Message from the Village President, Kevin Buckley
While I’d like to invite everyone to my backyard ice rink, I don’t think all 14,000 villagers would fit -- so I’m excited to say the DPW has started to flood Klode Ice Rink. We’re not sure what day it might open, so keep an eye out on the Village’s Facebook page for opening day, hopefully this week.
Also, congrats to WFB High School for being rated the #2 Wisconsin Public School in the 2022 Niche.com ratings! -kb
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Why Is The Village Hall Phone Ringing? |
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What are the rules for dog walking? With the mild winter many resident are walking outside. Remember that dogs are required to be be on a leash and you are required to pick up after your dog. We have received a number of calls regarding off-leash dogs and dog waste.
Are face coverings recommended t be worn at Village Hall? Yes, face coverings are currently recommended to be worn when visiting Village Hall regardless of vaccination status.
Have a question? Send us an email or give us a call at (414) 962-6690.
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This Week's Meetings:
- Monday, January 10, 4:45 p.m., Village Board Room
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Last Week's Meetings:
- Thursday, January 6, 5:30 p.m., Village Board Room
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Spring Primary 2022 Election Information: |
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The Spring 2022 Primary Election is February 15, 2022. Polling places we be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
Offices up for primary election: Milwaukee County Supervisor District 1
Absentee Ballot: In the interest of public safety and welfare, the Village of Whitefish Bay is urging ALL voters to vote by mail for the spring 2022 primary election. Voting by mail is easy and secure. Now is a great time to request an absentee ballot for the entire year. Absentee ballots can be requested in one of the following ways:
Voters who have not previously submitted a copy of their photo ID to vote by mail will need to include a copy of their ID with their request. If you are not sure whether you need to do so, please include a copy to avoid any delay in processing.
The deadline to request a ballot by mail is 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10, 2022. However, please request ASAP to ensure timely delivery.
In-Person Absentee Voting: In-person absentee voting will occur on weekdays from Tuesday, February 1, 2022, to Friday, February 11, 2022, during regular business hours (until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022).
Voter Registration: Last day for voters to register by mail or online is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. All voter registrations must be submitted with proof of residency. After that date, registration must be completed in person at Village Hall through February 11, 2022 or at the polls on Election Day.
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2022 Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project: |
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Upcoming Sanitary Sewer System Maintenance: Visu-Sewer has been contracted by the Village of Whitefish Bay to rehabilitate selected sanitary sewer mains and manholes throughout the Village. This rehabilitation process includes the high-pressure cleaning of the sanitary sewer system and the installation of a Cured In Place Pipe (CIPP) plastic liner inside the sanitary sewer mains and manholes. This liner renews the existing sanitary sewer mains and manholes to a new installation condition without the inconvenience of conventional open cut construction, thereby not requiring road excavation and restoration. This work prevents the inflow and infiltration of clear water entering into the sanitary sewer system during rainfalls. By reducing clear water inflow and infiltration into the system, as well as groundwater, it reduces the risks of residential basement sanitary sewer backups.
Schedule: The project will be completed in three (3) phases. The first phase will consist of high-pressure cleaning and televising of the sanitary sewer mains. This work is anticipated to begin early January 2022, weather permitting, and will continue for approximately 4-6 weeks. The second phase is the installation of the plastic liner in the sanitary sewer mains. The second phase is scheduled to begin in late January and will be completed by April. The final phase, that includes manhole rehabilitation, is scheduled to occur during the months of April-May. Click here to view larger maps of the three phases (pages 2-5).
Residential Plumbing Concerns: The sanitary sewer main cleaning process uses high-pressure water jetting in the sewer mains that may push water out of your residential plumbing floor traps and private plumbing fixtures. This happens most commonly when there is a problem with a home’s plumbing vent. It will be most evident by the appearance of clean water ponding on the floor around floor drains or water levels rising inside of toilet bowls. To prevent this please pour tap water down all basement floor drains or rarely used sinks, tubs or toilets to ensure that you do not have a dry sewer trap.
