Oct.2010 Elmwood Village Board Meeting

Elmwood Crosswalk Projects Discussed


Submitted by citizen journalist Rick A. Talford


ELMWOOD, WI- October 11th, 2010 The Elmwood Village Board had their monthly meeting. The board approved one operators license for the Sandbar.

Approving the Elmwood Crosswalk Project was next on the agenda, with a short discussion on how they had just received the states’ approval today for the project. There will be a crosswalk put in by the new post office. The Committee met last Monday to put together the plans. The board approved the work to be done by Josh Shafer at the cost of $2,000.00. There will be an additional $500.00 for two rumble pads to be placed in the crosswalks also. These pads are made of steel, and are a new requirement by the state for all new crosswalks. It is understood that these pads are used to help the blind know that they are at a crosswalk.

The 2011 Proposed Budget was then discussed. Trustee Bruce Hartung spoke to the board, stating that any information needed for the budget was now being asked for, to get ready for the budget talks coming up. Trustee Bob Weix then told the board of the work at the Library that was getting prepared for next summer. The roof needs to be repaired, and the committee is wondering if the village work employees, Jamie and Josh could assist Pat Bechel with the work. A Rapid Roof repair is expected to be done, with a mesh being placed on the roof, then a spray rubber will be applied. Hartung then added the expected insurance rate increase would be near 15%, with 5 village employees being included in the plan, and two employees declining the coverage. Seven different companies are being looked into. “The Assessment for the village was just completed, and those numbers are still being compiled for us,” added Hartung. Village President Bill Stewart then added, “We can’t do anything with the budget until we get all these numbers together.” There will be additional meetings for the budget in the near future, with the public hearing being held in December most likely.

The Committee and Board Report then followed. Hartung explained to the board that the Street Committee information was already provided, and the storm water project also was discussed. There is a small area still holding water near the handicap ramp. This will require Josh Shafer to be contacted to look at it for repair, before payment is made. Trustee Patricia Knops then gave a quick report for the Nursing Home Committee. She stated the committee had not met during July and August, but met in September and paid bills. She also said the committee will meet tomorrow evening to vote on a possible remodeling project. This project will add Therapy space at a cost of near $90,000.00. “There may be adjustments made yet, and I will bring more information to the board next month.” Stewart then brought up the need for new “Welcome Signs” at two main entry areas of town. Trustee Neil Boltic then told the board of a new style sign made of high density urethane. This will replace the redwood signs at a cost much lower. This is a foam style sign, that will not rot. You can also paint the signs easily with exterior paint. The cost of these would be close to $3,500.00 for two of them. Stewart then stated the need for bids on the project. He asked Boltic to put together some numbers for the board, being Boltic is involved in that field of employment. Bob Weix then gave a little more information on the Library Committee, stating they will have a book author Mary Logue at the library on October 16th. The Library is also involved in a decorating contest , October 27th through 29th. There will be a program “Christmas at the Library” on December 7th. Weix then explained how Jayne Garaets, the librarian would like to start having open hours on Saturday again. This will create another 90 hrs/year , and an additional $1,260.00 in wages.

Stewart then finished up with some information he received concerning the need to replace signs within the community, due to changes being made by the DOT. There will be a change by the DOT, enforcing the changing of stop signs and others as well. These changes will need to be done by 2015. The signs will be larger and reflective. There will be a big increase in costs to communities for these signs to be replaced and updated. “Most of the signs we have right now, will be obsolete. It would be in the best interest for the village to start putting money away through the budget for the next two to three years to be ready and compliant,” stated Stewart. Boltic then stated the need for maintenance of these signs, adding the signs will need work every five to seven years.

You can go to the website to get more information on this upcoming change at www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro