2005 Elmwood Village Board Notes

Jan. 10, 2005--
absent--Bob Rupakus & M. Galoff
Agenda--
Discussion over a possible Summer Recreation program at the park.
The skatepark idea brought up by the Talford's is still being looked into by Mike Sand and Scott Ward
Mr. Talford also brought up the safety level at the Pabst House location- A fire destroyed the house and the building is still left standing with ability for people to get into the property.
The cenex mill has been spoken about in regards to wether they may burn the buildings that are present. This has been denied by DNR, due to the hazzards that are related with old feed mills. At this time there will be no allowance of any burning at the site.

Public Works Committee--
Discussion over Shaw Ave. and Butternut St. repaving project for problems that have been existing. The committee suggested that the streets be redone, and new pipes be ran to the homes at the home owners cost.


Jan. 25th --
Agenda--
2005 paving projects--This will include Shaw Ave. and Butternut St.--The woodman St. project would be dropped for this year.New piping should be ran to the homes, at the owners cost. The discussion started to push that an ordinance would be made, to ensure that the costs would be against the home owners.
Continued discussion over the replacement of the lift station again was a subject spoken over.


Feb. 14th--
Agenda--
The Owner of the Elmwood Argus came in for the meeting, to request a copy of the Police report, so he could place that into the paper weekly. He also wanted to let the board know that he has a large archive of information on Elmwood, in case they where in need of more information for UFO Days trivia.
The board adopted a ordinance to be able to Shut Off water to anyone that has a negative bill with the village. Ord. 9-1-44
The skate park idea brought up in prior months has been denied, with the statements that the cost would be too high.
The Police Dept. announced the hiring of a part time officer, Robbie Jaeger

Personnel & Finance Committee--
discussion over a wage increase for the employees of the bowling alley was approved, and would be sent to the board for final approval.


March 2--
Personnel and Finance Committee--
Graham plans for a daycare facility was discussed. The company is interested in having a daycare for the employees at the plant. this would help with the employees cost of care. Further discussions will be upcoming.

March 4th--
Notices received from the village that the UFO Days parade enterance fees where going to be increased. All floats will be $25.00 and all Political units will be $50.00. Also there was a note added that No squirt guns will be allowed.

March 14th--
absent- Mike Sand & Pam Marson
Agenda--
UFO Days fireworks cost--the Board donated $1,000.00 instead of the normal $500.00.
Kevin Kitchner requested that the village be giving citations out to the residents that are not removing the snow from there sidewalks quick enough.
The Nursing Home has had a change. Dr. Springer has resigned from the board, and Delorse Radkte has taken over for the remainder of his term.
Bob Weix brought up the Pabst house, and stated the village should just allow the school to burn the building for a bonfire at Homecoming. This was quickly denied, and Jodi Pulk (clerk) stated the Insurance Co. still has a lock on the property. Legally

April 5th--
Public Works Committee--
The work discussed for Woodman Street has now been held back, instead the Shaw and Butternut work will be done. Woodman will have to wait.

Apr. 11th--
absent-Mark Fredrickson & Sue Dzubay (new board members)
Agenda--
The last meeting for President Bill Stewart, he brought up the need for a municipal court in Elmwood. This way the issues of Elmwood stay here, he responded.
The burn site for the village residents was discussed. The need to burn, or chip the debris was the main subject. further discussion will be needed. no action was taken.
The public works had requested the possibility for Radio read meters on the homes in the village. this would make it easier for the employees to get readings without actually going up to, or into the homes. More discussion on costs would be upcoming.
Kevin Kitchner took over the Presidents chair at the end of the meeting.

Apr. 15th
Personnel and Finance Committee
A short discussion over finance for the village was dealt with, and the end word was We have money for the Industries Only.

Apr. 19 (2nd board meeting w/ new mayor)
absent- Mike Sand
Agenda-
This was a meeting to bring the board together under the new mayor. A discussion over a fire that was at Barry Shrags home was brought up, by Mr. Talford. The fire was seen blocks away, and was fairly large. the items being burnt where against the village ordinances. Bob Rupakus stated that the fire was only a camp fire, which was completely false. Kevin Kitchner then stated the Talford's are the reason our school is in lockdowns, and Bob Rupakus replied that the Talford's do nothing but run around looking for trouble. These statement where made with witnesses, and Rick Talford requested a police report by Chief Tom Bauer who was present at the meeting. Mark Fredrickson was spoken to as well, and he agreed that the statements by the new mayor and trustee where not proper in any way.