Sanitary Service Lateral Use Restrictions: The contractor will notify individual property owners with door hangers the day prior to sanitary sewer main liner installation. Please check the front or side doors at your house for this notice at the end and beginning of each day if you are in the identified areas of lining shown on the attached maps. The door hangers will notify you when the sanitary sewer main liner installation work may impact your private sanitary sewer service lateral. During this sanitary sewer main liner installation timeframe the contractor will ask you to reduce your residential water usage to help prevent sewage backups. Please do not use bathtubs, dishwashers, or washing machines during this time. Heavy water usage during this liner work could cause sewage backups in your home. Sanitary sewer main liner installation is normally completed in one day and once completed you can return to using water normally in your home for the remainder of the project. The Village acknowledges your inconvenience and thanks you for your cooperation during this worthwhile Village project.
Contact Information: If you should have any questions regarding this project, feel free to contact - Spencer Charczuk, E.I.T., Village of Whitefish Bay Staff Engineer, (414) 962-6690 ext. 123, s.charczuk@wfbvillage.org
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Updates from Village Hall: |
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When is My Tax Bill Due?
Due date is January 31, 2022. Residents have the option to pay property taxes and other charges as indicated on your tax bill in installments. Installment due dates are as follows:
- 1st Installment due by January 31
- 2nd Installment due by March 31
- Final Installment due by May 31 (May 30 is Memorial Day – please plan accordingly.)
Please note – if any installment payment is missed, the installment option is no longer available and the entire balance becomes due in full.
Tax bills were sent to households the week of December 13, 2021. If you did not receive your property tax bill; please visit the Village website or contact Village Hall.
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Christmas Tree Pick Up:
What is the last date Christmas Trees will be collected at the curb? Village crews will collect Christmas trees once a week curbside ending the week of Monday, January 24. Please place trees on your parkway, the area between the public sidewalk and curb.
What do I do with Christmas wreaths, garland, and pine boughs? These items should be placed in refuse cart for collection. Wreaths that are too large to fit in the refuse cart can be placed on the ground near the cart.
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Community Service Officer Job Opening:
The Community Service Officer (CSO) is a uniformed, non-sworn position that has authority to enforce certain municipal ordinances relating to animals, parking, and code enforcement. CSO’s assist with traffic control and perform other functions to assist department personnel. CSO’s are also trained as clerks and will fill that position when necessary. Hourly wage is $14.39.
Qualifications: U.S. Citizen, 18 years of age or older, valid driver’s license with a good driving record, good verbal and written communication skills, able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Click here to apply or for more job information.
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Cold Weather Safety from the National Weather Service:
Extremely cold air comes every winter in at least part of the country and affects millions of people across the United States. The arctic air, brisk winds, can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia is another threat during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce. Check out this helpful chart for dressing in cold weather.
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The I-43 North-South Freeway is among the busiest routes in Wisconsin and is a critical Interstate link between southeast Wisconsin and the entire state. I-43 provides access to manufacturers, merchants, commuters, and tourists within southeast Wisconsin, the Milwaukee metropolitan area, and other areas including Green Bay, Sheboygan, Manitowoc and Chicago. WisDOT has maintained and rehabilitated the ramps, bridges, pavements, and other structures on I-43 for 50 years. The North-South Freeway has exceeded its design life and it is no longer economical to maintain.
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Updates From The Whitefish Bay Library: |
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COVID Update - Masks Required at the Library: As of January 3, 2022, masks are required for all library staff and library patrons over the age of 3. This is due to the ongoing critical COVID transmission levels in Whitefish Bay. Free disposable masks are available for patrons of all ages.
Excite Your Mind Winter Reading Challenge, January 3 to February 28:
Sign up for our virtual winter reading program through Beanstack and experience this great program for all ages (including adults), full of opportunities for fun and learning. Challenge your family to read more in 2022! You can register online ( https://wfblibrary.beanstack.com/) or you can also use the Beanstack app! Download the Beanstack app and search for Whitefish Bay Public Library. The program runs through February 28.
