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1. Why do water service laterals freeze, aren’t our pipes buried deep enough?

There are 3 main factors which contribute to freezing of a water service lateral – Frost Depth, Water Usage, and Exposure to Weather.

A. Frost Depth - “Normal” maximum frost depths in our region are 4 to 6 feet. In paved areas or other areas where snow is removed frost can drive down deeper. As the frost level goes down it approaches and, in extremely cold winters, can reach near the depth of water service laterals. In older parts of the Utility’s service area water mains and service laterals may only be between 6 and 7 feet deep. In areas of newer construction water mains and service laterals should be 7 feet deep or more. Think of frost as simply a block of ice in the ground which grows larger and larger from the ground surface downward. If the block of ice touches or surrounds a water service lateral, the lateral will freeze without water running through it. Frost depth is the most important factor in causing water service laterals to freeze underground.

B. Water Usage – This applies to both the water mains and the water service lateral itself. Lower usage is going to mean the water stays in the pipes longer. If water usage in the mains is lower the water gets colder. If water usage on a lateral is very low or even stops (such as when a resident goes on vacation) the water in the lateral will become even colder and, if the frost is deep enough, the lateral freezes. Customers with low usage (single occupant homes for example), businesses with long periods of no water usage on weekends, homes unoccupied during vacation periods, etc., are going to be much more likely to freeze during these cold weather periods.

C. Exposure to Weather – There are 2 ways municipal water supply temperature can be affected by the air temperature. Your service lateral may be exposed to drafts or cold air near where it enters your building. The other “exposure” is from water being stored in elevated water towers where it cools (or warms) during the time it stays in the tank. Most water towers in our region will develop ice along the tank walls during a winter season, but the majority of water remains liquid due to the daily filling and usage cycle.

There are a number of water service laterals which are known to routinely freeze each year. Some of those freeze on the customer’s portion of the water service lateral and some on the Utility’s portion of the lateral. The Utility is required to annually notify those customers whose service laterals freeze on their portion to either take measures to prevent freezing or, at their option, pay for thawing the service lateral if it freezes. If the freezing is something known to occur on the Utility portion of the water service lateral, the Utility either takes measures to prevent freezing or takes care of any costs to prevent freezing. You may also wish to review the PSC’s FAQ on this topic.

2. Is there anything I can do to prevent my water service lateral from freezing?

A. You should always make sure your lateral and plumbing inside your home or business are shielded and insulated from cold drafts and building interiors are kept warm enough to prevent the pipes from freezing. If you have pipes on the interior side of an exterior wall, inside of cabinets, it can help to open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.

B. At the time of initial installation of your water service lateral your plumbing contractor should have observed standard practices for minimum bury depth of the water service lateral. If the minimum bury depth could not be met, the water service lateral should have been insulated.

C. In a typical winter season there is really nothing you need to do to prevent the underground part of a water service lateral from freezing, as long as it has been installed properly. In an unusually cold winter when frost depths are greater than normal, utilities sometimes make the judgment call of advising customers to run water as a precautionary measure rather than respond to high numbers of customer freeze-ups. If the underground portion of your water service lateral has a history of freezing, if the Utility feels it may be in danger of freezing, or if it has frozen, the Utility will advise you of measures to take. The most common advice the Utility gives is to continuously run a ¼ inch stream of water (the size of a pencil) until frost has disappeared from the ground. As long as water continues to run at a high enough rate it should not freeze. The Utility offers some additional advice once you have been notified to run water in FAQ #3.

3. If I need to run water for freeze protection, which faucet should I run?

Any faucet in your home or building will draw water from the underground part of the service lateral into the internal plumbing. There is no need for this water to run through the entire internal plumbing system. You might prefer to run water in a utility sink, typically in your basement, so you are less likely to be disturbed by the noise from running water. Whatever faucet you choose to run, it would be a good idea to make sure all your family members or business associates know about it and even tape a sign to alert others to the situation.

