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

Pothole Concern Submissions: Earlier this week, our Streets Division communicated information about how to submit requests for repairs to potholes. They shared: “During late winter and early spring, the weather starts to warm up. As the snow and ice melt, we also see the development of potholes in city streets. If there are potholes that need filling, please complete an online service request here: Service Request | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin Please provide the exact location of the pothole or issue (i.e., between 2100 and 2103 Smith Street).”

Over the past few days, our community has really taken advantage of this invitation! There were about 80 locations suggested as of mid-day Friday. Here are just a few examples:

Cleveland Street: “Dozens of potholes all along Cleveland street from short street to Christian Ave.”

Cascade tissues: “Major holes along Forest Street, including next to high bridge. I bike there and try to bike around them, but that puts me more in the path of cars. I know the road is going to be redone soon but the deep potholes are bad. When the road is redone I hope you can do a bike lane along cascades tissues and switch the side the sidewalk is on (the sidewalk is next to the building so it is shadowed and gets really icy. If it's on the other side it will be in the sun and less icy). Thank you!”

Crescent Ave: “There are a number of serious potholes on this street while taking my husband to work every day, or when he goes to work. This is a high maintenance area in the business district.”

Moholt Drive: “The northbound land is all chewed up/potholes on the western crest of the hill on Moholt. The downhill side of the road is basically one giant pothole. Again. Please consider a sustainable fix instead of the half measures you have been taking year after year.”

Westover Lane at Westover Road: “Several shallow potholes near the intersection. Thank you!”

Three crews from the Division are handling these requests, and it also takes administrative work to handle the submissions. Currently, the Streets Manager must enter these requests into our asset management system and then assign them to crews.

Though this is our current process, we are excited that we are rolling out a way for residents to enter their requests directly into the asset management system. This will allow the requesters to track completion of the task, while also reducing administrative workload for staff. The system also allows us to assess how much time, labor, and materials are spent patching certain streets so that we can determine when it's most cost effective to carry out a different level of reconstruction.

Learn more about how potholes form and evolve by reading this infographic: Pothole Lifecycle Information An image of one of the causes of potholes is shown below, reading: "Potholes begin when water seeks into the soil under the road. One common way this can happen is when water gets to the pavement sub-base through a crack." (This situation often occurs in the spring.)

Seasonal Weight Restrictions Begin: Related to potholes and pavement conditions, the City has imposed seasonal weigh limits on several City streets, effective Thursday, March 5th. This is required by Wisconsin State law. The reason for weight restrictions is that certain types of roads experience a period of vulnerability to damage during the spring freeze/thaw period. Reducing use of streets by heavy vehicles reduces the damage done to the streets during that period. Some exceptions apply (such as use of streets for school buses or fire trucks), and other streets may be added to the above list if conditions warrant this.

The following streets are posted with a weight limit (six ton single/10-ton tandem): 20th Avenue (Highway T West of Event Center Grounds); Evergreen Terrace (S. Lowes Creek Road to Mischler Road); Gateway Drive (Glenbrooke Drive to Otteson Lane); Graff Road (Old Town Hall Road to South of Timber Bluff Boulevard); Jeffers Road (USH 312 to County Line Road); Juniper Road Jeffers Road West Dead End; Lorch Avenue (STH 93 to West Dead End); Mischler Road (Deerfield Road to Evergreen Terrace); Music Road (20th Avenue to South Dead End); Old Town Hall Road (Highway 53 to Sheeder Road); S. Lowes Creek Road (Golf Road to Deerfield Road); Stephi Road (Jeffers Road to West Dead End); Cleveland Street; Fisher Street; Mt. Washington Avenue; and Quarry Street. A map of these roads can be found here. 

New Sharps Boxes Installed: Our Health Department shared this update... “In partnership with several agencies throughout Eau Claire County, the Health Department installed two new sharps boxes in Eau Claire and Altoona, bringing the total to 11 locations throughout the County. The locations of the two new boxes are 21 South Dewey Street (near the bridge and trail) and Altoona City Hall.

The boxes are available for household disposal of needles, lancets, syringes, and other sharps devices. The new boxes can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Loose sharps or small containers may be placed in the boxes. For a full list of locations, please visit the Eau Claire Health Alliance website. This project is being funded by the local opioid settlement dollars.” The new Eau Claire location is pictured below.

UWEC House Day: And here is a second Health Department Update... “Regulation and Licensing housing inspectors recently attended UW-Eau Claire’s ‘House Day’ (pictured below). This event brings together property management companies, UWEC housing administrators, police departments, and off-campus housing organizations to connect with students about housing options during their time at the university. Our housing staff were on site to answer questions students had related to the health and safety of their homes, the role of our Health Department in conducting proactive housing inspections, and what to do if a property owner or landlord is not responsive to fixing things in the home. We also provided information related to bats, rabies, and other vector borne diseases.”

