City Staff Members Explain Considerations That Go Into Determining Street Width

There was a little educational moment during the 06/21/2021 Municipal Services Committee meeting that readers might find of interest. As the committee reviewed and approved various street reconstruction projects, Alderperson Chad Doran (District 15) wanted to know what the standard street width was or if […]

Municipal Services Committee Votes To Ban Metal Shipping Container Sheds And Pole Buildings

On 06/21/2021 the Municipal Services Committee voted to recommend a staff proposal that the Council prohibit the erection of pole buildings and the use of metal shipping containers as storage sheds. Inspections Supervisor Kurt Craanen said that staff was bringing this forward because they have […]

Municipal Services Committee Approves Updates To City’s Sidewalk Maintenance Policy

On 06/21/2021 the Municipal Services Committee voted to approve updates to the city’s Sidewalk Maintenance Policy. For reasons I don’t understand, Item #21-0870 “Approve updated Sidewalk Maintenance Policy” appears in the agenda packet and was discussed and voted on in the committee meeting but for […]

Municipal Services Committee Meeting 06/21/2021 – Staff Will Recommend Cutting Back On Sidewalk Repair, Limiting Shed Options For Homeowners

The Municipal Services Committee is meeting 06/21/2021 at 4:30PM. They will be voting on various street reconstruction projects. They will be voting on recommended updates to the city’s Sidewalk Maintenance Policy. It looks like the changes would provide more flexibility to the city to put […]

Department Of Public Works Modifies Bulky Overflow Proposal To Include Some Limited Free Curbside Pickup

The Department of Public Works has modified its original leaf, yard waste, and bulky overflow collection proposal which would have seen all free bulky overflow pickup eliminated. The new proposal put limits on what and how much bulky overflow they collect at the curb but […]

Department Of Public Works Reviews Proposed Changes To Leaf, Yard Waste, and Bulky Overflow Collection With Municipal Services Committee; Proposes Completely Eliminating All Free Bulky Overflow Collection

The Municipal Services Committee reviewed the proposed Department of Public Works changes to bulky overflow and leaf collection and snow removal. I had been somewhat tetchy about it because it was listed as an information item which would not be voted on but it seemed […]

Municipal Services Committee Votes To Approve Variance Allowing Homeowner To Expand His Driveway

On 05/24/2021 the Municipal Services Committee took up a request from a homeowner for a variance to municipal code 19-91 (f)(5) to extend his driveway 10 feet into the greater front yard. Municipal Code 19-91 (f)(5) states “Whenever practicable, the extension shall be  located on […]

Municipal Services Committee Reviews 2020 Parking Utility Report, Discusses Ways To Respond To Budget Shortfall

The Municipal Services Committee met 05/24/2021. During that meeting they reviewed the 2020 Annual Parking Utility Report. Director Paula Vandehey said that typically her department was always excited to present the annual report and list all their accomplishments, but they didn’t get much done in […]