League of Wisconsin Municipalities

It's a new year and the League is looking forward to Fresh Starts and Setting Priorities. Check out our latest edition of the Municipality magazine, where we look ahead at all the great things 2024 has to offer our members. Here's to a great year!
https://www.lwm-info.org/828/The-Municipality-Magazine

Happy New Year from the League! Here's to a wonderful 2024!

The League office will be closed on Friday, December 29th and Monday, January 1st, but we look forward to returning and serving our members in the new year!

For our members- Flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin are to be flown at half-staff beginning Thurs., Dec. 28, 2023, until the date of interment for former U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl. Executive Order #219 can be viewed at https://ow.ly/UAgJ50QmmCy

Happy Holidays from your friends at the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and League Mutual Insurance. We wish you all the best for a safe and merry holiday!

The League office will be closed on December 22nd, 25th, 29th and January 1st in observance of the holidays.

🚧 Village of Richfield Department of Public Works Update: Anti-icing Brine for Safer Roads! 🚗

As we navigate an unusually mild mid-December weather pattern, your Village of Richfield Department of Public Works is taking proactive measures to ensure safer road conditions for all. We'd like to share an important message on behalf of our DPW Supervisor, Brett Thicke.

🌬️ Weather Challenges:
The recent warm days and freezing nights have led to challenging road conditions in the morning, even with the absence of snow. Frosty pavement during the early morning commutes have resulted in a handful of motor vehicle accidents in the last week- notably those on Monches Road just west of STH 164. Many drivers are unaware of these conditions, as frost may not be visible or has "worn off" from friction by the time some motorists have hit the road. This Wisconsin winter anomaly is particularly noticeable on areas of road which have tree cover inside our rights-of-way or the roads are heavily shaded during the daytime hours.

❄️ Proactive Solution:
To address this issue, we plan to proactively apply anti-icing brine to specific sections of Village roads. This cost-effective measure aims to prevent car run-offs and crashes in critical areas, including hills, curves, intersections, shaded areas, and newly paved roads. So you may see what we refer to as "Safety Lines" on some Village roads like are pictured below.

⚙️ Why Brine?
Brine application is a fast and cost-effective option to protect these areas from early morning frost conditions. The treatment is typically effective for 3-5 days. Our plow drivers, operating during regular hours, can apply this low-cost product more efficiently than traditional salting operations, especially with 30-40MPH windy days like we experienced yesterday in which salt left on the road wouldn't stand a chance! The brine we purchase from Washington County, Wisconsin is purchased at a rate of $0.18/gallon. Salt brine is a precise blend of water and salt that not only very economical, it is good for the environment, minimizes damage/corrosion to our plow trucks and residents’ vehicles while still being an effective way of combating Wisconsin's Winter for these types of applications.

To further put that into context, the per ton price of salt has ballooned up in recent years to $87.00 per ton. Each plow truck is capable of hauling 6-8tns. That's potentially $700 in just materials alone on one truck! For an eight person DPW plow operation, that equates to $5,600 in materials. Since we usually fill our trucks twice with salt, that's $11,100 in salt per snow storm, on average.

If we spray our hills, curves, and dangerous intersections with 100-300 gallons of brine that equates to anywhere between $18-$54.00.

Does that mean we've given up on using salt? Heck no, we purchase 2,300 tons per year at the cost of over $200,000. But since 2016, the price per ton has gone up dramatically from $66.95 per ton to $87.00 so we have to be smarter about how we use our product while not compromising on safety.

As the saying goes....

“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.”

Brine is just another tool in our DPW Toolbox.

📞 Contact Us:
For additional information or inquiries, please contact DPW Supervisor Thicke at (262)-628-2260 Ext. 118 or email him at [email protected].

Thank you to those who attended the League Urban Alliance meeting this week in Madison. It was a great opportunity for networking and connecting with peers. We were honored to present Governor Tony Evers with a Champion of Cities and Villages Award as he talked with many of our Wisconsin leaders. We also want to thank our speakers, WHEDA CEO, Elmer Moore Jr; Executive Director LISC Milwaukee, Theodore Lipscomb; and Director Interagency Council on Homelessness DOA, Mike Basford. A big thank you to Watertown Mayor Emily McFarland and Oshkosh City Manager Mark Rohloff for their leadership with our Urban Alliance.