4. Is there any way to tell if my water service lateral is about to freeze?

There are some things to be aware of as possible signs your water service lateral is on the verge of freezing. These include:

A. A noticeable reduction in the amount of water you see flowing out of your tap(s).
B. A reduction in water pressure
C. Discoloration of the water
D. Cold water temperature of 34 degrees or less

Items A, B, and C, are likely a result of an ice cube or plug forming in the service lateral. The discoloration would be from the ice plug loosening deposits on the inside of the pipe.

5. I noticed the signs that my water service lateral might be freezing, what should I do?

The best thing you can do if you observe some of the signs your water service lateral is on the verge of freezing is to run one or more faucets at full stream for 5 to 10 minutes. This should draw warmer water into your water service lateral which, as it flows, should be able to melt the cube or plug which has formed. You can contact the Utility at any time for any additional advice.

6. Who is responsible for thawing a frozen water service lateral?

The rules the Utility follows are set forth by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Wisconsin. Those rules are contained in Chapter 185 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, or PSC 185. PSC 185.88 describes the rules related to frozen water service laterals. The basics of the rule are:

A. If this is the first time your water service lateral has frozen and it cannot be determined if the freezing is on the customer’s or the Utility’s side, the Utility is responsible for the cost of thawing, unless item c, below, applies.

B. If it is known the water service lateral has frozen on either the customer’s side or the Utility’s side, the cost of thawing is the responsibility of the party whose service lateral has the “problem.”

C. If the customer’s portion of the water service lateral is made of non-metallic material, the Utility is not responsible for thawing the lateral.

There are a number of water service laterals which are known to routinely freeze each year. Some of those freeze on the customer’s portion of the water service lateral and some on the Utility’s portion of the lateral. The Utility is required to annually notify those customers whose service laterals freeze on their portion to either take measures to prevent freezing or, at their option, pay for thawing the service lateral if it freezes. If the freezing is something known to occur on the Utility portion of the water service lateral, the Utility either takes measures to prevent freezing or takes care of any costs to prevent freezing. You may also wish to review the PSC’s FAQ on this topic. See map of non-metallic service locations

7. How will I know whether to start or stop running water for freeze prevention?

The Utility either notifies you or you have received confirmation to run water for freeze prevention. Freeze prevention is accomplished by running a ¼ inch stream of water continuously until frost has disappeared from the ground. Whether the customer is responsible for the cost of the water or whether the Utility is responsible for the cost of the water, if the service lateral freezes after the customer has been notified, the customer is responsible for the costs of thawing the lateral. Warmer temperatures and melting snow do not signal frost has thawed underground. It is normal for the frost to remain underground until the middle of May in our region. Please contact the Utility if you have any questions.

8. Why doesn’t the Utility just notify everyone to run water to prevent service lateral freeze-ups?

The decision to run water for freeze prevention is a judgment call on the part of the Utility and the Utility does not want to encourage waste of water. Other considerations in extremely cold winters relate to the additional cold water being run into the sanitary sewer and possibly freezing either your sewer lateral or the sewer main due to extreme frost depth as well.

9. My water service lateral has frozen, what do I do?

Contact Weston Municipal Utilities immediately at 715-359-2876, any time, any day. You will reach our answering service during non-business hours. The Utility policy is only to trouble shoot and work to correct water service lateral freeze-ups during daylight hours as a matter of safety for the operational staff assigned to respond to these problems.

10. My neighbor’s water service lateral has frozen. I don’t have any problems, but the Utility still wants access to my home. Why?

The preferred method to thaw a water service lateral is to run an electrical current through the frozen water service lateral with a portable welder. The current heats up the pipes sufficiently to melt the ice and thaw the service line. If the water service lateral is frozen on the Utility’s portion of your neighbor’s water service lateral, the only way to make a circuit is to connect to the closest point of access to the water distribution system. This is usually the next closest water service lateral connected to the water main. It could also be water service laterals on either side of your neighbor’s house or on the opposite side of the street. The idea is to make the circuit as short as possible without passing other possible circuit branches (other service lateral connection points) to minimize the chance for current to travel somewhere it isn’t needed or wanted.

