- Mark Twain
For information on upcoming Board, Committee and Commission meetings as well as other government-related meetings and events, please follow the link above to the Village Government Calendar.

March 7 Village Board Agenda

The Village Board will meet on Monday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Court Room. These are the agenda items that the Board will discuss or take action on during the meeting:
  1. Consider Presentation of Accounts March 7, 2016
  2. Proclamation  for Shorewood Woman's Club 80th Anniversary on March 15, 2016
  3. Presentation on Department of Public Works Annual Report
  4. Consider Contract Award for 2016 Street Reconstruction Program Project #1 (NE Area Combined Sewer Improvements)
  5. Consider Contract Award for 2016 Street Reconstruction Project #2 (Beverly Road Reconstruction)
  6. Consider Professional Services Agreement for 2016 Infrastructure Improvement Programs Construction Inspection
  7. Update and Possible Consideration on Public Works Collections Requests for Proposals
  8. Presentation and Discussion from Public Art Committee on new Public Art Proposal
  9. Discussion and Public Comment on Possible Relocation of Police Department
  10. Update on Wilson Drive Community Task Force
Public Art Committee Proposal
The Shorewood Public Art Committee, a standing citizen committee dedicated to planning and implementing the design and placement of public art throughout Shorewood, is currently planning a new installation - The Ghost Train - as part of its comprehensive placemaking plan.  After a thorough research process to determine viability, the committee is excited to share the details regarding this project during the March 7 Village Board meeting.  There will be additional opportunities to discuss the Public Art Committee proposal. 

Village to Hold Informational Sessions on New Police Department Headquarters

Since 2006, Village and Police officials have been extensively researching possible solutions to the Shorewood Police Department's need for a new facility. The public is invited to attend upcoming informational sessions to better understand challenges related to the current headquarters, learn about the studies and review potential solutions that have been evaluated.

Sessions will include:
  • Monday, March 7 - 7:30 p.m. - Village Board Meeting, Police Station Presentation, Discussion, and Community Input
  • Saturday, March 12 - 10 a.m. - Town hall meeting to be held at Police Department headquarters located at 3936 N Murray Ave. Tours of the current facility will be provided.
  • Monday, March 21 - 7:30 p.m. - Village Board Meeting, Discussion with updates on community input to date, further community input will be taken. 
  • Monday, April 4 - 7:30 p.m. - Village Board Meeting, Discussion with updates on community input to date, further community input will be taken.
  • Monday, April 18 - 7:30 p.m. - Village Board Meeting, Discussion and possible consideration of option to purchase AB Data building.
The Shorewood Police Department is currently housed in a joint use facility with North Shore Fire Department. The police department staff of 33 employees occupies 5,000 sq. feet of the lower level while the fire station occupies the upper level of the building. Constructed in 1927, the building no longer adequately serves the needs of a modern law enforcement agency. 

A facility feasibility study conducted in 2007 by the Zimmerman Design Group, a leader in police architecture, led to the exploration of possible remodeling or a rebuild of the current facility as well as a move to one of several possible locations. After a thorough vetting process, Village and Police officials believe that the A.B. Data building at 4057 N. Wilson Drive meets all the needs of a modern police department today and for the foreseeable future.

The Village board has built this project into its long-term financial plan and final consideration for approval for the purchase is anticipated at the April 18 meeting. The goal is for the new facility to be in place by summer 2017.

In the meantime, the Village, Police Department and Public Safety Committee encourage residents to attend the informational sessions and provide feedback or questions to Chief Nimmer at 414.847.2616 or Chris Swartz at 414.847.2701.  If you'd like to read the White Paper for the Police Department Facility, feel free to click here.
Online Parking Permission Module Now Active
The Village of Shorewood's overnight parking permission online module is now active.  Residents and visitors who need to park on the street will be required to use the online parking permission module on the Village website to request overnight parking.  Residents or visitors will be allowed 20 free permissions each calendar year per license plate.  Once a resident or visitor uses their 20 permissions they will no longer be able to request overnight parking permissions.  If you exceed the 20 permissions you must contact the Customer Service Department and apply for one of the other parking permit options.  
 
Please visit the online overnight parking permission site by clicking here.  If you have questions about acquiring long-term parking permits, contact the Customer Service Department at 414.847.2700.
Village Marketing Study Forums on March 14 and March 21 Looking for Volunteers
The Village of Shorewood will be hosting three group forums on March 14 and 21 to allow residents, business owners and neighboring residents a chance to provide their perspective about Shorewood.  

