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City Manager's Weekly Update 2/20/2026: Pollinator Updates, Leaning Trees, Spring/Summer Activities, Legal Clinic, Cold Weather Returns

Post Date:02/22/2026 7:28 AM

 

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

 

CITY UPDATES

Rinks Close, Snow Resumes: As you all have probably guessed, the warmup last weekend resulted in the City closing rinks, which also means our warming shelters are closed for the remainder of the season.

Despite the warmup, winter returned by Wednesday. Our staff shared these updates:

On Wednesday evening, Streets Supervisor Tim Anderson wrote: “Snow started falling early this afternoon, and at around 6PM, it started sticking to road surfaces. At that time, 13 operators were called in to plow/salt ice routes.”

On early Thursday, Streets Supervisor Chad Hesselink wrote “Approximately one inch of snow fell in the overnight. Patrol trucks were sent out at 5AM to scrap and salt the ice routes. Secondaries streets will be plowed and sanded later this morning. Sorry, everyone… Old man winter isn’t done with us all quite yet.”

Pictured below are a hockey game and an early morning snow removal effort.

Hockey Game

Snow Removal

Spring/Summer Primetimes Available: Despite the current cold, we can start planning ahead for warm weather. Check out our Spring-Summer Prime Times, which is now available online at www.eauclairewi.gov/primetime. Registration begins on Wednesday, March 10th.

Register for the Cleanup: Also, please plan to join in on this spring's Amazing Eau Claire Cleanup. Recreation shared: "Grab your friends, family, coworkers, or teammates and volunteer at the 2026 Amazing Eau Claire Clean-Up on April 25th from 9AM to Noon. Together, we’ll tackle parks, trails, sidewalks, garden beds, and more to keep our city looking its best. Register now at: Amazing Eau Claire Cleanup Registration." An image from last year's cleanup is below. 

Amazing Cleanup

Norovirus Circulating: Our Health Department shared this update… “We’re seeing high levels of norovirus, or ‘stomach flu,’ circulating in our county right now. Wash your hands with soap and water often. Noroviruses are very contagious. They often cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include nausea, fever, chills, body aches, and tiredness. Noroviruses spread when someone eats food, drinks water, or touches surfaces that are contaminated by fecal matter (poop) or vomit from a person who has norovirus. There aren’t any specific treatments for norovirus, but most people feel better in one to three days after resting and drinking plenty of fluids.

Hand sanitizer doesn't kill norovirus, and neither do alcohol-based cleaners or disinfectants. Instead, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, after changing diapers, before preparing food, and before eating.”

Removal of Turfgrass for Pollinator Habitats: Community Services Operations Manager Ty Fadness shared this exciting update…

“The City of Eau Claire and the UWEC Department of Biology are collaborating on a project to determine alternatives to glyphosate for the removal of turfgrass to enable the planting of pollinator habitats across the City. 

Pollinator habitats are areas planted with native plants that promote a diverse assemblage of pollinators which support ecosystem health. They have been established around the area in numerous contexts, most significantly last fall with the shift of about 85 acres of City-owned land from grass to pollinator spaces (see Pollinator-Friendly Landscaping | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin). Another effort has been occurring in Boyd Park, facilitated by Prairie Partners, which is a volunteer-led initiative to maintain and expand native prairie and gardens in and near Boyd Park. (This group was honored as part of the most recent round of Sustainable Eau Claire Awards.)

Planting pollinators requires first removing existing turfgrass and sod, which can be quite challenging. Complete removal of the turf (ideally without removing the soil) makes the pollinator spaces much more likely to thrive. Because of the difficulty, creation of large areas of pollinator spaces often involves the use of the herbicide glyphosate.

As we worked on the ARPA-funded City pollinator conversion last fall, community conversations focused on how to clear turfgrass to make way for pollinators, with residents raising concerns about the use of herbicide. While we ended up proceeding with its use, residents indicated an interest in testing alternative options to see if they could work for large- or small-scale conversions. That idea led to this summer’s project. Our Sustainability Advisory Committee Chairperson, Lily Strehlow, kicked off the process by making a connection between Biology Professor Dr. Nora Mitchell and the City.

