Village Board Meeting — Minutes

Village of Benton Special Board Meeting 244 Ridge Avenue, Benton, WI August 26, 2025 6:30pm Meeting called to order by President Ken Farrey at 6:32 pm Board members present: Ken Farrey, Scott Cruse, Chuck Wartner, Joe Slater, Cal Robbins, John Perkins, Jill Knight. Staff: Eric Mowry Guest: Andy Kurtz, Vierbicher Compliance with required notification: Metting notice posted at village office, Post Office, Benton State Bank, Zephyr gas station and on the village web site. Special meeting was called following notification by Senator Baldwin’s office that the village would not be receiving 1.2 million dollars through congressionally directed spending (CDS) in 2026. Andy Kurtz of Vierbicher brought an updated copy, dated August 26, 2025, of his organizations public funding worksheet (see attached). If the village had received the CDS funds the village would need to commit to approximately $25,337 annual Safe Drinking Water Loan (SDWL) payment. Andy then reviewed other options as described in the funding worksheet. As noted in the funding worksheet Andy recommends: 1. Submit another application to Senator Baldwin for CDS. 2. There is potential for a CDBG grant if the village meets low income guidelines. 3. Submit SDWLP information to be eligible for application process in 2026. 4. Prepare a final funding plan after the DNR SWDL funding list is published. See attached funding worksheet for further details on the above recommendations. Andy also discussed the possibility of the DOT absorbing the water main project into their 2028 repaving project. This has the potential to reduce the cost of the watermain project. Andy will explore this possibility. Also discussed was the possibility of replacing the curbs and gutters on both sides of the street instead of just one side as the plan currently calls for. Eric asked that the drainage problem adjacent to 169 E. Main Street be addressed within the scope of the project. Actions: Sonya will contact Andy to ascertain the materials needed for his office to analyze if the water main project fits the CDBG low income guidelines. She will also forward the DOT project manager’s contact information and information regarding the upcoming rate case. Andy will update the public funding worksheet. Village board will discuss the feasibility of the financial scenarios presented to include having the project folded into the DOT project.