Water rates see some changes in Gilman, as things move forward

After numerous workshops and discussions, it was agreed on how the new water rate increase would look for the Village of Gilman, during a regular meeting Aug. 10. The biggest discussion, was on what the village calls their “hydrant fee.”

“It really should be called public fire protection, because that’s what it is,” said village president Jane De-Staercke.

Members needed to decide if they want to charge everyone who has vacant lots, so the cost is spread through the village, or to charge those who have buildings on them, whether or not they are hooked up to the village water, which is what the village currently does. That brought up the question, what about vacant lots with a structure on them, that is not considered permanent?

“An empty lot shouldn’t be any different, there can be a fire there,” said trustee John Novitski.

No matter what, the fire department will respond to any fire, but village clerk Candice Grunseth reminded members that they don’t set the charge, they just determine who gets charged.

“The PSC (Public Service Commission) tells us what we pay for hydrants,” she said.

Trustee Cheryl Rosemeyer questioned if she has six vacant lots, if that applies to the rate?

“Are you going to charge me six fire protection fees?” asked Rosemeyer.

Public works director Rick Johnson said he thinks whatever property is on the tax roll, should be considered a lot.

“That’s where the problem comes in,” said DeStaercke.

Grunseth said some people have not been charged before and now will be, which could cause friction. Members agreed to leave the wording the way it stands now, but moving forward, they will investigate each property, to determine what is considered a structure, and what is equal and fair.

They also approved a water rate increase change to their application. The village had applied for a 3 percent increase, but decided to go with a 1 percent surcharge every month, which would help them “catch up” from those who are delinquent on the bills.

“Those of us involved, felt that it was probably more advantageous to the village, to go with the 1 percent, per month, surcharge,” said DeStaercke.

Also approved during the meeting, was Resolution 2022-06, which was presented for approval, to discontinue all of Drangle Drive and the adjoining parking lot, and all of Hickory Circle and the adjoining parking lot, as well as Resolution 2022-07, doing such. The village needed to pass the resolutions, as they were given incorrect information about the transfer of the parking lot property at the old nursing home location.

According to input from the village attorney, the quit claim deed approved at the last meeting was not sufficient. Since the attorney gave the incorrect direction, the village will not be charged, in regard to that.

“So, now, we’re going to have go through another process,” said DeStaercke. “Obviously, we thought we could do it simply, last month. We’re willing to turn it over, this is addressing the process the state is demanding we go through.”

Although nothing was on the agenda to approve, the board did talk about what the campground policy is. Police chief Tom Tallier says the public does have to understand that the policy is just that – a policy.

“We don’t have an ordinance that dictates our campground,” said Tallier. There is no enforcement to that policy and parties may stay up to 14 days in the site; after that, they are asked to remove themselves completely from the campground for 72 hours.

It was agreed the village should look into creating an ordinance. Rosemeyer asked if they do put an ordinance on the books, if they would leave in language about sex offenders? State law dictates where offenders can be, such as at parks and playgrounds.

“You don’t create your own playbooks, you steal from other people’s, too,” said Tallier, calling on his coaching background, who added they would look at other villages who have campgrounds and what their ordinances say.

Members are also considering an ordinance encouraging people to rent out or sell space to fill up empty business buildings, where the property owners would possibly be charged a fee, either monthly or yearly. Referencing Rib Lake as one of the few who have that in place, DeStaercke said the board would need to hold a public hearing to make sure everyone is on the same page, that the village is simply trying to encourage spaces to be filled.

“We’re not trying to control your property,” said De-Staercke.

Dee Bornheimer, trustee, asked if the property owners would be made aware, well before a public hearing, which DeStaercke said they would be kept in the loop.

“Nobody’s going to do anything without letting the property owners know,” said DeStaercke.

So far, there’s been a lot of progress made on the former Superior Choice building that the Gilman Industrial Foundation recently purchased. With those efforts, the building should be ready to open mid-fall, if anyone is interested in renting a space.

“Everything seems to be coming along,” said DeStaercke.

Tallier also had good news to report on development in the village.

“I have had a few conversations with a contractor who is super interested in putting in duplexes, fourplexes in town,” said Tallier. “This would be a next-year thing.”

When Tallier spoke to the contractor, Tallier told him the village may have land for sale. Of course, the housing would be located somewhere visible. DeStaercke said she had also talked to that person, who wondered if people in Gilman had an interest in the development, and would want to pay for the new homes. DeStaercke said since housing is at a premium, especially in Gilman, residents should be very glad to have a nice choice in front of them.

“You do have to realize the housing market is changing in front of our eyes,” said Tallier, agreeing with De-Staercke.

Something that continues to grow and develop, is the weekly farmers market. However, DeStaercke, on behalf of the market coordinators, asked if it was possible to install some signs that could slow down the semis going through the village when the market is running. Instead of signs, Tallier suggested placing the village speed trailer along the highway during the market each week.

“That’s a good idea,” said DeStaercke. Another good idea was brought before the village, by Lynn Rosemeyer and Patti Jenson, of Gilman Development, who reported on what a survey sent out discovered, when asking residents what interests there were in outdoor activities. From the survey, one of the biggest things, was a wish for sand volleyball courts in the park.

L. Rosemeyer showed proposal plans to the trustees, which included installing a stop-net to keep the ball from going into traffic or on the train tracks. Johnson asked if any trees would need to be removed for the project and as part of the Parks Committee, Novitski said the village would have to clear a little bit to make enough space.

The board agreed to send the matter to the Parks Committee to fine tune, after get pricing from L. Rosemeyer. L. Rosemeyer says she doesn’t know the cost of the project, but that they are not looking for funding, just the go ahead.

“I think it would be a nice family addition for the park,” she said.