Minutes: January 3, 2012 Special Mtg
Village of Plain
Special Village Board Meeting of January 3, 2012
A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Plain was held at the Municipal Building on January 3, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. The following members were present: Raymond Ring, President; Stephanie Box; Cole Brunson; Raymond Ellenbolt; Walter Gerber; and, John Schluter, Trustees. Trustee Kevin Kraemer was absent.
Others present: William Gruber; Edward Bettinger; and, Shawn Murphy, Green TTEC Director.
Notice of this meeting, along with the agenda, was posted at the following locations in the Villageof Plain: the MunicipalBuilding; the Plain Post Office; and, The Peoples Community Bank on Thursday, December 29, 2011. Notice was emailed to the Home News and the Baraboo News Republic.
The purpose of this meeting was to discuss and act on: the Recreational Trail/Stewardship Grant funding and Village match resources; Resolution #2012-01, establishing a Fund Balance Policy; Resolution #2012-02, final resolution levying special assessments; and, an Operator’s License for Brandon C. Stephens.
The meeting was called to order by President Ring at7:00 p.m.
The Village of Plain received notice of award for two grants for the purpose of building a recreational trail with a pavilion picnic area in the Honey Creek Business Park. The original intention was to receive 100% grant funding for the project, but only 50% was granted. Donations have been sought for the Village’s 50% match. Murphy reviewed the budget including revised cost estimates and possible donations. The net remaining cost for the Village is $7,120. This amount does not include a possible donation from The Peoples Community Bank and donated labor and equipment from the Richland Center Guard Unit.
Box questioned Murphy in regards to maintenance. The trail can be closed during the winter to alleviate Public Works from any snow removal. No mowing or landscaping will be necessary because it is a wetland. The path would be subject to flooding, but would be built to sustain flooding. After a flood event it would have to be swept off. There will be very minimal maintenance.
Ed Bettinger stated that The Kraemer Company has agreed to an easement. They will also be helping out with the project and feel very positive about it. Bill Gruber supports this project whole heartedly. Ellenbolt and Murphy have been a huge factor in gathering the donations. Schluter feels the gap will be closed to ensure the Village has no financial burden for the project. Ellenbolt is sure he will raise the excess amount needed and if more money is raised we can put it into a fund to maintain it.
Box does not understand why all of the Village’s resources are being put into the TIF District and added that tax money is already supporting the TIF District. Box feels it is foolish to keep developing in the business park without having something else there to help pay for it. Schluter pointed out that we are past the point of taxes going into the TIF District, but this is a different project with the intent that no tax dollars will go towards building it. The Green TTEC Board is in support of the project. There was a time where Plain was never eligible for a grant. If the Village turn down this grant, next time they may not acknowledge Plain because we said no this time. Box stated that we need families to move to Plain. We need to concentrate on the amenities that already exist. Schluter reiterated that this will not be a burden to the taxpayers and will have very little maintenance. Box feels this board puts all their eggs in one basket. Schluter indicated that tonight’s meeting is about the trail. Schluter motioned to approve the grant and move forward with the project.
Ring stated the Village is challenged by a few different things. There are sewer problems regarding new phosphorus regulations, the pool needs handicap accessibility upgrades, the clubhouse will not be opening and a store has closed. The walkway is not the highest priority. Ring also spoke with Tom Kraemer about priorities and was also concerned, but Tom supported the walkway. Ring is uneasy about asking for more money from the taxpayers. Schluter pointed out that this is separate from Green TTEC. Ring would like to hear how the public feels about it.
Ed Bettinger pointed out that the board is chosen leaders. It is the board’s decision to make. Running around to ask everyone’s opinion is infeasible. Bettinger supports the project and feels it is a no brainer. He understands what Stephanie is saying, but there is no relation to what is being discussed tonight. Bettinger reminded the board of the library project. Free money should not be turned down otherwise we will turn into a substandard village. Bill Gruber mentioned Lion’s Lane. That was no cost to the Village with minimal maintenance costs. The Village does plow Lion’s Lane. It has a lot of traffic. It is safer than walking on the street there and in the business park. This project will be another asset to the Village.
Box announced that a pool vendor informed them that the pool needs to be handicap accessible. Box is not going to be bullied into changing her mind. Schluter asked Box how this trail affects what we do at the pool. This trail project will be fully funded. Schluter thanked Ellenbolt and Murphy for their hard work and thanked Ed and Bill for their support.
Gerber seconded Schluter’s motion. Roll call vote: Ring – Yes; Box – No; Brunson – Yes; Gerber – Yes; Ellenbolt – Yes; Schluter - Yes. Motion carried with a 5-1 vote.
Ellenbolt motioned to adopt Resolution #2012-01, establishing a Fund Balance Policy. Schluter seconded. Motion carried.
Ellenbolt motioned to adopt Resolution #2012-02, final resolution levying special assessments.
Gerber seconded. Motion carried.
Schluter motioned to approve an Operator’s License for Brandon C. Stephens. Brunson seconded. Motion carried.
Ellenbolt motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. Schluter seconded. Motion carried.
Sheila Tafs
Clerk/Treasurer