Meeting Minutes

Draft minutes: these minutes have not been approved by the Town Board and are subject to corrections/changes. TOWN OF HOLLAND BOARD MEETING March 12, 2025 MEMBERS PRESENT Vice Chair Jeff Herlitzke, Supervisors Rick Hauser, Michael Hoffman, and David Weber EXCUSED Bob Stupi STAFF PRESENT Town Crew Supervisor John Frauenkron, Clerk Marilyn Pedretti CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Herlitzke called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Notices were properly posted. MINUTES Motion by Hoffman/Hauser to approve the minutes of February 12, 2025. MOTION carried. CITIZENS’ CONCERNS: None given. COUNTY SUPERVISOR REPORT: None given. LAPC UPDATES Bob Gollnik, Executive Director, La Crosse County Planning Committee (LAPC), introduced their newest planner, Travis Key, and shared a flyer outlining the work of the LAPC. Key reviewed the work being conducted and items for future planning. They noted the LAPC offers traffic studies and Hauser suggested one at the new Kwik Trip on Highway 35 due to safety issues. Gollnik said they will investigate the concerns. FIELD USE Justin Brandau, Viking Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) also known as La Crosse Area United (LAU), requested use of the field to the west of the Town Hall for soccer practice. He stated they will supply the goals and field paint with the understanding the Town will continue to maintain mow. Discussion followed. It was the consensus that VYSA/LAU will install a snow fence along County Road MH and supervise kids around the newly planted park trees while the Town will fill in pot holes in that area. Discussion followed. Motion by Hoffman/Hauser for Viking Youth Soccer Association to use the field west of the Town Hall from March 17th through the end of October. MOTION carried. Marcus Williamson, Three Rivers Thunder, requested use of a ballfield at the Town Hall park. He explained they are a new league and would like use of a baseball field for practice from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays, April 6th through the end of July. Brandau offered to work with their organization on possible practice dates during the week as well. Discussion followed. Motion by Hauser/Hoffman that Three Rivers Thunder be allowed to use one baseball field on Sundays from April 6th to the end of July. MOTION carried. Williamson will provide the clerk with their insurance information. BID WORK: NEW AMSTERDAM PROJECT Scott Whitsett, Senior Project Manager, Jewel Associates Engineers, reviewed the four bids he received concerning the road replacement project in New Amsterdam. Discussion followed and concern was expressed for the wide variance in quotes. Whitsett indicated he reviewed the numbers and discussed the bid with the lowest bidder and everything was in order. He Draft 2 recommended approving the lowest bidder Post D Excavating. Motion by Hoffman/Hauser to use Post D Excavating in the amount of $433,588.90. MOTION carried. HACC PRESENTATION: No one present for the annual Holmen Area Community Center report. Item will return next month. DOR INNOVATION GRANT Jay Shambeau, Partner, Innovative Public Advisors, explained that $300 million is available in a state grant, which was ear-marked several years ago and is just now becoming available. He reviewed the Department of Revenue Innovation Planning Grant opportunities. He noted the Town could qualify for a collaboration study. Fire Chief Ryan Ostreng (via zoom), noted this grant was brought to his attention by the City of Onalaska and suggested this would be a good opportunity for the Town of Holland to study the possibility of consolidation. Shambeau noted they could assist with the grant application and suggested applying soon to increase the chances for an award. Discussion followed. Motion by Hauser/Herlitzke to apply for the Innovation Planning Grant as outlined in this grant program. MOTION carried. PLAN COMMISSION Road Plan: Hoffman reported they discussed the road plan but have some blanks to fill-in so this item will be discussed again next month. No action taken. Village of Holmen Comprehensive Plan: Hoffman reviewed the email from the Village of Holmen inviting the Town to participate. He will attend their meeting and suggested members complete the online survey. Report 3/5/25: Hoffman reported nothing else to report. STORMWATER UTILITY COMMISSION Bid work: Hoffman reviewed the three bids received for the ditch work in Country Estates area. He reported Coulee Country Excavating has done work for the Town in the past and the Commission unanimously recommended approval of their bid. Motion by Herlitzke/ Hoffman to approve Coulee Country Excavating bid for $10,234.66. MOTION carried. Culvert inserts: Hoffman reported the Commission asked for additional information before moving forward. John Frauenkron, Town Crew Supervisor, reported the initial inspections indicated “egg-shaped” culverts, which usually indicates failure but that upon further research it may be how the culvert was designed. Frauenkron will re- inspect the culvert list with the assistance of Subsurface representative. No action. Culvert on O Thompson Road: Hoffman reported that Lukasz Lyzwa, Project Engineer with General Engineering Company (GEC), will examine the culvert on O Thompson Road and make recommendations to the Commission. No action. La Crosse Area Waters: Pedretti gave a presentation concerning the work being performed by the collaborative La Crosse County stormwater group. She noted the La Crosse Area Waters group contracts with the sustainability coordinate at the Habitat Restore, which makes a great partnership. DNR MS4 Report: Pedretti provided a copy of last year’s DNR Municipal Stormwater report and noted there are many moving parts to coordinate for this year’s report. Report 3/5/25 meeting: Hoffman noted no additional information. PUBLIC WORKS County Road XX reconstruction: Pedretti noted there will be an informational meeting Monday, March 17th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. here in the Town hall. Draft 3 James Street tree: Frauenkron reported the tree in the middle of James Street has a large hole about 8’ up the trunk which poses a safety issue and noted concerns with access for emergency vehicles. Discussion followed. It was the consensus to contact an arborist on the health of the tree than send a letter to the neighbors giving them information concerning removal of the tree which would allow them time to comment before the board takes action at the April meeting. Loader tractor: Frauenkron reported that the loader tractor needs new tires, hydraulics and repair to the radiator. He suggested the board consider replacing this 25 year-old equipment with either new or used. Discussion followed. Frauenkron was directed to get quotes for the repairs and for replacement options. Item will return next month. Equipment option for new truck: Frauenkron explained an option to add an hydraulic option to the new truck which would be installed with the other new equipment. He explained this would assist with road shouldering. Discussion followed. Frauenkron was directed to get a quote. Item will return next month. Seal coat list: Pedretti outlined the options for seal coating roads in 2025 and the current budget status. Discussion followed concerning the work of La Crosse County Highway and whether it was time to go out for bid. Pedretti noted the process for seeking bids. It was the consensus to seek a cost estimate from La Crosse County Highway Department for discussion next month. CDL requirements: Herlitzke reported Frauenkron has completed the certifications. Town crew report: Frauenkron reviewed the Town crew report. FIRE DEPARTMENT Herlitzke reviewed the minutes of February 18th and noted they approved purchasing turn-out gear. No suggestions were given to fill a vacancy on the Fire Commission. Members will check with possible candidates. BLUFFLAND COALITION: Weber not available but members reviewed the minutes. OPERATOR’S LICENSE Pedretti reported receiving an application for an operator’s license and all was in order. Motion by Hoffman/Herlitzke to approve the operator’s license for Harley Heinrichs to work out at the Gunslick Trap Club. MOTION carried. TREASURER’S REPORT AND BILLS The Treasurer’s report and invoices were reviewed. Motion by Hoffman/Hauser to approve paying bills in the amount of $233,737.85. MOTION carried. ADJOURN Motion by Hauser/Hoffman to adjourn. MOTION carried. Adjourned 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn J. Pedretti Town Clerk