Police Training Facility: Our Police Department recently shared some updates in an episode of their new online podcast. Watch "The Future is Taking Shape" on YouTube or Spotify to learn about the Department’s expanded K9 program, updated technology, and plans for an updated training facility.

Among the updates, the Chief shared information about how the Department puts its core values into action, including the priorities of promoting community trust and supporting staff. Chief Matt Rokus said that Police Officers and civilian staff do difficult work, and they need to be supported physically and emotionally. The Chief shared how officer hiring practices, training, and ongoing supports promote integrity in departmental practices and, in doing so, promote and protect community trust.

These goals relate to a project underway, which is the construction of an up-to-date training facility. The Chief said: "In order to provide the adequate level of training that's needed, we require a suitable space to do it." Our current training facility does not have running water or indoor plumbing, and it is in a state of deterioration. The updated one will have different features that allow us to carry out best practices in training. For example, the facility will support scenario-based trainings, in which officers work through situations that are as close to real life as possible. The facility will also include a driving track, which will help multiple departments in the City and multiple partners in the region. The Chief said that a lot of employees in different divisions of the City spend time in vehicles to address basic public infrastructure and safety needs. By using the track for training, we will be working to ensure that our staff are well equipped to carry out their work in accordance with the highest safety standards. The current, deteriorated training facility is pictured below.

Spring Forward Fire Prevention Reminders: Our Fire Prevention Division staff shared this update… “This weekend, clocks spring forward for daylight saving time. While you’re adjusting the time, it’s the perfect reminder to check on something even more important, your family’s safety.

The ReadyWisconsin campaign encourages everyone to use this time to refresh emergency plans and supplies. At ECFD, we’re asking the community to take just a few minutes to make sure you’re prepared. Here is your quick safety checklist:

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms;

• Review your family emergency plan;

• Check your emergency kit (home and vehicle);

• Store enough water (ideally, one gallon per person, per day for three days);

• Don’t forget your pets (check tags, leashes, and vet records); and 

• Complete spring weather prep (Clear gutters and drains, Trim tree branches near your home, Test your sump pump, Review your home insurance and document valuables)."

More information can be found here: ReadyWisconsin | Wisconsin Emergency Management

Sign Up for Junior Police Academy: Our Police Department shared… “Applications for ECPD's 2026 Junior Police Academy are open! The mission of JPA is to enrich our agency’s connections with the children of Eau Claire and foster lasting partnerships to motivate children to become responsible citizens. The two sessions will take place June 15th through 19th and July 13th through 17th. The first session is for middle school grades. The second session is for high school grades. An image from last summer's JPA is pictured below. Learn more about JPA here: Junior Police Academy

COUNCIL UPDATES

Next week is a Council meeting week, and packets can be found here: 3/9/2026 and 3/10/2026 City Council Packets | News | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Here are a few key points.

Upcoming Council Vacancy: Council Member Emily Anderson has indicated that she will step down from her role. She shared this statement with the media: “I am stepping down from my City Council role due to a need to focus on other professional and personal responsibilities. It has been an honor to serve the people of Eau Claire over the last eight years and to collaborate with dedicated City staff and Council colleagues.

Many city governments in Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, are facing financial challenges largely due to the state choosing to keep an increasing portion of our tax revenue. But despite this very real challenge, I encourage anyone who wants to feel hopeful about the state of American democracy to get involved in our local government, where they will find shared decision-making, civility, transparency and a commitment to public service.”

The Council will determine a path to fill this opening. The packet memo provides this information:

“The term of office for the vacant Aldermanic District 2 position ends on April 20th, 2027, with a scheduled election on April 6th, 2027.

Council has the following options with regard to the vacancy:

• Appoint a successor to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. An appointed successor would need to obtain ballot access and be elected at the 2027 spring election to continue service thereafter.

• Not appoint a successor and leave the office vacant until the 2027 spring election.

• Order a special election in 2026 (to fill the vacancy or replace a successor appointed by Council to serve until a special election is held). There are three remaining scheduled elections in 2026 with time to pair the special election with the August and November elections.

If Council desires to appoint a successor to fill the vacancy, a proposed timeline and process for the appointment is below. Council will need to determine whether to follow the process or modify it, and such other policy considerations it finds are in the public’s best interest.”

