August Board Minutes

VILLAGE OF NELSONVILLE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES Via Zoom Meeting Tuesday 08/12/20 6pm UNAPPROVED MINUTES The meeting was called to order by President Josh Stolzenburg. Present at the meeting were: President Josh Stolzenburg, Trustee Mark Brueggeman, Trustee Walter Leppen and Clerk/Treasurer Daniel Bootz, Citizens present: Gale Gordon, Mark Pearson, Tor Anderson, Katy Bailey, Bobby Bailey, Meeting was called to order. Minutes for July 21st BOT meeting were presented by Clerk/Treasurer Daniel Bootz. M/S, Brueggeman/Leppen, move to approve the July Board Minutes, all in favor, motion carried. Treasurer’s report submitted by Clerk/Treasurer Daniel Bootz. M/S, Stolzenburg/Leppen, move to pay the bills as presented by Clerk/Treasurer Daniel Bootz, all in favor, motion carried. Correspondence was reviewed. Public Statements – G. Gordon – Expressed concern about recommendations coming from the water committee regarding Gordondale Farms. He wants to know if the village plans on working with Gordondale or being litigious towards them. Gale expressed that he believes that the farm has been working to address water issues. In regards to appealing the monitoring wells, he explained that this would be an appeal to the DNR, not the farm. T. Anderson – Commented on the village hall and expressed support for moving forward with the hall. Tor also indicated that he believes that the village needs to help residents find options for obtaining clean water and that, even with RO systems, it is hard for residents to properly treat their water and afford to maintain their systems. K. Bailey - Expressed concerns regarding the water reporting process as she was not made aware of the results at the time they were posted. She asked that residents be notified of water results as soon as they are available as her nitrate levels continue to increase despite the RO system installed at their home. Discussion/Action – Statement regarding monitoring well decision at Gordondale Farm. Stolzenburg went over DNR determination to not require monitoring wells as part of the Gordondale WPDES permit renewal and residents’ request for support from the Village Board regarding a possible appeal of this decision. He did not intend to have the Village involved in the appeal, but suggested that the board issue a statement of support. Brueggeman expressed support of residents’ right to appeal this decision. VILLAGE OF NELSONVILLE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES Via Zoom Meeting Tuesday 08/12/20 6pm Leppen indicated that he was concerned about involving the Village in a potential legal matter and that there were conflicting opinions at the DNR on whether monitoring wells would be beneficial. M/S Stolzenberg/Brueggeman to approve the following statement: “The village board of trustees of Nelsonville supports residents’ actions to appeal the DNR determination that monitoring wells should not be installed as part of the Gordondale WPDES permit renewal.” Ayes – 2 with Leppen abstaining, Motion Carried Discussion regarding the closure of Lake Elaine Beach after the Labor Day Holiday Weekend R. Bailey spoke on behalf of the Park Commission and explained that the commission is requesting that the swimming area be closed to allow repair and the planting of grass on the shoreline areas that have been damaged by high use over the summer. The Park Commission plans on putting up a fence and notices at the beach to limit access. The boat access will remain open. M/S Stolzenberg/Leppen moved to close Lake Elaine Beach after Labor Day weekend until May of 2021. All in favor, motion carried. Discussion regarding Village Hall Stolzenburg updated the Board on the work being completed by the Village Hall Ad Hoc Committee. Initial plans have been submitted by Gimme Shelter and the initial cost estimate to build the hall, with well and septic, is approximately $160,000. The goal would be to build a hall that met the Village’s long-term needs, but to keep the design simple and affordable. The plan being considered would fit approximately 30-40 individuals in the main room and provide office and storage space to the village. Both of which the Village is currently lacking. The Ad Hoc Committee is still waiting for plans and cost estimates for remodeling the Fire House or existing village hall. The Ad Hoc Committee tentatively plans on having a presentation scheduled to discuss the Village Hall on September 2nd. Leppen indicated that he had reviewed the initial blue prints and he noted that the initial plans would provide approximately 700 square feet inside the building, not including the storage area. He did agree that the Village needs to consider permanent solutions to some of the issues caused by the limitations of our current Village Hall, but some of the benefits noted by the Ad Hoc Committee, such as providing internet or water to residents, may be beyond the intended scope of the hall. Discussion regarding the Amherst Fire District’s plan to purchase new vehicles. Stolzenberg reported that the Fire Commission is working towards making a final decision on the purchase of two new Fire Engines. The commission is considering purchasing one vehicle at this time, with the understanding that they would need to purchase another vehicle at a later time at the cost of $223,000 to $266,000 per vehicle. They are also considering purchasing both Engines at the same time for the total cost of $439,000 to $524000. The hope was that purchasing two vehicles would reduce the overall cost. The Village of Nelsonville would be responsible for paying approximately $20,000-$25,000 towards the purchase of these two vehicles. VILLAGE OF NELSONVILLE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES Via Zoom Meeting Tuesday 08/12/20 6pm Leppen expressed that, based on the initial cost estimates, he would support purchasing one Engine, at a time, to lessen the immediate tax burden on residents. GCAC Update – No updates Water Commission – July test results were received by the village and posted on the village website Park Commission – See discussion above regarding Lake Elaine closure Plan Commission – Commission will need to discuss tree clean up along Welton Drive and around the Village Hall due to overhanging branches. Fire Commission – Meeting next week to discuss purchase of new engines. Future Agenda Items: None at that time. M/S Leppen/Bruggeman , Meeting adjourned 7:10pm. Respectfully submitted by: Daniel Bootz, Clerk/Treasurer