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

Host a City Circuit Meeting: We are gearing up for another round of twice-annual outreach meetings. In the fall, we have been hosting "District Discussions" (larger meetings in each part of the community -- North, South, West, Central). And in the spring, we have been putting out a call for people to organize “City Circuit” discussions (lots of smaller meetings where we join residents who would like to host.)

Please help us arrange these gatherings by inviting us to join in an event. You can invite me, staff, and Council Members to join you at any place residents gather, whether that be your coffee klatch, book club, playground get-together, church services, sports team, block party, school association, or any idea not yet listed. You pick the topics and format, and we will be there! Email me to get the ball rolling: stephanie.hirsch@eauclairewi.gov. Pictured below is a prior District Discussion. 

Election Updates: Here are a few updates related to next week’s election, shared by our Deputy City Clerk, Eric Gilge. (More information is here: EauClaireWI.gov/Elections)

• Early Voting: By mid-day Friday, the Elections Office had seen about 1,100 people visit City Hall for in-person absentee voting, which occurred over the last two weeks. In-person absentee voting continued through 4PM Friday, and staff anticipated that the final total of early voters would be between 1,300 and 1,400. This is lower than 2025’s Spring Election for in-person absentee voting, but equal to what we saw for Spring Elections in 2022 and 2024.

• Election Day Tuesday: As Elections wraps up early voting, they are carrying out final preparations for the Spring Election, which will be held on Tuesday, April 7th. All 20 of Eau Claire’s polling sites will open Tuesday at 7AM, and voting will continue until polls close at 8PM.

Eric shared: "Please remember to bring a photo ID that is valid for voting. If you are unsure of where your polling site is located, please go to MyVote.WI.gov and go to the tab 'Find My Polling Place'. On this website, you can also see what is on your ballot or check your voter registration. If you need to register to vote or change your address on your registration, you can do this on Election Day at your polling site by providing a proof-of-residence document. Options include: a WI Driver’s License, a bank statement, a utility bill, or another government document with your name and current address."

• Free Transit Rides to Polls: On Election Day, April 7th, JONAH of the Chippewa Valley is sponsoring free rides for both fixed route and paratransit trips! Thank you JONAH for the donation. An image with this same information is pictured below.

Spring News, Continued: Here are a few more reports on how City of Eau Claire work activities change as the seasons change…

Streets: We have received more than 130 requests for potholes to be filled, and the Streets and Fleet Division is addressing them based on location in the City, type of repair, and severity of the issues. We have crews out crack sealing (which involves applying a rubberized adhesive sealant into cracks to stop water and debris from penetrating the surface) and spray patching (which involves clearing cracks and then applying a mix of aggregate and asphalt to fill and seal the holes). We ask for your patience as we cover the many locations in the City.

Parks: Our Parks crew is getting our baseball fields game-ready with fresh paint for a season full of big hits. Meanwhile, pictured below, our landscape technician is turning over the native plant beds in Phoenix Park. Still other staff have been opening the Green Waste Facility, and our Forestry crews are out trimming and cutting trees along our boulevards.

Engineering: As Engineering prepares for its busiest season, our surveyors are wrapping up data collection for projects that will start later this summer. They are already setting and confirming grades of utilities on projects. Inspections are starting off utility installation, along with erosion control of sites. Our Engineers are finalizing plans and bidding them out for 2026 construction.

Engineering staff has started to work with Parks staff to collect pavement conditions of trails to help plan for future maintenance and replacement needs. When Engineering's annual summer interns arrive, they will start collection data for street pavement conditions across the City.

Pictured below is one of our contractors installing watermain.

Recreation: Recreation is getting ready for the Amazing Eau Claire Clean-Up that will be held on April 25th, and staff are preparing for summer season, when the number of part-time employees more than doubles.

Assessing: While we may think about spring in terms of the departments that work outside, the seasons also shape the work of our administrative divisions. Here are some updates from Assessing….

“Each season brings something a little different for the Assessing team. This year, we’re in the midst of a revaluation, so things are in full swing! While past seasons may have taken us out in the field, this time of year finds us spending more time indoors, crunching numbers and laying the groundwork for accurate and equitable property values.

