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At the Sept. 18 Redgranite Village Board meeting, Village President Jim Erdmann told the board that Redgranite has a problem with cross-contamination of waste materials. He said some village residents are putting non-recyclable items in recyclable bins each week and that Waste Management is planning to “tag” the bins and not empty the bins if it continues. Erdmann said that Waste Management is complaining that items such as food scraps, plastic bags, batteries, foam cups and take-out food containers, oil, and even bicycles are being deposited into the recyclable bins, resulting in cross-contamination.
A letter is being drafted that will go out to all residents, but the draft was not ready to approve, so will be included on the October meeting agenda. Police Chief Kyle Tarr questioned how violations will be handled and said that an ordinance needs to be established to cover that topic.
During the Clerk’s Report, Becky Streck told the board that Trick or Treating in Redgranite will be held on Sunday, October 29, from 3 to 5 p.m.
During the Village President’s Report, Jim Erdmann announced that the Quarry Committee is planning a family festival on October 28 at Veterans Park. He said more details would be coming out soon.
Village Attorney Dan Sondalle attended the meeting to talk about Open Meeting Law and compliance, essentially telling board members not to have conversations about board topics when outside of a board meeting. He cautioned that this is in violation of the Open Meeting Law.
In his report, Public Works Lead Jim Fredrick brought the board up-to-date on various projects, noting the donations the village received from: Wagner Mini-Excavating for time and equipment for hauling and leveling topsoil for Veterans Park; Tom and John Sobieski for time and equipment used to help seed Willow Creek Park; and Sobieski Brothers (Mike and Andy) for donating equipment use for landscaping.
Police Chief Kyle Tarr, in his monthly report, told the board that Senate Bill 70 (2023 Wis. Act 19, Section 36) passed, which will now allow the Redgranite Police Department to be reimbursed for the time they work at the Redgranite Correctional Institution. He said he needs to look into the details to determine how to bill for their time spent at the facility.
In other business, the board approved:
*Police Chief Tarr placing ads to establish an eligibility list for a full-time police officer position, to be filled in 2024. Tarr told the board that getting part-time officers usually results in them leaving the job for a full-time job after a short time on the Redgranite Police force.
*An invoice from Municipal Well and Pump to install a VGD and replace valves and piping at Well #2, in the amount of $20,760. Well #2 has “had some problems;” installing the VFD will release pressure.
*An increase in the advertised starting wage to $22.50 per hour for the Assistant Operator position. Redgranite would like to hire someone for that position within the next 6 weeks.
*Ordinance Section 6-1-9, Disposal of Waste. People have been dumping their household garbage in village park containers and business garbage containers. The ordinance states that “Violation of the ordinance, upon conviction, could be subject to not less than $50, nor more than $1,000 for each offense, together with the costs of prosecution and court costs.”
*The Village of Redgranite withdrawing from the Wautoma Area Municipal Court and joining the Waushara County Circuit Court at the end of Judge Mertz’s term in April 2024.
*Providing mutual aid with the Wautoma Police Department.
*The pre-demolition proposal from AirTite Environmental Services, LLC for asbestos testing at 404 Bannerman Ave., not to exceed the $1,500 proposal. The board also approved getting contractor demolition/building removal bid proposals in the newspaper. Funding will be provided by ARPA.
*Camera installation at Willow Park by Quick Technologies, LLC for $712. ARPA funds will be used to provide payment.
*Changing IT Service provider from Badgerland Computer to Jason Johanknect.
*The village president and clerk to attend the League of Municipalities of WI Annual Conference in Green Bay, Oct. 18-20.
*Operator’s licenses for Jason and Jessica Netzler, effective Sept. 19 to June 30, 2024 (The Barracks).
*Planting a tree in honor of Richard (Mort) Piechowski, who served on the board for many years and was instrumental in many positive changes in Redgranite. The tree planting will take place in Veterans Park or Willow Creek Park.
*Planting a tree in honor of Redgranite Police Officer, Robert Hadley, for his time with the police department and also serving with the Redgranite Fire Department; it will be planted in the SE corner of the village hall parking lot. Police Chief Kyle Tarr will purchase the tree and be responsible for planting.
The next regular Redgranite Village Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the village hall.