By Mary Ann Inman

Reporter

CLINTON – Clinton Village President Connie Tracy called the Village Board meeting to order on Monday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. Board Trustees present were: Ron Torkilson, Art Bushue, Jeanette Troha, and Dina Knibbs. Dennis Nielson and Brian Jacobs were absent. Treasurer/Clerk Pam Franseen was present.

Police Chief Dave Hooker, Library Director Mary Bieber, and Jon Ehlers, a representative from Ehlers Financial Management, was present. Police Officer Rick Sears and his family were present.

DPW Director Roger Johnson was absent because he was attending a Forestry Conference with Wayne Heglund. Later, Art Bushue reported that Forestry and the DPW Department are planning to combine Forestry with DPW. It will take about two years to transition.

President Tracy read a thank you card from the Arlene Schultz Coats family signed by Ron and Deb Torkilson. There were no citizen concerns or chamber report.

Jon Cameron presented one of four planned workshops regarding the Village’s Financial Planning. The topic of the first session was existing debt, utilities from 2016 through 2020 CIP, water/sewer analysis, and to establish topics and dates for follow next workshop.

General debt is at $1,070,000. Cameron suggested borrowing in 2017 and again in 2020 for the backhoe purchase, pump/well station and road repairs, therefore projected debt by 2020 would be $1,560,999.

The borrowing in 2017 would be short-term and low interest. TIF funding could be used to pay off borrowing if that is the route the Village Board wants to go.

It was suggested that the Village would apply for State funding through Clean & Safe Water Act at the end of the year or delay until 2017. The interim financing would take advantage of low interest borrowing.

Cameron suggested that water user rates could be increased in 2017 to help provide sufficient cash flow. The increase would average $47 annually or about $4 per month. A lesser increase at 3 percent would happen again in 2019. In 2021, the water usage fee would increase $54 annually or $4.50 per month. Thereafter, increases at 3 percent on odd numbered years would level out user fees/cash flow.

Water usage fees on the average residential property are projected to increase from the current rate of $395 annually to $455 in year of 2020. Sewer rates are projected to remain unchanged through year of 2020.

The next financial workshop will take place at the next regular meeting. The topics will include a recap of the first session, review of key financial indicators, and TID analysis.

Committee reports included: Public Safety – policy/procedures manual completed with the exception of a few minor changes. Police Chief Hooker will publish hard copies for officers and make a hard copy available for public viewing. It is over 120 pages.

Public Works – on line auction sales were more than expected for the 1997 Chevy truck $5,204.95, 1986 Caterpillar backhoe $9,175, 2016 Ford truck bed, $2,700 and a Continental Motors 6-cylinder motor $770. The total $17,899.95 will be added to the general fund.

Emergency Management – a full size exercise is being planned. The recent incident at the high school turned out to be a gun look alike. Chief Hooker credited Interim Administrator Milton Thompson with excellent handling of the press release adding Thompson’s experience in larger district was very helpful. Fire Chief John Rindfleisch will be involved in the exercise partnership with the school district.

Village official reports: Pam Franseen reported getting ready for the election and that people were asking about the lack of village email messages.

Police Chief Hooker reported Space Saver lockers had been installed for officers and they were provided with keys. Back up keys are available if the need arises for access. River of Life Methodist Church has donated $1,000 to the police department in appreciation of their generosity at the Fall Festival.

Chief Hooker introduced Rick Sears as a new part-time officer with a background as an officer in Beloit with Chaplin experience. Officer Sears introduced himself and talked briefly about his plans to meet with church ministers.

Library Director Mary Bieber talked a reception to honor donors and volunteers sponsored by Clinton Public Library Foundation held on Saturday, Feb. 13, held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Bieber pointed out the hearts posted on the room walls stating why they donated time and money to the library. She passed around a group photo that was taken at the event. She also thanked the helpers who were working on the storage closet painted walls, drop ceiling and shelving.

Expenditures were approved for $1,536.48 to cover 11 village employees Group Voluntary Accident Insurance coverage.

The library board requested $237.50 (half of the total library deep cleaning bill). Pam Franseen noted there wasn’t a contingency fund. Jeanette Troha suggested that the money will come from the general fund and the board agreed and approved the request.

Discussion on the Donohue Agreement followed. Jeanette Troha called Roger Johnson and asked him if he was satisfied with the agreement and he concurred. The board approved the action. The amended agreement included an additional $59,700 bringing the total to $203,450.

A liquor operator’s license was approved for L. Striepling/Clinton Foods followed by accepted checks and invoices as presented by Ron Torkilson. The meeting adjourned and went into closed session.

Closed session results: President Tracy announced that Andrea Jacobs would be hired as a Customer Service Clerk at $9 per hour. She is working part-time weekdays.

An announcement followed appointing Police Chief Dave Hooker as Acting Village Administrator. The appointment is in addition to existing Police Chief duties. Compensation will remain as is. Hooker accepted and welcomed the appointment.