Village of Elmwood Board Meeting
March 12th, 2007 @ 7 pm
Present- Kevin Kitchner, Bob Weix, Bob Rupakus, Mike Sand, Pam Marson, Sue Dzubay, Doug Claflin
and Clerk Jodi Pulk also Engineering Staff, Susan & Angie
Public- Elizebeth Delong, Delorse Radkte, Mr. & Mrs. Yaucht, Mr. & Mrs. Talford, Kenneth & TJ Talford
Argus reporter J. Baier, Pierce County Herald reporter S. Gordon
Agenda-meeting start @ 7:03 pm
Public Input- none
Appoint New Election Workers- John Bates & Norma Smith
Personnel Policy Update- Kevin stated that there was nothing in writing about the deductible for the employees insurance, so the committee decided to put together a policy, that will pay $750.00 per year for each employee. This will not cover family members, only the employee.
Lift Station Change Order #2- The control panel for the new lift station was not insulated. The company has offered the village an extended warranty from 2 years, to 5 years on the panel, and also has given them 2 extra pump seals instead.
Lift Station Pay request #2- Susan asked the Board to approve payment of $6,900.00 towards the lift station, leaving $4,000.00 to be paid this Spring when the project will be completed. Bob Rupakus asked what the $350.00 add on fee was, and he was reminded that it was for the slab problem that they had.
Engineering Project Updates- Angie gave the Board some additional information in regards to the Woodman Street Project. Pat Collins of the Baldwin DNR office says there are no serious hazzards or materials at the landfill site, that he can see at this time. He has requested that the Village do testing for Methane gas though. Probes will be needed to test this. American Engineering did the Boring test on the street, and would be likely to do the methane tests. More information would be provided in the Thursday Public Works Committee meeting, and approval of the plans could be ready by the April Board Meeting. Kevin asked how the stormwater plans where going, and the response was, I don't know, but I will find out, and let Jodi know.
(note: I took a ride to Baldwin and spoke with Pat Collins to get a better understanding of the testings that where being done. He stated that the methane tests where only part of what the Village needed to do yet. They also need to prove the size of the landfill, by digging around the lots, to pinpoint and mark the area in which the dump actually sits. He was not informed that there where building sites on both sides of the road, and he was mis-informed on how many Habitat homes where being built. I received a copy of all the testing results so far, that have been done at the site. He also stated, If any methane gas is found at the site, the Village may be looking at much more costs to develop the site, if they would be aloud to build at all.)
Park Plan Discussion- Susan said, everyone rec'd a copy of the plans last month. She asked if there where any questions from the Board. None -- She then stated the Board needed to adopt the plans to be eligible for future grants.
Resolution 2007-02 Park Plan- This is the adoption of the park plan to allow the start of grant research.
Comprehensive Plan Discussion- A short discussion between Susan and the Board occurred, with Susan stating that the committee that is needed to be formed, should be done soon. The possibilities of an intern would not be helpful, due to She already knows the information, and would loose ground by bringing someone else up to date. She also stated that the Interns are usually not all that reliable in attending meetings. This can create problems. The Board stated they would have 2 members on the committee and wanted to wait until after the April election to go forward with the selections. Susan informed the Board they would have more trouble getting the public involved if they wait to long, into the summer.
Resolution 2007-03- authorizing the redemption and prepayment of special assessment "B" bond, series 2003, of the Village of Elmwood, WI- Greg Nelson paid off his Loan to the Village in Feb., which is 5 years ahead of schedule. The maturity date was 2014. a roll call vote was done.
Sewer Utility Rates- There is a rate increase of 18% to the sewer portion of the billing. users of 3,000 gallons will see an increase of about$2.65 and a user of 5,000 gallons will see about $4.19 increase. The rates have been increased so that these funds will not have to be taken from the general fund, to pay for the new lift station. This increase will pay the interest amount of that project loan. Bob R. stated this was at a combined Public Works-Personnel meeting held this past month. Kevin asked if this would help the sewer program pay for itself. Bob R. stated "yes".( note: This is only partially correct- The increase will only pay the interest on the loan. It will not be paying for itself.) The flat rate will also be increased to $9.00 a month. I believe that is up only $ .23/mo.
Board of review and Open Book Dates- Open Book will be May 9th, from 4-6 pm, and the Review will be May 16th, from 6-8 pm. The whole committee must attend both meetings was stated by Clerk Jodi Pulk.
Committee and Board Reports- Library committee met, and they are financially stable. They made it through an audit recently. There are repairs they are looking at, on the front of the building, and also some painting on the interior walls. minor repairs here and there. Also the use of the Library is up, Sue Dzubay reported.
Public Works committee met- We covered the utility rates. We also looked at the fire hydrant rental costs. They have went up to $67,000.00 for the Village, and this is paid from the general funds. We discussed creating a rental charge to the customers, that could range from $3.73 to $15.00/ mo. There must be public hearings held, and the change could take a few months to go through. That would only happen, if the Community accepted it, Jodi Pulk replied.Nursing Home-Pam Marson reported that there have been applications rec'd for the Director of Nursing position, but no selection has been made, as of yet. Bob R. then said, " we had a police committee meeting on the 12th. Jodi responded by saying " no you didn't". Bob then said, oh yeah, we had a combined Personnel and police committee meeting that was in closed session. He again was told, they had a police meeting on the 28th. The discussion ended right there. ( note: a meeting did happen with the Police Chief, and it was in closed session, and there where 5 board members that where in the meeting.)
Correspondance- A Thank You letter was rec'd by the Board, from Habitat for Humanity. The letter was rec'd Feb. 21st. The writer wanted to extend his gratitude to all those who are involved with the project. This is for the Lot at 522 W. Pierce, formerly the Woodman Street trailor court. Kevin also informed the group of a Bike Trail meeting being held March 15th. He also went on to inform the community that the Excel program for home checks would be ending April 30th. The cost is $10.00 for the inspection right now, but will go to $25.00 after the deadline. Jodi added that if 25 homes took advantage of the program, the village would receive $2500.00. The program would give the customers a chance to get their homes pressure tested and checked for insulation needs.
Payment of Bills- & Adjourn- @ 7:37 pm
