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

SNOW SHOVELING CHAMPIONS: Here are few bonus shoveling champions...

Summer Street Terrific Trio -- Rob, Kevin, and Jack: “These three gentlemen always do more than just the walks in front of their own homes. They go up and down the sidewalks after a big snow, they go up from sidewalk by the street to the houses and also do some of the driveways. Our sidewalks are right next to the street, so they also work at the piles of snow that end up on the sidewalk after the plow goes by. When it's just a light snow they use their blowers to clean up the snow.”

Curtis on Frederic: “Curtis shovels around our entire block every time it snows and works especially hard to clear the corners for neighbors who can’t always clear them. The second picture is of the Curtis appreciation picnic we held last August to thank this amazing neighbor!”

CITY UPDATES

Library Closed on Presidents’ Day: Please note that the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire will be closed for staff training on Monday, February 16th. The Library made a decision to switch their training day from MLK day (1/19) to Presidents’ Day (2/16). When school is out, lots of youth and families come to the Library, and it’s a great time to host programming. Thus, the Library decided to stay open on MLK day and to close instead on Presidents’ Day, when most schools are in session. The Library will resume its normal hours on Tuesday, February 17th. For other Library information, contact Information and Reference at 715-839-5004 or librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us, or visit the Library’s website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.

Get a Skate In: As of now, rinks are open through the weekend, and staff will evaluate on Monday after they see how conditions look. With temperatures warming up this weekend, but ice still frozen, it's a perfect time to get a skate in before the ice melts! More information can be found here: Outdoor Rinks | Winter Activities | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Recreation posts updates on their Facebook page. Some skaters are pictured below.

De-Escalation Presentation: Our Police Department shared this update... “This week Chief Matt Rokus presented at the Police Executive Research Forum’s annual conference on de-escalation strategies. In 2021, the ECPD implemented ICAT: Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics. ICAT is a new way of thinking about use-of-force training for American police officers. ICAT takes the essential building blocks of critical thinking, crisis intervention, communications, and tactics, and puts them together in an integrated approach to training. The goal of ICAT is to enhance both officer safety and public safety when handling critical incidents, especially those that involve behavioral crisis with people who are unarmed or armed with a weapon other than a firearm.

The Department implemented ICAT in 2021, and the ECPD experienced significant reductions in use-of-force incidents in the following years. Chief Rokus presented to other police executives on how to implement and sustain ICAT in their organizations.”

Opioid Settlement Funding: Our Health Department shared this information... “On behalf of the Eau Claire County Opioid Task Force, the Eau Claire City-County Health Department is accepting proposals from community-based organizations for funding to expand treatment and recovery support in Eau Claire County. This year, $50,000 in opioid settlement dollars will be dedicated to funding projects that will help reduce opioid misuse, prevent overdose deaths, and strengthen outreach and support services. Projects should focus on connecting people impacted by opioids or at risk of opioid misuse or overdose to treatment and recovery services. Applications for funding must be submitted by February 27th at 11:59PM to be considered. Apply and get more information here: Opioid Funding Information”

Big News for Little Local Readers: Our Library shared this update…. “We are beyond grateful to announce that the Women's Giving Circle of Greater Eau Claire has awarded a grant to the Eau Claire Children’s Book Distribution Program. This incredible support means we can purchase 1,500 new books for the Chippewa Valley Little Libraries and our Eau Claire Laundromat Libraries program.

The mission of the Eau Claire Children’s Book Distribution Program is to transform everyday community spaces into book-rich environments, and this grant makes that possible. Because of this generosity, families will find more diverse, high-interest books in English, Spanish, and Hmong to take home, read, and enjoy.

Thank you, Women’s Giving Circle, for helping us get books into the hands of children across our community!”

Pictured below, volunteers from UWEC’s Early Childhood Literacy Intervention Program (ECLIPSE) processing 1,000+ books with program stickers and informational bookmarks. Also pictured below is a nook with some of our "Books on Buses" on one of our Transit buses. 

Sculpture Tour Scavenger Hunt: Recreation shared this invitation… “Been cooped up in the house a little too long? We’ve got the perfect adventure for you! The 2026 Sculpture Tour Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to get out, explore Eau Claire, and check out unique exhibits around the city. Grab your family and friends, register today, and start hunting, this event is open through February 28th!

Fire Training: Our Fire Department shared that crews have been working with a new recruit on getting him ready to work at the ECFD. This week, they trained with him on SCBA confidence and RIT operations, pictured below. Deputy Fire Chief Bob Haller shared: "Probationary Firefighter Badeau successfully completed his final live fire training this Friday and will begin working on shift with a regular crew. We are very happy to have Probationary Firefighter Badeau as part of our team protecting the City of Eau Claire."

Name One of Our Pool Routes: Transit shared… “Pool days are almost here! But before you can catch a bus to dip in the pool, we need your ideas! Can you help solve our mystery route? The perfect name would be short and memorable. It should describe the area the route serves and remind you of the pool. The winner of chosen route name for the Fairfax Pool Route will receive pool passes and transit merch to mark the start of a great summer!"

