Village Board of Trustees

VILLAGE OF WESTON, MARATHON COUNTY, WISCONSIN REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Monday, June 17, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. AGENDA ITEMS 1. Board of Trustees Meeting called to order by President Maloney President Maloney called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2. Pledge Allegiance to the Flag 3. Roll Call by Clerk for Board of Trustees Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES PUBLIC COMMENTS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=47) Andy Sutton – 6504 Zinser Street, Weston Any Sutton was present and expressed his concern regarding the Tourism Commission and his disappointment with the approval of the funds to Wausau Pride and how it was handled. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=507) 4. Approval of June 3, 2024, Special Board of Trustees Meeting Motion by Zeyghami, second by Cronin to approve June 3, 2024, Special Board of Trustees Meeting minutes. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ACKNOWLEDGE REPORTS/MINUTES FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=524) 5. Community Development Authority 6. Community Life & Public Safety 7. Everest Metro Police/Mountain Bay Metropolitan Police 8. Extraterritorial Zoning 9. Finance and Human Resources 10. Joint Review Board 11. Parks & Recreation 12. Plan Commission 13. Public Works 14. Tourism Commission 15. Refuse and Recycling Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Ermeling to acknowledge reports/minutes from Boards, Committees, Commissions no. 9, 12, and 13. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES REPORTS FROM DEPARTMENTS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=542) 16. Administrator Gebert reminded the Board of the retreat survey which was emailed for response. 17. Clerk Brehm stated that there may be a special meeting of the Board due to late receival of some tobacco and weights and measures applications. 18. Finance 19. Fire/EMS 20. Parks & Recreation 21. Plan/Dev 22. Police Chief Hunt stated that three officers were sent to training. All squads are now striped with the new MBMPD logo and new badges have been received. 23. Public Works 24. Refuse and Recycling 25. Technology Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Ermeling acknowledging reports from departments. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES WORK PRODUCT TRANSMITTALS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=1457) 26. Acknowledge May Building Permits 27. Acknowledge May Building Permits Motion by Cronin, second by Zeyghami to acknowledge work product transmittals 26 and 27. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES CONSENT AGENDA (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=1477) 28. Requests to pull items out of consent consideration 29. Approve Vouchers – Check Numbers 62034-62197 and 90156-90159 30. Renewal of Playful Paws Kennel License for 2024-2025 Licensing Term 31. Renewal of Mobile Home Park License for Endeavor Communities a/k/a Colonial Gardens Mobile Home Park for the 2024-2025 Licensing Term 32. Renewal of Class “A” Fermented Malt Beverage & “Class A” Intoxicating Liquor, Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage & “Class B” Intoxicating Liquor, and Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage Licenses, Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage & “Class B” Intoxicating Liquor Reserve, and Class “C” Wine Licenses for 2024-2025 Licensing Term 33. New Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage License for MUD Hospitality d/b/a Comfort Inn & Suites 34. Renewal of Weights and Measures Licenses for the 2024-2025 Licensing Term 35. Renewal of Cigarette, Tobacco, and Electronic Vaping Licenses for the 2024-2025 Licensing Term 36. Renewal of Lodging Permit License for the 2024-2025 Licensing Term 37. Action on consent agenda items BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Motion by Cronin, second by Hartinger approving consent agenda items 29 through 36. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES ORDINANCES (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=1538) 38. Ordinance No. 24-006 – An Ordinance Creating Article 18-XI Section 18.150 Entitled Cigarettes, Electronic Vaping Devices, and/or Tobacco Retailers Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Cronin to approve Ordinance No. 24-006: An Ordinance Creating Article 18-XI Section 18.150 Entitled Cigarettes, Electronic Vaping Devices, and/or Tobacco Retailers. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES RESOLUTIONS (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=1571) 39. Resolution 2024-015 – A resolution to Approve the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) for Weston Sewer Utility and Submit to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Motion by Zeyghami, second by Hartinger to approve Resolution 2024-015 – A resolution to Approve the Compliance Maintenance Annual Report (CMAR) for Weston Sewer Utility and Submit to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES UNFINISHED BUSINESS 40. Discussion and/or action on Village Board of Trustees’ Compensation (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=1598) Maloney stated that any change could not be made mid-term but would have to be done prior to the next spring election. Appointed officials can be changed at any time, but elected officials would be a change to be made prior an upcoming spring election. The increase would affect the incoming trustees and the remaining trustees would see the increase at the next election cycle. Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Hartinger to adjust Board of Trustees’ compensation and that of committee and commission members at the same rate that is approved by the Board of Trustees for staff raises. Meaning that the raises provided to staff would be applied. Yes Vote: 5 No Votes:2 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Failed Trustee Present Cronin, Steve NO Ermeling, Barb NO Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark NO Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie NO Zeyghami, Hooshang NO Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Hartinger to amend prior motion to remove the committee and commission members language. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 41. Discussion and/or action on SAFER Memo RE: Future Funding Needs (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=2796) Motion by Hartinger, second by Cronin to defer item to follow closed session. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES Following closed session (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4465): Discussion was held. Chief Finke pointed to the options presented in the packet. Zeyghami asked questions regarding the fire fee to which Finke stated that the fire fee guarantees the fire department to operate at a level that they are at today. The downside is that it does not provide the public with the ability to speak on how their tax dollars are being spent. Ermeling asked how the fire fee is set. Finke stated the fee would be calculated based on the funds that would be needed and the calculation would be by square footage or assessed value per taxpayer and would only be based on the structure on the property itself. He also said that it would be applied to all properties including nonprofits which are something that they would not be expecting. Continued discussion was held regarding a referendum which the union would provide outreach for education. Motion by Hartinger, second by Cronin to pursue Option 4 as presented. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES NEW BUSINESS 42. Discussion and/or action on President’s Appointments to Committees, Commissions, or Appointments (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=2865) BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Maloney stated in discussion that the appointments will not be staggered and there will be no terms. Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Hartinger to approve Andrea Alstad, John Czerwonka, Kim Foss, Luis Lopes Serrao, and Brent Olson to the Community Life & Public Safety (CLPS) Committee. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES 43. Discussion and/or action on Robert’s Rules of Order (parliamentary procedure) Training, Available Resources, and FAQs (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=3033) Discussion: Gebert addressed the Board stating that there was a Roberts Rules of Order video in the packet that could be viewed. This item is appearing on the agenda because of the approval for the funds that resulted after a tie vote at the Tourism Committee. Pinsonneault stated his concern that the Board all has the same training. Maloney requested that staff arrange for the Board members to all have formal training in Roberts Rules. Zeyghami requested that Attorney Yde be involved with the CVB contract review, and the Board requested that the contract be reviewed by the Tourism Committee. No action. 44. Discussion and/or action on Appointments of Election Registration Officials (EROs) and Additional Election Officials for 2024-2025 Election Cycle (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4120) Motion by Ermeling, second by Hartinger to approve Appointments of Election Registration Officials (EROs) and Additional Election Officials for 2024-2025 Election Cycle. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:3 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve NO Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim NO Weiland, Jamie NO Zeyghami, Hooshang YES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES 45. Discussion and/or action on Green Tree Acres Construction Representative Contract (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4263) Motion by Pinsonneault, second by Cronin to approve the Construction Representative Contract with Vreeland Associates for Green Tree Acres First Phase for the estimated contract range of $31,000 - $33,000. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES 46. Discussion and/or action on Meter Pits Change Order #1 (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4285) Motion by Zeyghami, second by Hartinger to approve Change Order #1 for a project increase of $11,963. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4301) MOTION TO MOVE TO CLOSED SESSION Pursuant to Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(e) deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session wit: • Discuss Fire Department Staffing and Future Plans • Consideration of property purchase in TID #2 as a TID expense CONTINUE IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT to Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g), conferring with legal counsel for the governmental body who is rendering oral or written advise concerning strategy to be adopted by the body with respect to litigation in which it is or is likely to become involved to wit: • Marathon County Case No. 2022-CV-426 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES • Marathon County Case No. 2018-CV-119 • Marathon County Case No. 2024-CF-544 Motion by Hartinger, second by Cronin to move to close session at 7:15 p.m. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES (Present in closed session were Maloney, Cronin, Ermeling, Hartinger, Pinsonneault, Weiland, Zeyghami, Gebert, Brehm, Trautman, Chief Finke, Wodalski, Higgins, Attorney Matt Yde and Attorney Lauren Yde) RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION (on recording https://youtu.be/kE45DrKR1Zc?t=4392) Motion by Ermeling, second by Cronin to reconvene to open session at 8:23 p.m. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES POSSIBLE ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS • Fire Department Staffing and Future Plans Discussion only. • Consideration of property purchase in TID #2 as a TID expense Discussion only. • Marathon County Case No. 2022-CV-426 Discussion only. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  VILLAGE OF WESTON, WISCONSIN OFFICIAL MEETING MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES • Marathon County Case No. 2018-CV-119 Discussion only. • Marathon County Case No. 2024-CF-544 Discussion only. ATTORNEY REFERRALS Weiland requested that the Village obtain a legal opinion from Attorney Matt Yde and have him review the tourism contract and the processes that took place during the meeting (tie vote). STAFF REFERRALS Pinsonneault asked that the Tourism Committee review its current contract with the CVB, that the Town of Weston lease agreement for utilizing our space for meeting be reviewed, that staff obtain a boundary agreement with the Town of Weston, that staff explore opportunity to lease vacant space in the Municipal Center, that we explore having a special meeting fee in our fee schedule. Hartinger expressed his appreciation regarding the old and new equipment for the parks and was grateful for how it was handled. Weiland would like to see in the weekly news and quarterly newsletter a picture of the new park equipment and that we keep the ordinance packet circulating in the weekly news and quarterly newsletter. REMARKS FROM TRUSTEES Ermeling asked about the space in the safety building. REMARKS FROM THE PRESIDENT FUTURE ITEMS Next meeting date(s): - Monday, July 15, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. ADJOURN Motion by Cronin, second by Weiland to adjourn at 8:44 p.m. Yes Vote: 7 No Votes:0 Abstain:0 Not Voting: 0 Result: Pass Trustee Present Cronin, Steve YES Ermeling, Barb YES Hartinger, Jasper YES Maloney, Mark YES Pinsonneault, Jim YES Weiland, Jamie YES Zeyghami, Hooshang YES BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES 06/17/2024 Prepared by: Pamela Brehm, Village Clerk  MEMO To: Village of Weston Board From: Fire Chief Finke Re: Future Funding Needs Date: May 1, 2024 The SAFER Fire District has accomplished exactly what it set out to do. Through municipal coordination, the district has saved communities money with a significant decrease in duplication of services and equipment. Recently, the district has been experiencing increased fiscal needs and as Chief, I felt it was important to share with the Village Boards what these increasing fiscal needs mean for the district. Before getting into what is coming in 2025, and into the future, it is important that we look back at the district’s accomplishments over the past decade. In 2014, the operating budget for the district was just over $1.9 million, by 2024 the operating budget has increased to over $3.3 million. The majority of these funds have been spent on moving part-time employees to full-time positions. During this same period the revenue created by the district has increased from just over $1 million to approximately $1.6 million. Additionally, since 2014, the district has eliminated four pieces of fire apparatus and one ambulance. In September 2023, the district was notified that our firefighters filed for petition to unionize with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). SAFER leadership began labor negotiations in early 2024, and at this point have filed for mediation. The hope is to have a contract in place by summer or fall of 2024. We are anticipating a fiscal impact of approximate $375,000 to the annual budget. This does not take into consideration any other budget increases for 2025. In order, to maintain current staffing levels, the projected increase would be a minimum of $400,000 to the annual budget. In the past we have been able to offset these increases with district generated revenue, but we do not anticipate that being the case in 2025. Since its inception in 2014, the call volume for the district has nearly doubled, we also have significantly more inspection activities and an increased training schedule. The SAFER District works with crew numbers significantly smaller than neighboring departments with similar populations and call volumes. Moving into 2025 and beyond, the municipalities that fund SAFER will need to make some difficult decisions as to how we would like to move forward. As Chief, I believe there is a two-step approach to moving forward. First, the communities need to decide if they wish to and are able to fund the district at these increased levels. Second, if able and willing to fund, the municipalities will need to decide how it procure that additional funding. While limited, there are a couple main approaches to increasing funding if the current levy cannot support the increased fiscal impact. These options are detailed further below. My hope is breaking each of these down will assist the board in developing the best possible path forward while remaining fiscally responsible to the taxpayer and doing our best to serve the community. Option 1- Adjustments in Staffing One option to consider is an adjustment to staffing. Currently, the maximum staffing is eight crew members per day, and our minimum is six. When our staffing is at eight, one of those