Hello City of Eau Claire employees, residents, and Council Members –

Here are some updates from around Eau Claire. Note that prior updates can be found here, and you can use these linked forms to send feedback to the City Manager’s Office or City Council.

I’m sending this out a bit early today to share this important message below about our recent decision regarding social media. Please take a look, and feel free to let me know your thoughts.

City Manager Stephanie Hirsch

CITY UPDATES

Social Media Policy Decision: After careful thought, the City of Eau Claire has decided to turn off the ability to comment on the City’s social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). We don’t want to make this change, but comments have become increasingly abusive, profane, and threatening. The attacks have been aimed at staff and public officials, as well as residents, including crime victims, suspects, and family members. The comment sections have also been used to promote scams and identity theft.

We have studied data on the comments, and most of the extreme ones come from outside of the region, and even outside of the country. It appears some commenters are not actual people, but bots of some type. We prioritize engagement and partnership with our community. We value hearing your feedback and exchanging thoughts on challenges we face together. However, the harm that this particular tool is currently causing has come to outweigh the benefit.

We will continue to watch how technology evolves and adjust our policies as we go. We also commit to redouble efforts to find alternative ways to build community, listen to your needs and ideas, and answer questions.

Here are a few ways to ask a question, share your concern, build community, or get involved:

• Follow our social media accounts. Those accounts include: Police, K9 Murphy, Fire, Transit, Parks/Recreation, Fairfax Pool, Hobbs Ice Arena, Economic Development, and the General City account. Some of the accounts allow constituents to send direct messages, which staff will respond to.

• Use web forms. Submit a question or comment via our web forms: Service Request | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin We will reply, and I will continue to share the FAQs we hear in the weekly newsletter.

• Contact City Council. Council Members welcome contacts, and you can reach them here: City Council

• Sign up for City notices. The City pushes out notices on many different topics, and you can elect to receive any of them here: Sign Up for eNotifications | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Attend Council Meetings. Individuals can stream or attend City Council meetings, and each Monday evening session has a period of public comment. Meetings can be found here: Meetings | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Attend (or apply to be part of) a Board, Commission, or Committee: Individuals can also attend the meetings of our different volunteer committees. Those also have a public comment period. Residents can learn more here: Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Attend an upcoming District Discussion (described below). We hope that direct conversation continues to play an important role in problem solving, and we invite you to come chat with us. More information can be found here: District Discussions | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Join (or form) a Neighborhood Association. Neighborhood Associations are the building blocks of community ties and community change. Visit this site to learn more about how to join or create a Neighborhood Association: Neighborhood Associations | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Volunteer. Get involved in the nuts and bolts of City Operations by volunteering to staff the winter parade, to help maintain a park, or more. Learn more here: Volunteer Opportunities | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Contact the ADA Coordinator. Have a question about accessibility? Contact the ADA Coordinator here: ADACoordinator@EauClaireWI.gov, or learn more here: ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act Information

• Contact Us: Find more ways to reach us via this page: Contact Us - Service Directory | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Related to this policy change, I am also going to pause the Employee Spotlight section of the newsletter. We will be working to consider other approaches to honoring the work of our exceptional and committed employees. We will be working to make sure that they know that we greatly appreciate all of the ways they work so hard to take care of our community and its residents.

We appreciate your understanding, and please contact me with any questions or concerns: stephanie.hirsch@eauclairewi.gov, 715-839-6045. As technology and political dynamics evolve, we will continue to work together to create a safe, healthy, close-knit, and inclusive community. I welcome your advice and thoughts on how to continue to pursue these goals together.

Pictured below are icons of our different divisions and departments that have social media accounts.

District Discussions: Please plan to come join us at an upcoming fall District Discussions. The dates and times are listed below. (We will have hot apple cider if the forecast looks lower than 70…)

These informal meetings will be opportunities to learn about citywide and neighborhood initiatives, discuss the proposed 2026 City budget, meet neighbors, and talk to the City Manager and Council Members.

Please join us at one or more of these meetups:

• West Side Discussion: Sunday, October 26th at 3PM (McDonough Shelter and Park)

• North Side Discussion: Sunday, October 26th at 5PM (Pinehurst Shelter and Park)

• South Side Discussion: Sunday, November 2nd at 3PM (Putnam Heights Shelter and Park)

• Central Discussion: Sunday, November 2nd at 5PM (Boyd Shelter and Park)

Pictured below is a discussion at one of our last rounds of District Discussions.

Visit Eau Claire Grants Open: Our tourism partner, Visit Eau Claire, has announced their next round of grant funding for events, arts projects, or other community ideas. The application process is open until November 15th, and VEC staff are available to talk through your ideas. They shared:

“The Tourism and Cultural Arts Grant Program, supported by the City of Eau Claire and the Wisconsin Arts Board, helps fuel the kinds of experiences that make people fall in love with our city -- again and again. We offer two grant categories as follows, each designed to support local organizations, creators, and event planners doing great things in our community:

Tourism Grants: Tourism grants encourage tourism development and promotion through events that bring visitors to Eau Claire and generate overnight stays. They’re ideal for new or expanding festivals and other special events that create a positive image of the Chippewa Valley. Funding can help cover marketing, advertising, printing, postage, and mailing costs.

