The new year starts with new computers for Gilman
The Gilman village computers are in need of updating or replacing before the 2020 elections. Village board members discussed the matter at a regular meeting Dec. 11, deciding, on advice of the finance committee, that new computers are the way to go.
“It’s a lot of money,” said clerk Candice Grunseth. “If it wasn’t for the update and it wasn’t for the election thing, it wouldn’t be as much of a push.”
The two computers could be updated to Windows 10, but finance felt it was more prudent to go ahead and purchase the two new computers needed, as the older models could “go out” at any time. It was also agreed at least one other computer belonging to the village could be updated, without replacement.
Grunseth says the state is very concerned with election privacy and security, and that an IT portion of the replacement is also needed.
“With these new election things, you’re required to have IT services,” said president Jane DeStaercke. “It’s been very difficult trying to find somebody who will take on that responsibility.”
To help with the costs associated, Grunseth had applied for, and received, a grant of $1,200. To have all their bases covered, the board agreed to hire Yellowstone Computing in Thorp, which is a certified company, for a monthly service contract of $50 per computer. The company will also take care of switching everything over to the new computers, as well as updating the one.
“It’s going to benefit us more than just elections,” said Grunseth.
The board also approved an agreement for renting/ leasing 15 acres of crop land to Larry Jo Romanowski for five years, at a cost of $100 an acre. The village requires a $1,500 payment made by June 15, of each year.
In other business, members approved Resolution 2019-11, adopting the mill rate for the tax roll levy, with a net mill rate of .0275321387. Members also transferred property to the county housing authority on Gilman Street, that was purchased at the last meeting.
“We have to do this if we want them (housing authority) to finance the construction of a new house,” said DeStaercke.
Once the house is constructed, after a five-year period, the property can then be sold or rented, and put on the tax roll. The house will be rented to low to moderate income families for the first five years.
Because of the changes made with the library as of late, the board also approved Grunseth as the administrator and board representative, for a year or less, depending on who is selected to be the library director. With a new director so new to the budget, etc., DeStaercke felt Grunseth might as well assume the position, to which the library board agreed.
“She’s not going to be the librarian, that has nothing to do with it,” said DeStaercke. “I want to thank Bob (Mechelke, board representative to the library), because he’s done a miraculous job as village representative.”
A village caucus will take place prior to the next regular meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, at 6:45 p.m. Trustee positions up for re-election are Ericka Bertsinger, Mike Kinas and Cheryl Rosemeyer.
