Stratford public meetings in 2024
49 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee convened in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss performance evaluations for police personnel. The closed session lasted from 6:00 PM to 6:57 PM and was the only substantive item on the agenda. No other business was conducted in open session.
- Closed session for performance evaluation of police personnel
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee recommended revisions to Hunting Ordinance 396-3 to clarify that it applies to village-owned property. They also discussed potential changes to the Village Hunting map, with further discussion planned for a future meeting. Other items, including police garage renovations and a door cost estimate for the police department, were deferred to the Public Works meeting in January.
- Recommended change to Hunting Ordinance 396-3 to specify application to village-owned property
- Discussion on possible changes to the Village Hunting map; further discussion at a future meeting
- Police Garage Renovations to be discussed at January Public Works meeting
- Police chief to obtain cost for door separating police department from village office for Public Works discussion
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees approved a General Obligation Promissory Note and a new union contract for Teamsters 662. The board also authorized employee wage updates and approved various departmental expense reports.
- General Obligation Promissory Note of $587,000 with Partners Bank
- Teamsters 662 Union Contract for 01/01/2025-12/31/2026
- Public Works uniform reimbursement allowance of $300/year per full-time employee
- Village expenses totaling $630,732.72 and Water & Electric expenses of $321,048.00
- Proposed vacation of alley between 212900 & 212922 Legion Street for Dairyland Labs
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission of Stratford, Wisconsin, held a regular meeting on December 10, 2024. They approved a lease agreement with Selk & Country Wireless, authorized employee holiday gifts, and approved payment of checks totaling $321,048.00. The commission also received reports from the superintendent and clerk and reviewed the delinquent list.
- Approved lease agreement with Selk & Country Wireless
- Approved payment of checks totaling $321,048.00
- Approved charge for Employee Holiday Gifts
- Reviewed delinquent accounts list
Village Board
The Village Board held a budget hearing and special meeting to review the 2025 budget. The board approved the budget and Resolution 2024-09 to adopt the tax levy.
- Local mill rate increase from $7.10 to $9.10 per thousand of valuation
- Approval of the 2025 Budget
- Adoption of Resolution 2024-09 (2025 Budget and Tax Levy)
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission voted to approve routine reports and payments, including $190,134 in checks. They also reviewed the delinquent utility list and accepted the superintendent's and clerk's reports. No new policy changes or rate adjustments were discussed.
- Approved payment of checks totaling $190,134.00
- Accepted the Superintendent's water loss report
- Approved charge for Equipment and Personnel (no dollar amount specified)
- Reviewed the Delinquent account list
Personnel Committee
The committee met in closed session to discuss Teamsters 662 negotiations and set the 2025 wage resolution for non-elected employees. After returning to open session, they recommended the wage resolution and a $300/year uniform reimbursement allowance for public works employees to the Village Board.
- Closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) for Teamsters 662 negotiations and 2025 wage resolution
- Recommendation to Village Board for 2025 wage resolution for non-elect employees
- Recommendation to increase public works uniform reimbursement allowance to $300/year effective 01/01/2025
Village Board
The Village Board approved several financial items including a resolution to borrow $88,000 from Partners Bank, charges for equipment and personnel for 2025, and a water quality trading agreement. The board also approved the fire commission report, the public works report, and various expenses totaling over $450,000 across village funds and utilities. Additionally, a business is exploring expansion in the village.
- Approved Resolution 2024-07 to borrow $88,000 from Partners Bank
- Approved Charges for Equipment and Personnel for 2025
- Approved Water Quality Trading Agreement
- Approved village expenses totaling $192,009.35 plus TIF #3 ($25,000) and TIF #4 ($22,765.75)
- Approved Water & Electric Expenses in the amount of $237,806.91
Finance Committee
The village finance committee reviewed the draft 2025 budget and scheduled a public hearing for November 21. The committee also discussed using ARPA funds for playground equipment at Klemme Reserve and Klemme Park. No final budget decisions were made at this meeting.
- 2025 Budget Draft reviewed; public hearing set for November 21 at 6 PM
- ARPA-funded playground equipment planned for Klemme Reserve and Klemme Park
- Meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss Teamsters 662 negotiations, the 2025 wage resolution for non-elect employees, and 2024 employee holiday gifts. After closed session, they recommended an adjustment to holiday gifts for part-time employees to the Village Board. No decisions were reported on the negotiations or wage resolution.
