Stratford public meetings in 2023
57 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Water Electric Commission
The Commission reviewed the Superintendent's report, the water loss report, and the delinquent list. The meeting also included an update regarding a staff resignation in the Village Board.
- Approval of checks totaling $179,716.24
- Review of the water loss report
- Review of the Delinquent List
- Notice of Maria Ledesma's resignation as Administrative Assistant
Village Board
The Village Board approved the discontinuance of an undeveloped section of Sunset Ridge Drive following a public hearing. The board also authorized the sale of two specific parcels and a five-year right of refusal for a third parcel.
- Approved Resolution 2023-06 to discontinue an undeveloped section of Sunset Ridge Drive
- Approved Timber Sale Contract with Weber Logging, LLC
- Approved sale of parcel 182-2703-252-9939 to Premium Impressions
- Approved sale of parcel 180-2703-252-9942 to DuWayne Dahlke
- Approved village expenses totaling $273,715.56
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee voted to recommend updates to Ordinance §396-3 regarding hunting permits. The proposed changes include new permit availability, background check requirements, and a $15.00 fee.
- Proposed changes to Ordinance §396-3 Hunting
- Creation of 5 special zone permits and 10 other hunting zone permits
- Requirement for permit applicants to pass a background check
- Establishment of a $15.00 fee per permit
Personnel Committee
The committee met to discuss personnel matters, including the resignation of Maria Ledesma. Members voted to post for new Administrative Assistant positions and update the employee handbook regarding disability leave.
- Accepted the resignation of Maria Ledesma
- Voted to post Administrative Assistant positions
- Updated employee handbook to require medical approval when returning from disability leave
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to review superintendent reports and approve utility expenses. The commission decided to change the primary line between Hwy 97 and Jasper from overhead to underground.
- Approved payment of checks totaling $176,307.78
- Decided to change primary line between Hwy 97 and Jasper from overhead to underground/buried
- Reviewed estimated cost for burying primary between Hwy 97 and Jasper and Allington alley
- Approved 2023 Holiday Gifts as recommended by the Personnel Committee
- Reviewed water loss report and delinquent list
Village Board
The Village Board reviewed the 2024 budget and approved several administrative and infrastructure items. Key decisions included authorizing new borrowing for capital projects and approving a timber sale bid from Weber Logging LLC.
- Authorized borrowing of $74,500 for capital projects via Resolution 2023-09
- Approved timber sale bid for Klemme Reserve from Weber Logging LLC
- Approved removal of sidewalks on Jasper & Allington from LRIP plans
- Approved village expenses totaling $264,814.99 and TIF #4 expenses of $52,315.50
- Approved contract with Assessor Greg Schmidt for 2024-2028
Personnel Committee
The committee met to discuss employee compensation, including a bonus for the Clerk. The session also addressed holiday gifts and recommendations for non-elected employee wages.
- $8,000 bonus awarded to Jamie Heindl
- Recommendation of resolution 2023-08 regarding wages for non-elected employees
- Recommendation of 2023 Employee Holiday Gifts
- Approval of overtime pay and comp time usage for unnamed staff
Finance Committee
The committee reviewed the draft of the 2024 budget and discussed upcoming street projects and capital needs. A date for the 2024 budget hearing will be set for December 7, 2023, subject to trustee availability.
- Review of 2024 draft budget
- Discussion of capital and upcoming street projects
- Proposed 2024 budget hearing date of 12/07/2023
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee voted to recommend approving a single bid for a timber sale. Members also decided to remove planned sidewalks for Allington and Jasper Streets from the current project drawings.
- Recommendation to approve Timber Sale bid
- Removal of new sidewalks for Allington and Jasper Streets
- Authorization to obtain cost estimates for 2026 State Hwy 153 sidewalk and sewer projects
- Update on historical building status being sent to Finance Committee
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved the 2022 audit management representation letter and reviewed the delinquent list. The meeting included updates on sewer jetting, a new plow truck, and Great Lakes Utilities.
