Village Board Meeting — Minutes

VILLAGE OF LAKE HALLIE REGULAR VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES July 20, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. Village Hall, 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. 2. Roll Call Present: President Gary Spilde; Trustees Brad Hudson and Mark Danielson. Absent at Roll Call: Trustee Tim Calkins (excused). Late Arrival: Trustee Pete Lehmann (7:15 p.m.). Also Present: Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Anastasia Stueber, Police Chief 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 Hudson, second by Danielson, to approve the July 20, 2026 agenda as presented. Motion carried by voice vote. 5. Public Comments No public comments were received. 6. Committee and Department Reports A. Board Member Reports: President Spilde: Thanked Eloise Rowan for donating twenty trees for Village parks. Reported that repair estimates continue to be gathered for roadway damage resulting from a hydraulic oil spill. Advised that letters would be sent regarding overgrown vegetation and nuisance concerns within Woodward Acres. Requested a parks update and noted there was no recent Plan Commission activity. B. Police Chief/Police Commission Update: Chief James reported: The Police Commission completed interviews for the remaining full-time patrol officer vacancy. Two individuals expressed interest in serving as auxiliary officers while revisions to ordinance language distinguishing reserve and auxiliary positions are completed. Expressed appreciation to numerous local businesses for their continued financial support of the Police Department K- 9 program, including receipt of the largest donation to date. Continued review and modernization of departmental policies remains a priority. Adjusted his work schedule to support evening patrol operations and Hallie Youth Days activities. Is pursuing reappointment to the West Central Drug Task Force Oversight Committee to strengthen regional collaboration. C. Public Works Department Update: Public Works Foreman Bautch reported: Completion of the water service connection for Werth RV. Riley Rubenzer continues focusing on water meter replacements and resident utility issues. Annual hydrant flushing has begun. Garrett Riley will attend utility locating and line tracing training through Wisconsin Rural Water. Spray patching operations continue throughout the Village. Eric has begun CDL training and anticipates testing this week. Bids for the 125th Street project are scheduled to open July 23, 2026. Ditching operations will begin along 118th Street utilizing recently acquired equipment. D. Administrative Update: Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber reported: Employee relations, communication expectations, and organizational development continue to be a primary operational focus. Mandatory employee training has been assigned regarding effective communication and respectful workplaces. Preparation of the 2027 budget has begun, including review of capital improvements and long-term planning priorities. Staff continue reviewing Village policies and ordinances to ensure compliance and modernization. Public Works employees have been equipped with tablets and will begin utilizing project scheduling tools to improve efficiency and allow greater departmental focus on major infrastructure projects, including the water tower rehabilitation and Well No. 6. Interior municipal building painting is scheduled to begin in September. Collective bargaining preparation continues through policy review and supporting data collection. 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. Hiring of Full-Time Patrol Officer Police Chief James presented the Police Commission's recommendation to hire Edward Bell as a full-time Patrol Officer through the Village's lateral transfer process. Chief James highlighted Officer Bell's previous service with the Village, extensive law enforcement experience, instructor certifications, accreditation expertise, and anticipated operational benefits, including returning the department to full staffing for the first time in approximately two and one-half years. Motion by Danielson, second by Hudson, to approve the hiring of Edward Bell as a Full-Time Patrol Officer at the contractual lateral transfer wage. Motion carried by voice vote. 2. Hiring of Auxiliary Officers Chief James explained that the Police Commission intended to recommend volunteer auxiliary officers rather than paid reserve officers and is updating the applicable ordinance language to reflect that distinction. Auxiliary officers would assist with community events and provide an additional uniformed presence while gaining experience. Motion by Lehmann, second by Danielson, to approve the hiring of auxiliary officers pending formal Police Commission approval. Motion carried by voice vote. D. Administration/Village Operations Action Items 1. SEH Agreement for WDNR Submittal & Observation for Tower No. 2 Rehabilitation The Board reviewed the engineering services agreement from SEH in the amount of $11,600 for WDNR submittal and construction observation associated with the Tower No. 2 rehabilitation project. Motion by Lehmann, second by Hudson, to approve the SEH agreement in the amount of $11,600. Motion carried. 2. Updated Bauman Quote for Recycling Center Staff presented an updated proposal for engineering services associated with the Recycling Center project reflecting additional state-approved plan requirements. Motion by Lehmann, second by Hudson, to approve the updated Bauman quote in the amount of $18,500. Motion carried. 3. Lake Hallie Water Utility Termination of Service Process Staff reviewed the current utility collection process and discussed approximately $275,000 in outstanding delinquent utility accounts. The Board reviewed PSC tariff requirements, placement of unpaid utility charges on the tax roll, and future collection practices. No Board action was taken. 4. Performance Excellence Program Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber presented the proposed Performance Excellence Program for non-represented employees, designed to align employee performance, goal setting, coaching, and organizational objectives with the Village's H.A.L.L.I.E. Core Values. Board discussion included weighting of evaluation categories, simplified rating scales, SMART goals, implementation through ADP, and supervisor documentation throughout the year. Motion by Hudson, second by Danielson, to approve the Performance Excellence Program. Motion carried. 5. Light Duty and Transitional Return-to-Work Policy Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Stueber presented a proposed Light Duty and Transitional Return-to-Work Policy establishing guidance for temporary work assignments when operationally feasible and consistent with applicable employment laws. Motion by Lehmann, second by Hudson, to approve the Light Duty and Transitional Return- to-Work Policy. Motion carried. 6. Hallie Optimist Club Donation for Commercial Range The Board discussed a proposed donation from the Hallie Optimist Club of up to $3,000 toward the replacement of the commercial kitchen range located in the Old Village Hall. Staff will obtain pricing and specifications before purchasing replacement equipment. Motion by Lehmann, second by Hudson, to accept the Hallie Optimist Club donation toward the purchase of a new commercial range. Motion carried. 8. Old Business 1. Chippewa River Waterski Course Permit Request The Board received an update regarding the proposed waterski course permit. Staff reported discussions with the Village Attorney and insurance carrier regarding liability, recreational immunity, and the need for proof of insurance naming the Village as an additional insured. The Board also discussed adoption of a boating ordinance consistent with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommendations. Motion by Lehmann, second by Danielson, to approve the Chippewa River Waterski Course permit request contingent upon receipt of proof of insurance as recommended by the Village's insurance carrier and completion of the required DNR approval process. Motion carried. 2. Resolution 2026-018 Discussion continued regarding tree planting and maintenance within the public right-of- way. Trustee Lehmann will be making contact and providing an update. Item will return on a future agenda. No action taken. 9. Approval of Minutes Motion by Lehmann, second by Hudson, to approve the July 6, 2026 Regular Village Board Meeting minutes. Motion carried. 10. Finance Motion by Hudson, second by Danielson, to approve claims and disbursements totaling $16,228.74. Roll call vote: Hudson, Danielson, Lehmann, and Spilde voted aye. Motion carried. 11. Licensing A. Operator Licenses Paul Jain, Red Zone Sports Bar Alayna Gergely, Circle K (Commercial Boulevard) B. Bow Hunting License Isaac Small, 117th Street & 50th Avenue Motion by Lehmann, second by Danielson, to approve all operator licenses and the bow hunting license as presented. Motion carried. 12. Adjournment Motion by Hudson, second by Danielson, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Anastasia Stueber Village Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer