The Withee Village Board held their regular meeting on Monday, May 11. A couple of questions were asked about the financial statements before they were approved. There was a question about miscellaneous income. That was related to payment for a fire call. There was also a question about land that is rented. It is about 18 acres, rented for $65 an acre, and this is the third year of the contract.
Under Committee Reports, Trustee Bill Kroeplin reported that Brandon Hardin had taken a position elsewhere and they are looking for a new library director. Trustee Nancy Amacher handed out a sheet prepared by Clark County Economic Development highlighting Withee.
After discussion, the board voted to terminate the lease with Country Wireless for their equipment on the water tower. Clerk Ellen Niemi had received a letter from the General Manager about the lease. She had only talked to technicians about issues with the internet and phone service before the village changed to another company. The internet for the shop has been ported from the water plant, using another service. They were also having issues with Country Wireless internet service. A letter will be sent saying the lease is terminated. A new agreement can be negotiated, but that would include Country Wireless paying their own electric and requiring a minimum amount of insurance. If a new lease is signed, it would be for a maximum of five years, they would pay $250 month rent, and the cost could go up annually.
The board looked through the police report. There is currently follow-up being done on the municipal ordinance violation letters that were sent.
Under the Public Works Report, DPW Derek Schad reported that he had burned the brush pile, turned the water on at the ballpark, flushed hydrants, swept streets, and picked up brush. The students scraped curbs on Community Service Day and streets will be swept again after Owen is done with theirs. The Consumer Confidence Report is complete and on the village website. They also mowed an overgrown lot at a residence. The Resolution for the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report was approved. Schad said they scored 100% on financial management. His goals for this year are to televise 3,000 feet of sewer main, and jet and clean some sewer lines. The proposal to replace culverts on North Street from Dennis Ovyn Trucking in the amount of $5,700 was approved. They will do two 18” culverts at each site rather than 36” culverts, for a total of four culverts. A quote from Lube Suppliers to replace the Gravely mower was also approved. It will cost $2,399 after the trade-in and will be paid for with money in savings.
The CDBG account will be closed after funds are paid out to the Chippewa County Housing Authority and the Department of Administration. They will be paid with cashier’s checks with Forward Bank waiving the fees. There are still a couple of properties in the village with outstanding loans.
The CDs coming due at Forward bank will be rolled over into new 9-month CDs at 3.65% interest.