April 2007 MINUTES
Note: These are the proposed minutes that will be approved at the next board meeting.

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Monday April 9, 2007

7:00 p.m. @ Village Hall (137 Main St)

Call to order: by President, Kelly Hodge

 Pledge of Allegiance:

 Roll Call: Cindy Gemza, Joy Garski, Arnie Kaminski, Kelly Hodge, Rick Osowski and Betty Williams

 Also Present: Debbie Peplinski, Debbie Kaminski, Nancy Osowski, Jo Ann Burk, Brad Kosmalski, Mary Ann Wieczorek, Bob Ostrowski, Mary Jane Zdroik, Gordy Krogwold, Jill Kumenius, Norma Anderson, Sharon Johnson, Barb Mlodik, Barb Kruzicki, Tony Kruzicki, Chain Williams, Joe Lowell, Mike Hodge, Phyllis Landowski, Jerry Landowski, Ralph Mlodik, Kate Zdroik, Darla Engall (Portage County Library), Lee Miller, Anthony Turner & Nicholas Sweet (WReX Inkorporated), Sadie Nicolas, Stacy Johnson, Kenny Johnson, Cindy Kurtzweil, Diane Matysik, Tammy Beckland, Charlotte Callahan, Jessica Moore, Bill Skibba, Phillip Stewart and Wife.

 Public Requests for Consideration:

 *JoAnn Burk requests the board to reconsider allowing use of the Parking Lot on Safety Fair Day for the Fire House Demonstration. The board denies the request due to safety concerns and having parking available for businesses.

--She would also like permission to use the Library section of the Village Hall to allow a place for Smokey Bear and McGruff the Crime Dog to get into costume. The board agreed to allow use of the Library Section.

 *Stacy Johnson would like the board to gather information and consider the possibility of bi-monthly recycling. The item will be on the May agenda.

 Motion: Kaminski/Gemza to approve the minutes as read with a change to the Public Requests for Consideration by R.A.C.A. to reflect the word Pursue Land instead of Purchase Land.

All in favor. Carried.

 Motion: Williams/Garski to approve payment of the bills as read. All in favor. Carried.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 Library Options:

President Hodge presented a floor plan developed by George Walkush Construction for remodeling the Village Hall to allow for expansion of the Library, a separate meeting room and an addition for Maintenance/ Storage.

 Cindy Kurtzweil read a statement (on file) on behalf of Rosholt Area Community Association (R.A.C.A) explaining their position regarding the Library.

There was a lot of controversy expressed towards the communication process of R.A.C.A.  Many board members, residents, business owners and previous R.A.C.A. members were under the assumption they were donating funds to improve the current location of the Portage County Library Branch as printed Cookbooks and Fund Raisers were all promoted as raising funds for the “Village Library”. Tammy Beckland, founding R.A.C.A. President, expressed that shortly after R.A.C.A. was formed, with the ideas of social and economic development, they received knowledge that the Portage County Library Foundation had $15,000.00 towards Library Branch Improvements that could be utilized with matching funds provided by the Village: At this point, R.A.C.A.’s intention was to create some fund raisers for the purpose of trying to help the Village raise these matching funds.

 R.A.C.A. President, Barb Mlodik, explained that the original R.A.C.A. has been dissolved and reorganized, with the aid of an attorney, into a Corporation. Their official title is now Rosholt Area Community Association, Incorporated. Some of the Statements in this discussion seamed to be personally directed at Trustee Gemza who asked that the conversation take a direction that is not personal and if the corporation has changed direction, they should give the funds raised, back to the original donors.

 Mary Jane Zdroik (President of the Portage County Library Board) explained that nothing regarding the funds moves forward without the approval of the Portage County Rosholt Library Board and the Portage County Library Foundation. Whatever plan the Village or R.A.C.A. propose must meet the approval of these two entities.

 There was a bit more discussion including safety concerns and the gap that would be left if the Library were relocated outside the Village. There were also a few more comments about the communication gap that seems to be even within R.A.C.A. itself.

