Granton Village Board Discusses Semi Heights in the Village

Monday, September 13th, 2021 -- 10:00 AM

The Granton Village Board discussed the height of semis coming through the Village.

According to the unofficial minutes from the meeting, a resident requested the Village limit the height of semi’s allowed to drive in town. This resident reported multiple instances where a semi hit the internet cable running across the road to the resident’s house.

The internet company repaired the line twice but told the resident if it happened again the resident would be charged to repair it. The internet company further suggested the resident reach out to the Village and request height limit signs be added to prevent future incidents. The internet company raised the lines substantially during the last repair.

The board believes the height will be sufficient to allow semi traffic but also noted that restricting semi delivery so internet service can be run across the road to a resident’s home is not an option and the problem should be resolved by the company providing internet service.

The Board also discussed the budget and 2022 project list. Budget items for 2022 include a root cutter with an estimated cost of $1,000, grant writing in the amount of $20,000, 4wd extended cab pick up truck to replace the Ford F-150 for approximately $30,000, resurface the tennis and basketball court with cost to be determined, and update playground equipment.

The Board also discussed residential sewer line installation fees. The Board discussed the costs incurred by the Village to add a resident to the sewer line. The board agreed the cost was minimal and no charges would be assessed.

The Board also discussed replacing the 2002 Ford F-150 and how to dispose of it. The frame on the Ford F-150 split in half and cannot be repaired. They received two quotes for truck replacement. A Chevy Colorodo 4wd with extended cab is $28,353, the 1⁄2 ton is $29,559.

It was asked if the Village should consider a used truck. The cost of a used truck, that is a couple of years old, is more expensive than the government rate for a new Truck. They will get quotes from 2 more dealers and the board will review at the next meeting.

The Board also planned on discussing the road project with the engineers. However, the engineers were not available for the meeting. This was concerning. The engineers e-mailed two proposals for the Romadka-County K intersection and would be available by phone if there were questions.

Noted with both options was concerns for semi’s making the corner. The estimated cost for grant applications was $6,500 and project costs increased substantially.

The Board also discussed water billing with a resident. This is the 2nd request made from this resident to address the Board. The resident did not attend the meeting.

It was noted this resident struggles to pay the utility bill despite assistance from local charities, payment plans and due date changes at the resident’s request.

Billing issues, from renters, are turned over to the owner for collection, but, in this case, the renter has been adamant and threatening that this should not be done. Every courtesy has been extended over the pass two years.

The Board advised the owner will be contacted and billed for this utility going forward. It was also noted that the Village mowed the lawn and the charge is $70. The Board advised this bill will also be sent to the owner.

The Board also heard the President’s Report. He reported the fire dept decided on the poly tank with Steel bed. This will be paid for with general funds. The Board also heard the Library Update. The library continues to follow CDC guidelines for mask requirements.

The Board heard the Waste Water Report. Discharging was completed after 2 weeks and will begin again in November. A new culvert was ordered to replace the culvert by Mark Hiles property.

The County does not provide culvert assistance for residential culverts and advised that most Townships charge residents for this type of replacement. The Board discussed who should be charged for this culvert.

The Village purchased a new zero turn mower to replace the broken one for $11,700 from Tractor Central. The Lang and Power Pact quotes were more expensive. They started filling pot holes in town, put solar lights on the flag, and prepped park and campground for Fall Fest.

They also did a burial, duct repairs were completed in Well 5, and the sink was replaced in the girls bathroom. The Board also heard the Water Report. Monthly reports are complete, they organized old files, and continued studying for certifications.

They are also prepping for Fall Fest and tournaments and completed storm clean up. The Board also heard the Clerk’s Update. She completed the DNR Recycling grant application and contacted the Neillsville Police Department and spoke to Chief Jim Mankowski.

He arranged for 2 police officers for Fall Fest at $35 per hour, per policeman. They covered 8pm-12:30am Friday and Saturday night and the Parade on Sunday. The Board approved the Clerk to a sign contract earlier in the month and was presented at the Board Meeting for review.

She contacted Advanced Disposal and ordered dumpsters and carts for Fall Fest. The Board approved the Clerk to sign a contract earlier in the month and was presented at the Board Meeting for review. She tried to registered the Triumphant Deed and was told the deed is not complete.

She spoke to the Lawyer Norman Saracoff and forwarded the original document for his review. Norman signed the document and the Clerk will try again. Mike Parrott advised he met with the owner of 207 Oak for an inspection.

After review, he will recommend the home be razed. His report will be available for the next board meeting. 320 Elm St. applied for a building permit for a deck, they received a 200 donation from Listeman for Christmas Lighting and a thank you note was sent.

A ribbon cutting for the new Community Store at 107 W. 2 nd will be on Sept 11th at 11:00am. The Board also heard the Treasurer’s Report. The Deposit and Expense report was presented.

The Checking balance is $172,149.19. This includes shared revenue in the amount of $28,007, the Fund Balance is $541,978.53, the Cemetery CD is $16,927.29, the CDBG balance is $32,215.70, and the Library balance is $32,710.48.

The Board also reviewed the Property Value Complaint letter. The complaint was noted but no action will be taken since the resident has no interest in discussing or following rules to make an official complaint. The Town of Grant sent a contract for the care of Romadka Road.

This one mile stretch of road is shared between the Town of Grant and the Village with each entity responsible for 1⁄2 mile. The Town of Grant grades, plows, sands and cuts the brush on this road when needed.

The cost charged to the Village increased over the pass 6 years from $600 to $1,750 per year making the road care cost per mile $3,500 per year. The Board met with the Town of Grant previously regarding these charges and it was not negotiable. The Board signed the contract.

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