7.28.25 REGULAR BOARD MEETING

VILLAGE OF ORFORDVILLE

Regular Board Meeting

Monday, July 28, 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, and Terry Gerber.  Also present were Attorney Tim Lindau, Howard Franklin, Dianne Myhre, Chief Jeremiah Burdick, DPW Director Nick Todd, and Clerk Sherri Waege.  Absent was Terry Morris.

AGENDA VERIFICATION

                Clerk Waege verified that on July 25, 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

                Motion by Gerber, seconded by Schmidt to approve the July 14, 2025 minutes.  Motion carried.

CITIZENS WISHING TO BE HEARD

                Howard Franklin of 507 S. Richards was present.   Franklin thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance with a limb that came down.  Franklin also thanked the Police Department for their assistance on a call.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

                Parking on S. Center Street.   DPW Director Todd provided a copy of his suggestion for limiting parking on S. Center Street.  

                Dianne Myhre of 408 N. Pine Street was present.  Myhre explained that she used to live at 108 S. Center Street and appreciated the board making a compromise on the parking on the street.  Myhre added that she would be concerned if there was no parking at all on the street.

                DPW Director Todd explained that there are seven to nine stalls, depending on how it measures out.

                Clerk Waege explained that Kristin Baldwin, one of the original concerned residents,  advised the board that she would not be able to attend the meeting tonight.   Clerk Waege further explained that Baldwin preferred that the item be tabled so she can look at the plan beforehand and be part of the discussion.

                Motion by Gerber, seconded by Tuffree to table to the August 11, 2025 meeting. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

                Contract for Police Services with the Village of Footville.  President Burtness explained that the Police Committee has had considerable discussions with Footville.  President Burtness further explained that he had Attorney Lindau review the proposed contract.  President Burtness went on to explain that things have come up this past week that he wanted to bring up.  President Burtness explained that it is a concern that Orfordville, as a part time department that relies on Rock County for coverage when an Orfordville officer is not on duty, would contract with another municipality.  President Burtness further explained that the department has had some things come up recently, such as retirement and temporary staffing issues, which has limited part time staff for the village.   President Burtness explained that he would like to help Footville; however, the timing is an issue right now.  President Burtness further explained that the Village has a great working relationship with the Rock County Sheriff’s Department and does not want to jeopardize that relationship.

                Chief Burdick explained that recent changes in part-time staffing due to retirement and temporary staffing issues are a concern for him.   Chief Burdick further explained that it may be hard to draw applicants for a three-year commitment, which is based on the contract.  Chief Burdick explained that the Village struggled with providing service to Footville with three full time officers and felt that only having two full time officers could create a disservice to the residents of the Village of Orfordville. 

                Tuffree explains that she appreciates the officers that Orfordville has.  Tuffree further explained that it is hard to get full time officers at this time.

                President Burtness explained that the Fire Department struggled a couple years ago and now has 44 part time people to provide full time coverage for the Orfordville Fire District.    President Burtness explained that the scheduling for fire and police is much different and police have less availability.   President Burtness further explained that Evansville is having problems staffing a full-time police department and Rock County is providing third shift coverage for them.

                Gerber explained that he does not want to do a disservice to Footville, nor does he want Orfordville to have less coverage.

                President Burtness explained that the contract is ready, and it may be able to revisited when coverage is more available.  President Burtness will contact Footville in the morning.

                No action was taken.

TREASURER REPORT

                Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to approve the June Treasurer Report.  Motion carried.

VOUCHERS

                Motion by Gerber, seconded by Tuffree to approve the vouchers with a check range of 38631-38640.  Motion carried.

ADJOURN

                Motion by Tuffree, seconded by Gerber to adjourn at 7:22 p.m.  Motion carried.

                                                                                                                                Submitted by,

                                                                                                                                Dennis Burtness

                                                                                                                                Village President

                                                                                                                                Sherri Waege

                                                                                                                                Village Clerk