08/28/06 Personnel Committee Meeting

Present: Wayne Lambert (Chair), Tammy Steward, June Siegler

1. Follow up on list of Pending and Future Issues

Committee had no discussion and took no action on this agenda item.

2. Closed session to discuss employment and compensation of public employees, conduct specified public business related to supervisory position and wage and benefit review for office and support employees.

The Committee voted and went into closed session. Members of the public were not allowed to be party to the discussion that took place while in closed session.

3. Exit closed session.

Committee returned to open session. No discussion took place and no action was taken.

Motion and second to adjourn. Motion Carried.

08/22/06 Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning Committee Meeting

Members in attendance: Margaret Billman (Chairman), Dan Muleski. Absent: Jan Gaber.

Meeting called to order at 4:54pm.

1. Review Ordinance Violations

Billman and Muleski stated that they have received no complaints of ordinance violations.

Billman talked about the committee's pursuit of a uniform municipal court citation and complaint form to be used for ordinance violations and complaints in the village. She commented that Judge Mason found the current form used in the village a bit "antiquated". Billman called the clerk of courts and the clerk indicated she would help the village craft a form. The clerk also suggested we talk with Grand Rapids, as they recently updated their form.

Billman indicated the form needed to be a numbered form in triplicate for correct filing of law and ordinance violations.

Muleski asked if notice had been given to the owner of the mobile home park regarding violation of ordinance regarding fire lane access. Billman responded that no notice had been given. Muleski stated the the problem has been addressed, with all debris formerly cluttering the fire lanes having been moved into a trailer. The only apparent problem now is a jeep like vehicle that is parked in the fire lane.

Billman talked about how she and the committee are reactive in regards to ordinance violations. She feels that it is not the responsibility of the committee to act as a police force out enforcing the violations. They only act on ordinance violation if there is a complaint.

Billman talked about a gentleman that lives in the mobile home park that told her he was a junk dealer. Muleski had also been told by this gentleman about his junk dealing. Since junk dealers in the village must be licensed, it was decided a letter should be sent to this gentleman informing him that he must obtain a license for dealing junk or desist in selling it.

2. Parking in Road Right-of-Way

Letters regarding violation of parking ordinance have not yet been sent out by the village clerk. Muleski commented that the clerk must be pretty busy since he also asked for a few things and has yet to receive them.

Billman commented that she could get the letters, but she did not have the resident/address information to send them. The letters are to be sent to residents living on Center St. and the cross streets of Center St.

Billman also indicated that the village newsletter had reminders of the parking, dogs at large and public nuisance ordinances.

Muleski commented that Greg Ellious Motors still has had cars, although fewer after president Evenson talked to Mr. Ellious about the parking ordinance. The cars have been parked parallel which reduces the cluttering of the road right-of-way, although they still are parked in the road right-of-way. Billman commented that we cannot make exceptions to the ordinance enforcement.

Muleski also talked about the letter of the ordinance, which specifically states that cars cannot be parked in the road right-of-way between the hours of 2am and 6am.

Resident John Siegler asked if there have been complaints about the parking and Billman stated that there had, otherwise no action on the violations would have been taken. Siegler and Billman discussed the nature of the letters that have been sent out to residents about parking violations. Siegler also wanted to know who had been complaining about the ordinance violation, but Billman felt that would have to be a board decision to release the name(s) of the residents submitting ordinance complaints.

Resident Everett Anderson asked if these were village residents complaining, and Muleski replied that they were and these residents had attended the June 27th Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning meeting and had pictures of the vehicles parking in violation.

Anderson asked if it would be possible to rewrite the ordinance to make parking more lenient in summer versus winter, or to restrict parking on main traffic arteries versus the wider and less traveled side roads.

Discussion of the application and authoring of ordinances followed with Muleski expressing the difficulty involved in writing a fair and effective ordinance, and Billman expressing the inability to have an ordinance that allows for exceptions in parking on streets. Billman felt that it should either be no parking on streets in the entire village, or all parking on village streets.

Both Muleski and Billman indicated they would be willing to look at other municipalities parking ordinances.

3. Review Fence Ordinance

Billman introduced a request for variance by the Schmidts who put up a fence without knowledge of the fence ordinance.

The Zoning board suggested that the ordinance be changed to allow fences of four feet in height.

