Village Board Meeting — Minutes

VILLAGE OF LAKE HALLIE REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 17, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. Lake Hallie Municipal Building, 13136 30th Avenue, Lake Hallie, Wisconsin 1. Call to Order President Gary Spilde called the regular meeting of the Village Board to order at 7:00 p.m. in accordance with Chapter 19.84 of the Wisconsin Statutes. 2. Roll Call Present: President Gary Spilde; Trustees Tim Calkins, Brad Hudson, and Mark Danielson. Absent: Trustee Pete Lehmann. Also Present: Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Anastasia Stueber, Chief of Police Jesse James, Public Works Foreman Sam Bautch, and members of the public. 3. Pledge of Allegiance The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Approval of Agenda Motion by Calkins, second by Hudson, to approve the August 17, 2026 agenda as presented. Motion carried by voice vote. 5. Public Comments Tanner Zell addressed the Board regarding his previously submitted parking permit request for a dump truck near 115th Street. Zell explained that the truck weighs approximately 28,500 pounds and is generally parked Monday through Saturday from approximately 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 or 7:00 a.m., and throughout the day on Sunday. He stated that the truck is parked entirely off the roadway on the gravel shoulder and that he is actively seeking an alternative parking location. The Board discussed the truck's placement and property boundaries. Because the permit request was not included on the agenda, no action was taken. The item will return for consideration at a future meeting. Mike Rathke raised a concern regarding concrete blocks and traffic cones located near the roadway at 26th Avenue and 105th Street, noting a potential hazard for bicyclists and other roadway users. Staff indicated the property owner had previously been contacted regarding similar concerns and would follow up. No further public comments were received. 6. Committee and Department Reports A. Board Member Reports President Spilde provided an update regarding pending litigation involving the Village and advised that the Village's insurance carrier and legal counsel are involved. He noted that there is no anticipated personal liability for individual Board members. The Board briefly discussed the applicable Village ordinance and its similarity to Chippewa County and City of Chippewa Falls regulations. No ordinance changes were recommended at this time. No Board action was taken. B. Police Chief/Police Commission Update • A personnel assignment change was made within the department, with an officer transitioning back to patrol and Detective Nelson being assigned to the detective position following the internal posting process. • The Police Department participated in National Night Out, which was well attended and supported by community donors and local businesses. • CVTC intern Josh Miller completed his summer internship and has transitioned to an auxiliary officer role. • Sergeant Sokup represented the department and K-9 program at the Terry Biddle Big Rig Truck Show, with a donation to the K-9 program anticipated. • The department continues evaluating technology needs in preparation for the 2027 budget, including replacement of aging computer equipment and opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. • The department received positive feedback from residents recognizing officers for community policing efforts and assistance provided to members of the public. • July activity included 513 incidents, 14 arrests, 136 traffic stops, 43 traffic citations, and nine parking citations. • The Police Commission's next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2026. • Officer Bell's swearing-in is scheduled for August 18, 2026. • A Police Department open house is scheduled for August 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Village Municipal Building. No Board action was taken. C. Public Works Department Update • Safe water samples were received for recent utility projects, allowing meter installations to proceed. • Public Works staff completed team training at the Grand Meadows development on August 11, including tracing the newly installed water main to ensure staff can accurately locate the infrastructure in the future. • Hydrant flushing continues throughout the Village. • Riley Rubenzer continues taking a lead role in resolving water meter and utility issues and assisting with training newer Public Works staff. • Well No. 1 repairs are anticipated for late September or early October due to current water demand. Village wells are operating approximately 17 to 18 hours per day. • Farner Asphalt will complete flex sealing, crack filling, and chip sealing on 40th Avenue, along with previously approved work on the bike trail. • Melby Street is scheduled for spray patching, with additional flex sealing and crack filling anticipated in September. Pavement markings on Melby Street and 40th Avenue are also planned for September. • Equipment is being prepared for the second round of roadside mowing beginning the week