Lake Holcombe Town Board - Replacement of bridge comes with $15 million price tag
By Ginna Young
As weight limit concerns continue over the County Hwy. M bridge, the Lake Holcombe Town Board is exploring options of what to do about it. The township would never be able to fund it on their own, but a match would be possible with Chippewa County.
However, even that hope has been dashed, as an estimate of $15 million is needed for replacement of the failing structure. To that end, the town is drafting a letter of support to send to State Sen. Tammy Baldwin, asking for financial help.
It’s recommended that businesses and residents add their own voice to the matter, because if the bridge closes, it will affect tourism and industry along that stretch, with no relief in sight for replacement.
“If we don’t get Congressional funding, it’s not going to happen,” said board president Brian Guthman.
The Sanitary District was also discussed, with a solution brought up that could potentially take care of any sludge build-up at the waste treatment ponds. If the Sanitary Board agrees, a treatment of bacteria would be inserted into the ponds, to break down the sludge.
“Some people have really, really good luck with it,” said Guthman.
If nothing is done and sludge accumulates too much, it be could be hundreds of thousands of dollars to drain the ponds, what with hauling it and spreading it to fields. As opposed to that, it would be $2,850, for a year of treatments.
If they can keep the bacteria alive, the town won’t have to add any new treatments, but that depends on residents in the district, as chemicals poured down the drain will kill the bacteria.
“You’re dealing with things that are out of your control sometimes,” said Guthman.
Because the town is considering abandonment of a road right-of-way on 296th Avenue, a public hearing is needed before the next meeting, to see if there are any objections or concerns.
The board also was contemplating abandonment of a portion of road in the right-of-way on 269th Avenue, near Eastbay Lodge, on request of Brian Shanklin, who is buying property near that parcel. When looking into it, it was discovered there is a main plumbing station there and cannot be abandoned, which Shanklin understood.
Members did agree to transfer a $200,000 CD, ready for renewal, into the town’s savings, so, if the checking becomes overdrawn, money comes out automatically to keep it from happening. The CD money will be put in the highway expenditures account.
“That’s where we’re going to need it anyway,” said Guthman.
It was also mentioned that the town is trying to replace the annual Christmas lights displays, with LED bulbs. If anyone wants to donate toward that, they can do so with clerk Tracey Larson.
“They need an upgrade,” said Guthman. Also reported, was that Jesse Jones Construction has finished the spray foam project at the town shop, to help keep heat in.
“Are you happy with it?” asked supervisor Doug Olson.
Town roadman Ben Jordan says the spraying went very well and turned out nice.
Looking ahead, after months of meetings by a separate group of community members, a Comprehensive Planning Public Hearing will take place Monday, March 25, at 7 p.m., at the town hall.
“I just hope we have a good turnout for it,” said resident Larry Becker, adding the plans looks very thorough.
Olson said he hopes the plan will be a dynamic document, allowing for updates, while supervisor David Staudacher shared that there is a lot of information in the plan, much of which might not ever be needed.
“But, it’s there, just in case it is,” he said.