The proposed timeline is below:

• Council (potentially) approves process Tuesday, March 10th;

• Advertisement on City Website, including link to City’s vision, mission, and strategic plan, and other relevant sources Friday, March 13th;

• Advertisement in Leader-Telegram Website ASAP and Print: March 16 and March 17 News Release, Advertisement to others ASAP;

• Application deadline Thursday, April 2nd at 4:30PM;

• Applications forwarded to Council on April 3rd;

• Candidate presentation to Council on Monday, April 13th;

• Council vote on the appointment on Tuesday, April 14th; and

• Successful candidate takes seat on Council on Tuesday, April 21st.

Outgoing Council Member Emily Anderson is pictured attending a meeting this week, which might be her last official meeting as a Council Member!

Budget Discussions Continue: More information on our budget discussion can be found here, and the last work session discussion can be viewed here: City Council 2027 Budget Work Session #2 Budget discussions will continue at 5PM on Monday, March 9th at a work session that will be held before the Monday Public Hearing. Residents are, as always, welcome to come for public comment at the 6PM Monday meeting and/or to send ideas, questions, and comments to the City Manager and Council using this form which will reach all Council Members and the City Manager: City Leadership. (You are also always welcome to call my office at 715-839-6045 or email me directly, and I'll do my best to respond as quickly as possible.)

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

Here are a few reminders:

• Service Line Survey: You may have received a notice from our Utilities division about an important survey for property owners in the City of Eau Claire. The survey is a few simple questions about the type of pipes you have in your home. Learn more here: EauClaireWI.gov/SLI

• Local Vehicle Registration Fee Tips: If you see a Local Vehicle Registration Fee on your Wisconsin license plate renewal but don’t live in the City of Eau Claire, you may need to update your address information. WisDOT applies local vehicle fees based on where your vehicle is customarily kept, using the address on file for that vehicle. More information can be found here: Wisconsin DOT Wheel Tax and City of Eau Claire LVRF

• Upcoming Elections: 2026 Election dates in Eau Claire are: Spring Election (4/7/2026), Fall Primary (8/11/2026), and Fall General Election (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.

• Police Non-Emergency Line Reinder: Save the Police Department’s non-emergency line in your phone: 715-839-4972. The non-emergency number is for situations that do not require an immediate police response but still need attention.

• Please Pick Up Dog Feces and Litter: Please pick up your trash or dog’s feces. And, if you are feeling community-minded, please pick up other people’s litter and dog’s feces to keep our sidewalks and trails clean. Pictured below is another left-behind glove that emerged after a snow pile melted.

• Water Street Accessibility Tour: Join students and other UWEC and City representatives for a tour of the Water Street area to discuss ideas for improving accessibility in the district. Meet in front of Aspenson Mogensen Hall (AMH) at 3:30PM on Wednesday, March 25th.

• Vigilant Parent Program: Learn about social media and managing risk for young people on March 18th, at 5:30PM, in the Altoona Police Department. Sign up here: Program Sign Up

• Name Our Pool Bus: Transit shared… Submit your name ideas for names for our pool bus and win a prize: https://www.cognitoforms.com/CityOfEauClaire/NameThePoolBusRoute”

• Pool Passes Available: Pool 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 Street.

• 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.

• 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 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.

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.

Utility Operator I (Wastewater Plant): Would you like to provide a vital service to your community, work with a tight-knit group of individuals, and use your mechanical knowledge? We are currently accepting applications for a Utility Operator I position at the Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Community Services Department. This position is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of pumps, motors, and auxiliary apparatus for the wastewater treatment plant and lift stations. Deadline to apply: Sunday, March 8th at 11:59PM.

Public Health Specialist (Health Department): The Eau Claire City-County Health Department has an opportunity for a full-time Public Health Specialist to lead a regional grant project focused on access to care. This position will be responsible for grant-related activities, overseeing administrative and fiscal reports, assuring partner collaboration, providing grant-related communication, and ensuring adequate progress is made toward meeting project objectives. This position requires excellent analytical, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, along with a bachelor’s degree in public health, health education, or another related field. Deadline to apply: March 11th.

NEW - Utilities Intern: Are you majoring in science related fields? Are you looking for an internship for this summer? We are currently accepting applications for a Utilities Intern in the Utilities Division of the Community Services Department for the summer. This internship will have you performing technical analysis of water and wastewater on a daily basis, conducting soil sampling, maintaining records/results, operating various equipment, and more. Deadline to apply: Sunday, March 15th 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 on steps. After completing the poll worker hiring process you will need to attend a 2hr 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.

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.

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, March 9th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers (5PM Work Session in Chambers to continue budget discussion)

• 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