- Closed session under Wis. Stat. 19.85(1)(c) for employment negotiations, compensation, and performance data
- Discussion on Teamsters 662 negotiations
- Discussion on setting the 2025 wage resolution for non-elect employees
- Recommendation to the Village Board for 2024 employee holiday gifts with adjustment for part-time employees
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee met to review equipment pricing and environmental planning. Two recommendations were made for final approval by the Village Board.
- Recommendation for Charge for Equipment and Personnel, including Compact and Accessories at $100.00/hr
- Recommendation for Water Quality Trading Plan
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met and convened in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes to discuss employee wages and benefits. No action was taken during closed session. The committee plans to hold a final discussion on the topic at the October 30, 2024 Personnel Meeting.
- Closed session discussion on employee wages and benefits
- No action taken from closed session
- Final discussion scheduled for 10/30/2024 Personnel Meeting
Water Electric Commission
At the October 8, 2024 meeting, the Stratford Water and Electric Commission approved minutes, accepted the superintendent’s and clerk’s reports, reviewed CD rates and the delinquent list, and authorized check payments totaling $204,757.75.
- Approved checks totaling $204,757.75
- Reviewed water loss report
- Reviewed CD rates
- Reviewed delinquent list
- Approved meeting minutes from 09/10/2024
Village Board
At its regular meeting, the Village Board approved several routine items including a resolution to add statutorily permitted charges and fees to the 2024 real estate tax roll. The board also appointed a new treasurer, approved the street and sidewalk priority list, and authorized a bonus for the village clerk due to staff shortages. Total expenses approved amounted to over $575,000 across village operations and tax increment districts.
- Approved Resolution 2024-06 to add permitted charges and assessments to the 2024 real estate tax roll
- Appointed Stephanie Betlinski as Village Treasurer and authorized her as an additional bank signer
- Approved the Street and Sidewalk Priority List for 2024
- Approved village expenses totaling $167,705.58, plus TIF #3 expenses of $4,030.79 and TIF #4 expenses of $202,847.09
- Approved bonus pay for the Village Clerk due to additional hours from staff shortages
Personnel Committee
The Village of Stratford Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss employee reviews, office structure, bank account signers, and wages. After closed session, the committee voted to recommend appointing Stephanie Betlinski as Village Treasurer and as an additional signer on all Village bank accounts. They also recommended an $8,000 bonus for Clerk Jamie Heindl due to training and staff shortages.
- Appointment of Stephanie Betlinski as Village Treasurer
- Stephanie Betlinski added as signer on all Village bank accounts
- Recommended $8,000 bonus for Clerk Jamie Heindl for training and additional hours
- Discussed employee reviews and office structure in closed session
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee reviewed the 2025 preliminary budget and requested quotes for possible renovations to the police department garage. No decisions were made on either item; both remain under discussion.
- Reviewed the 2025 Preliminary budget for the police department
- Requested quotes for possible renovations to the police department garage
Public Works Committee
The committee discussed the Village's 2025 preliminary budget, recommended board approval of the street and sidewalk priority list, and voted to delay the Highway 153 project east of Highway 97.
- 2025 preliminary budget discussion
- Motion to recommend village board approve street and sidewalk priority list (carried)
- Motion to hold off on Hwy 153 project east of Hwy 97 (carried)
Finance Committee
The Stratford Finance Committee voted to authorize Ehlers to seek financing for the Monarch, Jasper, Allington street project at a cost of $575,000. The committee also reviewed the preliminary 2025 budget and discussed potential uses for remaining ARPA funds, with quotes to be reviewed at the next meeting.
- Motion approved to request financing proposals for the Monarch, Jasper, Allington street project ($575,000)
- Preliminary review of the 2025 budget
- Discussion of remaining ARPA fund uses, quotes to be reviewed next meeting
Water Electric Commission
The Stratford Water and Electric Commission approved $217,243.27 in expenses, reviewed the delinquent list, and accepted reports from the superintendent and clerk. Lease agreements with Country Wireless and Selk Electronics were tabled until the October 8, 2024 meeting.
- Approved payment of $217,243.27
- Tabled lease agreements with Country Wireless and Selk Electronics until 10/8/2024
- Reviewed delinquent list
- Accepted superintendent's report on water loss
- Accepted clerk's report
Village Board
The board approved minutes, reports, and various motions including sewer forgiveness, snow removal agreements, and a TIF reimbursement. It also amended the Business Industrial Park covenants and renewed health insurance and disability policies. The board convened in closed session to discuss funding for public facilities but took no action.
