_04142026-3
Village of Mazomanie · Dane County · meeting of Apr 14, 2026 · Minutes
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VILLAGE BOARD MINUTES
April 14, 2026
Members: Chair: Natalie Beil; Members: Rob Westerlund, Ray Schlamp, Jim Marx, Justin Martinez, Karen
Peterson, and Dawn Forseth.
Members Absent: None
Also Present: Curt Erickson (Village Administrator), Angie Volkman (Clerk/Treasurer), Tara Roessler (Deputy
Clerk/Treasurer), Chris Statz (Public Works Director), Cam Parman (Fire Chief), Dane-Iowa Wastewater
Commission-Jeff Moyer and Shawn Keesey, Christian Reid (Town & Country Engineer), Brian Roemer (Ehlers-
Senior Municipal Advisor), and Residents-Melissa Schlamp, Denise VanHorn, Gernette Graedel, Peter Peterson,
Curtiss Schmitt, and Jim Schmitt.
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 by Village President, Natalie Beil.
Motion by Martinez, second by Forseth to approve the agenda as posted. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Forseth, second by Peterson to approve the minutes dated March 25, 2026, Motion carried
unanimously.
Citizen Comment: None
VILLAGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT. Beil gave a sincere farewell and thank -you to Ray Schlamp, honoring his
years on the Board and the personal guidance he offered along the way. She reflected on how Ray always fought the
good fight with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and care, and said the Board was better because of him. She ended by
saying she will always think, ‘What would Ray do? On behalf of the Village, Erickson presented Ray with the
American flag that flew in front of Village Hall from April 7, 2025, to February 9, 2026, in recognition of his 18
years of service on the Village Board. This represents many years of dedicated service to the community. The
Village is deeply appreciative of Ray’s contributions and is a better place because of his service. He will be greatly
missed.
VILLAGE STAFF REPORTS:
FIRE/EMS. Parman reported, based on the Q1 Quarterly Report, that inspections are moving along and call
volumes have varied by month, with 1 in January, 5 in February, and 12 in March. He also noted that EMS has two
full-time staff members departing and is currently accepting applications.
DANE COUNTY SHERIFF. The Village staff did not receive a report prior to the meeting and was therefore not
included in the packet. No one from the department was present to provide a report .
VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT. Erickson’s report was included in the meeting packet. He also
noted that our phone system is intermittently working with our direct numbers working, so if people need to get a
hold of us, call our direct numbers. Those along with two other emails went out to the community today with
Village updates regarding the severe weather.
Public Works Director Report. The Public Works report was included in the meeting packet. Statz reported that he
has been reviewing the alley between Jax Place and the Mazomanie Mobil to determine whether the existing one -
way sign should be removed or if a ‘No Entry’ sign should be installed at the opposite end. He noted that this is the
only alley in the Village with signage. If no supporting documentation is found, the plan is to temporarily remove
the signs, monitor the situation, and reinstall them if needed. Statz also reported that following the April 14, 2026,
storm, Public Works arrived early and discovered unusually low water levels, with Reservoir 1 down to 6 feet and
Reservoir 2 down 16 feet. Both wells were operating, and staff initially could not determine the cause of the loss. It
was later discovered that the storm had damaged the roof of the old Wick Buildings, causing failure of the fire
suppression system and resulting in a significant water discharge from the structure. The water was shut off. Statz
spoke with Bob Wick later in the day and they worked with JF Ahern Fire Protection to install valves and restore
water service to portions of the buildings. Fire suppression is currently operational in the office building and part of
the assembly building, though some areas remain without service.
Statz also noted that some Mazomanie Township residents expressed concerns about brush dump hours with
emergency brush collection efforts. The Village opened its brush site to Township residents. He added that the
Village and Township will work together to work out details.
Library Director Report. The Library Director report was included in the meeting packet.