Billman discussed the liability issues with fences and their proximity to the road right-of-way. Billman also stated that the fence ordinance is part of the zoning code and the Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning committee is not privy to the zoning code.

Committee decided no action would be taken on the variance request until the committee can review Chapter 17 of the zoning code. Muleski stated he would be OK with the variance if the "vision triangle" was maintained.

Billman stated that since they were discussing variances, she felt it was important to review and increase the fee for a variance. She believes the fee is currently $25 and would like to see it raised to at least $150. Billman feels the fee should be higher in order to cover the cost of operating the zoning board of appeals.

Billman also feels the fee for rezoning a piece of property should be raised for the same reason.

Muleski stated that they were in the process of reviewing the fee structure. Billman and Muleski believe that the variance and rezoning fees are within the scope of their authority.

Decided to refer the fence ordinance since they were unable to locate the zoning book.

4. Rental Code, Rental Inspection and Housing Code

Billman wanted to know why the Planning Commission is discussing and working on Rental codes. Billman believes the Plan commission's duties are to make long term plans for village growth, construction and land use. Billman stated that the Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning committee is not necessary if the Plan Commission is going to be doing their work. Billman talked about having worked on the Rental Code for the past year and didn't want to see it on the Plan Commission agenda.

Billman questioned how you could work on a Rental code when there was no Housing code.

Muleski stated that the Plan Commission has already adopted a code similar to Rapids, during one of Muleski's previous terms as a trustee. Muleski indicated that the adopted code was never integrated into building and zoning codes.

Anderson questioned the ability of the board to approve the Bridgewater development if there was no housing code in place. Muleski replied, "that is land". Billman replied that new construction is covered in building code, not housing code. Billman further explained the housing code covers space, sanitation, safety and other issues facing existing dwellings.

Anderson then questioned how they could build if the code was not in place. Billman explained that some of it was covered in the building code, and that new buildings have code to comply with, while existing structures do not. Billman stated that they were after code for existing structures when working on the rental code.


President Evenson enters the meeting at this time.

Billman is clearly upset about the plan commission exceeding their authority and feels they are getting carried away.

A lengthy argument follows between Evenson and Billman, with Billman expressing anger over her perception of the plan commission overstepping their authority on this matter. Billman also stated many times that you couldn't work on or adopt a rental code without first establishing a housing code. Evenson states several times that prior to his and Billman's current terms as trustees, the Plan Commission was given the housing code to complete, as the housing code was the only code not completed at that time. Billman also questions why she was allowed to work on the code "like a fool" when the plan commission was working on it, and Evenson restates the prior action of the village board. Billman asks if Evenson has a housing code and how big it is. Evenson indicates the housing code is around one hundred pages. Further argument follows regarding the content of the housing code versus Rapids housing code of twelve pages. Evenson states that Rapids code does not include building inspections and Billman states that inspections are covered by building code, and cites the current existence of building, electrical, and plumbing codes, but no housing code. Evenson indicates that everything is related, but Billman feels there's no need to revamp all the existing codes (building, plumbing, electrical) to create a housing code. Billman also states that if our housing and other codes are this much bigger than Rapids's codes then they should be cut back. Further argument with Billman throwing some papers and Evenson and stating she did want to argue when Evenson stated he didn't.

No action taken on Rental or Housing Code.

5. Ordinance for Defecation Disposal

It was determined that the village didn't have the correct violation form to pass out in the event of a violation. Discussion of the Print Perfect program followed, which in some fashion helps create legal ordinance forms.

It was determined that an ordinance regarding defecation disposal, leashing of pets and noise that was adopted in December was never recorded or integrated. As a result the ordinance must be brought back to board for consideration and adoption.

Billman feels that everything should be recorded electronically in order to maintain records.

6. Adjournment

Motion and second to adjourn at 6:15pm. Motion carried.

Personnel Committee Meeting

Personnel Committee Meeting
Monday August 28th, 2006
1:15pm
Biron Municipal Center

Agenda includes:

1. Follow up on pending and future issues, new trustee orientation
   
2. Closed session to discuss employment and compensation of public employees, conduct specified public business related to supervisory position and wage and benefit review for office and support employees
3. Return to open session where action may be taken on closed session items
4. Adjourn
   

Letter from an Anonymous Reader

A letter from a reader who asked to remain anonymous (click here to view the original letter):

Citizens of Biron:

Do you realize what a unique piece of property you possess in Highway U?

