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.

City Manager Stephanie Hirsch

 

SIDEWALK CHALLENGE

Shoveled Sidewalk Champions: Here are a few more Shoveling Champions! (Nominate your favorite shoveling champion or stretch of sidewalk here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/SnowShovelingChampionChallenge)

Jim on Drummond: “Jim is a compassionate and excellent neighbor who works for peace in all he does. His service to community lessens our burdens and is an example of leadership currently when we need it most. Jim snow blows both sides of Drummond every snowfall.”

John on Hobart: “All year long - snow, grass, edging, raking... John's out there”

Randy on Mars Ave: “Randy is always looking out for his neighbors after a snow fall. If the snow is heavy, he'll snow blow multiple neighbors’ sidewalks, support the elderly neighbors, shovel anyone who's out of town, you name it! My husband is gone for work throughout the winter months, and Randy is on it even before I can ask for help. Last year, we got Randy a Kwik Trip gift card and hand-made cards from my kids...looks like we'll carry on the tradition. As my kids say, ‘Randy's the best neighbor ever!’ My husband and I agree. Thanks Randy!”

 

CITY UPDATES

Try Transit on Wednesday: Each year, our Transit Division celebrates Transit Equity Day, which falls on Rosa Parks’ birthday. This year it is on Wednesday, February 4th. Transit will be free, including both fixed routes and Northern Lite, with paratransit copays waived as well. Thank you to sponsorship from JONAH of the Chippewa Valley. It’s a perfect day to take advantage of our outstanding transit system, whether you ride every day or would like to try it for the first time. Learn more about Transit options here: Transit | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Additionally, all are welcome to attend a Transit Equity Day recognition ceremony on Wednesday at noon in the transfer center lobby. Please join us! 

Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month: Here is another entry in our Fire Prevention blog, along with reflections from Deputy Chief Haller.

“Studies have shown that firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing certain cancers due to repeated exposure to toxic chemicals produced during and after fires. Modern fires (including fires within homes, commercial buildings, and vehicles, and even wildland fires) release dangerous carcinogens that are contributing to the rise in cancer rates among firefighters.

These carcinogens contaminate firefighters’ gear, skin, and equipment and can remain on the firefighters long after they leave the fire scene.

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and tragically, cancer is now the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. At the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in September 2025, 311 members nationwide were honored, and 247 of them lost their lives to cancer.”

ECFD is no exception. We have felt the impact of occupational cancer among our own members. Deputy Chief Bob Haller shared these reflections:

“It is unfortunate that several of our members have had their lives impacted by cancer…. I personally know of seven firefighters I have worked with who developed cancer on the job, including Denise Waterman who died April 30th, 2014.

Historically, cancer was never thought of as an occupational hazard of firefighting. There were not a lot of studies showing that the exposure to the chemicals in fire had long-term health effects. As a result, many of our firefighters who began their careers before the mid- to early-2000s were not aware of the toxins they were being exposed to after the fire, as they typically would remove their SCBA to conduct salvage and overhaul operation and wear the same contaminated gear for week or months at a time.

Studies discovered that back in the station, our firefighting gear and tools, which had been exposed to products of combustions, would begin off gassing these toxins inside the trucks and the station, and this led to a chronic exposure of carcinogens over time. Firefighters were literally living in a toxic environment.

The mindset of firefighters back in the day was that having dirty gear was a badge of honor that demanded respect. It showed that you were a veteran who had fought fire. Today, that mindset has changed. The veterans today have seen what cancer has done to their friends and mentors in the fire service, and they refuse to let that happen to the younger firefighters they mentor today.

Now we monitor gases inside the structure and wear our SCBA or masks during salvage, overhaul, and investigation operations. We conduct gross decontamination on scene and back at the station. We clean our gear and ourselves as soon as possible to limit chronic exposure to toxins, and we keep an eye on each other. Having dirty gear is no longer tolerated.

