Stratford public meetings in 2025
52 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Village Board
The Board considered several personnel appointments, including recommending Samantha Hernandez as Village Clerk and appointing Ken Meyer as a signatory. It approved specifications for two trucks referenced on a V&H order form and on Monroe quote 1JAK006322. The Board also accepted Resolution 2025‑10 to carry forward certain 2025 appropriations into 2026 and approved water and electric expenses.
- Recommend appointing Samantha Hernandez as Village Clerk
- Appoint Ken Meyer as signatory
- Approve truck specs for F6L 4x4 Chassis Cab (V&H order form)
- Approve truck specs per Monroe quote 1JAK006322
- Accept Resolution 2025‑10 to continue 2025 appropriations into 2026
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board approved the Village expenses totaling $241,719.09. It also moved approval of Water & Electric expenses of $184,216.04 to the next meeting. The board adopted an update to Ordinance §442-29 Recycling for multiple‑family dwellings and accepted the Chief’s written report. Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of Jamie Heindl.
- Approval of Village expenses $241,719.09
- Postponement of Water & Electric expenses approval $184,216.04
- Adoption of Ordinance §442-29 Recycling update for multiple‑family dwellings
- Acceptance of the Chief’s written report
- Acceptance of resignation of Jamie Heindl
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee opened a closed session to discuss staffing for the municipal office and the police department, as allowed by Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c). After the closed session, the committee voted to appoint Samantha Hernandez as the Village Clerk. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Closed session to consider municipal office staffing
- Closed session to consider police department staffing
- Appointment of Samantha Hernandez as Village Clerk
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to consider employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data. The specific focus of the closed session was employee evaluations.
- Closed session to discuss employee evaluations
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board adopted the 2026 budget and accompanying tax levy. It also approved a rezoning request for a parcel on Legion Street from single‑family to multi‑family use. Additional actions included authorizing a $302,000 borrowing resolution and approving utility expense amounts. Several committee reports and a timber bid re‑advertisement were also accepted.
- Rezoning of parcel ID 182-2704-191-1042 on Legion Street from R-2 to R-3 for a duplex
- Resolution authorizing borrowing in the amount of $302,000
- Approval of the 2026 budget and tax levy
- Approval of Water & Electric expenses totaling $376,680.75
- Readvertise timber bid for property at 120300 State Highway 153
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee opened with a motion to hold a closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss employee matters such as police department staffing, shift coverage, public comment procedures, employee evaluations, and holiday gifts. After the closed session, the committee voted to recommend the 2025 employee holiday gifts to the Water & Electric department and the Village Board. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
- Closed session to discuss police department staffing and shift coverage
- Closed session to discuss public comment procedures
- Closed session to discuss employee evaluations
- Recommendation of 2025 employee holiday gifts to Water & Electric and Village Board
Public Works Committee
The Stratford Public Works Committee carried a motion to recommend a review of the village’s wind turbine zoning ordinances. The committee also received a report that Public Works has finished spreading sludge for the year and that the septic receiving station is being pumped out. Both items were carried.
- Motion to recommend review of wind turbine zoning ordinances (carried)
- Report: Public Works completed annual sludge spreading (carried)
- Report: Septic receiving station is being pumped out (carried)
- Motion to adjourn the meeting (carried)
Finance Committee
The Stratford Finance Committee met on October 6, 2025 at the Community Hall on Larch Street. Trustees and staff reviewed the proposed 2026 budget and discussed potential capital purchases. No specific motions or decisions were recorded in the agenda.
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission considered a rezoning request for a property at the northeast end of Legion Street and voted to recommend approving it as R‑3 Multi‑Family Residential. The commission also scheduled a public hearing on the rezoning for November 11, 2025 at 6:35 PM. No other matters were addressed.
