Service Office (ISO), assesses more than 40,000 communities across the country on their ability to protect property from loss by fire. Since the early 1970s, the ISO has applied its Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS) to each community to rate them for their ability to protect insured loss. The FSRS results in each community receiving a PPC, which in turn is used by insurers to rate the risk of loss and determine premiums paid by the property owners.

The PPC for fire protection is on a scale of one to 10, with one representing the highest and 10 representing the lowest ratings. The areas of a community evaluated in the FSRS are water supply, emergency communications (911), and the Fire Department. Specifically, within the Fire Department, areas evaluated include daily firefighter staffing, fire apparatus, training, firefighting equipment, and pre-fire planning. Each specific area of the Fire Department’s operation is rated against a schedule of anticipated performance, and then against the community’s risk for fire. This overall assessment results in a score that is applied to the PPC. Eau Claire Fire Department’s previous PPC evaluation was completed in 2015 and resulted in a Class 2 rating.”

We have been pleased to be able to provide an outstanding level of protection to our community that’s reflected in this excellent rating, and we hope and expect that our positive track record will continue. 

Police Department Annual Report: Police Chief Matt Rokus shared this update: “Our 2023 Annual Report is now complete. It includes information regarding City of Eau Claire crime, calls for service, and budgetary data from the previous year. Our Annual Report also provides general information about our individual department’s operations, goals, and accomplishments while also highlight many of our excellent employees. I am pleased to report that crime was slightly down this past year, even though our calls for service experienced another increase. These increases are generally related to our service functions and involvement in other social issues, such as mental health, homelessness, and drug use.

You can view the Eau Claire Police Department’s 2023 Annual Report and previous years’ reports by utilizing the following link: Public Information | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov)”

Utility Safety Day: Utilities Manager Ben Spanel shared this update on our Utilities Division: “On Wednesday May 16th, the Utilities Division held their annual Utility Safety Day at the Water Treatment Plant. The training agenda was specific to utility operations. The topics discussed included overhead crane operation, confined space entry, and traffic safety. The training day not only provided time for employees to be reminded of specific safety topics, but also provided time for the entire Utility Division to come together for camaraderie. Mark Nelson and the Utility Safety Team put together an amazing and successful training session!” The whole Division is pictured below.

Swearing-In Ceremony: The Police Department was happy to share that two new officers have joined the Department and one officer has been promoted to sergeant. They wrote: “Please join us in welcoming the Eau Claire Police Department's two newest officers! Alison Murphy and David Dibble took their Oath of Office on May 16th (pictured below). We are very excited to have them join our department, and we look forward to seeing the great things they will accomplish in their careers with the ECPD.

Alison is originally from Cambridge, MN and graduated from Northland College in Ashland in May of 2024 with a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources. 

David grew up in Kenosha, WI and attended UW-Superior. He graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies with an emphasis on Criminal Justice.

We also want to extend congratulations to Adam Bembnister, who was promoted to the rank of Sergeant at the ceremony. Adam is from Eau Claire and has been a member of our department since 2018. Prior to that, Adam was an officer with the La Crosse PD for seven years. Adam has been a leader in many specialties in our department. Since 2020, he has served as the School Resource Officer at North High School.”

National Police Week: The Police Department also shared this notice about National Police Week, which was this past week…

“May 12th through 18th, 2024 is National Police Week. You will see Officers wearing black mourning bands on our badges this week as we honor those that have paid the ultimate price in service to their community.

Officers from the Eau Claire Police Department attended the Northwest Wisconsin Regional Law Enforcement Memorial at the Florian Gardens on Wednesday, May 15th, which is National Police Officer Memorial Day. After the ceremony, members of the Department visited the gravesites of our Department's fallen officers to place flowers and pay tribute to those that have paid the ultimate price. The stories of our fallen officers are summarized below.

On July 25th, 1921 at 10:30AM employees of the Wisconsin-Minnesota Power and Light Company were robbed at gunpoint of trolley car receipts. The robber fled toward the nearby Chippewa River where a search was taken up by officers and citizens. Chief Elmer Sundby confronted the robber and gunshots were exchanged. Chief Sundby was struck and succumbed to his wounds the following day. Despite a massive search effort, the robber was never apprehended.

