Ken Lueck

The meeting commenced with a confirmation of compliance with the Open Meetings Law. Village Staff Updates covered the Great Sauk Trail Crossing at Highway 12 and a bridge update, noting the setting of the last span. The Sauk Prairie Police Commission reported on the hiring of two new police officers. Key discussion and action items included the approval of a Class A Combination Intoxicating Liquor and Fermented Malt Beverage License for HP Spirits LLC (Sauk Prairie Liquor), and the approval of a Cigarette License for the same entity. The board also approved the agenda and received various communications and minutes from other associated committees and boards.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed the review and potential action on the previous meeting's minutes. The primary discussion centered on reviewing the Draft of the Proposed 2026 Budget. The initial budget reflected an $87,163 deficit, which the board successfully balanced through several adjustments, including transferring approximately $50,000 from the capital fund, reducing part-time wages by $20,000, and cutting $14,000 from street maintenance.

Key discussions included an update on the 2027 Water Street Project, noting the completion of the 60% plan and expected finalization of the 90% plan. Issues concerning illegal dumping at the Municipal Parking Lot were addressed, with potential camera installation considered. The status of the Recreational Bridge Project was reviewed, with a potential earlier reopening of Water Street anticipated, though future closures are planned for completion by September 2026. The board debated discontinuing the use of Zoom for meetings due to technical difficulties and a "Zoom bomb" incident, favoring in-person attendance. The upcoming budget amendment process was discussed, encouraging members to submit proposals for the November 25th meeting. Action items included the cancellation of the December 30th, 2025 meeting and the approval of multiple Change Orders for the 2025 Pine Street Reconstruction Project. Furthermore, the board approved negotiating a new Memorandum of Understanding with cemeteries focused solely on snow removal and approved the 2026 General Engineering Services Agreement with MSA. The first review of the 2026 Proposed Budget was conducted, noting positive financial standing.

The meeting included staff updates regarding the operational status of the Village Hall Basement clinic and the closure of parks, noting the leaf truck was currently in use. A committee update mentioned that the Finance Committee met earlier and would be publishing the Budget. The Honey Creek ATV-UTV Club presented, discussing a goal to make ATV/UTV operation hours and alcohol ordinances uniform County-wide. Action items included the approval of a "Class B" Retailers License for the Songs of America Concert on November 1st, 2025, and the approval of a street closure for the Veteran's Day Ceremony on November 11th, 2025.

The meeting included initial actions such as the Pledge of Allegiance and certification of compliance with the Open Meetings Law, followed by the approval of the agenda. Village staff updates covered a correction to the final pay application amount for the 2025 Pine St project, resulting in a minor savings, and confirmation that holiday decorations are complete and Water Street is open for the winter. Committee updates included ongoing by-law review and interview process changes by the Sauk Prairie Police Commission, discussions on USDA/Ho-Chunk relationships and highway billing by the Sauk Fire District Commission, and an indication that sewer rates are unlikely to increase next year according to the Sauk Prairie Sewer Commission. Action items included approving a change order and a pay application for the Cardinal Estates Park Site Preparation, approving a Professional Services Agreement with MSA for the 2026 Kent & Dorothy Court street engineering project, and conducting a public hearing regarding the 2026 Budget, which was subsequently approved.