Village Board

Village of Hawkins Meeting Minutes March 3, 2025 5:30 P.M. Meeting called to order by Pres. Jill Baker. Board members present: Doug VanDoorn, Amanda Bratlie and Trish Johnson. Christa Luebke absent. Also present: Matt Boehmer, John Burkman, Mark Case, Woodene Stevens, Mike Borek, Shirley Severson, Erin Krings, Mike Eckes, David Curtis, Dave Webster, Sherry Kopka, and Linda Zimmer. Minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting were read by Clerk, Alicia Valentine. Motion to approve the February minutes as read, by Doug VanDoorn, second by Amanda Bratlie. Motion carried. AGENDA ITEMS: Public Comment (5 minute time limit) No Public Comment Flambeau School District – Interim District Administrator Sherry Kopka, Flambeau High School Principal / Interim District Administrator and Linda Zimmer, Flambeau Board Clerk, explained that the bond referendum for up to $7.5 million is needed to fund essential facility and learning environment improvements. The outdated fire alarm and the HVAC systems both need to be replaced/upgraded. Residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming open house events on March 12, 2025 – 6-7pm or March 17, 2025 5-6 pm, for a building tour and open house to learn more about the upcoming referendum. Water Sampling Outcome PW Director, John Burkman, tested the water at 422 Factory St. He noted there was a slight odor but the water passed all tests. Burkman offered a resolution to improve the water quality. Board members discussed the situation and agreed that the issue needs to be resolved since it has been ongoing for several years. Appoint Election Poll Workers Pres. Jill Baker motioned to approve the appointment of Election Pollworker, Amanda Bratlie, second by Trish Johnson. Motion approved. Approval of Operator’s Licenses Amanda Bratlie motioned to approve operator’s licenses for Angelina Turner, Sierra Voldberg, Cheryl Granburg, and Joshua Robbins, second by Doug VanDoorn. Motion approved. Clerk’s Office To allow the Clerk to have uninterrupted work time, Pres. Jill Baker motioned to approve a change to the Clerk’s office hours. Effective 3/4/2025, the Clerk’s office will be closed to the public every Tuesday at Noon and the entire day every Wednesday, second by Trish Johnson. Motion approved. Library Proposal – Possible Action Board discussed the Library Board’s request to move the financial accounting from the Village to the Town of Hawkins. Village Board members agreed that the accounting should remain with the Village since the building is owned by the Village. The Library Boards request was denied. Woodene Stevens requested a meeting with the Town of Southfork, Town of Hawkins, Village of Hawkins, and John Thompson, IFLS Library System Director. The Village’s auditor, Amanda Mboga, will be invited to explain the financial impact to the Village. Easter Egg Hunt The Hawkins Lions Club is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on April 12, 2025. The event begins at 10:00 am and will be held at the Hawkins Community Center. Candy/trinkets for the eggs can be dropped off at the Hawkins Community Center or contact Trish Johnson. Cookies/snacks for the event can be dropped off April 11, 2025 after 5:30 pm or April 12, 2025 after 8:30 am. Well/SCADA Project Update New doors were installed. Project should be complete by May 2025. (con’t. p. 1 of 2) Meeting Minutes March 3, 2025 (con’t. p. 2 of 2) Public Works – Water/Sewer Monthly Report Public Works Water/Sewer Director, Matt Boehmer and John Burkman reported that ammonia samples have been sent to CTL for testing. Ammonia sample kits arrived. PW will now do in house testing for discharge monitoring. When in-house testing indicates acceptable discharge limit, a sample will be sent to CTL for certified result. Discharging will then begin. Looking for a water leak in the system that has not surfaced yet. It does not appear to be going into the sewer system. Burkman is working on submitting February reports. Public Works – Streets Monthly Report Streets Director, John Burkman reported that the sign post on German/Hwy 8 needs a new post. Burkman will contact the County for posts for German St and permanent weight limit signs. New faucet and dishwasher installed in the community center. Plumbing behind dishwasher replaced and added shut-offs. Cabinet base will be replaced with shelving material. Bad piping above the kitchen area ceiling is on the repair list. Rollers on plow replaced. Backhoe tire installed, still needs the fluid topped off. The heater was replaced at the WWTP. Weight limits signs installed, quote to add an electrical panel in the Fire Hall is approximately $3200. Clerks Report Clerk, Alicia Valentine, reported that the Village received a charging lease opportunity from Gotham Communications. Board does not have an interest in pursuing a location for electric vehicle charging stations. Met with Kathy Walthers, Director Rusk County Senior Services, discussed cleaning in the kitchen/dining area. Walthers asked if the Village would be able to hire someone to clean. Board denied the request since the contract we have with Senior Services states that the County employee is responsible for cleaning the area. Donations were received from the Lions Club and Holiday Celebration group for the use of the Community Center. Clerk’s office PC back-up, off-site service, is approximately nd $30 per month. If a 2 NAS is set-up onsite, the fee is approximately $400 to set-up then $30 per month. Still looking for other back-up methods which would be less expensive. Online WS bill pay is up 67% from th st January. Fire Department breakfast will be held March 16 , Spring Election is April 1 . Open book will be th th held May 5 from 9:00 am – 11:00 am at the Community Center. Board of Review will be May 13 from 5:30 pm – 7:30pm. Set Next Agenda Monday, May 5, 2025: Spring Clean-up, Well/SCADA Project Update, Water/Sewer/Street Public Works Reports, Clerks Report, and Approve Bills. Board Comment Doug VanDoorn stated that he is still waiting for a response from the State regarding the speed limit on Hwy 8 through the Village. Approve Bills Board members reviewed time sheets and bills for the month of February/March. Bills approved: General Fund $16,297.50, W&S $24,241.09, Refuse $532.51, Tax $90,167.67 and ACH/Card Receipts $73.00. Motion to approve bills by Johnson, second by Pres. Jill Baker. Motion carried. Adjourn Johnson motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 pm, second by Bratlie. Motion carried. Alicia Valentine, Clerk