The Whitewater Common Council met Tuesday, Oct. 7 to discuss several community topics, including Hispanic Heritage Month, White Cane Safety Day and numerous other city updates. Whitewater Common Council meetings are held twice a month, both virtually and in person at the Whitewater Municipal Building’s community room.
The council opened by recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, an annual celebration that honors the history and culture of residents with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. An estimated 14 percent of Whitewater’s population identifies as Hispanic, including about 40 percent of students in the Whitewater Unified School District and 9 ½ percent at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Whitewater Unified School District superintendent Samuel Karns, who thanked the community for helping recognize this holiday, said, “It’s a great opportunity when our spaces align with our values.”
City manager John Weidl also recognized White Cane Safety Day, which promotes driver awareness for visually impaired pedestrians.
“Safe and accessible streets are essential for the well-being of all residents, including children, older adults and people with disabilities,” Weidl said.
Under Wisconsin law, drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a pedestrian using a cane or a service animal to navigate. The law helps prevent serious injuries and raise awareness for pedestrian safety.
The council later discussed important projects happening within the community. The Vanderlip pumping station project is nearing completion with the intention of maintaining a safe and sanitary sewer system. Additionally, the lead line service replacement project has been completed. The project’s goals were to remove all lead and galvanized service lines. The council also noted that the water department has also replaced two fire hydrants.
A fire and EMS report was provided at the meeting. Between Sept. 11-17, fire and EMS received 53 service calls, averaging about 7 ½ per day. The following week, from Sept. 18-24, the department received 44 calls. Additionally, there was a discussion about the Whitewater police department’s participation in the “Pick a Day, Come and Play” at Washington Elementary School. The city also released a new Whitewater Police Department recruitment video, which can be viewed on the city’s social media platforms.
The Whitewater Public Library expansion project is also nearing completion, with the estimated wrap-up date being Dec. 8. The library will close Oct. 27 through Nov. 8, offering curbside pickup services from Nov. 10 through Dec. 6. The library also recently launched a gardening club, which held its first meeting Sept. 19.
The meeting reflected Whitewater’s ongoing commitment to ensuring public safety, celebrating cultural diversity, and improving the city in various ways, with city leaders emphasizing the importance of community engagement for shaping Whitewater’s future.