- Recommendation to approve rezoning of the northeast end of Legion Street to R‑3 Multi‑Family Residential
- Public hearing set for 11/11/2025 at 6:35 PM on the rezoning request
- Motion to adjourn the meeting (carried)
Village Board
The Village Board approved several public works agreements, including a land lease and a snow removal contract. The board also requested a safety study for the intersection of State Highway 97 and 153 and scheduled the 2026 budget hearing.
- I/B Park Land Lease with Lynn Farms/Greenberg Farms at $110/acre through 12/31/2028
- Resolution 2025-05 requesting WI DOT safety study on State Highway 97 & 153 intersection
- Village expenses totaling $120,322.86, TIF #3 expenses of $27,926.20, and TIF #4 expenses of $2,541.04
- Water & Electric Expenses in the amount of $57,747.00
- 2026 Budget Hearing set for 11/11/2025
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to approve expenses, review water loss, and receive updates on public works and utility operations. The body approved a payment of $57,747.00 and adjourned.
- Approved $57,747.00 in check payments
- Approved charges for equipment and personnel
- Reviewed water loss report
- Public Works flushing hydrants this week
- Approved minutes from September 9, 2025
Public Works Committee
The committee approved several funding and policy items, including $324 for scout signs on the Heritage Trail and a $20 per hour increase to all 2026 equipment and personnel charges. It also recommended a timber sale for the Village property at 120300 State Highway 153, a three‑year land lease with Lynn Farms/Greenberg Farms at $110 per acre, and the 2025‑2026 snow and salt agreement with SAFD. Additional motions approved the placement of a scout aluminum can collection bin behind the Village Garage, the Street and Sidewalk Priority List, and the Director of Public Works report.
- Approve $324 funding for scout sign project on Heritage Trail
- Approve $20/hour increase for all 2026 equipment and personnel charges
- Recommend timber sale for Village property at 120300 State Highway 153 (bids to be reviewed)
- Approve three‑year I/B Park land lease with Lynn Farms/Greenberg Farms at $110 per acre per year
- Approve placement of scout aluminum can collection bin behind the Village Garage
Finance Committee
The Stratford Finance Committee reviewed the 2026 village budget and discussed capital purchases. The committee voted unanimously to convene a closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(e) to consider purchasing public property, investing public funds, and possible TIF district developments.
- Review of the 2026 village budget
- Discussion of capital purchases
- Motion passed to hold a closed session for public property purchase considerations
- Closed‑session agenda includes possible TIF district developments
Personnel Committee
The Village of Stratford Personnel Committee met on September 24, 2025. The committee opened a closed session to discuss 2026 wages and employee evaluations for village staff, as permitted by Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c). After discussion, the committee voted to recommend the proposed wages to the finance committee. The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
- Closed session to consider 2026 wages for village employees
- Closed session to consider employee performance evaluations
- Motion to recommend wages to the finance committee
- Motion to convene and later end the closed session
Personnel Committee
The Stratford Village Personnel Committee met on September 16, 2025 at the Community Hall, 118900 Larch Street. Members voted unanimously to convene a closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c). The closed session will be used to consider employee performance reviews and related personnel matters. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.
- Closed session to consider employee performance reviews
Public Safety Committee
The Stratford Public Safety Committee considered two motions and carried both. Members recommended that the village board update street names as set out in ordinance 495-15. They also recommended that the village board change the legal age provision in ordinance 339-9 to match the federal legal age. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Recommend updating street names in ordinance 495-15 to the village board
- Recommend updating the legal age to the federal standard in ordinance 339-9 to the village board
Village Board
The Stratford Village Board approved a $13,842.70 contract for a playground installation and updated the Village Fee Schedule. The board also approved temporary beer licenses for local organizations and renewed a health insurance policy for employees.
