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Muscoda board sets budget hearing
Library planning addressed
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Meeting Tuesday evening, November 10, the Muscoda village board considered a wide variety of items on the agenda. The discussion regarding the proposed new library floor plan and related issues was the most time consuming item.

With the end of the year approaching, the board took action regarding the proposed 2016 village budget. The preliminary total is $728,906, which is the maximum allowed and $43,754 more than last year. A public hearing regarding the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Village Administrator Cinda Johnson explained that the village may be eligible for federal money left over from a previous grant program. In 2008 grant money was made available in 31 counties in southern Wisconsin because of storms and flooding. Muscoda was a recipient of money through that grant program for 2009 sewer and water main replacement on North Second Street.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration, in a letter to the village, indicates there is approximately $3.0 million still available to communities that qualify. Johnson said a local consideration might be storm sewer work in the vicinity of the swimming pool and the cemetery.

Plans are underway to move the Senior Citizen Meal Site from its present location in the rear of the Kratochwill Memorial Building into the current library portion of that building after the new library is completed. Approval was given to use a WPPI Energy Community Contribution of $1,250 in the senior citizen room when the time comes.

Library schedule

Joe Bailie, engineer with Delta 3 Engineering, provided the board with a timetable regarding the new library construction. It includes releasing the bidding packet January 13, opening bids January 20, awarding contracts February 9th with completion of the building set for December 21, 2016 and a move-in date early in 2017.

Bailie presented the village board, with the library board present, a drawing of the floor plan for the structure. He explained the need for a “meat and potatoes” meeting in the near future. At that time, such things as floor tile and other colors will be decided. He indicated that could be a lengthy meeting. The boards agreed to hold that meeting Tuesday, November 17.

In addition to the floor plan, Bailie presented the boards with possibilities regarding the outside appearance of the building. He indicated it will include 36 inches of “cultured stone” around the base with that topped with cement board and siding. He recommended a metal roof as it “would last longer.”

Other matters

The board approved staying with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities plan for 2016 liability and property insurance. A 2015 swimming pool final report was accepted.

Ashley Wirtz, who is attending a Lineman Worker School, briefed the board about the nature of the schooling, which he described as intense and detailed. It includes a considerable amount of mathematics. He said the training is “going well.”

Dumpster critters

Chief of Police Bill Schramm reported that there have been problems with deer carcasses being placed in the dumpster at Riverside Park. He said the village does not have a specific ordinance prohibiting such dumping. Removing the dumpster was a possible solution suggested.

Town and Country, who collects village garbage, will not empty the dumpster if it realizes carcass material is present. Schramm noted a recent incident when a group of campers, and successful deer hunters, processed a deer in the park and deposited the waste in the dumpster. Schramm said there have also been instances of local people dumping deer (and fish) remains in the dumpster.