At the July 26 Redgranite Village Board meeting, the board approved establishing a village ordinance for unapproved parties at Quarry Park. Police Chief Kyle Tarr handed out a “party invitation” that was sent out online by a random individual, with no pre-approval for the party. Tarr pointed out that with today’s social media, anyone can send out these types of hyped-up invitations, which could result in hundreds of party-goers showing up at Quarry Park on any given day.
Tarr pointed out that the online invitation suggests people “BYOB,” which means bring your own beer or booze, and “BYOW,” which suggests people bring their own “weed,” with both of these items being illegal to have at the quarry. The ordinance committee will meet to discuss and establish an ordinance regarding unapproved parties at the Quarry.
Ehlers Associate Brian Roemer attended the meeting and gave a presentation on the levy limit referendum. A special board meeting was scheduled for August 9 at 6 p.m. to discuss further.
Baker-Tilly Associate Justin Hoagland also attended the meeting to give a presentation regarding the 2021 financial audit for General, TID, and sewer and water funds.
Several Redgranite area citizens attended the meeting to voice their concerns about a possible dog park being established at the East Park ball diamond. After pros and cons were presented, the board approved putting the topic into a referendum on the spring election.
Public Works Lead Jim Fredrich reviewed a progress report of work completed or started and noted that 11 projects have been completed. He also told the board that the Collision Clinic in Wautoma donated rust-proofing for the new red truck, with a value of $350. President Belinda Passarelli praised the accomplishments made by Public Works and Utilities, under the direction of Glen McCarty, who was hired by the village, following the resignation of former utilities lead, Lamont Larkins. McCarty responded “I didn’t do it alone.”
After much discussion about waiving fees for park reservations, special gathering permits, and temporary operator licenses for non-profit organizations, the owner of The Hair Shop and Friends of the Library stated they would pay the fees for the Redgranite Advancement Association’s reservations for the Labor Day Festival for September 3 through September 5.
Village resident Shannon Henke attended the meeting and reviewed the written Quarry Committee Plans with the board, with a goal of keeping “the Quarry clean of garbage and keep the view breathtaking from all angles, with the help of volunteers and fundraisers.”
Police Chief Tarr told the board that the Wautoma Masonic Lodge recently donated the funds to purchase a fire suppression kit.
In other business, the board approved:
*The resignation of board trustee Ellen Caswell, effective July 21.
*Sending a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Administration regarding compensation for Redgranite Police Department assistance at the Redgranite Correctional Institution. The village agreed to providing assistance to the facility in the past; however, with rising costs, the village needs to renegotiate the agreement terms.
*Installation of “No Jake Brake” signs in the village; however, the village will have to request from the Department of Transportation, they do a study and if approved, they provide the signs and the village installs the signs.
*The purchase of safety equipment for the police department, for $500, with the grant funds from the League of Municipalities.
*The purchase of phosphorous removal chemical alternative from the Martelle Water Treatment, Inc. for $4,700. This chemical alternative is faster-acting and the Public Works department will be able to use less of it.
*The new Public Works truck logo for a total cost of $300, which will be paid by the ARPA fund.
*An operator’s license for Michael Messing (Lambeaul Lanes) and temporary operator’s licenses for Brenda Mastricola, Gail Perotti, and Jeremy Meyer for September 3-5 (Redgranite Advancement Association).
*A temporary Class B retailer’s license for the Redgranite Advancement Association on September 3-5 at Veterans Memorial Park and September 3 at Willow Creek Park.
*Closing Quarry Park early on Sunday, September 4 at 3 p.m. in preparation for fireworks, closing Division Street next to Quarry Park on Sunday, September 4 from 5 to 11 p.m. for fireworks, and extending the Noise Ordinance on Saturday, September 3 at Willow Creek Park to 11 p.m. for music, and Sunday, September 4 at Quarry Park to 11 p.m. for fireworks.
*Closing Franklin Street (between Pine River Street and Maple Street) from Friday, September 2 (after meal site closes) through Monday, September 5 at 8 p.m. and closing Willow Creek one-way road going into the park and cover the direction sign on the one-way going out of the park on Saturday, September 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for KidzRock.
The next Redgranite Village Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 23 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