- Approved Kerber Rose Management Representation Letter for 2022 audit
- Approved payment of checks totaling $427,027.98
- Reviewed water loss report
- Reviewed delinquent list
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees met to approve several municipal expenditures and infrastructure plans. Key actions included approving a phosphorus analyzer system purchase and the 2023 Street/Sidewalk Priority List.
- Approved purchase of Phosphorus Analyzer Auto Feed System for $41,511 plus $12,500 for installation
- Adopted resolution to discontinue the public roadway in Sunset Ridge with a public hearing set for 12/14/2023
- Approved the sale of L8000 and Monroe salter via WI Surplus auction
- Approved Village expenses totaling $408,686.61
- Approved LRIP application
Public Safety Committee
The committee reviewed the current budget comparison and discussed the proposed 2024 budget. The 2024 budget will be submitted to the Finance Committee without changes. Members also reviewed the priority list for capital improvements.
- Submission of 2024 proposed budget to Finance Committee
- Addition of office remodel to the Capital Improvement/Priority List
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee reviewed the 2024 preliminary budget and updated the Street & Sidewalk Priority List for recommendation to the Village Board. The committee also voted to open bidding for a one-year lease of I/B Park land to the public.
- Recommendation of updated Street & Sidewalk Priority List to Village Board
- Opening of bids for 1-year I/B Park Land Lease
- Notice of upcoming timber sale bids closing on 10/31/23
- Approval of VFW flag hanging request
- Review of 2024 Preliminary Budget
Finance Committee
The committee reviewed updates to the village fee schedule and discussed options for grant writing services. The committee also reviewed a sewer analysis, which will be revisited in September 2024.
- Recommendation for Administrative Assistant to research grant writing costs
- Review of updated village fee schedule
- Sewer analysis review
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved annual lease agreements with Country Wireless and Selk Electronics. The meeting included a review of the water loss report and an update on potential solar power for the wastewater treatment plant.
- Approved annual agreement with Country Wireless
- Approved annual agreement with Selk Electronics
- Approved payment of checks totaling $206,004.26
- Reviewed water loss report
- Discussed solar power investigation for WWTP
Village Board
The Village Board approved Resolution 2023-05 declaring intent to levy special assessments and accepted snow removal and salting agreements with local entities. Other routine approvals were also made.
- Approved Resolution 2023-05 declaring intent to levy special assessments
- Accepted snow removal and salting agreements with SAFD, State Highway 97, and Legion Street
- Village expenses totaling $268,556.60 approved
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee voted to implement new sand and salt fees for snow removal agreements. The committee also decided that property owners will be assessed 50% of the cost for replaced sidewalks.
- Property owners to be assessed 50% of replaced sidewalk costs
- $100.00 sand and salt fee added per event for SAFD snow agreement
- $10.00 sand and salt fee added per event for 212801 STH 97 and 212922 Legion St
- LRIP presentation regarding street improvements on Monarch, Allington and Jasper
- Recommendation to Village Board for Resolution 2023-05 regarding special assessments
Water Electric Commission
The Commission discussed the possibility of drilling a new well if Well 5 fails future PFAS testing. The meeting included updates on village projects and the review of the water loss report.
- Discussion on possible new well if Well 5 fails future PFAS testing
- Approval of checks in the amount of $197,349.17
- Review of the water loss report
- Update on ice rink and warming house renovations
Village Board
The Board of Trustees met to review committee reports and approve various municipal actions. Key decisions included approving a State Municipal Agreement for the TAP Grant and updating ordinances regarding street numbers.
- Approved sewer charge forgiveness of $50.51 for 118605 Logger Street
- Approved State Municipal Agreement for the TAP Grant
- Approved changes to Ordinance §449-18 regarding Street Numbers
- Approved Village expenses totaling $148,958.17
- Approved Water & Electric Utility Expenses totaling $197,349.17
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee reviewed the LRIP project plans and timeline. The committee also discussed facility consolidation options and reviewed the second quarter budget.