11. I have been told my water service lateral is non-metallic (i.e. plastic), how can my lateral be thawed?

The conventional method of using a portable welder cannot be used to thaw a non-metallic water service lateral, since it does not conduct electricity. This is the reason the current language in PSC 185.88 does not require the Utility to thaw these service laterals. For this reason, all customers the Utility knows to have a non-metallic service lateral have been advised to run their water continuously for freeze prevention as described earlier. The recommended method of thawing a non-metallic water service lateral is with hot water no more than 80 degrees in temperature. The Utility has access to such equipment, but if it is needed there is likely to be some time required, perhaps a day or more, before the equipment is available.

12. If my water service lateral has frozen, isn’t the Utility obligated to restore my water service in a specific time?

Aside from monitoring the conditions in the water distribution system and changing operating levels in water towers, there is very little the Utility can do except alert customers when conditions exist which could cause water service laterals to freeze and notify customers to run water. These conditions are acts of nature and beyond the Utility’s control. The Utility will make every effort to restore a customer’s service when the Utility is responsible to do so. However, the Utility has limited resources and extended periods of service interruption may occur, especially if there are widespread problems. Water service lateral freeze-ups are responded to in the order in which they are received. The Utility policy is to restrict working on thawing water service laterals to daylight hours as a matter of safety for the operators.

13. I reside in a mobile home park, am I supposed to run water for freeze protection?

Mobile home parks served by Weston Municipal Utilities are considered single customers. If you reside in a mobile home park you should consult the park owner or manager for any recommendations they have on this topic.

14. I live in a rural part of the Village and have a private well for my water and a private septic system for wastewater. Am I supposed to run water?

Neither Weston Municipal Utilities nor the Village of Weston has authority to oversee private potable water wells or private wastewater disposal systems. All installations are going to be different and you should contact your plumbing professional for any advice on whether you need to do anything to prevent freeze-up of your private plumbing systems.

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1. What are PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Their ability to repel water and oil and withstand high temperatures has made PFAS a particularly useful ingredient in industrial and commercial products, including non-stick products, stain- and water-repellent clothing and fire-fighting foams. These chemicals do not easily break down in the environment and have been known to accumulate in the environment and humans. In a nationwide study, low levels of PFAS were determined to be present in the blood of most Americans. Two PFAS, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are the most extensively studied of these chemicals.

2. Are PFAS regulated by the federal or state government?

Currently, there is limited regulatory authority of PFAS at the federal level. In 2016, the EPA issued a non-enforceable Lifetime Health Advisory level for PFOA and PFOS of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) in drinking water. EPA is expected to update its advisory in late 2022.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed drinking water and groundwater standards for 18 PFAS compounds. These standards are based on recommendations that DHS established in 2019 and 2020. To learn more about how groundwater standards are developed, visit the DHS groundwater standards website at dhs.wisconsin.gov and search “groundwater standards”.

For more information on groundwater standards, visit The Department of Natural Resource’s page NR 140 groundwater quality standards update.

3. I keep hearing different numbers referenced for Wisconsin’s PFOA and PFOS drinking water advisories. What does this mean for me, and how do I keep my family safe?

The proposed drinking water standard for PFOA and PFOS was changed from 20 ppt to 70 ppt to reflect EPA’s 2016 health advisory, but this change does not impact DHS’ health-based recommendations. DHS concluded that EPA’s health advisory of 70 ppt does not reflect the latest science on health effects of PFOA and PFOS – particularly those on the immune system – and it does not adequately estimate exposure risks to infants. DHS recommends that everyone take action when levels of PFOA and PFOS in their drinking water are above 20 ppt.  

4. What are the health effects of PFAS?

Although PFAS have been used extensively since the 1950s, experts are only beginning to understand their potential impacts on human health. This understanding continues to evolve based on ongoing research. Two of the most studied PFAS chemicals are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA). Current studies suggest that exposure to high levels of PFOS and PFOA may:

• increase cholesterol;
• decrease antibody response;
• decrease fertility in women;
• increase the risk of certain types of cancer; and
• increase the risk of thyroid diseases.