On the residential side, efforts are focused on modeling, with individual property values soon to follow. Meanwhile, the commercial team is tackling net new construction value changes and preparing to move into their modeling phase as well.

We’re also gearing up for an important part of the process, scheduling this year’s Board of Review meetings. It’s a very busy time for us, but an exciting one as we start to see all our work come together.”

The Assessing team is pictured below.

Library: And here’s one more completely different type of spring-related activity. The Library shared... "One spring activity your local librarians love is April Fool’s Day. For the past four years Library staff have made a special April Fool’s Day video, pulling together a ton of staff members to have a ton of fun."

Check out all of them linked below....

2026 – Chonk-sized Library Cards

2025 – Left-handed Books

2024 – Books on Blades

2023 – Audiobooks on Vinyl

Watch them all.... I know which one is my favorite. See which one is yours!

Three Fire Updates:

Visit with Bunny: Our Fire Department reported: “Engine 9's crew got to hang out with the Easter Bunny today at Festival Foods on Clairemont for the Bunny Hop. They showed off Engine 9 and gave out little gifts to all the kids who came by.”

South Side Structure Fire: The FD also reported the following… “On Sunday, March 29th, at approximately 7:16PM, the ECFD responded to a structure fire on Nimitz Street. Truck 5 was the first arriving unit and reported a fully involved house fire, with most of the fire coming from the rear of the home. Truck 5’s crew immediately pulled hose lines to the back of the home and began their fire attack, working to contain the fire to the first floor. Additional crews ventilated smoke while also checking for fire extension and extinguishing hot spots. Searches were also conducted to ensure all occupants were out of the home.

All occupants were able to evacuate prior to ECFD’s arrival. One firefighter received a minor injury and was treated on the scene. No other injuries have been reported at the time of this report. Responding ECFD units included: Truck 5, Medic 5, Engine 2, Engine 6, Medic 6, Engine 10, Squad 2, Chief 2, Battalion 1, Inspector 1. ECFD was assisted by the Communications Center, ECPD, the City Streets Division, Xcel Energy, and the Red Cross.”

Training: Also this week, FD staff carried out specialized training pictured below, as follows... “A-shift divers performed their quarterly open water dive training at Memorial High School. Although conditions in the pool are far better than any we would experience in lakes or rivers, these trainings are great for equipment and procedural familiarization.”

Tourism Partner Updates: Here are two updates from our tourism partner, Visit Eau Claire (VEC)

Applications Open: VEC announces that its next grant program application round is now open, with a deadline of April 15th. More information on the program's two funding categories is as follows…

Tourism (see: https://www.visiteauclaire.com/about/grant-information/tourism-grant/): Designed for projects that generate out-of-town visitation, increase overnight stays, and promote a positive image of the Eau Claire area. If you’re planning a new festival, a sporting tournament, or a major event expansion, this is for you!

Cultural Arts (see: https://www.visiteauclaire.com/about/grant-information/cultural-arts-grant/): Focused on projects that inspire creativity and contribute to the artistic soul of our region. From public art installations to community-wide cultural celebrations, we want to help your creative vision come to life.  

VEC staff also shared: "For more information, contact grants@visiteauclaire.com. We're happy to help you determine which program is right for your project. In the event that applicants do not qualify or are not chosen for a grant, Visit Eau Claire may have opportunities and resources to help promote the event to visitors."

Tourism Master Plan: VEC has also recently launched the start of the process to develop a Destination Master Plan. Here is more information on the process... “A Destination Master Plan (DMP) is a 10-year strategic blueprint that aligns a community’s tourism development with its economic, cultural, and quality-of-life goals. Unlike a marketing plan, which focuses on promotion and short-term campaigns, a DMP focuses on long-term strategy -- what the destination wants to become, how it will grow, and how it will serve both visitors and residents. Grounded in stakeholder engagement, market research, and community visioning, a DMP serves as a framework to ensure tourism supports a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Eau Claire.”

We expect that the plan will help the City of Eau Claire make decisions about how to prioritize investments in our infrastructure. Pictured below is the Steering Committee meeting at Pablo, in front of the river, where residents or visitors are out enjoying our water assets, with two boaters out fishing, and other people skipping rocks on the riverbanks.