Where in Wisconsin can you drive for several miles and see the beautiful WI River, natural, untamed, wild, peaceful, beautiful like the first settlers found it?

Where in WI can you stop at the side of the road and observe nature at its finest?

Not only in spring - with its wild flowers and all the nesting birds - ducks, geese, great blue herons, coots and hawks - almost every tree and scrub bush is in full bloom and the swamp with its marsh-marigolds and blue iris-

In fall the maples, sumac, willows and birches all put on a colorful show.

In winter, near an open patch of water, the trees are decorated with a coat of hoary frost.

Did you ever watch the ice break up in early spring? Huge chunks of ice stack up, turning and twisting, moaning and groaning as the rush of water pushes them slowly down stream - taking with them trees from the islands and sometimes depositing a forgotten dock up on the shore.

Did you ever drive up river at 5:30am, put your boat into the quiet water and watch a sunrise? Then drop anchor, put a line in the water and catch a fish? Or watch an iridescent dragonfly rest on the tip of your pole?

A great blue heron's elongated body skims above the water - wings beating slowly, rhythmically--

Peaceful, calm, soothing ripples gently rock the boat - pull up anchor and a cool breeze blows you down stream.

Wisconsin has the "Dells" but have you been there recently? You stand for hours just to get a glimpse of the river and rock formations-(In Biron it's free)

Biron Drive is comparable to the Ocean Drive in California and Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Please keep our one spot unspoiled, unpopulated, unchanged, for our future generations to enjoy!

Please keep Biron Drive on U just as it is - Don't move the road - let everyone enjoy WI at its best.

Free Local Computer/Internet Access

From the Biron Newsletter:

"Biron residents can now use a municipal center computer terminal with high-speed internet access. The computer is configured to access the internet, as well as create and print documents. It is our hope that this feature will allow Biron residents who do not have access to a computer or the internet, the ability to learn and access this technology.

The computer is available on a first come - first serve basis, and Biron staff will help get first time users started."

A very nice feature offered here locally in the village.

Comment from Trustee Tammy Steward

I received this email from Village Trustee Tammy Steward on Saturday.

"I feel the residents of the village need to read the accurate minutes of the board meeting (8/14/06). Please get them at the village hall or Kwik Trip. These that are posted contain wrong information. Thank you."

It was sent to me and each of the village trustees.

The following is what I replied to Tammy and the rest of the village board:

I realize that the opening and closing statement made the notes posted on the village board meeting appear as minutes, and indeed the format is as minutes would be taken. I have however edited out the use of the word "minutes" as well as the "respectfully submitted..." statements. I do not pretend these are the official minutes, however I do not believe the information I have shared is inaccurate. All information here is based on the notes I took at the meeting.

I also think it is clear that this information is not affiliated with the village board and does not constitute the official meeting minutes. Further, I do not discourage anybody from getting the official meeting minutes from the village hall, or any other official source that exists.

I do however reserve the right to share this information with anyone and everyone that wishes to view the blog, and I am within my rights to do so.

If in fact I have wrong information, I will gladly correct it upon presentation of proof sufficient to convince me that I am in error.

Thank you,
Spyros

Clarification of Information

I realize the statement in the 08/14/06 Finance Committee Meeting Post about Village President Jon Evenson's cell phone bill was misleading. The cell phone bill attached was his personal cell phone bill, and his earning statement listed the previous two months of reimbursement for cell phone usage at $50 each month. His entire cell phone bill is not being paid by the Village of Biron. As noted in the 8/14/06 Village Board Meeting Post, under finance committee, his cell phone bill is reimbursed based upon his subjective request and his knowledge of his cell phone usage.

Upcoming Committee Meetings: Aug. 22 & 23

Three Committee Meetings this week.

Legislature, Ordinance & Zoning Committee
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
5:00 pm

Agenda:

1. Review Ordinance Violations
2. Parking in Road Right-of-Way
3. Review Fence Ordinance
4. Rental Code, Rental Inspection & Housing Code
5. Ordinance for Defecation Disposal
6. Adjournment

***

Water Utility Committee
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
7:00am

Agenda:

1. Water Exploration Contract
2. Water Superintendent's Update
3. Adjournment

***

Public Works and Sanitation Services Committee
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
7:30am

Agenda:

1. Marsh Road Maintenance
2. Urban Workshop
3. South Biron Drive
4. Internet Access
5. Crew Leader's Update
6. Adjournment
   

CCA open for school!

The Community Christian Academy raised the money needed to remain open!

Wisconsin Rapids Tribune Article

08/14/06 Village Board Meeting

Members Present: Dan Muleski, Tammy Steward, June Siegler, Jan Gaber, Jon Evenson and Wayne Lambert, Deb Eichsteadt (clerk) and Joyce Komppa (treasurer) Absent: Margaret Billman (ill)

Called to order 6:37pm

Finance Committee: Siegler reporting
Looking into switching Money Market and Checking to Wood Trust Bank, but are still gathering information.

Siegler raised question as to how Evenson is reimbursed for cell phone use. Evenson responded that it’s a rather subjective decision based upon his request for reimbursement per his knowledge of his cell phone use.

Siegler asked about unemployment payment of $35.98. Eichsteadt explained that state unemployment office recommended we pay this bill to avoid penalty and that we should be reimbursed the amount by the state.

Treasurer’s Report: Komppa reporting
Receipts:

$135,194.20: Revenue sharing payment from state
$13,341.16: Transportation
$2697.26: Fire
$2470: Hall Rental
$19,503.62: Water
$13,901.26: Waste
$1231.58: Permits
$25: Liquor License
$1153.15: Taxes
$634: Misc.
$4.78: Interest

Total Receipts: $190,156.01

Transfer from Money Market to Checking: $25,000

Monthly Expenses: $95,191.09 (See finance committee report for deatails)

Ending Cash: $121,355.67

Interest on Other Accounts: $414.64

Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning: Muleski reporting
Overnight parking problems discussed, including an abandoned vehicle on Williams St., marsh side.

Discussed parking along right of way in front of Greg Ellious Motors, as it relates to safety concerning pedestrians and bikers in that area. Referred issue back to committee. Lambert brought up consistency of ordinance enforcement.

Motion and second to approve permit fee of $25 for installation of any pools, above or in ground, that are permanent. (Contact Village Clerk for detailed information). Motion carried.

Evenson asked about decks attached to pools or freestanding and if they would require a permit. Muleski said any deck would require a permit.

Committee will be meeting separately to discuss rental code for village.

Public Works: Steward reporting
Marsh Road maintenance was discussed. Two quotes were obtained for temporary road repair. One for $7600, which would be 600 tons of gravel and one for $6787 for 634 tons of gravel. (I’m not sure, but if my understanding is correct this is a 50-50 project with the county and we would only have to pay half of the final amount.)

Motion and second to pre-approve a spending limit of up to $8000 for this road repair. There was discussion on the motion. Heniadis asked if there were long term plans to make full repair of the road.

Evenson indicated that full repair costs would be $25,000 to $30,000, and that the possibility of organic/stump like material that could be effecting the quality of the road and that Public Works committee is gathering data as to the usage of the road in regards to long term road planning and repair.

Steward indicated that this type of repair has been made roughly every five years.

Lambert indicated in response to the cost of full repair that we are having a bad budget year.

Motion carried.

There was a discussion on the bid for repairing three manholes. The bid to repair the three manholes is $8570. Steward indicated that she could not remember if they passed a motion approving the spending of this repair. Final approval on this matter will be referred back to committee. Motion and second to pre-approve spending for public works committee up to $8600 for manhole repair.

The Public Works Committee will be discussing how many and which crew members to send to the Urban Forestry Workshop. Cost per person is $20 and it will take place September 12 at the Hotel Mead. Cost includes lunch.

Water Utility: Muleski Reporting
The water committee did not have a meeting prior to the August 14^th Village Board Meeting.

Muleski did report that Public Works Crew Chief Dale Vanderhei gave him some notes regarding DNR reporting, and the South Biron Drive Fire Hydrant which is apparently leaking again, and may need to be replaced depending on the severity of the problem and if replacing the internal seals does not fix it.

Public Property: Gaber Reporting

The Public Property Committee did not have a meeting prior to the August 14^th Village Board Meeting.

The committee will have a meeting specifically to address this year’s cranberry breakfast.

