They said it and they meant it, things aren’t going to slide any longer

The Gilman Village Board was not kidding, when they said that ordinance violations will no longer be tolerated. Concerned resident Derrick Romig was assured of that, Sept. 10, at the monthly meeting, where he questioned what is going on with the lack of progress at the Palmer Street Trailer Court.

Romig pointed out that Gina Holz, with Rapid Housing, had appeared before the board a couple months ago, assuring them that landscapers would clean up the area, within a few days.

“And it’s still the same as it was,” said Romig. Village president Jane DeStaercke shared that she also had reached out to Holz, who told her the work would be done. However, it has yet to be started, with tall grass and building debris spread around the court. DeStaercke again reached out to Holz, informing her that the court would be next on the agenda as an ordinance concern, if there is no action or response, and is waiting to hear back.

“I’ve been trying to keep up with it,” said DeStaercke.

There was positive news to report, as Mike Slaughter was present to inform the board that he has removed most, if not all, of the vehicles sitting on his property, between 16-18 in all, and that the vehicles left are now registered. He also has a trailer coming to get rid of old tires.

All this was done since the last meeting, to stave off citations in violation of the village ordinance. Slaughter does still have a few things to address at the property, but because he’s been so cooperative, police chief Tom Tallier suggested the board give Slaughter another month to continue on the progress he’s made, which was agreed to.

‘ He did a really good job,” said Tallier. DeStaercke also said that the Village of Lublin president contacted her, asking what Gilman is doing about their wastewater treatment plant issues, since the DNR is insisting something be done.

“They’re suffering the same things we are,” said DeStaercke.

The two exchanged ideas, with DeStaercke suggesting that the surrounding small communities form a consortium, that could take their concerns to the DNR.

“I think you have to,” said Tallier. “Hold your ground on this one.”

“It would bankrupt us, to do what we have to do,” said DeStaercke.

Public works director Dave Kroeplin reported that they did get most of the sludge at the treatment plant removed, but that the phosphorus levels didn’t go down.

“We’re going to try to get that worked on,” he said. The Tree Board also met recently, to discuss what to do about trees lining the village streets, that may cause heaving, from the root systems. Arborist Travis Wellner was present at that meeting and felt that five trees need to be replaced, when the sidewalks are reconstructed. The Tree Board agreed that smaller, ornamental trees will be selected to replace the removed trees.

“...That will not be as likely in the future, to do any damage,” said DeStaercke.

Tallier also reported he has an application permit for the DOT, if the board wants to go ahead and install a crosswalk across the highway at Fourth Street. Members felt it is needed, especially when school-aged children walk over and cross to the public library.

They also agreed on a bid for $9,850, from Romig’s, to replace the furnace and air unit at the Davlin building, as they are local and had the lowest quote.

Also approved, was the assessor’s contract, for 2026, for $4,860, but Bob Prokop wanted the board to be aware he is retiring after this year, so the village will need to look elsewhere for those services.

It was also brought up by Dee Bornheimer, that a couple has requested to rent the entire campground, next summer, for their wedding, as they are getting married on the adjacent bridge. It was agreed to reserve the campground, for multiple days, as long as the renters pay for each site.

As a notice, the bulk curbside special pick-up is Monday, Oct. 6. Residents should receive a flier, from GFL. with information in what to set out, in the newsletter and quarterly water/sewer bills.

Village clerk also reported that there has been no update from the town of Ford, for about a year, on the shared cemetery agreement, that needs to be updated, now that the town of Aurora is no longer part of the old agreement. Grunseth says she did tell Ford, that Gilman is not paying any bills, until the new agreement is in place.