Monday, January 2, 2023


Village of Whitefish Bay Official Weekly Newsletter

Message from the Village President, Kevin Buckley

My wife and I are heartbroken about the events that took place in Whitefish Bay last week, where two of our community members were lost in tragedy.  

These events remind us all that life is a fragile, short miracle and we should cherish our friends and neighbors each day.

Carpe diem, my friends.  Have a safe and prosperous New Year. 
-kb

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Why Is The Village Hall Phone Ringing?

What are the Village Hall holiday hours this week?

Village Hall and Police Administration offices are closed Monday, January 2, 2023. Normal office hours resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.


When will I receive my property tax overpayment refund?

Tax refunds, if applicable, will be sent to property owners approximately 4 weeks after the receipt of payment. No further action is needed on the part of a taxpayer.


What are the upcoming refuse and recycling collection schedule changes?

Refuse/Recycling normally collected on Monday, January 2, 2023, will be picked up on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.


Have a question? Send us an email or give us a call at (414) 962-6690.

Village Meeting Agendas:

This Week's Meetings:


No Meetings the week of January 2







Last Week's Meetings:


No Meetings the week of December 26

Year in Review - 2022 in Whitefish Bay:

1) Improving Infrastructure, Enhancing Quality of Life 


The Department of Public Works (DPW) is the ever-present service provider which oversees the ongoing maintenance and operations of all the Village’s infrastructure and daily services. In 2022:

  • Installed new water main on Murray Avenue.  Installed in 1923, the cast iron water mains in this location became susceptible to frequent failures, disrupting service for residents. New high-density polyethylene water main will ensure reliable water service for decades to come.
  • Through intergovernmental partnership with the City of Glendale, traffic signals at the intersection of Lydell and Silver Spring were replaced, improving pedestrian safety. 
  • Over a half mile of Hampton Road was milled and overlaid with new asphalt.
  • Formalized a new lighting program to illuminate alleys in Whitefish Bay.
  • Simplified the ARC's Residential Design Guidelines.
  • Initiated Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan due in 2023.
  • Striped additional pickleball courts at Klode Park to accommodate enthusiasts.


2) Electoral Process Improvements – Badger Books


In effort to improve efficiencies on Election Day, the Clerk’s Office successfully implemented Badger Books (electronic poll books) in all four of the polling places within the Village. In order to ensure a seamless implementation of this new technology, a public open house and presentation were offered to curious residents who desired to learn how the Badger Book software is integrated into the Wisconsin Voting System. Badger Books do not use an internet connection. The Badger Book is primarily used to check in voters, process absentee ballots, and register voters on Election Day. Badger Books replace the current two-person, paper poll book system with a one-person tablet that replicates the poll book.

3) Consaul Commons



In 2022, the new Consaul Commons gathering space was completed. This unique gathering space is located between Gerhard’s Kitchen and Bath Store and The Bay Restaurant. With its bold sweeping design, the Commons offers spaces for dining, natural plantings and play. Parabolic shade canopies overhead create shade and visual interest. A sculptural gift, “Time Flies”, from the Richard and Nina Edelman Foundation for Arts and Education, is a featured art installation at the Commons. A bronzed whimsical depiction of three children and their dog (a Silver Springer) crowns the south entrance into the commons from Silver Spring Drive.  A dedication ceremony of “Time Flies” was held in November of 2022.

4) Notable Highlights


  • Began live-streaming of Village Board meetings.
  • Held Joint School Board / Village Board session.
  • Whitefish Bay joined the Wisconsin Bike Federation.
  • Invested $523,000 of Tax Incremental District (TID) funds into Silver Spring businesses.
  • Welcomed Fitzgerald's Pharmacy and Pete's Pops to Silver Spring Drive.

Updates from Village Hall:

Property Tax Update -

Information Regarding Escrow Checks From Mortgage Companies:


Mortgage companies may send escrow checks to the homeowner or directly to the Village. If the check is sent to the homeowner, the homeowner should make sure the check is payable to the Village of Whitefish Bay, signed on the back by all individuals listed as payees and submit the check to the Village for payment of the taxes. Checks that are not signed will be returned to the homeowner, which will cause a delay in processing the payment.


