It was a brief meeting for the members of Soldiers Grove’s Village Board on May 3, taking just 45 minutes.

Two questions were raised by board members about village actions: one was about the legality of charging garbage fees on vacant residences; and the other concerned the village’s mowing of right-of-ways on some private driveways and not on others.

The first question was laid to rest after the village counsel confirmed that the garbage fees are legal and do not require occupancy.

The mowing was not based on any agreements, requests, or planning, but rather habit, according to Brian Copus, the village’s director of public works.

The last bill for repairs for water damage to the Miguel Morga residence was approved for payment. The original bid from BS Refrigeration was $685, but with the addition of late fees the total final payment was $800, pending signature of a waiver releasing the village from liability.

Approval was given for the $2,460 bid made by Halverson Dozing to remove a log jam at Trout Creek, just off of Highway 61.

In other news:

• the Soldiers Grove Community Development Corporation will make a $1,000 financial commitment to the Driftless Area Art Festival;

• the board approved a $750 donation to the North Crawford Summer Rec program;

• the board adopted the updated Multi-Hazards Mitigation Plan;

• the board approved picnic license applications for the BMW rally, Dairy Days and the Driftless Area Art Festival;

• the board also approved maintaining committee, CDC rep, weed commissioner and board of review appointments as is;

• the board appointed Gary Benson and Christina Volden as citizen members to the planning commission and Bob Froiseth as the board representative.