Chippewa Valley Times

Here’s some news from around the city for this week. Prior updates can be found on the city's website, and residents can sign up for updates online. Feedback is welcomed.

City Updates: For some city employees, this week included a holiday. Meanwhile, other city employees worked extra-long hours. Here is an abbreviated holiday newsletter with an update on how the July Fourth celebration turned out, a thank you to employees who covered all the bases over the holiday, and a note about next week’s Council Meetings.

Rainy but Happy (and Safe) July Fourth: Despite the rain, the Fourth of July celebrations went off without a hitch. Community Services Operations Coordinator Cory Tietz shared an overview:

“The City of Eau Claire had another successful celebration of our country's independence with our Thursday fireworks display. For the second consecutive year, fireworks were launched from the pedestrian high bridge over the Chippewa River. Although we were watching the weather all day, and though the evening started wet, the rain stopped just in time for crews from our Parks and Police Departments to close the Madison Street bridge to traffic, providing attendees a front-row seat for the 22-minute display. By the start of the show, members of the community and beyond made their way to downtown, finding their favorite viewing spots in city parks, along bike trails or sidewalks, on their front lawns, on riverbanks, and on parking ramps and lots. Each location offered plenty of space for friends and family to gather together.

On behalf of the City of Eau Claire, we would like to thank those who came to join us in a night of celebration that marks 248 years of our country's independence. Furthermore, thank you to numerous staff members, community members, and area businesses that each did their part to ensure the community could gather to celebrate such an important date in our nation's history."

Our Thank Yous include:

- A special thank you to Festival Foods for providing the display;

- Ace Pyro LLC for creating another amazing show;

- The radio stations of Mid-West Family Eau Claire for providing a soundtrack for the event; and

- WEAU 13 News for broadcasting the show to ensure those who could not attend in person could still be part of it.

We also want to thank many employees from various departments who spent countless hours planning and staffing this event.

From Streets Division Manager Aaron Nicholson: “From the Streets side of things, Chad Hesselink was instrumental in drawing up detour maps and ensuring our crews got barricades set out on Wednesday for deployment on Thursday. He then coordinated with Parks personnel to have various detours and road blockages set up during the event.”

From Detective Sergeant Adam Taylor: "The fireworks event went very smoothly this year. The weather was a concern initially but cleared up nicely before it began. Parks did a great job setting up traffic barricades and providing clear instructions to limit confusion amongst drivers."

The Fire Department monitored preparations under Deputy Chief Bob Haller's direction; Station 2 was on standby at the event before, during, and immediately after.

Parks Division staff set up different viewing locations appreciated by attendees under Brendan Osborne's supervision.

Communications/Media Specialist Tess Morgan monitored weather updates: “There was a nice break in clouds around 9 PM that stayed with us. The team communicated by radios which kept everyone on page.”

GIS Technician Jodi Nuenke gathered information from each department translating it onto maps shared across platforms ensuring everyone understood arrangements.

The Special Events Team supported by Amber Willi planned months in advance anticipating problems; they will meet next week to debrief making next year’s event even better.

Capital Improvement Plan Public Hearing & Council Consideration: This Monday provides another opportunity for public comment on Capital Improvement Plan budget prior Tuesday's council deliberation/adoption.

Council Calendar:

- Monday July 8th: Starts from City Hall at 4:30 PM - Council Capital Improvement Plan Tour

- Monday July 8th: Council Chambers at 6 PM - Council Public Hearing/Discussion Night

- Tuesday July 9th: Council Chambers at 4 PM - Council Meeting

Further dates are listed online at City's website.