 

Scientists are still learning about the health effects from exposures to mixtures of PFAS. For more information, visit the CDC's PFAS and Your Health website and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) PFAS webpage.

5. How are we exposed to PFAS?

The major routes of exposure to PFAS are:

• drinking water contaminated by PFAS;
• eating fish caught from water contaminated by PFAS;
• accidentally swallowing contaminated soil or dust.

 

Additionally, limited exposure may occur from consumer products:

• eating food that was packaged in material that contains PFAS; and
• using some consumer products* that contain PFAS.

*Research has shown that today's consumer products usually have low amounts of PFAS, especially when compared to levels found in contaminated drinking water. However, small exposures to PFAS are possible when a person comes in contact with or uses products such as:

1. some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers;
2. nonstick cookware;
3. stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery and other fabrics;
4. water resistant clothing;
5. cleaning products;
6. personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup); and
7. paints, varnishes and sealants.

If you have questions or concerns about products you use in your home, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.

6. How can I reduce my exposure?

Because PFAS are found at low levels in some foods and in the environment (air, water, soil, etc.) completely eliminating exposure is unlikely. However, certain actions can be taken to reduce your overall exposure to PFAS, including the following.

• If your public water supply or private well water has PFAS levels at or above the DHS health advisory levels, use an alternative water source for drinking and preparing foods which absorb (rice, oatmeal) or have water as a main ingredient (soups, coffee, tea), and preparing infant formula. 
  1. Use purified or filtered bottled water,
  2. Filtered water from a pitcher, sink, or whole-house filter system with a certified filter technology. A granular activated carbon (GAC) filter that meets ANSI/NSF Standard 53 or a reverse osmosis (RO) filter with an included GAC component can filter out PFAS. These numbers will be printed on the filter and/or packaging. More information about filtering out PFAS from drinking water is available here: Reducing PFAS in Your Drinking Water.  
  3. Other sources of water that have been tested for PFAS and do not have levels above health advisories. 
• Follow fish consumption advisories. By following the consumption advisories currently in place where you fish, you will reduce potential health risks not only from common fish contaminants such as PCBs and mercury, but also from PFAS. More information can be found on DNR's fish advisory page and by using the DNR's online query tool to check advisories in places where you fish. The DNR's current fish consumption advisories are also available in Choose Wisely: A Health Guide for Eating Fish in Wisconsin [PDF]
• Vacuum your home routinely, preferably using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Soil containing traces of PFAS can be tracked into the home from outside. In addition, dust can contain PFAS from common household products, like stain resistant carpeting or water repellent clothing. Vacuuming reduces the overall amount of dirt and dust in a home.
• Limit contact with consumer products containing PFAS*. These may include:
  1. some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, pizza boxes and candy wrappers;
  2. nonstick cookware;
  3. stain resistant coatings used on carpets, upholstery and other fabrics;
  4. water resistant clothing;
  5. cleaning products;
  6. personal care products (shampoo, dental floss) and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup); and
  7. paints, varnishes and sealants.

*Recent federal efforts to remove PFAS from consumer products have reduced the likelihood of exposure in consumer products; however, some products may still contain them. If you have questions or concerns about products you use in your home, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772.

7. Should I be worried about dermal (skin) exposure to PFAS?

PFAS do not easily enter the body through the skin. Therefore, touching or having skin contact with water, products or packaging containing PFAS is not a major source of PFAS exposure. Even if your water supply contains PFAS, it is still safe to use it for showering, bathing, and washing hands. However, when bathing infants and children, be sure to monitor them and discourage swallowing of bath or shower water. 

8. Can I use my tap water for typical household activities?

If your municipal or private well water has PFAS levels at or above DHS health advisory levels:

• We recommend that you use bottled water, an approved treatment device or another alternative water source for drinking and preparing foods which absorb water (e.g., rice or oatmeal), have water as a main ingredient (e.g., soups, coffee, or tea), and preparing infant formula.
• You may use your tap water for doing laundry, washing dishes, washing produce brushing teeth, and filling your swimming pool. These activities are not expected to be a significant exposure source. However, to reduce the chance of accidental ingestion of small amounts of PFAS, remind swimmers not to swallow pool water.

