by Kevin Zimmermann
SHEBOYGAN, WI (WHBL) – A special Sheboygan Common Council meeting on Monday highlighted the responses being taken by City and County agencies to the coronavirus pandemic.
Suspension of many services and downscaling of offices was a common theme, but so were the adjustments made to continue services while Safer at Home initiatives from Madison are being observed in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consistent with the new reality, many officers reporting to the Council did so remotely.
David Biebel from the Department of Public Works said that the Superior Avenue reconstruction project has been suspended for 90 days in order to preserve good access to St. Nicholas Hospital, as were the Geele Avenue and Badger Loft water mains projects. Biebel outlined a new problem, explaining that many of the sanitary wipes being used to clean surfaces are ending up down the toilet. That has already resulted in one sewer backup requiring the intervention of the Public Works Department, and Biebel urged people to flush only toilet paper and put the wipes in the trash instead.
Derek Muench, Director of Transit and Parking reported that the Shoreline Metro hopes to return to a full schedule soon, but reductions continue for now. Fares have been suspended in order to reduce virus exposure and provide financial relief. Capacity has also been reduced to 10 persons on the full-sized buses, and 3 on the smaller ones in order to maintain safe social distancing. Entry and exit of buses is now through the rear door unless ramps are required.
Reports to the meeting were followed by questions from council members.
Many more aspects of the “new reality” in Sheboygan were outlined and will be covered in future stories.
