Monday, September 21, 2020

Village of Whitefish Bay Official Weekly Newsletter
Message from the
Village President, Julie Siegel

Thank you to Village Hall and Library Staff for their work on getting over 6,000 absentee ballots mailed out. If you already requested an absentee ballot, you should be receiving it shortly. If you haven't requested a ballot, please check out the election information below for your voting options. To subscribe to our newsletter, click here.
Why Is The Village Hall Phone Ringing?
When is the next brush chipper collection? Brush will be collected by Village crews this week (September 21, 2020). Brush should be placed in the parkway between the curb and the sidewalk.

What is the status of Trick or Treat in Whitefish Bay? Whitefish Bay’s Trick-or-Treat is currently scheduled for Saturday, October 31 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services will shortly be issuing Trick-or-Treat guidance to health departments throughout the State. The Village of Whitefish Bay will then work with the North Shore Health Department to finalize local guidelines to ensure that Trick-or-Treating can occur in the safest manner possible.

Have a question? Send us an email or give us a call at (414) 962-6690.
Village Meeting Agendas:
Last Week's Meetings:

  • Monday, September 14, 4:00 pm, Virtual GoToMeeting

  • Thursday, September 17, 5:30 pm, Virtual GoToMeeting
This Week's Meetings:

  • Monday, September 21, 6:00 pm, Virtual GoToMeeting

For other meeting agendas and minutes, please visit the Agenda Center page on the Village Website.
Proposed Winter Parking Changes and Information - Comments Accepted until Oct 1:
The Village will be considering changes to overnight winter parking regulations this October. The changes were reviewed by the Public Works Committee in January 2020. Click here to review a summary of the current regulations and proposed changes.

Proposed Winter Overnight Parking Changes – Why? The winter (December 1st – March 31st) overnight parking regulations in Whitefish Bay have been in effect for many years and are unique to Whitefish Bay. While being unique is not necessarily a bad thing, it does raise the question as to why they are unique and if they could be improved. Staff from the Police Department and Public Works Department reviewed the current zone system and those adopted by other local communities. We found that the alternate side parking system, popular among many other local communities, will improve snow removal efforts and offer more equitable parking opportunities to residents.

The current system only allows monthly permit sales in designated zones in the Village. These zones are not evenly distributed throughout the Village - meaning, in certain areas, someone may have to walk almost one mile to the nearest permit zone. This is an unfair system to many residents in the Village.

Furthermore, with the current system, vehicles are parking in the same zones throughout winter. This makes plowing these areas difficult as vehicles are parked in the same spot every night, and as the snow accumulates, the usable portion of the street becomes smaller. Under the new alternate side parking proposal, plows would be able to completely clear the street of snow within two nights.

The proposed overnight parking changes only affect winter overnight parking, which is enforced from 3 a.m. – 5 a.m. Vehicles still need to abide by all other parking regulations in affect for the location they park. An overnight parking permit does not supersede time zone restrictions or other restrictions on a block, and vehicles with overnight parking permits must be moved once every 24 hours.

Staff from both the Police Department and Public Works Department support the proposed changes and believe it will benefit the residents of Whitefish Bay.

How do I leave public comments or questions? Public comments and questions are encouraged. Please click here to visit the public feedback web page to ask questions or let us know what you think about the proposed changes.
Updates from Public Works:
Village Hall/Library Parking Lot Biofilter Project:

The Village of Whitefish Bay was successful at procuring funding from Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) Green Solutions fund for a new biofilter project between the VIllage Hall and Whitefish Bay Public Library (location pictured). Many years ago this area was planted with bushes for aesthetic purposes. A number of these bushes have been removed over time, with only a few remaining.

This project will improve this area aesthetically but also will provide improvements in stormwater quantity and quality. The stormwater benefits are important as the Village is required per the DNR MS-4 Stormwater Permit to continually improve stormwater quality. This project will take place in 2021.
North Klode Park Beach - Status Update:

The Village has received numerous questions about the damaged/eroded north beach at Klode Park over the past several months.

Background: As a result of a severe winter wind storm that took place in early January, 2020, the Klode Beach shoreline encountered substantial erosion (damage pictured). This storm was so severe that the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management coordinated with local municipalities and was successful in obtaining a FEMA emergency disaster declaration.