- Recommendation of State Municipal Agreement for the TAP Grant to the village board
- Recommendation of updates to Village Ordinance §449-18 Street Numbers
- Review of 2nd quarter budget
- Presentation of LRIP project plans and drawings by MSA
- Discussion regarding combining facilities into a joint community center
Personnel Committee
The committee met to discuss personnel matters, including the Water Operator position and staffing expectations. Decisions were made regarding employee compensation and the procedure for staff responding to EMS calls.
- Approved a $1.00/hour raise for Warren Manecke effective August 14, 2023
- Rescinded a previously approved $1.00/hour increase for the Assistant Director/Water Operator
- Rescinded the 2011 agreement with SAFD regarding ambulance driver wages
- Established that employees may respond to EMS calls on a volunteer basis as approved by the DPW
Finance Committee
The committee reviewed the capital equipment replacement plan and project priority list. Members also discussed debt service schedules and the process for a TAP grant for a new sidewalk.
- Review of capital equipment replacement plan and project priority list
- TAP grant award for a new sidewalk with 80% reimbursement rate
- Discussion regarding ARPA eligible project quotes for 2023-2024
- Review of debt service schedule for future planning
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to approve meeting minutes, equipment purchases, and check payments. The Commission also discussed updates regarding Equity Street work and potential ATV/UTV access on State Highways 97 and 153.
- Approved purchase of Martin Yale folding machine for $543, split 50/50 with the village
- Approved purchase of two storage containers, split with the village
- Approved payment of checks in the amount of $246,174.01
- Discussed opening State Highway 97 & 153 to ATV and UTV traffic where speed limits are under 35 mph
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees met to review committee reports and approve various municipal expenditures. Key decisions included updates to vehicle ordinances, personnel changes, and utility equipment purchases.
- Approved ordinance changes to allow ATV/UTV traffic on State Highway 97 and 153 where speed limits are below 35 mph
- Approved a $11,864 quote for L.W. Allen Pump Systems
- Approved the purchase of two storage containers for Public Works and Water & Electric equipment
- Set the facility rental deposit at $150
- Approved Village expenses totaling $166,919.76 and Water & Electric Utility expenses totaling $246,174.01
Public Works Committee
The committee voted to increase the park rental deposit fee for both residents and non-residents. Members also discussed potential grant opportunities for facilities and reviewed the Capital Improvement Depreciation Schedule.
- Raised park rental deposit from $50/$100 to $150 for all renters
- Revised Ordinance §590 Article XII regarding mobile home license terms
- Removed requirement for security deposits on nonexempt mobile homes
- Planned replacement of curb by Klemme Park
- Proposed pricing for a storage container for Public Works equipment
Personnel Committee
The committee met to conduct interviews for a full-time Public Works/Utility Worker position. Following a closed session, the committee voted to offer the open position to Andrew Reseburg.
- Hiring of Andrew Reseburg at $21.50/hour
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved the renewal of the HydroCorp Cross Connection Control Program. The meeting included updates on Highway 153 construction, village office closures, and utility staff reports. The Commission also authorized payments totaling $181,841.96.
- Approved HydroCorp Cross Connection Control Program renewal
- Approved payment of checks in the amount of $181,841.96
- Highway 153 project projected for completion at the end of July
- Review of water loss report and delinquent list
Village Board
The Board of Trustees met to approve various municipal reports, licenses, and expenditures. Key discussions included upcoming road maintenance quotes and potential renovations for the village garage.
- Approved 2023 road maintenance for chipsealing and microsurfacing within budget
- Approved street closures for City View Drive on 07/15/2023 and Tradition Street on 07/29/2023
- Approved village expenses totaling $174,186.35, with TIF #4 expenses at $188,789.40
- Approved Water & Electric Utility Expenses totaling $181,841.96
- Approved a $2,000 6-month bonus for Chief Thomas Koontz
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee discussed property proposals for 118815 Monarch St. and reviewed updates on the Klemme Reserve Eagle Scout project. The committee also addressed storage unit ordinance compliance and upcoming timber sales.
