Town of Hickory Grove

The Board meeting focused on several administrative items, including the approval of the agenda, accounts payable, and expenditures 18448-18467. Citizen input included questions regarding tax determination, which the board deferred to the assessor. A significant discussion involved recycling concerns, leading to the adoption of a recycling ordinance which specified alternatives for recycling items such as oil, filters, appliances, batteries, tires, and televisions, as the town will no longer accept these materials directly. An update on the truck box was pending. A board member volunteered to attend the WTA meeting for Board of Review training.

The board approved the agenda, accounts payable, and expenditures for the period. Key discussions included receiving an update on the status of a new truck, accepting the draft of the new Responsible Unit Recycling Ordinance, and appointing Pat Wester as chief inspector of elections, along with Cathy Swenson and Barbara Stofflet as pole workers. The board also approved changing the Bethal Cemetery lot size configuration, resulting in an increased cost for single-grave lots. The board reviewed the contract for the building inspector and planned for the inspection of the salt shed in the spring. Furthermore, a proposal to fix the culvert on Larson Road was discussed, noting that state and county cost-sharing will apply to the estimated $90,000 expense.

The meeting focused on discussing and deciding on a Pre-Disaster Flood Assessment Grant and a property revaluation. The board discussed Westbrook Associated Engineers' bid for the grant application and then approved submitting the grant application to the State Wisconsin Management, Department of Military Affairs. They also considered two options for a property reevaluation and decided to move forward with an interim revaluation.

The meeting addressed several topics including discussion regarding a sign placed on Riley Road, the removal of trees cut on Larson Road, and a billing dispute for brush cutting along Larson Road. The board also discussed the recycling ordinance, clarification on Bethal Cemetery lots and costs, the status of a new truck, and pursuing a pre-disaster grant. The budget for 2026 was adopted, and a proposal from Fennimore EMS was reviewed. Additionally, a contract with Bruce Gardiner Appraisal Service was accepted for assessor services.

The board discussed the recycling ordinance and BFI's container issues, concerns about the care of the Hickory Grove Cemetery, and the proposed budget, which will be presented to town electors at the budget hearing. The board also discussed splitting the Bethal Cemetery lots and tabled raising the cost of a grave. Building permits for Stephen Swarey and John D. Swarey were reviewed. There was also a discussion on grants available through the county unit of Wisconsin Towns Association.