01-08-24_board_minutes

1 THE VILLAGE OF GAYS MILLS Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board of Gays Mills held Monday, January 8, 2024, which began at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Commerce Board Room. Village President Harry Heisz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call was taken with the following present: Ethan Eitsert, Harry Heisz, Larry McCarn, and Kevin Murray. Aaron Fortney, Emily Swiggum, and Lee Ruegg were absent. The board received verification that the agenda was posted in accordance with the open meeting law. No citizens or delegations. Heisz gave the public works report that a vehicle/equipment log sheet was turned in from public works for December 6th through January 7th. Heisz will work with public works to get more details gathered. Kevin Murray and Ethan Eitsert agreed to review the monthly log sheets. There was not a Wastewater Treatment Project update. Eitsert reported for the fire department that the 2024 officers are: Earl Winsor, Fire Chief Andrew Smiley, Assistant Fire Chief Arthur Winsor, Treasurer/Captain Ethan Eitsert, Secretary/Lieutenant Harry Heisz, Safety Officer David Smiley, Safety Officer There was a written kitchen update from Jill Riggs notifying the board that there was a USDA kitchen inspection done last month. Murray made a motion to approve the board meeting minutes of December 4, 2023. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. McCarn made a motion to approve payments of the bills as listed in the monthly expense report. Seconded by Murray. Motion carried. Marth Querin-Schultz of Connect Communities presented an idea to the board asking to apply for a planning grant. The proposal is for a roof structure to be built above the Mercantile 2 concrete oval. This would develop an improved gathering location and make the space more usable. The grant is due on January 16th with Thrive Rural Wisconsin Program for up to $50,000 ($25,000 for two years) for planning this proposal. Murray made a motion to approve Connect Communities to apply for the Thrive Rural Wisconsin Grant. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. Community Development Alternatives provided bids for the 502 Orin Street demolition project. Bids were Guy Nelson at $12,500, Showen’s at $17,000, and Lepke’s at $21,800. Murray made a motion to approve low bid with Guy Nelson of $12,500 for the 502 Orin Street demolition. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. Board also discussed the sidewalk conditions at 502 Orin Street and the Lion’s Shelter. The board discussed and approved the 2024 swimming pool manager ad to be placed in the newspaper and have applications due at the February board meeting. The board discussed but took no action on the possibility of decreasing the number of village trustees because of the April election having three open trustee seats with only two candidates turning in their paperwork. Discussed letting the public know that there is a vacancy and how they can participate in the April election. Charley Preusser of the Crawford County Independent agreed to place information in the paper. The 2023 health insurance budget had $4,160.60 left in the account. The board agreed no health insurance incentive would be issued. Murray made a motion to approve the Ambulance Agreement with Ocooch Mountain Rescue with a $3,500 donation. Seconded by Eitsert. Motion carried. No correspondences were received. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. Murray made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:31 p.m. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried. Respectfully Submitted Dawn R. McCann, Clerk APPROVED 02-05-2024