Post Date:06/08/2025 7:11 PM

Hello City of Eau Claire residents, employees, and City Council Members,

Here are some updates from around the City. As a reminder, prior updates can be found here, and people can sign up for updates here. Feel free to send me feedback.

Thanks for reading!

City Manager Stephanie Hirsch

CITY UPDATES

Utilities Updates: Here are two updates from our Utilities Division…

Safety Day Training: “On Wednesday June 4th, the Utilities Division held its annual Safety Day training at the Water Treatment Plant. Each year, all Utility employees are brought together for a morning of learning, interaction, and camaraderie. A few of the training topics included confined space entry, electrical safety, and work zone safety. Training sessions were presented by the Utilities Division Safety Team and were both informative and entertaining. The day helps remind employees of the importance of not only working safely, but also working in a safe environment.” The Utilities Division took advantage of being together to take their annual group photo, pictured below!

Storm Damage Assessments: “After the severe storms that hit a few weeks ago, Utility Operators from the Water Treatment Plant performed storm damage assessments on the towers and reservoirs that store drinking water for residents and visitors of the City of Eau Claire. Some minor blemishes were found around the top of the Oakwood Water Tower. Here are some pictures of Utility Operator Michelle Harvey touching up some of the paint deficiencies that were found.”

And an added note… All Water Plant staff need to be able to carry out work on the towers at some times, which puts them 100+ feet in the air. The staff carefully follow protocols to ensure that they will be safe. Nevertheless, the job might not be right for people with a healthy fear of heights (like me!). We have an incredible diversity of jobs in our City government. No one person could ever have all the aptitudes to do all of them. Thankfully, we have an amazing, talented, and brave team who have the right skills to keep the City running smoothly!

Crisis Intervention Training: Our Police Department shared this note about a recent training... “We are in our 10th year of providing Crisis Intervention Training to First Responders in the Chippewa Valley. Crisis Intervention provides skills to effectively respond to individuals in crisis, especially those experiencing a mental health crisis. Our class of 26 First Responders was comprised of Jailers, Dispatchers, Officers, and Community Service Officers from several local agencies, including the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Office, UWEC Police, Altoona Police Department, Chippewa Falls Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff's Office, Mondovi Police Department, Eau Claire Communications Center, and Eau Claire Police Department.

We of course couldn't make all of this possible without the help of our wonderful partners, NAMI Wisconsin, NAMI Chippewa Valley, UWEC, Eau Claire County DHS, Mayo Hospital, Eau Claire Veterans Office, Callier Clinic, Eau Claire County ADRC, the Eau Claire Fire Department, Hakes Wellness, and the many other mental health experts and professionals in our community. And a special shout out to the Eau Claire Women in Theater (ECWIT) for providing the actors that make our scenarios and practice so realistic!” The participants work on one of the scenarios is pictured below.

Transfer Center Update: Our Community Services Operations Manager, Ty Fadness, shared this update on the Transfer Center: “Work last month focused on wrapping up the sixth floor wall panels and roof trusses. Crews framed the corridors, installed parapet walls with spray foam and sheeting, and began roofing work on the West Wing. Contractors continued progress with roof penetrations and curbs, while interior work included sprinkler installation on the fifth floor, plumbing rough-ins on the fifth and sixth floors, and electrical setup. On the exterior, window flashing and insulation were installed along Main Street, and fire-rated expansion joints were completed between the cantilevers and the Transit Center roof deck.

Looking ahead to June, the following steps are planned:

• Teams will finish light gauge soffit framing and apply flashing between panels.

• Fireproofing will be completed, along with plumbing and sprinkler system rough-ins on the sixth floor and attic.

• Electrical rough-ins will continue now that the West Wing is dried in, and work will begin on the East Wing mid-month once weather-tight.

• Roofing will progress with insulation, membranes, and flashings, and exterior finishing will continue with siding and soffit panels on the West elevation.

• Once both wings are sealed, prerock installation will begin on the upper floors.

