VILLAGE OF BRUCE
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
June 7, 2021
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a scheduled monthly meeting of the Village Board was held on Monday, June 7th, 2021.
Village President Shane Trott presided and called to order the meeting at the Village Hall facility at 7:00 p.m. Board members present were Mark Zimmer, Jim Johnson, Loren Beebe Kim Grasley and Rob Grabon. Jessica Hayes attended also. Galen Brainerd was absent.
– PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Beebe voiced a correction on the May 3rd, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting Minutes. A motion on the approval of the April 5th, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting minutes stated an incorrect name. Motion by Grasley, seconded by Johnson to amend the May 3rd, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting Minutes, carried. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to approve the May 12th, 2021 Emergency Board Meeting Minutes, carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grabon to approve the Treasurer’s report as given, carried.
EMPLOYEE’S REPORT: Darlene Wundrow attended the meeting and reported that the required annual 2020 CMAR (Compliance Maintenance Annual Report for the sewer system) has been submitted to the DNR and the Village received a grade ‘C’ on the financial section due to the sewer rates not being reviewed in several years. The DNR requires responses for any sections of the report that receive any grade C and lower. Wundrow will report to the DNR in her response that the sewer rates were reviewed on June 2nd, 2021 by the Village auditor and also reviewed by the Village Board on June 7th, 2021. After passing a resolution and submitting her response, the CMAR report will be ready for final review by the DNR. Wundrow also stated that the required annual 2020 CCR (Consumer Confidence Report for the water system) was also submitted to the DNR and all required postings were completed as well.
The crew has been busy marking lines for the project and the two new part time summer maintenance workers have started working as well and they are doing an excellent job.
PETITIONERS-CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AND REQUESTS:
Bruce Youth Ball: Annual Donation Request: A donation request from the Bruce Youth Ball was submitted to the Board. The Board has historically donated to the group. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to donate $500.00 to the Bruce Youth Ball, carried.
Larry Quinn-Rusk Riders ATV Club: Larry Quinn, along with George Sihsman from the Rusk Riders ATV Club attended the meeting and asked the Board for approval to change the speed limit in town which is currently set at 10 mph and raise the limit to 25 mph as well as open up Main Street to ATV access. Motion by Grabon, seconded by Grasley to approve raising the current 10 mph speed limit to 25 mph in the Village, carried. Motion by Grabon, seconded by Grasley to approve opening up Main Street, having Highway 8 access to cross and being open up to the south end of the Village to ATV access, carried. The Village crew and the ATV Club will work together to get all the correct signage in place.
APPLICATIONS:
Building Permits:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to approve a building permit for Jeffrey Ames at 614 N. 4th Street to pour a concrete slab and install a carport, carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Grabon to approve a building permit for Jeff & Kim Grasley at 909 N. Alvey Street to reroof the house and do some interior remodeling, carried.
Liquor Licenses:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Beebe to approve a Class ‘A’ Liquor license toDollar General, Store #19877, carried.
Motion by Beebe, seconded by Johnson to approve a Class ‘A’ Beer licensetoDollar General, Store #19877, carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Beebe to approve a Class ‘A’ Beer license to J & S Sales of Chippewa Falls, d/b/a Express Mart, Brenda Gauthier, Agent, carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grabon to approve a Class ‘B’ Combo Liquor & Beer licensetoNorthern Spirits Enterprises, Ltd., d/b/a Hot Shots, John R. Hoiby, Jr., Agent, carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Beebe to approve a Class ‘B’ Combo Liquor & Beer license to The Pour House Tavern Inc., d/b/a The Pour House Tavern Inc., Kimberly Grasley, Agent, carried.
Cigarette Licenses:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grabon to approve cigarette licenses for Dollar General, Store #19877, Express Mart, The Pour House Tavern and Hot Shots, carried.
Coin Machine Licenses:
Motion by Beebe, seconded by Johnson to approve Coin Machine licenses for Hot Shots, The Pour House Tavern, Bruce Public School, Bruce American Legion and DairiConcepts, carried.
Direct Seller’s Permit:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to approve a Direct Seller’s Permit for Bruce Community Farmer’s Market, carried.
Operator’s License: thru June 30, 2021Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to approve an operator’s license, expiring June 30th, 2021 for Loren A. Beebe, carried.
2021-2022 Operator’s License Renewals:
Motion by Grabon, seconded by Zimmer to approve operator’s licenses for Brenda M. Gauthier, John R. Hoiby, Sr., Jeffrey C. Grasley, Shirley R. Liazuk, Katherine L. Hoiby, Kimberly J. Grasley, Brooke A. Gauthier, John R. Hoiby, Jr., Rebecca L.Grasley, Crystal M. Gauthier, Michelle L. Mason, Melissa A. Wojcik, Shannon M. Leclair, Maria C. Kriz, Jeffrey S. Wallace, Nina M. DeJesus, Cheryl L. Tarsa, Erica L. Williams, Jamie L. Shelton, Rachel A. Smith, Melissa R. Grasley, Debra L. Bessel, Alisha C. Berg, Christina R. Grasley, Janette A. Collins-Penney, Luciana J. Rymarkiewicz, Kenna L. Sinette, Alice M. Folgate, Kimberly Brown-Fox, Loren A. Beebe and Alexandria M. Wallace, carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Utility:
Discussion and Action Regarding Corrective Work on Village Wells: Larry Gotham gave the Board an update on the corrective work being done on the Village Wells. When Well #3 was pulled, there was an extreme buildup of iron and manganese. CTW is recommending that the pump and components either be rebuilt or have a brand new one put in. It has been five years since Well #3 has been reworked. The cost for the rebuild of the current pump would be $6,280.00 versus a brand new pump at the cost of $10,441.00. For a new pump, the Village would have to wait an additional two to three months to be able to get one. Gotham suggested to the Board to go the route of rebuilding the current pump which would give the Well about the same life span as a brand new one but we would be able to get the Well back online quicker. He also suggested to the Board to keep the right angle drive, which if there was a power outage, a tractor would be able to hook up to the angle and still run the Well. For this option, the cost would be an additional $395.00. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Zimmer to table the ‘Discussion and Action Regarding Corrective Work on Village Wells’ issue until the July, 2021 Regular Monthly Meeting, carried.
CTW Corporation – Change Order Request for Corrective Work on Village Wells: After the discussion with Larry Gotham on the corrective work for the Wells and the change order request from CTW Corporation. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to go with Gotham’s recommendation of rebuilding the current pump at a price of $6,280.00 and going with option two for keeping the right angle drive for $395.00, carried.
Morgan & Parmley, Ltd. – Invoice Payment Approval: Motion by Grabon, seconded by Beebe to pay Morgan & Parmley, Ltd. in the amount of $964.25 for engineering services for the Corrective Work on the Village Wells thru May 31st, 2021, carried.
Well Rehab Project – USDA Rural Development Grant- Adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy: Motion by Beebe, seconded by Grasley to sign and adopt a conflict of interest policy, carried. This is a requirement with USDA Rural Development to obtain funding for the grant proceeds for the Well Rehab Project.
Well Rehab Project-USDA Rural Development Grant–Resolution–Use of Streets & Alleys: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to sign and approve a resolution for use of streets and alleys, carried. This is a requirement with USDA Rural Development to obtain funding for the grant proceeds for the Well Rehab Project.
Well Rehab Project – USDA Rural Development Grant – Adopt Grant Agreement: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grabon to adopt the grant agreement with USDA Rural Development, carried.
PSC-Water Rate Application: Nothing new to report this month. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Beebe to table the ‘PSC Water Rate Application’ issue until the July, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
Sewer Rate Increase: The Village’s accountant reviewed the Village’s current sewer rates and determined that the current rates are sufficient enough to cover the Village’s current debt in the sewer utility. However, due to the DNR regulations concerning the North Main Street Reconstruction Project, the rates as well as the sewer use ordinance needs to be reviewed further and rates possibly raised. DNR wants the Village to have a fiscal sustainability plan in place and the item will need to be completed before closing on the sewer loans with the DNR. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Grabon to table the ‘Sewer Rate Increase’ item until the July, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
CMAR Resolution #21-02: Motion by Grasley, seconded by Zimmer to approve the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR), Resolution #21-02, as completed, carried.
2020 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) submitted to DNR: The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), a water quality report, has been submitted to the DNR. Publication and posting requirements have been met. A copy of the annual report is available at the Village Hall and on the Village’s website.
Public Works:
Relinquish Property to Village – Dave Samardzich Parcel #106-00446-0003: A letter of interest to relinquish property to the Village was submitted to the Board by Dave Samardzich, relinquishing his vacant property he owns on Railroad Avenue, parcel #106-00446-0003, to the Village at no cost. The parcel is free of any liens, loans or money owed against it. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Grasley to accept the offer from Dave Samardzich and deed the property over to the Village at no cost, carried.
North Main Street Reconstruction Project: Larry Gotham briefly gave an update on the project. Boring under the railroad tracks has begun. Haas Sons, Inc. has run in to a small set back due to hitting boulders and the work has taken slightly longer than expected. All other aspects of the project seem to be going smoothly.
Resolution #21-03 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF UP TO $356,312 SUBORDINATE WATER SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2021; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER DETAILS AND COVENANTS WITH RESPECT THERETO: Motion by Grasley, seconded by Grabon to approve Resolution #21-03, a Resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of up to $356,312 in subordinate water system revenue bonds, series 2021 and providing for other details and covenants with respect thereto, carried.
Resolution #21-04 – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE AND ISSUANCE OF UP TO $629,415 SUBORDINATE SEWERAGE SYSTEM REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2021; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER DETAILS AND COVENANTS WITH RESPECT THERETO: Motion by Grasley, seconded by Johnson to approve Resolution #21-04, a Resolution authorizing the sale and issuance of up to $629,415 in subordinate sewerage system revenue bonds, series 2021 and providing for other details and covenants with respect thereto, carried.
Clean Water Fund Program Financial Assistance Agreement for Borrowing: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to approve and sign the Clean Water Fund Program Financial Assistance Agreement for Borrowing with the Department of Natural Resources, carried.
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Financial Assistance Agreement for Borrowing: Motion by Grasley, seconded by Beebe to approve and sign the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Financial Assistance Agreement for Borrowing with the Department of Natural Resources, carried.
Committee Meeting May 11th, 2021 Report: Trott reported a committee meeting was held on May 11th, 2021 to discuss a proposed change order to replace the Village Hall sidewalks on the East and South sides of the Village Hall building and also for the replacement of the water and sewer lines from Main Street to River Avenue to the intersection of the alley to the West of the building on River Avenue. A manhole would be replaced as well. The portion of this project is not currently part of the proposed project and a change order would be necessary to gain funding through the project. The committee recommended to move forward with the $44,221.30 project as long as funding is available.
Morgan & Parmley, Ltd – Invoice Payment Approval: Motion by Grabon, seconded by Grasley to approve an invoice from Morgan & Parmley, Ltd. in the amount of $7,807.70 for engineering services on the North Main Street Reconstruction project thru May 31st, 2021, carried.
Haas Sons, Inc. – Invoice Payment Approval: Motion by Grasley, seconded by Zimmer to approve an invoice from Haas Sons, Inc. in the amount of $241,740.86 for contracted work on the North Main Street Reconstruction Project for work done through May 24th, 2021, carried.
Administration:
Employee Manual Update: Nothing new to report this month. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grabon to table the ‘Employee Manual Update’ issue until the July, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
Finance:
2022-2024 Assessment Contract-Elk River Appraisals: Motion by Grabon, seconded by Johnson to renew and sign the 2022-2024 Assessment Contract with Elk River Appraisals, with the contract expiring July 1st, 2024, carried.
Chippewa Valley Bank – Designation of Signers: Motion by Johnson, seconded by Grasley to approve President Shane Trott, Interim President/Trustee Mark Zimmer and Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Hayes as signers for all financial necessities at Chippewa Valley Bank, carried.
Bank Designation for Village Accounts: Interest rate quotes were obtained from both Superior Choice Credit Union and Chippewa Valley Bank. The Village currently holds the general checking account at Superior Choice Credit Union with an interest rate of .1%. Chippewa Valley Bank is offering .2% if we were to move accounts down there. The Board asked the Clerk to look in to the pricing of checks at both banks before proceeding. Motion by Johnson, seconded by Grasley to table the “Bank Designation for Village Accounts” issue until the July, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Motion by Grabon, seconded by Grasley to pay vouchers and electronic payments totaling $236,196.22, carried.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Village Wide Garage Sales: June 12th, 2021
Cruise Nights-Classic Auto Collision Center has set the calendar for Cruise Night in the parking lot at 705 N. Main Street in Bruce, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on June 15th, July 20th & August 17th.
Saturday July 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be the annual Open House/Craft/Car Show on Main. Contact Classic Auto Collision Center at 715-868-CARS or classicauto@brucetel.net for more details.
Blue Hills Cruise-In Open House/Car Show Dates: August 7th & October 2nd. Contact L’Cars at bob@lcars.com or Classic Auto at classicauto@brucetel.net for more information.
Bruce Community Farmer’s Market-Friday’s from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., June 4th through October 1st. The market will be located in the Bruce Telephone lot.
Bruce Blue Hills Lions Club ‘Blue Hills Festival’ – Located at the Bruce Park. July 9th, 10th & 11th, 2021
Public Hearing July 5th, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: – Village residents are encouraged to attend to hear updates on the North Main Street Reconstruction Project as well as open floor for discussion and questions
July 5th, 2021 Regular Monthly Board Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Grasley to adjourn, carried. Adjournment was at 8:04 p.m.
Jessica Hayes
Clerk/Treasurer