- Recommendation to move forward with surveying a parcel for a Public Works, village staff, and Police Department building
- Property proposal/options for 118815 Monarch St. referred to Finance Committee
- Decision not to renew the Outdoor Recreation plan update at this time
- Timber sale at Klemme Reserve postponed until September advertisement
- Review of Compliance Maintenance Annual Report & Resolution
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee recommended that the Village Board approve a no-parking zone on the south side of North Street between State Highway 97 and the wastewater treatment plant driveway. The committee also recommended sending an informational mailer to affected property owners.
- No parking recommendation for south side of North Street (between SHY 97 and Wastewater Treatment Plant)
- Proposed informational mailer for North Street property owners
- Budget comparison review
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved the sale of old streetlights via the Resale & Surplus website. The meeting included updates on infrastructure projects, utility disconnect notices, and the approval of $170,559.86 in expenses.
- Approved sale of old streetlights on Resale & Surplus website
- Approved payment of checks totaling $170,559.86
- Reported curb work ready for City View Dr.
- Reported culvert replacement on Balsam
- Reviewed 92 total disconnect notices mailed in April and May
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees met to approve various committee reports, financial statements, and personnel changes. Key actions included waiving an ordinance to allow open containers in public on June 10, 2023, and approving a street closure for a car show on the same date.
- Waived Ordinance 326.20 to allow open containers in public areas on 06/10/2023
- Approved street closing for the 06/10/2023 car show
- Approved Village expenses totaling $262,637.24
- Approved Water & Electric Utility Expenses totaling $170,559.86
- Approved operator licenses for Jada Salisbury, Jennifer Nutter, and Tyler Kost
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to conduct an interview regarding an upcoming vacancy in the Department of Public Works. No other business was conducted during the meeting.
- Interview for upcoming public works vacancy
Personnel Committee
The committee met to discuss the upcoming Public Works vacancy during a closed session. The members voted to establish a specific hourly pay range for the position.
- Set Public Works starting wage range at $18-21.50/hour
Public Works Committee
The committee reviewed the first quarter budget and discussed upcoming work for the Historical Society. Several items, including the museum lease and the Outdoor Recreation plan, were tabled for future meetings.
- Review of first quarter budget
- Historical building heating assessment
- Renewal of Historical Museum lease agreement (tabled)
- Update to Outdoor Recreation plan (tabled)
- Possible timber sale at Klemme Reserve
Village Board
The Village Board held a reorganization meeting to establish official roles and partners for the year. The board approved the President's appointments and designated official banks and the local newspaper.
- Approved President's 2023 Appointments
- Designated Partners Bank and Community Financial Bank as Official Depositories
- Designated The Record-Review as the Official Newspaper
- Authorized Chief Koontz to purchase a squad car for $57,000 or less
Village Board
The Village Board reviewed financial reports, approved employee handbook updates, and authorized several liquor and beer licenses. The board also accepted a bid for property at 118815 Monarch Street during a closed session.
- Accepted $69,500 bid from Klemme Sales for 118815 Monarch Street
- Approved ordinance 404-3.1 regarding maintenance of retention/detention ponds
- Approved Water & Electric Utility Expenses totaling $671,215.37
- Approved Village expenses totaling $226,128.84
- Approved purchase of Ground Fault Indicators from Relco
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved the purchase of a Cable Fault Indicator and authorized adjusting off balances under $10.00 on final closed accounts. The meeting also included updates on village property bids and a high school utility account credit due to a faulty meter.
- Approved purchase of a Cable Fault Indicator
- Authorized adjustment of closed account balances under $10.00
- Approved payment of checks totaling $666,859.43
- Reviewed water loss report and delinquent list
Personnel Committee
The committee convened in a closed session to consider employee employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data. The purpose of the session was for contract negotiations with Teamsters 662.
- Closed session regarding Teamsters 662 contract negotiations
Public Works Committee
The committee voted to move a revised retention pond and storm water management ordinance to the Village Board. Discussion included potential electrical and heating updates for the museum and wellhouse, as well as a possible timber sale at Klemme Reserve.
