June 2011 Elmwood Village Report

State Budget Cuts affecting Elmwood’s Decisions


Submitted by Rick A. Talford
Citizen Journalist

ELMWOOD, WI - June 13, 2011 The Elmwood Village Board held their monthly meeting in the Auditorium. Trustee Neil Boltic was absent from the meeting.

In Public Input - Ardeth Claflin, representing the Elmwood Enrichment Council, stated “We are looking for a project to put an audio system upstairs in the Auditorium.” Marty Reiner spoke on the progress of the new design for the Veteran’s Park, and stated “He would be meeting with Public Works Committee on the curb and gutter in front of the park.” Reinier estimates 20 to 30 people want bricks to do commemorating on.

Village Clerk, Amy Wayne explained that since there was some re-districting being done with the County Supervisors Districts. “We were advised to adopt a resolution describing the supervisory boundaries, and wards for the Village.”

In other news - Operator’s Licenses for Laura J. Wood and Anne M. Claflin were approved, as well as Operator’s Licenses for the Sandbar, Longbranch, Tiffany’s and Countryside Cooperative. Twenty-six operator’s license renewals were approved. Liquor/Beverage License renewals were approved for these businesses as well. Trustee Mike Sand abstained.

In Committee and Board Reports - Trustee Brian Buck reported “The Library audit will be done by the end of June, and the roof is being repaired. There was some concern that funding could be cut with the new budget bill for internet connectivity, and if private providers were then used, the quality, cost and speed would not be of the same caliber.

Trustee Trisha Knops reported for the Nursing Home. They met May 10th, and there was a review of the Therapy Room, a Minor deficiency with the State, and Employee bonuses. Knops also volunteered, to welcome “New Residents” with a village packet, talking about garbage, licenses, lawns, etc. People were encouraged to give neighbors friendly reminders.

The Personnel and Finance Committee report was provided by Trustee Bruce Hartung. The Committee met with Sean Lentz from Ehlers and Associates, regarding TID #4. Lentz gave the committee some options, on what could be possibly done with some financing. The committee made the recommendation to table the issue until Mr. Lentz can do more research on what is the best way to proceed. They also met with the Employees, about salaries and benefits. Hartung stated “Insurance went up twenty-one percent last year, and we’re looking at another possible fifteen percent increase from the same provider. We will look into shopping around and trying to find other options. A small group is hard to insure, especially if one has a medical problem. Previous attempts to join with schools or the nursing home, have not been successful.”

Trustee Mike Sand reported “There will be a 6/25/11 Public Works meeting to discuss various items, including the curb and gutter issue in front of Veteran’s Park.” Public Works Director, Jamie Reitz then gave a brief description of the 2010 Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR). “There were no deficiencies.” Upcoming regulations regarding phosphorous levels are on hold, until Wisconsin Gov. Walker resolves the budget. The board agreed putting money away for a new plant was unreasonable, as the costs would be several million dollars, and the initial study alone would require $30,000. The sewer division budget must be in the black before a study can be launched, yet the village--according to some--can’t apply for funding unless it is running in the red.

The Police Committee report was provided by Trustee Brian Buck. “The department will be increasing police hours in the Village.” He then stated “The cleanup efforts were progressing very well, and everyone needs to be proactive.” Buck then spoke over the squad car damages. “The Elmwood Police Squad had received hail damage during the last storm, and the Village was waiting for a report from the Insurance Company’s Claim Adjustor. The committees recommendation, depending on the Insurance company’s restrictions, was to take the claim money, and put it in the squad car replacement outlay fund instead of repairing the car.

There was not a report for the Parks & Buildings Committee.

Before adjourning, President Stewart wanted to inform the board that he will be gone for the August Board Meeting. and asked what the Board thought about moving the August meeting to August 15, instead of the regularly scheduled date of August 8. Another option would be to have the Pro-Tem Brian Buck reside over the meeting. Trustee Buck made a motion to change the August Board Meeting to the 3rd Monday.

Meeting adjourned at 7:40PM