Submit your idea here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/NameThePoolBusRoute

Technology in Modern Policing: Our Police Department has launched a new series called the "FIVE-EAU Podcast." Check out their most recent episode, in which Officer Josh Miller discusses technology in modern policing. He shares information about the Department’s drone program, which was launched in 2017. Officer Miller explains how a 22-member team uses drones for search and rescue, missing persons, large events, and officer and public safety. He covers training requirements, drone capabilities, real-world uses, and the policies in place to ensure privacy, accountability, and community trust. Check out the episode now on Spotify or Youtube:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6a2ArKrRxlvEDJEkZY9MRg...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhyt8g28oTI

An image from the podcast is below.

Stay Safe on Valentines Day: Our Fire Department shared these tips… “Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day… and today also happens to be Friday the 13th. While you’re focusing on romance, let’s not let any bad luck spark more than it should.

From candlelit ambiance to home-cooked meals, those extra romantic touches can turn dangerous fast if you’re not careful. As your unsolicited love gurus, we are here to help you celebrate safely. Let your love be the only thing that’s lit this weekend with these simple fire safety tips:

Candle Safety:

• Never leave candles unattended. Blow them out before leaving the room.

• Keep open flames away from curtains, cards, decorations, pets, and loose clothing.

• Use sturdy, non-combustible holders that won’t tip over.

• Consider using flameless candles instead.

Cooking Safety:

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.

• Pay attention. Minimize distractions.

• Keep towels, oven mitts, and loose clothing away from appliances.

• Never throw water on a grease fire. Keep a lid nearby to safely smother small cooking fires.

• Always turn off appliances when you’re finished cooking.

Don’t let Friday the 13th bring any unexpected flames, unless of course, they’re in your heart. Keep it cheesy. Keep it sweet. Most importantly, keep it safe. Because a safe night is the most romantic ending of all.” An image of fire equipment and a candle and rose is below.

Supervisor Training Leadership Exercise: This week, we held our regularly scheduled supervisor training, pictured below. Topics discussed included policies, procedures, and risk reduction. City Clerk Nick Koerner led the attendees through an exercise to help people reflect on what good leadership has meant to them over their lifetimes. Supervisors shared the qualities that they’ve observed in good leaders and mentors, and they exchanged ideas about how they can practice those qualities in their current leadership roles. Here are the qualities that people listed:

SHOUT OUTS

40 Years of Service: We celebrated an extraordinary staff milestone this week. Shelley Waughtal, who serves as a buyer for the Purchasing Department, completed 40 years of service as of Tuesday. Shelley is known for being extremely reliable, attentive to details, efficient, trustworthy, and an excellent co-worker. Shelley started working at the City on February 10th, 1986. She initially worked at the Police Department, and she then shifted to Purchasing in October of 1989.

I asked Shelley for some reflections, and she shared these:

• Shelley’s best memories of working for the City are “the connections built and the impacts we made together.”

• In terms of advice on how to have so much longevity in a job, Shelley suggested: “Understand the culture of the organization, build strong relationships within the organization, and embrace change instead of resisting it.”

• Speaking of change, here is the biggest change between 1986 and now: “There has definitely been a change in technology since I started. When I first started, we still had typewriters, and no one had a computer on their desk.”

When we spotlighted Shelley last year, she shared that her life philosophy is: “The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination” We are so grateful that her journey has taken her through the decades and departments of the City of Eau Claire!

Tree of Life Recognition: Our Police Department shared... "Since the Tree of Life's inception in 2024, our Communications Center has recognized exemplary work by telecommunicators for their actions in calls where they go above and beyond to serve their community. These calls often involve significant trauma, including life-saving efforts, and they showcase dispatchers’ ability to be compassionate and calm in the midst of chaos. To recognize telecommunicators, a leaf is placed on the tree when they are nominated by callers, co-workers, or first responders.

Telecommunicator Megan Kitchner, pictured below, was nominated by a caller who wanted to recognize Megan's calm and empathetic demeanor when they needed help. The caller's parent was sick and needed an ambulance to respond. Megan remained attentive to their needs and provided important instructions to the family prior to the arrival of EMS. The caller wanted Megan to be recognized for her professionalism in speaking to people on ‘their worst day’. Thank you for all you do Megan!”

Woman Officer of the Year: Our Police Department also shared… “On February 10th at The American Club in Kohler, WI, Officer Ariana Down Larson was presented with the Wisconsin Association of Women Police -- Woman Officer of the Year Award, pictured below. This award is a distinguished statewide recognition of excellence to honor a female law enforcement officer who has exceeded the duty requirements and demonstrated commitment to community service, leadership, and the highest standards of the policing profession. Officer Down Larson embodies all the qualities identified with this award for her courage and decision making under pressure, integrity, and character. This recognition is well deserved and a proud moment for the City of Eau Claire.”