- Revised Ordinance 404-3.1 regarding retention ponds and storm water management
- Potential electrical and heating updates for the museum and wellhouse
- Possible timber sale at Klemme Reserve
- TAP Grant sidewalk application submitted March 24, 2023
- Eagle Scout project cost quote from Xander Curtice
Finance Committee
The committee reviewed budget projections through 2026 to establish a capital project priority list. Members also reviewed potential projects for completion using ARPA funds before the deadline.
- Review of budget projections through 2026
- Creation of capital project priority list
- Review of potential ARPA fund projects
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee convened for a closed session to consider employee employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data. This discussion was held for the purpose of contract negotiations with Teamsters 662.
- Closed session for contract negotiations with Teamsters 662
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session to review handbook policies and Teamsters 662 contract proposals. Changes were made to vacation, holiday, sick leave, and bereavement policies. The committee also approved specific bonuses for two employees.
- Added Level 5 vacation schedule (240 hours) for 16+ years of service
- Modified paid holidays regarding Good Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve
- Increased sick leave accumulation from 4 hours/month to 8 hours/month
- Adjusted bereavement leave to include step parents, step children, step siblings, and miscarriages
- $750 evaluation bonus for Kari Schoenherr and $1/hour increase for Tanner Eslinger
Village Board
The Village Board approved a TAP grant application for sidewalk installations on Highway 97 and Highway 153. The board also authorized several financial actions, including village expenses of $804,421.36 and an increase in meeting pay for the Village President.
- TAP Grant Application for sidewalks on Highway 97 and Highway 153
- Approval of Eagle Project improvements at Klemme Reserve
- Resolution 2023-01 State Highway 153 Speed Study
- Village expenses totaling $804,421.36
- Increase in Village President meeting pay by $1,000
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved a mixing pump for the water tower near Lane Tank. Members also authorized a 13-month Certificate of Deposit at Partners Bank including $500,000.00 from a checking account.
- Approval of water tower mixing pump by Lane Tank
- Renewal of 13-month CD at Partners Bank with $500,000.00 addition
- Approval of checks totaling $195,632.07
- Review of the water loss report and delinquent list
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss employee handbook policies and initial contract negotiations with Teamsters 662. The committee voted to recommend changing the police department overtime policy to 80 hours per pay period. The meeting was otherwise procedural.
- Closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(c) for employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation
- Initial contract negotiations with Teamsters 662
- Recommended policy change: police overtime to 80 hours per pay period
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee voted to recommend that the Village Board approve a resolution requesting a speed study on State Highway 153. They also reviewed quotes for flashing speed limit signs and discussed police facility needs, but took no action on those items. The committee reviewed the budget to date.
- Motion to recommend Resolution 2023-01 for a speed study on State Highway 153
- Reviewed quotes for flashing speed limit signs; potential purchase budgeted for 2024
- Police Chief discussed facility needs; no action taken
- Budget review conducted
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee voted to submit a TAP grant application for sidewalk improvements by the March 24 deadline. They also reviewed an ordinance for retention ponds and storm water management, with revisions to be brought back in March. Additionally, the committee discussed future facility plans and approved the purchase of 10 additional garland wraps for holiday decorations.
- Motion to submit TAP grant application for sidewalks by March 24, 2023
- Review of ordinance for retention ponds and storm water management
- Discussion on current facilities and future plans, including an ADHOC committee
- Purchase of 10 additional garland wraps for holiday decorations
- DPW report on snow removal, ice scraping, tree cutting, and testing
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee voted to recommend an increase in meeting pay: $1,000/year for the Village President and $15/meeting for other committee members. They also recommended $500 donations each to the VFW, Stratford Chamber, and Kristie Hughes for events. The committee reviewed Capital Improvement Plans and TIF #4, and recommended canceling a Ford Interceptor order, asking the police chief to bring other options.
