Dresser public meetings in 2024
27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting
The Village Board discussed a request from the St Peter’s Cemetery Association to convey its 1.6-acre burial grounds and approximately $100,000 in funds to the Village. The board voted to have the Village Attorney investigate the legalities of the transfer. Other business included public works staffing and water infrastructure updates.
- Motion to have Village Attorney review the conveyance of St Peter’s Cemetery and its trust funds
- Approval of a new laptop purchase for Public Works
- Approval of the Christmas Tree & Greens Recycling Program for January 2025
- Acceptance of Luke Loescher's resignation from Public Works
- Approval to advertise for a full-time public works employee
Meeting
The Finance/Personnel Committee met on November 26, 2024, and voted to recommend several personnel actions to the Village Board, including accepting Luke Loescher's resignation and advertising for a full-time replacement. They also recommended hiring Ryan Haass for weekend water/sewer rounds and hiring Darren Peterson and Luke Loescher as part-time snow plow operators at $15.00 per hour. Additionally, the committee recommended reallocating excess 2024 budget funds to the 1st and 2nd Street Project.
- Recommended accepting Luke Loescher's resignation from Public Works, effective December 6, 2024.
- Recommended advertising for a full-time Public Works employee with applications due by January 7, 2025; ad to run in three newspapers, mailed to residents, and posted locally.
- Recommended hiring Ryan Haass to help with weekend water/sewer rounds at overtime rate.
- Recommended hiring Darren Peterson and Luke Loescher as part-time employees for snow plowing at $15.00 per hour starting December 7, 2024.
- Recommended reallocating excess 2024 budget dollars to Fund 22 (CDBG 1st and 2nd Street Project), with authority for Village President and Finance Chair to assign funds.
Meeting
The Dresser Village Board held a public hearing and unanimously adopted the 2025 Village Budget, setting the tax levy at $541,508.00—a 1.71% change from last year. The board also approved placing delinquent utility accounts and special charges totaling $34,720.51 on the 2024 tax roll, set the 2024 mill rate at 0.007226142, and accepted a library employee resignation. Additionally, the board noted upcoming spring elections and a December holiday gathering.
- Adopted 2025 Village Budget and set levy at $541,508.00
- Approved placement of $34,720.51 in delinquent utility accounts and special charges on the 2024 tax roll
- Set 2024 mill rate at 0.007226142
- Accepted resignation of Dresser Library employee Jim Schott effective November 28, 2024 (part-time replacement at ~$16/hour)
- Spring election April 1, 2025; trustee nomination papers available December 1, 2024
Meeting
The Village Board held a public hearing to close out a $1 million CDBG grant for street and utility improvements. The board approved the final pay application for the First and Second Street project and discussed the 2025 proposed budget.
- Approved final pay application to Albrightson Excavating for $93,248.48
- Accepted Change Order #5 for First and Second Street Project, decreasing contract by $13,110.13
- Approved $250 donation to Dresser Lion’s Club for Santa Day
- Approved 2024 Budget Amendment moving $3,800 from spray patching to village attorney fees
- Approved purchase of bulk motor oil for $1,145.67 and coffin blocks not to exceed $850
Meeting
The Village of Dresser Finance/Personnel Committee met to finalize the proposed 2025 budget. After review and adjustments, the committee recommended adoption of the budget, which increases the levy by 1.71% and raises property taxes by $9,125 ($13.40 per $100,000 of assessed value). The budget meets the levy limit and the state Expenditure Restraint requirement.
- Proposed 2025 budget increases levy to $541,508, a 1.71% rise
- Property taxes up $9,125, or $13.40 per $100,000 in assessed value
- Borrowing $36,000 for a new pickup truck (Capital Outlay line #517)
- Library budget increased 3%
- General fund reduced to qualify for state Expenditure Restraint aid
Meeting
The Finance/Personnel Committee reviewed the 2024 budget and recommended moving $3,800 from Spray Patching to the Village Attorney line to cover a projected $3,744.25 overrun. They also recommended transferring $17,000 in assigned funds (Police Car, Machinery Replacement, Office Equipment) to the Local Government Investment Pool. The committee discussed the 2025 preliminary budget, adjusting several line items including Village Attorney, Police Capital Equipment, and Office Equipment.
- Recommend $3,800 transfer from Spray Patching to Village Attorney to cover budget shortfall
- Recommend moving $6,000 Police Car, $10,000 Machinery Replacement, $1,000 Office Equipment to LGIP
- Adjusted 2025 budget lines: Village Attorney $7,100, Police Capital Equipment $800, Office Equipment $1,200
- Discussed shared street sweeper services with Village of Osceola for spring/fall sweeping
- Noted projected overage in Village Attorney account by $3,744.25
Meeting
The Dresser Finance/Personnel Committee reviewed the preliminary 2025 budget and several capital items. They recommended purchasing a new computer tower for the police officer at $469 from 2024 funds. The committee discussed window replacement (estimated $23,594) for the municipal office, prioritizing windows over stucco. They also debated funding for a new Dodge pickup, setting $50,000 in the 2025 budget, and reviewed road maintenance plans for Horsmann and Peterson streets.