On Wednesday October 6th, 1982 at 2AM Police Officer Robert P. Bolton was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance. Officer Bolton had been called to a women's shelter where a married man was attempting to see his girlfriend. As Officer Bolton arrived the man, attempted to enter his own vehicle. The suspect was able to grab a .357 revolver from the vehicle, and gunfire was exchanged. Officer Bolton was struck and was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended and convicted.”

The visit to the graves of fallen officers is pictured below.

Weekly Street Closure: Construction season is now in full swing! The City publishes a regular updated Street Closure report, and it’s available here: Construction & Major Projects | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) The report includes these updates:

• Under Construction (Closed to Thru Traffic Unless Otherwise Noted)
  • Ball Street - Holm Avenue to the East Dead End
  • Fairfax Street - South Hastings Way to Spooner Avenue
• Scheduled to Start Construction This Past Week
  • Main Street - Hastings Way to Farwell Street (Open to traffic with lane restrictions)
  • State Street - Hamilton Avenue to Lowes Creek Road

REALiving Workshop: City and Library staff attended the "REALiving Be Your Best" conference last week. Sessions included completing and discussing the Enneagram model to help individuals identify/connect with their authentic self, identifying principles and values that help individuals make decisions and conquer goals, how individuals can be a change agent in their organization, learning about and practicing Qigong and Nia to help bring good energy and intention and awareness of our own sense of authenticity, and an interactive exercise that highlighted how working individually and in teams produce different results. While the entire conference was amazing, the last two sessions really energized the room. Pictured below are staff at the conference.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Here are a few notes on what to keep an eye out for and ways you get involved in important decision-making process underway in Eau Claire…

Save the Date and Event Sponsorship Open for 2024 National Night Out: This year’s National Night Out will be held on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 from 5:30 to 8PM at Carson Park. Join us for a night of FUN including food, games, raffles, mascot dance off, emergency vehicles, and more! Register to sponsor or have a booth here: National Night Out | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov)

Next Century Code Update Workshop: Don’t forget the next Century Code update meeting on May 20th at the Library on the Third Floor.  More information is here: Eau Claire Century Code Update (arcgis.com)

• The ZPAC Committee (a joint group of Plan Commission and Council Members) will meet from 4-6PM.
• A public forum will follow the meeting from 6:30-7:30PM. 

Sign up for Junior Police Academy: The Eau Claire Police Department shared that there are still a few spots left in both sessions of the Junior Police Academy this summer, but they are filling quickly. The JPA allows kids ages 12 to 17 to see and experience different areas of law enforcement. It also gives officers and area youth a great chance to connect. Apply at https://www.eauclairewi.gov/.../police.../police-services

Parking Meeting and Walking Tour: As mentioned above, residents have an opportunity to meet with our Parking Consultant next week for a community meeting or downtown walking tour. To sign up for a tour use the following link: https://calendly.com/d/ck7x-q28-tbx (Space is limited).

SHOUT-OUTS: 

Thank You to Parks Crew: We got a chance to visit a staff person who keeps all of our parks and public spaces looking great. Pictured here are Parks Crew member John Gunderson and myself. John’s co-workers shared this about him: “John has been with the City since 2009. He began his career with the Street Department and moved over to Parks. John took over the garbage route in 2019, and he is responsible for keeping our parks, trails, and City Hall trash free. Over the course of a week in the summer, he will make multiple stops in our heavier-used parks and City facilities. John does an excellent Job in keeping our trach cans from overflowing and helps keeps our parks clean and safe for visitors and residents. John also cleans the cans when needed to help keep odor and nesting places for rodents down.” Thank you, John, for all you do for our community! Having beautiful and tidy public spaces is something that we can easily take for granted, but there's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to create these areas that we love so much.

Cemetery Crew: I received a lovely note from an out-of-towner who took the time to find my contact to share this appreciation: “Our family recently had a very unusual problem regarding cemetery plots at Forest Hill that my dad's grandmother purchased many, many decades ago. Two empty plots remained, and we needed assistance in solving a problem… Our family just wanted to thank and compliment Steve and Mary at the Cemetery for all the help they provided. They were so professional and responsive. Steve was probably just doing his job, but he went above and beyond for us. Please let their supervisor know how grateful we are of their assistance.”