9. How can I safely feed an infant?

• Breastfed infants: Nursing mothers should continue to breastfeed. Nursing mothers should also drink bottled water that has PFAS levels below DHS health advisory levels or use water treated with an approved treatment device. Women can pass PFAS onto infants through breastfeeding; however, our current understanding is that the health benefits from breastfeeding outweigh the negative effects of PFAS exposure through breastmilk. While we do not know a lot about the health effects of exposure to PFAS in breastmilk, we do know that the benefits of breastfeeding are well-documented. For more information about the benefits of breastfeeding, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Women's Health breastfeeding webpage.
• Formula-fed infants: If your potable well water has PFAS levels at or above the DHS health advisory levels, we recommend that you use an alternative water source such as bottled water or water treated with an approved treatment device to make infant formula.

10. Can a medical test show whether I’ve been exposed to PFAS?

A blood test can measure PFAS in your blood, but this is not a test routinely done in a doctor's office. While it is possible to get your blood tested for PFAS, test results will only tell you how much PFAS is present in your blood and not whether your health has been, or will be, affected by PFAS. At this time, the scientific understanding of PFAS is not sufficient to determine health risks based on the level of PFAS in a person's blood. Most people in the U.S. have measurable amounts of PFAS in their body because PFAS are commonly used in many consumer and industrial products.

If you have specific health concerns or would like to have your blood tested, please talk with your doctor. Some of the health effects possibly linked to PFAS exposure, like high cholesterol, can be checked as part of your annual physical. It is important to have regular check-ups and screenings.

Additional information on blood testing can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR) PFAS Blood Testing page. You can also read their Talking to Your Doctor about Exposure to PFAS fact sheet. The ATSDR is a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

11. What is the average amount of PFAS in a person's blood?

Most people in the U.S. have been exposed to PFAS and have PFAS in their blood, especially PFOS and PFOA. During 2013-2014, the general population had, on average, below 5 micrograms per liter, or µg/L, of PFOA in their blood. In comparison, in 2000, highly exposed workers in PFAS manufacturing facilities had average measurements of more than 1000 µg/L of PFOA in their blood. As the production and use of PFOS and PFOA in the United States has declined, their levels in blood have gone down as well. From 1999 to 2014, blood PFOA levels among the general U.S. population have declined by more than 60% and blood PFOS levels have declined by more than 80%. For more information on PFAS blood level trends in the U.S., please read the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR) fact sheet on PFAS in the U.S. Population. The ATSDR is a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

12. Who can I contact about health questions related to PFAS?

Contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services by emailing DHSEnvHealth@dhs.wi.gov.

13. Other Resources for PFAS Information

DHS PFAS Information

DHS PFAS Filtration Brochure

DNR PFAS Information

DNR Fish Consumption Advisories

ATSDR: PFAS and your health

ATSDR: Talking to your doctor about exposure to PFAS

EPA PFAS Information

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1. Why do we need to replace our Municipal Building?

The proposed construction will replace an outdated and unsuitable main building including the public works garage. It will replace a collection of cold storage outbuildings and allow all emergency response vehicles and equipment to be stored in a minimally heated space.  There is no space in the current facility to create separation between the equipment bay and machinery for metal working such as welders, band saw, bearing press, lathe, etc. which are safety issues.  Existing buildings have poor insulation, inadequate HVAC equipment, and poor security features, allowing for unrestricted and unauthorized access.  Staff labor is redirected to building maintenance and emergency response is hampered by cramped conditions and time lost, particularly for winter operations.  The proposed project will also combine park operations offices and equipment with other Village administration and equipment at one site.

