Chairperson Marc Couey called the annual meeting to order at 7:05pm.
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. Electors & guests included Bob Beck, Sonia Beck, Joe Payne, Jan Hirschy, Bob Hirschy, Ron Ewing, Jim Jefferies, Jane Jefferies, Susan Carr, and Jim Singleton, Mike Parduhn.
Agenda Properly Noticed – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported that the meeting was properly noticed 04/15/2025.
Approve the Agenda – Chairperson Marc Couey read the agenda as printed. A motion to approve the agenda was made by elector Jim Jefferies, seconded by elector Bob Beck. Motion carried.
Approval of April 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the March 2025 reg meeting. Hearing none, Chairperson Marc Couey called for a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Motion made by elector Randy Olson, and seconded by elector Bob Beck. Motion carried.
2025 Financial Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn presented the financial reports including the 2023 ending budget, the 2024 beginning and ending budget, and the 2025 Proposed budget. It was noted that the new budget forms reflect the categories used for the final Department of Revenue report (Form CT) at the end of the year. The projected 2025 budget indicates total revenues of $294,943.00 and total expenses of $294,943.00.
Set Next Annual Meeting – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported the third Wednesday in April of 2026 will fall on April 15, 2026. A motion was made by elector Jan Hirschy, seconded by elector Bob Hirschy. Motion Carried.
Reminder of Open Book and BOR – The clerk identified the meeting dates for the upcoming Open Book Meeting which is May 14, 2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm, and the Board of Review meeting which will be held on June 4,2025, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm.
PUBLIC INPUT/ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
- OLD TOWN HALL STATUS
- STATUS OF CLEAN OUT – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported that with the help of the Board members and some electors the papers in the building have been sorted and a list sent to the State Historical Society. The books from assessment need to be offered to the DOR and as soon as we receive feedback from them, we can remove the remaining items in the old building. The papers were pretty much not salvageable as they were moldy and filled with animal feces, though the State Historical Society took a few posters, some old election result papers, and a ballot box.
- DISPOSITION OF BUILDING / UTILITIES – Chairman Marc Couey reported that once all the paperwork is completed, we will decide what should be done with the building. Utilities should remain connected until a final decision is made.
- CEMETERIES – Chairman Marc Couey told electors that the board has been working on cleaning up the cemeteries in the Town of Orion. We have cleared out brush and other debris from them and will be getting a new fence for Indian Creek. The town has also purchased signs to call out each of the cemeteries, making them easier to locate. Many electors commented on how nice it was to see the cemeteries being cl-eaned up.
- BUDGET – The budget was shared pointing out that the form has changed from what electors are used to seeing, the form was updated to reflect the budget categories use on the form CT, Department of Revenue’s annual financial statement.
- PARKING LOT USAGE – Chairman Marc Couey explained that we have received some requests to use the town hall for parking when someone has an event. Our neighbors on Thiede road will be having a wedding in October and have asked to use the parking lot for their guests. After some discussion, a motion was made by elector Tom Argall that the board develop a no liability and use waiver to be signed by the person requesting use of the parking lot, holding the person signing the document responsible for damage caused during the use of the parking lot, motion seconded by Jane Jefferies. Motion carried.
- BUILDING USAGE – Elector Susan Stull Carr presented her thoughts on making the town hall available to the residents of the town of Orion to help build a sense of community and perhaps to raise funds to be used for the town hall and provide a gathering place for residents. Some suggested uses included a monthly gathering of town residents that would provide coffee and conversation, a reading club, a puzzle group, a craft show and many others. Her question to the group was, would this be something of interest for the town and could the building be used for such things. It was acknowledged that there would need to be some sort of security deposit that could be returned if the building was taken care of. It was also shared that it should be a building for the Town of Orion residents only. The idea was supported by all who spoke, and when there is an event that someone wants to hold, they need to bring it to the board for approval. This was supported by the board members.
- LOTS/PROPERTY BEING USED FOR TRASH DEPOSITS – Tom Argall reported that there is a problem in unincorporated village of Orion. There are currently 21 unlicensed vehicles in Orion, and several lots with garbage such as old furniture, tires (as many as 32 dumped on one lot), and other trash just sitting in people’s lots with no one being held responsible to clean up. He also mentioned that the speed limit through Orion is just too fast, it should be 35. Is there anything that can be done to clean these things up. There were questions regarding any in place ordinances and how to enforce any ordinance in place today or in the future. There was also a discussion about a potential trash collection day in the Town of Orion to help people who could not get their trash to the dump in Richland Center. Chairman Marc Couey will attempt to have a conversation with the owner of one of the identified properties and he will have a conversation with the County about what can be done with their help. The town board will work on this issue.
- APPROVAL OF TAX LEVI – Chairman Marc Couey asked the Electors if they would approve the board setting the tax levy for 2026. Elector Jim Jeffries made a motion to allow the board to set the tax levi for 2026, seconded by Susan Carr. Motion Carried.
NEXT ANNUAL MEETING – April 15, 2026
AGENDA ITEMS/INPUT – None
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Motion made by Supervisor Joe Halverson, seconded by elector Jim Jeffries. Motion carried.
Approved by Orion Town Board