- Playground installation contract: $13,842.70
- Village Fee Schedule updates approved
- Temporary beer licenses for Chamber of Commerce and Quarterback Club
- United Healthcare renewal for employees
- Village expenses totaling $934,962.72
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved a payment of $425,831.46. It also voted to table the Selk and Country Wireless contract renewals until equipment listings are accurate. The commission accepted the Superintendent's report and the Clerk's report. All motions were carried and the meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
- Table Selk and Country Wireless contract renewals pending equipment list accuracy
- Approve payment of checks totaling $425,831.46
- Accept Superintendent's report on public works activities
- Accept Clerk's report
- Approve minutes from 08/12/2025 meeting
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee voted to recommend several fee increases for permits and code enforcement to the Village Board. The committee also decided to move funds from savings accounts into a CD and money market accounts. The 2026 Preliminary Budget was reviewed.
- Proposed fee increases for Building Permits, Sign Permits, Variance Applications, Conditional Use Permits, and Rezone Applications
- Proposed increase of Weed Control and Snow/Ice removal fees from $75/hour to $125/hour
- Recommendation to move $315,000 from Equipment Savings and $300,000 from General Savings to a 7-month CD
- Transfer of remaining account balances and Squad Savings account to Money Market accounts
- Review of the 2026 Preliminary Budget
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to review employee performance and health insurance quotes. The body decided on two hourly wage increases and the renewal of the village's health insurance provider.
- Approved $.50/hour raise for Joseph Binder starting 09/22/2025
- Approved $.75/hour raise for Samantha Hernzndez starting 10/06/2025
- Approved health insurance renewal with United Healthcare
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee recommended a sign project for the Heritage Trail and approved a $13,842.70 quote for a playground installation by MWP Recreation. The committee also recommended updating an ordinance regarding residential zones.
- Recommendation for Heritage Trail sign project
- Recommendation for playground installation quote of $13,842.70
- Recommendation to update ordinance §590-90(L) wording
- Public Works report on wastewater treatment plant wet test
- Public Works report on sewer jetting and crosswalk painting
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved payments for checks totaling $349,728.66 and accepted reports from the Superintendent and Clerk. The meeting also addressed a state shutdown of an industrial park project due to permitting issues.
- Approved $349,728.66 in check payments
- Accepted Superintendent's report
- Accepted Clerk's report
- Reviewed water loss report
- Reviewed Delinquent list
Village Board
The Village Board approved several components of the SRTS Sidewalk Project, including the design study report and right of way plat. The board also authorized insurance renewals and approved various municipal expenses.
- Approval of SRTS Sidewalk Project design study report, relocation order, and right of way plat
- Approval of MSA professional services real estate contract
- Approval of Village expenses totaling $199,744.93 and Water & Electric expenses of $340,542.22
- Opening of the Special Permit Archery Zone for the 2025 hunting season
- Approval of storage container permit at 211775 State Highway 97
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee met to review permit renewals and personnel pay. The body also received a report on water well repairs and upcoming DNR inspections.
- Recommended permit renewal for storage container at 211775 State Hwy 97
- Recommended Public Works overtime be paid as overtime
- Reported water leak fix at well 5
- Reported new meter installation at well 9
- Upcoming DNR well inspections within two weeks
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to address staffing changes within the village. The body voted to accept a resignation and authorized the Police Chief to hire additional part-time staff.
- Accepted the resignation of Kyle Guralski
- Authorized Chief Koontz to post a part-time ad and outfit up to two part-time officers
Village Board
The Village Board is coordinating grant funding requirements and updating local ordinances. The board approved an income survey to pursue CDBG funding for street and utility projects.
- Approval of MSA income survey for street/utility grant
- Update to Ordinance §396-3 Hunting
- Approval of sidewalk and street closing permit at 118807 Logger Street
- Approval of Village expenses totaling $145,940.12
- Decision to list a 2013 Silverado on WI Surplus online auction
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to review utility reports and approve payments. The body accepted the Superintendent's report regarding well maintenance and reviewed the delinquent list.
- Approval of checks totaling $62,340.37
- Replacement of pump in Well 5
- Replacement of meter in Well 9
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met to discuss Police Department staffing in a closed session. The committee decided to offer a resignation in lieu of termination with leave balance payouts.