Apr. 25th
Personnel and Finance Committee
The Graham project was the discussion, and the hold ups where starting to get the Owners unhappy. The Board just kept having one problem or another with them. The possibilities of them leaving are getting stronger.

May 9th
absent- Mike Sand
Agenda-
The Nursing Home is in need for repair to the roof, and has asked the village to co-sign a loan of $250K
Thompson's Station has asked for the ok, to start selling cars.
Ordinance 13-1-142 Fences was discussed.
Police Chief Tom Bauer has given his 2 week notice. He has been unhappy with the board, and the community new this was upcoming.
The 2005 paving projects have been set, and 1 proposal was received. The bid was accepted.
The wood pile that has been located behind the sewer plant has now been moved out to the old dump site on the east end of the village.
The water meter cost where given to the board. $50,000.00 for 375 units.
The Pabst house was on the agenda again, and the board discussed tearing it down and assessing $6,000.00 against the owners.
The Main St. bar was also discussed. The owners are going through a divorse now, and the licenses will be an issue upcoming.
The Village Shop roof also was spoken about, stating that it was in need of repair, and the cost would be near $8,000.00


May 18
Police Committee meeting
discussed was the need for an Ad for a new Chief for the Village.

June 13th
absent- Mike Sand & Mark Fredrickson
Agenda-
Main Street Bar owner Dick Tiffany and his Attorney where present to request the Licenses. They where denied by the board.
A new massage therapist is now in town, and has been given the ok to do her thing. She requested a permit, and was approved.
The board ran through information on the radio read meters and the shop roof repair details.
The board discussed the 6 lots now owned by them in the industrial park.
The Graham project was brought up, and Bob Rupakus and Bob Weix stated that there was a glitch in the paperwork that was holding up the project.
The board also gave notice to the community, that all tables and chairs donated by the community, where now banned from any rental use.
The Nursing Home has increased the fee's
The Public input at the end of the board meetings has now been cut, so there will only be 1 public Input time per meeting. No mention by the board on why they did this.


July 11th
absent-Bob Weix, Bob Rupakus & Pam Marson
Agenda-
The community club had sent a rep. to ask why the clerk took away there button program they have ran for UFO Days. this was a direct affect against there income. the pony pull was sponsored by the revenue off the buttons. they where not pleased.
The Board approved the lifting of the open container law for the UFO Days celebration weekend.
There would be a rendevous during UFO Days at the Butternut Park. The removal of the firearms ban was approved for the event.
A new Police Chief Alex Rockwell was announced, but he was not in attendance.
Kris Talford spoke with clerk Jodi P. in regards to her artwork that was given the ok for UFO Days celebration. the work was to be on the banners, mugs, t-shirts, etc. The clerk worked with her , to get the artwork she wanted for the theme.


Aug. 15th
absent-Mike Sand & Pam Marson
Agenda
Delorse Radkte requested an answer to why Graham business was lost to Elmwood, and moved to Spring Valley. Bob Rupakus responded by stating that Graham did not like the wording of the contract or something.
The paving project for Shaw Ave. has now increased by $10,000.00.
The board made a change in an Ordinance on how many pets the homeowners may have. Now it will be 2 cats, and or 2 dogs only. Ordinance 7-1-20
The Board also has decided to give the trailor court residents a notice they are getting out of the rental business, and all trailors are to be out of the park within the next 18 months. A notice of eviction will be sent to all trailors on Woodman St.
(note: as to date, the Argus has not rec'd any police reports for publication)
Public Works approved a $500.00 amount for Jamie to do some repairs at the village shop.

