3.31.25 SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE
Special Board Meeting
Monday, March 31, 2025 6:00 P.M.
Orfordville Village Hall
Main Board Room
CALL TO ORDER
President Dennis Burtness called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present were President Burtness, David Olsen, Beth Schmidt, Nikki Tuffree, and Terry Gerber. Also present were Zach and Sarah Knutson, Chief Jeremiah Burdick and Clerk Waege. Residents present that participated in the meeting were Dianne Myhre, Frank Tilleson, Terry Fletcher, Glenda McCracken, Roger Dean, and Jerry Knutson. Absent were Cami Myers-Alstat and Terry Morris.
AGENDA VERIFICATION
Clerk Waege verified that on March 28, 2025, copies of the agenda were delivered to the President and Trustees; and posted at the Village Hall, Library, and the Post Office. There were no additions made to the agenda.
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE FINAL PLAT FOR RIME RIDGE SUBDIVISION.
Zach Knutson were present on behalf of Next Generation Construction for the Rime Ridge Subdivision.
Dianne Myhre of 408 N. Pine Street was present and asked what the arches on the map represented on the rear of her property. Knutson explained that they are used to point out descriptions on the adjoining lots and do not affect the lots on N. Pine Street.
Nikki Tuffree asked if there was curb and gutter in the subdivision. Knutson explained that there will be.
Tuffree asked if Outlot 2 was for the location of the retention pond. Knutson explained that that will be the location of the retention pond.
Tuffree asked for clarification on DNR approval. Knutson explained that the DNR has approved the retention pond specifications and the Village Engineer has also reviewed the plat and given approval.
Frank Tilleson of 212 E. Rime Street was present and asked if the size of the retention pond was final. Knutson explained that it is final as it is based on the requirements for the needs of the subdivision.
Tilleson explained that the addition of Countryview Estates was a big adjustment for traffic and speeding on E. Rime Street. Tilleson asked if it was possible to have an additional access to the subdivision using Old Highway 11. Knutson explained that the two accesses to the subdivision should allow for an even disbursement of the traffic. President Burtness asked if the stop signs on E. Rime Street have helped with traffic. Tilleson explained that it has helped a little and added that the police department could patrol the area after dark.
Terry Fletcher of 503 E. Howe Street was concerned that it may be a traffic issue for emergency vehicles if there is an issue at the intersection of E. Howe and Rime Court. President Burtness explained that there is a paved easement that could be used in the event of an emergency.
Glenda McCracken of 214 E. Rime Street was present and explained that the muffler noise the previous evening and the speeding on E. Rime Street is a concern for additional kids in the area. Chief Burdick was present and explained that they can increase patrol in that area. McCracken asked if we had enough police officers on staff for this many new homes. Tuffree asked Chief Burdick how many additional police calls have responded to with the addition of the Mill Valley Subdivision. Chief Burdick explained that they have had one medical call in the subdivision.
McCracken was concerned that there would be two story homes in the new subdivision which would not match the existing homes on E. Rime Street. Schmidt explained that we cannot control the style of homes that the builder chooses to build. Schmidt further explained that the Village has an established working relationship with the developer who has built quality homes in the Village. Schmidt added that two exits to the subdivision are sufficient and that the new subdivision will help our schools by bringing additional families to the village.
McCracken requested additional stop signs and speed bumps in the road to assist with traffic on E. Rime Street. Chief Burdick explained that he spoke with McCracken two weeks ago regarding her traffic concerns and is happy to provide additional traffic enforcement if there is a problem.
McCracken asked about the weeds in the curbs on E. Rime Street. President Burtness explained that that is a Public Works issue and that they Public Works Department no longer sprays the curblines in the entire village due to the cost of the spray. McCracken asked about mowing around the guidewires on the existing power pole across the street from her home. President Burtness explained that it is private property across the street from McCracken, and added that the Village does mow the strip of land along the curb. McCracken felt that the Village could do a better job to make it look nicer.
Schmidt explained that those issues have nothing to do with the Rime Ridge Subdivision and invited McCracken to attend a Public Works Committee meeting which would be the proper place for her Public Works concerns.
McCracken explained that the exit onto E. Rime Street will shine lights on her home when they turn onto E. Rime Street. Tuffree explained that she has the same issues as she too is located at an intersection. Tuffree explained that curtains will assist if it is an issue for her. McCracken explained that she feels the existing subdivision is getting ignored in favor of a new one.
Tilleson reminded the board that the village was left with the cost of final paving of black top in a portion of Countryview Estates due to the Developers leaving town. Knutson explained that he is local and not going anywhere, and further explained that he has a Developers Agreement with the Village that requires a Letter of Credit for 110% of the costs of the infrastructure to protect the Village.
McCracken asked what the timeframe for the subdivision was. Knutson explained that they hope to break ground in the next few months with homes to start being built in the fall. Knutson added that he hopes to have the subdivision complete in four years.
Fletcher asked about water pressure for the subdivision. Knutson explained that the Engineers have done flow tests and there should be no issues with water pressure. Fletcher asked if a second water tower will be necessary. President Burtness explained that the existing tower and village infrastructure can accommodate the subdivision.
Tilleson asked if the subdivision required a Lift Station for sewer. Knutson explained that a lift station will not be necessary.
McCracken explained that she is concerned with fire issues with the homes being close. Tuffree explained that fires can happen in any subdivision. Gerber explained that there was a house fire across from him a few years ago and the wind makes a difference.
McCracken asked if a second ambulance would be necessary for the addition of the subdivision. President Burtness explained that the ambulance is in service all the time and added that Orfordville is one of the few that provides paramedics on the ambulance crew. President Burtness added that Orfordville EMS often assists with intercepts due to its paramedic service.
Tilleson added that he would like an additional traffic outlet next to Lot 10. Knutson explained that he is currently building a much larger subdivision in Janesville along Highway 14. The state required a traffic study for the subdivision, which came back with no issues with one entrance to the subdivision on State Highway 14.
Jerry Knutson of 503 E. Howe Street asked if it was possible to put cameras on the stop signs for the subdivision. Knutson explained that he is concerned with young families having kids getting to school. Tuffree invited Knutson to attend a Police Committee meeting to address his concern.
Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Schmidt to accept the Planning Commission Recommendation to approve the Final Plat of Rime Ridge Subdivision. Roll Call Vote-Olsen, Schmidt, Tuffree, Gerber, and President Burtness all YES. Motion carried.
Submitted by,
Dennis Burtness
Village President
Sherri Waege
Village Clerk