While we have taken positive steps in cancer reduction, we are only just learning about our exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting. We have been taking steps to remove these chemicals from our gear and have already stopped using it in our suppression activities, so hopefully we caught this before it has any impact on our new firefighters.

The field is evolving. There are emerging studies on occupational exposure to toxins in firefighting and legislation recognizing presumption of exposure, but this subject a vast, with a lot of opinions that the public may not understand. The more we modernize as a society, the greater the increase in risk firefighters assume.”

As referenced by Deputy Chief Haller, the Fire Department uses the following strategies to reduce their cancer risk…

• Wear full protective gear and SCBA during all phases of a fire.

• Perform on-scene gross decontamination on PPE to remove as much soot and particulates as possible.

• Use wet wipes to remove as much soot as possible from head, neck, jaw, throat, underarms, hands and all exposed areas of skin immediately while on the scene.

• Thoroughly clean and decontaminate gear, tools, and equipment after incidents.

• Shower as soon as possible after fires to remove harmful contaminants.

• Keep turnout gear out of living and sleeping areas.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, receiving regular health screenings, and participating in cancer prevention programs.

By raising awareness, supporting prevention efforts, and prioritizing firefighter health initiatives, we can help protect those who risk their lives every day to protect us. Additional resources can be found here:

• https://www.firefightercancersupport.org/

• https://www.iaff.org/

Pictured below is an image from the Fire Department's most recent Fallen Firefighter Memorial service.

Water Main Break: The City experienced a water main break on Wednesday of this week. The break was near the Hy-Vee gas station and Memorial High School on Fairfax Street. Overnight repairs occurred, clearing the area for the morning, when traffic in this area gets very busy.

Library News: Here are some updates on what our Library is working on…

It’s Not Delivery. It’s De-Library … Delivery: Did you know? The Library delivers materials to customers whose health or other circumstances make it too difficult to visit the Library. If that sounds like you or someone in your life, check out their Home Delivery Service. Customers may receive books, audiobooks, music CDs, Blu-rays and DVDs, video games, and magazines.

Who Is Eligible? We deliver to addresses in the City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire County as long as a) we can find a volunteer to deliver to that address, and b) their municipality doesn’t have its own library.

Learn more or apply at www.ecpubliclibrary.info/delivery

Featured Library Program - Make a Retro Video Game: Want to see your game ideas on a handheld screen? The Library is teaching both teens and adults to master GB Studio at our “Make a Retro Video Game” workshops. Join us for one session or the full three-part quest. (Beginner-friendly. Registration required for each session.)

TEEN SERIES (Grades 7–12) | Wednesdays at 5 to 6:30PM (Sign up: www.ecpubliclibrary.info/retro-teens)

• February 11th: Backgrounds and Worlds

• February 18th: Sprites and Characters

• February 25th: Interactions and Gameplay

ADULT SERIES (Age 18+) Thursdays at 5:30 to 7PM (Sign up: www.ecpubliclibrary.info/retro-adults)

• February 12th: Backgrounds and Worlds

• February 19th Sprites and Characters

• February 26th: Interactions and Gameplay

Property Search Tool: Our Economic Development Division shared this information… “If you're in the market for a new space for your business, our division's free Property Search tool makes it easy to find the right site here in Eau Claire.

From storefronts and offices to industrial sites and vacant land, you can filter listings by property type, size, zoning, and more. Then you can view listings on a map or in a detailed list with photos and specs. Plus, you can access contextual data about the surrounding area—like local labor force insights and heatmaps—so you get a closer look at what makes each location unique." Explore listings (like this one pictured below) here: Property Search

Sustainable Eau Claire Awards: Our Sustainability Advisory Committee, in conjunction with Community Development staff, shared this announcement: “Do you know of someone or a business that has achieved sustainability success that deserves public recognition? For the tenth year running, the City of Eau Claire’s Sustainability Advisory Committee will issue the Sustainable Eau Claire Awards. The 2025 awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations that are committed to creating a more sustainable Eau Claire. Possible nomination categories include:

