Included in updates from Monday council are department reports, including clerk, police, water, wastewater, and public works departments, the latter known as streets, grounds, and cemeteries.
As for the clerk’s report, Interim City Clerk Maggie Wurst reported routine business, as well as several other updates. Among them, Mayor Ben Wald is being trained on approval systems for payroll process workflow creation in the clerk’s absence, with a time to be scheduled for Finance Chair Keith Samuelson to go through “mock payroll.” Wurst reported that she and Mayor Wald had send out a CSM update to affected property owners, while the deadline for annual licensing forms for businesses was May 29. Wurst also reported that Seasonal Clerk Rebecca Cioulllard has been helping with campground reservations for the upcoming season.
Shared in the police update, Stanley Police Chief Lance Weiland wrote that he had “already been in contact with the railroad as well as Chippewa County as it related to the necessary notifications for the parade and summer events in the city.” The police had received a complaint from individuals walking their dog in the 300 block of East First Avenue saying that a dog had broke through a fence and attacked their dog.
“Per ordinance, because of this incident the animal owner was issued a notice regarding a dangerous dog declaration.” Time was given to comply with registration and vaccination requirements, with additional followup planned as needed. Weiland also shared that a new speed limit has gone in effect on West Fourth Avenue/County Highway O in the area of Chapman and Fandry Park, the speed limit reduced from 35 to 25 miles per hour. Weiland also said that Ringelspiel in Boyd had been “uneventful” from a law enforcement perspective, while a May 23 call response by the Boyd officer had resulted in a deer hit, putting the squad out of commission. “I am currently working with the village and their insurance company to hopefully have a remedy as soon as possible. Grass notices have been sent out as well.
Weiland closed his report by highlighting the response of two officers to a house fire at 632 Franklin Street. Officers Tyler Lewien and Christian Cortes had helped save a man after a fire above the kitchen area led to smoke
Writing in the water report, Joe Schmitt reported daily testing for both plants, with water operator Ben Blair attending a review class for groundwater and distributions. Also reported from the water department was the fixing of the stage 1 flow meter in reverse osmosis train one, as well as interaction with Crane Engineering to set up a time for them to change out the Intermediate Tank pump motor. Work had been done on a Consumer Confidence Report for the DNR, while Well 10 was back online after Haas added a connection T for it in the new Central Plant line. Cleanout had started on the Central plant, with CIP for Train 1 and ozone tanks three and four planned in the next weeks, alongside hydrant flushing and exercising valves. Training on daily plant procedures and operations was also scheduled for Dwayne Siverling in the next two weeks.
“Overall the water plants have been working well,” Schmitt wrote. “During the month of May call-ins have been limited to just a few. Moving forward the hope is to keep improving the overall status of the alarms and the plants running efficiently.”
As for wastewater, sewer operator Jake Lukes shared normal plant operations, with sludge pressed and hauled to the landfill among tasks completed. Lukes reported that the Blue Jetter truck had sold on Wisconsin Surplus, while Everlast Rehab had come and sealed remaining manholes with flex seal. Manhole sealing by the city seeks to control the amount of water entering the system and in need of treatment.
Closing with Streets, Grounds, and Cemeteries, department head Joe Schmitt reported several items. Among them was fixing of road signs, making necessary repairs to equipment when needed, and trash pickup through the city. Schmitt also wrote that the elk herd had been fed and watered on a daily basis, with assistance provided to the water department as well. Mowing had been done citywide as well as at the cemetery, along with weed control.
Also reported by Schmitt, Haas had hit a wire for well house number 3 while digging in a new water main, also completing a final grade and six inches of blacktop on 345th Street, the last gravel road in the city. Dave Mendoza had attended a review class for groundwater and distribution, while the beach and volleyball courts had been tilled in Chapman Park, with extra sand added to the volleyball courts. All city rentals had been prepared for the coming season, with flowers planted in the welcome sign at Chapman Park and the campground, Schmitt thanking volunteers for their help.
Work at the department in the coming two weeks include training seasonal employees on lawn mowing operations, as well as regular work and maintenance. Monthly safety training is planned June 16th. Schmitt closed out his report with an hours breakdown of different tasks, highlighting department responsibilities and contributions elsewhere.