The Redgranite Village Board met for their regular meeting on March 15 where they approved a clean-up day for the Redgranite Quarry on Saturday, Apr. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Quarry Committee also spoke with the board about the possibility of holding a fundraiser on Apr. 30 on the empty lot located next to the Smokey Bear sign on Bannerman Ave. More preparation is needed on the details of the fundraiser. Board President Belinda Passarelli informed the committee that all funds raised for the quarry will have to be brought to the village and then deposited into a special account. The board approved their request for the use of the property.
Village Attorney Daniel Sondalle was able to provide clarification from the DNR that the quarry is considered an “artificial waterway”, meaning the Village of Redgranite does have authority over it. There were many residents who called the body of water a lake, so the board wanted to clarify going forward.
An update from Board President Passarelli brought the good news that the Redgranite Labor Day celebration will be held after a meeting that was held on March 5 brought more volunteers. The Redgranite Advancement Association also requested the use of the village hall once a month for their meetings. The board approved their request and are just asking that the meetings have a structured time each month. Another meeting will be held on Saturday, Apr. 9 at 10 a.m. for the Labor Day celebration.
Dates for Spring cleanup were also discussed. The neighborhood clean-up of “junk” (large items only) is scheduled Monday Apr. 25 – Friday, Apr. 29. Residents are asked to have all items at the curbside by 7 a.m. Brush pick-up is scheduled between Monday, May 9 – Friday, May 13. Leaf pick-up is scheduled between Monday, May 2 – Friday, May 27.
A list of possible uses for the ARPA funds was presented to the board. Some of the ideas included new park equipment, beautification for the downtown area, public works projects, a generator for the village hall, meter heads and transmitters, house number signs, updated bathroom equipment for the library and village hall, and funds for the local non-profit organizations. Board members and the residents of the Village of Redgranite are urged to give ideas on how to use these funds throughout the community.
Jeannie McBeth of the Redgranite Public Library brought names for consideration for the library board. Linda Thom, Kristine Kinsey, and Angelika Mathias were all approved to serve on the board. Laurie Oltesvig, Village Trustee, was appointed to the library board on behalf of the Redgranite Village Board to serve in case there is a vacancy.
Discussion took place between members of the board on the approval of limited benefits for part-time employees. There were no benefits prior for part-time employees and Board President Belinda Passarelli believes that they should get the recognition they deserve. A system will be put into place that will take the average of weekly hours to determine the benefits that each employee will receive.
Police Chief Kyle Tarr provided several updates to the board as well. In the squad car savings account there is $35,404 that will be put towards the new vehicle, which will be another Ford Explorer. The vehicle along with all of the equipment is expected to cost $70-$71,000. Chief Tarr suggested a $2,000 cushion in case there is anything that needs to be replaced as well. New information on a possible grant from the USDA that would help pay for the remainder of the vehicle was discussed.
Chief Tarr also requested the board and himself sign a letter that will be sent to the Governor in support of Assembly Bill 569, which relates to Law Enforcement Investigative Services. The Redgranite Police Department would be reimbursed for their investigative work with the prison. The bill has been approved by the assembly and the senate, and Chief Tarr reported that they are now just waiting for it to be signed at the Governor’s desk. If approved, the funds generated from the new bill would help the department possibly hire an additional full-time police officer.
The board also was able to set up a meeting as requested by Chief Tarr to discuss their options on staying with the Municipal Joint Court system or switching to the Circuit Court. The switch can only be done on a year where a judge is up for election.
Redgranite Utility employee Glen McCarty provided information on the draining, cleaning, and inspection of the water tower on Bonnell Ave. The DNR requires the job to be done and recommends it is completed every 10 years. The Lane Tank Company was approved for the job at a cost of $3,500. The water tower is suspected to be out of service for at least a week. The village will also need to have a temporary pressure system from the Municipal Well And Pump while the tank is being cleaned. This will allow the system to have Well One run continuously for the north side of town and the prison. The board approved a temporary pressure system at the cost of $2,974. The costs will come from the Water Department undesignated reserve fund as previously approved.
The board is currently looking into their options regarding the severely damaged house on 404 E. Bannerman Ave. The owner still has possession of the property but is no longer living in the village. There are many complaints on the state of the property, but unfortunately the village is unable to do anything at this time. The home contains asbestos and the fire department is unable to burn the property due to its’ location near other homes. In the meantime, the board will continue researching their options.
In other business, the board approved:
*Revised application to State Trust Fund Loan for new public works truck and Resolution 2022-04, to authorize the village to borrow $92,000 from the State Trust Fund Loan for a five years loan at 3.25% interest rate for purchase of new public works truck.
*The quarterly report from Mike Getchius, Cemetery Sexton – Computerize Records.
•The purchase of an Autumn Blaze Maple Tree from Trees by Brady for $550 in memory of Jerry Sieg.
•Support contract with Midwest Meter - $2,500.
•Contract with MSA for GIS and mapping support services - $1,500.
•Proposal to remove grit and sand from oxidation ditch by Speedy Clean - $14,600.
•Proposal to replace pump wear rings on influent pumps by B & M Technical - $660.
•Proposal to clean and televise sanitary sewers by Northern Pipe - $18,800.
•Selling the yellow and red trucks with proceeds deposited in the general equipment fund.
•Repair of floor drains in Public Works garage by Waushara County (concrete projects) for $1,800 and Wisconsin Tubing for $2,179.23.
•Ordering candy and Easter baskets from Amazon for the Redgranite Lions Club Easter Bunny Hop.
•Hiring Pure Country Clean LLC or another company to at discretion of Village Clerk to clean the Village Hall.