Old Business (The following items may have action taken) None
NEW BUSINESS (The following items may have action taken)
a. Resolution Authorizing the Issuance and Sale of $2,840,000 General Obligation Promissory
Notes, Series 2026A. “Brian Roemer, Senior Municipal Advisor with Ehlers, reported that bids were
received on April 14, 2026, for the debt issuance approved at the March meeting. The Village received
four bids, which was beneficial, as the spread between the lowest and highest bids resulted in
approximately $50,000 in savings. The final interest rate came in slightly better than projected, with an
estimated rate of 3.83% compared to the actual rate of 3.7569%. The winning bid included a premium,
meaning the purchaser provided upfront cash in exchange for higher coupon rates, resulting in slightly
higher maturity rates. One advantage of the premium was a reduction in the principal amount. As a
result, the total debt issuance was reduced by $115,000 from the presale estimate, bringing the final
resolution amount to $2,725,000 rather than $2,840,000. A motion was made by Schlamp, seconded
by Marx, to approve Resolution Series 2026A. The motion carried unanimously.
b. Discuss and act on filing Test Year 2026 Electric Rate Case Application with the PSC,
presentation by Ehlers. Brian Roemer, Senior Municipal Advisor with Ehlers, reported that he first
presented a long-range cash flow analysis to the Village in summer 2024 in response to a Public
Service Commission (PSC) order requiring the Village to file a rate case. He noted that the PSC
typically expects utilities to file every two to three years. At that time, the Village was able to show that
it would be more efficient to delay the filing due to the substation project, avoiding back-to-back rate
cases. The current deadline to file is May 1. Roemer explained that the Power Cost Adjustment Clause
(PCAC), which allows utilities to recover the cost of purchased power, will be changing, as wholesale
power costs fluctuate, the PCAC is adjusted monthly. He noted that electric bills have historically
included a credit, which will now be eliminated, resulting in an increase to customers. He further
explained that the PSC establishes a revenue requirement, which determines how much total revenue
the utility must collect through rates. This includes operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses,
PILOT payments, depreciation, and a rate of return on the value of the system. The Village’s current
rate of return is approximately 6.5%, and with the addition of the substation, the system value is about
$3.2 million. Based on these factors, the PSC would require the Village to collect approximately
$300,000 in additional annual revenue. Roemer noted that this increase alone would not meet PSC
financial benchmarks, including a target of 90 days cash on hand. Given the size, structure, and capital
needs of the system, he indicated that relying solely on the PSC benchmark rate of return could result
in continued cash shortfalls and the need for another rate case in the near future. Ehlers is
recommending that the Village file the rate case using an 8.2% rate of return, which would generate
approximately $55,000 in additional revenue beyond the benchmark and result in an overall revenue
adjustment of about 5.52%. While this improves financial metrics, Roemer noted it may still require
future rate adjustments. For an average residential customer using 600 kWh per month, this would
result in an increase of approximately $12 on the electric portion of the bill. Roemer recommended that
the Village proceed with filing the rate case to comply with the PSC order. He noted that the review
process typically takes six to eight months, allowing time for resident communication, which Ehlers
offered to assist with. He also cautioned that if the Village does not file, the PSC may initiate an
investigation and conduct the rate case independently, requiring information from Village staff. A
motion was made by Marx, seconded by Forseth, to approve Option 2 as recommended by
Ehlers. The motion carried unanimously.
c. Discuss and act on the recommendation from the Plan Commission to approve Dane Iowa
Wastewater Treatment. Erickson noted that Plan Commission was petitioned by Dane Iowa and
Town & Country Engineers to connect to the water main on Wick Dr. to service DIWWTF. They
will be abandoning the well, it will not be redundant service. Dane Iowa would like reliable
service which would come from the Village’s water system. The other option Dane Iowa
considered was a second well which would make a redundant service there. The water main is
projected to go through the railroad right-of-way and there is some space on either side of the train
tracks within that right-of-way without having to purchase property from the neighbor. Plan
Commission unanimously approved it. There’s further discussion in terms of; “does the Village
annex Dane Iowa” or “do we charge a surcharge?” There are two different options on the table –
the surcharge is a 25% surcharge of our PSC schedule of water rates (included in the packet) and
annexation would require more Plan Commission meetings and approval. Motion by Marx,
second by Martinez to accept the recommendation from the Plan Commission to approve
Dane-Iowa Wastewater Treatment Facility to connect to the Village’s water main on Wick
Drive. Motion carried unanimously.
d. Discuss and act on the purchase of a new Pierce Ladder Truck. The Fire Group discussed both
used and new ladder truck options and, with recent Board direction and the approved bond
issuance, recommends purchasing a new ladder truck. Cam reported that the group met in person
with representatives from Pierce and E-ONE (E1). The main differences between the proposals
include engine specifications and overall build. E-ONE offers a 9-liter engine already compliant
with 2027 standards. Pierce proposes a 13-liter engine with upgraded frame and transmission
components, providing greater durability. The Pierce proposal reflects a total cost of
approximately $1.355 million. The base price is $1.4 million, which includes a $70,000
prepayment credit and a $3,500 performance bond, resulting in a contract price of about $1.358
million. If emissions standards change, Pierce may refund approximately $90,000. Delivery is
projected for July 2027. Cam noted that prepayment credits will decrease each day, with an
estimated reduction of $2,500–$3,000 over 12 weeks. Erickson noted that the funds will be in the
Village’s account on April 30, 2026. The Motion by Forseth, second by Peterson to purchase
the new ladder truck. Motion carried unanimously.