- Closed session discussion regarding Police Department staffing
- Decision to provide a resignation in lieu of termination with leave balance payouts
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee met to discuss local ordinances and security updates. The body voted to recommend a specific change to the hunting ordinance to the Village Board.
- Recommendation of Ordinance §396-3 Hunting to the Village Board with an update to section A(3)
- Discussion of winter parking compliance for Klemme Sales per Ordinance §495-20(B)
- Review of municipal resident alert system options for future budget consideration
- Request for pricing to relocate office security cameras
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees approved various municipal expenses, including TIF and Water & Electric costs. The board also updated the noise ordinance and issued business licenses for 2025-2026.
- Village expenses of $181,657.64, TIF #3 expense of $750, and TIF #4 expenses of $211,464.69
- Water & Electric expenses of $184,797.35
- Update to Ordinance §396-11 Noise
- Approval of Beer, Liquor, Tobacco, and Operator Licenses for 2025-2026
- Appointment of Greg Austin to the Water & Electric Commission
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to review the Superintendent's and Clerk's reports. The body approved a set of payments totaling $193,217.02 and reviewed the delinquent list.
- Approval of checks totaling $193,217.02
- Review of the water loss report
- Review of the delinquent list
- Report of three fixed service leaks
Public Works Committee
The Stratford Public Works Committee met on May 27, 2025, to discuss municipal operations. The committee voted to recommend the CMAR report to the Village Board for further action.
- Motion to recommend CMAR report to Village Board (carried)
- Adjournment motion (carried)
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees held a special meeting to approve a real estate conveyance. The board then entered a closed session to receive legal advice regarding litigation strategy.
- Approval of Resolution 2025-03 Conveyance of Real Estate in TID #4
Public Safety Committee
The Public Safety Committee met to adjust noise ordinances and discuss emergency alerts. The body approved an increase to decibel ratings and authorized the police department to buy a decibel reader.
- Increase of 10 decibels for daytime and nighttime noise ratings
- Purchase of a decibel reader for the police department
- Trial of a free resident alert system
- Monthly tornado siren testing starting June on the second Tuesday at noon
- Ongoing revisions to the hunting ordinance
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission met to consider the status of a specific village alley. The body decided to discontinue the unpaved alley located between Legion and Legacy Street.
- Discontinuation of the unpaved alley between Legion and Legacy Street
Water Electric Commission
This regular meeting of the Water and Electric Commission consisted primarily of procedural approvals. The Commission approved checks totaling $184,024.97 and accepted both the Superintendent's and Clerk's reports. Informational updates were provided regarding a new office, a maple tree planting, and the upcoming Car Show. No major policy decisions or public hearings were held.
- Approved payment of checks totaling $184,024.97
- Reviewed delinquent list
- Accepted Superintendent's report
- Accepted Clerk's report
- Approved minutes from April 8, 2025
Village Board
The Village Board approved the discontinuance of an unpaved alley between Legacy and Legion Street via Resolution 2025-02 after a public hearing. They also waived Ordinance 326.20 to allow open containers in public areas and approved a street closure for the June Car Show. Trustees discussed possible housing development and approved routine financial reports, including village expenses of $138,578.85 and water & electric expenses of $184,024.97.
- Public hearing and resolution to discontinue unpaved alley between Legacy and Legion Street
- Waiver of Ordinance 326.20 to allow open containers in public areas
- Approval of street closure for the June Car Show
- Discussion on possible housing for the village
- Approval of village expenses totaling $138,578.85 and water & electric expenses of $184,024.97
Village Board
The Village Board held its annual reorganization meeting, appointing officials for 2025 and designating official banks and newspaper. They also approved a developer agreement with DuWayne Dahlke and presented a Champion Tree award.