What's Happening Now: Since that declaration, Village Staff and shoreline restoration consultant SmithGroup have worked with FEMA to develop both a shoreline restoration grant request as well as pre-emptive hazard mitigation grant request.  The grant requests are currently undergoing review by FEMA and maximize available grant dollars. However, repair work cannot be completed until a grant is approved by FEMA. Grant funding is not yet guaranteed at this time. The Village will continue to provide updates as additional information is received.
October Leaf Collection Information:
When Will Leaf Pick-Up Begin? Public Works begins leaf collection on Monday, October 19 (weather permitting). Collection is typically weekly, but there is no specific collection schedule. Collection is dependent on crew availability and the volume of leaves that need to be collected. Leaves may be collected earlier based on leaf fall conditions.

Important 2020 Update - Village Requests Residents NOT Use Leaf Collection / Yard Waste Bags: In October 2020 the Whitefish Bay Public Works Department crews will begin collecting leaves and yard waste placed in the roadway curb area by Village residents. This year, the Village requests that residents do not put leaves and yard waste in leaf collection bags.

Residents can place leaves and small yard waste debris directly in the roadway near the curb. Branches can still be left in the parkway area for brush chipper collection at this time.

Yard waste collected by Public Works is temporarily stored at a DNR-approved joint use municipal site in Glendale until it is hauled away, recycled, and turned into organic compost.

Thank you for your cooperation and helping our Public Works Department maintain efficiency during the leaf collection season! Thank You!

Where Do I Place My Leaves? Leaves should be placed near or in the curb of the street. Please place leaves away from storm inlets as leaf decay can clog storm sewers and add unwanted material to Lake Michigan.

Can I Throw Yard Waste in the Leaf Pile? The Village encourages property owners to throw certain yard waste material (yard waste is plant material such as flowers and garden material, grass clippings are not permitted) in the leaf piles to preclude a separate yard waste pick-up. Branches, sticks, and other woody material should not be placed with the leaves and should be left on the boulevard/parkway for chipping.

What Does the Village Do With the Leaves? Most of the leaves are temporarily stored and composted at a DNR monitored site shared with the City of Glendale. They are hauled away by a private sod grower and used as sod bedding material.

When Is the Last Day That Leaves or Yard Waste Will Be Picked Up? The DPW will run yard waste crews to pick-up leaves until the first significant snowfall or through the first week in December.

Yard Waste Material Drop Site: Residents with yard waste material after collection has finished (and throughout the winter months) may dispose of it at the Shorewood Transfer Station. Click here for cost information. The transfer station is located at 3801 N Morris Boulevard in Shorewood. It is open:
  • December to March, 1st Saturday of each month (only), 8:00 am to 2:00 pm 
  • April to November, 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
November 3, 2020 Election Information:
Requested absentee ballots for the November 3, 2020 General Election are being mailed by the Village Clerk's Office. The Village has received over 6,000 absentee ballot requests out of approximately 10,000 registered voters! Absentee ballots are being mailed as quickly as possible, we appreciate your patience.

Click here to view a sample ballot. The ballot is the same for all wards.

Offices to be elected for the November 3rd election include: President and Vice President of the United States, Representative in Congress, State Senator, Representative to the Assembly, District Attorney, Milwaukee County Clerk, Treasurer, and Register of Deeds.

How to Request an Absentee Ballot:
Your request must include a copy of your WI photo ID.

Your options to return your ballot:
  • Place your ballot in the mail. The U.S. Postal Service sorts and delivers official election mail in an expedited fashion.
  • Use the dropbox just inside the Village Hall vestibule door. The box is checked regularly during the day.
  • Drop your ballot off at the Village Hall front desk during regular business hours.
Please remember that your ballot must be received at Village Hall (not postmarked) by 8:00 pm on November 3, 2020.

In-Person Absentee Voting: In-Person Absentee Voting will occur on weekdays from Tuesday, October 20th – Friday, October 30th during regular business hours (until 5:00 pm on October 30th).

Election Day: Polls will be open on November 3, 2020. Polling places are open from 7:00 am - 8:00 pm on Election Day. Please use the Ward Map (PDF) link to see where your polling place is.
Updates from the School District:
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings:
  • Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at 7:00 pm – Regular Business Meeting and Committee Meetings
All are invited and welcome to attend. View meetings and meeting agendas here.

Important Dates:
  • September 28, 2020 – No School 
Programs from the Whitefish Bay Public Library:
Virtual Programming: Make along at home! Premiering Mondays at 4:00 pm on Facebook. September 21st: Art with Miss Katie. Visit the Library Facebook page to join in the fun!

Facebook Fall Virtual Storytimes: September 15 to October 23, premiering on Facebook!
  • Tuesdays at 10am: Toddler Time with bounces, songs, and fingerplays
  • Fridays at 10am: All Ages Storytime with books, songs, rhymes and more
Updates from the Whitefish Bay Public Library:
Whitefish Bay Public Library Open Hours:
  • Monday to Thursday - 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Friday to Saturday - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
  • Sunday (Beginning on September 13) - 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Please keep your library visits to 30 minutes or less. A limited number of study tables are available for a single person’s use for 1 hour a day. Library computers are available for up to 1 hour per day. Thanks for protecting staff and other patrons by wearing your mask. Masks are required.