Rise and Shine Recognition – Community Development: Our HR shared this message this week... “This month, we are excited to recognize the Community Development Department and thank them for their hard work, dedication, and the passion they bring to their roles each day.

Their efforts do not go unnoticed and make a meaningful impact every single day. Through their professionalism, teamwork, and sincere care, they strengthen our organization while enriching the lives of those in the community we proudly serve. Their work includes:

• Inspections, including plan review, permits, and inspecting all new construction and remodels;

• Economic Development, including promoting growth and development by supporting existing businesses, as well as attracting new companies to the community;

• Housing, including administering nine federally subsidized housing programs; and

• Planning, including zoning codes, dealing with land use related issues, and land use development.

We sincerely appreciate the time, energy, and care they invest in their work.”

Officer Spotlight: Our Police Department recently spotlighted Officer Noland, also known as Lieutenant Colonel Phil Noland with the United States Airforce. Officer Noland has been with ECPD for 14 years. Thank you, Officer Noland, for your service to the Eau Claire community and the nation! Watch the video here Officer spotlight video, and read some excerpts below:

• How did you become an officer? “I grew up in a family that comes from public service…I feel very fortunate to be following in their footsteps, serving the community and the nation.”

• How did you choose ECPD? “One of the reasons I chose the Eau Claire Police Department was because it allowed me to have a direct positive impact on the community that I want to live in. While working with the Eau Claire Police Department, I’m also able to continue my military career with the United States Airforce Reserves.”

• What roles do you play within ECPD? “My specialties for which I serve in the Eau Claire Police Department include Police Training Officer, Emergency Vehicle Operations Course Instructor, Technical Services Unit as Drone Operator, and Crime Scene Investigator.”

• Can you share an experience at the ECPD? “A recent case that I’m pretty proud of was when the entire shift came together around the holidays to intercept a retail theft ring… Through our combined efforts we were able to apprehend the individuals involved, and we were later able to connect them to over $100,000 worth of retail theft.”

• Should people apply to work for the ECPD? “If you desire a career in public service or emergency response, law enforcement is a career fit for you to consider. I enjoy coming to work each day to work with highly skilled officers who share common goals to make our community a great place to live.”

Learn more about joining the ECPD here: Home | Eau Claire Police Department

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.

Seasonal Survey Crew Chief (Engineering): Independent. Reliable. Hardworking. Do these qualities describe you? Join us! We are looking for someone with these qualities plus survey field experience to fill our seasonal Survey Crew Chief position. This position performs services in the field and office requiring specialized technical abilities in the preparation of plans and operation of a survey crew tasked with various municipal construction activities. Deadline to apply: Open until filled, with first review of applications on February 17th.

New - Arborist I (Community Services): Do you want a job that contributes to the beauty of our community in a tangible way? Join us! We are currently accepting applications for an Arborist I position in the Community Services Department. This position is a tree care specialist, which requires pruning, planting, removing, diagnosing, treating, and protecting the urban forest within City limits. Deadline to apply: Sunday, February 22nd at 11:59PM.

NEW - Neighborhood Services Specialist I (Parking Enforcement): Are you passionate about keeping the community clean, safe, and well-organized? As a Neighborhood Services Specialist I, you’ll play a key role in enforcing parking regulations and ensuring compliance with municipal ordinances related to trash collection, zoning, parking, and more. This position offers a mix of fieldwork and administrative tasks, including inspections, investigations, and community engagement. Deadline to apply: Monday, February 23rd, at 11:59PM.

NEW – 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. Deadline to apply: Open until filled, apply by March 2nd to be considered for an interview.

NEW - Recreation Part-Time Summer Positions (Community Services): The City of Eau Claire Recreation Division is now hiring for part-time recreation positions! The number of hours per week and duties vary with position. Deadline to apply: Open until filled.

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

The first step to becoming a poll worker for the City of Eau Claire is to go to the city’s Human Resources page and fill out the application here: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/our-divisions/human-resources  Once you have completed the application, we will contact you about the follow on steps. After completing the poll worker hiring process, you will need to attend a two-hour training session prior to working your first election.

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 appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the Zoning Administrator.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee: This Commission advises the City Council on bicycle and pedestrian policies and practices, ensuring they reflect community values and priorities.

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

Plan Commission: This Commission makes and adopts a master plan for the physical development of the municipality, and it exercises final review and approval of site development plans and requests for conditional use permits.

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

President Day Closure: As mentioned above, the Library will be closed on Presidents’ Day, February 16th, for training. All other City Departments will be operating with their regular hours.

A Few More Reminders:

• Pool Passes Available: Reminder that Recreation continues the Pre-Season Pool Membership Sale. Memberships are 10 percent off from February 1st through May 15th. You may purchase the passes online on at https://activenet.active.com/eauclaire/ or in person at the Recreation Office at 915 Menomonie St.

• 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.

• 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: Virus levels in Eau Claire are high! 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: 

• 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 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