- Recommended $500 donations to VFW, Stratford Chamber (movies in the park), and Kristie Hughes (drive-in movie on 06/10/2023)
- Recommended meeting pay increase: $1,000/year for Village President, $15/meeting for other committee members
- Recommended cancellation of Ford Interceptor order; Chief Koontz to present other options
- Reviewed Capital Improvement Plans with detailed cost analyses to come before budget time
- Reviewed TIF #4; updated cash flow analysis to be completed
Village Board
The Village Board voted to sell the property at 118815 Monarch Street through a sealed bid process, with dates to be set at the next meeting. The board also approved a $50 fee for storage container permits, updated the Sewer Forgiveness Policy, and recognized Teamsters 662 as a bargaining unit. Other actions included approving a developer incentive payment for TID #4 and discussing a potential drive-in movie event.
- Motion to sell 118815 Monarch Street via sealed bid process
- Approval of $50 fee for storage container permits
- Update to Sewer Forgiveness Policy approved
- Voluntary recognition of Teamsters 662 approved
- TID #4 Developer Incentive Payment for Knoll Estates approved
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved a request from Country Wireless to install a 6x6 generator pad next to the water tower by Stratford Homes, pending review by Lane Tanks. Commissioners also approved the 12/31/21 financial audit by Kerber Rose and authorized payment of $180,272.83 in checks. The meeting included updates on a potential Teamsters contract for the police department, inquiries about village property sales, and a fire department discussion on ambulance status.
- Approved generator pad for Country Wireless near water tower by Stratford Homes, pending Lane Tanks review
- Approved 12/31/21 financial audit by Kerber Rose
- Approved payment of $180,272.83 in checks
- Police department exploring contract with Teamsters
- Fire department to discuss ambulance status at upcoming Board meeting
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee discussed the delayed production of a new squad car ordered in September 2022 and agreed to look into alternative vehicles. Reserve accounts were briefly mentioned, with a more detailed discussion planned for a future meeting.
- New police squad ordered September 2022 not yet scheduled for production as of January 27, 2023
- Committee to explore other vehicle options for the police department
- Reserve accounts discussed briefly; in-depth discussion deferred
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee convened in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data related to a contract with Teamsters 662. No decisions were made; more research is to be completed and brought back to a future meeting.
- Closed session held to discuss contract with Teamsters 662
- Motion to convene closed session carried unanimously
- No action taken; further research required
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee voted to recommend an ordinance change requiring a permit for storage containers in commercial and industrial zones while banning them in residential zones. They also recommended an updated sewer forgiveness policy and approved the purchase of four holiday decorations. A discussion on brush and detention pond maintenance was tabled for further research.
- Recommended ordinance 590-90 change: storage container permit required in commercial/industrial zones, banned in residential
- Updated sewer forgiveness policy recommended
- Approved purchase of four holiday decorations from Mainstreet Designs
- Discussed brush, grass, and detention pond maintenance; further research to be presented in February
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss a contract with Teamsters 662 and employee training agreements. A motion to recommend the CDL training agreement to the village board was approved. An additional meeting on the Teamsters contract will be held after more information is obtained.
- Closed session held to discuss Teamsters 662 contract and employee training agreements
- Motion to recommend CDL training agreement to village board carried
- Additional meeting on Teamsters contract planned after more information obtained
Village Board
The Village Board approved a letter supporting childcare in the village, accepted various department reports, and authorized expenses totaling over $1.2 million. The meeting also addressed snow removal enforcement and fire station resurfacing plans.
- Approved letter supporting need for childcare in the village
- Approved village expenses totaling $1,026,560.34
- Approved Water & Electric Utility expenses totaling $191,966.92
- Discussed snow removal charges for pushing snow into streets
- Fire Commission considering resurfacing community room and truck bay
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved checks totaling $191,966.92 and reviewed the delinquent list, water loss report, and superintendent's report. No votes on ordinances, resolutions, or public hearings were held.
- Approved payment of checks in the amount of $191,966.92
- Reviewed delinquent list
- Reviewed water loss report
- Received update on Great Lakes Utilities end-of-year financials