- Sewer forgiveness of $35.41 at 212817 State Highway 97
- Business Industrial Park covenants amendment requiring building footprint at least 5,000 sq ft
- Snow/salt agreement at 212801 State Highway 97 with $25 per event increase
- Pay Request #5 from Melvin for $40,010.11 from TIF #4 with intent of future borrowing
- United Health Care renewal through 09/30/2025 and Long-term disability policy with Hartford through 01/01/2027
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee discussed snow removal changes, including no longer maintaining the sidewalk at 212900/212922 Legion Street. They recommended continuing snow removal for 212801 State Highway 97 with a fee of $25 per snow event and $10 per salt application. The committee also approved the 2024-2025 Snow Agreement with SAFD without changes. Additionally, they reviewed the building permit process, infrastructure special assessment charges, and the year-to-date budget.
- No longer maintaining sidewalk at 212900/212922 Legion Street for snow removal
- Recommend $25 per snow event and $10 per salt application for 212801 State Highway 97
- Approve 2024-2025 Snow Agreement with SAFD (no changes)
- Review building permit fees and ordinance before January 1, 2025
- Review infrastructure special assessment charges; bring comparison to other municipalities
Village Board
The Village Board held a special meeting and approved Resolution 2024-04, which amends the project plan for Tax Incremental District #4. No other business was discussed.
- Approval of Resolution 2024-04 amending the project plan for Tax Incremental District #4
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission held a public hearing regarding the TIF #4 Project Plan and estimated projections. The commission approved Resolution 2024-03 to amend the project plan, which will now be reviewed by the Village Board.
- Approval of Resolution 2024-03 regarding Tax Increment District #4 amendment
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to review the superintendent's report and the delinquent list. The body approved several expenditures and a purchase for equipment. The meeting lasted eight minutes.
- Approved payment of checks totaling $225,754.31
- Approved purchase of a hydraulic pole saw up to $2,500
- Reported that sewer jetting will begin the week following August 15
- Reviewed the water loss report and delinquent list
Village Board
The Village Board approved minutes, reports, and a $65,333.25 pay request from TIF #4. They also approved the donation of the Heritage trail bridge to the Stratford School District, hired a utility clerk, and issued operator licenses. A closed session was held for developer negotiations but no action was taken.
- Approved Pay Request #4 from Melvin for $65,333.25 from TIF #4
- Approved full-time employment of Stephanie Betlinski as utility clerk
- Approved operator licenses for Alexandria Boyer, Nicole Hebblewhite, Alex McHugh, Olivia Snider, and Elise Wick
- Approved donation of Heritage trail bridge to Stratford School District
- Held closed session for developer negotiations (no action taken)
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss employee-related matters. The committee reviewed applications for a utility clerk and discussed office structure and job duties.
- Review of utility clerk applications
- Discussion of office structure and job duties
Personnel Committee
The Village of Stratford Personnel Committee met on July 30, 2024, and voted unanimously to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c). The closed session was for the purpose of reviewing utility clerk applications and discussing office structure and job duties. The committee then voted to exit closed session and adjourned at 7:28 pm. No decisions were announced in open session.
- Reviewed utility clerk applications
- Discussed office structure and job duties
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission reviewed the Superintendent’s report and approved $320,868.13 in payments. The Monarch/Jasper/Allington street project is on schedule to be completed by the end of the month. The Commission also reviewed water loss reports and the delinquent list.
- Monarch/Jasper/Allington street project update
- Approval of $320,868.13 in payments
- Review of water loss report
- Review of Delinquent List
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board approved several financial and infrastructure items during its July 9 meeting. Decisions included a large construction payment request and an easement swap with Dairyland Labs. The board also addressed vehicle equipment costs and personnel changes.
- Approved $278,422.83 pay request from Melvin to be reimbursed from TIF #4
- Approved easement swap with Dairyland Labs, with all associated expenses paid by the company
- Approved Crane Engineering quote for a new pump at the Wastewater Plant
- Approved $15,774.72 for outfitting a new Tahoe and $850 for vehicle graphics
- Accepted the resignation of Kari Schoenherr
Personnel Committee
The committee met to discuss personnel matters in closed session, including Teamster negotiations and employee reviews. Members authorized the hiring of up to three casual part-time police officers. The committee also approved hourly raises for two employees and updated CDL training agreement fees.