Gaber reported receiving a call from an individual looking to do a benefit event at the village hall. The individual that called was looking for a donation/waiver of the rental fee on the village hall. The idea was discussed, and Evenson put forth the idea that once a year the village board could select a benefit event to allow at the village hall. The resident fee of $250 would be extended to those looking to do the benefit, instead of a complete fee waiver/donation. No action was taken on this.

Personnel Committee: Lambert Reporting
Committee met on July 13^th, and organized the committee structure, as well as identifying pending and coming issues the committee needs to address. Other items discussed were; village policies and procedures, new trustee orientation program/training, new contract orientation. Crew leader Vanderhei had also asked for an updated job description.

Committee went into closed session in pursuit of the supervisor position (described in an earlier entry here.) Lambert mentioned the supervisor job description, as well as research into wage/benefit details for this position that the village is pursuing.

When committee came out of closed session there was no action taken.

Committee met on August 7^th, determined that crew training is complete and presented to the village board a spreadsheet detailing each crewmembers training status. The labor contract with the village crew was finalized and signed. Committee went into closed session, came out and took no action.

Wastewater Committee: Steward reporting
Steward was very brief in her report, mostly alluding to the minutes and indicating that they could be read at one’s leisure to find out what happened at the July 12^th committee meeting.

Steward reported a meeting with Ocean Spray regarding the excessive wastewater flowage from the marshes and indicated that Ocean Spray may be expanding their plant.

Plan Commission: Evenson reporting
Committee met and discussed shore land/wetland/floodplain compliance issues. Discussed development and application of village rental property ordinance and policy. Committee also discussed commercial building permit fees.

Went into closed session to discuss investment of public funds. Came out of closed session. No action taken.

Evenson reported that at the July 2006 village board meeting the board pre-approved an appraisal of the Fogarty property ($1410). The appraisal has been done.

Bridgewater Public Access Committee: Evenson reporting
Committee met twice. Committee organized structure, electing Pete Wolter as committee chair. The committee discussed operation and meeting dates as well as Grant application deadlines

Discussed was the DNR condition and implementation draft, which evolved out of the DNR hearing, regarding the relocation of CTH U. Public access funding sources were discussed, along with prioritization of public access features to be worked on. It was felt by the committee that the Public fishing/viewing pier was the priority public access feature. Muleski commented that they are exploring existing pier designs to try and avoid excessive engineering costs.

President’s Report: Evenson reporting
Building Better Boards (info here). Evenson and Muleski attended the orientation meeting for this workshop. The workshop is a two-phase workshop, and if the village board is accepted into the workshop the Community Foundation of South Wood County will cover the costs. Motion and second to pursue and complete phase one of Building Better Boards. Motion carried.

Dave, from Central Wisconsin Engineers gave his assessment of the Kwik Trip site plan for adding a carwash to the location. Dave gave is approval of the plan based on the implementation of storm water detainment and control executed in the Kwik Trip site plan. Motion and Second to approve the site plan and authorize the building permit. Motion carried.

Consideration of Resolution 16-06, National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) compliance: Evenson explained that adoption of this resolution is one of the steps necessary to bring Biron into compliance with emergency management procedures mandated by the Federal Office of Homeland Security. Other steps include a test that Evenson must take and pass. Motion and second to accept Resolution 16-06, National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) compliance. Motion carried.

Evenson reported that the Biron Volunteer Fire Department has received a grant from the Federal Office of Homeland Security to upgrade its communications equipment. Muleski explained that the money will go towards radios and pagers that allow the fire department to communicate seamlessly with all emergency systems outside of Biron.

League of Wisconsin Municipalities Chief Executive Workshop

Evenson described workshop and the village’s lack of attendance to educational/developmental workshops in the more recent past. Lambert raised the question of cost and which budgets would be covering these costs. Cost was determined to be around $400 ($115 registration fee, $40 spousal registration fee (Evenson indicated that he would reimburse this fee) Hotel fee $200 ($99/night) Evenson’s Per Diem $80 ($40/mtg) and mileage). In anticipation of attendance, a check had been cut in the amount of $155 for registration to this event.

