July 29, 2025 JT Boards

Approved VILLAGE & TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE 2nd QUARTER 2025 JOINT MEETING JULY 29, 2025 6:30 p.m. COMMUNITY HALL – 175 S. MILITARY ROAD Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Village Greg Zickuhr. Present on behalf of the Village are Trustees Paul Bruckner, Chris Grebe, Nick Kuhn, Trevor Parsons, Village Clerk Ted Parsons and Utilities Clerk Cindy Strebe. Present on behalf of the Town are Chair Joe Kuhn, Supervisors Mark Ecker, Jon Groeschl, Town Clerk Steve Phipps and Town Treasurer Andrea Ortlieb. Also present, Fire Chief Mike Funk and 1st Responder’s Captain Kathy Stadtmueller. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was recited. OPEN MEETING NOTICES verification of compliance was given by both Clerks. AGENDA: Motion to approve by J Kuhn, second by Groeschl. M/C MINUTES of the April 22, 2025 joint meeting: Motion by J Kuhn to approve, second by N Kuhn. M/C PUBLIC COMMENTS: No general comments however with a number of residents present at the meeting specifically for the consolidation study presentation Zickuhr recommended moving to Agenda Item 12.a. Village & Town of Stockbridge Consolidation Study. Motion by N Kuhn to move to Agenda Item 12.a., second by J Kuhn. M/C NEW BUSINESS: Shawn Murphy from Public Administration Associates and Brian Roemer from Ehlers, Inc. provided a final report and presentation on their study of a consolidation of the Village & Town of Stockbridge. The study was funded by a Wisconsin Department of Revenue Innovation Planning Grant to evaluate possible cost savings through a transfer of consolidation of services provided. Murphy’s presentation covered the background and process of the study and areas where the strongest possibility of cost savings existed which included staffing, public works and utilities. There were some possible savings identified but none substantial enough to meet the criteria of the grant program. Roemer presented an example 5-year Capital Improvement Plan and resulting financial levy impacts for the Village and Town separately and combined. The projections indicated a slight increase in levy over 5 years with a consolidation, mostly unchanged for the Town separately and larger increase for the Village separately. There were several questions from board members and residents and discussion of the impact of consolidation on zoning and annexations. Based on the study, consolidation of the two municipalities was not recommended however further evaluation of possible consolidation joint cooperation with staff, departments, services and facilities was recommended. Murphy and Roemer also discussed some modifications that had been made to the grant program during state budget process that had been adopted just after they had completed their study that while not changing the overall conclusion on consolidation, could possibly provide payment for some combined services. They will provide a follow up after looking at these further. Motion by N Kuhn to return to Agenda Item 7, second by J Kuhn. M/C 1st QUARTER 2025 FINANCIALS FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT AND COMMUNITY HALL: Village Clerk presented the financial breakout showing total expenses of $9,234.42 for the Fire Department with an allocated amount for the Town of $6,575.41 based on equalized value and total expenses of $2,854.88 for the Community Hall with a 50% allocation for the Town of $1,427.44. Total amount of $4,946.84 due the Village after adjustment for deposits, admin fees. Motion by Groeschl to approve payment of $4,946.84 by the Town to the Village for the balance due for Fire Department and Community Hall expenses, second by J Kuhn. M/C Also noted was the receipt by the Village of 2025 DSPS Fire Dues in the amount of $4,334.95 which will be transferred to the Fire Department. Unapproved VILLAGE & TOWN OF STOCKBRIDGE 2nd QUARTER 2025 JOINT MEETING – JULY 29, 2025 – Page 2 1st QUARTER 2025 FINANCIALS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS: Town Clerk presented a statement showing total expenses of $63.58 with an allocated amount for the Village of $20.33 based on population. Motion by N Kuhn to approve payment of $20.33 by the Village to the Town for the balance due for 1st Responder Expenses, second by Parsons. M/C FIRST RESPONDERS CAPTAIN REPORT: Captain Stadtmueller presented the First Responder’s Report showing total calls of 16 for the 2nd quarter (11 Town, 5 Village) with 13 Med, 1 MVA, 1 death and 1 cancelled. Membership report 13 active, 0 probationary, 0 LOA. Treasurer’s report showed balances $4,115.55 in checking and $16,836.93. FIRE CHIEF’S REPORT: Fire Chief Funk presented the Fire Department Report. Current roster of 35 members. 10 fire calls in the 2nd quarter (7 Town, 2 Village, 1 Dive Team in Sheboygan). In other business Funk provided an update on the generator with higher cost for upgraded model, release of hold by federal government for the FEMA radio grant, pending LOSAP refund for overpayment of premiums, and new NFPA standards related to fire apparatus and recommended age for replacement. INITIAL BUDGET PLANNING INPUT: Village Clerk noted that this had been included as July Joint Agenda recurring item and that the Village would begin their 2026 budget process in the next month. Funk requested that the Village reconsider their position and approve a resolution authorizing an exception to the levy limit for the fire department. Zickuhr agreed to have the Village Board review at their meeting. BUILDING & GROUNDS: Discussion on the recently completed chip-sealing of the pavement. Overall satisfaction with the work but concern on the amount of loose stone remaining after the sweeping. Zickuhr to check on this with the County. Funk raised concerns about problems with parking and no-parking areas and members agreed paving would re-striped but holding off until surface is ready. Clerk Parsons noted that the sign indicating all incoming traffic to around the north side of the building had been received and should be installed shortly. NEW BUSINESS: Boards considered a request from the Secretary/Treasurer of the 1st Responders for permission to donate their stipend to a special 1st Responders fund. Motion by Bruckner to approve the request for the Secretary/Treasurer of the 1st Responders to donate their Secretary/Treasurer stipend to the 1st Responders for a designated Funeral/Sunshine Fund, second by Grebe. M/C NEXT MEETING: Joint Quarterly Meeting – Tuesday, October 21, 2025 – 6:30 p.m. at the Community Hall. ADJOURN: Motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. by N Kuhn, second by J Kuhn. M/C Submitted by; Ted Parsons Village Clerk Treasurer