Michael J. F. Gorham

The Finance Committee reviewed several action items. Key discussions involved making a recommendation to the board to transfer $23,306.27 received from the former Ridgeway Advancement in 2021 into the Public Property and Events Fund, as records indicated this transfer had not occurred. The committee also recommended increasing the fee for returned checks (NSF Fees) to $30.00, pending further verification. Furthermore, the committee recommended approving the 2026 Fee Schedule via DRAFT Resolution 2026-01 with agreed-upon changes. They also recommended hiring an exterminator to address a rat infestation at 215 Main Street and charging the cost as a special charge on the 2026 property taxes. Planning for the 2027 budgets was initiated, noting future updates needed for the Capital Improvement Plan and considerations regarding ending TID funds.

The committee meeting addressed several action items. Key discussions included the property located at 215 Main Street, which was previously deemed uninhabitable and condemned due to a rat infestation. The committee recommended that the Village hire an exterminator for that property and eventually acquire it following legal guidance. Another significant item was the recommendation to approve Charter Ordinance 2026-02 in the subsequent Board Meeting to officially discontinue the Office of Marshal, effective 60 days after publication. A discussion regarding necessary amendments or repeals to existing ordinances related to the Marshal's Office was tabled until the next meeting.

The meeting agenda for the Board of Trustees included consideration of public comments limited to three minutes per speaker. The consent agenda covered the adoption of minutes from prior meetings in February and March 2026, ACH payments, and general fund disbursements. New business items for discussion and possible action included a proposal regarding renting 5 tillable acres, reimbursement for Badger Market repairs, a pest control proposal, an update on the Iowa County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, a liquor license application for Kub's Den Bar & Grill, LLC, a draft Memorandum of Understanding for the Ridgeway Farmer's Market, an occupational therapy agreement with Upland Hills, discussion of Ridgeway Advancement Funds, and a Fee Schedule Resolution 2026-01. Old business items addressed the condemned property at 215 Main Street, a draft resolution regarding US Hwy 18-151, the Sleep In Heavenly Peace Project, and a construction proposal for the Community Center.

The primary discussion revolved around the Proposed Infrastructure Improvements for Main Street/C.T.H. 'HHH' Project. Key elements addressed included the scope of work for sanitary sewer and water main replacement, rock excavation, storm sewer installation, and full street reconstruction. Design considerations were detailed, specifically regarding curb and gutter dimensions, sidewalk materials (colored concrete, brick), and the necessity of retaining wall replacement. Discussions also covered potential project components such as crosswalk design, terrace restoration, street lighting options (decorative poles, banners, flower pots), utility infrastructure (fiber/broadband), and "Community Sensitive Design" features like seating walls, bike racks, and drinking fountains. Potential funding sources reviewed included the Community Development Block Grant for Public Facilities (CDBG-PF), where the LMI threshold passed, the Wisconsin DNR Environmental Improvement Fund, the Local Roads Improvement Program, and USDA Rural Development. The anticipated construction schedule places Village work in 2027-2028, with Iowa County work following in 2028.

The agenda for the meeting scheduled for March 3, 2026, included several key items. New business for discussion and possible action involved updates regarding Ryan Bohnsack from the Dodgeville School District, garage sales, library updates, fundraising ideas, the Main Street Project, and setting the April meeting date. Old business included discussion on the Easter egg hunt, the IDC celebration bookings, and financial program funds.