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The Redgranite Public Library has been working hard to become a resource for their community members through increased hours and programming. Jeannie McBeth, Library Director, presented updates on how the library is serving the community during the regular Redgranite Village Board meeting on March 18.
McBeth reported that as of the end of February, Redgranite Public Library saw a 47% circulation increase since last year. It has been a full year of increased hours, so McBeth was happy to see the increase despite being compared to similar hours. Foot traffic is up 67% from last year, online and digital books are up 38%, and the reading program is up 42%.
“A lot of the increase is due to our programming and outreach,” stated McBeth. The library has been focusing on more adult programming, as those programs have been seeing more success. The library still offers programming for all ages, but adult programming is the most requested by community members.
During the annual report the board learned that the library open hours increased from 736 hours in 2021 to 2,296 hours in 2023. There was 75% increase in programming from last year when the library was under some renovations to increase community space. Programming is not just done within the library, but also includes home delivery services. Volunteers will also visit residents at the Preston Place to bring them library services. This year in an effort to make the Redgranite Quarry a more family-friendly destination, the Redgranite Public Library will also be bringing a StoryWalk around the park. The library will also be installing a StoryWalk in the Lohrville area and other surrounding townships if they are interested. Funding for the StoryWalk will come from the Lucille Clark fund that was left to the library last year.
The board went on to approve moving the library’s community market to Veteran’s Park. The library will just need to coordinate with any current events held at the park. The library will move the market back to their parking lot on any dates with existing events, including Labor Day weekend. The community market starts on June 1 and takes place every Saturday until Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spring clean-up dates were presented and approved by the board. Leaf pickup will take place Apr. 27-May 3. Leaves must be bagged by the curb. Brush pick-up will take place May 13-17. Brush must be parallel with the curb. Large item pick-up will take place June 3-7. No electronics are taken by the village.
A community garden will be placed at Eastside Park. The board approved the construction of 22 raised beds that will be 10 feet long and 18 inches tall (with the amount not to exceed $5,000 from ARPA Funds). Julie Frederick will work on a list of rules, requirements, along with a sign-up form. Those will be presented for approval during the next ordinance meeting in April.
Allen Luchini, Waushara County Emergency Management Director, spoke with the board regarding their emergency siren. There are many townships discontinuing use of the emergency siren as there are many other forms of communicating emergency weather situations, such as cell phones, landlines, and television. Luchini explained the process of how the county receives information from the National Weather Service, stating it can take a few minutes before the button for the siren is actually pressed. By that time, the weather may have already passed. Some community members are unable to even hear the siren over the high winds and thunder. It can cost up to $800 a year to maintain the siren. The board decided to discontinue their use of the siren, as there are many other effective forms of communicating severe weather. The siren will be removed and put up for sale.
The board went on to approve:
*The reverse down payment for the Redgranite Fire Dept. Fire Truck from ARPA Funds.
*Borrowing $100,000 from the sewer funds for the fire truck.
*A $1,828 invoice from Sheet Metal Services for furnace maintenance at the library and Village Clerk’s office.
*A $1,400 quote for stump removal at Eastside Park, Horne Street and Thackery Street.
*Purchasing a tint meter for the Police Dept. in the amount of $169.
*A $995 quote from Northland Business Systems for Transcription Software.
*A $3,649.27 quote from WRAP Technologies for their taser system. This is a non-pain compliance tool that will wrap around the individual to decrease their mobility.
*Purchasing body cameras, not to exceed $3,000. Redgranite Police Chief Kyle Tarr informed the board that the department has received grant money towards the purchase.
*2023 Consumer Confidence Data Report to be included in the first quarter utility bills on March 31.
*A reimbursement heck to Dominic Russo in the amount of $179.75 for 2023 Lottery Credit.
*Operator’s License for Jessi Mankowski (Post Office Bar) effective March19 thru June 30.
*An April 15 Open Book via phone and a May 2 Board of Review date.
*The public test of election equipment on Monday, March 25 at 9:30 a.m.
