Stratford public meetings in 2022
31 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Village Board
The Village Board approved a 50/50 grant for body cameras, a resolution to carry over 2022 appropriations into 2023, and a split of office staff wages and expenses (42% utility, 58% village). They also denied sewer forgiveness for 118422 Kann Street and adopted the Marathon County All Hazards Mitigation Plan 2022 Update. The meeting included routine reports and approvals of minutes, permits, and expenses totaling $316,731.85.
- Approved 50/50 body camera grant over 3 years
- Denied sewer forgiveness for 118422 Kann Street
- Approved Resolution 2022-06 to carry over 2022 appropriations into 2023
- Approved split of office staff wages: 42% utility, 58% village, to be reviewed Sept 2023
- Approved village expenses totaling $316,731.85 and utility expenses totaling $201,924.21
Village Board
The Village Board held a budget hearing and then approved the 2023 budget, setting the tax levy at $635,548 and the mill rate at $6.80 per $1,000 of assessed value — an increase from $6.27. The board also approved a sidewalk snow removal agreement with Dairyland Labs, hired Thomas Koontz as Chief of Police, and set 2023 wages for non-elected employees.
- 2023 budget approved; mill rate set at $6.80 per $1,000 (up from $6.27)
- Tax levy set at $635,548
- Sidewalk snow removal agreement with Dairyland Labs at $25.00 per time
- Thomas Koontz hired as Chief of Police
- Resolution 2022-03 adopted setting 2023 wages for non-elected employees
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee convened in closed session under Wisconsin law to conduct interviews and negotiations for the Chief of Police position. No action was taken after the closed session, and the meeting adjourned.
- Closed session held to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data for the Chief of Police position
- Interviews conducted for the Chief of Police position
- Negotiations discussed for the Chief of Police position
Personnel Committee
The Stratford Personnel Committee met in closed session to conduct interviews for the Chief of Police position. After reconvening, the committee approved a $1,000 bonus for Maria Ledesma for utility work and training, and recommended the 2023 wage resolution.
- Closed session for Police Chief interviews under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c)
- $1,000 bonus for Maria Ledesma effective 03/01/2023
- 2023 wage resolution recommended
- $100 Kwik Trip gift card for Lt. Mark Wagers
Village Board
The Village Board approved a land lease with Greenberg farms for 2023-2025, a Street & Street Priority List, and a snow plowing agreement with SAFD. They also extended the sidewalk repair program through 2023 and set a budget hearing for November 29, 2022. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes, reports, and expenses.
- Land Lease with Greenberg farms for 2023-2025 approved
- Street & Sidewalk Priority List approved
- SAFD Snow Plowing Agreement approved
- Sidewalk repair program extended through 2023
- Budget hearing set for November 29, 2022 at 6:00 PM
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session under Wisconsin law to consider employment data for the Chief of Police position. No public decisions or actions were reported after the closed session.
- Closed session held to discuss police chief hiring
- Motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c)
- Meeting adjourned without public action
Personnel Committee
The Stratford Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss hiring for the Chief of Police position, filling other vacancies, and 2023 wages, benefits, and policies. After closed session, the committee approved adding village apparel to 2022 employee holiday gifts with a $125 allowance for full-time and $60 for part-time employees.
- Closed session to review applicants and schedule interviews for the Chief of Police position
- Discussion of 2023 wages, benefits, and policies
- Approved $125 per full-time and $60 per part-time employee for holiday gifts including village apparel
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee reviewed the 2023 budget, discussing park improvements and possibly contracting out work instead of capital purchases. A loan will be taken in 2023 to cover capital expenses due to decreased transportation aids and increased monthly costs. The 2023 budget hearing is set for November 29, 2022.
- Review of 2023 budget with allocation for park improvements
- Possible contracting out of park work instead of capital purchase
- Loan planned for 2023 to cover capital expenses due to lower transportation aids and higher monthly costs
- 2023 budget hearing scheduled for 11/29/2022 at 6:00 PM
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met to review the 2023 budget, deciding to make additions and bring the revised version to the November 1 meeting to determine what items may need to be moved to 2024. The meeting was adjourned after discussion.
- Review of 2023 budget with planned additions
- Decision to bring revised budget to November 1 meeting
- Possible deferral of some items to 2024
Public Works Committee
The committee recommended the Street & Sidewalk Priority List to the village board. Members also discussed the 2023 budget and upcoming project estimates.
