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. Electors present included Bob Beck.
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.
Approval of July Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the July 17 meeting. Minutes for the Special Meeting held on July 31, 2024, were also reviewed. Supervisor Joe Halverson would like to add the minutes should reflect that Chairman Marc Couey did not participate in the “discussion” or the vote as it relates to hiring or wages of the Deputy Treasurer. The clerk will add that to the official copy of the meeting record. Motion made by Chairperson Marc Couey to approve the minutes of the July 17, 2024, meeting and the July 31st Special meeting with the addition to the July 31st meeting minutes in the last sentence of Item 2 under Special Business that Chairman Marc Couey did not participate in the “discussion”, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Deputy Treasure McKenzie Couey reported that on July 31, 2024, the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account was $209,093.30 per the bank statement. A total of $40,207.38 in checks issued were outstanding as of July 31, 2024, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $168,885.92. CD balance is $44,360.85, will renew on August 24, 2024.
Clerks Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn reported:
- Election Day – review of election day process
- Review of Expense and Revenues report – reviewed the report, clerk needs to correct some issues
- Web site progress – should have something to look at for next meeting
- RDA – has been returned, Clerk will begin to work on process for dealing with files in old town hall.
- WTA Training – Clerk requested approval to attend WTA Training. Chairman Marc Couey made a motion to approve WTA Training for Clerk Diane Parduhn at the Barneveld location on September 17, 2018, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion Carried.
Approve Bills – Chairperson Marc Couey read the bills presented for approval at the August meeting totaling $47,558.20, the list was reviewed by supervisors. Upon review of list, discussion was had regarding the source of funding for the Deputy Treasurers check. A motion was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson that stating, “The wages paid to the Deputy Treasurer shall be paid from the Treasurers salary. 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 and no check will be issued to the Treasurer.” The motion was seconded by Don Stanke. Motion carried. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to approve the payment of the bills totaling $47,558.20 using checks #1918 – #1935. The second was made by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried. NOTE: Check #1917 was cancelled and re-written on check #1935 because of change in payment to 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 reported they are in the process of an assessment of building. The Fire Chief is appointing a Deputy to take Judy’s place during her absence.
- Richland Ambulance – They have decided to table the roofing project. They are looking at a new command vehicle.
Other Business –
- Aaron Halverson, rezone Ag Res to Commercial 4, parcels – Supervisor Don Stanke made a motion to approve the request from Aaron Halverson to rezone 4 parcels from AG Res to Commercial, seconded by Chairperson Marc Couey. Motion carried Note: Supervisor Joe Halverson abstained from commenting or voting.
- State Dept Collection ap – Approve and sign – General discussion regarding the town using the State Dept Collection department for collecting unpaid debts such as fire calls. Supervisor Don Stanke made a motion to proceed with the Application, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried. Chairperson Marc Couey signed the application. The Clerk will submit the application and report back.
- WTA Attorney Discussion – New Deputy Treasurer – Clerk Diane Parduhn shared a phone call she received from the WTA attorney regarding the Treasurers position. He confirmed we are moving according to the requirements as interpreted by WTA.
- County Contract for Elections – Need to approve & Sign Contract – Clerk Diane Parduhn presented copies of the contract with the County for Elections and recommends we continue with that agreement. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to approve the Election contract with Richland County, seconded by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion Carried.
NEXT MEETING – September 18, 2024
Chairperson Marc Couey requested that Public Comment / Input be added back on the agenda. Clerk will add to next agenda.
Motion to adjourn made by Supervisor Don Stanke, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approved by Orion Town Board on