When it comes to the safety of your employees, you have to do it

Village of Gilman employees had a rough time recently, as reported at the monthly meeting Dec. 11. One of the wastewater treatment plant pumps went out and oh, what a mess!

“It was a little more difficult than when the first one went out,” said public works director Dave Kroeplin.

To begin, they had to pull the O-ring off and the whole top came off of the pump, then a seal fail light came on. Because it took three days of prep time alone just to get the pump out, the village borrowed an air tank from the fire department, since one person had to get down in the hole to pump it out.

“It was very, very dangerous to be in the hole with all that methane gas,” said Kroeplin.

That brought up the fact that an air tank really needs to be kept on hand, for just such an occurrence. The fire department has extra tanks that are “expired,” but still ideal for the public works department needs. One tank from the fire department would cost $250, while if the village tried to purchase a new one on their own, it would run $10,000. It was agreed to go ahead and get one from the fire department, to ensure employees are safe at all times.

“I think that’s a definite,” said village trustee Russell Baker.

They also agreed to move the current snowmobile trail to the Billy Goat Bridge by the lift station, running into the park and behind the stage. That way, snowmobiles would stay off the village streets and give an opportunity to showcase Gilman’s natural beauty. The River Runners Snowmobile Club stepped up to do maintenance, at their cost, on the trail, as well as putting seasonal belting down, so their machines do not wreck surface of the bridge.

“I like it a lot,” said police chief Tom Tallier. “It would be a benefit to the village.”

Also approved, was the village’s updated fee schedule, with residential business permits going from $30 to $50 and mobile home licenses increasing to $150.

Members also approved Resolution 2024-10, regarding the Sewer Use Ordinance. That same motion was approved last year, but they had no official document, so something for the books was needed.

“We’re not changing any rates,” said village clerk Candice Grunseth.

The board also set the town caucus for Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 5:45 p.m., followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m.

While no action is needed by the village, Tallier reported that the speed limit on County Hwy. B needs to be changed, per the county. According to state statutes, when inside city limits, the speed needs to be 25 mph, until reaching the outskirts of the village, at which time, it increases to 35 mph.

“That’s the way it should be,” said Tallier. Tallier also said that the Department of Aging has $6,000 in grant money that is available to install a crosswalk somewhere in the village. The village has until the end of March to apply. There are several options that Gilman can look at, with DOT approval and mapping out of the specifications required.

“It doesn’t have to be a flashing sign,” said Tallier. Also discussed, was the Palmer Street trailers, which were supposed to be gone already, but Tallier says the demolition crew is running behind. Since it is considered a public nuisance, Tallier wanted board direction on whether to start handing out citations or wait to see if the work is completed. It was decided that because the owner of the trailers has informed Tallier of each step, they would be given more time to complete the project.

“They’ve been open, they’ve been transparent on it, but yet, we still have to get some action going on it,” said Tallier.

Community member Lynn Rosemeyer also mentioned that the village should try to receive some Powerline Impact funding, that it could be used for the village bridge deck in need of some replacement.

“Might be a good opportunity to get some money,” said Rosemeyer.

As a notice to the public, Tallier shared that the police department was investigating a tool theft at Hickory Haven, but had come up with a dead end – until he got a tip from a resident who noticed a suspicious vehicle. After receiving warrants and getting some help from traffic cams, Tallier ended up in Eau Claire, recovering a large amount of tools.

“To be able to solve that one was a real, real good thing,” said Tallier.

Especially in a small town, everyone knows everyone and picks up on something that is out of place, so that’s why speaking up is important.

“If you see something, say something, don’t be afraid to call law enforcement,” said Tallier.