Thank you for everyone’s continued patience as the project gets closer to completion.” The Transfer Center is pictured below.

Summer Safety Series: With summer now underway, our Police Department shared a series of three Summer Safety videos in which School Resource Officers discussed safety tips with first graders. Take a look:

Stranger Danger with Officer Roberts: Watch here and some excerpts…

Officer Roberts: “We don’t talk to strangers, so who can we talk to?"

Student: “Mom, Dad, anyone we know.”

Officer Roberts: “Would you say they are trusted adults?

Student: “Yes”

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Officer Roberts: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Student: “Probably a police officer.”

Officer Roberts: “Really, that’s very cool! Why do you want to become a police officer?”

Student: “So I can help the world.”

Officer Roberts: “Awesome, that is a great answer. That’s why I became a police officer – to help everybody!”

Calling 911 with Officer Young: Watch here and some excerpts…

Officer Young: “I’m Officer Young.”

Student: “Cool! I’m young too!”

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Officer Young: “Do you know when you call the police, what information do you have to tell them?”

Student: “You have to tell them where you live.”

Overall Safety with Officer Jensen: Watch here and some excerpts…

Officer Jensen: “Do you ever cross the street?”

Student: “Yup, there’s lots of kids in my neighborhood.”

Officer Jensen: “So tell me how you cross the street? What’s the safest thing to do?

Student: “Look before you cross.”

----

Student: “What’s 64 plus 64?”

Officer Jensen: “Do you have a calculator?”

COUNCIL CORNER

The Council will consider a few significant projects at next week’s Council Meetings. Full meeting packets can be found here: City Council Packet | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Public Discussion of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): On Monday evening, we invite constituents to comment on the City’s proposed CIP budget, which can be found here Proposed 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan Budget. Then on Tuesday, the Council will continue to discuss the CIP prior to its adoption at the second meeting in June. Due to fiscal constraints, the plan cannot address all of the priorities that we have, and we tried to focus the proposed spending on just the most urgent capital needs. We welcome your feedback as we grapple with these tough decisions.

Work Sessions: There will be a number of work sessions next week.

Update on Housing Our Neighbors Planning Collaborative: The Eau Claire Department of Human Services, Eau Claire City-County Health Department, and the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce have come together to form a collaborative team (called Housing Our Neighbors Planning Collaborative) to provide leadership around homelessness. On Monday night, after the public hearing, representatives from the group will summarize the work they have completed so far, including information gathered, open questions, and next steps.

Trash Discussion: In a work session on Tuesday night, the Council will continue discussions on our Trash ordinances and systems. More information on our trash systems evaluations can be found here: Trash Hauling | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Parking Discussion: This past week, Deputy City Manager Solberg held two parking input meetings. He shared that both went well, with about eight attendees on Tuesday and 20 on Thursday. Dave shared the recommendations that will be provided to the Council, and attendees provided questions and feedback. Dave will review these recommendations during a work session also on Tuesday. More information on the efforts to revise parking systems can be found here: Parking Study Update | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Gratitude to Outgoing Council Members: At a recent meeting, the Council shared appreciation and recognition for outgoing Council Members Kate Felton and Dr. Roderick Jones. Here are the comments shared:

Thank You Council Member Dr. Roderick Jones

Thoughts from Rod: Rod shared that he gained an appreciation for the complexity of City government. He said: “Prior to coming on as a Council Member, I never understood the immensity and complexity of local government, and wow, is it complex… I walk away with a profound understanding and appreciation for the work that happens within these halls. You have top tier staff here in the City – some of the hardest workers I’ve ever had an opportunity to work along side of... And to my fellow Council Members, you were like extended family, and to be able to sit with you all in multiple meetings every month and deliberate on the multiplicity of issues, I gained so much appreciation for your intellect and commitment to the City.”

Comments about Rod: Colleagues shared these comments...

• “I learned a lot from you…you have such a commanding presence in any room that you are in. One of the things that I admire most about you… you are so unafraid to speak the truth in uncomfortable or difficult settings.”