The first Municipal Building(s) at 5500 Schofield Avenue date back to 1956. As the Town and Village have grown over 60+ years, the main building, garage, and the site have been renovated and remodeled about every 10 years. More recently the Village has struggled to meet changing needs for technology, energy efficiency, and building security. The Village retained Kueny Architects of Pleasant Prairie, WI, in 2015 to conduct a condition assessment of the Municipal Buildings at all sites including Public Safety and Parks. Kueny’s recommendation was to REPLACE the existing administrative offices and public works garages, combining also with parks administration, at a central site. Major points include:

• The Municipal Buildings have outlived their useful life
• Renovation of the existing garage and office would not be cost effective (see FAQ #2)
• The public works garage is inadequate for the Village’s needs in maintaining a modern equipment fleet.
• Office space is inadequate
• Asbestos in the existing building needs to be abated if remodeling is done
• The facility is not compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems need costly upgrade

2016 Presentation

2018 Presentation

Consider that Weston is the second largest municipality in Marathon County with a current population of just over 15,000 expected to increase to over 22,000 by 2040, representing half of the expected growth in Marathon County over the next 20 years.  A modern facility to serve the next generation…and beyond…is needed.  

2. Was renovation of the existing building(s) considered?

Yes.  The Village, with assistance from its architects and engineers, determined renovation of the existing buildings and site could be considered, but renovation would not resolve spatial issues and ADA accessibility issues throughout the building. Spatial issues include locations, layout, and security of offices for the present and for future needs. ADA accessibility issues apply to restrooms and to other areas of the building. Other challenges are the condition of the current electrical system, heating and ventilation deficiencies, and undersized plumbing.  (See “Facilities Evaluation” page)

3. How much will the project cost?

The current estimated project cost is $16.6 M.  The building itself accounts for $14.4 M of this cost.  The land purchase, which was not in the original project estimates, accounts for $1.0M of the total project.  The balance of $1.2 M is in site preparation, shop equipment, architect’s fees, furniture, and contingencies.

4. The original facilities study in 2016 estimated the project would cost between $12 and $13 million. Why has the estimate gone up to possibly 15 million?

Building costs change over time.  The original estimate was made 4 years ago.  The construction industry uses a tool called the RS Means Index to monitor building cost fluctuations over time. According to the RS Means Index, a building project estimated at $12.5 M in July of 2016 would now be approximately $14.4 M in January of 2020. The Village also purchased the new property on Camp Phillips Rd in the spring of 2020, adding $ 1 M to the project total.

5. How will the project affect my taxes?

It is estimated this project will increase the tax rate by an average of $0.86 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation over the 20-year repayment term. The estimated debt for this project will increase the annual property tax for a home assessed at $150,000* by an average of $129.71 during this 20-year term ($10.81 per month). For a $300,000 home the increased average annual property tax over the 20-year term is estimated to be $259.41 annually ($21.62 per month).

The actual tax rate for this debt will vary year by year based on the final project cost repayment schedule for the bonds, fluctuations in interest rates based on market conditions, and Village growth rate.

Estimated Financing Plan Tax Impact

*Single-family home statistics in Weston (Per Village Assessment records as of 12/07/2020)

Average assessed value is $158,800.  Median assessed value is $149,700

6. If we don’t construct the new building will my taxes remain the same or even go down?

This project is one of many the Village needs to consider as it plans for continuing to provide services to the taxpayers. The condition of our facilities impacts our delivery of services and ultimately the value of your property.

If the building project is not done there certainly would be less money borrowed in total for capital projects – those that replace deteriorated assets like buildings, streets, bridges, sidewalks, etc. However, it is not realistic to think these assets will not require replacement over time (just as a homeowner must replace things like their roof, driveway, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or other parts of their property that have a finite useful life). Deferring a project does not eliminate the need, it only kicks the can down the road and makes it more costly in the future.

So, the answer to the question is, sure, the Village portion of property taxes for debt would remain lower for some time, but the need for a new facility does not go away and future Village residents will pay more.

7. Why was a new site selected?

As the Village and the architect proceeded with the preliminary design on the current site, it became apparent construction on the existing site would leave no room for future expansion. Rather than attempt to acquire additional property adjacent to the current site that was not for sale, the Village observed the former G&B Produce site at 4707 Camp Phillips Road was on the market and purchased the property. The new site gives the Village 13 acres for a building project vs. only about 8 acres at the current site and is still centrally located.

