REVISED Village Board Meeting

REVISED VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES July 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM Kronenwetter Municipal Center - 1582 Kronenwetter Drive Board Room (Lower Level) 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Village President David Baker called the July 14, 2025 Village Board Meeting to order at 6 p.m. A. Pledge of Allegiance Those in attendance were invited to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Roll Call PRESENT: President David Baker, Trustee Ken Charneski, Trustee Craig Mortensen, Trustee Sandi Sorensen, Trustee Dan Joling, Trustee Jessica Stowell ABSENT: Trustee Aaron Myszka (excused) STAFF: Fire Chief Theresa O’Brien, Police Lieutenant Chris Smart, Community Development Director Peter Wegner, Public Works Director Greg Ulman, Interim Finance Director John Jacobs, Clerk Jennifer Poyer 2. PUBLIC COMMENT Maryann Forsell, Family Health Center of Marchfield-Neillsville Dental Center - Comment read by village clerk and attached to minutes. Ariel Scheftgen, 2384 Old Highway 51, Kronenwetter, WI 54455-Scheftgen said the Marathon County Highway Department purchased all the properties related to building the highway shop. She said she is currently looking for a house and have put an offer on a house that is “promising.” Bernie Kramer, 2150 E. State Highway 153, Peplin, WI 54455 – Kramer said he is against fluoride in water. He also commented on the relationship between Kronenwetter Fire Department and Riverside Fire Department. He said the situation is going backwards. He questioned why the Village would hire an attorney for the situation. 3. REPORTS FROM STAFF AND VENDORS C. Police Chief Report Kronenwetter Police Lt. Chris Smart presented the report. He answered questions from the Village Board members. D. Fire Chief Report Kronenwetter Fire Chief Theresa O’Brien presented her report. E. Interim Finance Director Report Interim Finance Director John Jacobs presented his report. He answered questions from the Village Board. He said he hopes to have everything up to speed by the end of July. F. Village President Report - Additional Assigned Duties President David Baker reviewed his additional assigned administrator duties and answered questions from Village Board members. G. General Legal Expenditures President David Baker presented the legal expenditures from last year to current month. He said the Village is spending less money on legal fees. 4. CONSENT AGENDA - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION Minutes prepared by Jennifer Poyer. Approved on July 28, 2025. Page 1 of 5  Motion by Sorensen/Charneski to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried by voice vote. 5:1. Voting yea- Baker, Mortensen, Sorensen, Joling, Charneski; Voting nay – Stowell Motion by Stowell/Baker to reconsider. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Discussed the reasons an operator license can be denied and whether it applies to the current applicant. Motion by Sorensen/Charneski to grant the operator license and accept the June 23, 2024 Village Board Minutes. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Discussed making sure the applicant did not receive additional infractions during her license period. H. Operator (Bartender) License – Amber Spatz I. June 23, 2025 Village Board Meeting Minutes 5. OLD BUSINESS - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION J. Assignment of Functions and Duties of Administrator During Absence of an Administrator Motion by Mortensen/Joling to extend the assigned administrative duties to President until December 31, 2025 or the hiring of an administrator, whatever comes first. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Discussed pay, employee status, and options. 6. NEW BUSINESS - DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION K. Budget Timeline (APC) Motion by Joling/Mortensen to approve the 2026 Budget Timeline as discussed. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Discussed edits of the timetable; previous year comparisons; stopping additions after October; and the budget going through committees. Interim Finance Director John Jacobs presented and explained the timetable. L. Harter's Contract Renewal (CLIPP, APC) Motion by Sorensen/Stowell to direct staff to go out for RFP for garbage service. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Public Works Director Greg Ulman discussed the renewal details from Harter’s. Discussed recommendation of CLIPP and APC – to renew if rate was reasonable. Rate was deemed unreasonable by APC and VB. Price history was presented to the Village Board by Interim Finance Director John Jacobs. M. Review of 2025 Budget Publication Errors Published November 11, 2024 Interim Finance Director John Jacobs explained the errors published/presented during the 2025 budget presentation. N. Review of 2023 TID Report Errors Interim Finance Director John Jacobs reviewed the 2023 TID Report errors. O. Refer John Jacobs Employment Status to APC Motion by Charneski/Mortensen to refer consideration of John Jacobs employment status to APC. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. P. Core Samples of Maple Ridge Roads (CLIPP) Motion by Mortensen/Sorensen to do core sample for Maple Ridge at a cost of $4500. Motion carried by roll call vote. 6:0. Public Works Director Greg Ulman explained the need for core samples done on Village roads to assess the needs. He said CLIPP prioritized Maple Ridge Road over Martin Road because of the traffic count. Discussed depth of core sample; purpose of core sample; and core samples being unnecessary on Peplin Road. Q. Riverside/Kronenwetter Fire Departments' Relationship Motion by Mortensen/Stowell to have Trustee Joling take on the liaison duty with Riverside Fire Department and to spend no more than $5000. Motion carried by roll call vote. 5:1. Voting yea- Baker, Mortensen, Sorensen, Joling, Stowell; Voting nay – Charneski President David Baker discussed the situation and reasoning behind his recommended action. Discussed possible need for an attorney; timeline for Trustee Dan Joling’s determination; Fire Chief O’Brien’s list Minutes prepared by Jennifer Poyer. Approved on July 28, 2025. Page 2 of 5  of items to be addressed; attorney aid for contract changes; and possibly hiring an attorney from Von Briesen. R. Utility Analysis from Ehlers Motion by Charneski/Mortensen to approve the study from Ehlers at a cost of approximately $3000. Motion carried by roll call vote. 6:0. Public Works Director Greg Ulman presented the need for updated number regarding the utility analysis. 7. REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF JULY 28, 2025 VB AGENDA ACTION ITEMS S. Discontinuation of Fluoridation in Village Water (CLIPP) This item passed CLIPP with a vote of 5:0. Trustee Ken Charneski presented his report and asked VB members to look into the facts. A possible survey to water users was discussed. Staff was directed to look into cost and feasibility of resident survey. T. Proposed Changes to § 520-121. - Conditional Use Permits (PC) Community Development Director Peter Wegner introduced this item to the VB members. He explained the background and recommended action. U. Proposed Changes to § 520-124. - Site Plan Procedures (PC) Community Development Director Peter Wegner introduced this item to the VB members. He explained the background and recommended action. V. Von Briesen Report Discussed actions taken by former Administrator Leonard Ludi and the Village Board that led up to the Von Briesen Report. 8. PREVIOUS MEETING MINUTES FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES W. June 9, 2025 CLIPP Committee Meeting Minutes 9. CONSIDERATION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA • Fire department issue update • Budget training report from VB members 10. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Sorensen/Stowell to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. 6:0. Meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m. Minutes prepared by Jennifer Poyer. Approved on July 28, 2025. Page 3 of 5 To whom it may concern, My name is Dr. Maryann Forsell, I am a general dentist working for Family Health Center of Marshfield – Neillsville Dental Center, I am also an executive with the Central Wisconsin Dental Society and a Trustee with the Wisconsin Dental Association Board of Trustees. I am writing to you as a concerned dentist and a strong advocate for public health, particularly in the area of dental care for our community. I understand that the board is currently reviewing the continuation of community water fluoridation, and I would like to present several compelling reasons why maintaining this practice is essential for the wellbeing of our residents. 1. Proven Oral Health Benefits Community water fluoridation has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of dental cavities in both children and adults. By adjusting the fluoride concentration in our water supply to optimal levels, we can help prevent tooth decay, which is one of the most common and costly health issues in our society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized water fluoridation as one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century. 2. Addressing Misconceptions about IQ Levels There has been some concern about the potential effects of fluoride on children's IQ levels. However, extensive research and reputable studies have consistently shown that fluoride at the levels used in community water fluoridation does not have a negative impact on cognitive development or intelligence. Reviews by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) have all affirmed the safety and efficacy of fluoridated water. For example, a study published in the journal "Environmental Health Perspectives" found no link between fluoride exposure in drinking water and reduced IQ scores in children. 3. Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility Water fluoridation is an incredibly cost-effective public health measure. The cost of adding fluoride to the water supply is relatively low, especially when compared to the high costs of dental treatments. For every dollar invested in water fluoridation, communities save an estimated $38 in dental treatment costs per resident. Furthermore, water fluoridation is an equitable solution that reaches all members of the community, regardless of age, income, or access to dental care. Minutes prepared by Jennifer Poyer. Approved on July 28, 2025. Page 4 of 5 4. Expert Endorsement The practice of water fluoridation is supported by numerous health organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), the CDC, the World Health Organization, and the American Medical Association (AMA). These endorsements are based on decades of scientific research and evidence demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of fluoride in preventing tooth decay. 5. Personal Experience I have been practicing in Neillsville for the last 6 years, seeing patients from Kronenwetter on a fairly regular basis. I work for a Federally Qualified Health Center seeing primarily Medicaid, underinsured, and uninsured patients. The need for dental care in Kronenwetter is significant, as it is throughout the state and country. We simply cannot afford to remove this preventive measure that helps everyone regardless of socioeconomic status. We also have a severe shortage of dentists, dental hygienists, and auxiliary staff throughout Marathon and the surrounding counties. We cannot keep up with the demand as it is and actions like you are considering will only make things worse. I hope you can consider the struggles that low-income individuals already experience and consider that by removing fluoride from the water you are adding yet another barrier to health for these individuals. In conclusion, continuing community water fluoridation is a crucial step in promoting oral health, preventing dental diseases, and ensuring the overall well-being of residents. I urge the council to consider the substantial evidence supporting the benefits of fluoridation and to prioritize the health of our community by maintaining this vital public health measure. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Maryann Forsell, DMD, MPH Minutes prepared by Jennifer Poyer. Approved on July 28, 2025. Page 5 of 5