Tuesday, March 7 the Whitewater Common Council voted on an amendment to end telecommunication, or meeting online virtually, for the City of Whitewater boards and commissions except upon extreme circumstances. The motion was not passed, however.

A second motion was presented, stating “Whitewater does not support telecommuting. The city manager may make an exception to the telecommuting policy as long as the city manager agrees that the city employee’s work can be done from home and the city manager should inform the Common Council.” But this motion was also not passed.

After further discussion a final version of the proposal was accepted. The motion states that the city should “create flexibility in the workplace policy similar to Wauwatosa for a trial period of one year with no permanent offers of employment for remote work without council approval.” This motion was passed in a 5 to 2 vote. 

For those looking to get away from their screens, Freeze Fest will be held this year March 18 starting at 11 a.m. at Cravath Lakefront Park. There will be a Polar Plunge and followed by a chili cookoff and other activities.  Stevie the Squirrel mugs are on sale as a fundraiser for the plunge, which includes free chili at the event. Visit plungewi.org to register for the Polar Plunge. To register for the chili cook off contact Jennifer French at (262) 473-0535.