Elmwood Village Board Meeting
Sept. 10th, 2007
7 PM @ Village Hall
Present- Bill Stewart (President), Jodi Pulk (Clerk), (Trustees) Doug Claflin, Susan Dzubay,
Pam Marson, Mike Burke, and Bob Rupakus
Absent- Mike Sand (Trustee)
Public- Stevens Engineering Rep. Susan P. and Brian Ehlers , Mr. & Mrs. Schoeder, Marilyn Yauch,
Chief Adam Meyers, Rick & Kris Talford, and Sari Gordon (Pierce Co. Herald writer)
Agenda-
Approval of the Minutes -of last months meeting
Public Input-
Rick Talford (resident)- asked the Board why the Ordinance on killing animals
within the Village Limits was not being upheld anymore. The Chief was once
controlling this, but was told to stop. The Ordinance has a zero tolerance for
killing or harming animals whether on Public or Private property within the Village
limits.The use of Mole Kill Stakes continue even with complaints against them.
The Ordinance only allows live trapping, without any harm to the animals.
Bob Rupakus- well I have to admit, I use mouse traps at home.....
Rick T.- We are not talking about mouse traps, Bob.
Bill Stewart then asked to make it a bit more clear on what was being questioned.
Rick T.- I explained that the use of spike style kill stakes where being used,
and the policy created in Nov. 2005 was to create a no tolerance to any
form of kill or wounding style traps. This was due to some activities on the
water way that had become a problem because they believed they where ok
on private property.The only allowable trap was for live traps to get
containment to remove the animals. There are other alternatives to killing
the animals, such as spreading lime to get rid of the grubs they eat. Every
year they are a problem, but only a few use kill style tactics to get rid of them.
Bill S.- then stated that this was good to question, and the board would do some
research on what other communities are doing about these devices, and
there use in their communities.. He then added that it could be placed
on next months agenda. The Clerk then wrote that down.
Rick T.- I had one more question as well. I have been told that our Chief is not
allowed to have any style interview with the media, without first getting
an OK, from the Village Board's, Police Committee Head Bob Rupakus.
I was wondering why?
Bob R.- After mumbling under his breathe, so it was hard to hear him. He stated
"There is Information, that We do not want released."
Rick T.- These where interviews to go over what he has accomplished over the
first year of being here. If these individuals are interested in doing the
interviews, they are not going to want to wait weeks for a decision.
I do not see what the problem would or could be. Common sense would
tell him not to release confidential information.
Bill S.- It is just like any other employee, they must have permission before they
speak to any media. There are people that may take offense to what is
being reported or written. The simple fact of it is, that it must come through
the committee first.
Kristina Talford then asked how many parks there where in the town.
Bill S. then responded by asking her if that was a statement, or a question.
Kris T.- then asked again how many parks where in the community?
Susan D.- replied to her, stating " Four".
Kris T.- then asked "Why the park that is located on the east side of town, was
always locked up, instead of allowing the use."
Susan D.- responded by explaining that the park is only been named for the park
plan that was required for them to get grants if they ever became available.
otherwise the park would stay as is. This was just designating the area.
The other parks are by Genesis (on the west side), and Vet Park (behind
the Library), and Butternut (on the South side)
Kris T.- then asked "Could the area still be used with tents for watching the wildlife .
Bill S. then stated "Anyone can walk back in there, and would not be considered
trespassing. There could not be tent use, due to no waste facilities are there"
Susan D.- then added "You can enter the area from near the Talford's Adopt-A-Hwy
sign on Public Ave., there is a beaten path that goes back into the park area
and along the river.
(It was added that there must be a County Permit received also, such as the one they have
for Butternut Park. Also there is a gate across the enterance there as well.)
Schoeder Project Update- Kevin, from Cedar Corp. was the speaker,
He stated the meeting for approval was
done, and a Certified Survey Map for the board to look at was completed.
Brian Reilly from Ehlers & Assoc. then started giving info. to the Board.
