9.26.22 REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE
Regular Board Meeting
Monday, September 26, 2022 7:00 P.M.
Orfordville Village Hall
Main Board Room
CALL TO ORDER
President Dennis Burtness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present were President Burtness, Chuck Boyce, Beth Schmidt, Cami Myers-Alstat, Nikki Tuffree, Terry Gerber, and Jason Knox. Also present were Attorney Michael Oellerich, Attorney Mike Hahn, Tracy Case, Chuck Hagmann, Steve Lutzke, Chief Jeremiah Burdick, DPW Director Nick Todd, and Clerk Sherri Waege.
AGENDA VERIFICATION
Clerk Waege verified that on September 23, 2022, copies of the agenda were delivered to the President and Trustees; and posted at the Village Hall, Library, Bank of Brodhead-Orfordville, and the Post Office. There were no additions made to the agenda.
MINUTE APPROVAL
Motion by Boyce, seconded by Gerber to approve the minutes of the September 12, 2022 meeting. Motion carried.
CITIZENS WISHING TO BE HEARD
Attorney Oellerich introduced Attorney Mike Hahn. Attorney Oellerich explained that his last day at Nowlan Law will be this Friday. Attorney Hahn will be replacing Attorney Oellerich. Attorney Oellerich was thanked for his service to the Village of Orfordville.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Video Taping Village Board Meetings. President Burtness explained that he talked to the attorney at the League of Municipalities and there is not a lot of information . President Burtness explained that if we tape the meetings, the video has to be stored for seven years. The Village would also have to comply with the American Disabilities Act, which would require Closed Captioning if requested.
Knox explained that two copies of the videos could be put on Youtube, one public and one private. Knox added that Youtube will also accommodate Closed Captioning and there are no limits on how long videos could stay on Youtube. Knox further explained that to his knowledge, there is no fee.
Tuffree explained that using Youtube is risky, as we have no control over the account.
Schmidt agree with Tuffree and asked Lutzke what the school offers. Lutzke explained that the school no longer video tapes their meetings, and that they offered it during Covid. Lutzke further explained that the school struggled with the quality of the video, as they had no camera man. Lutzke further explained that the Village would need multiple microphones.
Gerber explained that Janesville offers it and very few watch it.
Tuffree explained that people want it recorded it to watch later. Microphones for everyone and a camera will have to be purchased. Tuffree further explained that closed caption is also hard to do correctly.
President Burtness explained that requiring microphones will change the ability of having feedback from the audience. Lutzke agreed and explained that there are feedback issues when multiple people are talking.
Tracy Case suggested that the Village contact John Thompson at the United Church of Christ in Footville. Case explained that the church video tapes their services. President Burtness will reach out to Thompson.
Hagmann explained that they use Zoom in Footville which picks up well ; however, it only provides one view as they do not have a camera person. Hagmann added that the room is about half the size of the Village Board Room. President Burtness asked how many people request to participate in Zoom in Footville; Hagmann explained that there were not many.
President Burtness asked if anyone had any request for video service, other than the one he has seen. There were no other requests mentioned.
Myers-Alstat explained that she is concerned with the Youtube security and permissions. Myers-Alstat further explained that the cost may exceed the demands. Myers-Alstat would prefer to table the subject until costs are known.
Attorney Oellerich explained that the Village has the option to turn off comments on recordings. Attorney Oellerich provided information on Janesville School Districts videos, of which 150 watched the July video and 135 watched the August video. Attorney Oellerich suggested the Village check with Thompson and the Janesville School District on costs.
Knox explained that video taping meetings would be helpful for when minutes are questioned. Knox also questioned what we do if the public wants it.
Boyce asked if a citizen could record the meetings. President Burtness explained that they have done that. Schmidt explained that citizen videos can be configured to their liking.
Schmidt explained that her concern is the cost and explained that anyone can attend the Village meetings. Schmidt added that even with video, we can all interpret things differently.
President Burtness will reach out to John Thompson.
Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Schmidt to table to the October 24, 2022 meeting. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Parkview School Referendum. Tracy Case, Chuck Hagmann, and Steve Lutzke were present on behalf of the school for the referendum. Lutzke explained that Parkview has placed well in Rock and Green County as a school district, including being the top-rated school. Lutzke extended his appreciation to the residents for the support which allows them to have great staff.
Operating Referendum- Lutzke explained that the current two million dollar Operating Referendum expires in June of 2023. Lutzke explained that the current operating referendum was to add teachers, a school nurse, and special education teacher. Lutzke further explained that all day 4K has been added to the curriculum, as well as new courses including construction geometry, video production, drama class, Microsoft Certification classes, Youth Apprenticeship, a school store, increased safety protocols, and an additional bus route.
