Chairperson Marc Couey called the monthly meeting to order at 5:06pm.
Roll Call – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Supervisor Don Stanke, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Clerk-In-Training Abigail Ewing, Treasure Denise Ewing and Randy Olson. Electors present included Marge Freeman & Bob Beck.
Agenda Properly Noticed – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported that the meeting was properly noticed.
Approve the Agenda – Chairperson Marc Couey read the agenda as printed and asked if there were any changes. Motion to approve the agenda was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson, seconded by Chairperson Marc Couey. Motion carried.
Approval of February Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the February 2026 regular meeting. Chairperson Marc Couey moved to accept the minutes as presented.
Treasurers Report – Treasurer Denise Ewing reported that the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account on February 28, 2026, was $231,140.92 per the bank statement. There were seven (3) outstanding checks as of February 28, 2026, totaling $891.69, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $230,249.23. The interest rate on the checking account went down from 3.050% to 2.690%. The CD at Westby Co-op is $48,124.10. Supervisor Joe Halverson made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Clerks Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported that she will be overseeing the April 7, 2026, Election and that she and Jane Knutson will be completing the Chief Inspector Training as backups. Pre Lat, Public Test scheduled, Absentee ballots sent. Clerk Diane Parduhn reports insurance process is underway and will have soon. Per Dorothy Hackle the Muscoda Fire Department annual rate is $30,495.59, noting they did not see a projected 2% increase as was previously expected. Eagle Township will be working with Shopping News on a website and if training happens Deputy Clerk-In-Training, Abby Ewing will join so she can learn how to update the Town of Orion website. Deputy Clerk-In-Training will be attending a Form CT Training from WTA on March 30th, 2026.
Deputy Clerk-In-Training, Abby Ewing requested a Clerk cell phone. Chairperson Marc Couey asked that she get rates and the Board would discuss it further. A motion was made by Supervisor Don Stanke to approve the clerk’s report, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approve Bills – Chairperson Marc Couey read the March bills presented for approval totaling $19,836.02. Upon review it was determined that a Visa Charge had been listed both on the Visa Bill and as check 2239 for $55.50. Clerk Diane Parduhn also mentioned the Lease payment for the Old Town Hall building land was due for one year of back rent totaling $25 and one current year rent of $25 dollars and asked for approval to pay the amount of $50 to Kelland Farms. Clerk Diane Parduhn will send a letter with the payment informing them that they will officially be returning the leased land to Kelland Farms. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to approve the payment of $50 for the land rent with check #2240. Supervisor Don Stanke seconded. Motion carried. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to void Check #2239 of $55.50. Leaving the total bills approved for payment, as adjusted totaling $19,830.52 for March using checks #2228 – 2240. Supervisor Don Stanke seconded. Motion carried.
Roads Report – Randy Olson said it’s time to advertise bids for next year. Road Tour scheduled for April 4, 2026, at 7:00am. Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Don Stanke, Supervisor Joe Halverson and Randy Olson will perform and meet back at the Orion Town Hall to discuss. Notice will be posted.
Fire Districts –
- Muscoda – Chairperson Marc Couey reported first meeting of 2026 was on March 19.
- Richland Rural – Supervisor Joe Halverson reported that he attended the fire meeting in March. He shared the monthly report.
- Richland Ambulance – Supervisor Don Stanke reported he will attend the March 24 meeting at 6:00pm.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Galen Bremmer – Did not attend. Clerk Diane Parrduhn presented that he has been taxed for Productive Forest for 2.6 acres of his property. The Board indicated that Mr. Bremmer must contact the Assessor.
2. Old Town Hall –
- Status of Demolition. Randy Olson stated DNR has 10 days to come look at the asbestos removal in the old Town Hall building. After 10 days, Randy Olson can commence demolition. Randy Olson will remove the Safe.
- Town Hall Contract. Clerk Diane Parduhn will send a letter with the check terminating the lease.
3. Bids for this year– Randy Olson said to send out ads for bids for seal coating, gravel and mowing. Add spray patch and regular bid for gravel, limestone chips and granite chips. Clerk Diane Parduhn will run the ads for 2 weeks in the Shopping News.
4. Annual Meeting – Items for the Annual Meeting Agenda included:
1. Process of the tax levy- Special meeting needed to discuss Tax Levy Resolution. Meeting scheduled for April 4, 2026, at Orion Town Hall at 9am.
2. Review last year’s budget and this year’s budget.
3. Trash collection vote.
4. Proposal for Treasurer position to be appointed instead of Elected.
Supervisor Joe Halverson made a motion to have the annual potluck before both meetings, instead of in-between. Don Stanke seconded. Motion carried. Potluck April 15, 2026 at 5:00pm, followed by a Regular Board Meeting beginning at 5:30, and the Annual Meeting immediately following the Reg Board Meeting.
5. 5G for Town of Orion – Clerk Diane Parduhn signed and sent in approval.
6. Review roadmap for sale of land on Hwy 60 – The agreement was signed by Chairperson Marc Couey and sent to DOT. The map shows the land that is sold to DOT.
NEXT MEETING – April 15, 2026, at 5:30PM
ANNUAL MEETING – April 15, 2026, directly following Regular Meeting.
AGENDA ITEMS/INPUT
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Motion made by Supervisor Don Stanke, second made by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried at 6:46pm.