He then informed the Board that the Elmwood Argus did not print the second
week of the notice that was required of them to do. The Public Hearing must
be held after the second notice, but within 7 days of it. Then there can be no
action for 14 days after that hearing. The Public Hearing and the Joint Review
Board must both meet then on Wed. the 12th. He then went on to explain how
the Dept. of Revenue would or could allow everything to proceed even with the
error by the Argus. He said they will attempt to get a letter of compliance so
they can proceed. He explained a couple different scenarios that could happen,
hopefully everything will be alright with contact tomorrow with the Dept.
Jodi Pulk -added that Paul Seeling had made contact and stated the error of
notification would be posted
Lower Woodman Order Change #2- Angela P. of the Stevens Engineering gave information to the
Board in regard to the Street Reconstruction on lower Woodman. The Company
has used 3/4" rock, instead of 1 1/4" rock, so we where asking them for relief of costs.
They had already done 3-4" before this was noticed, and completed the work with
1 1/4" there after. The Bottom layer failed the Specifications we set, so we asked for
a reduction in the billing. The differance would be approx. $600.00. It was that or
give an additional year warranty on the work. She then explained the Public Works
Committee met last week or so, and decided to take the additional year on the warranty,
making the warranty now 3 years on the street work. With having to restart too many
times already due to the weather, and the timeline we had we decided the extended
warranty would be the best move.
Bob R.- asked what the differance between 3/4" and 1 1/4" was, and she
explained it is basically only differant in the drainage being better with
the larger rock.
Bob R. -then made a motion to accept and approve the extended warranty.
Doug C.- gave the second to the motion
Upper Woodman Information Update- The final lift is being done, and there where concerns about the
area being left open. Access to the homes also was spoken about. They will be
contacted about this, and the area will be closed every night properly now when we
speak to them tomorrow.
Resolution 14-2007 Delivery of $585,000.00 in Bonds- Brian again was the speaker and told the
Board they should have received a preliminary statement and a final resolution. He
stated that there where three things being dealt with:
1- Financing of the two Projects on Woodman,
2- The Storm Retention Pond Creation,
3- The $96,000.00 Lift Station Loan.
The firm received 5 bids today, he stated. The lowest coming in at 4.3% interest,
and the high being 4.6%. Approx. $ 22,000.00 differance in interest alone.
He added that they had preliminary thought 1 1/2% to bond issue, and it came in at 1%,
saving a total of $5,000.00. After the %K in savings the interest rate will be at 4.3031%,
which includes the Attorney and Agent fees He stated that they had received bids from
companies in Chicago, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Menomonie .
He then let the members know that what they had, was the final document ,
and that it was the governing document.
At this time, he added, Ehlers would recommend to accept this.
Bob R.- made the motion to accept
Pam M.- gave the second to the motion
Shoeder Certified Survey Map-The property right now is in Steve Schoeders name was stated.
This information was given by Kevin Oium of Cedar Corp.
This will be changed to Mel and Dawn Schoeder. There is 5.5 acres that are dedicated
to this project, with the Industrial Road being made into a public access. There will
be a temporary cult a sac built. Then in phase two of the project, the right of way will
extend out. There will be a drainage easement created for the village for the storm
water pond. Phase two will include the pond. The village will then have the authority
to maintain the pond.
The Finance Committee met and made a motion to accept the plan and send it forward
to the board. Right now there is not a maintanance agreement for the pond.
The village will have an easement to do the work on the drainage pond, such as keeping
the trees out of it.
Bob R.-then stated that sounded fair.
Susan D.- made the motion to approve
Pam M.- gave the second to the motion
Mobile Home Lot Prices- Susan D.-gave information to the Board, the female accessor that was spoken
with gave her prices on the lots. Lot 2 is the Lot being donated to the Habitat for Humanity.
The Lot # 1 we will sell, as with Lot # 3, that will become lot 2 for sale reasons.
There will be four things to look at:
1- Cost of the Lots,
2- Curb and Gutter fees at $9.75 per foot.
3- Connection fees for water and sewer (currently $2,400.00)
4- a "Must Build by Date" to be determined.
Bob Rupakus- asked what the penalty would be for failing to build within the time limit.
stating that this is something that could not be left uninforceable.