This connection led to a project that will take place starting this spring at three proposed sites: Cannery Trail, Owen Park (corner of 1st and Niagara), and the east side of Demmler Park. At each site, Dr. Mitchell and UWEC Biology research students will establish one-meter-by-one-meter plots (total of 36 plots at each site) testing the efficacy of mulch, black plastic sheeting, and a vinegar solution at removing existing turf grass. All of these treatments (plus control of no treatment) are not harmful to the surrounding area. Any supplies (markers and black plastic sheeting) will be removed at the end of the study. Furthermore, vinegar is biodegradable and breaks down quickly, making it a safe and sustainable alternative to glyphosate. The study will take place approximately May through August or September, with planting of a seed mix in late fall.

Mitchell and her students will establish plots and check these on a regular basis throughout summer 2026 to assess mortality of existing turfgrass and again in spring/summer 2027 to assess the establishment of native plants sowed in fall 2026. Also early in 2026, we will begin to see growth in the 85 acres transitioned last fall. Through these different approaches, we are learning all we can about creating biodiversity in our plantings to promote a healthy ecosystem.”

Pictured below is an image from the SAC awards of the Prairie Partners. Also pictured below is one of planned areas in Demmler Park that will be used for testing conversion approaches. It was in the original planned pollinator conversion list, however, neighbors asked that it be removed and another approach tested.

 Prairie Partners

Demmler Park

Library Professional Development Day: The Library was closed on Monday, February 16th so all staff could gather for training and educational sessions. Staff shared this report-out on how their day went…

“The day started with milestone anniversaries recognizing staff members who’ve been on the job for five, 10, and 25 years. After a refresher on pay stubs, staff got a run-down of the Library’s 2025 circulation statistics (for books and other physical items), which have steadily grown since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staff then discussed what barriers our customers face when accessing our services and how they might help to remove them. Then, staff discussed difficult customer scenarios and how to address them using the Library’s service guidelines, which lead staffers to be welcoming, helpful, respectful, and knowledgeable.

A discussion panel was up next, featuring representatives from local organizations serving underserved local populations. The panel had members from the ADRC, the Eau Claire Area School District, Feed My People Food Bank, Family Promise/Beacon House, and the Power of Perception mentoring program. Hearing the panel discuss the people they help -- and what challenges they face -- gave staff a deeper understanding of their customers’ needs.

After lunch, a number of staff members gave short presentations on topics ranging from personal passions to their library skills. The afternoon featured two special presentations: one from Teresa Schmidt of the Department of Public Instruction who discussed the Library’s commitment and obligation to Intellectual Freedom, and another from John Thompson of the IFLS library system who outlined IFLS’s role in serving their consortium of over 50 Wisconsin libraries.”

Pictured below are two staff members providing a tour of the "Library of Things". Our Library staff take seriously the business of spreading joy, and they work very hard to make a visit to the Library easy, enriching, and welcoming.

Welcome to the Library of Things

Fire Training: Across town, we had another training underway this week. Our Fire Department shared… “Members from the state hygiene lab were in town to train with our HazMat Type 1 team. We spent the day working with specialized meters and other material testing equipment. It was a great training and helped our members to better understand the capabilities of our equipment.

The Eau Clare Fire Department is one of only TWO of these teams in the entire state. The other team is Milwaukee Fire Department. Eau Claire’s area covers most of the northern and western half of the state. We conduct monthly trainings across all three shifts to help stay proficient with everything involved in HazMat.”

We hope that we won't need this expertise, but if the emergency occurs anywhere in northern Wisconsin, our staff will be ready. The training is pictured below.

Fire Training

Free Legal Clinics at the Library: The Library asked that I pass along one more update…. "We host a Free Legal Clinic with the Eau Claire County Bar Association on the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7PM.

This is a walk-in clinic and is not intended to establish legal representation. Applications for legal representation will be provided where appropriate. Get brief legal advice and assistance on areas including...

  • Expungements and Criminal Records;
  • Wage Claims;
  • Employment Discriminations;
  • Unemployment Benefits;
  • Governor Pardons; and
  • Court Forms.

Also, free notary services is provided with valid ID! For more information, see: full Legal Clinic schedule.

 

COUNCIL UPDATES

Next week is a City Council meeting. You can find packet materials here: 2/24/2026 City Council Packet | News | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

The Monday meeting is cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The Tuesday meeting agenda is pretty light, so the meeting may go quickly. After the meeting, we will be holding a discussion with the Council about how we are preparing for the 2027 budget.

Due to the lack of revenue options, Eau Claire and municipalities across the state face budget gaps. Last year we closed the gap through an increase in our Local Vehicle Registration Fee. We expect that this year we will be closing the gap through service delivery reductions. As we make these decisions, we are working to ensure that we protect our outstanding quality of life in Eau Claire, the safety/health/happiness of residents, and the wellbeing of our exceptional workforce. We will be communicating much more on these topics over coming months.

