Post Messenger Recorder -

The New Glarus Village Board met on July 19, 2016. Due to the number of people expected to attend, the meeting was held in the Community Room of Village Hall. Village President Roger Truttmann led off the meeting reading some guidelines for public comments.

Following the approval of the consent agenda, the board approved a resolution for the abandonment of a remnant portion of 1st Street between 3rd Avenue and Railroad Street, adjacent to the Lumberyard property currently owned by Randy Dreger. Dreger is requesting vacation of this remnant to allow for parking for the proposed event center use at 106 3rd Avenue. The request would be subject to a granting of utility easement rights to cover any public utilities that may run under that remnant.

Village Administrator Bryan Gadow reported that had received a request from Trustees Greg Thoemke and Peggy Kruse to discuss another Village Hall Space Needs Study. Thoemke said that an update of the 2004 survey could be used to provide planning for all village departments, and the most efficient use of space in Village Hall. When asked about the cost of another space needs study, Gadow said that a rough estimate would be in the approximately $20,000. Trustee Petra Streiff opposed another study, noting that she felt that it’s time to move forward to discuss the library, Glarner Park, and then the best use of Village Hall space once the library moves out. Trustee Mark Janowiak noted that he felt that the best use of money was for infrastructure for Village Hall rather than another study. Following a discussion on space needs, Streiff made a motion to not pursue a study of Village Hall; that motion passed on a 6-1 vote, with Thoemke voting against it.

The board then moved to discuss the Library’s Resolution that had been tabled at the May 17th board meeting. This resolution included a land agreement between the Village Board and the Library Board designating Glarner Park as the site for the proposed library, with the condition that the library raise $1 million dollars in pledges. The resolution had also been discussed at the board’s June 7th meeting and continued to allow the library to hold a public meeting to answer residents’ questions. That meeting was held on June 30th.

A number of residents had requested the opportunity to speak about the project. Lindsey Brockert said she supported the library, and urged the board to move forward. Margie Irland noted the length of time that the issue has been going on and pointed out that the library had been instructed by the village board to make plans for Glarner Park. Diana Clark told the board that the Save Glarner Park effort was begun by young professionals that care about the community and urged the board not to add to residents’ tax bills or the village’s debt. Colleen Bell provided a handout that illustrated that library use had dropped between 2005 and 2014. Kari Barrett and her daughter noted the use of Glarner Park ball field. Jerry Judd said that he agreed with keeping Glarner Park and the ball field and recommended using Village Park for the library.

After the public comments there a lengthy discussion about whether the $1 million dollars was the amount of pledges or a net dollar amount. Trustee Streiff said that it was her understanding that it was usable funds, therefore it was a net dollar amount.

Eventually, the board approved a resolution with amendments that will allow the proposed library to be built in Glarner Park only after the library board has raised a net of $1 million dollars, and once the construction of a new WIAA compliant ball field is completed.

Following that discussion, most of the audience departed and the board approved a site plan for New Glarus Brewing Company for construction of a storage barn near the entrance to the brewery.

The board also approved a resolution in support of calling for state legislative action in transportation funding for local roads.

As part of the consent agenda, the board:

Approved use of the Village Park for Art in the Park, to be held September 4, 2016;

Approved a Special Events permit for New Glarus Area EMS for Kickapalooza, to be held August 20, 2016;

Approved operators licenses to expire June 30, 2018, to Brandi Long, Corisa Cook, Teresa Gorman, Connie Langfoss, Narayan Khartri Chetri and Lisa Minor;

Approved Original Class A Beer/Liquor license to expire June 30, 2017, to Burreson’s Market;

Approved a tax agreement with Green County;

Approved a Street Use Permit and Temporary Alcohol License for New Glarus Fire Department for Fire Fest, August 6, 2016. Road closures include 4th Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street, and use of the parking area between Village Hall and the Fire Department for a tent. Activities will include water fights, fire truck rides, and parking of the fire trucks on the street;

Approved a Special Events permit and Temporary Alcohol license for Alphornman Triathlon for August 6th and 7th, 2016.

The meeting adjourned at 8:38 p.m.