[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6255464,"mediaKeyId","3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399","parentId",3163531,"title","Council previews resident survey: residents praise parks, library, safety; parking and code enforcement lag","audioSeconds",533,"startMs",5843000,"endMs",6376000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399&start=5843&end=6376","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399/thumbnail_5843000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6255464/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Council-previews-resident-survey-residents-praise-parks-library-safety-parking-and-code-enforcement-lag","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255464-d0548ac052ae39922ceeec63438dde74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445683&Signature=kHQmoqBqhKCKCF2xGsGr-xFXtb0rQ01ukTxawbSgUsLM1rHmjKq911MXq-aF188IyCRSgOaNpYVamNLDv72Gb0Z7kvpfNM625zM11NeaMnnbOgL17L7M7Vui~MvlNYW3m16Tr89mfSxCc4S4UxihwHKctL2KIheq~Q33wQ7Y2qlmaQjALMqNGilzfONoB5SmqXAc0e3kw0BcA~V54r8Qyop-kRBI5Da2YFb82jn7EYUSkupszY62tzi4fdRa1y6fjk5mIcb2TiusGjukdrbfHxRD0Y~tvGfiWgsazHMD3YLnev0nZz0YfwpjJwOfM3ksZGvKz4J5mlErZ-dgzGxoJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","WI / City of Eau Claire","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","City staff presented a preliminary analysis of the 2025 resident survey at the April 22 meeting, saying the data are an early, unweighted look intended to guide council discussion rather than produce definitive, distributable findings.

Staff said responses generally tracked closely with the previous year: high satisfaction with parks, trails, library services and public safety; lower satisfaction on parking availability downtown, code enforcement responsiveness and condition of some streets. The survey used a randomized postcard invitation and an entry code to limit responses to a representative sample; staff warned that the draft results should be interpreted cautiously until the data are finalized and weighted to match demographic groups.

Deputy and department staff noted a few action points the council might pursue in strategic planning and budgeting. Eric (staff who ran the analysis) told the council that younger adults were less likely to use the library and that transit ridership skewed to students and lower‑income households; staff suggested these gaps could inform outreach or program adjustments. Multiple council members said the findings should be folded into budget and strategic discussions as the council sets priorities for the next fiscal year.

Council Member Schoen said the survey gives a useful, broader perspective beyond the complaints that arrive by phone or email. Council Member Brewster cautioned that repeated mid-year requests for one-time funds could erode the city’s ability to invest in upstream housing solutions, while Council Member Worthman said the flexible housing CIP had been intentionally designed to respond to changing local needs.

Staff committed to provide the council with a finalized report, narrative comments collected from respondents, and disaggregated results by age, income and neighborhood for use in the strategic-planning process.

Why this matters

A resident survey provides a baseline of public opinion about city services and priorities and can be used to inform budget trade-offs and strategic planning. Staff advised the council not to treat the preliminary slides as final and promised a more complete report that will include weighting and subgroup analysis.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Eau Claire City Council Meeting April 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented preliminary results of the 2025 resident survey showing strong approval for parks, trails and public safety, and lower marks for parking, code enforcement and some customer-service access questions. Staff cautioned results are preliminary and promised a finalized report and disaggregated data for planning.","taxTitle","Eau Claire City, Eau Claire County, Wisconsin","taxId",4140,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255468,"Council commits $40,000 from flexible housing CIP to support Sojourner House this summer",2232,3734000,5966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399&start=3734&end=5966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399/thumbnail_3734000.jpg","/articles/6255468/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Council-commits-40000-from-flexible-housing-CIP-to-support-Sojourner-House-this-summer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255468-6647fefc9f455e841c867894693e68d8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445683&Signature=TcELH41TH3nwa75sGt9OLOD1e1qojd73JjeVe1jEtoQVmi4O78fJKQQjJ2690GWI-IqgQvVmIlDULNjv9iitwDav8x-8gT5K9VY4EO9YyIJljJFz7x1wftgVrYTKQKwWwVEDUp5z1t1pGjKSPNR9UKNxBE5ohZXQZcagvTts00VP4Jr2Nuexw7EWHct1AR2SmIzOfn4q2HC6YQFNQ1LAQbCAIBeW4m10KsWnkW70WC~ipsuKDzSkJy-CI5ORRlj6y-VWpue301k0LnQ56CDgg4XAlNWmQoxHz0f8ZA502xXaLYAsqOkdOZ9QNdr6HMoR5C~sN7kRasSTozveKSGmYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Steve Hirsch told the Eau Claire City Council at a work session on April 22 that the city will commit $40,000 from the flexible housing capital-improvement line to help Catholic Charities operate Sojourner House this year.

