Mayor's Community Update - 01/26/2019
Greetings! As the City continues to expand, we have received a lot of questions related to speed limits by the new Christian Home and the Heritage Ridge Travel Plaza sites. Safety is of paramount importance to the city; however, both roadways are under WI DOT jurisdiction which requires that we adhere to their process. As construction on those sites began, we did request the WI DOT conduct speed studies to evaluate the speed limit at both locations. The WI DOT recently completed those speed studies and made the following determinations. The speed on WI State Highway 26 near Heritage Ridge will remain at 55 mph based on an 85th percentile ranking, meaning 85% of the drivers are currently traveling at and comfortable driving at the posted speed limit. That being said, the WI DOT noted that we are close to seeing a reduction in speed at this location. As traffic continues to grow near Heritage Ridge, the speed limit will be re-evaluated and may be lowered. Near the new Christian Home on WI State Highway 68, there was evidence to justify a reduction in the speed limit. A 35 mph speed zone will be extended beyond the city limits. The WI DOT sign team will visit Waupun in the near future and relocate the 35mph zone somewhere between the new Christian Home facility and Ballweg Implement.
Over the weekend, we had an opportunity to tour the recently renovated facilities of Waupun Area School District. Congratulations to WASD staff and administration and thank you to citizens of Waupun and the surrounding communities. Your support of the referendum was key to the district’s ability to create modern learning environments that will benefit our entire community for generations to come!
Finally, the Waupun Police Department welcomes Danyelle DeBoer who was hired as a part-time records clerk with the department. Danyelle previously worked for the WI DNR and began training with us on Monday, January 21, 2019. Welcome Danyelle!
Around town, Access 4 Recess is hosting a bowling charity tournament on Friday and Saturday, January 25 and 26, to raise funds for an inclusive playground at Rock River Intermediate School at an estimated cost of $115,000. Currently 15% of the students of Rock River Intermediate School have special education needs. An inclusive playground will benefit all children through play and socialization. Please stop by the charity fundraiser at Jud’s on one of those days to show your support. Additionally, the annual Empty Bowls event will be hosted at the Waupun City Hall on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit REACH Waupun and the Waupun Food Pantry. I hope to see you there!
