Welcome to LA FARGE, WI
a Kickapoo River town
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VILLAGE OF LA FARGE
Regular Board Meeting Monday, February 13, 2023
1). Village President Cheryl Purvis called the regular meeting of the La Farge Village Board to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Emergency Services building. Roll Call. All board members were present: Purvis, Karen Leis, Frank Quinn, Aaron Nemec, Barbara Melvin, Aaron Appleman, and Terry Jensen (via phone).
Also present: News reporters Lonnie Muller and Bonnie Sherman, Public Works Manager Wayne Haugrud, Utility Clerk Greg Lawton, Police Chief Steve Palmer, Jordan Fure from Delta 3 Engineering, and Clerk Kimberly Walker.
2). Verification was given of meeting publishing in the La Farge Episcope, and of posting at the Bank, Post Office, and Village Office on February 9, 2023.
3). Melvin moved, Quinn seconded to approve the previous meetings minutes: (1-9-23/Regular Village board meeting; 1-23-2023/Special Village board meeting; and 1-24-2023 Regular Library board meeting). (Carried).
4). Correspondence: The La Farge Fire Department’s annual banquet is March 18th, at 6 p.m. at the ESB. Board members and spouse/or guest are invited.
5). Public Comment: None.
6). Utility business: Jordan Fure, with Delta 3, was present to explain a water quality trading (WQT) project for part of the phosphorus compliance, for behind the sewer plant. The plan is to submit a WQT plan, get approval for the credits, and then do the actual construction thru the Spring, Summer, and early Fall of 2023. This is required by September 30, 2023. He passed out detailed maps for proposed 2023 stream improvements. There are 3 project locations, with 2 on the Kickapoo River, and one on Bear Creek, all on village property. The plan is looking at 142 credits. It includes offsetting 90 pounds of phosphorus at the plant, erosion control, streambank stabilization, in-stream habitat structures, and landscaping, for a cost of $115,500. No riprapping is planned. The village can sell the excess soil removed to the contractor. It would be bid as an alternate, to recoup some funds, or we can apply for a 50% grant, but can’t do both. The utilities are paying an annual fee to Vernon County for excess phosphorus. In 2022, it was $3,972, plus $7,200 in alum. Quinn moved, Nemec seconded to approve moving forward with the water quality trading plan and Delta 3 to proceed with construction bids. (Carried).
**Regular utility business: Wayne had none.
7). Old Business: Jordan gave an update on the second phase of the Main Street project. The survey work is complete. In May, the CDBG application will be sent in. Then in June the Safe Drinking Water Loan application will be submitted, and September will submit the Clean Water fund application.
8). A year ago, we discussed replacing the 1-ton truck. Wayne would like to move forward with purchasing a used vehicle, not to exceed $50,000, to include a plow. We have an application in with the USDA for a 55% funding grant, but it’s a ways out. We can move forward with the purchase, and hopefully still get the grant, like we did with the skid steer. This will be paid from the Equipment savings account, which is estimated about $140,000, less a new lawn mower later this Spring. Wayne suggested putting the truck we have on Wisconsin Surplus, and what we get from that will be put back in the savings. Quinn moved, Leis seconded to approve not more than $50,000 for the purchase of a 1-ton. (Carried).
9). Quinn moved, Appleman seconded to approve an operator license for Denise Cagle (Beverage server training course completed on 1/15/2023). (Carried).
10). Johnson Block & Company sent an engagement letter for accounting assistance. They do preliminary work ahead of the main audit, which helps the process, and helps Greg & Kim with entries and what to prepare for. It’s beneficial with all the projects going on. They’ve done this for years, but now need separate approval. Melvin moved, Nemec seconded to approve the engagement letter for accounting assistance. (Carried).
11). Police Report/Update: Police Chief Palmer reported on the following:
**He attended the new chiefs conference in Madison from January 23rd -27th. It was very well put together.
**In April, he’s meeting with local emergency services for rescue task force training at the school. The county’s tactical team will be working with Fire, EMS, and other emergency groups in the area.
**Looking at a program for the school on safety. It’s a way for students to report safety concerns anonymously to the Department of Justice. He’s working with Todd Camlek on this. A good thing to have.
**Steve was helping the Emergency Services Building committee get quotes for cameras on the ESB. Vernon Communications called today and they’re not interested in doing the work. So we’ll need to look at other companies.
12). Committee Reports and Updates:
**Clinic: Appleman reported on a new business in the clinic, Bundle of Joy Ultrasound. They’ve been painting and getting things ready. He wished them good luck.
**Library: Barb said the board is proceeding with hiring for the Library Assistant/Youth Services job. This Wednesday will look at the applications, and interviews will start the following week.
13). Melvin moved, Quinn seconded to approve payment of the bills. (Carried).
14). Quinn moved, Appleman seconded to adjourn. (Carried). Adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
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Kimberly Walker, Village Clerk/Treasurer