Allen Belter

The committee discussed the potential creation of a new part-time Sergeant position within the police department, to be compensated at a rate of $2 per hour above the standard part-time pay without impacting the existing budget. Additionally, the committee reviewed the possible need for a school resource officer, noting that further information regarding logistics, costs, and funding sources is required before making a formal recommendation. A closed session was also conducted to interview candidates for an open part-time police officer position, with no employment offer recommended at this time.

The meeting includes committee reports from Finance, Personnel, Fire, Police, Streets, Parks, Public Welfare, Public Property, and Water/Sewer departments. Key action items involve approving payment of bills, a proclamation for Arbor Day, and the award of the Love Lane Reconstruction project to Switlick and Sons. The Board will also consider an engineering amendment for pond sludge depth determination, a donation to the Wisconsin Rural Water Association, a sewer credit for Fischer Transportation, and updates to the Asset Capitalization Policy. Additional business includes the approval of a Combination Class B license for Black Creek Coffee, an Operator's License for Lily Butler, and setting dates for curbside brush pickup.

The Committee reviewed and approved the plans presented for the 2026 Love Ln project. Additionally, the committee approved a request from the AATA regarding the placement of bike route signs along Caroline St, Kreutzer St, Allen St, Riverview Ln, Parkview Ln, and Corlad Rd right of way. It was stipulated that the signs will be installed far enough from the curb edge to allow for snow plowing, and the Athens Area Trail Association will assume responsibility for calling in all necessary diggers hotline tickets.

Key discussions included the committee recommending a bid from Lyons Heating and Cooling for $1275.00. The committee tentatively decided to display old Christmas decorations in the boardroom during the Athens garage sale week. A motion was passed to research funding options for purchasing a defibrillator for the community hall. Furthermore, preliminary discussions were held regarding potential future uses for the municipal basement should funds become available.

Key discussions included upcoming Finance & Personnel committee topics such as board tablets/chromebooks, handling resident concerns, and personnel manual updates. The Fire & Police Committee addressed applications for part-time police and squad camera/siren repairs. The Streets Committee reviewed engineering plans for Love Lane and a request for bike route signs. The Parks & Public Welfare Committee discussed spring cleanup logistics, a community diamond rental agreement, and proposals from the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, as well as a discussion about ice racing in Erbach Park. The Public Property Committee reviewed items including HVAC proposals for the old municipal building, disposal of old Christmas decorations, securing a defibrillator for the community hall, and potential basement uses. The Water & Sewer Trustee reported on two water main breaks and ongoing leak detection, as well as a meeting regarding sludge depth in the ponds. The Board also approved a large payment of checks, a revised Facility Rental fee schedule, the Community Diamond Facility Rental Agreement, attendance at a water conference, and the purchase of a water leak detector.