Sept. 12th
absent- Bob Rupakus, Mike Sand & Mark Fredrickson
attendance- M. Yaucht, Dick Tiffany, 5 members of the Trailor Court, Talford's
Agenda-
Public Input-- A rep. for the trailor court stood and asked why they where not given the chance to purchase the property as told prior. A request for the item to be on next months agenda also was given, so that more owners may come in for the meeting. This was denied, and the board stated that nobody was ever told they would get the chance to buy first. The fact that DNR does not allow any building on old dumpsites was not a factor to the board at this time. Sue D. and Pam M. stated that nothing was done secretively and everything was published in the papers.By Oct. 1, 2006 all trailors will have to be out.
Kevin Kitchner then replied, we had a meeting a month ago, and I was against it.
Sue D. then responded that she did not like the umbrance the rep. was using. This has been an issue for years now.
Kevin stated that no testing has ever been done formally out there, to find out how much debris form the dump is actually there. he added the amount of work needed out there was not capable of the village to do.
The Rep. then added that they hoped the village would reconsider and allow the trailors to stay.
Sue D. stated NO, only new buildings are going to be allowed.
Bob W. added that no more trailors would be allowed, nor re renting them. He stated that someone already pulled that, by renting the trailor out to someone new. (note: this was another board members son)
Sue D. then became upset and stated there was no more discussion on it, the attorney said they only had to give 60 days notice, and they are doing more than that. She also stated that the sewer was a problem up there. The land will be surveyed and lots will be sold.
Bob W. stated that the neighbors to the park state it is nothing more than a slum up there. (note: this makes the board slum lords then)
Again the Rep. asked for the board to allow the agenda on next month for other owners to come in.
Kevin Kitchner asked the board if that could be done, and the response was--NO, an ordinance was made in Nov. 2002. no trailors can be replaced anywhere in the village ever again. Kevin then added that there could be health concerns out there as well.
The Rep. then told the board that west cap had been out and working on some of the trailors, updating them.
Kevin then said, Our hands are tied, the decision has been made.
This ended the discussion on the trailor court, and the residents left very upset with the board.

Fence Ordinance 13-1-142
Kevin made a change on the Ordinance. No fences will be allowed on the Lot lines anymore, for any reason. A minimum of 3' setback will be enforced. "no fences will be allowed on lot lines"
Sue D. made the motion to approve and Pam gave the 2nd.

Tiffany permits application
Kevin asked Dick if he had anything he wanted to say, and He responded no.
Bob W. made the motion to approve and Sue D. gave the 2nd.

Library Board
Sue Dzubay Chair for the Library committee
The 1st anniversary is coming up in Nov..
There is a cement slab wanted for behind the library, also a railing to prevent anyone from hitting the building.
Bob W. stated yeah , that would not be a problem.

Personnel and Finance Committee
Sue Dzubay gave the information.
The Complaint Procedure was covered. They must be in writing to the proper committee or the Village Board for review.
The Employee reviews are due by Oct. 1
All Budget $ requests must be received soon.
The Budget numbers for the Nelson Finance charges will be changes.

Licensing Committee
Chair- Pam Marson
The Tiffany permits where the only thing we covered.


Police Committee
Chair - Bob Weix
There would be a uniform policy change, a photo ID Card is going to be required.
There would be no officer bias by board control as of 8-17-05
There had been a request for additional officer hours
A Fund search was started as of 8-26-05.
Officers own discretion will be used to deal with public
He stated that Chief Rockwell's budget would be required soon, and any remaining dollars will roll over into the next budget year.

Nursing Home Committee
Chair - Pam Marson
No Report

Clerk Notes
Jodi Pulk - We will be reformatting the publishing of the minutes to a condensed version, that will give us a $250.00 a month savings. Anyone may come in and review the full minutes if they would like to.
Sue Dzubay responded by telling Jodi that her review was looking a lot better now.

The next Public Works meeting will be the 22nd at 9:30 AM

Payment of Bills and Adjourn followed at 7:35 PM



Oct. 10th
absent- Mike Sand, Pam Marson & Mark Fredrickson
Agenda-
Provisional Lisc.
There where five permits needed and the board approved all.

The Paving Project Update
Once again the paving project has problems and costs where going to increase another $5,000.00 due to lack of a base under Shaw Ave. There was 6" of pavement to be removed from Shaw too. a note that at the 5% contingouncy rate would only have been $1,500.00. Scott Ward explained that this could have been avoided, if the Village would have researched this ahead of time.

The Capital Improvement plan was brought up, Susanne Peeples gave the information to the board. They included the estimated costs on the upcoming projects.

The Zoning Board of Appeals seats where not completed again this month due to the lack of members at the meeting. The names of the five people that gave letters of interest where not given, yet Delorse Radkte, Bill Stewart, and Barry Shrag. The other two names where not stated. I , Rick Talford for sure am one of the two.

The Police Report was given, which was 2 pages. Bob R. stated that it was a busy month. The Budget for the Police Dept. was received and was expected to pass the committee.

The Library Board met, and discussed the costs of a new apron. It would near $7,000.00. As far as there budget goes, they will be happy with whatever they receive. Sue D. then explained that is , 90% of what they get is for salary though.

The Personnel & Finance Committee met twice last month. once for reviews and the other for budget talks. Partridge Ave. is going to be pushed back another year.

