District 8 Concerns
The District 8 Concerns page is a dedicated space for residents to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about the community. This page provides an opportunity for open dialogue between Ken Spencer and the people he aims to represent. Whether it's about infrastructure, public safety, community development, or any other issue, residents can voice their opinions and stay informed about initiatives addressing these concerns. The page may also feature updates on how specific concerns are being addressed and highlight ongoing projects or solutions in progress.
Concerns I've Heard About From You
Buchner Park
Some residents have expressed concerns about feeling unsafe using Buchner Park due to inappropriate behaviors and activities in the pavilion. Families and children deserve public spaces that are welcoming and secure.
I'm committed to addressing this issue by implementing the following measures:
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Increased Police Patrols: Advocate for regular patrols by local law enforcement to deter unwanted activities and ensure safety for all visitors.
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Community Watch Program: Work with residents to establish a community watch or volunteer presence at the park, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability.
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Security Cameras: Advocate for the installation of security cameras around the area to monitor activity and act as a deterrent.
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Youth and Family Programming: Introduce kid-friendly events, activities, and programs to create a welcoming and positive atmosphere at the park.
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Clear Rules and Enforcement: Ensure park rules are clearly posted and consistently enforced to maintain a family-friendly environment.
Pickleball Court Lighting Concerns
Residents near the pickleball courts have voiced concerns about the high-powered lights being left on late into the night or even all night. While these lights are essential for evening play, it’s important to balance recreational use with the well-being of nearby residents.
I'm committed to finding solutions that meet both the needs of park users and the surrounding community. Proposed actions include:
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Timed Lighting Systems: Advocate for the installation of timers to ensure lights are turned off at a reasonable hour.
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Motion-Activated Lights: Explore the possibility of motion-activated lights that only turn on when the courts are in use during evening hours.
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Community Input: Organize meetings with local residents and park users to establish agreed-upon lighting schedules.
I believes that through collaboration and thoughtful planning, we can ensure the pickleball courts remain a great resource while respecting the peace and comfort of nearby residents.
Rats
The rat issue in Waukesha has garnered significant attention from residents and local authorities. As of late 2024, the city received over 70 complaints from homeowners regarding rat infestations.
Residents have reported capturing multiple rats, with some individuals trapping as many as 40 in a single year.
City's Role and Homeowner Responsibility
Mayor Shawn Reilly has indicated that, according to city ordinances, managing rat infestations falls under the responsibility of homeowners. The city's official website provides guidelines for residents to mitigate and prevent rat problems, emphasizing proper garbage disposal, securing compost bins, and eliminating outdoor food sources.
Origin of the Rat Problem
The exact origin of the rat problem in Waukesha is not explicitly detailed in available reports. However, factors such as urban development, availability of food sources, and shelter can contribute to rodent population increases. In nearby Milwaukee, similar issues have been linked to recent construction activities disrupting rodent habitats.
Expectations for City Involvement
While homeowners are primarily responsible for controlling rat infestations on their properties, the city does play a role in addressing broader public health concerns. The Waukesha County Environmental Health Division provides resources on preventing and controlling rodent infestations, highlighting the importance of community-wide efforts.
Given the rising number of complaints, residents may reasonably expect the city to investigate underlying causes and implement measures to control the rat population, especially if the issue extends beyond individual properties and poses a public health risk.
Community Actions
Residents are encouraged to report rat sightings and infestations to the city's Community Development Department. Collective reporting can assist the city in identifying patterns and addressing potential root causes. Additionally, engaging with local pest control professionals can provide immediate relief and further insights into effective mitigation strategies.
For a visual overview of the situation, you may find this news segment informative:
Steps Homeowners Can Take to Address Rats:
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Notify the City
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Report sightings or infestations to the City of Waukesha.
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Document and provide details such as the number of rats seen, the locations, and possible contributing factors.
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This helps the city map problem areas and identify patterns.
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Eliminate Food Sources
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Remove bird feeders or use ones specifically designed to deter rodents.
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Secure all trash in tightly sealed containers.
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Avoid leaving pet food outdoors, especially overnight.
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Clean up fallen fruit, vegetables, or seeds from gardens or trees.
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Remove Nesting Areas
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Inspect your property for potential nesting sites like wood piles, tall grass, or debris.
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Remove or reorganize these areas to make them less appealing to rodents.
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Store firewood at least 18 inches above the ground and away from structures.
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Seal Entry Points
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Check your home for gaps, cracks, or holes larger than 1/4 inch.
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Seal them using steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing to prevent rats from entering.
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Inspect doors, windows, and vents to ensure they are properly fitted.
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Use Traps or Poisons (Safely)
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Traps: Place snap traps or humane traps along walls, near burrows, or in areas where droppings are seen.
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Poison: Use bait carefully and follow all manufacturer instructions.
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Be cautious of placement to avoid accidental ingestion by pets or children. Use tamper-resistant bait stations if possible.
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Maintain Property Cleanliness
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Keep your yard well-maintained, cutting grass and removing excess foliage regularly.
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Clean gutters to prevent rats from using them as nesting sites or pathways.
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Collaborate with Neighbors
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Encourage neighbors to take similar actions to ensure the effort is community-wide.
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Coordinate to address larger nesting areas or food sources that may overlap properties.
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Important Notes:
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Avoid Certain Methods: Do not rely solely on sonic repellents, as their effectiveness is limited.
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Safety First: Always use protective gloves when handling traps, droppings, or dead rodents. Dispose of carcasses promptly and safely.
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Educate Others: Share best practices with friends and neighbors to build collective awareness and action.
By implementing these steps, homeowners can significantly reduce the presence of rats in their area and contribute to a healthier community.
Unresponsive Aldermen
I follow several community groups, and a common concern I keep hearing is, "My Alderperson doesn’t respond." I understand that being an Alderman is a part-time role, but when we campaign for this position, we make a commitment to represent our community—and that means being accessible and responsive.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with diverse teams where leadership required not just guiding others, but also addressing their questions and concerns. I learned early on that people need to know they’re being heard—and that their concerns truly matter.
I won’t always have the answer you want to hear, but I will always respond with respect. My goal is to reply to every issue brought to me within 24 hours, even if I don’t have an immediate solution, just to let you know I’m working on it. I will make it a priority to connect with the right people to find answers and ensure you have a clear path forward.
Let’s work together to make Waukesha the best place to live and work.