If you have some time at lunch today, check out this free webinar . Join the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy for a webinar to learn more about a $3 million grant Wisconsin has received to curb climate pollution. Register now at https://us06web.zoom.us/.../tZ0ofuqvqTgqHNwOhup...

Help shape the fight against climate change! Join the Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy at noon Friday, Dec. 8, for a webinar to learn more about a $3 million grant Wisconsin has received to curb climate pollution. Register now at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ofuqvqTgqHNwOhup_Hyu9Tgw0iWkqbdlJ #/registration

For our members- Flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023, in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Executive Order #217 will be in effect from sunrise to sunset on Thurs., Dec. 7, 2023, and is available at https://ow.ly/9rIh50Qgq6E

With the holidays around the corner and so many things on our minds, cybersecurity should be the last thing we have to worry about. Check out the latest edition of the Municipality magazine where we take a closer look at technology. https://ow.ly/5f8u50Qe8Ew

Eau Claire Council President and League President Emily Berge was featured in an article about her roles within her community and the League.

PRESIDENT TIMES TWO: Eau Claire’s Berge Now Leads Statewide Municipal Group In the space of a year, Emily Berge has become a president two times over. Back in April, she was elected president of the Eau Claire City Council, become leader of the city’s top decision-making body and ...

What a fun way to celebrate staff and all they do!

It's our next "Staff Wednesday" - when we take a moment to get to know those who work for the village with a dedication to public service!

Today it's Village Clerk - Michelle Johnson!

Name: Michelle Johnson
Position: Village Clerk
Experience: Assistant Town Clerk in Boxford, MA for 7 years, Bachelors in Fine Arts in Costume Technology from UW-Milwaukee, and Over a Decade in Theater Costuming
Family: Married to Husband Matt for 12 Years, Two Young Boys - Sydney and August
Hobbies: Reading, gardening, bird watching, and shopping/thrifting for vintage items
Favorite Thing about Fredonia? "I love working with a great team of staff and elected officials who have a common goal of serving our community!"

Thank you Michelle for your commitment to the Village of Fredonia, WI!

Wisconsin Municipal Clerks Association
League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Engaging Local Government Leaders

What a lovely tradition! Way to go Village of Campbellsport!

What a great way to inform residents while expressing appreciation!

Thank you Village of Ashwaubenon team!

It's Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day!! ❄️

Our Public Works Streets Team is a fantastic group of individuals who work tirelessly throughout the winter to keep our streets plowed and salted for our residents and visitors. Commutes to work, Village events and day-to-day travel during the winter would not be possible without them!!

How fun City of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin team!!!

There were SOOO many creative name ideas!!

Thank you The City of Waukesha team!

It's Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! We are thankful for all our City of Waukesha snowplow drivers (many pictured in this photo) that help keep our roads clear all winter long!

You can show your appreciation this winter by....
• GIVING THEM ROOM - If you see plows out on the road, give them plenty of space. They make frequent stops, starts, and turns.
• NOT THROWING SNOW - When you are removing snow from your property, it must be kept off the roadway.
• NOT PARKING IN THE ROAD - Try to avoid parking on the street so the plows have more space to clear the roads
• BEING PATIENT - During a storm, crews will be out working. They start with main streets, hills, intersections, bus routes, and railroad crossings. Once those are cleaned, they move on to flat streets, cul-de-sacs and alleyways. They will get to all areas. Please be patient.

Thank you City of Oshkosh Government team!

Monday, November 27 is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in the State of Wisconsin! Motorists are reminded to give snowplow drivers plenty of space to complete their jobs safely.

❄️ Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.
❄️ Watch the road ahead and allow plenty of following distance.
❄️ Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Drivers are advised to slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.
❄️ Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow’s mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.
❄️ If you must pass, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.
❄️ Don’t be over-confident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. They still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roadways.
❄️ During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

Thank you Village of Village of DeForest team!

❄️2023 Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day❄

We are so grateful for the DeForest Public Service Team, who work long hours to keep our streets clear and safe during the winter months. THANK YOU!!
Missing from photo: Kevin W.