- Authorization to hire up to 3 casual part-time police officers
- $0.50/hour raise for Robert Auberg effective 07/22/2024
- $1.00/hour raise for Claire Schroeder effective 07/29/2024
- Added $500 CDL training fee to agreements for Tanner Eslinger and Robert Auberg
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee recommended a Belco quote for all new equipment for the new squad. The committee also approved selling a 2017 Tahoe on WI Surplus and reviewed the 2024 year-to-date budget.
- Recommendation of Belco quote# 5765 for new squad equipment
- Sale of 2017 Tahoe as a civilian vehicle on WI Surplus
- Review of 2024 YTD budget
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee recommended moving an easement and alley 15 feet south to resolve a parking issue at 212900/212922 Legion Street. Dairyland Labs will cover costs for the survey, recording, and surfacing of the new area. The committee also received updates on tree trimming and street projects.
- Recommendation to move Dairyland Labs easement 15' south near Legion and Legacy Street
- Tree trimming contract in place for 118408 Springfield Drive
- Completion of concrete work on Monarch, Jasper, and Allington project
- Ongoing catch basin repairs
Water Electric Commission
The Commission approved the Director of Public Works to look for a new well location. The meeting included updates on the Monarch, Jasper, and Allington project as well as a review of the water loss report. Additionally, the Commission approved $393,037.55 in payments.
- Authorization to search for a new well location
- Update on Monarch, Jasper, and Allington project
- Review of water loss report
- Approval of $393,037.55 in checks
- Review of the Delinquent List
Village Board
The Village Board appointed Damon Englebretson as a trustee and Jeff Aschebrock to the Water & Electric Commission. The board approved street maintenance quotes and updated ordinances regarding stormwater discharge responsibility. Additionally, the board authorized several large payments for village expenses and infrastructure projects.
- Appointment of Damon Englebretson to fill a village trustee vacancy
- Approval of Fahrner quotes for 2024 street maintenance
- Pay Request #2 from Melvin in the amount of $185,255.27
- Design Contract update for Stratford SRTS not to exceed $93,710.92
- Noise ordinance waiver for Klemme Park Pie/Ice Cream Social on July 17, 2024
Public Works Committee
The committee voted to pursue a stream crossing permit from the DNR for village property. Members also recommended that the village board update Ordinance 520-11 and approve the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) and Resolution.
- Pursuit of a DNR stream crossing permit on village property
- Recommendation to update Ordinance 520-11
- Recommendation to approve the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) and Resolution
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board approved routine reports, licenses, and expenses, including a $282,491.81 payment from TIF #4 for the Melvin project and a $11,864.00 pump purchase. They also waived an open container ordinance and approved a street closing for the June car show. The meeting was largely procedural with no major policy debates.
- Approved Pay Request #1 from Melvin for $282,491.81, reimbursed from TIF #4 with intent of future borrowing
- Approved purchase of Penn Valley Double Disc Pump for $11,864.00
- Waived Ordinance §326.20 to allow open containers in public areas
- Approved street closing request for June car show
- Approved sewer forgiveness request of $29.84 for 118234 Sunset Ridge Drive
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board held its annual reorganization meeting, approving the president's appointments for 2024, designating official depositories and newspaper, and granting a temporary beer license and an operator license. The meeting was brief and procedural, adjourning at 6:02 p.m.
- Approved President's Appointments for 2024
- Designated Partners Bank and Citizens State Bank as official depositories
- Designated The Record-Review as official newspaper
- Approved Temporary Class B Beer License for Stratford Youth Baseball
- Approved Operator License for Amber Davidson
Water Electric Commission
The Stratford Water and Electric Commission met to review operational reports, approve bids for touchscreen repairs at Well 5, and authorize $177,707.30 in utility expenses. The meeting also covered routine administrative items like delinquent account reviews and previous minutes approval.
- Approval of Altronex Control Systems bids for Well 5 touchscreen repairs
- Authorization of $177,707.30 in utility expense checks
- Review of the monthly water loss report and locates/catch basins update
- Acceptance of the delinquent account list
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board conducted a routine administrative meeting to approve standard monthly reports, operator licenses, and minor community requests. The board authorized $189,642.60 in village expenses, along with separate payments for water and electric utilities totaling $177,707.30. Trustees also processed two tax increment financing (TIF) payments and accepted public comment on a Highway 97 traffic reroute. These approvals fund routine municipal operations and utility services that support local infrastructure and daily community functions.
