Redgranite sees results from high visibility traffic patrol day

The Redgranite Village Board met for their regular monthly meeting on April 21 at Village Hall.
Redgranite Police Chief Kyle Tarr reported on the high visibility day that local law enforcement took part in on April 17 in the village. Extra traffic patrol was completed by Waushara County Officers, State Patrol, and Redgranite officers to help target speeders, drivers on cell phones, and possible equipment violations. These high visibility days serve as a reminder to drivers to be mindful while on the road. Tarr personally issued approximately 7 citations and 7 equipment violations. Tarr also mentioned that there were a few suspects were taken into custody for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. While there were mixed reactions online, law enforcement does plan on holding another one in the future.
Tarr also made note that the signs will soon be switched out for the speed limit change on Highway 21. The speed will drop from 40 MPH to 25 MPH going into the village from the Quality Inn Hotel to the Town of Warren line. This change was made to help prevent the potential for accidents near the Elementary School and the senior home, as many community members do use that road to cross the street or to get to the Dollar Store.
Community Garden plots are once again ready for gardeners to rent out this year. Public Works Director Jim Fredrick is hoping to know how many boxes will be rented out before planting season begins. Currently, there are 19 boxes at East Side Park, but depending on how many applications are received more boxes can be set up. Community Garden plots will open on May 1 with a $20 rental and $20 refundable deposit. The cost includes the raised garden bed filled with topsoil and compost, and the water. The purpose of the garden is to bring residents together for fellowship and encourage the sharing of fresh fruits and vegetables in our community. The plots are open to all village residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your plot at the Village Hall.
Jim Frederick also presented his upcoming road projects to the board. Work will be completed on Cottonville Ct., Foster Rd., Courtney Lane, and the library parking lot. Funding for these projects is accounted for in the street projects budget.

During public comments, Scott Gustke brought forward concerns of parking on Pine River St. Since the road has been narrowed, it has caused traffic impacts. When cars are parked on the street and two incoming cars cross paths, there is not enough room for traffic to pass through. This leads to lines of cars while workers from the prison are commuting for their shifts.
A brief discussion was held on the consideration of purchasing a new squad vehicle for the police department as they prepare to welcome another full-time officer. Police Chief Tarr has a quote for the order, but is still working out the funding for the vehicle. During the vote, board member Ellen Caswell denied the order, expressing concerns about not knowing where the funding will come from. Board President Jim Erdman responded that they are currently looking into grants and other ways to fund the vehicle, but wanted to ensure the order was placed with the price they were given as price increases for 2026 will be implemented soon. The rest of the board voted in favor of ordering the new squad vehicle and locating the funding for the purchase.
In other news, the board approved:
*The next ordinance review hearing is on May 12 at 4 p.m.
*” We Clean”/Jolene Maldonado’s bid of $150 per week for the 2025 season of park bathroom cleaning.
*The cemetery fee schedule with an increase for a Single Plot from $500 to a new price of $750; a Double Plot price of $1,000 to a new price of $1,500; and a Full Plot (4x) from $2,000 to new price of $3,000 with fifteen percent of sales going into a Perpetual Care Account.
*Annual Alarm Agreement with Waushara County for 2025 for $25.
*Purchasing three Police Transport Helmets for $65 each using the AmVets donation.
*Closure of the sidewalk in the outer parking lot on the west side of the former Village Hall building due to falling debris from the building. Contact will be made with the Estate owner to determine the next steps to possibly razing the building.
*A letter to residents with dead tree issues. These will be targeted at homes with trees that cause a potential threat to safety.
*The purchase of two new weed trimmers for approximately $375 each.
*Provisional Operator’s License for Amber Grim (Rick’s Irish Pub) April 22, 2025, through June 30, 2025.
*Provisional Operator’s License for Christopher Salzer (AmVets) from April 22 through June 30.
The next regular board meeting will take place on Monday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m. in Redgranite Village Hall.