Elk Mound village board plans next moves for staffing public works and police
By Cara L. Dempski
ELK MOUND — The Elk Mound village board learned it will be looking for a new public works employee and police officer in the coming months.
During the regular meeting on August 24, director of public works, Mark Levra, announced Dan Lew had turned in his resignation on August 22. His last day will be September 2. The board unanimously accepted his resignation.
Board member Rebecca Livingston suggested Levra contact the top three candidates from his last round of interviews to advise them the full-time public works position was again coming open. The board approved this suggestion, and Levra said he would contact his previous top candidates.
Police Chief Travis Hakes also reported to the board that officer Dan Downey has been given a start date for his new full-time position. Downey will remain working with the Elk Mound police department until September 15. Hakes asked the board how they wished him to proceed with hiring new staff.
“I tried to see if he could stay on our roster,” Hakes said of Downey. “But his new job will not allow him to remain here part-time.”
Hakes admitted he has not been able to patrol as much in recent weeks for personal reasons, but has been able to take more time to do paperwork as things leveled out for him. He said he stopped by the police office several nights after he was done working in Lake Hallie and knew that Downey was already patrolling
He stated he planned to pick up more work hours now that things have slowed down and will be taking on extra hours as Downey prepares to depart.
Hakes asked if the employee relations committee would be able to solidify a time to perform an exit interview with Officer Downey prior to Downey’s departure.
Per village ordinance, Hakes is able to interview candidates and then bring them before the board for approval to hire. Hakes and Brenda Carpenter, a village trustee and a member of the employee relations committee discussed, the possibility of using currently available officers and the majority of the board agreed.
“I don’t think we’ll have it in our budget to hire a full-time officer this year,” said Livingston, who is also part of the employee relations committee.
Livingston suggested approaching the local school board to help fund a new police officer to provide better coverage at the schools.
“Then students can come in and talk about bullying, or ask questions, or just get a sticker,” Hakes said of proposed time spent at the schools.
Hakes said he had spoken with school administration regarding having a few hours per week at each school as a community outreach officer and thinks it is a good idea to speak again with the district, especially if they would be able to assist in funding extra coverage for school events.
The police department requested approval to use funds to purchase a new handheld radar unit after having to fix the cord on the current one. The radar is working, but Hakes stated he would rather be proactive in having funding for a new one approved.
Chief Hakes also reported he has found two units that give radar speed readouts with speed signs to post on North Holly Avenue. Residents in that area have expressed concern about the speed of vehicles traveling up and down the hill.
“I’ve found two units for $1750, but the company wants a check before they send the units,” Hakes said.
The board approved purchase of these items using the village credit card and with clerk Pat Hahn’s assistance.
Board President Andy Peterson reported the plan commission approved the certified survey map presented by John Her. Mr. Her plans to split 15 acres of his property into one ten-acre parcel and one five-acre parcel. He will keep the five acres directly behind his house and plans to sell the ten-acre lot.
Peterson also reported the building formerly housing Bremer Bank has been sold to an insurance agent previously renting an office at Independence State Bank.
“He plans to use it for his insurance business, and had talked about giving music lessons there as well,” Peterson said of the new owner.
In other business, the Elk Mound Village Board:
• Approved a request from Karla Jenson to use the village park for the Amanda Newman Memorial Scholarship’s third annual kickball tournament October 15.
• Heard from John Biegel, a resident living n North Holly Avenue, about his concern regarding the speed of vehicles driving up and down the hill in front of his home.
• Approved using the law firm of Bakke Norman for their municipal law needs.
• Learned that estimates to repair the fire department roof are approximately $25,000 to $35,000.
• The new solid waste director for Dunn County will be putting an additional attendant at the Elk Mound site due it being one of the four busiest in the county.
• Approved building permits for: Michelle Blunt, E207, Menomonie St., fencing; Lynn Harrison, 600 University Street, plumbing and electric; Ellyn Hainstock, 209 Lincoln St., fencing; Rebecca Livingston, 212 Wapiti Ln., solar panels; Vincent Pipkorn, 300 Wapiti Ln, deck addition; Robert Dempski, 203 University St., roofing repair.
• Kelsey Wolf and Jamie Purdue were approved for operator licenses at the Pourhouse.
