News

Print
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option

City Manager's Weekly Update 4/10/2026: New Council, Community Milestones, Compost-Palooza, Story of the Lost Water Ski, Chancellor Search, and Housing Events

Post Date:04/12/2026 12:39 PM

 

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

Spring Election 2026: Our Deputy City Clerk Eric Gilge shared an update about this past week’s election… “This last Tuesday, April 7th, the City of Eau Claire held its Spring Election. A total of 17,667 residents of the City came out and participated in our election process, resulting in a turnout of 42.6 percent of registered voters. This is about average for what we have seen historically for a Spring Election in the city over the last five years.

Everything went very smoothly with few lines and no long wait times. The City’s next election is the Partisan Primary on August 11th, in preparation for the General Election in November.”

The one City-related item on the ballot was the election of a Council President. Former Council Member Jeremy Gragert won the seat, and he will be sworn in for his three-year term at the Council’s Organizational Meeting on Tuesday, April 21st. Over the next few weeks, we will also say farewell and thank you to outgoing Council President Emily Berge.

Pictured below is the check-in table at the Lake Street Methodist polling location.

Election Day

Some Important Accomplishments: This week there were two events that marked major milestones in our community, as follows...

Day Resource Center Ribbon Cutting: On Thursday, the new Day Resource Center at One Better Way held a ribbon cutting, with tours of their new facility. Hundreds of community members came to show their support and take a tour. Many commented about the journey we have taken to open the center. Some community leaders and advocates have been working on this goal for more than 10 years. The facility is a collaboration of Western Dairyland (who owns the building and has their offices there) and Hope Gospel Mission (who is operating a day resource center that’s open daily year-round.)

The promise of this new facility is co-locating services which reduces duplication and increases effectiveness of service delivery. We expect that the momentum will continue to grow, as we build a coordinated system of support and intervention for people who are struggling. The DRC still needs donations. Learn more and help here: Day Resource Center - Western Dairyland

Pictured below are scenes from the event, including a screen shot from WEAU's coverage of the event.

Day Resource Center Ribbon Cutting

DRC Ribbon Cutting

PFAS Facility Tour: Our Utilities Manager Ben Spanel shared… “Earlier this week, Governor Evers signed a bill releasing funds and creating grant programs to help Wisconsin communities address PFAS contamination. On Tuesday, April 7th, Governor Evers and DNR Secretary Karen Hyun toured Eau Claire's PFAS removal facility.

Governor Evers' visit to Eau Claire's new PFAS treatment facility marks a major turning point for the City. The project shows what is possible to accomplish when state leaders and a dedicated municipality work together to solve a big problem. By touring Eau Claire's water plant after introducing $125 million in state funding, the Governor highlighted Eau Claire as the ‘Wisconsin Model’ for leadership in public health and safety. Eau Claire has moved from worrying about forever chemicals (PFAS), to taking real action using high-tech filters that work like ‘magnets’ and ‘sponges’ to pull PFAS out of Eau Claire's drinking water. The Governor's visit shows that when all levers of government work together, goals can be accomplished to make sure Eau Claire's water is protected for generations to come. Eau Claire's PFAS facility continues to be under construction and is expected to be put into operation during the summer of 2026.”

Pictured below is the tour, along with a graphic that explains how the facility removes PFAS using a specialized kind of filtration. 

Plant Tour

PFAS Filtration

Compost-Palooza: Our Parks Division shared… “The City of Eau Claire’s Green Waste Facility, located at 5710 Jeffers Road, will celebrate Earth Week by offering screened compost to the community at no cost. Free compost will be available during the facility's regular hours of operation, which are:

  • Monday, April 20th, from 10AM to 6PM;
  • Wednesday, April 22nd, from 10AM to 6PM; and
  • Saturday, April 25th, from 8AM to 3PM.

Bring your own containers and tools for loading and hauling. No power equipment or staff assistance will be available. This offer is open to individuals -- no commercial operations are accepted.

