Subhead
Following information presented to the board by Public Works Lead Jim Fredrick at the May 15 board meeting, the board approved engaging the Safe Step Program for sidewalks in the village that need work. Fredrick passed out several photos of sidewalks that had tree roots cracking or uplifting the cement and several that were nearly completely overgrown with vegetation. He said that he and a representative from the Safe Step Program mapped out where the faulty sidewalks are located, identifying 23 unsafe trip hazards.
Fredrick said that the village public works department can do the concrete removal and landscaping around the new sidewalk, thus, reducing costs to the home-owners. He told the board that the Safe Step Program will not cost the village anything more than what he already has in his budget. Property-owners who have unsafe sidewalks in front of their homes and have the repair work done, will not be charged initially; the village will pay the bills upfront, but the costs will be the responsibility of the home-owner, either put on the real estate property tax bill or a separate bill.
Former village trustee and village resident Sandy Lyles told the board that she has searched the Waushara Argus Newspapers, following the board’s November 21, 2022 approval of passing a wheel tax of $25 per vehicle for street maintenance and upgrades of roads in the village, to find the published ordinance. She said she was unable to find it published and also gave the board members a copy of the League of Municipalities FAQ 10 information sheet, which states that “village ordinances which impose penalties or forfeitures must be published as class 1 notices and take effect on the day after publication, unless a later date is prescribed.” Lyles asked the board to investigate this because the village has been charging a wheel tax in January, February, March, and April. Village President Jim Erdmann responded that it will be investigated.
At the November 2022 board meeting, ARPA Consultant Julie Fredrick, who investigated the wheel tax program, told the board that there are 1,512 vehicles in Redgranite that would fall under a wheel tax ordinance, which would net the village $37,500 annually. She said that the money has to be used for street and sidewalk maintenance and construction.
Village resident Mark Opperman spoke to the board, complaining that a specific house on his street (Horne) continues to be an ongoing nuisance, with a camper parked alongside of the garage that has skunks, rats, cats, dogs, etc. using it as “a breeding place.” He also stated that there are junk appliances sitting outside on the property, as well as vehicles on the front yard. He also complained that the occupants “rev their cars” at all hours of the day and night. He cited ordinance violations and asked that something be done.
Village President Jim Erdmann told Opperman that the property-owner has received several fines, but doesn’t pay them. He said that for a while the property was getting cleaned up but then the clean-up seemed to stop. Another village resident said that the owner has been ill, with a recent hospitalization. After further discussion, the decision to continue with the abatement process was made.
In addition, the board approved the abatement of another home, on Bannerman Avenue. Erdmann told the board that he understands that people have hardships, but said “we need to send a message to others in the community that you can’t violate ordinances.” The board will ask Village Attorney Dan Sondalle to send an abatement letter to the property-owners involved.
In other business, the board approved:
•Mailing explanation letters to village residents for the Public Fire Protection (PFP) charge for the second quarter water bills. This was proceeded by a presentation by Ehlers Financial Advisor Brian Roemer. The topic will be on the June meeting agenda for approval.
•Utility stand-by fees for Public Fire Protection (PFP) for lots that have unoccupied houses on them or lots that have water facilities available, but the property is not connected. In the recent past, they have not been charged, but going forward will be charged on their quarterly utility bill. Charges will vary according to meter size.
•Gary Rodensal and Ellen Caswell to fill vacant village trustee positions.
•Gina Smukowski accepting the Deputy Clerk position.
•The extension of Mary Piechowski’s retirement date by 30 days in order to train the new deputy clerk.
•Repair of the chipper attachment, not to exceed $4,000.
•An operator’s license for Andrew Zahn (Shell/Condon Oil).
•An in-kind donation to the Redgranite Labor Days Festival.
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting will be held on Monday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the municipal building.
Image