crew members is a part-time staff member. An option would be to eliminate the eighth position for 2025, this would have an approximate $125,000 savings. Part-time employees would still have opportunity to work when full- time employees are on vacation, ill, or injured. There are also special event opportunities as well as interfacility transport work. This would also likely cut down on overtime costs as it’s anticipated part- time staff picking up the majority of the time off for full-time staff. We would maintain our minimum staffing of six. I will note that our staffing is below average for a department of our size, to make up for this we have several automatic aid agreements with neighboring communities. This would drop the impact from $400,000 to approximately $275,000 which is approximately $187,000 for Weston. If costs would need to be cut further, we would then need to consider eliminating full-time firefighters or we could look into cutting management level employees. If cuts are indeed made, then I would like to look at a plan to get our staffing numbers to where they should be over the next several years. Recent history does include the district making incremental increases each year to remain fiscally responsible. Option 2 – Increase Contract Fees and/or Service Fees In addition to the participating municipalities of the Village of Weston and Rib Mountain, SAFER has a series of contract agreements with municipalities for both EMS and fire service. The SAFER Board approved at their April meeting to increase fire contract fees, plus all the EMS contracts have built in increases every year. While these contract increases assist in raising revenue, together the increases will bring in approximately $18,000 total. The district’s fees for service can also be reviewed and possibly increased, however, the majority of customers are Medicare and Medicaid, and reimbursement amounts are predetermined and limited regardless of service(s) utilized. Increasing these rates would not be a significant source of revenue and would also increase costs to Village residents that utilize our services. Option 3- Fire Fee The third option is the fire fee; this approach is somewhat new and comes with its benefits and drawbacks. Some communities in the southeastern part of the state have already instituted this option. This fee can be added in several different ways; however, this could be looked at as a “new fee” by taxpayers. The main benefit of a fire fee is that it gives us the ability to adjust the fee as needed annually to support fire operations. This would be a separate line on the tax bill and then dollars would come off of the tax levy. A couple of the drawbacks to the fee is that it does not give the taxpayers a voice like a referendum would, and it could result in a significant amount of work for the municipalities and fire district staff. Additionally, a fire fee would require the fire district to split its budget between fire and emergency medical services as the fee can only be used to support fire services. Established fire fees have been done one of two ways, either by the square footage of the structure(s) or by assessed value. One of the concerns of using assessed value is that a structure like a storage facility could have a low assessed value as compared to its risk of a significant fire. If we chose to use square footage then we would need to have the square footage of every building in the district municipalities, which would obviously be incredibly time consuming. The other consideration is that fire fees typically apply to all structures regardless of the tax status. For example, if a fire fee were to be adopted the school district, churches, and multiple other buildings would have an unexpected expense. Some may see that as a positive as then those properties would need to contribute. Option 4- Referendum A referendum is probably considered the most common way of approaching a situation like this. Most communities will ask the taxpayers if they are supportive of increased funds for a specific project. Like the other two options there are advantages and disadvantages to a referendum. The main advantage is the taxpayer provide their input on how their dollars are spent and what level of service they want provided. The main disadvantage is that it could have a negative impact on service level for the district if rejected. If referendum is the preferred path, a significant education campaign should be done to inform the public on exactly what they would be voting on. This work would be done by the firefighters and is a fairly common practice in these situations. There is also the option of running a referendum and if that referendum fails then reconsidering the fire fee. The concern is that we give the voters a voice but then if the answer is no, it would be contradictory to still implement a fee. In researching other municipalities where a failed referendum was followed by a fire fee, we learned it was not well accepted by the community. Understanding the above is a lot of information, the first decision that needs to be made is if the district wants to continue to move forward with our current staffing levels or if we want to pull those levels back for a short time. Over the past decade the district has slowly built itself up to where we are today, with plans to continue that into the future. This would not be the first time the district was forced to cut staffing. In 2018/2019 staffing was cut and wages were frozen during a difficult budget time. If we collectively decide that we want to continue with the current staffing level the municipalities should start a conversation now regarding best funding option(s).