Chairperson Marc Couey called the monthly meeting to order at 5:00pm.
Roll Call – Chairperson Marc Couey, Supervisor Joe Halverson, Supervisor Don Stanke, Clerk Diane Parduhn, Treasure Denise Ewing and Randy Olson. Electors present included James & Hanna Goodwiler and Dan Hanson.
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 then requested the order be changed to allow the Goodwilers to present their request for aa variance to be addressed. Motion to approve the agenda as adjusted by the Chairperson was made by Supervisor Don Stanke, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Approval of January Minutes – Chairperson Marc Couey asked if there were any changes or additions to the minutes for the January 2026 regular meeting. Chairperson Marc Couey made a motion to accept the minutes as presented; motion received a second by Supervisor Don Stanke. Motion carried.
Treasurers Report – Treasurer Denise Ewing reported that the balance in the Town of Orion Checking account on January 31, 2026, was $653,321.57 per the bank statement. There were seven (7) outstanding checks as of January 31, 2026, totaling $20,4785.79, making the actual balance in the Town of Orion Checking account $632,842.78. The CD at Westby Co-op is $48,124.10. Supervisor Don Stanke made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Clerks Report – Clerk Diane Parduhn shared dates Accurate Appraisal suggested for Open Book and Board of Review (BOR) meetings. Open Book will be scheduled for August 6th, 2026, from 2-6. Appointments will be made for internet or via phone, no “live meetings” will be held unless by special request. BOR will be held on September 2,2026 from 4pm – 6pm. The Orion town hall can be available to any resident who does not have internet access or phone access. The furnace in the old Town Hall has been sold for $200.00. Clerk reported she had been contacted by five people interested in the position of clerk, but two of the people had not responded to repeated attempts to contact them with information about the position. The board determined to meet Saturday to interview all three candidates and asked the clerk to schedule 3 appointments, one each at 8am, 9am, and 10 am. The meeting must be posted, and the board will go into closed session for interviews. 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 February bills presented for approval totaling $578,133.79. Supervisor Don Stanke made a motion to approve the payment of the bills totaling $578,133.79 using checks #2203 – 2224, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Roads Report – Randy reported he will adjust weight limits on the town roads in about a week. The board will have a road trip after the annual meeting.
Fire Districts –
- Muscoda – No meeting. The clerk reported no contract has been received yet from Muscoda. Chair suggested the clerk continue to call the fire dept.
- Richland Rural – Supervisor Joe Halverson reported that he did not attend the fire meeting in January but was at the February meeting. He shared the monthly report.
- Richland Ambulance – Supervisor Don Stanke reported the discussion was how to pay for ambulance service in the future.
OTHER BUSINESS:
James Goodwiler – Mr. Goodwiler presented a copy of his lot map which showed his planned house addition and the property line that requires a variance to allow him to complete the addition. It was noted that the parcel in question was currently owned by Dan Hanson who is in the process of transferring the property to James and Hannah Goodwiler. A motion was made by Supervisor Don Stanke to approve a variance for the addition to the property located at 22521 Thiede Road to James Goodwiler provided the addition is approved by Richland zoning and meets all their requirements, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried. The clerk provided the family with the Notice of Action in the name of Daniel Hanson as he is current owner of land.
Old Town Hall –
- The board reviewed all bids received for Asbestos Abatement and selected Dirty Ducts as the company to do the abatement. The Clerk will contact them and get a date for removal to be coordinated with Randy Olson who will take care of the demolition. A motion was made by Supervisor Don Stanke to hire Dirty Ducts for asbestos review, but no window replacement. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
Theresa Redman – Theresa has requested an increase in her salary of $25/month. Chairman Marc Couey abstained from voting or speaking to this issue. Supervisor Don Stanke made a motion to approve the increase cost for monthly cleaning services to $125, seconded by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.
NEXT MEETING – Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 5:00PM
AGENDA ITEMS/INPUT – Tax Levy for services, Republic trash removal services
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Motion made by Supervisor Don Stanke, second made by Supervisor Joe Halverson. Motion carried.