- Approved village expenses totaling $189,642.60
- Authorized water and electric utility expenses of $177,707.30
- Processed TIF 3 payment ($97,088.69) and TIF 4 payment ($19,356.19)
- Approved operator licenses for four village staff members
- Authorized a $50 Girl Scout raffle donation and tree planting at Klemme Reserve
Water Electric Commission
The Stratford Water and Electric Commission voted to fund infrastructure work on the Monarch, Jasper, and Allington project. The commission will cover 100 percent of watermain costs and pay 25 percent of engineering, mobilization, bonds, and insurance expenses. These decisions determine how the utility pays for water system improvements that serve local residents.
- Commission voted to cover 100% of watermain costs for the Monarch, Jasper, Allington project
- Commission approved paying 25% of engineering, mobilization, bonds, and insurance costs for the same project
- Closed session held under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to discuss cost sharing for public property and funds
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission voted to restructure several certificates of deposit (CD) and money market accounts. The Commission also authorized $194,364.24 in check payments and a shared purchase of an office copy machine with the village.
- Approved purchase of all-in-one copy machine, split between W&E (42%) and the village (58%)
- Voted to cash out CD #3000232 on 04/20/24 to create two new CDs
- Authorized payment of checks totaling $194,364.24
- Entered closed session to discuss cost share for Monarch, Jasper, and Allington Project
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board approved several financial reports and committee updates. Key actions included awarding a major construction bid and approving various developer incentives and utility expenses.
- Awarded $886,297.49 bid to Francis Melvin, Inc for Monarch, Jasper, Allington project
- Approved sewer forgiveness of $51.14 for 213517 State Highway 97
- Approved TIF# 4 Developer Incentive payments
- Approved Village expenses totaling $835,823.94
- Approved update to B/I park covenants subject to attorney review
Finance Committee
The committee reviewed TIF District financials, noting a projected surplus for TIF #3. Members also discussed updating replacement costs for the wastewater treatment plant before deciding on sewer rates during the 2025 budget process.
- Approval of Canon IRA C5840 office printer replacement
- Review of TIF #3 financial projections and potential surplus
- Discussion on eligible costs for TIF developer agreements
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee recommended awarding the Jasper, Monarch, and Allington project bid to Francis Melvin for $886,297.49. They also recommended MSA as the engineer for the TAP grant. The Director of Public Works reported on tree cutting and meter changes.
- Recommended $886,297.49 bid award to Francis Melvin for Jasper, Monarch, and Allington project
- Recommended amendment to owner-engineer agreement for the Jasper, Monarch, and Allington project
- Recommended MSA as engineer for the TAP grant
- DPW report on tree cutting on Monarch St. and meter changes
Water Electric Commission
The Commission reviewed the water loss report and the delinquent list. Discussions regarding Great Lakes Utilities and money market accounts were tabled until next month.
- Approval of checks totaling $176,886.46
- Review of the water loss report
- Review of the Delinquent List
Village Board
The Village Board approved a resolution regarding the Stratford Business/Industrial Park and authorized several financial reports. The board also updated local ordinances to include graffiti as an offense subject to forfeiture.
- Resolution 2024-01: Adopting First Amendment to Protective Covenants Deed Restrictions Stratford Business/Industrial Park
- Ordinance §396-1 update to include Graffiti as an offense subject to forfeiture
- Village expenses totaling $951,427.92 and one TIF #4 expense of $530.00
- Water & Electric Expenses in the amount of $176,886.46
- Jasper/Monarch/Allington Project is currently out for bid
Water Electric Commission
The Commission discussed the possibility of raising revenue to offset costs in the Rate Stabilization Account. The meeting also included updates on a new public works hire and the Highway 153 project.
- Discussion on raising revenue for the Rate Stabilization Account
- Highway 153 project discussion from Legion St. to Highway 97
- Approval of checks totaling $211,891.43
- Review of the water loss report and delinquent list
Village Board
The Village Board approved several motions including the full-time employment of Robert Auberg and service agreements with McMahon and Wolfgram.
- Approved full-time employment for Robert Auberg
- Service agreement with McMahon ($212,804.06 in expenses)
- Service agreement with Wolfgram
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee discussed potential UTV/ATV trails and a proposed update to the graffiti ordinance. The committee voted to recommend that the Village Board adopt changes to ordinance §396-1 to mirror state laws.
- Recommendation to update graffiti ordinance §396-1 to match state statutes
- Discussion regarding UTV/ATV trail easements and insurance requirements
- Decision to leave current ATV/UTV ordinance §495-35 unchanged