 Cindy Kurtzweil of R.A.C.A. expressed her apology for the misunderstanding their previous communication generated and asked the Village to move the discussion forward to address Library Options and not previous communication gaps or misunderstandings stating R.A.C.A. is trying to make a decision that will benefit the entire community.

 The Village Clerk wanted it on record, that there has been a floor plan to remodel the Village Hall into a community center, on file in the office for approximately 4 years that is a Public Record.

 The item is tabled until the May Agenda. Rick Osowski, President Elect, will consider forming a Library Committee to communicate with R.A.C.A.

Coffee Cup Main Street Event:

Owner, Sadie Nicolas requests permission to close Main Street from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on June 16, 2007 to sponsor a Craft Vender Fair in hopes of generating traffic to area businesses. In conjunction with this event, there will be Business Deal Days and Rummage Rama.

**Debbie Kaminski requests use of the Village Hall for Girl Scout Troop 53 to host a Rummage Sale.

Motion: Kaminski/Gemza to approve closing of Main Street for the Craft/Vender Fair and to allow Girl Scout Troop 53 use of the Village Hall. All in favor. Carried.

 Underground Fuel Tanks:

Site maps provided by Earth Tech were distributed. The maps shows underground fuel tanks on parcel # 176-30-03 owned by Service Pros Inc. (Gordy & Kerry Krogwold) create an encroachment onto Village owned street right-of-way on Water Street. Gordy States he has property insurance that is sufficient to take responsibility for any damages that may occur, however, he is not opposed to a legal document supporting his knowledge of the encroachment.

Motion: Osowski/Garski to forward the information to Attorney Brian Formella with a request that he draw up the legal document necessary for recording the encroachment. All in favor. Carried.

** This item prompted Gordy to voice his concerns regarding the cistern at 391 Grand Ave. E.  The Board will review information about the location of the cistern.

 Tree Removal:

Maintenance Bob presented bids to remove a rotten tree in front of the Village Hall:

Tree Monkey Tree Service $450.00 and Triple K Tree Service $500.00.

~Residents voice their concerns about trees on Mason Street and State Street that need to be trimmed or removed.

~Lee Miller indicated their may be a free service offered by the Forestry Class at the Technical School in Wisconsin Rapids.

The Street/Parks/Buildings& Grounds committee will mark all the trees and contact the Technical School and/or gather bid proposals for the entire job.

 Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) Ordinance: Tabled until May: waiting for sample wording from Vierbicher.

 OLD BUSINESS:

 Extreme Stunt Show:

WReX Inkorporated has agreed to offer their show at a cost of $300.00 which is reduced from their standard $400.00 fee. They will also donate $100.00 of their fee to a community organization and/or charity of their choice.

Williams asked about the $75.00 they offered previously as a possible fee. WRex Ink stated that $75.00 offer is not feasible.

A contract was distributed to the Trustees and Insurance was discussed.

Motion: Kaminski/Gemza to accept the contract in the amount of $300.00, to use the Village Insurance to cover the event and WReX Ink will donate $100.00 to the Ronald McDonald House. All in favor. Carried.

 Maintenance Building: Estimates for Tuck Pointing or Steel Siding were presented as follows:

~Tuck Pointing

$3,471.00 for the Village Office/Maintenance Building &

$4,156.00 for the Storage Building South of the Office.

 Steel Siding

 Steel Siding & Insulation:

 Motion: Garski/Osowski to approve the bid for Tuck Pointing by Don Dulak & Sons in the amount of $7,627.00. All in favor. Carried.

 Sewer Plant Fence:

Maintenance Bob states that no Professional companies install the current style of fencing at the Sewer Plant which is called “cattle fence” Therefore, he presented quotes for chain link fence as follows:

  Security Fence & Supply Co. Inc in the amount of $4,123.00 plus a new gate in the amount of $250.00. Total $4,373.00

 Kaminski questioned Maintenance Bob about the condition of the current fencing and the amount of time the fence has been down. He voiced concerns about Bob’s communication with the Board regarding this matter.

