It’s important the sewer treatment plant last long enough to pay it off

Gilman’s waste treatment plant was structured to last a lifespan of 20 years; however, the debt incurred is a 40year note. If the 20-year lifespan holds true, the village will still have to pay off the old loan, as well as reconstructing a new plant.

That’s why the village board has agreed to hire engineers Morgan & Parmley, where Larry Gotham will instruct public works director Dave Kroeplin on the best ways to run the sewer plant, in the hopes of extending its lifespan to 30 or 35 years.

“And that’d get us much closer to line up with our note,” said trustee Cheryl Rosemeyer, at a village board meeting March 13.

The village is also looking at updating their sewer usage rates, which Gotham will also help with. For a sum not to exceed $3,000, Gotham will provide the training mentioned, as well as conducting a fiscal sustainability plan (FSP).

“Before we look at changing sewer rates, we need more in-depth information,” said clerk Candice Grunseth.

Sewer rates are based on usage, but also what repairs or improvements are needed down the road. For example, if the village knows when a pump at the plant will need to be replaced, they can make sure the money is put away to cover it.

“That’s what this FSP will do,” said Rosemeyer. Members also approved a proposal from Yellowstone, who deals with the village’s email security, for $32.50/ month, for increased email security. The measure comes as hackers have doubled down to steal sensitive information from public entities, businesses and private individuals.

The board also discussed the many ordinances on the books and what to do about making them current.

“We haven’t reviewed our ordinances for a very long time,” said Grunseth.

She talked with other communities about how they updated their ordinances and found that most set up a committee, made of board members and/or community members. By reviewing the ordinances and making sure the language fits today’s demands, the village won’t run into something that is greatly out-of-date.

Ordinances are all online or someone can look at the hard copy in the book, located at the village office.

Dee Bornheimer, trustee, wanted to see a committee of board members, while village president Jane DeStaercke thought they should all work on one section together and exchange viewpoints.

“I would much rather we all look at it at the same time,” agreed trustee Ericka Bertsinger.

While the ordinance review is not an immediate thing, the ball needs to get rolling. Once the ordinances are inspected and changes are made, the village attorney will make sure they are all in order, before they are officially approved.

Something that was not approved, was the proposed crosswalk near the insurance agency building, crossing the highway. Police chief Tom Tallier, in researching the matter on request of a citizen, leaned toward not installing one, but the matter on the decision was ultimately up to the board. It was the feeling of the board, that if they applied to the state to install a crosswalk there, they would need to install multiple crossings.

“I don’t see how we could just do the one,” said DeStaercke. “We can always address it later.”

Tallier also reported that he heard back from the WisDOT, as some in Gilman wish to extend the speed limit past Dollar General. The DOT will do a traffic study and let Gilman know what they find.

Kroeplin also had good news to report, that the levels on the sludge test at the waste treatment are low. Bacteria at the plant eat organic material, which keeps solids from building up as sludge, meaning Gilman does not have to worry about removing a large build-up of sludge.

“They’re (levels) not climbing at all,” said Kroeplin. “The bugs are doing their job.”