Curbside Pickup (by appointment):
  • Monday to Saturday - 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Our curbside pickup is easy and contactless! Place materials on hold through CountyCat. When you receive a notification that items are ready for pickup, go here to schedule your pickup - https://calendly.com/wfblibrary/curbside-pickup-schedule.
Get Study Help with Tutor.Com: Whitefish Bay Public Library has partnered with Tutor.com to provide you with FREE online tutoring to support your academic success this school year. The experts at Tutor.com can help you work through a tough homework problem, improve your writing skills, study for a test, review a difficult concept, and so much more! To access Tutor.com, visit our website: https://www.wfblibrary.org/read_research/get_study_help_with_tutor_com.php. Tutors are available every day from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. To use this resource you must be a resident of Whitefish Bay with a valid library card.
From the North Shore Health Department:
NSHD Highlights 9/15/20: Student Sleep Week:

September 14th-20th is Student Sleep Week. According to a survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), more than half of parents with school-age children (57%) say that they have a teen or a child that does not get enough sleep on school nights. Sleep is a key determinant of health and leads to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, and mental/physical health. This is even more important during a time like now when schools across the country are changing routines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A healthy sleep and wake schedule can make this less challenging. Below are some important tips for establishing and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule for you and your children:
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals before bedtime
  • Remove electronics (TVs, phones, laptops, tablets, etc.) from bedroom
  • Establish a nighttime routine that includes time to wind down (taking a bath, reading books, etc.)
  • Create a good sleep environment (no bright lights, cooler temperature, white noise, etc.)
  • Stay active - regular physical activity can help falling asleep easier at night
  • Stay consistent – going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day (yes, even weekends!) can help improve sleep

Keep in mind also, daily recommended (total) hours of sleep differs for each age group:
  1. Infants 4-12 months of age: 12-16 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
  2. Toddlers 1-2 years of age: 11-14 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
  3. Children 3-5 years of age: 10-13 hours per 24 hours (including naps)
  4. Children 6-12 years of age: 9-12 hours per 24 hours
  5. Teenagers 13-18 years of age: 8-10 hours per 24 hours
For more information check with your child’s pediatrician or click here.
Community Spotlight:
Whitefish Bay Women's Club Rummage Sale:

The Whitefish Bay Women's Club is having a rummage sale this Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Your generous contributions have brought in many wonderful worthwhile items. A COACH bag and Fitz & Floyd Christmas collectibles were among the donated items. Bikes, tools, toys, clothing, etc. etc. are also waiting to be purchased.  That particular item you've been looking for may just be at this sale. See you next Saturday at the Whitefish Bay Woman's Club

We will be accepting donations Monday, September 21, 2020 thru Friday, September 25, 2020 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The next National Take Back Day will be October 24, 2020: This event is a safe, convenient, and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at locations in communities throughout the country. The event will be at Whitefish Bay Village Hall from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on October 24, 2020.

The October 2019 Take Back Day brought in 882,919 pounds (almost 442 tons) of unused or expired prescription medication and vape devices. This brings the total amount of prescription drugs collected by DEA since the fall of 2010 to nearly 12.7 million pounds​. Read more about the most recent Take Back Day totals here.
National Guard COVID-19 Testing Locations Remain Open:

The National Guard COVID-19 testing sites continue to operate this week. Please see below for locations, dates and times.

North Side & South Side Locations
  • Custer Stadium - 4300 W. Fairmount Ave., Milwaukee -Across the street from Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education
  • UMOS - 2710 S. Chase Ave., Milwaukee

Days/Hours 
  • Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

As a reminder, Federally Qualified Health Centers and private health providers continue to provide tests for symptomatic individuals. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211 online to find the testing location nearest to you.
Farmers' Market Continues:

The Whitefish Bay Farmers' Market is every Saturday through October 19, 2020 from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Farmers' Market is located in the Aurora Parking Lot (325 E Silver Spring Dr.).

The Whitefish Bay Farmers' Market is working to provide as much space as possible for vendors and customers to shop safely. Social distancing should be practiced, face masks are required, and hand sanitizer is available. Please click here to view a full list of Whitefish Bay Farmers Market guidelines for customers.
Other Community Links:
Village of Whitefish Bay | Phone: (414) 962-6690 | Fax: (414) 962-5651