Jan. 2014 Village Board Meeting

“Elmwood Village Board Report for Jan. 2014”

Submitted by Rick A. Talford

Citizen Journalist

ELMWOOD, WI- The Elmwood Village Board meeting was held on Monday, Jan. 13^th. All the Board Members were present. There was no Public Input received. The Board began with a couple changes in the Personnel and Finance Committee (Susan Dzubay replacing Brian Buck as Chairperson) and the Police Committee (removal of Brian Buck and placement of Rick Stohr).

The next item on the agenda was involving the Welcome Home Bond Payment Resolution (2014-01). A roll call vote was completed and unanimous.

Committee and Board Reports then followed, with Trustee Delorse Radtke providing the information for the Library Committee. She explained that Volunteer Susan Dzubay, had brought up an idea for a fund raiser. (Craft sale in the spring) Pat Bechel had provided a bid of $2800 to fix some support beams and electric repair in the craft/snack area. She also reported that Wayne Nohelty had spoken of some possible ways to help the library with their financial needs. Trustee Radtke then provided information from the Police Committee, as she told everyone that the Trac Grant had still not been received, so they would be purchasing the equipment they want, and then those funds will be replaced once the grant is attained.

Note- I made contact and requested further clarification on what was holding up this Trac Grant, as well as what equipment was being purchased, and at what cost to the tax payers. I waited a couple weeks for this information, and to date I have not received this information, even though I have multiple requests to the Village Office and Police Dept.

Next up for the Committee reports was the Personnel and Finance Committee, reported on by Trustee Brian Buck. He stated “Employee Evaluations have been completed.” Last report was from Trustee Neil Boltic, for the Nursing Home Committee. He reported a meeting would be held on Tuesday the 14^th. He also reported the Christmas Party was held at Shady Grove, and he added “The Insurance Premiums are fluctuating.” There were no reports for the Public Works, Parks and Buildings and Licensing Committee’s.

Payment of bills was completed and the meeting adjourned at 7:30PM.

In other Information to share; the Board held a meeting on Dec. 23^rd to go over a few items. Two Resolutions were discussed. Resolution 2013-14 Proposing to vacate a portion of Groot Ave. (Upcoming meeting for the public on 2-10-14), and Resolution 2013-15 Demolition of a building northwest of the wastewater treatment facility. Absent from these meetings was Trustee Rick Stohr.

A Public Works Committee was held on January 20, to provide an update on the HWY 72 items and a possible Meter/Software Replacement Issue was discussed.

Another meeting was held on January 28^th for the Police Committee. On the agenda were some Issues: Bar closing times, Recreational vehicle ordinance, ATV trail update and Pierce County part-time employment. I have requested further information on these items, and will need to report later on them, as I have not had a response to date.

February 2014 Village Board Report

Elmwood Village begins weekly reports by Police Dept.

Submitted by Rick A. Talford

Citizen Journalist

ELMWOOD, WI- The monthly meeting was held on Monday, February 10, 2014. Trustee Mike Sand was absent from the meeting. A Public Hearing was held prior to the start of the regular board meeting, for Resolution 2014-02 Discontinuation of Groot Ave., for the Sewer Plant Project. There was no attendance to the public hearing by citizens of the community. A section (west half of section 48) of land was also purchased by the village from the Countryside Co-op for a price of one dollar. A roll call vote was completed unanimously.

Village Attorney Jens Loberg spoke to the board in regards to the next item on the agenda. A power pole needs to be removed, and the lines buried underground. In order for Pierce County to agree to this change, the village will need to take on the costs of this project, and get those funds from the Wastewater Treatment Plan Project. Trustee Delorse Radtke made the motion to approve this item.

Two Operator’s Licenses for Sky Holt & Mackensie Herbert were both approved for the Longbranch. Another item covered during the meeting, was the issue of the Longbranch being open after hours. A warning was given, “Citations will be issued if this continues”. A meeting was held by the Police Committee to speak over this issue, with both Mr. and Mrs. Rupakus attending. Mike Sand was also spoken to in regards to this same issue. This was part of the Jan. 28 Police Committee meeting that I requested information on. It was also noted that Trustee Delorse Radtke is the Chairperson for the Police Committee. Brian Buck was removed from the Committee last month. As for the information I requested quite some time ago in regards to the lack of the Trac Grant and Equipment being purchased anyways, I have tried several times to get this information without any response by the Officer or Committee.

In Committee and Board Reports, It was reported by Trustee Radtke, the Enrichment Council generously donated $1K to the library. There are plans to donate for the front door replacement, auditorium floor work and more tables. The library is planning on having a Spring Garden Flea Market on April 26^th. It was also stated the Library is looking into purchasing new laptops or tablets for Library use only. Radtke also provided the Police Committee information, stating “Chief Petrasko submitted his weekly log”. (This was part of the Jan. 28 meeting as well) The ATV Route was discussed further, and the Pierce County Highway Dept. will need to meet and go over the few items that are needed to pass/approve this item. Trustee Neil Boltik told the members of the board that there are obstacles needing to be taken care of. The County and State Highway Regulations are the largest issues.

Trustee Neil Boltic provided information on the Nursing Home Committee. The NH has been selected to provide music therapy for their residents. It was stated that they are the only home in the county that was selected for this program. “The Elmwood Rod and Gun Club have their fish fry again on Friday’s from 4:30 to 8 PM.” He added.

There were no reports provided for the Licensing, Parks and Buildings, Public Works and Personnel and Finance Committees. Payment of Bills and adjournment completed the meeting at 7:34 PM.