Figures started being put together, with the cost of the lot + curb & gutter fee + water
and sewer connection fee + deadline for building.
Bob R.-stated that the price of the water and sewer connection should not be
thrown in on the sale, as discussed in the prior meeting.
Mike B. -stated that the price should not be added into the sale price, because the
fees may increase by the time of sale on the lots.
Bill S.- then added this might possibly push the buyers to pay for it now, versus waiting
for the building to start, when prices could increase before then.
Susan D-. said The Fair Market Value for Lot # 1 was $12,000.00, While Lot # 2 came
in at $17,000.00 because of the property being by the river. The Lot being
donated to the Habitat for Humanity was not accessed and the home will be
forced to be built on a slab. (This is due to the dump location below it.)
The Lot on the riversid will go to the drainage easement, or AG tunnel.
The frontage of lot # 2 would then be approx. 242 feet.
Bob R.- then stated the price of the smaller lot would be 12K + curb and gutter + sewer
connection, and the large lot would be higher with it having river access.
(The idea to make the storm easement area, a out lot instead came up, giving total control to
the village for right of way and maintanence ability.)
Jodi P.-stated that a new CSM would need to be done for that, and added the hook up fee
would then need to be added later just in case, for some reason the rates where to
be increased.
( A short discussion about Impact Fees was spoken over, with the statement that the
Legislature has made more restriction on them, making it more difficult to deal with)
Doug C.- made the statement that the prices sounded too cheap.
Susan D.- replied that it did sound low in a sense, but the area is not a new development,
and the Nelson Riverwood lots have access to the river and include all their fees.
Pam M.- added, they listed a lot at $15,000.00, but only got 10K for it on Winter Ave.
That was purchased by Habitat for Humanity. She added that they have a
good starting price, and she did not believe they should go any higher.
Susan D.- then made a motion to approve the agreed fees for the lots.
Lot 1 = $12K + fees,
Lot 2 = $17K + fees
( Both with build date to be started within 24 months.)
The Out Lot would equal approx. 40 feet, and cost the Village close to $400.00.
Bob R.- gave the second to the motion
Amendment of Ordinance 3-1-7- Susan D.- stated that while looking through the Ordinances, she
noticed an error. It was that the Depository was named the Elmwood State Bank.
This should be changed to the Citizen State Bank.
Bob R.- made the motion
Doug C. -giving the second to the motion
Committee & Board Reports-
Public Works- (Chair Doug Claflin) Meeting was held Aug. 31st, to go over the Schoeder Project
and sidewalks in the village for repair. The CSB sidewalk, and Crownhardts and
Muellers sidewalk and maybe Quinns.
Finance and Personnel- (Chair Susan Dzubay) We had a legnthly discussion over the Tiff 5. Tiff 4 has
issues with problems that it cannot be higher than 12% of the equalized
value. Tiff 3 would only be the improvements that count, as well as Tiff 4,
so we are OK with Tiff 5 after everything was looked at.
Bob R.- made statement about the schedule of events, and the WI Budget
not helping Elmwood ,as far as our budget goes.
Library Board- (Chair Mike Burke) The meeting was postponed
Nursing Home- (Chair Pam Marson) Not alot to report she claimed, a bid was accepted.
( Rick-"I believe"- I may not have heard properly)
Police Committee -(Chair Bob Rupakus) we did not have any meetings and stated that he thought the
new library sign looked phenomonal
Susan D.- added," the technology is better"
Mike B.- added, " It takes away from Dick's sign"
Payment of the Bills-
Susan D.- made the motion to pay the bills
Pam M.- giving the second to the motion
Adjourn-
Pam M.- made the motion to adjourn
Bob R.- giving the second to the motion
(While everyone was getting up to leave, Jodi Pulk - Clerk added that the special meeting
was set for Dec. 26th at 7 pm for passing the Tiff.)
