5.27.25 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

 

VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE

Regular Board Meeting

Tuesday, May 27, 2025  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 Chief Jeremiah Burdick, DPW Director Nick Todd, and Clerk Sherri Waege.

AGENDA VERIFICATION

                Clerk Waege verified that on May 23, 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.

MINUTE APPROVAL

                President Burtness requested that the May 12, 2025 minutes be amended to list Stavn Park for the new playground equipment.  The minutes reference Stavn and Purdy Park, Clerk Waege will make the correction.  Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Schmidt to approve the minutes of the May 12, 2025 Regular Board Meeting with the recommended correction.  Motion carried.

CITIZENS WISHING TO BE HEARD

                None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

                None.

NEW BUSINESS

                Police Committee Recommendation to purchase a new squad.    Chief Burdick explained that he received a call from Kunes Automotive letting him know that another department cancelled a Ford Explorer Squad order and that the squad was available.    Chief Burdick also provided a bid from Burtness Chevrolet for a Tahoe Squad.   Chief Burdick explained that he prefers the Explorer due to its smaller size.  Chief Burdick further explained that the Explorer already has integrated lighting, is available immediately, has more usable space, and is easier to maneuver due to its smaller size.   Chief Burdick explained that the  price for the fully outfitted Tahoe would be $68,189.00 and the Explorer would be $63,439.00.

                Olsen explained that he contacted Brian Bowditch from Burtness Chevrolet and Bowditch lowered the price $2,500.00 which came to the final price of $68,189.00.  Olsen explained that he preferred using Burtness as they are a local business that donates to our community.

                Schmidt explained that she prefers Burtness as it is a local business as well, if the Village purchases a Chevrolet product. 

                Morris explained that historically, the Village has gone with Burtness if there is a small price difference.  Morris added that  when he was employed by the Village, the Board always supported the squad that he recommended for the department.

                Schmidt asked why Rock County uses the Tahoe’s.  Chief Burdick spoke to two County Officers that work part time for the Village, and both would prefer a smaller vehicle for a squad.  Chief Burdick added that there is no leg room in the back of the Tahoe Squads, and there is limited room for their equipment in the back.

                Chief Burdick explained that Bowditch  looked up a Tahoe in Autofinder and said it would be three to six months before one is available.  Chief Burdick further explained that the Tahoe is a nicer luxury vehicle that is stripped down for a squad.  

                Howard and Morris went back to the garage and viewed the existing Tahoe and the new Explorer.

                President Burtness explained that he felt that the Explorer was a better option and fit for the Department. 

                Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to purchase the Ford Explorer from Kunes Automotive for $50,514.50, with an additional upfitted cost of $12,924.50 to total $63,439.00.  Roll Call Vote- Olsen-NO, President Burtness ABSTAIN, Schmidt, Howard, Tuffree, Gerber, and Morris-YES.  Motion carried.

                Operator Licenses.  Motion by Schmidt, seconded by Gerber to grant Operator Licenses to expire June 30, 2026 to Tory Baars, Darla Grenawalt, and Kortni Grenawalt.  Motion carried.

                Temporary Picnic License for the Lions Club for June Days.  Motion by Gerber, seconded by Morris to grant a Temporary Fermented Malt Beverage License and Temporary Wine License to the Orfordville Lions Club for June 5, 7, and 8, 2025 in the fenced area at Purdy Park for the annual June Days Celebration.  Motion carried.

TREASURER REPORT

                Motion by Morris, seconded by Howard to approve the April Treasurer Report.  Motion carried.

VOUCHERS

                Motion by Morris, seconded by Gerber to approve the Vouchers with a check range of 38360-38439.  Motion carried.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT UPDATE

  • President Burtness wanted to remind everyone to watch for parades and other events and to be careful during the summer months, whether you are in the village or travelling outside our community.  Other communities may have events that occur outside of what we have on our calendar.

  • The area fire districts had the first joint meeting with Innovative Public Advisors to study the possibility of combining forces to better serve our communities.  This has been made possible with the grant we received from the State.  Orfordville Fire District is doing excellent, but we need to continue looking forward to find ways to sustain the momentum.

  • Additional events information can be found at  https://orfordvillewi.gov/

 

 

Submitted by,

 

Dennis Burtness

Village President

 

Sherri Waege

Village Clerk

Sherri Waege