To pass along the compliment, I visited with Steve and Mary in the Cemetery building that’s on East Hill. Here’s a little about them and the Cemetery Division.

Steve Hesselberg: Steve has worked for the City since 2005 in Streets, Wastewater, Streets again, Water, and then as the City’s Sexton. He has been happy in all of his positions, and he said that it gives him a lot of satisfaction to look back to see what has been accomplished. When asked about his job and the important role the Sexton plays in interacting with grieving families, he said: “We just let them go at their own pace and share what they want to share.” He said that it’s more common now for people to buy plots when someone passes away, as compared to people purchasing the plots years in advance, which has been done in the past.

Mary Marquardt: Mary provides administrative support to the Division. She retired as an office manager for AT&T, and she’s been with the Cemetery crew ever since, for 16 years. She said “I worked in a room without windows for 20 years,” and now she is happy to be in a job that allows her to get outside. Mary is the master of record keeping. She went through a vault of paper plots and deeds to make sure they matched to the online system. The online system shows plots that are occupied, ones that are sold, ones that are for sale by the City, and ones for sale by the owners. When asked about what can be learned by looking at the records, she said that there are a lot of stories. One interesting point is that there are 154 people buried in the Potter's Field, which is in Lake View Cemetery. Mary worked hard to upload records of the deceased into the tracking system and to get a headstone donated so that the people buried are not forgotten.

Steve shared a thank you to the whole Cemetery team, which also includes John Wheeler, Luke Theisen and Kenny Stone. Steve said: “They all take much pride in their work and really do care. I am lucky to have them.”

Pictured below are Steve explaining how the tracking system works, Mary showing the paper file vault, and Steve and Mary in the Cemetery office. Thank you for the tour and for all you do for our community!

Congrats to Captain Whitehouse: The Fire Department shared this congratulations: "After nearly 26 years of faithful service, Captain Dave Whitehouse will walk out of the doors of fire Station #6 tomorrow morning. Captain Whitehouse started with ECFD on 8/24/1998. He was promoted to Engineer in 2012, Lieutenant in 2014, and Captain in 2016. Captain Whitehouse was instrumental in leading our dive team for many years. Congrats Whitey! We hope you have many years of catching the big one up north!" Thank you, Captain Whitehouse for all you have done for the City and for your continued service to the community!

Thank You Adopt-A-Park Volunteers: Staff shared a thank you to volunteers… “A huge shoutout to one of our Adopt-A-Park Individual Groups for weeding and re-planting Marigolds at this sculpture in Phoenix Park (pictured below). We appreciate it! If you are interested in Adopting a Park, Trail, or Flowerbed, go to www.eauclairewi.gov/volunteers”

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: We have the best employees! Get to know one of them this week. (And submit your suggestion for an employee to spotlight here…)

Today we spotlight Firefighter Brandon. His co-workers shared this about Brandon: "He’s a very hard working, motivated, funny, and enjoyable coworker. He’s even in the process of becoming a paramedic! Thanks for joining our team!"

Here's some more information about Brandon:

• Years of Service: ”I have been serving the City of Eau Claire for one year.”
• Hometown: “I am originally from Cadott, and still live there. The proximity of Eau Claire to home is what drew my initial interest.”
• Your Training: “CVTC”
• Best Parts of Job: “I love coming in every day with a sense of purpose and responsibility. I also enjoy the variety of calls we attend to and having to use all of the tools in our toolbox.”
• Favorite Activities Outside of Work: “I enjoy spending time with my family. I like taking my motorcycle on trips with friends.”

COUNCIL CALENDAR (Tentative – Please see: City Calendar | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) for most complete and up-to-date list of public meetings)

• Monday, May 20th, 4PM, Library River Room: ZPAC Meeting - Development, Sign, and Natural Resources
• CANCELLED: Monday, May 27th, Council Chambers: Council Public Hearing/Discussion Night
• Tuesday, May 28th, 4PM, Council Chambers: Council Meeting
• Monday, June 10th, 6PM, Council Chambers: Council Public Hearing/Discussion Night NEW TIME
• Tuesday, June 11, 4PM, Council Chambers: Council Meeting
• Monday, June 24th, 6PM, Council Chambers: Council Public Hearing/Discussion Night NEW TIME
• Tuesday, June 25th, 4PM, Council Chambers: Council Meeting Night