COUNCIL UPDATES

Applications for Open City Council Seat: Three individuals submitted their names for consideration for the appointment to the District 2 opening that has been created by the resignation of Emily Anderson.

Their information can be found linked here:

• Shelley Janke

• Joyce Orth

• Brian Trowbridge

The next steps are as follows. At the Monday, April 13th regularly-scheduled Council Public Hearing meeting, there will be an agenda item for the appointment. Each candidate will have up to five minutes to present to the City Council. The Council Members will then ask each candidate a series of questions. The public will also have a chance to comment on the candidates’ qualifications. At the Tuesday, April 14th Council Legislative meeting, the Council will select a person to appoint. That person will then get sworn in at the Council’s Organizational Meeting on April 21st.

Approval of Contract for Soccer Park: At a Special Council Meeting held this week, the Council approved an agreement between the City and Eau Claire United for operations of the City Soccer Park, which makes us eligible for innovation funding. You can review all of the all submissions for the program here: DOR Innovation Funding Submissions

Budget Forums: As a reminder, Council Member Aaron Brewster has arranged for a series of budget discussions where you can learn more and ask questions.

• When: 3PM on Sundays: April 12th, April 19th, April 26th, and May 3rd

• Where: The Plus, 208 S Barstow St. Downtown Eau Claire

All are welcome and come with your questions!

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

A Few Reminders:

• Car Seat Safety Inspections: Children’s Wisconsin will be provide free car seat safety inspections on Wednesday, April 8th, from 3:30 to 6PM at Station 10 (820 Malden Avenue).

• Green Waste Facility Open: For more information on prices, accepted items, and hours of operation, visit the Green Waste Facility on our website at EauClaireWI.gov/Brush

• Severe Weather Awareness Week: A reminder that the City will be participating in preparation for severe weather in the week of April 13th through 17th. You may hear sirens as we participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Thursday, April 16, at 1:45 PM.

• Weight Restrictions: Seasonal weight restrictions are in place. More information is here: weight restrictions.

• Upcoming Elections: Here is what we can expect for elections this year… 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 Reminder: 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.

• 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)

Part-Time Shop Personnel: Are you looking for a part-time position with benefits where you can utilize your mechanical skills? Do you work well independently? Join us! We are accepting applications for the Part-Time Shop Personnel position with Eau Claire Transit. Duties include: performing minor mechanical work; cleaning and fueling transit vehicles; and providing support to the transit shop operations. Deadline to apply: Sunday, April 5th at 11:59PM.

NEW - Utility Operator I (Water Plant): Do you want to provide safe, clean drinking water for our community? Work to maintain this critical service for our residents by becoming a Utility Operator I at the Water Plant! We are currently accepting applications for this position in the Utilities division of the Community Services Department. Deadline to apply: Sunday, April 12th at 11:59PM.

NEW - Planning & Sustainability Intern (Community Development): Want to gain hands-on experience shaping the future of your community? Join the City of Eau Claire Planning Division as a Planning & Sustainability Intern and work on real projects in zoning, sustainability, and urban design. You’ll assist with research, public inquiries, GIS updates, code enforcement and policy work, as well as support committees focused on sustainability, planning, parks, transportation, and community landmarks. Deadline to apply: Sunday, April 12th at 11:59PM.

NEW - Telecommunicator - 911 Dispatcher (Police Department): Put your customer service skills to use while serving your community! Help us provide an essential service for Eau Claire County residents and visitors. Join our team as a full-time Telecommunicator (911 Dispatcher)! We are currently hiring in the Eau Claire Communications Center. Deadline to apply: Sunday, April 19th 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 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.

Sustainability Advisory Committee: This Committee advises the Council on sustainable policy and practices relative to the community's sustainable environment, including natural resources, energy, food, waste, hazardous materials, and pollution.

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 building/development, accessible design, or home financing.

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, April 13th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, April 14th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, April 21st, City Council Organizational Meeting, 4PM Council Chambers

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

• Tuesday, April 28th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Monday, May 11th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, May 12th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers

• Monday, May 25th, Council Public Hearing, 6PM, Council Chambers

• Tuesday, May 26th, Council Legislative Session, 4PM, Council Chambers