e. Discuss the change of scope for Crescent Street to include the 10 block of State Street. Chris
Statz, Public Works Director, reported that while reviewing GIS records, he discovered that
Crescent Street underwent a water main replacement in 1987, with an 8 -inch ductile iron main
installed from State Street to Cramer Street. Since ductile iron is relatively durable, Public Works
explored further, including saw cuts, to inspect the pipe. With assistance from Matt Kahl of the
Village of Black Earth, a vac truck was used to expose the water main. While the exterior showed
heavy encrustation, once cleared, the pipe surface was found to be in good condition. Based on
this assessment, Statz recommended foregoing the replacement of this section of water main on
Crescent Street, noting that it is approximately halfway through its expected lifespan. Instead, he
suggested reallocating funds toward water main improvements along State Street in anticipation of
the future Hudson/Y project with the County. Christian Reid, Town and Country Engineering,
noted that roads are typically planned on a 25-year lifecycle, while utilities are planned on a 50–
75-year lifecycle, which is why this is being recommended. By modifying the project scope, the
Village would avoid replacing approximately 500 feet of water main, resulting in an estimated
savings of $70,000. The revised plan would still require trenching in areas where new water main
work is completed, with restoration to the surface, while other areas would be evaluated and, if
suitable, left alone aside from surface work. Reid noted that approval of this change would require
negotiation with the contractor. Reid stated not doing the water main on Crescent should be fine
and putting two new valves on State St that are not there right now which will give us much more
control and make that next project easier and successful. A motion was made by Peterson,
seconded by Forseth, to change the scope for Crescent Street to include the 10 block of State
Street. The motion carried unanimously.
f. Discuss and act on Application for Class B Retail-Combo Alcohol Beverage License
Application for D’s Depot Tavern. Motion by Martinez, second by Forseth to approve the
application for Class B Retail-Combo Alcohol Beverage License Application for D’s Depot
Tavern. Motion carried unanimously.
g. Discuss and act on the issuance of a Temporary Alcohol Beverage License Application, Open
Carry of Alcohol within the events, and Street Use Permits for Mazo Night Market for
6/18/26, 7/16/26, 8/20/26, and 9/17/26. Motion by Forseth, second by Peterson to approve the
Temporary Alcohol Beverage License Application Open Carry of Alcohol with the events,
and Street Use Permits for 6/18/26, 7/16/26, 8/20/26, and 9/17/26. Motion carried and
Martinez abstained from the motion.
h. Approve Temporary Alcohol Beverage License Application for Mazo Live Concert Series for
6/27/26, 8/1/26, 8/22/26, and 9/26/26. Motion by Martinez, second by Peterson to approve the
Temporary Alcohol Beverage License Application for Mazo Live Concert Series for 6/27/26,
8/1/26, 8/22/26, and 9/26/26. Motion carried unanimously.
i. Approve Temporary Alcohol Beverage License Application for American Legion for
05/25/26. Motion by Peterson, second by Forseth to approve the Temporary Alcohol
Beverage License Application for American Legion for 05/25/26. Motion carried
unanimously.
j. Approve CSM for Schafer. The Village of Mazomanie has extraterritorial jurisdiction.
Motion by Martinez, second by Marx to approve the CSM for Schafer. Motion carried
unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (The following items may have action taken)
a. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE – (Forseth). Forseth noted nothing at this time for Personnel
Committee but preparing for a meeting soon.
b. PUBLIC WORKS & PROPERTY (Marx). Marx noted he has been discussing Lake Marion items
with the Public Works Director and those discussions done need to be brought to the committee at
this time.
c. PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE (Marx). Marx noted that WisCorp may be visiting to
review Bluff Park, though weather could postpone the visit. Erickson added that Parkitecture +
Planning wants to schedule a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting in the first or second week
of May to begin work on the updated Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.
