Former board member hired as Curtiss DPW
A former member of the Curtiss village board has been hired to be the village’s newest director of public works.
At a special meeting held last Friday, the board met in closed session to interview three candidates for the DPW position vacated by David Duellman, whose last day on the job was Nov. 7.
One of the three applicants was Larry Swarr, a former village trustee, who was offered the DPW job at a pay rate of $15 per hour, with a $40 monthly phone reimbursement and a $200 annual reimbursement for safety shoes. A clothing allowance will be discussed at a later date.
Swarr’s first day on the job was Tuesday, Dec. 10.
Trustee John Unruh, who is related to Swarr, abstained from the vote.
The other two applicants for the job were Ryan Maldonis and Jamie Tuinstra.
Resident Ron Kudinger has also been hired by the village to plow snow this winter.
In other news from the Dec. 6 special meeting, the board voted to accept changes to Abbyland Foods’ October sewer bill, based on using average numbers to “correct” abnormally high readings. Future invoices will be adjusted according to this formula, with the board being informed of any adjustments.
The board took the following action at its regularly monthly meeting on Dec. 3:
_ The board authorized MSA Professional Services to send a letter to the DNR, informing the agency that the village’s well 11 has been taken offline and will be used in an emergency.
_ Busse said no hunting signs have been posted at village limits as a reminder to hunters.
_ The board took no action on a request by the Erdman family to put gravel on the alley by their property in order to ensure access. Board members said they want an agreement drawn up that will specify the right amount of gravel, guarantee proper maintenance and address the amount of traffic in the alley.
_ The board approved a motion to reimburse Nick Wirtala for the cost of renewing his water certification, $45.79.
_ The board approved the village’s annual contribution to the Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District, in the amount of $26,319 for 2020.
_ The board approved a $39,500 payment from the general fund to the utility account for fire protection in 2020.
_ The board approved a $30,000 payment in lieu of taxes from the utility fund to the general, to account for the property value of the village’s water and sewer facilities.
_ The board approved a motion to put $5,000 into the village’s lawnmower/ truck replacement fund in 2020.
_ The board approved a $7,500 from the general fund into the fire equipment fund for 2020.
_ The board approved a $12,180 reimbursement from the utility fund to the general fund for 2020 garbage collection.
_ The board approved 2020 budgets for the general fund and utilities.
_ The board approved a motion to change the clerk’s office hours to Mondays and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm., to accommodate the clerk’s new job in Taylor County.