*Some mortgage companies send escrow checks to a third party tax service before mailing payments to the Village. In this case, your mortgage company may tell you the check was issued early in December but we may not receive the payment until the end of December or later. To see when your escrow check was received and obtain a receipt of payment, please visit the Village's tax portal.

Christmas Tree Pick-Up:


Village crews will collect Christmas trees once a week curbside starting the week of Monday, January 2, 2023. Please place trees on the parkway, between the public sidewalk and curb.


There is no scheduled pick up date for tree collection. Please have tree(s) on the parkway by 7:00 a.m. on Mondays to ensure tree(s) are collected that week. Trees will be collected through the week of Monday, January 16, 2023.


PLEASE BE ADVISED! Wreaths and garland with metal bracing attached should be placed inside refuse containers for pick-up. The metal bracing damages the Village wood chipper. If you have a wreath too large to fit inside the refuse container, please place the wreath next to the refuse container on the regularly scheduled day of refuse pick-up.

2023 Refuse and Recycling Calendar:


The 2023 refuse and recycling schedule is available below and on the Village website. Click here to view the schedule. Refuse collection occurs weekly. Recycling occurs every other week, according to A/B schedule. A-Week Recycling is in Grey. B-Week Recycling is in Blue. Please remember to have all refuse and recycling to the curb by 7:00 a.m. on pickup day.


To determine your collection day and recycling route, please see the online route map at: https://www.wfbvillage.org/370/. Carts must be placed a minimum of three feet apart from each other, three feet from any obstruction, and three feet or less from the curb or alley edge.


WFB Public Library:

Take and Make: Snowflake Suncatcher

Wednesday, January 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Make a colorful snowflake suncatcher to hang in your windows to brighten your day. Pick up your kit outside the front doors of the library. We ask that you take one craft kit per child.

Mystery Book Club

Wednesday, January 11, 6:30 p.m.

Please note the new meeting dates our Wednesdays. Our Mystery Book Club meets once a month and is led by librarian Sharon Nagel. This month we're reading, Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara. This meeting will be a hybrid meeting, both on Zoom and in person at the library. Click here to join Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89090700104?pwd=L0dobVU1M0JpdGNDME5EdzNYSWdlUT09

Meeting ID: 890 9070 0104

Passcode: J8yJp03W

All Ages Storytime, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Mondays, Starting January 16

Wednesdays, Starting January 18

Thursdays, Starting January 19

https://www.wfblibrary.org/our_events/?m=1&y=2023

Join us for a fun, educational storytime perfect for all ages. We'll share stories, songs, flannels and more! Storytime will be held in the Tower of the children's area. Please register for any updates.

Art Explorers: Snow!

Tuesday, January 17, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

K5 - 2nd Grade

Please Register- https://www.wfblibrary.org/our_events/?eid=1391

Join us for a celebration of process-focused snow art. We'll be using paint, crayons, recyclable materials, and more to create some cool snow themed art. What's process-focused art?  It's open ended, self-motivated and the emphasis is on the process of making the art, rather than the product produced. Please dress for a mess!

School District of Whitefish Bay:

Elementary 2023-24 4K Enrollment Now Available! Enrollment information is available by contacting the main office at each elementary school or online

Morning session placements will be determined through a random drawing of completed enrollment forms (including all required documents) submitted by noon January 6, 2023.


Important Dates:

  • January 16 – No School
  • January 20 – Early Dismissal
  • January 23 – No School


Part Time Health Aide Position Opening:

Do you have a background in healthcare and enjoy working with children? Apply here for the Health Aide position at Cumberland Elementary! Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so please apply early.


District Newsletter:

The District Newsletters are one of several ways the District works toward comprehensive communications with the community. Read the December Newsletter and sign up to receive monthly newsletters during the school year.

Other Community Links:

WFB Blue Duke Nation

Village of Whitefish Bay | Phone: (414) 962-6690 | Fax: (414) 962-5651
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