The comments in the group forums will be valuable data for future marketing decisions for the Village and putting together the final marketing survey, which will be available for all the public in April.

The three group forums will occur at the following days and times:

 

Monday, March 14

  • Business & Realtors Forum from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
  • Residents Forum from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Monday, March 21
  • Neighbors Forum (Individuals who live in Bayside, Fox Point, Glendale, Mequon, Wauwatosa, Whitefish Bay and the east side of Milwaukee) from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
The Village hired Sue Northey who works for the company Branding Breakthroughs.  Ms. Northey specializes in working with organizations to conduct marketing studies and improve an organization's or community's ability to attract and retain people of multi-generations.  Ms. Northey will be facilitating the group forums on March 14 and 21.

Those individuals that would like to participate or have additional questions about the forums should contact Ms. Northey at [email protected].  Participants will be selected based on demographic information in order to establish a diverse and representative pool.  Selected participants will also receive a $25 gift card to thank them for their efforts and time commitment. The location for the group forums will be sent to participants.  
Notification Regarding Crane on Oakland Ave.
Please be advised that the crane on the corner of Olive St. and Oakland Ave. will be placed in weathervane mode when not in use. This means the boom of the crane is able to swing freely where the wind blows it thus reducing wind resistance.
 
The crane will be in place to set all of the wall panels for the six story mixed use building and is anticipated to be in place until the beginning of June. 

Do not be alarmed should you see the crane changing directions, even over Oakland Avenue; this is intentional and expected.
 
Contact the Planning and Development Department at 414.847.2640 should you have any questions.
 
 

Vehicle Theft and Break-In Prevention Tips

It takes less than a minute for a thief to break your car window and snatch the cell phone, laptop, purse or package you left unattended in your vehicle. In the same amount of time a thief can steal your vehicle with the set of keys you left inside for them. 
 
Safeguarding your vehicles and the valuables inside of them is very easy to do. Here are some tips you can follow to help prevent vehicle thefts and break-ins.
 
1. Keep your car visible
Park your vehicle in well-lit areas. Avoid having your car concealed by larger vehicles, fences, or foliage; thieves like to work in private.
 
2. Don't make it easy
Keep windows and sunroofs closed and doors locked. Almost one-fourth of thefts from vehicles are from unlocked cars.
 
3. Activate your vehicle's alarm
If you don't have one you should consider getting one.  Factory-installed anti-theft systems are best, but a professionally-installed alarm can discourage a vehicle break-in thief who likes to work in silence.
 
4. Hide your valuables
Many smash-and-grab thieves act on impulse, so keep your valuables out of sight - either with you or in a locked trunk. Don't count on the glove box; thieves know to look there, and they're easy to break into. If you have a wagon or SUV that leaves your cargo area open, get a retractable fitted cover to keep shopping bags or other belongings hidden.
 
5. Don't give a thief your keys
Take your keys with you. And if you think you have a great hiding place for a spare key, vehicle break-in thieves know where to look.  Whether it's above the visor, in the center console, under the floor mat, in the trunk well, etc., these thieves are well educated in their craft and odds are they will find the key and use it to take your vehicle. 
 
6. Stow your stuff before arrival
Experienced thieves often stake out parking lots to watch for people putting items in their trunk. Help prevent vehicle break-ins by putting valuables like laptops, purses, messenger bags, and electronic devices into your trunk before you get to the parking lot.
 
7. Stow the accessories as well
After you've put your stuff in the trunk, don't forget such telltale accessories such as power plugs, adapters, and mounts. Thieves know what they're looking for, so hide the electronic accessories, too.
 
8. Trust your instincts
If you see suspicious activity, find another spot to park and report your suspicions to police. You may help prevent another person from being victimized.
 
9.  Use visible anti-theft devices
Many vehicles are broken into with the intent of stealing the vehicle itself. Visible anti-theft devices, like steering wheel locks, steering column collars, or brake pedal locks may discourage the would-be thief from breaking in and trying to steal the vehicle. 
 
10. Never leave the vehicle running and unattended . . .
...not even for a minute.  Whether it's to make a quick run inside the store or to stand inside your warm home while the cold vehicle warms up, leaving the vehicle unattended with engine running provides a thief the perfect opportunity to steal your vehicle with the keys included.  Many times that set of keys also includes keys to your home, garage, other vehicles, etc.  So leaving one vehicle running and unattended could compromise the safety and security of many other areas of life.     