• Clean-up or Beautification

• Energy: Renewables, Efficiency or Conservation

• Environmental Education

• Exceptional Natural Resources Steward

• Green Building Design

• Green Products or Practices

• Local, Sustainable, Healthy Food

• Sustainable City Staff

• Transportation Innovations

• Waste Reduction, Composting or Recycling

• Water Quality or Water Conservation

• Student Leadership in Sustainability

The awards are meant to also encourage residents, businesses, community groups, and others to implement similar actions. The award ceremony is TBD and may be held virtually. Nomination forms are due by Sunday, March 1st. Please visit the program website or search under “Sustainable Eau Claire Awards” on the City’s homepage for more information on how to apply. Program Contact: Kristina Kuzma, Assistant Planner, 715-839-4914.”

 

SHOUT-OUTS

Police Vehicle Design: A resident wrote in to share that they liked the look of our recently-repaired vehicles, saying: “Did I see a police car with a new paint scheme recently? Very sharp! Wondering if this was a one-off or one of the replacements for the cars that were totaled in the pursuit last year. If so, how about a photo or two?” Streets and Fleet Manager Aaron Nicholson explained: “There has been no change in the graphics on the regular patrol squad cars, and there hasn't been for almost 10 years now! The few changes that you may have noticed are that the School Resource Officers and the Community Services Officers’ vehicles do not have the white doors. Beyond that, all of the graphics and logos remain the same. There are five School Resource cars and two Community Service Officer cars that do not have white doors, but the other twenty-five patrol cars remain the same. Below are a few photos for reference.” Our fleet staff do an awesome job maintaining our police and other vehicles, and some are experts in creating and applying the decals and paint designs on cars and trucks. 

Electrical Work Supervisors: Regis Catholic Schools shared this adorable photo of two of our staff, saying: “It looks like we have a bunch of little city supervisors on our hands! Why play when you can watch light bulbs being changed?!”

Snow Removal Thanks: We have received some appreciation for our snow removal teams, including Parks, Streets, and Neighborhood services. Some comments included:

• Our Health Department shared: “Thank you so much to everyone who has been helping with snow removal and salting near the sharps boxes. It has been a huge help! This is not only helpful for our team, but also for the pickup vendor, and community members accessing the boxes. We were working on the boxes yesterday to make sure the new box is working properly and to test the pilot batteries options at Owen and Wilson. It made such a difference not having to shovel out the area before getting started. As mentioned previously, the sharps pickup occurs at least every other Thursday, and this support makes it much easier for the vendor to get in and out. The box on Dewey Street has been used, and the first pickup is scheduled for Thursday. Thank you again! We truly appreciate this partnership and the continued support." 

• Council Member Emily Anderson shared: “I've heard more than one compliment from south siders for the plowing services this winter. People don't always pass along praise, so I thought I would share. Also, on a personal note, hearing the plow always makes me smile. The sound of the plow reminds me that no matter what I'm worried about, there are people out there doing good work to keep things safe.”

• A resident wrote to say: “I just wanted to thank the entire Neighborhood Services group for the prompt and excellent response to my submitted concerns about sidewalks that were snow covered.  I know that you don’t have the easiest job in the world, but rest assured that your work is well-appreciated.”

Snow clearing on a trail is pictured below.

Honor to Council Member: Council Member Larry Mboga was recently selected by the National League of Cities to serve on the Race, Equity, and Leadership (REAL) Council for 2026. The REAL Council “plays a critical role in shaping how the National League of Cities supports local leaders in advancing equity.” Larry is an awesome bridge builder, and we look forward to seeing what he does in this role.

Thank You to City Teams and Community Partners: After a recent visit with a company that’s considering locating here, we heard the following feedback…. “I wanted to share some feedback I’ve heard twice now from the development team. They were genuinely impressed with your joint presentation and specifically the level of coordination between economic development, local government, and utilities.”