- Window replacement quote for municipal office: $23,593.52 (plus options for openable windows and tint)
- Stucco/sandblasting estimate: $28,640 (deferred to future)
- Purchase of police computer tower approved from 2024 office equipment monies: $469
- Weed control for parks: $1,160 included in 2025 budget
- New Dodge pickup discussed; $50,000 budgeted for 2025 (down from $60,000 request)
Meeting
The Village Board voted 5-2 to direct the finance committee to include $3,500 in the 2025 budget for reinstating community clean-up days. The board also approved a $325,357.04 pay application for the First and Second Street Project, accepted a tree removal estimate, and adopted an updated street capital improvement plan. Discussion focused on previous usage rates and the cost of the clean-up program.
- Reinstatement of clean-up days for residents with $3,500 budget in 2025
- Approval of Albrightson Excavating Pay Application #7 for $325,357.04 for First and Second Street Project
- Negotiated $30/ton price deduct for defective driveway pavement on 2nd Street
- Approved use of WisDOT deviation chart for low-density asphalt pavement deduction
- Accepted $1,800 estimate from Meyer Tree Service to remove 12 dead trees near water tower
Meeting
The committee discussed 2025 budget requests, including vehicle replacements and employee wages. They recommended adding vision insurance for full-time employees and purchasing a new office copier.
- Recommended vision insurance for full-time employees with a $200 allowance and $867.12 annual premium
- Recommended purchase of a new EO Johnson copier for $4,537.50
- Recommended sending the updated 5 Year Street Capital Improvement Plan to the Board
- Discussed 2025 budget for a new Public Works pickup estimated between $50,000 and $60,000
- Discussed replacement of a police vehicle with a Dodge Durango
Meeting
The Finance/Personnel Committee discussed the 2025 library budget request, including a $1,585.59 increase (3%) to address an estimated deficit of $4,700 due to reduced Polk County funding at 95% of formula. The committee agreed to include the $54,438.59 request in the draft budget. Other discussions included an equipment replacement plan (postponing a sweeper, moving up a pickup truck), a new vision insurance benefit for employees, and the 5-year street capital improvement plan.
- Library Fund 23 budget request of $54,438.59 (3% increase) included in 2025 draft budget
- Equipment replacement plan: sweeper purchase postponed; 2014 Dodge pickup replacement moved up to 2025 with estimate requested
- New vision insurance benefit for employees proposed at estimated $1,202.64/year, to be further discussed September 25
- 5-year street capital improvement plan discussed with focus on East Avenue and South Street; Public Works to update list
- Employee performance review scheduled for September 25, 2024, to be conducted as group review
Meeting
The Village Board approved several insurance renewals and a three-year contract for appraisal services. The board also authorized payments and a change order for the First and Second Street road project and passed a Fair Housing Commitment proclamation.
- Approved Pay Application #6 for $380,220.21 and Change Order #4 for $6,008.33 for the First and Second Street Project
- Approved monthly payroll and vouchers totaling $423,527.30
- Renewed employee health insurance (Medica) with a 4.19% increase
- Approved a 3-year contract (2025-2027) with Gene Johnson for appraisal services
- Passed the Village of Dresser Proclamation Fair Housing Commitment
Meeting
The Village Board approved a certified survey map for a property line dissolution, a site plan for a retail expansion, and denied a tree reimbursement request. They also decided not to amend the hunting ordinance to allow firearm hunting within village limits. For public works, they approved a change order and pay application for the First/Second Street Project and granted a one-week contract extension.
- Approved Certified Survey Map for Lot 20 and west half of Lot 19 (Jennie Carter) for garage construction.
- Denied reimbursement request for tree removed on Village property at 101 First Street E.
- Decided not to amend ordinance to permit recreational hunting with firearms within village limits.
- Approved Site Plan for Farm & Home Toys Retail Expansion at 100 3rd Street.
- Approved Change Order #3 ($3,241) and Pay Application #5 ($227,344.05) for First/Second Street Project; granted one-week contract extension.
Meeting
The Dresser Plan Commission recommended approving a lot combination for a garage, approved a site plan for a retail expansion, and discussed amending the industrial district ordinance to add auto repair as a permitted use. The commission also tabled further review of other industrial zone changes for a future meeting.
- Approved Certified Survey Map combining Lot 20 and half of Lot 19 for Jennie Carter at 101 First Street E.
- Recommended approving Site Plan for Todd Cunningham's Farm & Home Toys retail expansion at 3rd Street.