Also note, there are many unknowns about the future at the State and Federal levels. At the State level, there are many proposals for tax reform that have stalled over recent decades. Tax reform options include adjustments to how much funding the State provides communities, permission for cities to implement a local sales tax, legalization of marijuana that would generate licensing revenue, and quite a few more tools.

Though these tools have been blocked for many years, this coming year will likely be one of significant change in Madison, with a new Governor, a new Speaker of the Assembly, and possibly a different composition of the two legislative bodies and supreme court. These governing bodies all make decisions about how local governments can be funded, so we are watching very closely and lobbying for tax reform where we can.

On that last point, this week we traveled as part of the Chamber’s Chippewa Valley Rally Day, and we talked to legislators about local priorities. According to the event's Issues Book, one of the issues the group was lobbying for was an ask that the legislators: "Address the impact of the increasing number of referendums on the property tax burden, but also the constraints and challenges local governments face in responding to increased demands on essential services resulting from inflation and growth."

Pictured below are one of the Rally Day teams (with Council Member Clara Serrano), a panel of our area's legislators, and the moment we happened to witness when the current Assembly Speaker Robin Voss announced his planned retirement.

Rally Team

Legislative Panel

Assembly

 

QUESTION & ANSWER: Feel free to share your question here and we will work on answering it: Service Request Form - City Manager | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin (eauclairewi.gov) You can also send questions or comments to the City Council via this form: https://www.eauclairewi.gov/government/city-council/city-council-members/city-council-contact

Leaning Trees

Question: “Some of the trees in the cemetery are leaning over. Should we be worried about them? Will they bounce back?”

Answer: We have another tree-related question and answer for the community! City Forester Matt Staudenmaier shared this information in response to the question…

“Those are Arbor Vitae shrubs/trees, which are also known as White Cedar colloquially. They were planted quite heavily in cemeteries in the mid-last century, and more or less look like this as adults. Deer have a tendency to browse the low limbs up to about five feet, which gives them the popsicle look. 

As for the lean, they are a very shallow-rooted plant (they prefer wet, swampy areas) and therefore are prone to be wind thrown in major storms. They also have a tendency to have weak structure, so sections can and do occasionally fall off.

This one in particular is of no real concern. The 'lean' you are perceiving happened probably close to 50 years ago. As you follow up the trunk from the ground, you see a change in direction about 15 feet up. The change in direction is when the tree started to grow (correct) to its new angle to the ground. Anytime you see a tree with a significant lean, you can assess how likely it is to fail/how long it has been leaning by looking for these sorts of growth cues. If there is a response of growth that is vertical and square to the world, it has been in that position for an extended period and likely has made adjustments to its growth to stabilize itself. 

If, on the other hand, you see a tree with a significant lean and the tips are following the 'normal' direction the tree would have been growing if it were upright, that can be of concern. It indicates something significant happened recently, and likely the roots had a failure. The tree could likely continue to fail all the way to the ground, so anything of value should be moved or the tree should be taken down in a fashion to eliminate/mitigate the risk.

Trees grow in lots of different directions, so just because it has a lean or something curious like that does not mean it is inherently more of a risk. Root failures, trunk failures, or other catastrophic failures (torsions, sheers, etc.) can result in some interesting looking trees. Not all of these are instantaneous grounds to remove. Mitigation of the risk would be a good first step, and if the risk is too great for the owner to bear, removal is always a final option. Just because it looks weird doesn't mean it is weird. Nature has a way of perfectly finding a way to make things happen, compensating for the bumps and bruises of life!”

The leaning tree in question is pictured below.

Leaning Tree

Eau Claire’s Red Rock Canyon

Question: “What can the City do to better maintain the terraced embankments along the hill on Madison Street?”

Answer: City staff shared that this is a known challenge, and we are looking for ways to change the terraces so that they don’t require ongoing maintenance. In the words of Parks staff, "They are truly a trick to maintain with the lay of the land and traffic... We are exploring converting them to pollinator habitats, covering them with some other materials, or adding statues or sculptures."

EC's Red Rock Canyon

Yards Question

Question: “Are people living in city allowed to have snowmobiles and trailers all over their property?”

Answer: Neighborhood Services shared: “Please see the ordinance 16.36.080, Parking lot and driveway surfaces. In short, you can park a snowmobile anywhere on your property, and the same is true for trailers. The only time this would be a problem is if it rose to a level of blight or if it caused erosion control.