- Recommendation of the Street & Sidewalk Priority List
- Discussion of 2023 Budget and project estimates
- Completion of City View Drive work
Finance Committee
The committee approved the AET Geotech proposal and reviewed the 2022 budget. Discussion was held on the 2023 budget, including requesting quotes for upcoming projects and capital items, and possible park improvements.
- Approved AET Geotech proposal
- Reviewed 2022 budget
- Discussed 2023 budget, including quotes for projects and capital items
- Discussed possible park improvements for 2023
Village Board
The Village Board approved a $9,225.63 expenditure for a remanufactured engine through Klemme’s. The board also accepted the retirement of Chief Timothy Miller and appointed Kari Schoenherr as Village Treasurer.
- Approval of $9,225.63 for a remanufactured engine through Klemme’s
- Agreement with Serwe for winter sidewalk sweeping
- Appointment of Kari Schoenherr as Village Treasurer
- Resolution 2022-02 to add charges, fees, and assessments to the 2022 real estate tax roll
- Approval of $179,388.27 in Water & Electric Utility expenses
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to review applicants for a public works position and plan for the retirement of Tim Miller. The body decided to fill a clerk position and update the recruitment process for the police chief.
- Offer of $41,600 to Kari Schoenherr for the utility clerk/treasurer position
- Decision to post the police chief position with an updated job description and 11/01/2022 deadline
- Closed session to review applicants and interviews for a vacant public works position
- Closed session discussion regarding the retirement of Tim Miller
Public Works Committee
The committee reviewed the 2022 budget and discussed preliminary numbers for the 2023 budget. The Street & Sidewalk Improvement Priority List was reviewed with changes to be addressed next month.
- Review of 2022 quarterly budget
- Discussion of preliminary 2023 budget numbers
- Upcoming work on City View Drive
- Sewer jetting and curb replacement projects
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee discussed potential 2023 projects and the purchase of an industrial park. The body also reviewed Tax Incremental District (TID) cash flow and future TIF #4 projects.
- Recommendation of a 50% cost share for the City View Drive Sewer Lateral
- Discussion of industrial park purchase opportunity
- Review of TID cash flow analysis
- Discussion of potential projects for 2023
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to review applicants for a vacant public works position and discuss employee compensation. The body decided on specific wage rates for snow plowing and approved several employee bonuses.
- Public works part-time snow plowing wage set up to $25.00/hour
- Full-time employee bonuses of $1,500 using ARPA funds
- Part-time employee bonuses of $100 Stratford Bucks from the general fund
- Bonuses of $1,500 each for Scott Dennee and Jamie Heindl
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee discussed sewer lateral replacements for the City View project and recommended the Village Board create a cost-share agreement. The body also addressed building permit violations and personnel appointments.
- Recommendation for a cost-share agreement for City View sewer lateral replacements
- Recommendation to appoint Darin Pagel as Deputy Building Inspector
- Approval to fine Matt Hollatz for starting construction without a building permit
- Approval to paint handicap parking spaces for Zion
- Request for utility relocation costs for Varsity Street sidewalks for the 2023 budget
Personnel Committee
The committee voted to change vacation, sick time, and holiday policies for all employees. They also approved a new schedule for the Clerk and implemented a shared departmental calendar.
- Eliminate personal days and add 1 week of vacation for all employees effective 09/01/2022
- Adjust vacation carryover to 80 hours at the anniversary date
- Change sick time accrual from 6 days per year to 4 days per year starting 01/01/2023
- Add 2 floating holidays to be used throughout the calendar year starting 01/01/2023
- Approve flex hours for Clerk Jamie Heindl (7:00 am–3:00 pm Mon-Thu; 7:00 am–11:00 am Fri)
Public Works Committee
The committee recommended moving forward with an MSA contract for the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) project. Members also approved a recommendation to proceed with sewer lateral work and a special assessment process for City View Drive. The Director of Public Works reported completed reconstruction on Balsam east, gravel work on Balsam west and Webertown, and upcoming sidewalk replacements.
- Recommendation to contract MSA for LRIP survey and design
- Recommendation for sewer lateral work and special assessment on City View Drive
- Reconstruction completion on Balsam east
- Gravel and dust control completed on Balsam west and Webertown
- Park/playground grant research and application draft pending
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session to discuss employment matters including the Utility Clerk/Treasurer and public works positions. The committee set the utility wage at $38,500 per year and voted to repost the vacant public works position.