The request followed a presentation from Catholic Charities representatives Rob Grover, advancement director, and Roberto Partner, executive director. Partner told the council the Sojourner House’s operating budget is roughly $850,000–$900,000 annually and that a “perfect storm” of reduced donations, higher personnel costs and a capital‑campaign shortfall left the shelter with a substantial gap. Partner said the agency drew about $120,000 from reserves and secured $80,000 in state funds but still faced roughly $200,000 to cover this year’s operations.

Several council members said they supported a short-term city contribution while Catholic Charities works to shore up long-term funding. Council Member O’Shaughnessy said, “The short answer from me is absolutely I want to support this.” Council Member Mboga, Council Member Worthman and others emphasized the need for a regional approach and longer-term solutions while expressing concern about recurring shortfalls.

Hirsch summarized staff and finance recommendations before the council and described three funding options: (1) draw from the flexible housing CIP line (general-fund supported, intended for housing-related needs), (2) use the city’s contingency fund, or (3) use anticipated unspent operating budget savings for the fiscal year. Finance staff advised preferring the flexible housing CIP for this specific one-time request to avoid tapping contingency or one-time savings that could be needed for contract settlements or other emergent costs.

After discussion the city committed $40,000 from the flexible housing CIP for the immediate need; Hirsch said finance staff (Kitsy Winters) will prepare the specific transfer or amendment and notify the foundation and Catholic Charities of the city’s commitment. Hirsch told the council, “Yes. So basically to summarize, we’re going ahead with 40,000 of funding. It’s coming from the flexible CIP funding and Kitsy can get back she will return to you with that specific, transfer or whatever the next step is, but we will communicate to the foundation that we are that's our commitment.”

Why this matters

Sojourner House is the city’s year‑round homeless shelter. Catholic Charities said a continued shortfall could have forced changes to operations; councilmembers told staff they wanted to buy time for the agency while broader funding solutions are developed. Council members flagged the shelter’s regional role: other nearby shelters operate seasonally (approximately six months); Eau Claire’s shelter operates 365 days.

Clarifying details

- Catholic Charities reported Sojourner House’s annual operating cost as $850,000–$900,000 and an initial shortfall of about $400,000; agency budget adjustments and state support reduced the remaining gap to approximately $200,000 at the time of the meeting. (Roberto Partner)
- Altoona agreed to provide $15,000 toward the request; the county was reported to be considering a $30,000 contribution; those commitments were reported by City Manager Hirsch during the meeting.
- The council directed city finance staff to use the flexible housing CIP line for a $40,000 one-time commitment and to return with the formal transfer paperwork.

Next steps

Finance staff will prepare the formal transfer and notification to the Foundation and Catholic Charities. Councilmembers and staff said they expect Catholic Charities to continue pursuing regional funding partners and longer-term revenue solutions; staff and council asked that departmental data about service use and call types be shared to help quantify the city’s costs and potential savings from shelter investments.

","After a work-session discussion with Catholic Charities, the council agreed to a $40,000 city commitment from the flexible housing CIP to help Sojourner House bridge a budget shortfall and stay open year-round.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6255473,"Council approves a package of routine motions, zoning and safety donations",5931,1053000,6984000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399&start=1053&end=6984","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3163531-509e3c4aab29f18c4b379be66280c399/thumbnail_1053000.jpg","/articles/6255473/Eau-Claire-City/Eau-Claire-County/Wisconsin/Council-approves-a-package-of-routine-motions-zoning-and-safety-donations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6255473-fc2dc542ca1f63d4a9c7e100e7137254/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445683&Signature=O3f0rZH6zRHblv72Ur9vC8NP9Pc39x3V7wibAt6DnMsGOdZ~loGOASDfNwPzjaso5xJLZuc6jazHuNxakSqjnMy~5YUE9Dqxdd4ZP-GQVb9dq93jbIEYdyUbBMCNV8GkwFusvmYyXimaW70GD6HQFEVJBl4gzGYFH~7C7pMLh7Yo3jtKJ4hH1GW3ar8GYhn5U5dDljt9zAGppyA-eL6qy3qBaOXWQ2EDXtp~zyhi93Non3Krirf4lYZpzYLx1fngTi~SsTe2lcXwQXCyz0~wOGUvDYhMmm1EOLvBSmo9zQ8nrNbWYAiNLUj1JYmutU01fkr1rsXvDQpplC-LXx-5PA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eau Claire City Council on April 22 approved a series of routine and business items by up-or-down votes, including a site plan for a cell-tower facility, a three-year facility use agreement for the soccer park, two donor-funded pedestrian safety devices and multiple annexations into the city.

