CASSVILLE VILLAGE BOARD MEETING

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PUBLIC HEARING

PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING SEWER USER CHARGE RATES

Municipal Building

7:00 p.m.

March 14, 2016

President Williams called the Citizen Participation Public Hearing and Public Hearing concerning sewer user charge rate changes to order at 7:00 p.m. Bart Nies of Delta 3 Engineering welcomed the attendees at the meeting. Bart explained that the Citizen Participation Public Hearing complies with the Community Development Block Grant for Public Facilities Program and the Citizen Participation Plan. Through the CDBG-PF Program Grant the Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrade was awarded $500,000 in grant funds. The project included the WWTF upgrade, sanitary interceptor sewer, water main and storm sewer. The new WWTF began operating in February and completion of the grounds/landscaping is projected for June. The total cost of the WWTF is $4.8 million. An additional grant of approximately $2 million and a loan of $2.1 million will be obtained from the DNR to fund the project . Bart explained that DTE Stoneman Energy was a major sewer user within the community. Since DTE Stoneman closed after the WWTF project began, additional costs fall upon the residents, businesses and public authorities of the community. Bart stated that the Village Board was presented different sewer rate options. The Board members decided to use two Residential Equivalent User (REU) classifications; these being ‘single-family residential’ and ‘other’ users. The REU classification of 1 REU for residential and 2 REU for all others was approved by the Board. The Board decision was to put 100% of the debt, 60% of the Replacement Fund and 60% of the operating costs to the base rate and 40% of the Replacement Fund and operating costs would be placed on the volume charge. Sewer rates will change from $10 a month base charge and $3.80 per 1,000 volume charge to $40 a month base charge and $5.32 per 1,000 volume charge per each REU. A classification of a 2 REU user will have an $80 a month base charge with the volume charge remaining the same. Unmetered service will be $173.20 for sewer billing per quarter. Septage disposal will be $25.00 per 1,000 gallons; some discussion was held concerning this change. Surcharge fees for BioChemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Phosphorus were also revised for commercial and industrial users. The possibility of monthly or bimonthly billing were discussed but there were concerns that the PSC could require a water rate increase. The Board concensus was to continue quarterly billings. Bart advised everyone in attendance that the CDBG program assists with public facilities, economic development and housing needs within a community. CDBG funds are used to benefit low to moderate-income persons. No persons were displaced as a result of these of proposed activities. With no further discussion, President Williams adjourned the Citizen Participation Public Hearing.

President Williams called the regular meeting of the Cassville Village Board to order following the Citizen Participation meeting. Roll call: Hauk, Becwar, Cooper, Vogt, Lau, Ralph and Williams—all present. Also in attendance were Attorney Glass, Street Supervisor-Dion Nemitz, Utility Manager-Josh Mergen, Clerk-Marlene Esser, Police Chief-Brent McDonald, Bart Nies of Delta 3 Engineering and some attendees of the Citizen Participation meeting.

Lau made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 8th meeting, Cooper seconded it; motion carried. A motion was made by Ralph to approve the vouchers for payment. It was seconded by Cooper; motion carried.

Bart Nies of Delta 3 Engineering recommends paying Portzen Construction Payment Application #10 for completions at the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Change Order #2 ,which included water proofing the wet well and installing of barriers at a lift station for SCADA system and deduct for unneeded reports for SCADA system. Cooper made a motion to approve Portzen Construction Payment Application #10 and Change Order #2 for $233,540.84 and Ralph seconded it. Roll call vote: Harbaugh-yes; Hauk-yes; Vogt-yes; Lau-yes; Williams-yes; Cooper-yes; Ralph-yes; motion carried.

Joe Kremer, representing the ATV/UTV Club, inquired about extending the trail on Bluff Street to J&J’s Sandbar and allowing Jack Oak residents to travel the paved portion of the road to get to the ATV trail. Discussion was held concerning ownership of the sidewalk behind the athletic field where the proposed trail would go. This issue will be put on the April agenda after Kremer checks into the sidewalk ownership.

Street Supervisor Nemitz stated that residents have been planting trees within the boulevard between the street and sidewalk following the wind storm last year. Following the storm the consensus of the Board was to enforce the tree Ordinance which states that permission must be granted before trees can be planted within the boulevard. Attorney Glass said that the Village Ordinance states that tree maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner not the Village.

Tourism and Promotion Report:

Katie Hauk stated that ‘Beautify Cassville’ will again to held this spring with priority given to mulching in the Village parks. Also tourism will take over the new website this week, new brochures are being designed, Farmer’s Market location is being discussed and differing events will be held each week in July at Volunteer Park. She stated that ‘Pride of Cassville’ day will be held June 4th with a 5k run, inflatables, kid contests, free fishing, city wide garage sales along with various other events. Discussion was held concerning the swimming pool being open for the event and Ralph stated that lifeguard certification would not be completed by the date.

President’s Report:

Cooper made a motion to appoint John Lau to the Cassville Economic Development Committee with a second by Vogt. Roll call vote: Williams-yes; Vogt-yes; Lau-abstain; Cooper-yes; Ralph-yes; Harbaugh-yes; Hauk-yes; motion carried.

March 23rd, the Grant County Economic Development monthly meeting will be held in Cassville. The evening will begin at 5 p.m with a tour of Stonefield Agriculture Museum followed by a meeting and dinner at the Anker Inn at 6 p.m. Reservations need to be in by Friday, March 18th.

Williams reminded everyone of the spring election on Tuesday April 5th. Members were informed of the Fire Department Installation of Officers on April 20th, Open Book on April 19th and Board of Review on May 20th.

Attorney Report:

Attorney Glass presented the amended Chapter 7 Ordinance No. A-2016-02 relating to sewer rates. Classification changes are addressed in the amended Ordinance for Residential Equivalent Users, which consists of single family residents as 1 REU and all others as 2 REU’s. Also changes reflect the sewer rate change from $10 a month base charge and $3.80 per 1,000 volume charge to $40 a month base charge and $5.32 per 1,000 volume charge for metered service of 1 REU. Unmetered service will be $173.20 for sewer billing per quarter. Septage disposal will be $25.00 per 1,000 gallons and surcharge fees for BioChemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids and Phosphorus were revised for commercial and industrial users. Hauk made a motion to approve the amended sewer rate Ordinance and Cooper seconded it. Roll call vote: Cooper-yes; Harbaugh-yes; Ralph-yes; Lau-yes; Hauk-yes; Williams-yes; Vogt-yes; motion carried.

Police Report:

Chief McDonald reported that he has been trying to work with residents concerning property clean up. Some citations have been issued and the Board’s consensus was to continue, with Attorney Glass stating that daily fines can be given.

Committee Reports—

Buildings—

This week Cooper and Nemitz will meet with Cleary Building and general contractor Giertsen Company of Wisconsin representatives concerning issues with the new street department shop. The need for ice guards was discussed.

Zoning, Licenses & Ordinance—

Lau made a motion to grant a Bartender Operator License to Mary Kinyon and Justin Wagar and Ralph seconded it; motion carried by voice vote.

Street--

Harbaugh presented a quote of approximately $3,800 for a new sander. Cooper made a motion to approve the purchase of a sander, second by Ralph; motion carried.

Airport--

Williams inquired about the status of removal of the stumps at the airport. Chief McDonald and Vogt will take care of the matter when weather permits.

Clerk-Treasurer Report:

Village cash on hand after vouchers--$1,757,747. Utility cash on hand after vouchers--$612,573.

Lau made a motion to adjourn, second by Ralph; motion carried.

Marlene Esser, Clerk