of August 31. • Staff completed the backlog of 2025 fire number installations and have begun working through 2026 assignments. Additional fire number materials will be needed as residential development continues. • The remaining warranty on the end loader is limited to the powertrain and hydraulics and did not cover the recent brake valve repair. No Board action was taken. D. Administrative Update • Village ordinance review continues, including cross-referencing existing ordinances and working with legal counsel on recommended updates. • Staff are reviewing the governance structure and authority of Village commissions to determine whether existing provisions continue to meet current organizational needs. • Planning for 2027 employee benefits and open enrollment is underway, including coordination with state benefit providers and employee enrollment projections for budget preparation. • Training and professional development remain a priority. Joy will attend the Wisconsin Caselle conference in September with a focus on accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting capabilities. • The August election was successfully completed, with positive feedback received from election observers and County staff. Recognition was given to Pat, Vicki, and the election team for their work. • The Village was awarded the maximum $2,000 Municipal Clerk Grant, which will be used toward replacement of an administrative computer and the continued transition to laptop and docking station workstations to improve flexibility and cross-coverage. • Additional grant opportunities are being pursued. No Board action was taken. 7. New Business A. Parks, Recreation & Tourism Commission Action Items 1. None. B. Plan Commission Action Items 1. None. C. Police Commission Action Items 1. None. D. Administration/Village Operations Action Items 1. SEH Well No. 6 Update and Preliminary Layout A representative from SEH provided an update on the Well No. 6 project. The Board was advised that construction plans for the well were submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in June and have received DNR approval. Environmental resource review of the site was also completed, identifying wetlands in the area but no evidence of Karner blue butterflies. The project is now moving toward Public Service Commission construction authorization. SEH presented the base project and several alternatives for development of Well No. 6 and the associated wellhouse. Discussion focused on: • Constructing a centralized wellhouse to serve Wells No. 1, No. 3, and No. 6. • Incorporating radon treatment for the three wells. • Addressing existing DNR deficiencies associated with Wells No. 1 and No. 3. • Demolition or potential reuse of the existing Well No. 1 building. • Utilizing below-grade clear well storage to reduce the footprint of the new wellhouse. • Infrastructure requirements, including water main, electrical service, SCADA, and site access. • Construction and project costs and the potential impact on future water utility rates. • Financing options, including available TID funds and coordination with Ehlers regarding financing and potential rate impacts. The Board provided consensus direction to proceed with planning for a centralized wellhouse incorporating Wells No. 1, No. 3, and No. 6, including radon treatment. SEH will proceed with the PSC construction authorization process and further development of project alternatives and preliminary plans. Additional project details will return to the Board as design progresses. No formal action was taken. 2. Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Inc. Invoice for Wheel Loader Repair The Board reviewed an invoice from Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Inc. for repairs to the Village's wheel loader. Motion by Hudson, second by Calkins, to approve the Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Inc. invoice in the amount of $4,812.43 for the wheel loader repair. Motion carried by voice vote. 3. Decker Supply Co., Inc. Invoice for Fire Numbers The Board reviewed an invoice from Decker Supply Co., Inc. for fire number materials. Motion by Calkins, second by Danielson, to approve the Decker Supply Co., Inc. invoice in the amount of $3,332.09 for fire numbers. Motion carried by voice vote. 4. First Reading of Ordinance 5.1.07: Temporary Keeping of Goats The Board conducted the first reading and continued its review of proposed Ordinance 5.1.07 regulating the temporary keeping of goats within the Village. Chief James reported that revisions requested by the Board at its previous meeting had been incorporated into the draft and that additional feedback had been received from Chippewa County Zoning Administrator Doug Clary. Discussion focused primarily on temporary shelter requirements, including: • Whether a livestock trailer could satisfy the temporary shelter requirement. • Whether amendments to the Village's zoning ordinance may be necessary to authorize temporary shelters. • Placement of goats and fencing in relation to the public right-of-way. • Potential liability associated with allowing goats within the public right-of-way. • Clarification of County zoning requirements before final adoption. The Board directed Chief James to obtain additional clarification from Chippewa County regarding temporary shelter and zoning requirements and incorporate any necessary revisions before the ordinance returns for its second reading. No action was taken. 