Chairperson Marc Couey called the monthly meeting to order at 5:00pm.
Roll Call/ Introduction of 2025 – 2027 Board Members – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Don Stanke, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Treasurer Denise Ewing, and Randy Olson. Electors & guests included Bob Beck, Sonia Beck, Joe Payne, Tyler Babb, Amy Babb, Jan Hirschy, Ron Ewing, Jim Jefferies, Jane Jefferies, Susan Carr, and Jim Singleton.
All newly re-elected board members introduced themselves and stated the office to which they were elected. The Clerk introduced Denise Ewing as the newly elected Town of Orion Treasurer. All elected officers of the board, Marc Couey – Chairman, Joe Halverson – Supervisor, Don Stanke – Supervisor, and Denise Ewing – Treasurer, took their oath of office.
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 Supervisor Don Stanke, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approval of March 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 Supervisor Joe Halverson, and seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Treasurer Denise Ewing reported that the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account on March 31, 2025, was $225,772.82 per the bank statement. A total of $17,072.75 for twelve checks issued were outstanding as of February 28, 2025, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $208,700.07. 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 clerk reported that former Treasurer Judy Shadewald is doing well and would enjoy cards or phone calls. For correct address and phone number, contact the clerk. The clerk also mentioned that Deputy Treasurer McKensie Couey was no longer working for the Town of Orion. On behalf of the board, Diane thanked both Judy and McKensie for their service and asked that all the people present sign the thank you cards on the back table, acknowledging Judy’s 48 years of service and thanking McKensie for stepping in when we so desperately needed help to cover the office of treasurer. The clerk also identified the meeting dates for the upcoming Open Book Meeting, and the Board of Review meeting, May 14, 2025, and June 4,2025, respectively.
Approve Bills – Chairperson Marc Couey read the April bills presented for approval totaling $5,624.29. Supervisor Joe Halverson made a motion to approve the payment of the bills totaling $5,624.29 using checks #2052 – #2065, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Roads Report – No Report
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 did not attend the meeting.
- Richland Ambulance – No meeting for two weeks yet.
Other Business – Approval of Bids
Mowing Bids were received from the following:
- Joe Halverson – $5 for the small Oakridge Cemetery and $125 for each of the other cemeteries
- Babb Lawn Care – Individual bids for each cemetery were provided, along with a total bid for all 6 cemeteries @ $435 including a 5% discount for package
- Swenson Services – Individual bids for each cemetery were provided, along with a total bid for all 6 cemeteries $555
- Bob Beck – $100/cutting for each of the 5 larger cemeteries, Wegner RD and Oak Ridge RD smaller cemeteries for free. Price includes trimming headstones, trees, fence lines, stick clean-up and mowing all grass. Additional $20/hour for other maintenance including tree cutting, shrub removal, fence clearing, tree trimming, etc.
The board discussed each bid. A motion was made by supervisor Don Stanke to approve the bid from Babb Lawn Care for the 2025 mowing season, seconded by Chair Marc Couey. Joe Halverson abstained from voting.
Seal Coat bids were received from the following:
Scott Construction – Motion was made by Supervisor Don Stanke to approve Scott sealcoat at $19,390 for 20 feet wide single seal and $40,280 for double seal, with the Town of Orion providing the chips, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson.
Gravel Bids were received from the following:
Milestone – Delivered rate of $11.65/ton for dense graded base, and $15.00/ton for washed chips.
Bindl Bauer Limestone of Spring Green – $10.85/ton for gravel and breaker delivered, and $18.25/yard picked up at quarry. The board discussed both bids. Motion was made by Supervisor Don Stanke to approve the bid from Bindl Bauer, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
NEXT REG MEETING – Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 5:00
ANNUAL MEETING – April 16, 2025, following Potluck at approximately 7:05
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 May 21, 2025