Note- I Rick T. had stopped into the Village Office on Wed. to request a copy of the Minutes from the Monday Night Board Meeting, and was told by Deputy Clerk Vicki, that they had not been complated yet to her belief. I had my son run down on Friday, after school released to see if these minutes where done yet, and Jodi told him that they in fact where still not completed. I was trying to verify a bit of information before printing my blog, but the minutes not getting completed by the clerk is not going to stop mine from getting done for the readers. If there is any changes needed to the blog, I will update them.
Update- In regards to the questions that where asked to the board about the use of the kill stakes against the ordinance, the board president stated that they would contact other villages to see what they do. I made contact with 5 other villages, and 1 city. They all stated that the ordinance in place is what should be followed, no matter what the personal feelings are. As for the directive "gag order" that their Police Committee head has placed against the Chief, this is not legal at all, without a court order. The attempt to keep what happens in Elmwood to stay in Elmwood is just nonsense, and I was informed by a twenty year veteran of Law Enforcement that this is opening the Village up for lawsuits by the Employee's(Chief Meyers has the right to speak to whomever he pleases without the Board trying to restrict him. Remeber he is the law, not the Committee members, nor the Village President) I was told to dig a bit further into this, by searching the State Statues. The attempt to over control everyone can bite you, just remember what happened when the School Superintendent tried to release the Basketball/football Coaches. This style of standing up for the rights of others, needs to continue in other areas other than sports.Many people from the district showed up against the wrongful action that was taking place with that. I did receive an email from the clerks office today, and surprisingly enough to me, I had not given them my email address, so they apparently got the information off this blog site. The Minutes I received today (9-20-07) for the cost of $.75 showed me exactly what I felt would happen, the minutes are abbreviated for sure, with most of the information lacking by the clerks notes. I know that they do not have to remember or print every word said, but I have made it my intent to give as much information as possible and stay correct. I do make corrections to areas that are not right, as soon as I am aware of the oops, but this is not to be thought of as intentionally stating something false to create trouble, it has always been my attempt to give the readers every bit of a chance to read, what I hear, and what they would hear if they where in the room with us in the meetings. Once the minutes are approved next month, then I can ask them why they are misquoting the publics input. I do have everything recorded and soon these recordings will be online as well, for anyone to listen to the meetings, instead of reading all about it. Like I have said, the information is to the best ability, and will be 100% accurate when you can listen to the recorded meetings online. Till then, you all will have to read what I write. Thanks for doing that.
The comments that are being left on the "PG" site are getting to throw statements about other people that associate with me, and those people will stand up for themselves, but I will say this. I have been doing this for all the right reasons, and the hate filled site against me is proving exactly why there is a need to do so. The statements against anyone and everyone that I deal with, is proof of selecting out someone and discriminating against them as much as you can. Giving the details of meetings and unofficial minutes of them is hardly wrong to be doing. I never claimed that the paper does not do them correct, they do them politically correct. I may not have the greatest grammar, but I never claimed to be a graduate of Harvard. There is very little following to the board meetings, and if there is never anyone else there to ask questions, then I would sure as heck think that the community would be happy to see that someone cares enough to be there and ask questions when things don't sound exactly right. It is our right to ask questions and if they decide to act like jackals when answering these questions, then yes, I believe that it should show up in print 100%. Any reaction by the Board that goes against the citizens should be questioned immediately, and why should it take a month for a clerk to get these minutes done and printed, when the Board can file them as done before anyone gets a clue of what was even said. I have made the suggestions that questionaires should be used with our Village Billings we receive, to get feedback for the Board, instead of every decission being made behind closed doors or in the bars. Nobody can tell me that seven people know what 800 people think about any situation. Just one last thing to be cleared up- anyone that would like to hear the 90 minutes of the taped meeting from March 2004, when the Village Resident John Marson, his wife and friend came to the Village Board and rambled about how they wanted the Talford's gone, and the Boards response in how they could be done with us within 3 years, as they had done with others in less than five years before us can simply contact me and we can meet, so you can listen to the statements by these individuals yourself. This is the legal recording from the Village Clerk just one day after the meeting, I requested a copy of the audio transcript, as well as filed a police report with Chief Bauer at the time. Like a picture, the recordings do not lie !!!
