Jeff Kante, Village Forester & PJ Schampers, Hwy Department Supervisor
Highway / Forestry
The Highway / Forestry Department is the public works department for the Village of Chenequa. The job title has been split to better define the two distinctive types of work with particular emphasis on Forestry. The wooded hills and tree-lined roads are two of the features that set Chenequa apart from other communities. When the Village was formed, steps were taken to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Among the first positions filled was that of a Village Forester. Immediately, an ordinance was passed to protect the vegetation along the roads. Additionally, several part-time employees are used during snow removal operations.
The Forester is responsible for the maintenance and development of the “Greenbelt” along the public roads, which serve as a naturalized barrier between the residences and the highway. The “Greenbelt” ensures privacy and preserves the rural aesthetics. The oldest Greenbelts planted in the 1930’s contain mature trees and have melted into the natural landscape.
The Village has been recognized for its commitment to community forestry programming and has received the Tree City Award since 1985. This award is presented by the National Arbor Day Foundation, and is given each year only to those municipalities which promote urban forestry.
The Highway / Forestry Department maintains, repairs, and constructs:
- Streets
- Street signs
- Village buildings, machinery, and equipment
Jeff Kante, Highway / Forestry, Superintendent
Monday – Thursday, 8:00 – 4:30 pm / Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Telephone 262-367-2239
Voicemail 262-367-2905, ext. 3013
Fax 262-367-3341
The Department is also responsible for public services such as:
- Horticultural resources
- Wildlife management
- Snow removal and sanding
- Distribution of recycling and refuse bins
PJ Schampers, a fulltime employee of the Village since 2002 is responsible for the upkeep and oversight of all village properties including the Village Hall, the Pine lake and Beaver Lake boat launches and other village properties. PJ is also responsible for the maintenance of all Highway Department equipment and heads up the village’s snow plow operations. In the absence of the Village Forester, PJ Schmapers will assist in those duties as needed. PJ Schampers is also current and active member of the Lake Country Fire and Rescue Department.
FORESTRY NEWS
Ash Trees Dropping Leaves
Just recently ash trees around the state have been prematurely dropping their leaves shortly after the trees leafed out. Due to loss of leaves, affected trees have a thinner crown compared to nearby broadleaf trees of different species. Read entire document.
SNOW PLOWING AND SANDING
Daily plowing and sanding update information at 367-4681, ext. 3151.
The private drives are plowed and sanded on an orderly basis after snow/ice storms to provide access for emergency vehicles and police patrol. If your daily activities require an open road at a certain hour or if additional plowing and cleanup are needed, please contact a local snow removal contractor. Snow removal operations are initiated at the discretion of the Highway Department personnel. Road conditions and the weather forecast determine when and how to begin. Property owners are required to sign and return the Snowplow Liability Form along with one dollar per drive in order to receive the service. In addition, certain requirements must be met to aid in snow removal and prevent damage to equipment. Roads and driveways not in compliance cannot be plowed. Eight hours or more are required to plow and sand all Village roads and driveways using four vehicles.
The Requirements are:
1. Mark the edge of the drive and any obstacles that become hidden under a blanket of snow with reflectors or stakes. Plow widths vary from 8 feet – 10 feet. All drives need to be marked to allow passage of the plow.
2. Trim brush and trees from the edge of your drive as well as overhead. Make enough room not only for the larger snowplows, but also to provide space to push back expanding snow banks.
3. Eliminate grading hazards such as pot holes, rutted or worn out road base.
4. Park cars in areas that won’t hamper snow removal operations.
Many of the drives (old and new) were designed with our winter weather as an “after thought”. A truck cannot maneuver in a small area as well as a car, especially with a plow attached. Remember that snow plow limitations often mean results that fall short of resident expectations.
The Village Highway / Forestry Department uses a 14% salt – 86% sand mix when sanding slippery roads. The sand mix is a temporary aid to traction and does little to melt packed snow / ice. Due to the expense and limited storage facilities, the sand / salt mix is applied only to the hills, turns and intersections.
You can assist yourself if you place sand barrels in strategic locations. Plastic garbage cans with covers work best and will be filled with a sand / salt mix upon request for your winter driving convenience.
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