VILLAGE OF LA FARGE

                 Regular Board Meeting         Monday, January 10, 2022

                                                                                  

*Village President Cheryl Purvis called the regular meeting of the La Farge Village Board to order at 6:32 p.m. at the Emergency Services building.       

         

Roll Call - Present at the meeting:

All Board Members: Frank Quinn, Karen Leis, Aaron Nemec, Barbara Melvin, Aaron Appleman, Terry Jensen (via phone), and Cheryl Purvis.   

Also present: News reporters Lonnie Muller and Bonnie Sherman (via phone), Pam Hysel, Gary Koch from Community Development Alternatives, Public Works Manger Wayne Haugrud, Utility Clerk Greg Lawton, and Clerk Kimberly Walker.             

*Verification was given of meeting publishing in the La Farge Episcope, and of posting at the Bank, Post Office, and Village Office on January 6, 2022.

 

 *Quinn moved, Melvin seconded to approve the previous meeting minutes: (12-13-21/Regular Village board meeting). (Carried).    

 

*Correspondence: Received a $500 donation from the La Farge Lions Club for the 2021 Fireworks.               

 

*Public Comment: None.             

 

*Utility business: Wayne reported Forster is getting prices for the building for the electric relocation and what the foundation work is going to cost to put it at the site. 

 

*Gary Koch, with CDA, was present. The village has been awarded a SDWLP (Safe Drinking Water Loan Program) grant and loan. This will take the place of using TIF funds for the Main Street project, freeing this up to be used elsewhere. The total project was around 1.7 million, with 1.3 million in grant money. Gary needs to get all the paperwork into the DNR system for them to review and get us thru the closing of the loan. Their contract for administration of the SDWLP is $10,000 (not to exceed this amount). They are looking to bill us on time and travel, which may come in less. Looking at a 7-week process, late March to close. Leis moved, Nemec seconded to approve the CDA contract with the Village of La Farge for the administration of the SDWLP. (Carried).    

 

*As a requirement to close on the SDWLP, we need to have bond counsel. Gary contacted Quarles & Brady and their fee was approximately $7,500. They’ll put together all the documents required by law for the closing on the water system revenue bond. We have $10,000 in the grant budget to cover this. Quinn moved, Appleman seconded to approve Quarles & Brady for the bond counsel services. (Carried).        

 

*Update on Grants: The Village received a CDBG-DR grant of $628,556 to help build a 7-unit apartment complex. CDA is building this. Gary said they’ve talked with their private investor and are meeting soon at the site to look at things. And we’re still waiting to hear on EDA grant for the substation relocation.           

  

*Received an agreement from Vierbichers to provide grant administrative services for the CDBG-DR Housing grant. The cost is $19,000. This will be paid by the TIF funds. Quinn moved, Melvin seconded to pass the Vierbicher consultant agreement for the CDBG-DR funds. (Carried).  

 

*Old business: Dollar General update: It’s in their Board of Directors hands. They have a purchase agreement out there and waiting to hear back on things. May know by the end of January if it passes.    

  

*Police report/update: Chief Jonathon Brown was not present as he was representing La Farge at a retirement/recognition gathering for the Village of Wilton Police Chief.            

   

*Committee Reports:   

**Parks: Cheryl is having a phone conversation next week with a person interested in a skatepark.   

 

*Quinn moved, Nemec seconded to approve payment of the bills. (Carried).  

   

*Appleman moved, Melvin seconded to adjourn. (Carried). Adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

                     

                                                      Kimberly Walker, Village Clerk/Treasurer