Another benefit of having a new site is having no interruption of day-to-day operations during construction. If building were to take place on the existing site, public works would have lost its garages and mechanic bays during the construction and would have had to temporarily locate at the Ryan Street yard waste site. This would have required additional cost for improvements to the garage at Ryan Street as a temporary base of operations for Public Works and created operational inefficiencies during the construction.

8. What will we do with the existing site and the buildings?

The existing site and buildings will eventually be sold. That could be in their “as-is” condition or with the buildings demolished and the site prepared for a new development.

9. How does the new facility compare to the current one?

Comparison is under construction.

10. Will the new building include technology which improves energy efficiency and conservation of resources?

Yes.

Energy saving and conservation capabilities have improved greatly over the past 60 years. A new building will include cost-effective technologies for HVAC along with modern controls and insulation, for the Village’s situation. Modern (LED) lighting systems and controls will contribute to a much more energy efficient building.

With unknown developments for the future of alternative energies, the building design will include provisions to add solar collectors either at the time of construction or later. A major hurdle to overcome with solar power is finding a cost-effective method of storing the generated electricity.

Sustainable Design Upgrades to be incorporated in the new building include:

•Roof Ready for Solar Panels - Future

•Energy recovery units on ventilation equipment

•Super-insulation of building envelope

•Sun shading devices for occupied spaces

•Use of natural light

•High efficiency motors

•Minimize exterior heat absorption (high reflectance low emissive)

•Low E double glazed windows

•Daylight & Views

•Destratification fans

•Lighting controls (occupancy sensors)

•Daylight Harvesting

•High efficiency LED lighting

• Waste Oil Heaters

11. Will this be built by local businesses and contractors as to keep money in the local economy?

The Village must follow public bidding law for this project. This requires advertising for bids and award to the lowest responsible bidder. Qualified local companies will be given the same ability to bid as others from outside the area. A project such as this will be awarded to a general contractor who then, usually, hires other companies (sub-contractors) for specialty trade work such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical, site work, etc. The general contractor or any of the sub-contractors may well be locally based.

Restricting the ability to bid on the work to local contractors could increase project costs by limiting competition and is also not legal.

12. Does this project require a referendum?

No.  The Village is not required to hold a referendum since much of the purpose of this project is for public works.

13. In summary, has the need for this project been adequately evaluated?

Replacement of the current Municipal Facility at 5500 Schofield Avenue has been considered since 1999, just 3 years following the Village’s incorporation.  The original facilities were built at a time (1956) when the Village’s population was under 3,000.  Consider that Weston is now the second largest municipality in Marathon County with a current population of just over 15,000 expected to increase to over 22,000 by 2040, representing half of the expected growth in Marathon County over the next 20 years.  The Village has outgrown its “home.” A modern facility that can serve Village taxpayers effectively and efficiently for the next generation…and beyond…is needed. 

The current facility creates inefficiencies in the use of taxpayer dollars such as:

• Insufficient space to park and for employees to gain access to and mobilize emergency response vehicles without moving multiple vehicles.
• Insufficient shop and mechanic space
• Cold storage outbuildings for vehicle and equipment storage hampering winter operations
• Poorly configured HVAC equipment requiring frequent maintenance attention by Village staff and contractors.
• Labor redirected to building maintenance or wasted due to inefficiencies which could otherwise be devoted to service; e.g. building inspector’s time on HVAC, electrical and plumbing issues; “Truck Tetris,” etc.

The current building poses safety concerns in today’s world where control of entry by non-employees and multiple exit options for occupants have become necessities. 

Attempting to sink millions of dollars into the existing facility is not the answer. 

There is a consensus opinion among the members of the Building Committee that a new facility is needed.  On December 9, 2020, the Committee unanimously approved forwarding the recommendation to proceed with completing design of a new municipal facility to the Village Board.  The design and bidding documents are to include some alternate bid items to consider upon opening of bids. 

There are still details to determine and more public outreach to follow.  The goal is to have a facility that allows Village staff to serve the taxpayers of the Village of Weston effectively by working more efficiently. 

Building to Serve.