• “You get into the layers and nuance… but you also are one of the first people to zoom out to ask: What is the big picture? Where are we going with this?”

• “I’m older than you, but I will always look up to you. I learn a lot from you.”

• “The metaphor I have for your role is as a surgeon, because your insights were always so incisive, and you can always cut to the heart of the matter…you bring that sharpness of perception, but it’s always oriented towards healing.”

Council Member Jones is pictured below with these adjectives: wise, principled, visionary, compassionate, authentic, grounded, forward thinking, inclusive, courageous, professor, practical, fearless, morally grounded, expansive vocabulary, truth teller.

Thank You Council Member Kate Felton

Thoughts from Kate: Kate served for nine years, having been elected at age 24, and she shared that she grew in her role and life as the City also grew and changed. In particular, she was proud of the ways that the City increased its focus on addressing poverty and tackling sustainability issues. She shared that she felt honored to able to make an impact. She said: “The things that local governments do have a cumulative impact on our country and the people we serve … It’s a cool honor to be able to do that, and it’s also a big responsibility.” Kate said that she is heartened that this responsibility is in the hands of the current Council, because they will do the absolute best they can and tackle the issues “with care, love, and passion, even as they make impossible decisions.”

Comments about Kate: Colleagues shared these comments...

• “You took on empowering people and looking out for people who are not traditionally in places of power, maybe do not have means in our community. To me, that’s something I saw exemplified in your service, which was how to not only serve through your authentic self, but how to inspire people within our community to step up and exercise their own power.”

• “You opened the door for others to run for office – thank you.”

• “One thing I admire about you is the passion you bring to inspiring other people to lead in different ways, whether that is encouraging people to run for Council or encouraging people to participate in other ways…. You use your power to empower people.”

• “You are inspiring and effective – you are a force… When you were determined, you made it happen, regardless of how many barriers or obstacles there may have been.”

Council Member Felton is pictured below with adjectives: community advocate, youth mentor, bridge builder, inclusive, welcoming, fun, resilient, courageous, champion for equity, empowers others, positive role model, dedicated to justice, inspires change, passionate, determined, compassionate leader.

Welcome Council Members Otto and Reed

With the retirement of Council Members Felton and Jones, we are enjoying getting to know Council Members Nate Otto and Ethan Reed, who are pictured below.

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS: Here are a few ways to be involved in Eau Claire...

Summer Art Show: The Library shared: “Join us next week on Thursday, June 12 (from 6 to 7PM) for our new art exhibition's Artist Reception! View the new show and meet the artists. Refreshments will be served… This year’s show, entitled 'It’s All Symbolic,' features works from 39 talented artists. Stop by the Library’s art gallery to see each artist’s interpretation of this theme." One of the featured art works is below, and more information can be found here: Group Show: It’s All Symbolic | L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

Zoning - Century Code Update - Pre-Adoption Open Houses: We’re getting close to the finish line on our Century Code zoning and subdivision re-writes. Join in on a review of the proposed changes on June 17th, from 11:30AM to 1:30PM or from 5PM to 7PM at the Library. They are open houses, so come by any time. Staff shared: “The Eau Claire community is invited to a public open house to examine, discuss, and comment on the contents of the draft Land Development Code document. The Project Team will be available throughout the community open house to present material, answer questions, and get feedback before initiating the approval process. The Open House will be held on the 3rd floor of the Library in the Riverview room. See the project's website here: https://eau-claire-zoning-code-rewrite-hlplanning.hub.arcgis.com/”

National Night Out Vendor Registration: Our Recreation Division shared this note: “Register to be a vendor at Eau Claire's National Night Out, which will be held on Tuesday, August 5th from 5:30 to 8PM at Carson Park. Must be an interactive activity, demonstration, or promotion related to crime prevention and/or wellness. Questions? Email recreation@eauclairewi.gov.” An image of National Night Out is below.