 Maintenance Bob response: The fence has been down for 2 years, it’s down because the frost popped the posts out of the ground and I had intentions of fixing it myself, but time does not allow. The fence is required by the DNR for safety.

 The subject is tabled to gather information from the DNR about the type of fence that is required as well as asking the property insurance if replacement is an option with our policy.

 Seat Repair:

Osowski contacted Absolute Car Care and received a “Verbal” quote in the amount of $150.00. Osowski will obtain a written quote plus a bid from another company.

 

Hired Hand:

We received one new application from Duane Dobbe.

David Christianson updated his application to reflect obtaining a CDL and when Kelly spoke to Terry Staszak, he was still interested.

 Osowski and some of the board members noted things about the applicants they are uncomfortable with.

Kaminski suggested the board consider a temporary seasonal position at this time.

Motion: Gemza/Garski to hire David Christianson on a 90-day probationary period.

Opposed: Kaminski, Osowski, Williams. In favor: Gemza, Garski, Hodge

The motion failed, NO ONE IS HIRED.

 Fund Raiser: No longer an issue.

 Detour Signs: Williams presented a location map, a list of interested businesses, and a sketch of the types of signs they would like temporarily posted during the upcoming Highway 66 Detour. She also stated the businesses are willing to donate funds towards the signs and quotes 5 or 6 sheets of OBS board at $6.00 per sheet will be needed. The businesses are also willing to paint the signs. Williams is requesting the Village donate Fence posts to erect the signs, plus $100.00 towards the materials.

 The Clerk asked to speak as a citizen and stated that if the businesses are willing to donate their own funds and some of these businesses listed are in the Town of Alban, the Village should not donate funds towards the materials.

 Hodge asked the audience who would be in favor of the village donating funds towards the materials. The majority showed hands in favor.

Motion: Kaminski/Garski to donate $100.00 towards the materials for the temporary detour signs. All in favor. Carried.

 Fair Association Lease: There is no correspondence to report at this time. The clerk stated that the reason for this is that our Attorney is legally obligated to correspond with the Fair Association’s attorney only: we still do not have the name of the Fair Association attorney.

Norma Anderson, Fair Association President, offered the name of Bruce Meager from Iola as their hired attorney.

The clerk will notify Attorney Formella of this.

 COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Streets/Parks/Buildings & Grounds:

It was suggested that the LRIP be moved to Water Street instead of the approved project on Maple Street. The committee makes recommendation that the project application remain on Maple Street

-Water problems at intersections were viewed and all agreed that no action is necessary as these problems are due to snow melt.

-Some residents on First suggested installation of sidewalks on that street. The committee will look into the subject.

Land Acquisition and Development: Committee members will contact area land owners for the possibility of obtainable land for future projects.

The committee also discussed the possibility of a Co-op grocery store. The committee meets again on Wednesday, April 18, 2007.

 Hodge thanked the residents for letting her serve the community the past 2 years. She really enjoyed being in the office and learning about the ordinances and procedures. She complimented Maintenance Bob and Clerk Theresa saying that many professionals told her what a good job they do. She cautioned the new board about the legal obligation to make decisions at the board meetings, not ahead of time.

 Motion to adjourn: Hodge/Gemza. All in favor. Carried. 9000

Adjournment: 10:10 p.m.

 

Theresa K. Hartvig, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 VILLAGE BILLS PAID-April 2007

WI Retirement

$699.89

Federal Withholdings

$1742.23

Poll Workers

$260.00

Coffee Cup (election meals

$55.00

Payroll

$3,905.97

MasterCard

$908.61

Schierl Inc

$429.03

MN Life Insurance Co.

$37.25

Citgo Petroleum Corp

$249.98

Meyer’s Pressure Cleaner

$18.65

Gordy’s 66 Service

$380.00

Gannett WI Newspaper

$71.80

Anderson Machine

$879.70

Rosholt Hardware

$36.38

WI Public Service Corp

$640.45

Alliant Energy

$1170.30

Veolia Environmental

$1611.46

NCWRPC

$5000.00

EO Johnson Company

$27.33

Municipal Treasurer Assoc

$40.00

Rosholt Fire District

$2074.91

Anderson Law Firm

$2984.64

Firkus Lumber Co.