The Green Waste Facility’s high-quality compost is created using materials dropped off by area residents, which are then screened to remove non-compostable debris. Incorporating compost into gardens can, among other benefits, increase yields, improve soil health, and enhance water retention. More information can be found here: www.eauclairewi.gov/brush.”

Compost Palooza

Police Updates: Here are a few updates from our Police Department…

Paw Patrol: The PD shared… “ECPD is back on Pawtrol! Detective Meincke introduces us to Lee (Leroy) from Bob's House for Dogs! Lee comes to us from Lincoln County. He's an eight-year-old hound mix looking for his furever family. You can learn more about adopting Lee here: https://bobshousefordogs.org/contact/

Watch the video of Detective Meincke and Lee here: Pawtrol Video

Paw Patrol

Lost Cash: The ECPD shared that a good Samaritan had turned in a large amount of cash that they found on the Southside of the City. The ECPD is trying to locate its owner. They said: “If you think this cash could be yours, we want you to contact us at property.room@eauclairewi.gov.” PD staff will request different information to verify that the money goes to the rightful owner.

Notable Case Log: And here are links to last week’s and this week’s notable case logs. The Police Department continues to manage calls for service often related to drug and alcohol misuse, dangerous use of vehicles, domestic disputes, and mental health. Some situations are exacerbated by housing instability or homelessness. Here are a few calls that the Police Department responded to recently...

South Side Check Vehicle: “Hotel staff called regarding an unresponsive person in a vehicle. Upon arrival, it was determined that the person was deceased. Officers located a lighter and tin foil that would later test positive for fentanyl in the person’s lap. Their vehicle was parked directly next to a security camera that captured their overdose which occurred the previous day. The medical examiner and detectives were notified.”

North Side OWI: “Officers were detailed for a breaking and entering in progress. The caller witnessed a subject walk up to the front door and begin striking the door and shouting. The subject had damaged the door. An officer arrived and contacted the person who had fresh injuries to their face and hands. It is believed that, due to the level of intoxication, they had fallen down the stairs on the property. They were seated in their vehicle which was running in the roadway at the time of the initial contact. They refused Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), however showed signs of high impairment. The person was informed at that time that they would be taken into custody for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated (OMVWI). The person resisted when being taken into custody. Due to their injuries from the fall, the person sought medical attention. Due to the person’s likely extended stay at the hospital, the officer ordered them in for the OWI, Resisting, and Disorderly Conduct charges. The person does still have a valid DOC warrant for their arrest.”

West Check Person: “Staff reported a person was harassing patrons and was now lying on the ground. The person was cited for Public Excessive Intoxication.”

Library Updates: Here are two Library Updates…

Children’s Book Drive: Our Library shared this request… “Help us get books into the hands of local kids! The Friends of the Library and the Library itself are teaming up for a Children’s Book Drive (Now through April 20th). Let’s keep our community’s youngest readers fueled with stories! From babies at the hospital, to kiddos at the local laundromats and parks, the Library helps distribute over 7,500 books a year through its special literacy outreach programs. And, they need your help! Every book helps a local child’s imagination grow.

Here are three ways to help…

Donate books: Drop off books for children ages zero to eight at the Library Bookstore (Level 0) or the Headwaters Table (Level 1). 

Shop the wish list: Pick a book online and have it shipped straight to us! More information here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/YUDM3AEUBYA1

Give money: Just five bucks puts a brand-new book in a child’s hands! More information here: https://forms.donorsnap.com/form?id=291C3889-3548-4A0E-A828-029CCC05B4B8

Please share! Let’s give our local kids the gift of reading!”

Pictured below is a young local reader enjoying a book through the Eau Claire Laundromat Libraries program.

Child Reading Actual Size

Seed Library: The Library shared a video reminding people of its “Little Library” within the bigger Library, which is a Library of Seeds! Watch the video here, and visit the Seed Library anytime: Seed Library Video 

Seed Library

Behind-the-Scenes at an Active Fire Scene: As part of their regular Firehouse Friday series, the Fire Department shared some insights into what happens at a fire scene, and why there is so much activity.

