Dear Common Council, Staff, and Community Members of Whitewater,

As we close an extraordinary year, I am filled with pride and gratitude in what we have achieved together. This year marks a significant departure from the past, not just in terms of productivity, positivity, and accomplishments, but in our renewed energy and purpose. It’s commonly said that our organization has accomplished more this year than in the previous decade. I firmly believe this is a testament to our collective dedication and (re)commitment to integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.

A New Era in Public Safety

The City’s commitment to public safety has been a cornerstone of this transformation. The
implementation of the $1.1 million referendum, approved by an overwhelming 65% of voters, has been a game-changer for Whitewater and the surrounding communities. Transitioning our Fire and EMS service from volunteer [paid on call] and part-time to a full-time department was no small feat. Yet, in less than a year, we have not only achieved this, but have also secured paramedic certification for the Whitewater Fire Department. The impact? Our turnout times have been slashed by more than half, to an impressive average of less than two minutes. This monumental achievement could not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our firefighters and EMTs, under the exceptional leadership of Fire Chief Kelly Freeman and his assistant Chief(s) Jason Dean, Ryan Dion, and Joe Uselding.

Moreover, under Chief Dan Meyer’s guidance, we are taking proactive steps to ensure our policing services meet the evolving needs of our community. Technological investments have already taken place and are making an impact, including license plate cameras at critical intersections throughout the community and the investment in drone technology. Further, we are partnering with an independent agency for a thorough review of our police staffing and operations in 2024, signifying our dedication to continuous improvement and adherence to our mission.

Revitalizing Economic Development

In the realm of economic development, we’ve seen equally impressive strides. Our collaboration with Dollar General and ALDI, along with our ongoing partnership with the Whitewater Grocery Co-op to help them realize their dreams, has been pivotal in addressing the urgent need for accessible grocery options. The excitement builds as ALDI prepares to break ground in the coming months, and our commitment to eliminating the challenges of being a USDA-designated food desert is unwavering.

Our downtown area is experiencing a resurgence with ongoing rehabilitation projects, and the CDA and Plan and Architectural Review Commission (PARC) recently approved a $7.5 million industrial development, spanning 100,000 square feet, slated for next year. These initiatives promise not only economic growth but also job creation and increased activity. Finally, several housing projects are on the horizon, with two single-family projects already in the pipeline for approval. Our focus will continue to be facilitating the creation of family-style housing options across the City as well as supporting those developments with the services and amenities they require.

Driving these developments is our new Economic Development Director, Calli Berg. Her expertise and initiative have already steered the Community Development Authority (CDA) toward new projects. Under her guidance, two properties in the downtown area are under contract for redevelopment, with more exciting projects on the horizon. These efforts are reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit and bolstering small business support in Whitewater.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members of the CDA and their staff assistant, Bonnie Miller. The CDA’s dedication and hard work over the past year, especially during a period without a full-time director, has been instrumental in maintaining our momentum and positioning us for the year ahead.

Strengthening Our Team: Recruitment and Retention

Our strategic plan this year placed a high priority on revolutionizing our approach to recruitment and retention. Recognizing the importance of attracting and nurturing dedicated local government professionals, we’ve embraced new strategies to support their careers in an environment that’s increasingly challenging, politically perilous, and financially constrained.

Under the guidance of our Human Resources Manager Sara Marquardt, we’ve implemented several innovative measures, such as conducting ‘stay interviews’ to better understand and address the needs of our employees and launching our Future Leaders Program for staff members demonstrating exceptional talent and passion.

Additionally, we’ve introduced a range of employee-centric initiatives, such as reduced fitness center memberships, increased opportunities for interdepartmental mingling, and significant adjustments to wage ranges accompanied by employee bonuses. These efforts underscore our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and engaging workplace.

Enhancing Our Natural Resources: Lakes Improvement Initiative

This year, we’ve also turned our attention towards enhancing the natural beauty and ecological health of our lakes. Following the dredging project undertaken before my tenure, we faced challenges with unsightly vegetative growth, particularly cattails. Our response to this has been proactive and impactful.

We embarked on a multi-year dredging project specifically targeting cattail removal from public spaces. The visual improvements have been significant, and our initial assessments, supported by research from similar projects, suggest a strong likelihood of substantially reducing cattail growth in these areas.

Furthering our commitment to our lakes, the City Council approved the formation of the Lakes Advisory Committee (LAC). This committee is tasked with a critical review of the current lakes’ management plan and the circumstances that led us to this point. They will also explore and recommend future lake management strategies, which may include the initiation of a Lakes Management District.

The commitment of City staff and our governing body, along with increased citizen and community participation, underscore our dedication to rectifying the unanticipated outcomes of the dredging project. We are firmly committed to devoting our time, resources, and collective efforts to ensure the rejuvenation and sustainable management of our lakes.

Acknowledging Partnerships and Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this year’s achievements, the support and collaboration of numerous partners have been instrumental. I am especially appreciative of the Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) for their ongoing support of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center. I also extend my thanks to Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent of WUSD, for her leadership in enhancing educational outcomes and her commitment to diversity and inclusion through efforts such as providing access to English classes for non-students and supporting the Latinx job fair.

My gratitude also goes to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and its new Chancellor, Dr. Corey King. His guidance in reimagining the Innovation Center and his team’s work on the Intergenerational Technology Services (IGeTS) at the Community Engagement Center (CEC) have been invaluable on our journey of transformation.

The spirit of inclusivity, diversity, and service championed by organizations like the Whitewater Community Foundation, Discover Whitewater, and the Friends of the Aquatic Center, among others, truly sets our community apart. Looking forward, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds. The past year has set a high bar, but I am confident that the next year will bring even more for the community and our stakeholders.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication of each one of the City staff, elected officials, committee members, volunteers, contributors, and stakeholders in the City of Whitewater. Your collective efforts have been the driving force behind this transformative year in Whitewater. As we look to the future with optimism and determination, I am excited and honored to continue this journey with you, shaping a welcoming, safe, and dynamic community.

Tribute to Council President James “Jim” Allen

As we reflect on the year’s accomplishments, it’s with a heavy heart that we also remember Council President James “Jim” Allen, who sadly passed away on December 23, 2023. Jim’s dedication to Whitewater was evident in his long-standing service to the community and in every initiative he championed. From his role on the CDA and the establishment of the Lakes Advisory Committee, to his commitment to ensuring the future of the Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, his contributions have left an indelible mark on our community.

Under his leadership as Council President, Jim was instrumental in developing key public safety initiatives, notably the transition to a full-time Fire and EMS service in 2023 and the reinforcement of law enforcement resources for next year.

In honoring Jim’s legacy, we acknowledge the void his passing leaves in our council and our community. His dedication to public service and his impactful work will continue to inspire us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him. Jim’s memory and contributions will forever be a part of Whitewater’s story. Please be on the lookout for our future efforts to honor Jim’s legacy.

Warmest Regards,
John S. Weidl, City Manager