Russ C., from the Pierce County Resource and Development program came in and informed the board on how they are working with them to promote future growth and expansions. He stated that there where possibilities of local Co. 's to move out into the Co. more.

There was correspondance this month. Bev and Al Harper, former owners of the Library Building. They wanted to let the board know they approved of the banning of all tables and chairs, etc. Kevin Kitchner then stated, It is nice to get nice letters like that one. Not like some of the ones we get.
(note:- This is common for any board to deal with the questions on there actions, when they are not popular. If they are unwilling to open there minds to a differant view, they are not a democracy. If our community is going to grow, they must acknowledge everyone. It does take a community to stay together.


Nov. 14th
absent--Bob R.- via phone, Mike Sand was 45 minutes late, but did attend.
Attendance- Mr. & Mrs. Linke, M. Yaucht, Chief Rockwell, Sari Gordon, Scott Ward, and the Talford's
Agenda--

Public Hearing for the 2006 Budget-
Bob R. stated there was a cash flow of $11,000.00 and the employees where going to receive 2.5%. The House taxing is going to be near 2.83%. There was also a change in Jodi Pulk salary. She now receives what our past clerk received when she left.
The Alley repairs will now be moved to 07' instead of 06'.
The Police Dept. and Village office will be done in 06'
The work on Partridge will be done in 07' also.
We have perfect right to do this, Sue Replied.
Motion was approved and the Public Hearing was Adjourned.

Public Input--
Rick Talford asked the board about the cracks showing up on Shaw Ave. as well as the sink hole returning already on the west end of the street.
Bob W. replied that there was only 1 layer put down so far, and the 2nd would be this spring.
Rick then asked about the reason for such a high budget, when the rest of the county is showing less needs for increases, yet Elmwood is showing a 34% increase.
Bob W. again replied by stating the pump station was a big part of the increases. Other projects are adding this up also.
Kristina Talford asked the Board if they could get, and place more of the Pooper Scooper law signs around town. there is only 1 located on Public Ave. There is a big problem with this around town.
Kevin Kitchner asked if the village actually had these signs to begin with, and if so, was there an ordinance in regards to the question.
Bob W. responded by saying, You'll have to talk to Jamie about that.

Adopting the 2006 Budget
approved unanimously

Provisional Operators Licenses
all approved

Class C Wine License for the Main St. Bar
Approved

Resolution 2005 Emergency Management Planning
Jodi P. told the board that this came up last spring, and had to be passed in order for the village to receive any funding from the program.
Bob W. asked if there needed to be a motion, and was told yes.

LREP paving Project-Payment request and change order # 1
Scott Ward told the board that they had found a soft spot on Shaw Ave. and with the additional needs to fill and remove the old street, the costs where increased.
Kevin Kitchner asked if the road would need to be torn up for the soft spot.
Scott replied not really, it has the potential of sealing itself up. It will not hurt the integrity of the road.
Bob W. made the motion to pay, and Sue D. gave the 2nd.

Police Ride Along Policy
Bob Rupakus gave the information to the board. The Chief states that we need a ride along policy for the village.
Alex Rockwell- I looked at the Menasha Policy and used it as a guideline.
Kevin K. stated that He had one concern. The scheduling should not include such things as fun rides. #2, No one under the age of 14 yrs of age should be allowed in the squad.
Sue D.- responded by stating the Chief should be able to use good judgement in that area.
Rick Talford spoke quickly to the board, stating that the school uses 14 years of age to begin there transitional services for the students to be looking at careers.
Kevin Kitchner- I have more, #3 I believe the carying of weapons should only be the Chief also.
Chief Rockwell stated that unless they are certified, no officer may carry a firearm while off duty.
Kevin then added #4, there should a tour of the vehicle prior to the ride. The observer should know that they are only riding along, they are not to participate in any case. I am not trying to rip you apart.
Bob W. made a motion to approve
Kevin K. resplied I'm not done yet. I want Mike Sand to see highlighted area, since he just came in to the meeting.
Chief Rockwell added that this is a 6 page policy, the largest of the Dept. , and that is compared to not having one at all.
Sue D. stated that the liability falls on the Parents involved.
Chief stated that they all have to follow the chain of command.
Kevin K.- then asked if the 48 hour notice was in regards to the board members as well.
Bob W. responded, it says 24 hours.
motion and approval followed.

Trapping within the Village Limits
Chief Rockwell stated that there had been some issues with this recently by the Eau Galle River.
Kevin K. added that there is no hunting allowed within the Village.
Chief Rockwell stated that the use of traps on private property was allowed. but that was only with live traps. no kill traps may be used.

