While snow showers may still be in the forecast, the City of Stanley was already thinking ahead to summer at the March 17 council meeting. With the start of spring on the horizon, the city council approved the purchase of three Gravely Pro-Turn 672 lawn mowers from Lube Suppliers in Stanley at a cost of $13,650.00 each, totaling $40,950.00. Streets and Grounds Foreman Joe Schmitt informed the council that Steve Millen from Lube Suppliers is offering the city a 25% discount on each mower.
He explained that the city can participate in a new program where they purchase a mower, use it for one year, and then trade it in the following spring for a specified flat rate to receive a brand-new mower for the next season. There is a limit of 400 hours per mower, but Schmitt noted that the city typically stays under that threshold. Gravely will cover 100% of the maintenance, from deck belts to “everything,” with minimal maintenance required from the city crew. Schmitt also mentioned that if one of the mowers needs repairs, Lube Suppliers will provide a replacement mower to use in the meantime.
Schmitt added that the city is not obligated to trade in the mowers next year; it’s entirely optional. The city will sell three current lawnmowers through an online auction in April.
“I’m for it,” said Alderperson Jacob Huff. “I think it’s a good idea.” He also appreciated that the mowers will always be under warranty, adding, “There’s a lot of grass cutting around here.”
Alderperson Josh Seidl echoed the sentiment: “Sounds like a good deal to me.”
Schmitt expressed concerns to the council regarding the online reservation system for the seasonal Chapman Park campground. One major issue is that reservations must be made ten days in advance, and then staff must print and post the reservations on-site at specific times.
“What’s going to stop people from pulling into that campsite that has a reservation?” Schmitt asked. He noted that there’s no constant patrol to monitor this issue. Schmitt also raised concerns about the initial $3,000 fee to set up the online system and suggested that other Wisconsin cities use a pay post or campground host to manage reservations and oversee their sites 24/7. He proposed the idea of getting a volunteer campground host, who would camp for free in exchange for managing reservations and handling issues that arise.
Alderperson Jacob Huff questioned whether the city crew could handle the reservations during the week, and hire someone for weekends, holidays, and busy times instead of paying the $3,000 fee for the online system.
“Maybe that would be more viable,” Huff said. Mayor Mike Henke shared that City Administrator Nicole Pilgrim is unhappy with the current website provider due to slow service and the ten-day reservation requirement. Huff also suggested speaking with other cities using the same system to address Schmitt’s concerns. He added that even with a pay post, the city would still face the same issues without a campground attendant, regardless of the reservation system in place.
Henke then asked if any reservations had been made yet for the upcoming camping season. “There’s been a lot of interest. People have been calling,” said Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Magdlin Keeku, but no one had made a reservation yet. Mayor Mike Henke recommended continuing the same reservation process as last year while addressing the concerns and questions this year before making any changes for the future.
Schmitt emphasized, “I feel like the campground and the lake is underused since we are one of the only cities that has that setup.” Alderperson Aaron Dickson agreed, noting that having a campground attendant would help address any issues that arise. As Henke asked for the council’s input, Huff said, “I guess I don’t feel like paying the three grand. We have too many questions.” He then asked Schmitt how he wanted to proceed, acknowledging that Schmitt would have to deal with it the most. Schmitt suggested they continue with last year’s system and treat this year as a trial period to figure out the best approach.
“I feel like this year is more of a trial by error with the campground, trying to figure out the best possible solutions for it all.” He expressed hesitation about investing $3,000 in a system that might change. Schmitt also offered to gather more information on online reservation systems from the County in the future.
The council agreed to operate the campground as they did in 2024, with Schmitt making any improvements he sees fit.
Stanley resident Dan Delkamp, of Helgerson Street, appeared before the Council to request an 18-foot extension to his driveway. He explained that the extension would be added northward into his property and would be “a little bit wider” to better accommodate his trailer. Delkamp also noted that with the upcoming reconstruction of the curb, gutter, and sidewalks on Maple Street, he wanted to secure approval for the extension at this time.
The council approved his request, stating that while the city would cover the costs of replacing the existing curb, sidewalk, and gutter, Delkamp would be responsible for the cost of the extension and any additional expenses associated with it. Delkamp agreed to cover the extra costs, expressing a preference to construct the extension during the upcoming reconstruction. “No point in doing it, and then ripping it out and redoing it again,” Delkamp remarked.
The City Council approved a Midwest Meter proposal for $6,125 for provisioning and retraining on Beacon vendor change.