Emergency Repairs Needed to Avoid Water Main Breaks

After tracing the source of a slew of water main breaks last summer and fall, the Village Board authorized emergency work Monday to repair malfunctioning water-metering equipment.

After tracing the source of a slew of water main breaks last summer and fall, the Village Board authorized emergency work Monday to repair faulty water-metering equipment. The target of the work is a concrete vault located at East Edgewood Avenue and North Downer Avenue, which holds equipment to measure water consumption and reduce the pressure at which water leaves the Milwaukee system and enters Shorewood's, according to a memo authored by Shorewood Public Works Director Leeann Butschlick. Due to age, the meter is malfunctioning, causing pressure spikes in the system, and cracking water mains, said Trustee Jeff Hanewall.  The repairs are estimated to cost about $75,000. Village officials also approved a $7,700 contract with City Water …

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33 Percent Hike in Sewer Bill Needed to Pay for Upgrades, Village Officials Say

The Village Board approved the increase Monday night, $28 more per quarter and $113 annually, to pay debt for sewer improvements.

To pay on debt related to sewer improvements in Shorewood, sewer bills will swell 33 percent, village officials say.  Approved Monday night by the Village Board, the increase is effective Feb. 15 and will first be reflected on sewer bills sent out in June and July. The increase is needed to pay debt related to upgrades already completed and part of the village's $32.4 million comprehensive approach to rehabbing its outdated sewers, after the system couldn't handle torrential rains in July 2010.  Based upon average use, the increase translates into a $28 quarterly increase, $113 annually, on the bill this year.  Sewer tax bills are dispersed on a quarterly basis and are separate from the property tax bill calculated at the end of the year. …

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Expect to Pay More on Your Sewer Bill Soon

Shorewood officials say they need a sewer rate hike to pay debt for sewer improvements.

A sewer tax rate increase is on the horizon for Shorewood residents as the village works to pay for debt from sewer repairs.  The Village Board discussed three possible options Tuesday night to pay for debt related to sewer improvements conducted in the northwestern portion of the village, on North Downer Avenue and sewer maintenance.  Without a rate increase, the village's sewer utility fund would face a cash deficit by the end of the year. If the village wants to borrow for future sewer projects, the sewer rate must bring in enough money to keep a cash balance of 33 percent of operating expenses and an operating income at 125 percent of the debt service for the previous year.  Village staff presented three options: The first option, with…

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Capitol Drive Lane Closures Coming Next Week during Sewer Work

Lane closures will impact both east and west-bound traffic starting on July 5. Crews in the area will connect a new storm sewer pipe in Newhall to the oversized storm sewer.

To accomdate sewer renovations ongoing in the northwestern portion of the village, East Capitol Drive at the intersection of North Newhall Street — two blocks west of North Oakland Oakland Avenue — will see lane closures starting July 5, according to Village Hall. Crews in the area will connect a new storm sewer pipe in Newhall Street to the oversized storm sewer constructed on Capitol Drive during the 2010 road reconstruction project. The lane closures will impact both east and west-bound traffic for the reminder of July. Digital message boards will provide advance notice to drivers. In addition to that work, the project is designed to alleviate overland flooding issues in the 4000 and 4100 blocks of Newhall Street. The improvements are …

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'Worst Road in the Village' Will Be Resurfaced During Sewer Construction

Officials approved on Monday a $109,000 patch job for Wilson Drive. The major thoroughfare has gone from bad to worse as crews perform sewer work.

With North Wilson Drive already in a significant state of disrepair, village officials said Monday sewer construction under way on the busy thoroughfare and surrounding streets has made things go from bad to worse. "It is by far the worst road in the entire village," Trustee Thad Nation said Monday. That’s why a makeover is in the works for the drive while sewer and road projects are in progress in the area. Village officials approved a $109,000 milling and asphalt overlay project for Wilson Drive from just north of East Capitol Drive to North Sheffield Avenue. Officials say they will fund the milling and asphalt overlay project through the sewer project contingency fund and the village’s road maintenance program fund. Village Manager …

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Shorewood Looks for Avenues to Reduce Stormwater Infiltration in Sewer System

Consultant recommends manhole rehabilitation, sewer lining improvements and a process involving smoke testing to help find leaks and alleviate infiltration.

Shorewood Snapshot: Officials Discuss Bids for Sewer Projects; School Band Concerts

A look ahead at this week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, you can add it to the calendar. Village Board meeting Monday — Village officials will talk sewer improvement when they meet for a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Trustees will further discuss a possible cost share agreement for sewer system upgrades with Whitefish Bay and consider bids for sewer projects planned in the village. The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 3930 N. Murray Ave. School district business — The Shorewood School Board Policy Committee will meet Tuesday night at 5:15 to draft, review and discuss district policy. The meeting will be held in the Shorewood High School conference room, 1701 E. Capitol Dr. Patch media workshop — If you're …

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More Sewer Improvements on the Docket for This Summer

Village officials approve more than $550,000 in contracts to finish sewer upgrades from last summer, and line other sewer lines.

In the ongoing campaign to revamp Shorewood’s sewer system, village officials have awarded more than $550,000 in contracts on Monday to finish North Downer Avenue sewer work and conduct maintenance of other lines. Officials recently approved bidding out $4.4 million in sewer projects to start this summer in the western portion of the village, but actually started major sewer improvements last summer on North Downer Avenue and surrounding streets and roads. The $2.4 million project was coordinated with already scheduled surface road upgrades, but some of the work wasn't able to be bid out, with officials citing timing issues and the understanding they would rebid for work this summer.  On Monday, trustees awarded a $294,492 contract to …

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What's Up This Week in Shorewood? Officials Consider Sewer Contracts; St. Robert Centennial

A look ahead at the week's local events and news.

Here's a look at what's coming up this week in Shorewood. If we're missing something, you can add it to the calendar. Shorewood moving forward with sewer plan — Village officials will consider awarding several contracts related to sewer improvements in Shorewood at a regular meeting Monday night. The board will also formally recognize two Shorewood police officers who saved a man from a burning car in Shorewood High School parking lot, on Jan. 21. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall, 3930 N. Murray Ave. Preps sports — Coming off a win, the Shorewood boys basketball team will host winless Woodland Conference rival Saint Francis on Tuesday night and 10-3 Saint Thomas More on Friday. Both games are at home. The Greyhounds are 9-8…

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