*Election workers for the April 2 election.
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting will take place on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the village hall.
McBeth reported that as of the end of February, Redgranite Public Library saw a 47% circulation increase since last year. It has been a full year of increased hours, so McBeth was happy to see the increase despite being compared to similar hours. Foot traffic is up 67% from last year, online and digital books are up 38%, and the reading program is up 42%.
“A lot of the increase is due to our programming and outreach,” stated McBeth. The library has been focusing on more adult programming, as those programs have been seeing more success. The library still offers programming for all ages, but adult programming is the most requested by community members.
During the annual report the board learned that the library open hours increased from 736 hours in 2021 to 2,296 hours in 2023. There was 75% increase in programming from last year when the library was under some renovations to increase community space. Programming is not just done within the library, but also includes home delivery services. Volunteers will also visit residents at the Preston Place to bring them library services. This year in an effort to make the Redgranite Quarry a more family-friendly destination, the Redgranite Public Library will also be bringing a StoryWalk around the park. The library will also be installing a StoryWalk in the Lohrville area and other surrounding townships if they are interested. Funding for the StoryWalk will come from the Lucille Clark fund that was left to the library last year.
The board went on to approve moving the library’s community market to Veteran’s Park. The library will just need to coordinate with any current events held at the park. The library will move the market back to their parking lot on any dates with existing events, including Labor Day weekend. The community market starts on June 1 and takes place every Saturday until Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spring clean-up dates were presented and approved by the board. Leaf pickup will take place Apr. 27-May 3. Leaves must be bagged by the curb. Brush pick-up will take place May 13-17. Brush must be parallel with the curb. Large item pick-up will take place June 3-7. No electronics are taken by the village.
A community garden will be placed at Eastside Park. The board approved the construction of 22 raised beds that will be 10 feet long and 18 inches tall (with the amount not to exceed $5,000 from ARPA Funds). Julie Frederick will work on a list of rules, requirements, along with a sign-up form. Those will be presented for approval during the next ordinance meeting in April.
Allen Luchini, Waushara County Emergency Management Director, spoke with the board regarding their emergency siren. There are many townships discontinuing use of the emergency siren as there are many other forms of communicating emergency weather situations, such as cell phones, landlines, and television. Luchini explained the process of how the county receives information from the National Weather Service, stating it can take a few minutes before the button for the siren is actually pressed. By that time, the weather may have already passed. Some community members are unable to even hear the siren over the high winds and thunder. It can cost up to $800 a year to maintain the siren. The board decided to discontinue their use of the siren, as there are many other effective forms of communicating severe weather. The siren will be removed and put up for sale.
The board went on to approve:
*The reverse down payment for the Redgranite Fire Dept. Fire Truck from ARPA Funds.
*Borrowing $100,000 from the sewer funds for the fire truck.
*A $1,828 invoice from Sheet Metal Services for furnace maintenance at the library and Village Clerk’s office.
*A $1,400 quote for stump removal at Eastside Park, Horne Street and Thackery Street.
*Purchasing a tint meter for the Police Dept. in the amount of $169.
*A $995 quote from Northland Business Systems for Transcription Software.
*A $3,649.27 quote from WRAP Technologies for their taser system. This is a non-pain compliance tool that will wrap around the individual to decrease their mobility.
*Purchasing body cameras, not to exceed $3,000. Redgranite Police Chief Kyle Tarr informed the board that the department has received grant money towards the purchase.
*2023 Consumer Confidence Data Report to be included in the first quarter utility bills on March 31.
*A reimbursement heck to Dominic Russo in the amount of $179.75 for 2023 Lottery Credit.
*Operator’s License for Jessi Mankowski (Post Office Bar) effective March19 thru June 30.
*An April 15 Open Book via phone and a May 2 Board of Review date.
*The public test of election equipment on Monday, March 25 at 9:30 a.m.
*Election workers for the April 2 election.
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting will take place on Monday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the village hall.