Chantel M. Jaenke

The meeting convened in a closed session to deliberate negotiation terms and confer with legal counsel concerning an offer from the City of Menasha regarding land transfers at the municipal border shared by the City of Menasha and the Village of Fox Crossing. Following deliberation, the Board reconvened into open session and subsequently adjourned.

The meeting included an update on the new compost bins for the Schildt Park community gardens, noting that all 6 bins are built and there is high interest, with a suggestion to find a long-term overseer. The Committee discussed meeting times and generally agreed that the current day and time remain appropriate. Old business involved reviewing the Fox Crossing Procurement Policy adopted in 2011 and discussing the effectiveness of plastic outdoor wood substitutes. The Committee also reviewed plastic film recycling progress toward earning a bench and noted that electronic recycling weight is down due to technological advancements, with 2024 Electronics Recycling Events scheduled for April 27th and October 12th. New business covered a handout detailing the Sustainability Committee's account balances for 2023, a potential proposal from the Neenah High School Eco Club, and a discussion regarding food waste in the landfill and proper recycling education, which will include an outreach person from Winnebago County Solid Waste at the next meeting. Additionally, a contact at Menasha High School was identified who may be willing to make garden markers.

The meeting commenced with the ceremonial swearing-in of newly-elected officials and the reading of a proclamation for Municipal Treasurer's Appreciation Week. A presentation acknowledged the Village receiving the Tree City USA Award for the fourteenth consecutive year, with an Arbor Day celebration planned for September. New business included the approval of a Certified Survey Map for combining parcels for a senior housing development on Deerwood Avenue, approval of Change Order #2 for the Jacobsen Road Reconstruction project, and several appointments and reappointments to various committees and commissions, including the Personnel Committee, the Fox West Regional Sewerage Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Fox Cities Room Tax Commission. Expenditure approval was also granted. Reports covered the success of the recent election despite low turnout, updates on the Safer at Home order, scheduling for an Assessor Open Book session, the cancellation of a county clean sweep event, positive status on community gardens, and an update on 2020 Census response rates.

The budget workshop focused on proposed expenditures for various departments. For the Police Department, key discussions included increasing Crossing Guard pay, budgetary increases for training, funding for intersection cameras at County Road CB & W. American Drive, and replacement requests for squad cars and equipment within the Equipment Replacement Fund. The Community Development Department budget was largely consistent, although an increase in Professional Services Contracted Account was noted for electrical expenses, and the department anticipates future staffing needs due to increased complaints and FEMA program involvement. The Village Clerk's budget reflected a decrease in Elections due to only two elections in 2021 and included funds for new office equipment and additional Badger Books for absentee ballot processing. Debt Service estimates were reviewed, with a plan to use fund balance to offset debt payments. For Tax Increment Districts, additional costs of approximately $44,000 for concrete panel replacements on W. American Drive were added. The Board agreed to fund Ladder Truck 40 in the Equipment Replacement Fund by increasing the mill rate by $.05 and allocating the sale proceeds from the previous ladder truck. The Garbage & Recycling discussion involved a change in disposal services resulting in savings, an allocation for new garbage carts, and a decision to keep the annual garbage rate the same while adding leaf collection services, pending further discussion.

The meeting addressed the discontinuation of plastic film recycling pickup at Jacks, while continuing the service at Fox Crossing. An update on community gardens indicated that all plots at both Wittmann and Schildt Parks are filled. New business included a discussion regarding two failed water hydrants at Schildt Park requiring replacement, which the committee is budgeted to cover. Additionally, the resignation of a committee member created an open position, and an intern introduced herself while working on a replacement for a weathered 'Free Produce' sign.