CLOSURES/DETOURS, OPENINGS, DEADLINES, & REMINDERS

Reminder from Fire Department on Burning Permits: The Fire Department would like to send out a reminder that while the City of Eau Claire does not require burning permits for cooking/campfires, we do not allow cooking/campfires along the banks of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, city parks, playgrounds, public green space, trails, and pools, except in designated areas. Persons seeking information of burning in the City of Eau Claire can contact the Fire Inspections Division at 715-839-4825 or email us at firesinpections@eauclaire.gov.

New Street Projects to Begin: A few additional projects, including Birch Street, will start soon, tentatively as follows (keep an eye on the weekly street closure report)

• Brookline Avenue (Clearwater Ridge Court to Winsor Drive): Scheduled for June 10th

• Winsor Drive (Abbe Hill Drive to Brookline Avenue): Scheduled for June 10th

• Birch Street (Phase 1 - Balcom Street to Bergen Avenue): Tentatively scheduled to start on June 18th

North Eddy Street Bridge Closed: There have been some delays with closures, but the bridge is now closed. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will be allowed until repairs begin. For background, after an inspection of the North Eddy Street bridge identified structural flaws, a weight restriction of five tons was imposed in mid-May to reduce bridge traffic and the related loading on the structure. This bridge is privately owned by Union Pacific/Chicago North Western Railway. Union Pacific anticipates starting those repairs at the end of June. After repairs, the City will work with Union Pacific to determine when the structure can be reopened to traffic. Detour routes will be signed and use Forest Street to Madison Street to Germania Street. Updates on the bridge project can be found on the City of Eau Claire webpage: Eddy Street Bridge Closure | City of Eau Claire, Wisconsin

For questions related to the bridge project or other street construction, please contact the City of Eau Claire Engineering department at engineering@eauclairewi.gov or 715-839-4934. For questions related to transit service, please contact the City of Eau Claire Transit department at transit@eauclairewi.gov or 715-839-5111. For reference, contact information for Union Pacific can be found on their website: UP: Union Pacific Contact List An image of the closed bridge is below.

A few more continuing notes…

• Trail Closures: As a reminder, parts of Owen Park trail and the Trail between Short Street and Claremont Ave are closed for repairs.

• River City Adventures: Our Recreation Division reminded residents that there’s still room in the most awesome River City Adventures program which operates at multiple locations to keep kids busy, safe, and engaged. Email: recreation@eauclairewi.gov Register Online Today: Click here to sign up!

• Lake Street Farmers Market on Tuesdays: The Lake Street Farmers Market is open Tuesdays from 11:30AM to 2:30PM through the end of September.

• Fairfax Pool: The pool is open! More information is here: Fairfax Pool Passes

• Downtown Work Continues: Our downtown construction continues. Information can be found here: Downtown Construction Updates

• Assessment Activities: City of Eau Claire assessment staff will be conducting exterior inspections of all properties in the next few months. Contact the City Assessor’s Office at 715-839-4926.

• First and Platt Street Closures: Street construction work is expected to start June 2nd. Residents may see private utility contractors working in the area prior to the full closures of First Street (Platt to Third) and Vine Street (Third to First).

WAYS TO SERVE: Take a look at our open positions here: Job Openings | Sorted by Posting Date descending | JOB OPENINGS (governmentjobs.com) Here are a few roles that we hope to fill with awesome contributors.

Job Openings: The City of Eau Claire offers a wide variety of positions. We hope you will keep an eye on our job openings and come serve the community! View the full list of our current job openings, applications, complete job descriptions, and more at www.eauclairewi.gov/jobs.

City Assessor (Finance): Put your assessment expertise and leadership skills to work in a meaningful way. If you're passionate about driving change and delivering results, we want to hear from you! We're a welcoming, fast-growing Wisconsin city, nationally recognized as one of the best places to live in the country. The City Assessor directs trained personnel in assessment and appraisal related activities to ensure Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and statutory compliance. Deadline to apply: Open until filled.

