Village Board

MINUTES OF THE ALBANY VILLAGE BOARD July 10, 2023 The regular meeting of the Albany Village Board was called to order at 6:31 p.m. in the Albany Village Hall be President Kim Blumer. Members present were: Blumer, Michelle Monson, Fred Johnson, Roald Henderson, Larry Nipple, Tonya Stephan and Bert Hefty. Also present: Robert Ritter, John Koopmans, Amy Salzberg and Scott Vosters. The Pledge of Allegiance was shared. Proof of posting was verified. AGENDA: Motion by Hefty, seconded by Stephan, to approve the agenda as posted. Carried. MINUTES: Motion by Johnson, seconded by Hefty, to approve the minutes of the June 12, 2023 meeting as printed. Carried. PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Nothing. PUBLIC APPEARANCES: John Koopmans and Amy Salzberg were present to address the board over some concerns they have in regards to the behavior they have witnessed and the concern over the increase in violence. Koopmans shared a video that had some profane language, but expressed that the individuals involved did receive citations from that incident. He is wondering if something can be done and questions what amount of the village public safety budget is used during the months of June, July and August; and does this mean we have less coverage throughout the rest of the year. Maybe the burden should be on the tubing company to provide more security. Stephan mentioned the increase in violence and lack of public safety. Henderson mentioned having discussions to find solutions on how to increase safety. Chief Ritter stated it is getting harder to find staffing. Some discussion on looking at launch fees. It is suggested to call a Special Village Board meeting on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. GREEN COUNTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION: Vosters reported Otte could not be present at this meeting. The Hometown grant application has been submitted and we should hear back by September. Otte will be present at the August meeting and would like the board to get a list of other items that is needed. Brewer mentioned that Otte is aware that park equipment is an area of interest. Henderson mentioned possibly looking into solar options. ALBANY COMMUNITY 1ST / CHAMBER: Vosters, president of the chamber, let the board know he will be attending the village monthly board meeting to give updates. He reported they are having a road rally, similar to the amazing race, on July 30th, starting in Albany at the Lion’s and will go between here, Monticello and Dayton. Back to School night is August 29 and they will be doing the food. They are currently looking at getting a display board by the dam to replace the deteriorated one. LIBRARY UPDATE / SOLAR CHARGING POLE: Henderson is asking permission to place a solar charging pole in the library park across from the library to add a concrete pad and then the pole at the library’s expense. Motion by Blumer, seconded by Stephan, to install a solar charging pole at the library’s expense in the library park. Carried. Village Board July 10, 2023 Page 2 ANDY GERTSCH TRAINING – WRWA WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS: Motion by Stephan, seconded by Hefty, to approve Andy Gertsch to attend WRWA Water System Operations training on Wednesday, July 19, 2024 at a cost of $110. Carried. RESOLUTION 04-23: AUTHORIZING $149,217 BORROWING: Motion by Stephan, seconded by Monson, to approve Resolution 4-23 authorizing $149,217 borrowing for 2023 roadwork. Carried. ALBANY RIVERFEST REQUEST: Motion by Monson, seconded by Johnson, to close North Water Street from East Main Street to Madison Street and blocked at Oak, Milwaukee and Madison Streets from 9am Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20, 2023 for scheduled events and to allow alcohol on North Water Street; and to approve the parade route on Sunday, August 20, 2023 starting at 1pm on South Fifth Avenue and ending at the Legion with No Parking starting at 8am on East Main Street from South Fifth Avenue to North Water Street. Carried. OPERATOR’S LICENSE: Motion by Hefty, seconded by Stephan, to approve operator’s licenses for Steven Nienman, Robert Murray, Sara Rodriguez and Amerjit Singh. Carried. FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER POSITION: Ritter reported that our current full-time officer just resigned; Logan Lange signed the policy and will be able to give us more hours. Motion by Blumer, seconded by Johnson, to re-post ad for full-time officer. Carried. APPROVAL OF BILLS: Motion by Monson, seconded by Johnson, to approve the bills. Carried. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Special board meeting scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2023 and invite tubing companies. The board would like the police department to do some lawn/garbage checks around the village. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Monson, seconded by Hefty, to adjourn. MICHELLE C. BREWER, Clerk Village of Albany 7:40 p.m.