Awesome Lights: A visitor to Eau Claire shared… “Hello, this is not a question, but a positive comment and I wasn't sure who to direct it to. Mid-December a friend and I met up in Eau Claire for a girl weekend. We absolutely LOVED your interactive map with Christmas lights and displays. It made it so easy for us to drive around and enjoy the lights. I really wish Green Bay would do something similar. I just wanted to let you know it was super enjoyable and you made our weekend even more special. Thank you!”

Visit Eau Claire Staff Member Demi Mulry shared how the annual light tour works: “A local resident hosts a Facebook page that serves as a resource of homes and businesses in the Chippewa Valley that have holiday light displays (see it here). Because holiday lights have lots of digital search demand in our industry that time of year, Visit Eau Claire helped promote the initiative via our website by embedding their tour map and linking other related content (see link here).”

Thank you to the community and VEC teamwork that makes this possible!

Thank You to Transit: We recently enjoyed seeing this note from a local childcare provider who used EC Transit for a field trip, pictured below.  They wrote: “These brave schoolmates ventured out in the cold today to go roller skating at High Rollers.”

Also, drivers are seeing more youth on the buses, which is exciting. This may be due to the free fares (and if you are not already using them, we encourage you all to start!). We appreciate our drivers’ professionalism and patience as needed with new riders, young and old! So far this month we've served 2,237 K-12 Students, whereas last year in January we served 1,789 students.

Thank You for Crossing: A resident wrote this note… “Big THANK YOU to the Pedestrian Bicycling Group for getting a safety light installed at the crossing of Cameron and Florence. Many times, I’ve helped kids and others cross to the park…Thank you for all you do for our city!” Thank you to our advocates and also to our Engineering Department who work to implement traffic calming measures.

 

WAYS TO SERVE

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

Seasonal Laborers - Limited Term Employment (Engineering and Community Services): Don't want to spend your summer stuck in an office? Join us in the outdoors! Our Community Services and Engineering Departments are hiring Seasonal Laborers for the 2026 Summer Season. Deadline to apply: Open until filled.

Community Service Worker I (Community Services, Streets Division): 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: Sunday, February 1st at 11:59PM. Learn more by watching this video: Community Service Worker Video

NEW - Landscape Technician (Community Services): Are you passionate about maintaining premium athletic turf, landscapes, and parks? If yes, then apply now. We are currently accepting applications for a Landscape Technician position in the Parks Division of our Community Services Department. Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 8th at 11:59PM.

NEW – Full Time Bus Operator (Transit): Where customer service skills, service to your community, and a fulfilling job intersect – Eau Claire Transit! We are currently hiring for a full-time Bus Operator. This position includes driving city-wide bus routes while maintaining the schedule and obeying traffic laws, providing information to customers regarding the Transit System, tracking passenger count data, and more. Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 8th at 11:59PM.

NEW - Engineering Interns (Engineering): Are you currently enrolled in an Engineering program at a university or technical college? Are you looking for a summer internship? Join us! The City of Eau Claire is accepting applications from engineering students for two engineering intern positions. The two available positions will be three-month internships for the summer of 2025. The interns will be exposed to all aspects of municipal engineering including pavement inspection, plan interpretation, street construction, and more. Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 8th at 11:59PM.

Become a Poll Worker: The City of Eau Claire needs poll workers for upcoming elections. Election Inspectors (poll workers) register new voters, give credit in the poll books to those who vote, answer questions, hand out and explain ballots, and work with ballot counting equipment. Training sessions are held before each election. Currently, poll workers are paid $8.25/hour, including for time spent at the training sessions. The polls are open from 7AM to 8PM on Election Day. A full day for most workers lasts from approximately 6AM to 10PM. Some poll workers work half day shifts, either from 6AM to 1PM or from Noon to close. More information can be found here: Elections | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin Watch a recent news clip on poll worker training here: Eau Claire hosts training sessions for poll workers

Pictured below are two poll workers heading to training at the Library.