- Discussed and recommended amending Section 17.21 to add auto repair, heavy equipment wording, and screening changes.
- Debated stormwater management requirements for the retail project, noting the village lacks storm drains in the area.
- No public comments were made; no press attended.
Meeting
The Dresser Finance/Personnel Committee reviewed a six-month employee evaluation, recommended a $1.00/hour pay increase for Cait Haas effective July 26, 2024, and approved the purchase of two 'Fat Albert' pine trees for $504 to be planted along Third Street. The committee also discussed the 2025 budget meeting schedule (moving start time to 6:00 PM) and reviewed plans for securing a State Trust Fund loan for a new fire truck for Allied Emergency Services.
- Recommended $1.00/hour pay increase for employee Cait Haas (effective July 26, 2024)
- Approved purchase of two 'Fat Albert' pine trees at $504 for planting along Third Street
- Discussed 2025 Budget Preparation meeting schedule; meetings moved to 6:00 PM
- Noted upcoming State Trust Fund loan for new fire truck (delivery expected September 2024)
- Committee suggested moving September Village Board meeting to September 9 due to Labor Day
Meeting
The Village Board reviewed a site plan for the Farm & Home Toys expansion at 100 3rd Street. The board approved a $185,367.06 payment to Albrightson Excavating for ongoing street work. Additionally, members voted to pay a $3,241 restocking fee related to the project.
- Site plan review for Farm & Home Toys expansion at 100 3rd Street
- Approved $185,367.06 payment to Albrightson Excavating for street work
- Approved $3,241.00 restocking fee for an unused insertion valve
- Approved $2,500 budget transfer from Catch Basins to Sidewalks
- Approved annual insurance renewals for property and liability
Meeting
The Village Board appointed Darren Peterson as Village President and Dalton Spry as a Village Trustee. The board approved resolutions to issue water and sewer revenue bonds to fund the First and Second Street Project. Members also approved several infrastructure-related payments and maintenance contracts.
- Approved $664,652 water system revenue bonds at 2.14% interest
- Approved $354,959 sewerage system revenue bonds at 2.14% interest
- Approved Change Order #2 for First and Second Street Project ($10,970.33)
- Approved Albrightson Excavating Pay Application #3 ($346,128.47)
- Approved $8,800 quote from J&S General Contracting for concrete work
Meeting
The Dresser Village Board reviewed progress on the First and Second Street water and sewer main project, which is nearing completion ahead of early June road work. Members approved several change orders for unexpected site conditions and additional materials. The board also discussed how to handle a $3,241 cost increase after a contractor switched valve types without prior notice, causing temporary water shut-offs for residents and local businesses.
- Approved Change Order No. 1 for $11,205.00 for the First and Second Street Project due to unknown sanitary lines and exploratory digs
- Discussed approval for additional change orders totaling $10,970.33 for intersection parts and a replacement valve at First and West Avenue
- Debated cost responsibility for a $3,241.00 specialty valve overage that triggered an unplanned water shut-off; board voted to offer the contractor half the difference
- Received a public works update confirming First Street main installation is complete and Second Street work begins in early June
Meeting
The Dresser Village Board of Review will organize for the year, swear in the assessor, and finalize the 2024 assessment roll. During the first two hours, members will process administrative requests like hearing waivers and sworn testimony applications. If properly noticed, the board will hear formal objections from property owners regarding their assessed values. This annual review establishes the official property valuations used to calculate local tax bills.
- Review and signing of the 2024 Village Assessment Roll
- Processing of property tax appeal notice waivers and sworn testimony requests
- Formal hearing of property valuation objections if properly noticed
- Adoption of confidentiality ordinance (Ordinance 1.03) and procedures for sworn testimony and hearing waivers
- Scheduling of potential additional Board of Review dates
Meeting
This was a routine procedural meeting where the Dresser Board of Review examined the 2024 property assessment roll and confirmed all open-book changes were included. No property owners appeared or filed objections, so the assessor’s original valuations stand unchanged. The board elected its officers, submitted required training affidavits, and adjourned after two hours with no further action. This annual review finalizes the taxable values used to calculate resident property taxes.
- Routine review of the 2024 assessment roll (no changes filed)
- Zero appeals, hearing requests, or testimony submissions received
- Election of Board Chair Bryan “Fatboy” Raddatz and Vice-Chair Darren Peterson
- Recording of assessor confidentiality policy and training affidavit
Meeting
The Dresser Village Board approved a zoning amendment and survey map for St Croix Falls School District property, creating four lots and establishing utility easements. The board authorized $63,804.19 in contractor payments and permitted Saturday work hours to keep the First and Second Street infrastructure project on schedule. Officials also reviewed the 2023 municipal audit, which reported a $751,896 general fund reserve and positive water and sewer utility balances. Additionally, the board discussed amending fire inspection frequency from twice to once annually and considered zoning changes for potential auto repair businesses.