$20.24

Schaeffer MFG Co.

$135.10

BP Amoco

$200.91

Service Motor Company

$119.33

Northern Tool & Equipment

$563.65

Election Systems

102.84

North American Salt

$884.00

Amherst Telephone Co

$125.72

Rosholt Area 1st Responders

$4870.00

US Post Master

$39.00

Dept. of Revenue

$377.10

Petty Cash Box

$35.08

Portage County Sheriff

$78.00

 

 

 SEWER BILLS PAID-April 2007

Federal Withholdings

$128.98

Payroll

$1736.71

WI Environmental Loan

$39168.20

MasterCard

$7.28

Commercial Testing Lab

$131.60

Amherst Telephone Co

$69.74

Alliant Energy

$744.55

WW. Grainger Inc

$141.59

WWOA training

$20.00

Petty cash Box

$46.18

Alltel

$24.98

 

 

 

Minutes

Organizational Meeting

Tuesday April 17, 2007

7:00 p.m. @ Village Office (125 Grand Ave W)

 

Call to order: by President Rick Osowski

 Pledge of Allegiance:

 Roll Call: Cindy Gemza, Joy Garski, Arnie Kaminski, Rick Osowski, Jessica Moore and Betty Williams

 Also Present: Attorney Brian Formella, Norma Anderson, Barb Mlodik

 The clerk-treasurer performed the oath swearing to Rick Osowski for Village President and Cindy Gemza and Jessica Moore for Village Trustee.

 Attorney Formella presented an orientation to the Board mentioning the following topics:

  Activating performance of the Village Attorney: Any Trustee has the authority to activate the attorney, but it works best if the request comes from the Village President or the Clerk.

  1. Open Meetings Laws
  2. Open Records
  3. Closed Sessions: Apparently there is no penalty for speaking publicly about topics discussed at a closed session once the session is adjourned, however, the clerk must keep the records accordingly.
  4. “Walking Quorum” This is absolutely illegal. Once two trustees’ converse, they cannot contact another trustee to discuss opinions used to make decisions.  Doing this could create a situation where a decision is made prior to deliberating at an open meeting.
  5. Conflict of Interest: Can other entities “gain” from decisions you make? ie: your family, an organization you are a member of, or your job. If so, you need to recluse yourself, or at the very least, abstain from voting on the matter.
  6. Fiduciary Obligation

 Resident Norma Anderson asked about the “Sunshine Law” wondering if the fee we’re charging for the agenda subscription is legal.

Attorney Reply: “Yes” the state statutes allow for collection of a “reasonable fee” for copies of records requested by the public.

 

Appoint Village Clerk-Treasurer

Osowski states the present Clerk’s appointment expires May 1, 2007. The Board needs to either renew her appointment or appoint someone else.

Each Board member was given an opportunity to respond, all were satisfied with Theresa.

Motion: Gemza/Williams to appoint Theresa Hartvig as the Village Clerk-Treasurer for the next two years. All in favor. Carried.

 President Comments: General introduction and overall expectations.

 Clerk Comments:  Thanked the Board for their confidence in her work performance and general comments about communication and expectations.

 Trustee Comments:

Moore: Shared ideas and concerns about the need for a grocery store, interested in knowledge about a co-op.

Williams: Shared her thoughts about the role of the committees.

Garski: Requests an avenue of gaining more knowledge about agenda items before the meeting.

Kaminski: Requests the board to strongly consider approving the committees’ recommendations. Would like the Clerk to continue sending the Agenda item informational letter to trustees and likes the way the payroll is reported as itemized to the trustees and lump sum in the minutes.

 Committee Assignments: The current list was reviewed and Osowski gave each chairman the responsibility of assigning the committees.

 Resident Norma Anderson expressed well wishes to the Board.

 Motion to adjourn: Kaminski/Moore. All in favor. Carried.

 Adjournment: 8:00 p.m.

 

Theresa K. Hartvig, Village Clerk-Treasurer

 

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