Boards, Commissions, and Committees: We have several openings on the volunteer Boards, Commissions, and Committees that are listed below. Learn more about these roles and apply here:  Boards, Commissions & Committees | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Zoning Board of Appeals: This Board hears and decides on appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator. An understanding of zoning and land use is helpful, but not required.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: This Commission provides advice to City Council that reflects community values on bicycle and pedestrian practices.

Housing Opportunities Commission: This Commission advises on and reviews policies to ensure affordable housing in Eau Claire, facilitates access to housing programs and funding, promotes public-private partnerships to expand diverse and affordable housing options. The Commission is currently seeking residents with experience in housing real estate, building/development, accessible design, property management, or home financing.

 

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

Library Book Sale Alert: Stop down for the Friends of the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library's book sale: Saturday, January 31st, 10AM to 3PM in the RCU Makerspace Dabble Box (Level 0). This is a Free Will Donation Bag Sale hosted by the Friends of the Library. Grab a bag at the sale or bring your own, fill it with gently used books, and make a donation. The sale will feature adult, juvenile, and teen books in both fiction and non-fiction, DVDs, and audiobooks. All proceeds from this sale go back to the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library for programs and services. More information is here: Learn More

Taxes Due: Our County Treasurer reminds residents that the final due date to pay your property taxes is January 31st. Please be sure your payment is submitted on time to avoid interest and penalties. Here are three ways to pay.

• Pay online or find payment information at https://www.eauclairecounty.gov/depar.../treasurer/index.php

• Mail payments early to ensure on-time delivery (IMPORTANT: the USPS has changed their postmarking process. Read more here: https://www.eauclairecounty.gov/news_detail_T9_R108.php)

• In person at 721 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire (the last day to pay on time in person was Friday, January 30th).

A Few More Reminders:

• Sand Available: Remember, City of Eau Claire residents can get free sand for slippery sidewalks at Central Maintenance Facility, 911 Forest Street. Available anytime. Bring your own container and shovel, five-gallon limit. This is sand only -- no salt is added.

• Last Chance for Merry Mulch: Recycle your Christmas tree at the City of Eau Claire Brush Site during Merry Mulch. Open daily through January 31st at 3PM. Located at 5710 Jeffers Road.

• Kids/Teens Ride Transit for Free in 2026: Children (and adults who are still in high school) will take Transit for free starting in 2026! Stay tuned for more details.

• Keep our Sidewalks Safe: Reminder, shovel sidewalks per local law to keep our residents safe. Please contact Neighborhood Services at 715-839-4961 or submit an online request Service Request Form - Sidewalk - Snow Covered | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• Viruses Circulating: Please follow State of Wisconsin guidance for returning to work with direct patient care. Additional information from the CDC can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/precautions-when-sick.html

• Shelters and Rinks: Please visit these sites for up-to-date information:

• Rinks: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/recreation/outdoorskating-rinks
• Ski Trails: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/recreation/trails/ski-trails

• Communicable Disease Updates: Stay on top of the virus outlook by signing up for the Health Department’s monthly communicable disease email newsletter by clicking here.

• Odd/Even Parking Restrictions: The City is enforcing winter odd/even parking restrictions. Alternate Side Parking rules are in effect 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. Alternate Side Parking rules do not replace more restrictive parking regulations, including any street posted with No Parking sign.

 

WAYS TO GET IN TOUCH: We encourage you to use these different ways to follow City news and reach out to us.

• 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 sends 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

• Invite us to a meeting. We are also always happy to send staff and Council Members to other meetings residents or stakeholders would like to hold. We can attend book clubs, lectures, classes, church assemblies, etc. We will come to you -- just let us know where and when.

• 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

• Try the ECPD app. Download the app to find the Report a Crime form, track career opportunities, and get instant alerts: https://www.joinecpd.org/ecpdapp

• 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

 

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, February 9th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, February 10th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Monday, February 23rd, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, February 24th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Monday, March 9th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, March 10th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Monday, March 23rd, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, March 24th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers