Public Property — Minutes

VILLAGE OF BIRON 451 KAHOUN ROAD, WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI 54494 PUBLIC PROPERTY, SAFETY & RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES August 4th, 2026 10:00 A.M. Members Present: Mike Guillemot, Chairperson, Jamie Biegel and Tammy Steward, Committee Members Others Present: Kayla Lumaye, Public Works Director, Samantha Daugherty, Village Clerk, Dan Muleski, Chairperson of Sunset Point Park Committee, and 3 members of the public. 1. Mike Guillemot called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. Discussion and possible action on updates for sunset park project plan Dan provided an update on the park project. He requested that, when time allows, the village crew harley rake the entire park area. After that is done wait 10 days and then apply an aquatic herbicide to eliminate the existing vegetation. Following another 10-day period, the village crew will bring in soil to level the site. Dan reported that approximately 42 yards of soil will be needed for the planting area alone and will determine the additional amount needed for the remainder of the park. The 42 yards of soil will be donated by the two cranberry marshes. If additional soil cannot be donated, the village will purchase the remaining amount from Wolosek’s. Dan also reported that Dempze Cranberry donated a sprinkler system for use at the site. He will coordinate with fire chief Dillingham to determine the best method for connecting the sprinkler system to a fire hydrant. Dan’s goal is to complete the planting by September to allow adequate time for the seed to become established. If that timeline is not feasible, he will explore the option of completing a winter planting. 3. Discussion on aqua skier parking lot monitoring Kayla and Sam had a meeting with Flock to address resident and committee concerns. The committee reviewed the follow-up information provided through the email correspondence. After discussion, the committee decided not to pursue the installation of Flock cameras at this time. Mike reported that he spoke with Sheriff Becker regarding alternative surveillance options. Sheriff Becker suggested the use of trail cameras, which the sheriff's department would be willing to provide. 4. Discussion and possible action on e-bike restrictions on the recreational trail The committee recommends adding bike etiquette guidelines to the Village website, similar to the information provided by the Green Circle Trail in Stevens Point. The committee also suggested installing speed limit signs along the trail to help promote safe use. 5. Discussion and possible action on park cleaning and maintenance services Kayla stated that a proposal was received for cleaning the park restrooms from the company that currently provides cleaning services for the Municipal Center. The proposed cost was higher than the current expense of having public works employees complete the work. Sam is working on obtaining additional proposals for comparison. 6. Discussion and possible action on municipal center air conditioner replacement Kayla stated that the air conditioning unit in the rental hall is no longer working. She presented a proposal from Guezlow's for the necessary replacement. The committee requested that Kayla obtain at least one additional quote for comparison before moving forward. Doug Villeneuve suggested contacting Alliant Heating to provide an additional estimate. 7. Discussion and possible action on creating a slow no wake zone for Cranberry Creek Scott Deitz raised concerns regarding recreational boat traffic entering Cranberry Creek on weekends at high speeds, often without realizing that the creek is a dead end. He brought the issue forward due to the potential safety concerns. Scott discussed the possibility of establishing a slow no wake zone within Cranberry Creek. Mike stated that, based on the width of the creek, it may already qualify as a slow no wake area under state regulations. Mike suggested inviting a representative from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to the next meeting to discuss available options for improving safety and addressing the issue. Mike stated that one option would be to install a warning sign on the bridge. Mike noted that the village will need to consult with CWPCo and the DNR to determine whether signage could be installed, such as "No Outlet" or "Slow No Wake – No Outlet." Additional information and recommendations will be presented at the next meeting. 8. Discussion and possible action on creating a slow no wake zone for the residential stretch of the Wisconsin River Doug and Sharon Villeneuve spoke on this agenda item. They stated that state law already prohibits creating a wake within 100 feet of the shoreline. They explained that they water ski on this section of the river and expressed concern that establishing a slow no-wake zone throughout the entire area would significantly impact their ability to continue that activity. Mike suggested inviting a representative from the DNR to attend the next meeting to discuss the matter, specifically how the DNR can assist the village. Mike also suggested inviting a representative from the sheriff's department to discuss enforcement of any no-wake regulations in the area 9. Discussion on 2027 budget Kayla reported that she did not yet have the budget figures prepared for discussion but expects to have the budget information ready for review at the September meeting. Kayla and Sam identified several upcoming budget items for the committee to consider, including hosting a Business After Hours event for the 30th anniversary of the village hall, the renewal of the ambulance service contract with a proposed five-year term, and upgrades to the Village's phone system. The committee discussed the Business After Hours event in greater detail. The event would include food and beverages, and a basket raffle. Scott Deitz suggested expanding the event to celebrate the village as a whole, rather than focusing solely on the building's 30th anniversary. 10. Superintendent’s Report Kayla reported that work is currently happening to upgrade the tornado siren so it can be integrated with the Wood County emergency notification system. Kayla also reported that a joint event hosted by the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce and the Portage County Business Council will be held at the Village Hall on October 23rd. The event is a legislative breakfast that will provide an opportunity to meet with area legislators. The cost to attend is $30 per person. In exchange for providing complimentary tickets for all village trustees and staff, the chambers will be permitted to use the village hall at no charge. 11. Referrals for next meeting Sunset Point park updates, e-bikes on trail, park cleaning and maintenance and water safety concerns. 12. Set next meeting date and time – Next meeting will be on September 17th at 10:00 AM. Motion to Adjourn: Jamie Biegel, second by Mike Guillemot Time: 11:00 a.m. Minutes Respectfully Submitted by: Kayla Lumaye, Public Works Director