Chairperson Marc Couey called the monthly meeting to order at 5:00pm, May 21, 2025.
Roll Call/ Introduction of 2025 – 2027 Board Members – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Don Stanke, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Treasure Denise Ewing, and Randy Olson.
Agenda Properly Noticed – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported that the meeting was properly noticed 05/21/2025.
Approve the Agenda – Chairperson Marc Couey read the agenda as printed. A motion to approve the agenda was made by Supervisor Don Stanke, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approval of April Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the April reg meeting. Hearing none, Chairperson Marc Couey approved the minutes as presented.
Treasurers Report – Treasurer Denise Ewing reported that the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account on April 30, 2025, was $248007.95 per the bank statement. A total of $18,124.84 for six checks issued were outstanding as of April 30, 2025, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $229,833.11. The CD at Westby Co-op is $46,810.18. Supervisor Joe Halverson made a motion to approve the Treasurers report as presented, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion Carried.
Clerks Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported:
The Deputy Clerk has been hired and is currently working on the remaining file system. Thanks to Joe, the form CT has been completed and submitted timely. Forms for the Peoples State Bank adding Denise as the treasurer so she can sign checks and access bank information. A letter regarding the bridge inspections from Richland County was shared with the board members. A reminder of the BOR meeting to be held on June 4, 2025, at 4:00 pm was provided for the board. Finally, the clerk asked about Fire meetings so that she could complete the per diems for the June checks.
Approve Bills – Chairperson Marc Couey read the May bills presented for approval totaling $17,041.53 and noting that the EFT payment for first quarter SS and Med tax was made on April 29th in the amount of $634.49. Supervisor Joe Halverson made a motion to approve the payment of the bills totaling $17,041.53 using checks #2066 – #2082, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Roads Report – A brief discussion was had about the Cemetery signs which Randy reported are now placed at each cemetery. There was discussion regarding the fencing at the Indian Creek Cemetery. Chair Marc Couey mentioned that he had received comments about the Mayfield Cemetery and Indian Creek and how good they looked. General discussions around road work to happen. Randy will find out more about who is doing paving on County O and see what can be done to reduce the town’s expense for paving the church road.
Fire Districts –
- Muscoda – Marc Couey reported the fire dept is buying a new fire engine, which will be expensive, but they have saved money over the years to put towards the cost of the new engine.
- Richland Rural – Supervisor Halverson reported on fire in Town of Orion, and the emissions light keeps coming on in one truck. He also mentioned that they are discussing why the Towns must collect fire money and not the fire department.
- Richland Ambulance – Nothing new
Other Business
Dean Willis – Permit for Deck – The clerk reported that Mr. Willis got the permit issue taken care of at the County and did not need to attend the meeting or request any approval from the Board.
Process for requesting chickens on property – The Clerk was contacted by someone wanting to know if they can have chickens on their property and she would like the board to tell her what requirements the board would set. The board does not wish to set a formal process at this time, however the clerk can inform anyone inquiring about chickens to check with their neighbors for objections, and if the chicken coup is large enough, they may need to check with zoning.
Old Town Hall – Chair Marc Couey said the Kellers have said they are not interested in the building, so we must remove it. The board instructed the clerk to publish a notice for two weeks listing the building for sale to the highest bidder. The winning bidder will be selected during the Town Board meeting to be held on June 18th. The clerk was also instructed to turn off the power to the old Town Hall and to have the LP tank emptied.
NEXT REG MEETING – Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 5:00
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