Zoning Board of Appeals
Kevin said there where 2 openings for the board. also there is 1 alternative seat available.
Bob R. stated that there was only a need for the president to state his recommendations and the board then could vote on that.
Kevin gave the names of those interested. Delorse Radkte, Donna Lein, Barry Shrag, Bill Stewart, Rick Talford. We will do these individually, and if anyone refuses a name, that person will not be able to seat for 1 year.
#1 Delorse- accepted, #2 Donna L.-accepted, #3 Barry Shrag-accepted
I want to personally thank all those who sent letters of interest.
(note- I Rick Talford was the only person of the 5 to be present at the meeting)

Capital Improvement Plan
Jodi P. stated that they needed to just skip the item for now, Susanne was not yet present.

Police Report
Bob R. stated that there where no special interests, and everyone had the report in front of them.

Committee and Board Reports
Sue D. stated the Personnel and Finance Committee met to go over the Budget, and they had to pick and choose for it. She also stated that she had missed the Library board meeting.

Adoption of the 05'-06' Plan
Kevin asked if the North end of Woodman St. was being worked on.
Susanne responded- No, both ends are in the plan, but only the South end is planned for work.

Payment of the bill was approved

Correspondance
Kevin K. spoke again, A letter was received from the community club, thanking the board for the use of the auditorium. A new fire truck was discussed at our last meeting. The Pumper truck is in need of repairs for replacement.
Bob W. replied that that was a better truck than Menomonie has. It takes 20 minutes for our fire Dept. to leave the station when called upon.
Mark Fredrickson added that this was something that was in there 3 year plan for the fire dept.
Bob W. again stated that it takes Menomonie 20 minutes to get to Elmwood, and Elmwood cant respond that quick.
Kevin K. then stated they are looking for grants to assist with the needs.
Mark F. stated that they needed the pumper truck for the out of town fires.
Bob W. again replied, Yeah, but it took them 20 minutes 2yrs ago, to respond. That was for a fire within the Village. He then asked if that was on the agenda, or just in the correspondance
Kevin told him, it was only added information he wanted to let everyone know.
Bob said, well, is that all then?

The meeting then adjourned at 8:10 PM

(note: the community and it's safety seem to be the last thing on the boards mind for this budget. There were wage increases for the Board President, Clerk, Treasurer, Police, Shop, Bowling alley, Auditorium, Celebration, Election, Parks, and a large amount to the Library. other increases where in the areas of Misc. revenue, long term dept., auditorium outlay, police outlay, Shop machine and Equipment, Street and snow maint., sidewalks, storm sewer, planning commission, and interest paid out) Years of negative budgeting is now being recovered with these increases. The Library was to be self run, that was the reason they where allowed to move out of the auditorium building.)

Dec. 12
absent- Mark Fredrickson
attendance- Mr. & Mrs. Yaucht, Neil Boltic, Francis from the Habitat for Humanity program, Teresa from the Pierce Co. Humane Society, Barry Shrag for the Chamber of Commerse, Jake Sailor, Talford Family, Enginner Scott Ward and Rep. Susanne from MSA, and Reporter Sari Gordon from the Pierce Co. Herald
Agenda
Public Input-
Jake Sailor came to the board to give them an ultimadum, the need for a new building or he would be looking to move his business out of town.He gave the board a deadline of Jan. 2006 to respond.

Habitat for Humanity
Francis spoke to the board about how habitat for humanity works, and the village board donated 1 lot, out of the 3 that will be vacant from the evicted families in the trailor court on Woodman.

Humane Society Contract
Teresa gave the board some information on what the needs where for the Co. humane Society. After an hour of the board hemming and hawing, they told her they would try to help. Bob R. was against the assitance due to the high cost of the employees wages.

Miss Elmwood Donation
The St. Paul carnival is around the corner, and she will need $375.00 to attend. The board agreed to give $100.00 towards the trip.

Economic Development
Barry Shrag gave information to the board in regards to the committee that has been created to assist the village in expansion. They want to promote more for Elmwood. Bob R., Bob W., Mike S. will be on the committee.

Police Report
Bob R. stated it is all the normal issues.

Committee and Board Reports
The Library now has $90,000.00 from a donation received. there is more than enough for the library to get things done now.
Payment of Bills and Adjourn at nearly 9PM

(note- again the board comments spoke volumes. they where once again nasty towards the community needs)