Cultural Arts Grants: Cultural Arts Grants celebrate Eau Claire’s creative heartbeat. From performing and visual arts to local history, K–12 cultural programs, and public art installations, this funding supports projects that enrich our community’s artistic life. Use it to cover expenses that nurture artistic expression and enhance community engagement with the arts.

All application materials and complete guidelines are available on our website:
visiteauclaire.com/about/grant-information

Don’t wait too long, because the deadline for submissions is November 15th, 2025! Even if your project isn’t selected for a grant, we may still be able to help promote your event to visitors. So reach out, dream big, and let’s keep making Eau Claire an even more vibrant place to visit, create, and celebrate. Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email us at info@visiteauclaire.com. We’re happy to help you get started.”

Mural Reception: The neighborhood organizers on the East Hill welcome all to join in a mural ribbon cutting! Chad Rowekamp writes... "Join us Sunday, October 19th, from 3:30 to 5PM at the Boyd Park pedestrian tunnel as we celebrate the unveiling of the new Lightscape mural! The ribbon cutting will occur at 3:30PM, followed by live music at 4PM (by Dr. Tulio Rondon), and a meet and greet with the artists (Lori Chilefone and Jyl Kelley) Please walk or bike if you can, and bring a chair if you’d like one. Come enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and community right in the heart of Eastside Hill!"

The new mural is pictured below.

WAYS TO SERVE: 

Employment Openings: Take a look at our open positions listed below and linked here: Job Openings | Sorted by Posting Date descending | JOB OPENINGS (governmentjobs.com)

Police Officer (Police Department): Enhance the quality of life in Eau Claire by partnering with the community to solve problems, reduce crime and disorder, safeguard individual rights, and improve public safety. Join the City of Eau Claire’s Police Department! We are now accepting applications for current Police Officer openings and a hiring eligibility list. Now accepting lateral transfers! Learn more here: Home | Eau Claire Police Department Deadline to apply: October 26th at 11:59PM.

Community Service Worker I (Streets): Do you have previous construction experience? Are you interested in snow plowing? Join our dedicated and hardworking team of laborers! We are currently accepting applications for a Community Service Worker I position in the Street Maintenance Division. Deadline to apply: October 26th at 11:59PM.

Desk Clerk (Library): The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is currently seeking an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Desk Clerk who has a passion for public service to work at the Library’s front desk. As a Desk Clerk, you will assist customers by checking materials in and out, processing Library card applications, and transferring Library materials between customers and shelves and SO MUCH MORE. The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is looking for candidates that will work independently with minimal direction, follow procedures, prioritize and multi-task, be a reliable team player with a strong commitment to customer service, and work in a fast-paced environment. We have one part-time non-exempt position available, averaging 19 hours per week. The starting wage is $16.20 per hour and includes paid floating holiday. The proposed schedule includes a primarily weekday hours, one evening per week, and rotating Saturday shifts. Deadline to apply: Tuesday, October 28th at 8AM.

Telecommunicator - 911 Dispatcher (Police Department): Put your customer service skills to use while serving your community! Help us provide an essential service for Eau Claire County residents and visitors. Join our team as a full-time Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher). We are currently hiring in the Eau Claire Communications Center. Deadline to apply: November 2nd at 11:59PM.

Firefighter (Fire Department): We are seeking responsible, compassionate, and courageous individuals who value community service and are interested in a rewarding career. As a member of our team, you will enhance the quality of life for City of Eau Claire residents and visitors by protecting lives and property through fire suppression, emergency medical services, disaster response, fire prevention, and public education. Join the Eau Claire Fire Department to be part of a professional, inclusive, and progressive team. We are now accepting applications for current Firefighter openings and the hiring eligibility list. Deadline to apply: Open until filled, apply by November 10th to be considered for an interview.

Open Boards, Commissions, and Committees Seats: We have a few spots open on the volunteer committees listed below. Find out more information and express your interest here: Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Administrative Review Board: This Board meets as needed to review decisions made by an agency, board, or department of the City that adversely affect a person's right, duties, or privileges.

Zoning Board of Appeals: This Board hears appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Administrator. The Board is quasi-judicial in nature, meaning that the Board members sit as a panel of judges.

Landmarks Commission: This Commission has the power to designate landmarks, landmark sites and historic districts within the city limits. They also regulate construction, reconstruction and exterior alteration to landmarks, landmark sites, and structures within historic districts. The Commission is currently looking in particular for a member with specialized skills, and is currently in need of a licensed Real Estate Broker or Salesperson.

More Volunteer Roles: Here's one more way to help...