The ordinance reads: ‘The parking of any motor vehicle on any lot shall be on a driveway or parking area having an improved surface.’ The term ‘motor vehicle’ means a vehicle which is self-propelled, except a snowmobile.”

Galloway and Putnam

Question/Comment: “Adding pedestrian flashing lights on either side of Galloway at the crosswalk at Putnam (right by the stairwell to the trail) would be great... Drivers traveling west on Galloway can't see people waiting to cross at all if there is oncoming traffic (because the approach to the crosswalk is so short -- folks come up the stairs and are immediately at the crosswalk.) Flashing lights on both sides would really help keep everyone safe."

Answer: This crossing has been on our radar, and our engineers have found that it meets the criteria to receive a rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB). (Note that each intersection is unique, and not all warrant this kind of solution.) We will be working on getting a RRFB installed at the Galloway Street crosswalk this summer. Residents can reach out to Engineering at 715-839-4934 or engineering@eauclairewi.gov with any questions. The intersection is pictured below.

Galloway and Putnam

Work at Northstar

Question: “What is happening to the remaining wetland on the grounds of Northstar Middle School? While walking on the community trail there yesterday, I saw that all of the trees and shrubs had been removed from the small river/wetland area next to the trail.”

Answer: This question was similar to ones we have received about work that the City has done to maintain detention ponds, such as at Fairfax Park. In this case, the work was being done by the School District, who shared that the District was carrying out DNR required detention ponds maintenance and removing some dead trees that were identified last year.

 

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 & Engineering Departments are hiring Seasonal Laborers for the 2026 Summer Season. Deadline to apply: Open until filled.

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

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.

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.

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, but apply by March 2nd to be considered for an interview in this current round of hiring.

NEW - Desk Clerk (Library): Do you love helping people and connecting them with the resources they need? The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is currently seeking enthusiastic and detail-oriented Desk Clerks who have a passion for public service to work at the Library’s front desk.  We have three part-time positions, each averaging 19 hours per week. The starting wage is $16.40 per hour and includes paid floating holiday. Deadline to apply: Friday, February 27th at 8AM.

NEW - GIS & Planning Intern (Community Development): Are you a current undergraduate student? Do you have an interest in planning, architecture, GIS, urban studies, or a related field? Join us and grow your skills. We are currently accepting applications for a GIS & Planning Intern in the Economic Development Division of the Community Development Department. This position offers invaluable experience for your resume. Deadline to apply: Monday, March 2nd 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

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-up 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

Police Non-Emergency Line Reminder: Our PD Shared this request… “We’ve recently learned that some residents are calling the wrong number for non-emergency police services. Some residents told us they found the non-emergency number via Google's AI search.

If you need to reach the non-emergency line for the Eau Claire Police Department, please call: 715-839-4972. We would encourage you to save this number in your phone so you have it when you need it. We would also encourage you to share this message so we can inform more residents about what our non-emergency number is.

Remember, always call 911 for emergencies. The non-emergency number is for situations that do not require an immediate police response but still need attention. Thank you for helping us keep the city of Eau Claire safe and informed!”

Upcoming Elections: Here is what we can expect for elections this year. 2026 Election dates in Eau Claire are:

  • Spring Election on 4/7/2026
  • Fall Primary on 8/11/2026
  • Fall General Election on 11/3/2026

Information about registration, absentee ballots, I.D. requirements and more can be found at EauClaireWI.gov/Elections Visit MyVote.WI.gov for your complete voter information and much more.

Please Pick Up Litter and Dog Feces: With the snow melting we are seeing what’s under the snow. Please remember, we all help make this a wonderful place to live. Please help keep sidewalks and trails clean and clear for everyone. Also please pick up after your dog. And, while we can’t change everyone’s behavior, we can help solve the problem (even if we don’t have a dog or don’t litter ourselves). If you are willing, consider bringing a bag along on your next walk and help clear whatever is visible. A few good apples can help the whole community. Pictured below is a left-behind glove that appeared when snow melted downtown.

Lost Glove

A Few More Reminders:

  • 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!"
  • Pool Passes Available: Pool Memberships are 10 percent off 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 Street.
  • 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) ride transit for free. High schoolers are asked to show a student ID.
  • Shelters and Rinks: Rinks and warming shelters are now closed for the season.
  • 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.

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

 

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)

  • CANCELLED: 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
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