d. PUBLIC PROTECTION & ORDINANCE COMMITTEE (Martinez)
i. Public Hearing to receive public comment on the amendment to Chapter 400- 18
regarding Nonconforming Uses in the Floodplain. Motion by Martinez, second by
Forseth to open the Public Hearing. Motion carried unanimously. Beil asked for
any public comment three times. Motion by Marx, second by Peterson to close the
Public Hearing.. Motion carried and Martinez abstained from the motion.
ii. Discuss and act on Ordinance 2026-02 an amendment to Chapter 400 Floodplain
Ordinance. Motion by Marx, second by Peterson to accept the amendments on
Ordinance 2026-02. Motion carried and Martinez abstained from the motion.
iii. Discuss and act on Ordinance 2026-03 the adoption of Chapter 270 regarding
Mobile Food Establishments. Motion by Marx, second by Peterson to adopt
Chapter 270 regarding Mobile Food Establishments. Motion carried and
Martinez abstained from the motion.
iv. Discuss and act on Ordinance 2026-04 an amendment to §385-27 Winter parking
for snow removal. Erickson noted that times changed to Midnight for Sun-Thursday
night and 2:30am on Fridays and Saturdays with all expiring at 6am from Nov 15 –
April 15. Motion by Marx, second Forseth to accept the amendment to 385-27.
Moton carried unanimously.
v. Discuss and act on Ordinance 2026-05 an amendment to §56-6 Fire Inspections.
Erickson explained that this is a code cleanup amendment that eliminates gender-
specific language for the Fire Chief and updates other sections to conform with state
code. Motion by Forseth, second by Peterson to approve Ordinance 2026-05.
Motion carried unanimously.
vi. Discuss and act on Ordinance 2026-06 an amendment to §360-6(B)(2) Excavation
Permits Fee. Erickson noted that this amendment removes the fixed dollar amount
from the ordinance and instead provides that fees will be set by the Village Board, as
fees should not be specified within ordinances. Motion by Peterson, second by
Forseth to approve Ordinance 2026-06. Motion carried unanimously.
e. FINANCE COMMITTEE (Beil)
vii. Payment of Bills. Motion by Marx, second by Martinez to pay the bills. Motion
carried unanimously.
f. PLAN COMMISSION (Beil). Beil noted there are no updates beyond what has already been
discussed and that a meeting will be scheduled soon.
g. PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (Marx). Marx noted there have been no updates from the
Public Utilities Commission since the last meeting.
h. HISTORIC PRESERV ATION COMMITTEE (Martinez). Martinez noted the approval of the two
Certificate of Appropriateness’s (COA) for Base Camp for the upstairs windows, and the library
for repainting using the existing color scheme.
i. VISIONARY ALLIANCE (Peterson). Peterson noted that a Visionary Alliance meeting will be
held in May and that two new members may need to be appointed if two current members resign.
k. V ANGUARD COMMISSION (Marx/Schlamp). Schlamp stated that the meeting was brief and
that finances are in good condition.
l. DANE IOWA WASTEWATER COMMISSION (Erickson). Erickson noted that the Commission is
meeting this week. The new hire started on 4/13/26 to replace Mitchell, with staff transitions made
following Jeff’s upcoming retirement on May 1.
m. DISTRICT ONE EMS (Forseth). Forseth noted that Cam is working on new hires and that a
meeting will be held at the end of the month.
Motion to move into closed session was made by Martinez, second by Forseth at 6:18pm pursuant to
Wisconsin State Statutes 19.85(1)(b) considering dismissal, demotion, licensing or discipline of any public
employee or person licensed by a board or commission or the investigation of charges against such person, or
considering the grant or denial of tenure for a university faculty member, and the taking of formal action on
any such matter. (Fire Department).
Roll Call Vote: Beil-yes, Forseth-yes, Peterson-Yes, Martinez-Yes, Marx-Yes, Schlamp-yes, and Westerlund-
yes. Roll Call vote passes 7 to 0.
Motion to move into open session was made by Marx, second by Forseth at 6:44pm. Motion carried
unanimously.
Announcements. Erickson noted the need to schedule a Public Protection and Ordinance Committee meeting for
Monday, 4/20/26 at 8:00 a.m. Erickson also noted a Special Village Board meeting should be scheduled for
Tuesday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. to adopt items discussed at the 4/20/26 committee meeting, administer the oath of
office to new Village Board members, and discuss committee assignments.
Motion by Schlamp, second by Martinez to adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:46pm
Angie Volkman, Clerk/Treasurer
Source: Village of Mazomanie website. First collected Oct 19, 2026.