Evenson also indicated that he felt this spending was within his executive authority, but that he wanted to bring it to full board. Evenson began discussion of Resolution 17-06 with no action taken on the workshop, and Resident Heniadis questioned whether Evenson was or was not going to attend the workshop. Evenson indicated it had failed for lack of a motion. Steward motioned to send Evenson to the workshop. Discussion of cost followed motion and second. Resident Heniadis questioned the status of the budgets that would be paying the costs, and Steward explained that both the trustee salary budget and the legislative budget were in the red, but they would shuffle money from one budget to the other to cover. Steward firmly stated that she felt the overall budget was fine. Evenson indicated he’d be willing to waive his per diems and submit a gas cost for reimbursement instead of mileage. Resident Kim Heniadis questioned the need to revise the motion to include this and Evenson responded that is was not necessary. Motion carried, Lambert Opposed.

Consideration of Resolution 17-06, Adoption of Implementation Agreement Regarding Conditions of Approval of CTH U Relocation: Evenson explained that this resolution was crafted from the participation of six of the seven parties involved in the DNR hearing concerning the relocation of CTH U. (the party of exclusion was Citizens for U). Evenson explained that the “spirit” of the resolution was to give the village’s attorneys in this matter the backing of the village board in taking the steps necessary to secure the relocation of CTH U. The content of the resolution was questioned, and Evenson indicated that everything was pretty much the same, excepting a clause that stated the village’s willingness to accept ownership of the land that would be dedicated as a walking trail. This clause was in responded to the DNR’s wish to see the land for the trail owned and maintained by a public entity as opposed to each lot in the development owning a portion of the trail with an easement. Evenson further explained that while it is speculated that the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) will mandate Consolidated Water and Power Company to own and maintain the trail, the village board felt it appropriate to put itself out as willing to take ownership of the trail in order to comply with the desires of the DNR.

Resident Szelagowski questioned the wisdom of village ownership of the trail based on the potential for a large voting bloc of residents in the proposed development to stack the board and possibly alter the public access features of the trail without the view of the greater public in mind. Discussion of this point ensued, and Lambert mentioned that he felt a successor clause would likely alleviate the issue that Szelagowski raised. A successor clause was discussed, then it was discovered that the resolution in fact has a successor clause.

Motion and second to adopt Resolution 17-06, Adoption of Implementation Agreement Regarding Conditions of Approval of CTH U Relocation. Motion carried.

Motion and second to adjourn. Motion carried
Adjourned at 8:45pm

Community Christian Academy In Financial Straits

It appears from the several articles in the Daily Tribune, that the CCA is facing some rather severe financial woes.

See article here.

It would be a shame if this local private school were to close it's doors due to lack of funding.

Biron Volunteer Fire Department Street Dance

This Saturday, from 3pm-midnight

The annual Biron Volunteer Fire Department Street Dance!
Featuring music by Rumors,
Beer Tent,
Raffle Prizes,
Food,
Games,
and more!!

Check it out and support the Biron Volunteer Fire Department!!!

08/14/06 Finance Committee Meeting

Members Present: June Siegler (Chairperson), Jan Gaber, Absent: Jon Evenson

Meeting called to order at 4:45 pm.

Reviewed Payroll Register for July 2006: (Net Pay)
Jon Evenson: $489.45
June Siegler: $359.40
Wayne Lambert: $332.46
Jan Gaber: $243.34
Dan Muleski: $240.11
Tammy Steward: $280.78
Total Trustee Payroll: $1945.54

Attached to Evenson’s payroll statement was a copy of his cell phone bill of $81.37. Spyros Heniadis raised the question as to how they determined reimbursement for Evenson’s cell phone usage. They were not sure, and noted to ask about it at full board meeting.

EDIT: I realize the above statement about Evenson's cell phone bill was misleading. The cell phone bill attached was his personal cell phone bill, and his earning statement listed the previous two months of reimbursement for cell phone usage at $50 each month. His entire cell phone bill is not being paid by the Village of Biron. As noted in the 8/14/06 Village Board Meeting Post, under finance committee, his cell phone bill is reimbursed based upon his subjective request based on his knowledge of his cell phone usage.