- Set utility wage at $38,500/year
- Voted to repost the open public works position
- Authorized DPW Dennee to offer overtime during full-time hiring process
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session to discuss employment matters. The body established a starting wage for the vacant public works position and approved a pay increase for an existing employee.
- Set Public Works starting wage at $21.00/hour
- Approved $0.50/hour raise for Nate Frodl retroactive to 05/02/2022
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee approved a request for a memorial bench in Klemme Park. The committee also discussed sidewalk replacements and plans to apply for a T-mobile playground grant.
- Approval of memorial bench for Klemme Park funded by Cheryl Kuyoth
- Plan to apply for T-mobile playground grant for Klemme Park equipment
- Granite and dust control planned for Webertown and Balsam
- Quarterly budget review with no concerns reported
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session to review applicants for a vacant public works position and discuss the Utility Clerk/Treasurer vacancy. Following the session, the committee established a starting wage for the public works role and recommended a bonus for the Clerk.
- Set starting wage at $20.50 for the public works position
- Recommended a $1,000 bonus for Jamie Heindl for additional responsibilities
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee met to discuss infrastructure grants and local ordinances. The body decided on new residential fence setbacks and approved the annual wastewater treatment plant report.
- Added 3-foot setback to all residential fences from property line (existing fences grandfathered)
- Approved Annual Wastewater Treatment Plant Compliance and Maintenance report
- Reviewed FFY2023-2026 STP Local Grant application
- Approved purchase of new key tags for park facilities
- Discussed potential extension of Platinum St to Drake Ave in Industrial Park
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee met to review license renewals and a lease agreement. The committee recommended that the Village Board approve liquor and tobacco licenses for the 2022-2023 year.
- Recommendation to approve 2022-2023 liquor and tobacco license renewals
- Discussion regarding the renewal of the Greenberg lease
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to discuss filling a vacancy in the public works department. The committee decided to post the position with an application deadline of June 20, 2022. Additionally, the committee approved a request to waive Ordinance 326-20(B) for the upcoming car show and SAFD celebration.
- Post public works vacancy with application deadline of 06/20/2022
- Waive Ordinance 326-20(B) to allow alcoholic beverages at 06/11/2022 Car Show/SAFD Celebration
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee met to select an engineering firm for an STP/Local project and discuss a parking request. The committee also received a report on streetlight upgrades and alley maintenance.
- Approval of MSA as engineering firm for STP/Local project
- Parking request for 6 spots at 212922 Legion St
- Report on LED streetlight installation and box blading of alleys and Heritage Trail
Finance Committee
The committee discussed TID 4 payments, staff cross-training, and waste hauler pricing models. Members also reviewed grant preparations and possible park improvements using ARPA funds.
- Recommended update of the kennel license to $150/year
- Discussion of TID 4 payments and cash flow planning
- Discussion regarding potential park improvements via ARPA funds
- Research into municipal waste hauler pricing models
Public Works Committee
The committee discussed the condition of the alley on the west side of Stratford Family Foods. The Director of Public Works reported ongoing road grading, pothole filling, and Digger’s Hotline ticket activity.
- Alley paving/overlay discussion for west side of Stratford Family Foods
- Review of Street and Sidewalk Priority List
- Director of Public Works report on road maintenance
Public Works Committee
The committee recommended a five-year land lease to the Eau Pleine Outdoors Club for archery targets. They also approved several equipment purchases and recommended discontinuing public parking on State Highway 153.
- Five-year lease of parcels #182.2704.203.9999 and #182.2704.203.9993 to Eau Pleine Outdoors Club
- Discontinuation of public parking on State Highway 153 pending Chief Miller's review
- Purchase of Western Star 47X from IState Truck Center for $112,922.00
- Purchase of plow equipment from Kafka for $147,099.00
- Sale of the 2005 Toro lawnmower
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee reviewed a 2022 contract with McMahon and a request to waive sewer lateral charges. Members also discussed plow truck quotes and potential USDA grant money for a stewardship plan.
- Recommendation to approve the 2022 contract with McMahon
- Recommendation to waive $250.00 in Village labor and equipment charges for a sewer lateral
- Review of plow truck quotes
- Research into USDA grant money for a stewardship plan
- Report of $10,000.00 saved in 2021 via LED streetlight conversion