The Gilman Village Board met Wednesday, August 12 at 6 p.m. in the village hall. On the night’s agenda were several items, including street maintenance, a request for an exemption from municipal water and sewer service, an audit proposal and several resolutions.
As for the exemption, Steve and Deanna Bornheimer requested that 410 Ridge Drive be exempted from connecting to village water and sewer. The Bornheimers proposed using a private well and holding tank, citing the distance from municipal utilities and the cost of extending service.
Also covered August 12 was a $15,255 allocation in village in-kind costs to the Western Taylor County Public Library for fiscal year 2027, and two proclamations, one recognizing National See Tracks, Think Train Week, and Crash Responder Safety Week. The board also approved liquor licensing for The Barstool Bar & Grill and discussion of the campground bridge, along with monthly reports from Village President Jane DeStaercke and Village Clerk/Treasurer Candice Grunseth, along with village committee updates.
DeStaercke reported on her activities since the July meeting, while Grunseth’s report included several ongoing infrastructure and administrative matters. The village received a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources water survey report, while the DNR also submitted questions concerning the village sewer system facility plan. Grunseth said SEH was working on responses, and an associated rating study could cost up to $25,000. Grunseth said she was investigating whether that expense could qualify under an Environmental Protection Agency technical assistance grant.
The village and Gilman School were also selected for a DNR tree planting project expected to coincide with an Arbor Day celebration in spring 2027. Grunseth said she was also looking into an Urban Forestry Startup Grant to help reduce the cost of replacing trees on Main Street. Resolution 2026-07 addressed the village’s application for an urban forestry grant.
Street maintenance came before the board following an August 5 Improvements and Services Committee meeting. The committee had recommended accepting a $9,950 proposal from Jensen Chip & Seal Coating for crack filling on village streets. Public Works Director Dave Kroeplin was also directed to seek estimates for work on Gilman Drive in 2027. The committee reported that its street sign inventory had been completed and was being sent to Decker for ordering. The Jensen proposal covered crack filling on 18 street segments throughout the village.
The Parks and Recreation Committee continued looking at improvements and policies involving the village campground and park. At its August 3 meeting, members discussed whether the campground bridge should be available for motorized traffic and whether a formal load rating or inspection was needed. The committee also continued work on possible painting and improvements to park facilities and electrical concerns in the food building.
Finance Committee members reviewed village vouchers and recommended continuing to purchase LP pre-buy from River Country at $1.299 per gallon. The committee also reviewed a five-year auditing proposal from Baumann Associates. Grunseth reported 41 past due water and sewer accounts totaling $15,329.90. The village’s 2026 budget was at 32.27 percent of projected income and 47.30 percent of expenses at the time of the committee meeting.
As for future meetings, there are many. The Parks Committee will meet Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m., while the Improvement Committee will meet Wednesday, September 2 at 4:30 p.m. The Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, September 8 at 3 p.m.
As for the September regular board meeting, it will be Wednesday, September 9, with start time moved up to 5 p.m. for the month.