Minutes: September 5, 2012

Village of Plain

Special Village Board Meeting of September 5, 2012

 

A Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Plain was held at the MunicipalBuilding on September 5, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. The following members were present: Raymond Ring, President; Stephanie Box; John Dischler; Raymond Ellenbolt; Walter Gerber; Kevin Kraemer; and, James Liegel, Trustees. 

Others present: Shawn Murphy, Green TTEC Director 

Notice of this meeting, along with the agenda, was posted at the following locations in the Village of Plain: the MunicipalBuilding; the Plain Post Office; and, The Peoples Community Bank on Thursday, August 30, 2012. Notice was emailed to the Home News and the Baraboo News Republic

The purpose of this meeting was discussion and action regarding: bids received for Honey Creek Recreational Trail Project; Ordinance 182-12: Splitting sewer customer fees to apply a higher sewer fee category for nonresidential sewer customers; a water rate increase of 3.2% as of January 1, 2013; nonresident sewer customer’s litigation; and, Green TTEC oversight and facility management and employee status restructure. 

The meeting was called to order by President Ring at 7:30 p.m. 

Shawn Murphy addressed the board regarding bids received for Honey Creek Recreational Trail Project. Three bids were received from Meise Construction, Janke Construction and MZ Construction. The lowest bid was Meise at $128,000, which is still over budget. Murphy made contact again with the National Guard in Richland Center. They will be doing a site visit next week. They still have a strong interest in participating. It will be examined how much they could do of the project and then the board could evaluate a partial bid approval or a rebid. Bids are good for 60 days from August 30th. The board could decide at the October meeting. Ellenbolt motioned to table the bids. Liegel seconded. Motion carried. 

Kraemer read the first reading of Ordinance 182-12: Splitting sewer customer fees to apply a higher sewer fee category for nonresidential sewer customers. The sewer fund is subsidized by the taxpayers by 59%. The nonresidents currently do not pay a higher rate nor do they pay taxes. The residents have been subsidizing the sewer to date but the nonresidential customers have not. It is unknown if other municipalities have a similar rate table. If those sewer lines need maintenance and upgrades, those customers do no contribute to those types of costs. This process was successful in having the River Valley Veterinary Clinic annex and now the sewer rates will be adjusted for the others. The PSC tells you where you should be with your water rates, but the sewer rates are not dictated by the PSC. Kraemer pointed out that it appears that the water and sewer has money in their savings, but they do not have enough to cover everything that needs to be done. The phosphorus situation has started the process with these increases. The committee will meet to brainstorm for next year during budgeting season. Rates will possibly be raised on January 1, 2013.

Kraemer explained why an increase to the water rates was necessary. Liegel motioned to increase water rates by 3.2% as of January 1, 2013. Kraemer seconded. Motion carried. 

Ellenbolt Motion to postpone “Discussion regarding nonresident sewer customer’s litigation.” until the board reconvenes in open session. Box seconded. Motion Carried. 

Box motioned to adjourn to Closed Session at 7:52 p.m. Ellenbolt seconded. Motion carried. Roll call vote: Ring – Yes; Box – Yes; Dischler – Yes; Ellenbolt – Yes; Gerber – Yes; Kraemer – Yes; Liegel - Yes. Motion carried. 

The board returned to Open Session at 8:07 p.m. 

The board discussed nonresident sewer customers. Kraemer discussed fees for maintenance in contrast to what they pay for fees. Kraemer believes the attorney took the wrong angle with the case. Kraemer feels the case is not worth pursuing. They just need a fair assessment for the services we are selling them. Ellenbolt motioned not to appeal. Liegel seconded. Motion carried. 

It is not necessary for the board to talk to the attorney. 

Ring questioned the service from the Boardman law firm. The board agreed the Village should look into exploring a change to a new firm. The discussion will be added to the October agenda. 

Liegel questioned Murphy about the reallocation of the EDA grant and if it will happen before the end of the year. Murphy is confident that it will be finalized by the end of the year. They were waiting on the single audit, which was completed last week. 

SCDC is hosting Fall Leadership forum on October 11th in Baraboo. All boards and business people are invited. 

Ellenbolt motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Gerber seconded. Motion carried. 

 

Sheila Tafs
Clerk/Treasurer