“Ever wonder why there are so many firefighters at a fire scene? The short answer: A structure fire isn’t just one job. It’s multiple critical operations happening all at once.

Here are the work activities going on behind the scenes:

  • Fire attack;
  • Search and rescue;
  • Ventilation;
  • Water supply management;
  • Emergency medical services; 
  • Rapid intervention to ensure firefighter safety;
  • Incident command and coordination; and
  • Watching for hazards and keeping crews safe.

And here’s something most people don’t see. Our air tanks (SCBA) only last about 15 to 20 minutes in real conditions. That’s while working in extreme heat, with heavy gear and low visibility and intense physical strain.

Because of this, crews are constantly rotating:

  • One crew goes in;
  • One crew comes out; and
  • One crew is ready to go next.

It may look like a lot of people, but it takes a coordinated team effort to do the job safely, quickly, and effectively. Every role matters. Every firefighter has a purpose.”

Fire Scene

Fire Drill: And, related to fire safety, our staff in City buildings held a fire drill this week. Our Risk Manager shared… “Joint Safety, led by Rod Bonesteel, conducted a successful internal fire drill on Wednesday to evaluate both system functionality and overall emergency preparedness. This exercise is an important step in ensuring our alarm systems are operating properly and that accurate communication is relayed to both emergency responders and employees.

Building occupants successfully exited calmly using the nearest available exits and retrieved emergency bags as planned. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the drill a success. We will continue our preparedness efforts next week with a tornado drill scheduled for Thursday, April 16th, in coordination with the statewide drill.”

Pictured below are staff who vacated Central Maintenance Facility and City Hall.

CMF Fire Drill

City Hall Fire Drill

High Water and Interesting Story: We have seen high water on the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers in the last few weeks. This has put our river levels at “Action Stage,” which triggers the City to take steps to protect safety and property.

And here is a very interesting story that illustrates the power of our rivers' currents… A staff member passed on this story to me, and I'm passing it along to you:

“Thought you would find this interesting. During the fire drill today, we evacuated to the river side of CMF. One person noticed a water ski at the shore and jokingly asked if it belonged to one of our staff members who is a competitive water skier. This staff member went down to look and retrieve it, and it ended up being her friend's ski. That friend lost the ski two years ago north of Riverview Park. That means that it travelled through Dells Pond and the dam and happened to just land right in front of our building two years later.”

While this is a light-hearted story, let it (as well as the recent story of a rescue that took place in Altoona) be a reminder of how powerful our rivers currents are, and how we need to always approach them with safety measures in mind.

Water Ski

 Picture2

Notices from Partners: Our partners shared these notices and asked that we spread the word…

Finalists in UW-Eau Claire Chancellor Search: Four finalist candidates to become the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s ninth chancellor will be on campus the week of April 13th. Faculty, staff, students, and members of the public are encouraged to review the candidates’ qualifications, attend interview forums, and provide survey feedback. You can find information about the candidates, forum schedules, and feedback links on the Chancellor Search web page.

Housing Events

Stronger Together Series: Lake Street United Methodist Church will be hosting a four-part series related to housing and homelessness. All sessions will be from 7 to 8:30PM on Thursdays in April and May.

They invite the community to join in conversations, as follows:

April 23rd: I’m homeless. How did I get here? Defining the problem of homelessness and exploring attempts being made to alleviate homelessness.

April 30th: I’m Homeless. Now what? Hear life experiences of people who have been homeless to understand the causes.

May 14th: Where should I go? Panel discussion of local attempts to alleviate homelessness.

May 21st: How can my community help me? A discussion of what residents and civic groups can do to help.

Jonah Affordable Housing Series: The JONAH Affordable Housing Task Force is continuing its series of discussions, with hopes of increasing understanding around the need for affordable housing. The next session they will offer (which will be the first in a three-part series) will be a forum on May 14th. It is free and all are welcome and encouraged to attend! Here is more information...

