Editor’s note: The following commentary has been submitted for publication by Whitewater City Manager John Weidl. 

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 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 dollar 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.