At the Oct. 19 Redgranite Village Board meeting, the board approved Resolution 2021-03, providing for the sale of approximately $965,000 taxable general obligation refunding bonds. The money will be used for refunding certain outstanding obligations of the village, specifically the General Obligation Promissory Note dated July 18, 2017, the General Obligation Promissory Note dated Oct. 18, 2012, and the Water System Mortgage Revenue Bonds dated March 8, 1994.
Ehlers Municipal Advisor Jonathon Schatz attended the meeting, and the September meeting, to make presentations to the board, including telling the board that the bonds are being issued for a 12-year term, with principal on the bonds due on May 1 in the years 2022 through 2033. He added that the bonds are subject to pre-payment at the discretion of the village on May 1, 2028 or any date after. Schatz said, that at the village’s discretion, Ehlers will negotiate placement of the bonds with Bankers’ Bank in Madison.
Schatz told the board that they are “taking advantage of lower rates, saving the village $60,000 over the next 12 years.” The village board is expected to award the sale of the bonds at the Nov. 16 board meeting, with an estimated closing date of Dec. 1.
After discussion, the board did not approve changing a sign at the entrance to Willow Creek Park, which would allow ATVs access to the park. It was mentioned that the area ATV group had wanted access to the park and were told previously that they were not allowed access. The request for an 18” x 24” sign stating “10 MPH Single File on Pavement” be allowed would be reversing the original decision to not allow ATVs in the park. The current sign, which will remain, reads: “NO ATVs.”
In the Redgranite Clerk’s report, Christy Groskreutz told the board that the village received a grant for $856 from the Wisconsin Parks & Recreation Grant Program, sponsored by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. The only stipulation is that the grant be used for parks and recreation in Redgranite.
In other business, the board approved:
•Resolution 2021-02, adopting the ward plan of two districts: Ward #1—south of Willow Creek, with a population of 917 and Ward #2—north of Willow Creek, with a population of 1,144. The Redgranite Municipal building will continue to be the polling place for citizens of both wards. Prior to approval of the resolution, Redgranite was divided into three wards.
•A request by the Redgranite Area Fire District to install a dry hydrant into the quarry behind the post office building on village property. The fire district plans to have the hydrant professionally installed and anchored to the side wall of the quarry, with the village maintaining accessibility to the dry hydrant year-round.
•The non-renewal of agreement for residential solid waste and recyclable materials collection services, currently being provided by Advanced Disposal Services.
•Allowing vehicles in quarry park for people who would like to cut and pick up logs, which will also help clean up the area. However, anyone who wishes to do this must first contact the village clerk’s office for permission.
•Hiring Julie Fredrick as the part-time limited-term consultant for the American Rescue Plan Act funds and other Covid-19 funds.
•A $50 donation to the Redgranite Advancement Association for the Hometowne Holiday and Tree-Lighting, which will be held on Dec. 4.
•Operator’s licenses for Eric Larson and Lisa Theriaque (Shell station), and Connie Reason (Dollar General).
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