Police Officer (Police): Enhance the quality of life in Eau Claire by partnering with the community to solve problems, reduce crime and disorder, safeguard individual rights, and improve public safety. Join the City of Eau Claire’s Police Department! We are now accepting applications for current Police Officer openings and a hiring eligibility list. Now accepting lateral transfers! Deadline to apply: June 11th at 11:59PM.

Coordinator (Library): Bring your creative vision to the heart of the community! The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is seeking a talented and imaginative graphic designer to craft visually-compelling promotional materials which inform, inspire, and connect our customers to library programs and services. This is a great opportunity to use your design skills in a mission-driven, creative environment. If you're passionate about storytelling through design and community engagement, this is the role for you. Deadline to apply: June 15th at 11:59PM.

NEW: 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: June 15th at 11:59PM

SPECIAL EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: We have the best employees! Get to know one of them this week. (And submit your suggestion for an employee to spotlight here…)

We have a special spotlight this week for Bus Operator Matt Mai. We received this note from a graduating UWEC student, and we are proud to share it.

“I wrote to you a little over a year ago to share how much I appreciated a bus driver named Matt who works the university route. As I prepare to graduate this semester from UW-Eau Claire, I felt it was important to write once more to express just how much of a positive impact Matt has had on my college experience.

I first met Matt during my freshman year. I had never ridden a city bus before, and one evening as my friends and I were walking back to upper campus from Bollinger Fields, Matt stopped and kindly offered us a ride. It was dark out, and his thoughtfulness and warm conversation made us feel instantly safe and welcomed. From that day forward, I became a regular on his route.

Fast forward four years, and Matt has become a consistent, positive part of my life. I still talk with him every other day on the bus. He’s someone I can share my day with, talk to about my goals, and just enjoy a genuine human connection with. Matt has felt more like a friend than a bus driver -- someone who goes far beyond what’s expected in his role. People like Matt are rare. His kindness, his steady presence, and the way he shows up for students day after day deserve to be recognized, celebrated, and rewarded. He makes this campus and this community better.

As I close this chapter of my life at UWEC, I want to sincerely thank Matt for being part of the journey. He represents the very best of what it means to support and care for a community. UWEC is lucky to have someone like him driving the buses. Additionally, I'd also like to thank Eau Claire Transit for having someone like Matt on your team. He’s made a lasting impression on me, and I’m certain I’m not the only student who feels that way.”

And Matt’s co-workers shared a few more quotes:

• "Matt is truly one of a kind and we are very lucky to have him. I'm not sure if I've met a nicer person. His customer service is top notch. He makes Eau Claire a better place!"

• "I appreciate Matt because he always has something positive to say."

• "Matt Mai is an incredible person. He cares deeply about serving the community, and it shows by the positive impact he has on the people he interacts with every day. He is also an excellent bus operator - very skilled and reliable. We appreciate how hard Matt works to make our Transit system the best it can be."

And here’s a bit more about Matt.

Matt’s Job: Eau Claire Bus Operator. Matt drives a variety of routes and is currently on the busy Route 6 that goes to Walmart and the Mall. For many years, he has driven the University Route in the evening, so he carries a variety of passengers, greeting them, relating to life issues with them, and watching families grow!

Best Part about Working for the City: Great benefits... and more pleasant than his previous job, where he had to work with different contractors. Matt said he enjoys his co-workers and Transit staff.

Favorite Activities Outside of Work: Matt likes to spend time with family, and during the summer, he looks forward to going to the family cabin in Chetek.

Hometown: Matt went to High School in Mondovi. After graduation, Matt and Linda were married and bought a house in Eau Claire.

Life Philosophy: “Treat people how you want to be treated!”

Something We May Not Know: Matt was hit by a car when riding a bike when he was seven. He was in the hospital for a few months. He said “It scared me, and it still does!!”

Matt is pictured below. Thank you, Matt!

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, June 9th, Public Hearing, Council Chambers, 6PM

• Tuesday, June 10th, Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 4PM

• Monday, June 23rd, Public Hearing, Council Chambers, 6PM

• Tuesday, June 24th, Council Meeting, Council Chambers, 4PM

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