The consent agenda passed on a motion by Council Member Otto, seconded by Council Member Anderson, and the council then approved a resolution canceling the May 26 council meeting because it falls on Memorial Day. City Manager Steve Hirsch confirmed the public hearing tied to that date will be moved to Tuesday.

On the business agenda the council approved a site plan in a P public district for a cell-tower facility and related improvements at 5530 Fairview Drive. Director White answered council questions but offered no additional materials beyond the previous presentation. The motion was moved by Council Member Mboga and seconded by Vice President Wirthman.

The council also approved a three-year renewal of a field-use agreement with Eau Claire United Soccer. Recreation Division Manager Pat Newkirk described the club’s programs, including travel teams, an MLS Go introductory program and an adaptive TOPS program. The agreement establishes a base flat fee with a per-reservation charge for additional use; Newkirk said the structure brings Eau Claire United’s fees closer to parity with the other user, ASO.

Two pedestrian-safety donations cleared the council with 8‑vote approvals required because they affect budget or equipment. The first accepted an anonymous donation to install a rectangular rapid-flash beacon (RRFB) at a marked crossing on Whipple Street; Public Works Director Nuss described the solar-powered units and said they use radio links so no underground wiring is required. The second accepted donated solar-powered flashing stop signs from Property Mines and Rocket Construction for the Damon Street–London Road intersection; Director Nuss said the intersection was recently converted to all-way stop control and the signs will flash 24 hours a day.

Finally, the council adopted a rezoning ordinance moving property from TR‑1A to C‑3 along Old Town Hall Road and approved four separate annexation ordinances for land in the Town of Washington, each presented by Director White. White said the parcels are owned by private landowners seeking city utilities to support potential redevelopment and that each request is consistent with the comprehensive plan and the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) review.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: motion by Otto, second Anderson; outcome: approved (unanimous); notes: routine consent items passed together.
- Resolution canceling the Monday, May 26 council meeting: mover Brewster, second Johnson; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Site plan approval (P public district) — 5530 Fairview Drive (cell tower): mover Mboga, second Wirthman; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Agreement: City of Eau Claire and Eau Claire United Soccer (use of soccer park), 3‑year renewal with updated fee schedule: mover Miller, second Schoen; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Donation acceptance: RRFB pedestrian crossing (Whipple Street) — anonymously funded, solar-powered RRFB: mover Reid, second Otto; outcome: approved (unanimous); notes: recommended by Public Works.
- Donation acceptance: two solar flashing stop signs (London Road at Damon Street), donors Property Mines and Rocket Construction; mover Brewster, second Johnson; outcome: approved (unanimous); notes: city to maintain equipment.
- Ordinance rezoning TR‑1A to C‑3 (Old Town Hall Road): mover Mboga, second Wirthman; outcome: approved (unanimous).
- Four unanimous annexation ordinances (Town of Washington; planning drawings 25-2A, 25-3A, 25-4A, 25-5A): various movers/seconds as read on the agenda; outcome: approved (unanimous); notes: DOA reviewed and found annexations in the public interest; parcels are within the city sewer service area and are privately petitioned (unanimous petitions).

Why this matters

These items move planned development and traffic-safety improvements forward with little debate, and they preserve the council’s schedule for holiday observance. The annexations remove jurisdictional uncertainty for private owners seeking city utilities, and the donated safety devices are intended to improve pedestrian and motorist awareness at targeted crossings.

What’s next

Most items are administrative or permit-level approvals; follow-up will be through staff implementing the site plan conditions, executing the soccer agreement, installing and maintaining the donated equipment, and completing utility connections for annexed parcels. Staff indicated they will monitor the installed devices and return data on effectiveness if additional deployments are considered.

","At its April 22 meeting the Eau Claire City Council approved a set of consent and business agenda items including a site plan for a cell tower, a three-year soccer-park use agreement, two donor-funded pedestrian safety devices and four annexations. Most votes were unanimous; the council also canceled its May 26 meeting.","actionData","errors"]

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Council previews resident survey: residents praise parks, library, safety; parking and code enforcement lag

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