At the regular Town of Helvetia board meeting held on June 3 in the Town Hall, local officials approved several key initiatives, including the launch of a township-wide garbage pickup survey and the renewal of multiple liquor licenses. All board members were present, along with six town residents. Chairman Jeff Oppor presided over the session, which also featured discussions on financial planning, road maintenance, and future insurance coverage.
One of the evening’s most significant actions centered on whether to implement township-wide garbage pickup. After much discussion, the board agreed to send out postcards to all town residents asking for a simple “Yes” or “No” response. The replies are due by Sept. 1. This initiative was approved with a motion by Supervisor Mike Grassl and seconded by Supervisor Justin Hintz. The board aims to use this data to determine whether there’s enough interest to establish a uniform waste management service across Helvetia.
Clerk Doug Hines began the session by reading the minutes from the previous meeting, which were subsequently approved. The town’s bills were authorized for payment, and the Treasurer’s report received a formal nod as well.
In new business, the board discussed exploring certificates of deposit (CDs) as a potential alternative to the State Investment Pool to boost interest earnings. This investigation into more advantageous financial strategies reflects the town’s ongoing commitment to prudent fiscal management.
The board also conducted a review of current insurance policies for Town Hall facilities. After a thorough evaluation, it was decided that existing coverage would remain unchanged for the time being.
Comprehensive Planning and Zoning Updates
Under comprehensive planning, the board provided updates on several local land projects:
Yah’s Refuge LLC has made progress on required cleanup, though more work remains.
The Olson/Oppor planning proposal has been submitted to Waupaca County and is pending finalization.
JP Media Holdings LLC received board approval following a public hearing held just before the meeting.
In another round of administrative duties, the board approved several liquor licenses:
A Class A license for Chad Bestul of Sandbur General Store.
Class B licenses for Linda Kubczak (Wings Inn), Kristy Berkholtz (Glen Cairn Golf Course), and Jessica Olson (Club 161).
Additionally, 25 operator licenses were granted. All licensing motions were carried unanimously, further supporting Helvetia’s local businesses.
Supervisor Justin Hintz shared news of a collaboration with Iola-Scandinavia High School’s shop class, which will construct ceiling tiles for the interior of the Town Hall this fall. This partnership not only enhances local infrastructure but also fosters civic engagement among the town’s youth.
Road maintenance and winter prep discussed
The board devoted considerable attention to infrastructure, with multiple road maintenance projects reported:
Carper Road, Astrud, and Moon Lake Retreat have been completed.
Netzler, Lutz, and Aasen Roads were seal-coated by Scott’s Construction.
Cold patching was done on Aanstad Road, with an additional $12,375 approved for further work.
The Waupaca County Highway Department will address a hole on Campbell Lake Road and a damaged area on Swamp Road.
Chad Bestul performed grading, patching, and graveling on various routes, including Astrud and Bestul Roads.
Kelly Land will return to handle ditch mowing this year.
Concerns about snowplowing for the upcoming winter were also raised, as Chad Bestul may be exiting the business. The board will explore alternative contractors to ensure uninterrupted service.
Chairman Jeff Oppor and Supervisor Mike Grassl provided a brief report on the Wisconsin Towns Association meeting they attended on May 15, where emergency response planning was a key topic.
No updates were available from the Planning Commission this month, as reported by Commissioner Gary Prill.