- Approval of President's Appointments for 2025
- Designation of Partners Bank and Citizens State Bank as official depositories
- Designation of The Record-Review as official newspaper
- Approval of Developer Agreement with DuWayne Dahlke
- Presentation of Champion Tree award to Duane & Lynette Pupp for their butternut tree
Village Board
The Village Board of Trustees met to approve monthly financial reports and personnel changes. The board authorized spending for police equipment and updated the village's purchasing policy regarding prohibited expenditures.
- Purchase of Police Department computers for $6,044
- Approval of Village expenses totaling $319,085.24
- Approval of Water & Electric Expenses totaling $102,499.48
- Adoption of the Village Purchasing Policy with an amendment allowing up to $300 for certain prohibited expenditures
- Approval of full-time employment for Samantha Hernandez
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved minutes from March, accepted the superintendent's and clerk's reports, and acted on several financial items. The commission voted to close a money market account and transfer $370,475.44 to a business interest checking account, and approved payment of $220,539.84 in checks. They also reviewed a delinquent account list. An information update noted the Tree Board Advisory held its first meeting in over four years.
- Motion to close money market account 15077 and transfer $370,475.44 to Business Interest Checking account
- Approved payment of checks totaling $220,539.84
- Reviewed the delinquent customer list
- Tree Board Advisory had its first meeting in over 4 years (informational)
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss applicants for an administrative assistant position and negotiate an employment offer. After reconvening, the committee voted to extend an offer at $19.00 per hour. The meeting lasted 12 minutes.
- Motion to convene in closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) for employment discussion
- Roll call vote: all five members present voted yes to enter closed session
- Motion to make an Administrative Assistant position offer at $19.00/hour carried
- Committee members present: Keith Grell, Todd Belter, Dale Heil, Maryel Schoenfuss, Steve Schoenfuss
- Clerk Jamie Heindl also present
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission met to review the water loss report and the delinquent list. The body approved several service and financial renewals and authorized a set of expense payments.
- Approval of checks totaling $217,922.58
- Renewal of a 2-year HydroCorp service agreement
- Renewal of a 13-month CD 5335 with Partners Bank
Village Board
The Village Board approved a petition to discontinue an unpaved alley between Legacy and Legion Street and set a public hearing for May 13 at 6:45 PM. They also approved a bid from American Asphalt for the Larch Street Project, an office remodel quote from Frombach Construction, and village expenses totaling $1,029,908.42. Other actions included approving a Fair Housing Month proclamation, firewood permit updates for Klemme Reserve, police department garage remodel, and TIF #4 Developer Agreement Payments.
- Petition to discontinue unpaved alley between Legacy and Legion Street; public hearing set for May 13
- Bid from American Asphalt for Larch Street Project approved
- Office remodel quote from Frombach Construction approved
- Village expenses totaling $1,029,908.42 approved
- TIF #4 Developer Agreement Payments approved
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee made several recommendations including proceeding with police department renovations using up to $13,000 from the Squad Reserve account. They also proposed changes to the purchasing policy, including updated approval thresholds and an addition for online auctions. The monthly reserve account contribution was adjusted to $4,500. Ordinance updates will be brought to the April Village Board meeting.
- Police Department Renovations: recommend replacing overhead and service door with up to $13,000 from Squad Reserve account
- Purchasing policy changes: Village Board approval at $1,500, two quotes for $1,501-$20,000, three quotes for $20,001+; effort to contact local businesses
- Addition of online auction to the purchasing policy
- Monthly reserve account contribution adjusted to $4,500
- Locksmith Shoppe bill for rekeying PD office doors to expense code 52100-360
Personnel Committee
The Village of Stratford Personnel Committee met on February 27, 2025, in closed session to discuss and act on personnel matters. The committee approved an employment offer for a public works position, updated on-call pay rates for weekends and holidays, and added uniform-return language to the employee handbook.
