3.9.26 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE

Regular Board Meeting

Monday, March 9, 2026  7:00 p.m.

Orfordville Village Hall

Main Board Room

CALL TO ORDER

            President Dennis Burtness called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Present were President Burtness, David Olsen, Beth Schmidt, Nick Howard, Nikki Tuffree, Terry Gerber, and Terry Morris.  Also present were Greg Landis, Tyler Pomplun, Lexie Ramirez, Librarian Sarah Strunz, Chief Jeremiah Burdick, DPW Director Nick Todd, and Clerk Sherri Waege.

AGENDA VERIFICATION

            Clerk Waege verified that on March 6, 2026, copies of the agenda were delivered to the President and Trustees; posted at the Village Hall, Library, and the Post Office.  There were no additions made to the agenda.

MINUTE APPROVAL

            Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to approve the February 23, 2026 Regular Board Meeting Minutes.  Motion carried.

CITIZENS WISHING TO BE HEARD

            Nikki Tuffree asked when the Electronic Recycling Event will be held for 2026.  Clerk Waege explained that it is scheduled for Saturday, May 9th.  

            Greg Landis of 617 W. Beloit Street was present to explain that he has seen a lot of vehicles running the stop signs at Highway 213 and Highway 11.   Landis explained that he saw two semis’ run the stop sign two weeks ago and another one last weekend.  Landis further explained that he had a car drive through his yard last weekend as well.  Landis explained that the Police Department does a good job patrolling the area; however, it is happening a lot now.  Landis would like direction on how to get the speed lowered to 45 miles an hour from N. Main Street through the W. Brodhead Street intersection.   Morris explained that he remembers doing that while employed with the police department here and there had to be a traffic study completed by the state first.    President Burtness explained that he is interested in getting the speed lowered on Highway 213 near the cemetery, Legion, and the Library as well.  Chief Burdick will work with the Village President in regard to the process to have the speed limit reduced on the state highway.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

            None.

NEW BUSINESS

            Operator License.  Motion by Morris, seconded by Gerber to approve the Police Committee Recommendation to grant an Operator License to expire June 30, 2026 to Sara Dosio.  Motion carried.

            Amend Ordinance 138-6(F) Mobile Food Truck Operating Hours.   Lexie Ramirez from Wicked Awakening was present to explain that she would like to bring her Coffee Food Truck to the Village and park in the vacant lot across from the Village Hall.   Ramirez explained that the hours in the current ordinance are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.   Ramirez would like to have it earlier in the morning for coffee purchases.  Discussion held on generator noise that early in the morning.  Ramirez explained that her generator is an inverted type which does not generate a lot of noise.  Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to amend Ordinance 138-6(F) to have operating hours from 6:00 am. to 8:00 p.m.and to allow generators that do not exceed 70 decibels.  Motion carried.

            Water Bill for Concession Stand.   Tyler Pomplun from Viking Youth Baseball and Softball Association was present.  Pomplun asked if the Village would work with him on the water bill for the concession stand.   Pomplun explained that the cost of the water and sewer bill has gone up to the point that it is more than what they bring in for revenue for concessions.   Clerk Waege explained that the concession stand has its own separate service at the Park.  Clerk Waege further explained that the Public Service Commission now requires that all services pay the minimum bill regardless of if the water is on or off, which totals $815.76 a year.    Clerk Waege explained that Viking Youth used to only pay for the months that they used the water and it was shut off after their seasons were done.  Clerk Waege further explained that the PSC no longer allows that for anyone that has their water off when not in use.  Clerk Waege emailed the PSC to see if there could be an exception for nonprofit groups and was told there were no exceptions.  Pomplun asked if the Village could take over the bill.   Olsen asked Pomplun what they do in the Village of Footville. Pomplun explained that the bill is in the Village of Footville’s name and they pay an annual fee for the summer months. Motion by Morris, seconded by Tuffree to switch the water bill’s name to the Village of Orfordville, and to charge Viking Youth Baseball and Softball a user fee for the two quarters that they use the water.  Motion carried.

            Resignation of DPW Director Nick Todd.   DPW Director Nick Todd explained that he has submitted his Letter of Resignation effective April 10, 2026 as he is taking a different job.   DPW Director Todd explained that he is the licensed operator for the wastewater treatment plant, so the Village will have to hire a consultant until a person becomes certified.   Motion by Morris, seconded by Gerber to accept the Resignation of DPW Director Nick Todd and to wish him the best in his new position.  Motion carried.

            Advertising for a DPW Director.   DPW Director Todd explained that he has met with his two full time employees about separating the duties.   Both Ryan Akkerman and Brett Arnold would like to split the DPW Director duties between them, hire a consultant, and possibly a full time DPW Laborer.  DPW Director Todd explained that getting certified in wastewater is a five year process.  DPW Director Todd further explained that Brett Arnold is certified in water so there is no issue for the water utility.   Morris explained that he would like to advertise for a DPW Director in the event that the two employees change their mind and to see if there is interest from a certified wastewater operator.  Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to advertise for a Public Works Director.  Motion carried.    Discussion will be held at the next DPW meeting in regard to the advertisement.

            Realignment of duties for the DPW Department.   President Burtness explained that he has spoken with Belleville, Brodhead, and Footville who also have consultants for wastewater instead of a full time employee.    DPW Director Todd explained that a lot of smaller municipalities are hiring consultants as it is more economical than a full time employee.  Gerber explained that both DPW employees are comfortable with bringing in a consultant for wastewater.  DPW Director Todd explained that he would recommend that Brett Arnold oversee streets and the water utility; and to have Ryan Akkerman oversee Parks and the Treatment plant as he can do everything at the treatment plant.  No action was taken.  The DPW Committee will talk about it at the next DPW Committee meeting.

DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS

            Librarian Sarah Strunz explained that she has submitted her annual report to the Department of Public Instruction.   Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Morris to approve the Department Head Reports.  Motion carried.

VOUCHERS

            Motion by Morris, seconded by Gerber to approve the vouchers with a check range of 39621-39728.  Motion carried.

ADJOURN

            Motion by Howard, seconded by Tuffree to adjourn at 8:01 p.m.  Motion carried.

                                                                                                            Submitted by,

                                                                                                            Dennis Burtness

                                                                                                            Village President

                                                                                                            Sherri Waege

                                                                                                            Village Clerk