Post Messenger Recorder -

The New Glarus Village Board took up the question of establishing a timeline for the library project as well as the softball field and other recreational facilities at their regular meeting on December 5, 2017.

The board asked for public comment on the issue and first up was Linda Hiland who said she was speaking as a New Glarus resident, not on behalf of the Library Board. She stated that she was in favor of establishing a timeline, noting the need to move the project forward. She told the board that after years of donating, without a timeline, she felt it was unfair to ask those donors for more donations. She also pointed out the construction costs have increased every year. Hiland told the board that a new library and improved recreation facilities would be good for the economic health of the community.

Jeff Judd also spoke, saying that he was also in favor of a timeline and reminded the board that the Village Board had agreed not to proceed with a library in Glarner Park until a new softball field was completed. He asked the board about progress on that new field.

Administrator Bryan Gadow replied that the staff had reviewed a number of sites and so far Veterans Park was the only feasible site. Gadow noted that the Town of New Glarus has also been researching possible sites. He said he hoped to hear from the Town of New Glarus by the end of December.

Trustee Greg Thoemke said he feels the project is “log jammed.”  Thoemke proposed moving the project along by having any and all fundraising completed by December 31, 2018, with construction plans/costs prepared by June 30, 2019. Thoemke said he was concerned that the village has continued to reserve $1 million in borrowing capacity each year for the library project. Thoemke told the board that there had been considerable fundraising by a group for repairs to Glarner Park but that it was difficult to work on any improvements without knowing what the future of Glarner Park is.

Trustee Barb Anderson noted that it’s difficult for the Library to raise money when they aren’t sure where the library and softball field are going to be. She reminded the board that it is the responsibility of the Village Board, not the Library Board, to determine the site for the library.

A lengthy discussion ensued, with members of the board discussing fundraising goals, relocating the ball field and the actions of the Library Board and the Village Board.

As part of the discussion, Administrator Gadow read in part the resolution by the Library Board from April 26, 2016, as well as part of Resolution 16-18 passed by the Village Board on July 19, 2016, in response to the Library Board’s resolution.

Village President Roger Truttmann noted that he hoped the Town of New Glarus could find a site, but that if the Village proceeded with the relocation of the ball field at Veterans Park and the library doesn’t end up building in Glarner Park, the Village would end up with an additional ball field, which is needed.

Trustee Greg Thoemke made a motion to rescind Resolution 16-18 if the funding condition of raising $1 million [$950,000 cash in hand] is not met by December 31, 2018; and if the funding is met by that date, the Library Board complete construction plans with cost estimates and project bids issued by June 30, 2019.

Discussion on the motion included verification that if the funds are available by the December 31, 2018, the Glarner Park site is turned over to the Library as well as the need to find an alternate location for the ball field.

 Board members also discussed responsibilities of the Library Board vs. Village Board in the building process, as well as the cost estimates and size of the proposed building, noting ever increasing building costs. The motion was carried by a vote of 6-1 with Trustee Anthony Edge voting against it.

The meeting adjourned at 8:41 p.m.