- Employment offer made to Joe Binder at $24.25/hour for a public works position
- On-call pay updated: Saturday, Sunday, and holidays paid at 4 hours of hourly wage starting March 14, 2025
- Public works employees given option of 8-hour vacation day or $250 payment per additional on-call week during 4-person rotation
- Employee handbook amended to allow uniform service provider charge if uniforms not returned upon resignation
- Closed session held under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss applicants and on-call pay
Public Works Committee
The committee recommended a $149,651.40 street paving proposal from American Asphalt and an $8,200 office remodel from Frombach Construction. They also approved modifications to the firewood permit and recommended moving forward with police garage renovations. The village plans to hire two new public works employees.
- Recommend $149,651.40 proposal from American Asphalt for paving
- Recommend $8,200 office remodel by Frombach Construction
- Recommend addition of service door and insulated garage door to Police Dept garage renovation
- Modify Firewood Permit to require village taxpayer status, Marathon County storage, and good standing
- Approve bill for timber marking at River property
Village Board
The Village Board approved the purchase of a 2025 Silverado 1500 from Klemme Sales for $43,266, a firewood permit for Klemme Reserve Property, and police door re-keying. They also approved operator licenses for two individuals, an insurance renewal, and monthly expenses totaling $133,531.06, along with water and electric expenses of $217,603.30. The meeting included public comment about snow plowing.
- Purchase of 2025 Silverado 1500 from Klemme Sales for $43,266
- Firewood permit for Klemme Reserve Property
- Police office and garage door re-keying with The Locksmith Shoppe, LLC
- Operator license for Lauryn Wiesman (approved, Trustee Wiesman abstained)
- Approval of village expenses $133,531.06 and water & electric expenses $217,603.30
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission approved the superintendent's and clerk's reports, reviewed the delinquent list, and made a $50,000 deposit to the rate stabilization account. They also approved payment of checks totaling $217,603.30. An informational update noted an employee's last day.
- Deposit of $50,000 to rate stabilization account
- Approved checks totaling $217,603.30
- Reviewed delinquent list
- Accepted superintendent's and clerk's reports
- Noted employee Robert's last day is 02/21/2025
Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee met in closed session to discuss the resignation of Robert Auberg and review public works applicants. After returning to open session, the committee voted to move Auberg to part-time status effective February 21, 2025, with weekend on-call rotation and a 50% deduction of CDL training costs from his final full-time paycheck. The meeting was otherwise procedural.
- Closed session under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c) to discuss resignation of Robert Auberg and review public works applicants
- Approved part-time status for Robert Auberg effective 2/21/2025 with weekend on-call rotation
- 50% of CDL training costs deducted from Auberg’s final full-time paycheck
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee discussed infrastructure repairs and vehicle procurement. The body made recommendations on a new vehicle purchase and updated firewood permit rules. The committee also moved to advertise for street improvements.
- Recommended purchase of 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 1400 4WD Crew Cab truck for $43,266.00
- Firewood permit updated with $15.00 fee and August 1st deadline
- Denied storage container permit at 211775 State Hwy 97
- Motion to advertise for LRIP street improvements
- Motion to obtain cost estimates for office remodel project
Water Electric Commission
The Water and Electric Commission reviewed the water loss report and the delinquent list. The body approved several service contracts and a CPA audit quote. One request for a street light was denied.
- Approved payment of checks totaling $293,676.66
- Approved contract for Selk
- Approved contract for Country Wireless
- Approved CPA audit quote for Bakertilly
- Denied street light request on Logger Street
Village Board
The Village Board will consider approving the 2025 General Engineering Agreement with McMahon, a timber marking at 120300 State Highway 153, and a pump purchase for the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Other items include an update to Ordinance 396-3(B)(3), designating a Panasonic Arbitrator as surplus property, and issuing an operator license to Robert Karo. The board will also receive committee reports and approve minutes, financial reports, and vouchers.
- Approve 2025 General Engineering Agreement with McMahon
- Timber marking on Village Property at 120300 State Highway 153
- Pump purchase for the Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Update to Ordinance 396-3(B)(3)
- Operator license for Robert Karo