The February edition of Eggs & Issues featured officials from the city on February 15th, 7:00 a.m. at CVTC. City Manager Stephanie Hirsch, Deputy City Manager Dave Solberg, and City Council President Emily Berge led the presentation.
Growth
Berge started off the presentation discussing the growth the city has seen. Since 2020, the City of Eau Claire grew by 2.71%. This is about 1.81% more than the rest of the state.
Environmental Sustainability
In order to support the environment, the city has established “no mow may”, created pollinator areas throughout the city, and taken a closer look into how trash collection is being conducted in the city. They also have the goal to reach 100% renewable energy and carbon neutrality by 2050. Through a partnership with Xcel energy they will build a new solar farm in 2025, located off of highway 29.
Asset Management
Cory Tietz, the Community Services Operations Coordinator, discussed asset management. Starting this year, the city implemented an asset management program. This allows the city to make accurate decisions based on what the city has.
Neighborhood Services
Phillip Lubke, Neighborhood services supervisor, discussed the neighborhood services division, which just launched in December 2023. This division is now responsible for enforcement of city ordinances, like public nuisances, and enforcement of city ordinances, like trash collection and downtown parking enforcements.
Parks
Leah Ness, discussed how the city is looking at modes of transportation in keeping access for as many people as possible. Examples include crosswalks, biking corrals, trail signs, and re-painting roads.
EDI
Anoosheh Hamzehee, the EDI team lead in the city manager's office, discussed the city’s Bipoc Steering Committee, which focuses on engaging with the community and advancing governmental initiatives.
PFAS
Ben Spanel, the Utilities Manager, discussed the issue of PFAS in the water. Once it was discovered, the city immediately removed some wells from service, meaning the past three years only half of the city’s wells have been in service, yet there has been no restrictions on water use. They also have a contract with an engineering firm to design a water plant that will remove PFAS from the water. The goal is for construction to begin in July, and is estimated to take about one year to complete.
EMS
Jon Schultz, Deputy Fire Chief, discussed emergency services. Service is provided to 100,000 people, both in the City of Eau Claire and surrounding municipalities. The emergency services got their medications and supplies from HSHS, they will now be receiving those items from Marshfield. The biggest impact will be the availability of beds in the hospitals.
Housing
Billie Hufford, discussed housing. The city is currently working with community partners to get a permanent day shelter opened that would bring multiple services together into the same building. They are also looking into street ambassadors. One program example is Block by Block.