Keys to Unlocking Affordable Housing, May 14th, 5 to 7PM in the Library Riverview Room: Affordable housing is a significant issue in the Chippewa Valley and elsewhere, with many of our neighbors being cost-burdened, often paying 50 percent of their income on rent. Learn from local and regional developers about their ideas and efforts to “build affordable” and what it takes to sustain housing. The event is sponsored by the JONAH Affordable Housing Task Force, LE Phillips Memorial Public Library, Chippewa Valley Home Builders, and the Eau Claire Tenant-Landlord Resource Center.

 

COUNCIL UPDATES

Next week is a Council Meeting week, and you can find the packet material here: 4/13/2026 and 4/14/2026 City Council Packets | News | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Appointment to Open Council Seat: As a reminder, 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 as well. 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.

The candidate information can be found linked here:

Budget Forums: Also as a reminder, Council Member Aaron Brewster has arranged for a series of budget discussions where you can learn more and ask questions. The first one is this Sunday.

  • Sunday, April 12th, Sunday, April 19th, Sunday, April 26th, Sunday, May 3rd
  • 3PM at The Plus, 208 S Barstow St. Downtown Eau Claire

All are welcome and come with your questions!

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Dead Trees

Question/Comment:On Highview Drive, several large dead trees are dropping large limbs quite often.”

Answer: Our City Forester shared… “As fortune would be, the crew was headed there today! There is also a strip on Andy Lane with some dead Ash trees that they are intending to get removed. Andy is off Jeffers Road- near-ish to Highview. Hopefully this solves the issue. Also, there is a very large Butternut tree in the group on Highview. They are becoming more and more rare, and they often look a little weathered/ scraggly. That tree will remain for the time being. It is a very important tree for wildlife. It is also known as a ‘White Walnut’ or Juglans cinerea. The nuts are very edible if you can get them before the critters do.”

Turkey Updates

Question: This is not a new question, but it certainly is a popular one! A resident wrote in to ask if anything can be done about a flock of turkeys in Shawtown… “Some of us have experienced aggressive behavior, but I do not know if it has been physical. I'm sure this flock considers South Michigan Street their restaurant row. I and others have gone out there screaming, shouting, with a broom, waving our arms, some to no avail. I'm able to get the females to fly away, but the male remains at least in my yard, as if it's his turf. And then the females return. I'm not home all the time to monitor. Those of us who feed the birds and squirrels, ducks and deer, not intentionally, have discussed the situation. I and another couple stopped putting bird seed in our feeders, because the turkeys were flying atop them.”

Answer: Our amazing Community Services Director Lane Berg shared this update.

“We have been working with the USDA on a re-location effort, but it comes with a significant cost. The cost is $1,100 and they expect payment whether they are successful or not. Last week we started a new approach with an internal employee. He is an avid turkey hunter, studies their behavior, and knows how to lure them. He has a large net that he is going to cast over the turkeys if they get within range. If captured, he will move them to some acreage at his house north and west of the city, with permission from the DNR.”

I know many are following this story, and Lane has promised to live stream or otherwise broadcast this new effort. Community Services has been hoping to increase their social media presence, and this just may be future the post that helps them achieve that goal. Stay tuned! Pictured below is a group of young turkeys running the high bridge.

Young Turkeys

Traffic Enforcement

Question/Comment: “We have too many people who drive way too fast in town, which is especially dangerous considering how many blind hills and intersections we have. Moholt hill has a school on one side and lots of kids walk there, and I see people flying over it, and it makes it dangerous to turn onto it via one of the smaller streets. Downtown, I've seen motorcycles screaming through the streets. There needs to be some deterrent so it's safer to walk and bike.”