School Upgrade Referendum- Lutzke explained that the last Referendum was approved in 2014. Since then, enrollment has increased, including a 21 new student increase from last year. Lutzke explained that the school hired Nexus Solution to do a Long Range Plan for the school. A district wide survey was sent out in May and interview were held with the teachers for their input. The 15.4 million dollar Referendum will upgrade the facility and add learning spaces. At the Elementary School room sizes will be increased, the library will be turned into class rooms for 4K Students, the cafeteria will become the new library, and the cafeteria will be relocated. The Auxiliary gym will have a new floor, air conditioning to address the moisture problem, lighting upgrades, and paint will be done. Upgrades at the High School will include additional technical education space, storage, the tech and ag classrooms will be relocated, new space will be made for the Science Department, one bathroom will be remodeled to a family style bathroom for everyone, and needed expansion will be done for offices.
Lutzke explained that the Operating Referendum will cost a $100,000.00 assessed home $64.00 per year. The Facility Upgrade Referendum will cost a $100,000.00 assessed home $3.00 per year, for an overall total of $67.00 per year for a $100,000.00 home. Lutzke explained that the facility upgrade costs less because it is included with a twenty-year refinance package.
Lutzke explained that there are 55 school referendums on the November 8, 2022 ballot in Wisconsin. Lutzke thanked the board for their time and encouraged everyone to be informed and make sure to vote.
President Burtness thanked Lutzke for the information.
Recreation Committee. Motion by Gerber, seconded by Schmidt to adopt Ordinance Chapter 14-10(L) which creates a Community Engagement Committee as a subcommittee of the Economic Development Committee. Motion carried.
Amend Resolution R-2202-01. Motion by Gerber, seconded by Schmidt to amend Resolution R-2022-01 to add Nikki Tuffree, Cami Myers-Alstat, Darla Grenawalt, Maicey Johnson, and Tory Baars as members of the Community Engagement Committee. Motion carried.
Trick or Treat Hours. Chief Burdick explained that he was fine with what we have done in the past. Chief Burdick suggested that the Village have a Safe Place, which is an agreed upon location to go in the event that a child gets separated from their parents. Chief Burdick will check with Food is Fuel to see if they are open and would be willing to be the Safe Place. Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Knox to set the Trick or Treat Hours for Monday, October 31st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Motion carried.
Sanitary Sewer Cleaning Contract. DPW Director Todd explained the bids for cleaning 22,000 linear feet of sewer mains from Northern Pipe for $19,340.00 and Great Lakes TV & Seal for $12.600.00. Motion by Knox, seconded by Boyce to accept the bid from Great Lakes TV & Seal for $12,600.00. Motion carried.
Truck Parking at Village Hall
President Burtness explained that he received a request from a resident to park their truck in the Village Hall Parking lot. President Burtness explained that the rear parking lot is not in good shape. President Burtness asked DPW Director Todd if they plow the back parking lot. DPW Director Todd explained that sometimes they do, and that they use that area to haul snow to. Boyce asked if there was a path plowed to the barn/shed. DPW Director Todd explained that they do plow so they have access to the shed. DPW Director Todd explained that the Village has allowed contractors to park there for short time use. DPW Director Todd further explained that they have to sign a hold harmless agreement and also pay a fee. Chief Burdick explained that the Village has had trouble in the past getting people to leave that were supposed to be short term.
Boyce suggested that we allow local contractors that provide a benefit to the residents.
Knox would prefer that we only allow temporary use for contractors. Knox added that he would like an agreement created to address the restrictions.
Attorney Oellerich explained that if the Village agrees to it, they need an agreement and also need to cap how many trucks are allowed to park at the Village Hall. Myers-Alstat suggested that the Public Works Committee create an agreement.
Motion by Knox, seconded by Schmidt to allow contractors to park at the Village Hall for short term parking only and to have the DPW Committee create the agreement. Motion carried.
TREASURER REPORT
Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Myers-Alstat to table to the October 10, 2022 meeting. Motion carried.
VILLAGE PRESIDENT UPDATE
President Burtness explained the following:
· South Richards Street improvements have been progressing, the curb and gutter and blacktop are done. The landscaping is in progress. I’d like to remind everyone as they view the work that next year the final layer of blacktop will be put down. At this time, they will remove the tapered edge along the curb. It is just there for a better transition to each driveway and curb
· Orfordville Fire Protection District has a new interim Fire Chief. He is Ryan Perkins and has been a Deputy Chief for some time here already. If you have not had a chance to meet him yet, stop by the Fire Station, Saturday October 8th from 9:00am to 11:00am as he will be discussing the upcoming Fire and EMS referendum for the November election.
· Bright Start is having their ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Wednesday, October 5th,2022. While it has been in the village for a number of years, it is under new ownership. Stop by and meet the teachers and check out the classrooms. It will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
· 5th annual October Auto Show at the American Legion on Sunday, October 2nd from 9am to 2 pm
· Senior Luncheon at the Village Hall on October 5th from 11:30am to 1:30pm
· Burtness Chevrolet Car show is October 8th from 10 am to 2:30 pm
· Parkview Elementary PTO’s Trunk or Treat will be held Friday, October 14th, 2022 at Purdy Park. Trunks, Food, Music, Raffles, Fun. See their post on Facebook for more information.
· Please check the village website for more information and other upcoming events
ADJOURN
Motion by Knox, seconded by Boyce to adjourn at 8:16 p.m. Motion carried.
Submitted by,
Dennis Burtness
Village President
Sherri Waege
Village Clerk