- Approved Ordinance #263-2024 amending zoning for St Croix Falls School District property
- Authorized Certified Survey Map creating four lots on school district land with water and sewer easements
- Approved Albrightson Excavating Pay Application #2 for $63,804.19 for the First and Second Street Project
- Authorized contractor to work Saturdays on street improvements if coordinated with Public Works
- Reviewed 2023 financial audit showing a $751,896 unassigned fund balance and positive utility balances
Meeting
The Dresser Plan Commission approved a conditional use permit allowing MAXLIV Properties to operate Farm & Home Toys in the B2-Highway Commercial District. The approval requires a permanent sign to be installed and temporary signs removed by November 1, 2024. Members also recommended that the Village Board approve a certified survey map dividing St. Croix Falls School District property into four lots with new utility easements.
- Approved conditional use permit for MAXLIV Properties, LLC to operate Farm & Home Toys retail store in the B2-Highway Commercial District
- Conditioned approval on installation of a permanent sign and removal of temporary signs by November 1, 2024
- Recommended Village Board approval of a certified survey map dividing St. Croix Falls School District property into four lots
- Survey includes new utility easements for water and sewer mains and a road right-of-way deed back to the village
Meeting
The Dresser Village Board approved a $42,294 construction payment for the First and Second Street Project and authorized monthly village payroll and vendor vouchers totaling $63,530.41. Members discussed proposed increases to building inspection fees that would apply to residential sheds over 300 square feet, fences, and signs, directing staff to review the changes before final approval. Village President Bryan Raddatz announced he will resign in late May or early June as he moves out of the village.
- Approved $42,294.00 construction payment to Albrightson Excavating for the First and Second Street Project
- Authorized monthly village payroll and vendor vouchers totaling $63,530.41
- Discussed proposed increases to building inspection fees for sheds over 300 square feet, fences, and signs
- Approved a temporary Class B retailer license for the Dresser Lion’s Club April 28 benefit event
- Scheduled spring election for April 2 and Board of Review meeting for May 13
Meeting
The Village Board approved rezoning a property owned by the St Croix Falls School District from commercial to residential to allow for legal daycare operations. The board also authorized several public works items, including a new truck box and turf management.
- Rezoned St Croix Falls School District property from B2 Highway Commercial to R3 One Family Residential
- Approved free use of Dresser Community Hall on April 27-28 for a cancer benefit
- Authorized $1,140.00 for fertilizing and treating Village Green Areas
- Approved purchase of a stainless-steel truck box not to exceed $15,000.00
- Approved yard waste contract with Deer Lake Gardens
Meeting
The Village Board met to discuss regional economic development, approve various administrative motions, and review public works updates. The board also set a public hearing for a commercial-to-residential rezoning request.
- Approved rezoning of PID#116-00278-0300 from B2 Highway Commercial to R3 One Family Residential
- Approved $933.00 contribution to the Polk County Economic Development Corporation
- Designated the Osceola Sun as the Village's official newspaper for the coming year
- Accepted the resignation of Village Trustee Jeff Gutzmer effective February 1, 2024
- Approved monthly vouchers and payroll totaling $413,897.75
Meeting
An official Public Works Committee meeting did not take place due to a lack of quorum. However, a pre-construction conference was held to discuss the First and Second Street Reconstruction Project.
- First and Second Street Reconstruction Project timeline: substantial completion by September 6, 2024, and final completion by October 18, 2024
- Coordination of tree removals, sanitary pipe installation, and water main work
- Discussion regarding utility coordination with Xcel, WEnergies, and Brightspeed
- Process for residents to request driveway or lateral work through Albrightson Excavating
Meeting
The Plan Commission recommended rezoning a portion of the St Croix Falls School District property from B2 Highway Commercial to R3 One Family Residential. The commission also approved a conditional use permit for child care services, contingent upon the rezoning approval. Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposed survey map for school district properties involving new lot divisions and easements.
- Recommended rezoning of PID#116-00278-0300 from B2 to R3 zone
- Approved conditional use permit for child care services at PID#116-00278-0300
- Initial review of a proposed Certified Survey Map (CSM) for school district properties
- Discussion of land conveyance from the school district to the Village regarding West Avenue
Meeting
The Village Board passed two new ordinances regarding short-term rental regulations and the replacement of lead and galvanized water service laterals. The board also approved several public works expenditures and hired a new full-time office assistant.
- Passed Ordinance #262-2024 to establish regulations and licensing for short-term rentals
- Passed Ordinance #261-2024 regarding replacement of lead and galvanized water service laterals
- Approved $7,275.00 for library LED lighting and electrical work, with the library paying 50%
- Approved a $300.00 donation to the Dresser Lion’s Club for the March 2 .24 Easter Day Event
- Approved hiring Caitlin Haas as a full-time Office Assistant at $20.00 per hour