Reviewed Village of Biron bills:

Wisconsin Unemployment: $35.98
Crew Member Union Dues for September: $194
Crew Member Union Dues for August: $194
Electric: $1383.49
Gas (Natural): $79.87
Solarus: $385.87
Recycling: $972.65
Crew Health Insurance: $4025
Ruder Ware (Village Attorney): $2075.42
Garbage: $883.44
Garage Misc. (Tools, etc...): $13
Village of Biron News: $300 (This is pass through money, people will be reimbursing this as they pick up the books that were printed.)
CWPCO (Damaged Street Light on Hwy. 54): $4553.18
Wood County Tax Credit: $97,406.57 (Village received $135,194.20 in shared revenue from the state. $97,406.57 was the portion of that shared revenue due to Wood County.)
Drug Tests: $25
Biron Cranberry (screened top soil): $253
Menard’s (computer cables): $24.40
Insurance for Village Clerk and Water Clerk: $49.84
Ambulance Service Contract: $4158
CTL (Toilet paper, hand soap, etc...) $171.43
Fire Extinguisher Checks: $60
Rental Hall Refund (Return of security deposit on rental): $200
Kwik Trip: $447.63
Retirement Fund (Payroll Deductions): $274.16
Fire Department Safety Equipment: $247.95
Cullen Weston (Attorney retained for legal matters regarding sale of CWPCO): $4630.79
Treasurer Reimbursement: $137.51
Fire Call: $50
Unifirst (Napkins, etc.. for Hall) $68.05
Menard’s (Garage Tools and Hardware): $157.03
Premium Brands (Tap Line Cleaning Kit): $50
Picnic Table Repair: $21.96
Garage Stuff: $17.90
Appraisal on Fogarty Property (property on Hwy. 54 for Fleet Farm enticement): $1410
Total amount for Village of Biron bills: $124,957.12

Water Utility Bills:
Solarus: $75.70
Fire Hydrants: $45,000 (deferred money paid to the Village now that the water utility is established)
Digger’s Hotline: $21.70
Central Wisconsin Engineers: $205
HACH (Water Touch Panel Equipment): $2508.10
Gas (Natural): $66.59
Electric: $167.46
Total Water Utility Bills: $48,044.55

Waste Water System Bills:
Electric: $92.97
Postage: $117
Solarus: $135.25
Water Works and Lighting Commission: $10.43
Total Waste Water Bills: $355.65

Hughes (parts, Bill Not Paid): $4495.20
State Hygiene Lab (Water Testing, Bill Not Paid): $19.50

"Up River, Biron Drive"

In Thursday's "GO" section of the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune a poem appeared by Verna Jepson.

The poem offers her opinion on the possible fate of the up river, Biron drive area.

You can read the poem HERE (Daily Tribune website) or HERE (Google Cached version of Daily Tribune page).

Update: Republished here with the author's permission.

A plea to save "Up River, Biron Drive"

When you "speed" up Highway U,
Stop for a minute and listen -- you
don't need to stop for long.
And you'll hear some birds calling
or chirping -- or maybe a chorus
of frogs singing their song.
It's early in the morning;
the sun is just above the trees.
The river is like a mirror;
a fish jumps and leaves an
ever-widening wake.
Shhhh -- look, there's a deer
with a fawn crossing the road --
to the river -- to drink.
The tall grass is moving
around a dead, fallen tree.
There are some tiny bunnies
frolicking near their nest --
one, two, three!
See those scrub bushes
along the roadside?
Those crooked branches on
those short brushy trees?
That's a pin cherry tree and
a hickory nut bush and a June berry
bush -- upon which the birds,
squirrels and chipmunks feed.
Don't drain that swamp!
Don't close that road!
Down under those reeds
with arrowhead leaves are tiny
tadpoles and crustaceans
upon which the great blue herons feed.
Fill in the marsh, bring it up
to road level?
You'll only cover the marsh marigolds,
purple iris and the red-winged blackbirds'
nest in that clump of cattails.
Along the roadside grows
the purple milkweeds which
we consider noxious weeds --
But this is where the Monarch
butterfly lays its eggs -- on the
back of the milkweed leaves.
We must keep some areas
as they are --
We must protect our
beautiful habitat.
Some places are not meant
for people to live,
They are God's creations
and should be protected for
everyone, just to look at.
Please save the road we call --
"Up River Biron Drive."

Verna Jepson
Wisconsin Rapids

New Supervisor Position in the Village???

Factual information:

There is a letter that was prepared by Ruder Ware (the village attorneys) stating the Village of Biron’s intent to create a new supervisor position to oversee the village crew, and to discontinue the current position of crew leader.