Clearwater Parade: Our Recreation Division is calling all volunteers to help make the Clearwater Winter Parade shine! Join in the fun and help bring this festive event to life. For more information, visit Clearwater Winter Events | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin The parade will be held on Friday, December 5th on Grand Avenue, at 6:30PM, and it gets kicked off with fireworks over the Grand Avenue bridge. Last year's fireworks are pictured below.

CLOSURES/DETOURS, OPENINGS, DEADLINES, ALERTS, & REMINDERS:

Prepare for Alternative Side Parking: In a little over two weeks, Alternate Side Parking rules will go into effect in the city of Eau Claire. Alternate Side Parking rules are in effect November 1st through May 1st, even if there is no snow. If you're new to Eau Claire or just need a refresher, visit EauClaireWI.gov/AlternateSideParking for what you need to know.

If you live in one of our beautiful historic neighborhoods or near the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus, now is a good time to notice where can and cannot park once Alternate Side Parking is in effect.

Alternate Side Parking rules do not replace more restrictive parking regulations, including any street posted with No Parking signs. This means that if a street is posted as No Parking, then no parking is allowed regardless of whether Alternate Side Parking Rules are in effect. This may require you to park on a nearby street. The alternate side parking logo is below.

Library Drop Boxes Re-Open: The Library shared this note… “GOOD NEWS! As of Wednesday, October 15th, we have reopened all of the Library’s off-site return locations. See below for full list and map of return boxes: ecpubliclibrary.info/hours-parking/#drops”

Political Protest: The City Parks Division has received notice of a political protest planned for Saturday, October 18th, between 10Am and noon, at Owen Park and on nearby trails and sidewalks.

Prescription Drug Take Back: National prescription Drug Take-Back Day will occur on Saturday, October 25th, from 10AM to 2PM. Safely dispose of meds at one of these sites: Altoona Police Department, 1904 Spooner Ave or Eau Claire County Government Center, 721 Oxford. More information is here: Facebook

Covid and Flu Shots Available: The Health Department shared this note… “Fall COVID and flu vaccines are available in Eau Claire County. Anyone older than six months old who wants the COVID vaccine can get one in Wisconsin. To get the fall COVID vaccine, call your doctor, the place where you receive health care, or your local pharmacy to confirm they are offering COVID vaccines. If you're six months or older and want to receive a COVID vaccine but are having problems getting one, call the Health Department at 715-839-4718 for assistance."

Other Reminders:

• Cemetery Cleanup: Cemetery cleanup continues, and personal items or decorations should be removed. If there are questions please contact the Eau Claire Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department at (715) 839-5039. Learn more here: EauClaireWI.gov/services/cemetery-services

• Book Festival Seats: The Library reminded people to get seats for the 2025 Chippewa Valley Book Festival, which runs October 21st to 25th with five days of unforgettable, book-tastic events in downtown Eau Claire. Check out www.cvbookfest.org/events for details and registration!

• Eddy Street Bridge: The bridge is open only to bicycles and pedestrian traffic.

• Recreation Fall/Winter Registration Open: Register for Recreation activities online now at: http://activenet.active.com/eauclaire/

• Green Waste Facility: The Green Waste Facility on Jeffers Road continues to be open Monday and Wednesday from 10AM to 6PM, and Saturday from 8AM to 3PM. For more information on what can be taken there and costs, please visit: EauClaireWI.gov/Brush. The facility is typically open until mid-November.

Street Updates: Take a look at an updated Street Closure Report, as well as the updates below.

Closures/Work Underway:

• South Dewey Street (Emery to Lake)

• East Polk Ave (Nimitz to East Lexington)

• Eddy Lane (Wellington Drive East to Venus Avenue)

• Emery Street (South Farwell to South Dewey)

• First Street (Platt Street to Third Street)

• May Street (East Polk to East Lexington)

• Mars Avenue (Eddy Lane to Virginia Lane)

• Otter Road (East Clairemont Ave Frontage Road North to Vernon Street)

• Pleasant Street (South Hastings Way to Vernon Street)

• Vernon Street (Otter Road to Pleasant Street)

• Vine Street (Third Street to First Street)

• West Tyler Avenue (Ellis Street to South Lexington Boulevard)

Upcoming Construction and Closure

• Fairfax Street (Mitscher Ave to East Hamilton) – Tentatively scheduled for late October

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: As mentioned above in the section about social media policy, we are pausing the practice of spotlighting individual employees in this section. We will continue to look for ways to honor the work of our exceptional, committed, and hard-working employees to let them know that we greatly appreciate the way they take care of our community and its residents.

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)

• Tuesday, October 21st, City Council and Staff Strategic Planning Session on Quality of Life, North Conference Room, 4PM

• Monday, October 27th, Public Hearing, Council Chambers, 6PM

• Tuesday, October 28th, Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 4PM

• Thursday, October 30th, City Council and Staff Strategic Planning Session on Safety and Health, North Conference Room, 4PM 

• Friday, October 31st, City Council and Staff Strategic Planning Session on Wellbeing and Belonging, North Conference Room, 11AM