At their May 18 meeting the Redgranite Village Board approved the purchase of several new items that are needed for the local police department.
They first heard about the need for the department’s TASER replacement. The TASERS currently used by the department no longer have the batteries available to replace and each cartridge can only be fired once. The TASER replacement was approved and costs will be covered under a payment plan.
New laptops for the department’s vehicles was also approved as the current three are outdated and the software is running slow. The board will be looking into the American Rescue Plan Funds to see if costs could be covered under the program. Regardless, two new Panasonic Toughbook Ck-33 computers along with new docking stations will be purchased at a total cost of $9,294.
An application for the Federal Bullet Proof Vest Grant with the potential costs to be covered under the American Rescue Pan was also approved. The Department of Justice will help reimburse costs for new vests.
The Village is still working to hire one full-time and part-time officer with two candidates ready to be interviewed. The creation of a police auxiliary/CSO position was also approved. This position will be an opportunity for individuals looking to get into the law enforcement field to help sworn officers with tasks they do not always have time to do. The position will also allow them to get out into the community and help regulate events such as Labor Day. An all committee meeting will be held to discuss wages for the new position.
Concerns on speed limit signs were also discussed. A community member living off of Highway 21 came forward as he had noticed cars still going fast near the school crossing. The board has received approval from the DOT to move the 25MPH about 150 yards east to be adjacent with the 40 MPH sign by the Econo Lodge Hotel. This will hopefully give semis a chance to slow down before reaching the school crossing. The board will also be looking into their options on a higher level regarding speeding concerns, especially off of Highway 21 and on Foster Road.
Dan Sanchez of Friends of the Redgranite Quarry gave a brief statement on the issues still surrounding the park. Reports of kids throwing rocks into the quarry were given by Sanchez. A post on Facebook about fisherman getting rocks thrown at them was also mentioned. Sanchez hopes to have a fine put in place to any obstruction to the rocks or any vandalization. The board will be discussing their options together at a future time.
In other news, Sanchez reported that many piles of logs have started to go down. Some individuals have reached out to him as well with an interest in picking up the wood to harvest.
The board tabled Resolution #2021-01, Providing for the sale of approximately $930,000 taxable general obligations refunding. The board will revisit the topic after the completion of the audit in July. A discussion of allowing full time employees, now part time to retain unused sick leave balance and use while working part time was also table for a full-board intense discussion.
The board went on to approve:
•Badgerland Service Agreement for IT Service - $1360/yr. – no increase from 2020.
•Hiring Jim Fredrick as the full time lead maintenance worker.
•Hiring Brent Snow as the full time sewer, water assistant operator.
•Changes to the Use of Force Policy and submitting the chance to WI State Accreditation Board (WILEAG) for review with a $100 fee, which is required as of last year.
•Trojan UV Maintenance supplies – Mulcahy Shaw Water for $1,048.72.
•An emergency cleaning of the main lift station by Speedy Clean – estimated at $3,000.
•Allowing local non-profit organizations to advertise on the Village Board between Bonnell Ave. and Highway 21.
•An Operator’s License for Chenoa Peterson (Shell) until June 30, 2021.
*A Change of Agent for Rick’s Irish Pub Liquor License from Richard Young to Erica Moore effective immediately and until June 30, 2021.
•An Operator’s License for Erica Moore (Rick’s Irish Pub) until June 30, 2021.