It also states that the village will post the job internally, but reserves the right to hire outside the village employees, and that the village is not clear if creating this position would result in any layoff.

Opinion (Take it or Leave it):

I understand that the village intends to create this job this Monday, August 14^th. At the time of writing I am unaware of any posting or announcement of committee meeting to act on this.

I have several problems with this:

1. In a conversation with Village President Jon Evenson, Jon shared with me his very strong feelings that our crew is OVERSTAFFED. He may deny that he said it, and I can’t prove it, but he and I both know what he said.

2. How can the village justify creating a new MANAGEMENT position that taxpayers will pay for, when we already pay high taxes, and our village president believes the crew is overstaffed?

3. DISCLAIMER: IN NO WAY AM I SUGGESTING THAT THE VILLAGE INTENDS TO LAYOFF ANYBODY. However, the letter states uncertainty regarding layouff. So, maybe we’ll have a current crew member (reducing the crew to four), MANAGING what the crew already does, or maybe we’ll have somebody new MANAGING our five man crew (four IF the village exercises their option to lay off a crew member. )

4. They intend to discontinue the job of crew leader. What does that mean? Why fix a crew that isn’t broken? Why create a supervisor when we have a crew leader? Why is the village doing this?

If you have the same questions I urge you to attend the meeting that is supposed to take place on Monday and ask our village trustees just what they are doing and why. Give them your opinion. They were elected by us and are supposed to represent us.

Trustee Committee Membership

Personnel Committee: Wayne Lambert (Chairperson), Tammy Steward, June Siegler

Finance and Budget Development Committee: June Siegler (Chairperson), Jan Gaber, Jon Evenson (Budget Chair)

Legislative, Ordinance and Zoning: Margaret Billman (Chariperson), Jan Gaber, Dan Muleski

Public Property, Safety and Recreation: Jan Gaber (Chairperson), Tammy Steward, Margaret Billman

Public Works, Wastewater and Sanitation Services: Tammy Steward (Chairperson), Wayne Lambert, June Siegler

Water Utility Committee: Dan Muleski (Chairperson), Margaret Billman, Wayne Lambert

Plan Commission: Jon Evenson (Chairperson), Dan Muleski, Dale Vanderhei

Budget Development: Jon Evenson (Chairperson, Jan Gaber, June Siegler

Welcome & How to use this Blog

Edit: Using this blog.

To leave a comment on a particular post, scroll to the bottom of the post, and you will see a link that reads "x comments" (where x is the number of comments that have been made for that post.)

Click this link to open the comments page. On the comment page, enter your comment in the comment box (under "Leave your comment").

After entering your comment, click the circle to the left of "other" located under the comment box. DO NOT USE THE "BLOGGER" OR "ANONYMOUS" OPTIONS, UNLESS YOU HAVE AND WANT TO USE YOUR BLOGGER ACCOUNT.

Enter your name in the box to the right of "name". Alternatively, you can enter "anonymous" or leave it blank if you do not wish to use your name.

Click the "Publish Your Comment" button to share your comment.

If anyone needs help with using or accessing this website, feel free to email citizens@villageofbiron.com or call Spyros at 451-0335.

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If you wish to share news or a comment that you would like posted as an entry, send your information to citizens@villageofbiron.com or call Spyros at 451-0335. Please include your name in the email. We reserve the right to edit for length or clarity any comments submitted via email for posting. You will be identified in any comments submitted by email for posting.

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Welcome to the Village of Biron Citizen Blog!

This blog is a tool we will use to engage the citizens of Biron more fully in the activities of our Village Board, and to present information to the village citizens in an easily accessible and timely fashion.

We came together with this idea in the hopes of creating more conversation amongst the citizens of the village, to make us all more aware of what is happening in the village, and to create a connected community that freely communicates in information and ideas for the betterment of the village and its citizens.

We intend to cover as many board and committee meetings as possible, taking notes and presenting that information here in a public forum for all citizens to readily access at their leisure.

We will present factual information, and some opinion here. The facts and opinions will be separated, so as not to confuse conjecture with actuality.

Any individual that posts to this blog represents only their opinion, and not the opinions of the other members of this blog.

Anyone is free to comment upon anything posted here, although we reserve the right to remove comments that are insulting, derogatory, vulgar or generally inappropriate.