League of Wisconsin Municipalities

Thank you Village of Kronenwetter, WI team!

❄️❄️The weekend snow came just in time for Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day!

We have the BEST crew of "plowers" around! They brave the cold early, early mornings to make sure we have safe roads here in the Village.

Thank you!! 🥰

Thank you City of Sheboygan - City Hall team!

❄️ Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! ❄️
These women and men work long hours in tough conditions to keep our roads clear and safe throughout the winter season.

So to snowplow drivers everywhere, THANK YOU!

Thank you City of Whitewater team!

Thank you Village of Bayside team!

Thank you City of Oconto Falls team!

November 27th is National Thank A Snowplow Driver Day.

Thank you City of Madison, Wisconsin Government team! These names are great!

Thank you City of Appleton Government team!

🚛✨ November 27th is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! ✨🚛
Join us in expressing gratitude to the dedicated City of Appleton Public Works drivers who work tirelessly to keep our streets safe and clear during winter weather. Their hard work and commitment keep our community moving smoothly. We appreciate our unsung heroes! ❄️👏!

Thank you City of Waterloo, WI team!

Today is National Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day. Thank you Waterloo DPW Employee's for all that you do for the City and keeping the streets safe!

Thank you Village of East Troy team!

Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! "THANK YOU!" to all our Snowplow Drivers who work throughout each and every snow event to keep our community clear and safe!

Thank you Village of Kewaskum team!

Every day we are thankful for our versatile, hardworking DPW team, but today we recognize them for "Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day"!

Motorists can thank Wisconsin snowplow drivers by staying safe on the road this winter.

- Buckle up, phone down. Every trip, every time.
- Watch the road ahead and allow plenty of following distance.
- Most traffic crashes in winter are caused by drivers going too fast for conditions. Posted speed limits apply when travel conditions are ideal. Drivers are advised to slow down when roads are slick or visibility is reduced.
- Stay at least 200 feet behind a working snowplow. Make sure that you can see the plow's mirrors to ensure the driver can see you.
- If you must pass, be careful. Snowplows often create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision. Remember that road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.
- Don't be over-confident if you operate a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive vehicle. They still require a considerable distance to stop on slick roadways.
- During major winter storms, postpone or cancel your trip. Stranded motorists and vehicles become hazards that interfere with snow removal efforts.

𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴

Thank you City of Janesville, WI team!

Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! The Operations Division is committed to providing the City with safe and reliable roadways before, during, and after winter weather events. We're so thankful for their team today and every day!

Thank you City of Fort Atkinson, WI-Government team!

Thank you City of River Falls team!

Thank you City of Beloit, Wisconsin - Government DPW team!

❄❄❄

Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin! Thank you to all of our snow removal operators who work long nights and days to keep our city streets safe!

Help them out by removing your parked car from the street during a snow emergency! Text 608-367-4600 to receive a text message alert during the city’s snow emergencies.

Thank you City of Kaukauna Government team!

Today is National Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! We are so grateful for our snowplow drivers who work long hours to keep our streets clear and ensure safe driving during winter weather.

League of Wisconsin Municipalities

Today is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! Thank you to all those who are preparing for the busy season to keep our streets clean and our communities safe!

Share photos of your snowplows and drivers on our page, tag us or send us a message. You can also upload them to our website. https://www.lwm-info.org/.../Municipal-Spotlight-Photos...

We would also love to hear fun stories or names for your plows! Let us showcase your municipality and your drivers! 'Tis the season!

Happy Thanksgiving! The League team wishes you a happy and thankful holiday.

Hey League Members! Monday is Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day! Share photos of your snowplows and drivers on our page, tag us or send us a message. You can also upload them to our website. https://www.lwm-info.org/FormCenter/Employee-Spotlight-44/Municipal-Spotlight-Photos-and-Informati-452

We would also love to hear fun stories or names for your plows! Let us showcase your municipality and your drivers! 'Tis the season!

Thank you to everyone who attended our final stop on our Regional Thank you tour. Yesterday, we had a great conversation on all things municipal with Speaker Robin Vos at the Veterans Terrace in Burlington. It was nice day, beautiful building and great company. We also awarded the Speaker with a Shared Revenue Champion Award for his leadership this session.

Amazing people doing awesome things to build communities.