Cadott Village Board; Public works looks for portable welder, as winter arrives

By Julia Wolf

With winter weather here to stay for the coming months, the Cadott Village Board discussed purchasing a portable welder for water freeze-ups, during a regular meeting, Dec. 20.

Rolly Tichy, public works, says the person who previously did the work for the village, wanted a hold-harmless agreement.

“It sounds like, between our insurance company and the attorney, they are not real fond of going that route,” said Tichy.

With that in mind, Tichy says they would like to purchase a portable welder, get training and do the work themselves. He says surrounding municipalities have already made the purchase to thaw their services.

Randy Kuehni, board member, asked if any of the village workers know how to do the process. Tichy says he contacted the City of Cornell and the City of Stanley, and they are willing to help Cadott with that.

Tichy says he does not have a solid estimate for what the cost of the portable welder will be, because the used units available currently, are too small for Cadott’s needs. The welders he has found available, run in the $1,500 to $2,500 range.

Kuehni requested Tichy look into new unit prices, as well, for comparison.

“I don’t want to get something that’s wore out,” said Kuehni.

Tichy says he is looking for the best possible unit for the best price.

Kuehni asked if any of the neighboring municipalities will come and thaw services, if Cadott needs it. Tichy says he does have an offer to help, if needed.

“At the same time, if we’re having problems, they’re having problems,” said Tichy. “And I’m going to be sitting on the back burner, until they get their stuff done.”

Board members approved the purchase of a portable welder, for up to $5,000, new or used, if Tichy is able to find a suitable one. Otherwise, Tichy will bring more information to the next meeting.

Members also approved the 16th Amendment for capacity, with American Electric Power (AEP). Board president Anson Albarado says AEP is in the process of finalizing the purchase of the capacity needs.

The board also approved reassigning engineering consulting services from Krause Power Engineering, to EPS Engineering & Design. The change came after Krause sold to EPS.

“Things are not going to change, he just got bought out,” said Albarado.

Tichy says Energis, who the village works with for the substation, also merged with EPS.

As a notice to the public, the next regular board meeting will take place Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m., because of the New Year holiday.

The Utility Committee also set a meeting date for Tuesday, Dec. 28, at 5:30 p.m., to discuss a plan for metering and changing the voltage.

The board was also given information from their community code person, with three alternatives for ordinances concerning twin homes/zero lot line duplexes. The Ordinance Committee will set a time to look at the options in the future.

The Planning and Development Committee also met, prior to the regular meeting, to review an application to amend the zoning from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-4 Multi-Family residential, for Tom Kucera on a vacant lot on East MD Street.

“He would like to do a fourplex,” said clerk Sandy Buetow.

Previously, Kucera requested the zoning change in order to put in two duplexes, but the zoning change was denied. Neighbors of the property spoke against that change.

Committee members decided, since the neighbors didn’t want the zoning change last time, to wait until after the required public hearing on the proposed change, before discussing it further.