March Shorewood Memory Cafe Scheduled

Shorewood's Memory Caf� will meet this month on Thursday, March 10, from 2:30 - 4 p.m. rather than on its usual third Thursday, due to the celebration of St. Patrick's Day on March 17. This month's theme will be our own version of the Antiques Road Show! The Memory Caf� will take place at Three Lions Pub.

We're asking everyone to bring in two obscure or unusual objects (concealed in a brown paper bag): One object to share information about; and the second, to stump any 'experts' among us. It's sure to be an entertaining afternoon full of surprises and laughter! 

We hope you'll join us. New participants please RSVP ahead to Elizabeth Price at the Shorewood Senior Resource Center: 414.847.2727.

Tax Preparation Tools at the Village Center

As you begin to prepare your 2015 taxes, remember that Shorewood has two great, free resources available with tools to help you. The Shorewood Public Library offers paper tax forms, both state and federal, and also has a public access computer from which you can print any forms and instructions you may need. 
 
The Senior Resource Center engages AARP volunteers to offer free tax preparation assistance each year. This service is free and offered on a first come, first served basis. Tax assistance from AARP volunteers is every Thursday from 1-5 p.m. through April 14 at the Village Center. Learn about these and other tax tools and resources on the Library's website.

Welcome to the Village of Shorewood, Rachel!

Shorewood Library's new Director of Library Services, Rachel Collins, began on Monday, February 29. Please stop in and say hello to Rachel as we are extremely fortunate and happy to have her here!

Sustainable Shorewood Tip of the Week        

It's Cold Out There, Reduce Drafts
You can help minimize household drafts by locating and sealing any areas of air loss. Use a candle or stick of incense to locate drafts on a windy day by trolling around windows, doorjambs, and vents. Some drafts may require formal sealing or weatherstripping, but you can also roll towels or use bubble wrap to catch certain gaps. Pet doors are a particularly heinous culprit. If you don't use your pet door in the winter, seal it off completely until spring. Otherwise, try to keep it covered with a towel, layers of cardboard, or bubble wrap when not active.

Health Department Highlights        

Did You Know?
It's that time of year where many people have already started thinking about spring break vacation. Spring break is a great time to travel and have fun, but also a time to be alert to the dangers associated with it. With popular destinations where certain diseases are on the rise such as the Zika Virus, it is important for everyone to be prepared for safe travel.
 
What is Zika Virus?
Zika virus is a disease that is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). A possible link between birth defects and the Zika virus are still being investigated and pregnant women are still on high alert.  At the moment there is no vaccine to prevent this virus; if you plan on traveling it is best to follow these tips:
  • Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long sleeved clothing, stay in places with air conditioning, use insect repellants, treat clothing and gear with permethrin, etc.
  • Practice safe sex as Zika may be transmitted sexually.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus is spreading.
  • If you plan on traveling discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Follow these basic health and safety tips for your next vacation:
  • Visit a travel clinic and get your required vaccinations.
  • Protect yourself from the sun and always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 15. For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection.
  • Protect yourself from unintentional injuries by limiting alcohol intake, wearing the appropriate gear during activities, and knowing how to swim.
To get more health and safety tips visit: http://www.cdc.gov/family/springbreak/
To get more information on the Zika virus visit: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
To get a list travel vaccines visit: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

*************************************************************************************
We continue to offer flu immunizations during our regular All Immunization Clinic times. Please call the North Shore Health Department for an appointment at 414.371.2980.
 
The next Immunization Clinics are scheduled for the following days:
  • Tuesday, March 8 from 10 -11 a.m. - Brown Deer (appointment required)
Upcoming Adult Health Clinics
  • No upcoming clinics
Upcoming Blood Pressure Screenings
  • No upcoming blood pressure screenings.
Upcoming Community Events

Shorewood Memory Cafe
Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 2:30 - 4 p.m.
Three Lions Pub

Town Hall Meeting for Police Department Headquarters
Saturday, March 12, 2016 at 10 a.m.
Police Department Facility

Shorewood Marketing Business and Realtors Group Forum (must register to attend)
Monday, March 14, 2016 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location TBD once you register and are selected

Shorewood Marketing Residents Group Forum (must register to attend)
Monday, March 14, 2016 from 7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
Location TBD once you register and are selected

Shorewood Marketing Neighbors Group Forum (must register to attend)
Monday, March 21, 2016 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Location TBD once you register and are selected
Quick Links