Zoom Storytime - Mondays, 10:00 a.m. from January 10 – January 31: Join us for an interactive Zoom storytime with stories, songs, and rhymes! More program information.
Facebook Storytime - Fridays, 10:00 a.m. from January 14 – January 28: Join one of our youth services librarians for an All Ages Storytime on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. on our Facebook page for books, songs, and more! We'll be sure to save the storytime so you can watch it later. Click here to Visit our Facebook page.
Take and Make for Kids - Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., January 12 – 26: Pick up your kit from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. outside the front doors of the library. We ask that you take one craft kit per child and practice good social distancing and mask wearing when picking up your kit. Follow our Facebook page to find out the weekly project.
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Job Openings with the Rec Department:
The Whitefish Bay Recreation Department is looking for lifeguards and swim instructors for 2022. Pay starts at $11.00/hour with flexible schedules.
For those intrestesed, please reach out to Mark Suchowski at the Whitefish Bay Recreation Department at 414-963-3864 or Mark.Suchowski@wfbschools.com
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Bay Bridge Event - Film Screening and Panel Discussion:
Please plan on attending our online film panel event on Thursday, January 20, at 7:00 p.m. Representatives from Children's Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedert, and Moms Demand Action will join featured film subjects Claude Motley and Victoria Adams for a frank & authentic (virtual) discussion of gun violence & healing and why it matters to Whitefish Bay, Milwaukee, and our greater community. Additionally, a scene from the film is shot here in Whitefish Bay.
Register to receive a link to view When Claude Got Shot at home on your own time one week prior to January 20. The film will be available for home viewing between January 13 and January 20. Click here to register.
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North Shore Heath Department Healthy Highlight 1/4/22 - Well-being tips for 2022:
Focusing on your well-being is an important thing no matter what time of year it may be. Many of these tips work together and can help achieve a better sense of well-being in 2022 and beyond. Focus on improving your health. There is only one you; make your health a top priority.
- Visit your doctor for an age-appropriate preventive exam such as a physical, blood pressure check, and more.
- Go to bed 10 minutes earlier.
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once per day.
- Focus on your mental health. If you need help managing your mental health, or you know someone who does, don’t wait. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website: http://www.samhsa.gov/.
- Add a healthy stress-relieving activity to your day, such as yoga, meditation, or journaling.
- Spend more time with those important to you, which can increase your well-being through laugher and connection, both which can help you relax and relieve stress.
- Learn a hobby or pick back up on an old hobby you love.
- Reduce your screen time. Reducing screen time can help you focus on your well-being in 2022 and beyond and give you extra time you didn’t know you had to reach your goals!
- Reduce screen time by 10 minutes a day (cell phone, computer, TV, tablet, etc.).
- If you have a smartphone, use the focus or wind-down features and modes to help manage your mobile use
- One hour before bed, reduce blue light exposure by switching off your electronics
- Don’t forget to move! Even if you are already exercising, if you spend long periods of time being inactive, you want to make sure you get up and move
- Get moving at work, this could include a walking break at work or stretching
- Add 10 minutes of exercise to your day.
- Trade dessert for a walk after dinner.
- Make small changes to your daily nutrition. Small changes, over time, can add up!
- Each day eat an extra serving of fruits or vegetables.
- Instead of a snack or treat, go for fruits or vegetables in your lunch.
- Drink more water.
- Balance. Leave work at work and home at home and make the most of your time in both places!
- Take your designated breaks as often as you are able.
- Avoid work burnout. Limit the number of days you go in early or stay late. When you’re away from work, avoid checking emails and voicemails, if possible.
- Plan to take time off for personal days and vacations.
- Visit your local library. Your local library is a great resource to learn something new. See your local librarian to learn more.
- Set a reading goal for 2022.
- Attend a lecture or learn a craft.
- Learn a new skill, language or further your knowledge using one of the many online learning programs your library has available.
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