5. Village Hall Rental Terms for Nonprofits The Board considered proposed guidelines allowing qualifying nonprofit organizations to use the Village Hall without a rental fee. Representatives of Alliance for Life and Liberty addressed the Board regarding their organization and a proposed thrift sale fundraiser benefiting nonprofit and charitable causes. Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber presented proposed rental terms establishing eligibility and conditions for nonprofit use of the facility. Discussion included: • Verification of nonprofit status. • Public accessibility of the event. • Requiring a connection to the Village. • Maintaining governmental neutrality when Village-owned facilities are used. • Prohibiting use of the Village's logo or branding in event advertising. • Whether eligibility should initially be limited to organizations with recognized 501(c) status. The Board agreed to retain the 501(c) requirement at this time and consider other nonprofit structures in the future if necessary. Motion by Calkins and seconded by Danielson to approve the Village Hall Rental Terms for Nonprofits. Motion carried by voice vote. 6. Resolution 2026-021: Allocation of Funds to Debt Principal Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber reported that the Village received approximately $373,650 from the State associated with Form 17. Staff recommended applying the funds toward the principal balance of the Village's debt to reduce future interest costs. Motion by Hudson, second by Calkins, to approve Resolution 2026-021, allocating $373,650 to debt principal. Motion carried by voice vote. 8. Old Business A. Administration/Village Operations Action Items 1. Resolution 2026-018: Resolution Authorizing Tree Planting and Maintenance Within the Public Right-of-Way The Board revisited Resolution 2026-018 regarding tree planting and maintenance within the public right-of-way. President Spilde reported that the trees associated with the original request had been planted and appeared to be outside of the public right-of-way, although a portion of the surrounding mulch may extend into the right-of-way. Public Works will confirm the placement. The Board determined the proposed resolution was no longer necessary. Motion by Calkins, second by Danielson, to deny Resolution 2026-018, Resolution Authorizing Tree Planting and Maintenance Within the Public Right-of-Way. Motion carried by voice vote. 9. Approval of Minutes A. August 3, 2026 Regular Board Meeting Minutes Motion by Hudson, second by Danielson, to approve the August 3, 2026 Regular Village Board Meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried by voice vote. 10. Finance A. Treasurer's Report The Board received the 2026 Treasurer's Report, Profit & Loss Statement, Water Utility Report, and Sewer Utility Report. Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber provided an update regarding ongoing financial reporting and accounting reconciliation efforts within Caselle. Staff continue working department by department to review allocations and resolve outstanding items. Additional support and onsite assistance are anticipated in the coming months, including assistance with budget preparation and journal entries. No Board action was taken. B. Claims and Disbursements The Board reviewed the August 17, 2026 Check Register totaling $16,218.51. Motion by Hudson, second by Calkins, to approve the Check Register in the amount of $16,218.51. Roll Call Vote: • Trustee Hudson: Aye • Trustee Danielson: Aye • Trustee Calkins: Aye • President Spilde: Aye Motion carried. 11. Licensing A. Operator Licenses • Austin Kernan, Thirsty Badger • Jon Standiford, Lake Hallie Sportsman's Club • Amy S. Hubbard, ALDI • Soren Johnson, Thirsty Badger • Jack LeZalla, Valley Sports Academy (VSA) B. Bow Hunting License • Michael Small, 112th Street & 45th Avenue/Landfill The Board discussed the requested bow hunting location and whether the application accurately identified the Village-owned property intended to be hunted. Due to uncertainty regarding the specific parcel and proximity to surrounding residential development, the Board directed staff to obtain additional clarification before considering the application. No action was taken on the Bow Hunting License. 12. Permits A. Social Use Permit • Pa Moua, Village Hall Bachelorette Party, August 15, 2026 Motion by Hudson, second by Danielson, to approve the five Operator Licenses and Social Use Permit as presented, excluding the Bow Hunting License pending additional clarification. Motion carried by voice vote. 13. Adjournment A motion to adjourn by Hudson, second by Calkins. Voice vote. Motion carried at 8:16 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anastasia Stueber Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer