News & Notes: May 7

Fire Department seeks thermal imaging cameras

The Oak Creek Fire Department is applying for a federal Fire Act Grant to help it purchase three thermal imaging cameras.

The Common Council on May 5 approved the grant application. If the city receives the grant, it will be responsible for 10 percent of the total cost of the three cameras. The full purchase price is estimated at $40,000.

Fire Chief Brian Satula said the department already has three thermal imaging cameras. The equipment has enabled the department to better locate victims and to reduce damage by pinpointing hidden fires.

The new cameras would be installed in the battalion chief's car and two fire engines that do not currently have them. The deadline to apply for the grant is May 22; the department will return to the council to seek permission to accept the grant, if it is awarded.

Ciechanowski honored as inspector of the year

Oak Creek Building Inspector Edward Ciechanowski received the 2008 Inspector of the Year award from the Southeast Chapter of the Wisconsin Building Inspectors Association.

The Common Council on May 5 commended Ciechanowski for the honor. It is the second time he has received the distinction.

The association is established to promote higher professional and ethical standards in the field of building inspection.

For information, visit biasew.org.

New plan commissioner approved by Common Council

Oak Creek resident Victoria Cassista will replace Jeffrey Sokol on the Plan Commission.

The Common Council on May 5 approved the mayor's appointment of Cassista, as well as the reappointment of commissioners Patrick Correll and Cal Nowak. All will serve three-year terms.

The council also acknowledged Sokol, who was appointed to the Plan Commission in August 2005, for his years of service.

City holds spring cleanup

Oak Creek will hold a spring cleanup Friday, May 15.

Items must be at the curb or roadside prior to May 15 in order to be guaranteed a pickup. Items that will be picked up include yard waste, furniture, wood, appliances, construction materials, metal, mattresses, televisions and carpets/rugs. The city will not pick up paint, tires, batteries, hazardous materials, grass clippings, leaves or brush.

For information, visit oakcreekwi.org.

High school might revise athletic code

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association has suggested changes to Oak Creek High School's athletic code. The Oak Creek-Franklin School Board on May 4 reviewed the proposed changes. Under the revised guidelines, students who alter forms or engage in hazing would be suspended from participation in sports for one calendar year. Students who do not complete an athletic season in good standing would not be eligible for awards.