Answer: The Police Department shared that increased traffic enforcement is one of the most common requests they receive. Because of the community's interest in this area, they shared: "The Police Department has identified traffic safety and speed enforcement as an area of focus. As a department, we have worked on initiatives to continue to keep our streets safe. In 2025, our patrol officers conducted 27,504 traffic stops, which is a 7.5 percent increase from 2024. A specific area we heard many complaints about was Clairemont Avenue. In 2025, we conducted 507 traffic stops on Clairemont Avenue in the South District alone. That was a 41 percent increase from the previous year. If there are specific areas of concern, please contact us via email and our shift commanders will ask officers to monitor traffic safety to the extent case load allows."

Note that the Police Department has been working towards full staffing for quite a few years, and they are very close to being fully staffed. Having a full roster of employees allows them to carry out traffic enforcement and address other community priorities related to resident safety and quality of life.

Street Sweeping

Question/Comment: A resident called asking this question... "When mother nature is doing its job, it’s raining, and the streets are wet, why is the City’s truck is sweeping the streets?"

Answer: Our Streets and Fleet Manager Aaron Nicholson shared this intel… “Thanks for the question! For reference, it doesn't matter if it is dry or raining, we can sweep the streets. It actually is favorable when it is raining, as it provides natural dust control and we don't have to run two water trucks with the sweepers. The rain actually is doing us a favor! Additionally, we are required by our Storm Water permit through the DNR to get all the winter sand off of the roads ASAP to prevent it from washing down the stormwater drains and into the lakes, streams, rivers, and detention ponds.”

Bike Licenses

Question/Comment: “Has the City thought about licensing bicycles (as a way to generate revenue)? Seeing as the maintenance of the bike trails is necessary to the ones that use them, it seems reasonable.”

Answer: This question has come up a number of times over the years. It’s our opinion that the administrative work to license bikes may outweigh its value as a way to collect revenue. Some communities do have bike licenses, however, it’s our understanding that these generally are for the purposes of registering bikes to track them if they are stolen vs. generating revenue to maintain infrastructure. 

Update on Transfer Center

Question: “Any update on the completion date for parking above the Transfer Center?”

Answer: The owners have been meeting with City staff regularly updating us on the project. We hope to open the first level of the parking by the end of April. Then, we hope to open the lane of traffic on Farwell by May, when the contractor will have completed the exterior screen wall and east facing building cladding. Please stay tuned for exact dates when we have them. The developer continues to work towards opening the apartments, however, has faced some delays. The ramp to the parking is pictured below.

Transfer Center.jpeg

 

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

Street Sweeping and Parking: Our Streets Division shared that it is continuing street sweeping. They are grateful for residents who are continuing to follow odd/even parking guidelines, which is allowing us to get more of the curbline swept, instead of having to weave in and out of cars. Aaron shared: “We have one full pass of the city completed, but we would like to get at least one more done before we lift the restrictions.”

Downtown Parking Enforcement: Please note that we have staff out enforcing parking restrictions in the downtown area, as pictured below. 

IMG_0207

City Circuit Invitations: Just a reminder to invite me and Council Members to join you and your neighbors or fellow residents at a meeting to discuss life in Eau Claire. Email me at stephanie.hirsch@eauclairewi.gov to set something up. Pictured below is a class of students who came to City Hall this week. They shared ideas and asked a lot of great questions! 

Students Visit City Hall

A Few More Reminders:

  • Green Waste Facility Opening: 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 next week (April 13th through 17th), you may hear sirens, as we participate in the Statewide Tornado Drill on Thursday, April 16, at 1:45 PM. During this time, sirens and NOAA weather radios will sound.
  • Weight Restrictions: Seasonal weight restrictions are in place. More information is here: weight restrictions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Kids/Teens Ride Transit for Free in 2026: Children (and adults who are still in high school) can now ride Transit for free. Youth ridership has more than doubled this year, and we want to keep the momentum going.
  • 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. We will share when restrictions are lifted, which should be soon.

 

WAYS TO SERVE

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  • 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)

  • 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
Return to full list >>