Water efficiency can be improved for Gilman treatment plants

It doesn’t hurt to save money where you can, which is why the Village of Gilman asked the Wisconsin Rural Water Association to take a look at the water and wastewater treatment plants. The findings were reported to the village board April 13, by Dan Wundrow, Rural Water energy efficiency circuit rider.

Annually, Gilman takes in 25 million gallons at the wastewater treatment plant, with an annual electric expense of about $500.

“You guys are doing really well on your wastewater treatment plant,” said Wundrow. “It’s something to be proud of.”

He also mentioned that Gilman is on the right rate schedule, which is good to see and that the water tower doesn’t pump any water, just stores it. As for the water treatment plant, 9 million gallons are pumped annually, with a cost of almost $5,000.

Wundrow suggested a few changes here and there, to help with energy consumption, and said Gilman could be eligible for USDA loans and grants for some of the projects.

Candice Grunseth, village clerk, asked if the grants would be available if they want to replace the pumps at the water treatment plant, like they are planning.

“You can be, yes,” said Wundrow, adding he can check into that more with the village.

He says he did look into solar options, but that it wasn’t a good fit for the village.

“And the payback is way out there for you guys,” said Wundrow.

Also recommended by Wundrow, was seeing if there are any water leaks in the mains, which would require a company going through the lines with a camera. If any leaks are detected, they could install sleeves in the pipes, but it isn’t a cheap affair.

For businesses or residents who are interested, Wundrow said there are government incentive programs, geothermal heating prices and solar panel information at dsireusa.org. “It’s good to know you’re available as a resource,” said village president Jane DeStaercke.

In keeping with water/sewer in the village, Grunseth asked for, and was granted, approval for a one-time early sewer payment to the USDA loan, on recommendation from the Finance Committee. The $90,000 comes out of the sewer redemption and sewer USDA CDs that are coming due.

“Whatever is left, that difference will just go into the treasurer’s cash part from there,” said Grunseth.

Also approved, contingent on what Grunseth finds out, is using the village’s share of ARPA funds ($41,000) for a new meter reading system. Grunseth said they could use some of the money for a standard allowance of up to $10 million, which can be used for in-general things, but that she is still trying to figure out if the funds can be used for water/sewer, as well as the standard allowance.

“Basically, any small community, because they’re not getting that much, could use it,” said village trustee Cheryl Rosemeyer.

Also reported, was the hire of new public works employee Dave Kroeplin, who is well-acquainted with the community, through his involvement with the school as a parent and coach.

“I think he’s going to be a real good fit for the village,” said DeStaercke.

Wundrow said Kroeplin should be sent in-person for some certification, as most people fail the online class, and that it would save the village money in the long run. Wundrow also says the village should consider applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which can be used for street repair and other items. The village previously received a grant to help with updating the new library.

As part of her report, DeStaercke said she thinks Ntera information has some people a little confused as to what they plan to offer the village in the way of fiber fast internet, but that it will work out well, when the service is available.

“I think people are willing and eager to get their services,” said DeStaercke.

DeStaercke also recommended that every village trustee should get Board of Review training before next year.

“There’s a lot of information we think we know, but we don’t,” she said.

During the meeting, Ericka Bertsinger was elected as vice president of the board.

It was also announced that Arbor Day in the village will take place Friday, April 29, but the celebration at the school is not open to the public. This year marks 34 years as a Tree City for Gilman, while this is the 150th celebration of Arbor Day nationally.

For public information, village cleanup is set for Monday, May 9, from 1-2:30 p.m., in the high school parking lot, with two roll-off bins. The event takes place two days after Taylor County holds their clean sweep.

In regard to the housing and development happening in the village, DeStaercke says she has invited people who have empty space to a meeting, to generate information if anything is going on and how they can move on from there.

“You can’t do anything if you’re sitting still,” she said.