Orion Town Board Meeting
Chairperson Marc Couey called the monthly meeting to order at 5:00pm.
Roll Call – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Don Stanke, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Deputy Treasure McKenzie Couey, and Randy Olson. Absent Treasurer Judy Shadewald. The electors present included John Goodwiller.
Approve the Agenda – Chairperson Marc Couey read the agenda as printed. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried. Supervisor Joe Halverson asked if we should have the question was the notice of the meeting was properly posted, Clerk Diane Parduhn reported it was and that the agenda always includes the date it was posted. Chairperson Marc Couey suggested the addition to the Agenda be reporting proper posting be an item listed on the agenda. The clerk will add verify posting to future agendas.
Roll Call – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Don Stanke, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Deputy Treasure McKenzie Couey, and Randy Olson. Absent Treasurer Judy Shadewald. The electors present included John Goodwiller.
Approval of August Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the August reg meeting. Motion made by Supervisor Joe Halverson to approve the minutes of the August meeting as presented, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Deputy Treasure McKenzie Couey reported that on August 31, 2024, the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account was $125,531.55 per the bank statement. A total of $2,4027.16 in checks issued were outstanding as of August 31, 2024, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $123,024.39. CD was rolled over to a new CD with WCCU. The balance is $45,744.68 and the new date it will mature is 10/03/2025. The dividend rate is 4.67% with an annual percentage yield is 4.75%. Supervisor Joe Halverson asked if the board could receive something in writing at each meeting. The treasurer will prepare a written report going forward.
Clerks Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported:
- Reviewed both July and August Budget sheets including the change to the bill sign off sheet. Marc would like the clerk to review the bridge inspection entry and make sure which column belongs in which category. On the August sheet the final number on Revenue does not match the final number on the check book. This will be corrected for next meeting.
- Presented the draft version of the web page to the board and requested feedback.
Approve Bills – Chairperson Marc Couey read the August bills presented for approval at the September meeting totaling $7559.91, the list was reviewed by supervisors. Upon review of the list, a question was raised regarding how the town will be able to keep the wages paid for Treasurer in the established amount for the year if the Deputy Treasurer will be working more hours over the next four months (tax season). The board is not permitted to make changes to the amount allocated for any elected town office after wage has been established per WI State Statues 60.32 (4). To do our best to meet that requirement, it suggested that we do not pay the Treasurer every month while she is on leave, but rather wait to see if there is any money left at the end of the year after we have paid the Deputy Treasurers wage. A motion was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson, “The wages paid to the Deputy Treasurer shall be paid from the Treasurers salary through the end of the term, then subtract from that amount what the Deputy Treasurers wages were for that period. If there is a balance remaining, a check will be issued to the Treasurer. If there is no amount remaining at the end of the year. If the salary for the Deputy Treasurer exceeds the salary of the Treasurer, the amount exceeding the Treasurers salary will come out of the general budget no check will be issued to the Treasurer.” The motion was seconded by Don Stanke. Motion carried. Motion made by Supervisor Joe Halverson void check #1936, second by Chairperson Marc Couey. Motion carried. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to approve the payment of the bills totaling $7295.91 using checks #1937 – #1943. The second was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried. NOTE: Check #1936 To Judy Shadewald was cancelled and the amount held till the end of the year because of the decision to hold Judy’s check until the end of the year. The clerk will draft a letter to Treasurer Judy Shadewald indicating this change. After reviewed and approved by Chairman Mark Couey the letter will be mailed to the Treasurer.
Roads Report – Road tour is scheduled for September 21st, 2024, at 7:00am. General discussion about roads to decide on. The clerk will review the dollar amounts that should be charged to Randy vs Construction.
Fire Districts –
- Muscoda – No Meeting
- Richland Rural – Joe Halverson provided the report of incidents, update on history and treasurer.
- Richland Ambulance – Joint ambulance is experience change, hiring is going on, new billing not working better, Roof is cancelled.
Other Business –
- Line Fence replacement on corner of Ginger and HWY 60 Discussion/possible action – Mr. John Goodwiller presented maps to indicate where his lot line is. A fence line was changed. Per Chairman Marc Couey, the boards only role is to verify the fence line. After much discussion regarding the land, the board determined they will include checking the fence line as part of their next road trip. Per Chairman, the Chairman will do some work to is try to verify the surveys. This topic will be shown on the next agenda for follow-up.
- Beer permit for Vetesnik 50-year celebration – The clerk reported that she had left a message with the DOR licensing group but has not heard back yet. In reading the regulations it states: For temporary Class B Licenses Municipalities may issue temporary Class “B” (beer) licenses and temporary “Class B” (wine) licenses for the retail sale of alcohol beverages at a picnic or similar gathering of limited duration. Temporary licenses may only be issued to the following qualified organizations:
- Bona fide clubs; State, county, or local fair associations or agricultural societies; Churches, lodges, or societies that have been in existence for at least six months prior to the date of application; Posts of veteran’s organizations; or Chambers of commerce or similar civic or trade organizations organized under ch. 181, Wis. Stats
Because Vetesniks is not one of these groups it does not appear that a temp license can be issued. The clerk will notify Chairman Marc Couey as soon as a response is received. Mark will speak with Vetesnik.
- Signatures for bank account – Signatures on Peoples done. Signatures on WCCU account still needed
- Bug/Rodent Protection–Clerk presented to board two contracts, one from Plunket and one from Rentokil. After discussion the board chose Plunket and Chairman Marc Couey signed the contract.
- Use of building – Determine insurance costs and bring back for more discussion
NEXT MEETING – October 16, 2024
AGENDA ITEMS/INPUT – NONE
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Motion made by Supervisor Don Stanke, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approved by Orion Town Board on