The Antwerp Village Council met on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The meeting was able to start on time after abruptly ending the Discovery Channel interview of the Police Department. The meeting began with the regular agenda items and review of the previous meeting. It was noted by Councilman Bill Boylan that the income tax revenue since the beginning of the year was down significantly from the previous year. Fiscal Officer Kevin Hornish responded that it may have been due to last year going after back taxes, and that it might be better to compare with the previous year. Hornish said he would include the previous year (2022) comparison in the next month RITA report.
After looking at the police report, Councilman Bryan Smith mentioned that Mayor Jan Reeb was going after those that were passing stopped buses. Mayor Reeb responded that she had to fine two drivers at the maximum allowed by law – $500.
The second reading of three tax renewals to be placed on the November ballot took place. Next month they will be voted on.
The council approved by emergency measure for an inter-fund transfer for the water tower project (R2024-11). Meaning as bills come in, they can be paid out of the general fund and then the state will reimburse the village 60-90 days after they receive the invoices that can only be submitted once per month. This way there won’t be interest or late fees on the project.
In old business, Councilman Steve Jordan asked why the barrier on the corner of Main and Canal Streets has not been repaired since this has been an ongoing project for several months. Administrator Brian Davis responded that he was still waiting on Nick Longardner to complete the project.
Next, it was brought up by councilman Bryce Steiner that Judge Beckman issued a judgment that remanded the case involving the Wilcox St. trailer, owned by MBN Realty, back to the Antwerp Village Zoning Board of Appeals for a new meeting. The town neglected to respond to the request issued by Judge Beckman. Specifically the judgement stated, “the Board was to forward a complete transcript of all the original papers, testimony, and evidence offered, heard and taken into consideration in issuing its decision. To date, this Court has received nothing that it can review to determine the appropriateness of the decision“
Administrator Brian Davis said this was a matter for executive session due to pending litigation. Councilman Steiner said it was no longer in litigation since the judgement has been rendered and discussion can be public since Judge Tiffany Beckman stated that it must go back to the board. Steiner asked why the town officials not answer the judge when asked. Solicitor Cam Stanley stated we should go into executive session for that discussion.
After the executive session Davis stated that the town will get street sweeping done in several areas for $400. He has also applied for a FEMA grant for Schaffer Road. He also reported about the engineering of the water infrastructure along with the water tower bids. The sewage lagoons have too high of ammonia levels. He has contacted Jones and Henry Engineering to evaluate modifications to try and resolve this problem. He said we will have to file for variances from the EPA requirements until this can get resolved. Davis also stated we are seeking prices in Archbold for liability insurance for the Village. Councilman Jordan asked about tree trimming at several intersections in town.
Councilman Steiner asked why the Antwerp Branch Library was refused their request to have the building power washed. Davis replied that, “A. We don’t have a power washer, and B. It’s not our obligation, and C. It costs money to have it done.” Council Steiner replied, “It is our building.” Davis mentioned that he was told by the library that a previous village employee had done it in the past. He continued that it was not the village’s obligation to take care of the cosmetics, only the structure. “It’s my decision that it is not the obligation of the Village.” stated Davis. To which Steiner responded, “It is our building and I think we need to.” Davis responded, “noted”.
Mayor Reeb gave her report and following that the meeting was adjourned.
The meeting can be watched at the West Bend News Youtube channel or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dwcbl5BnqhY or scan the QR code here with a smart phone.
