The Helvetia Town Board approved a new air-conditioning unit contract and discussed upcoming financial changes to local emergency services at its regular meeting Aug. 4 at the Town Hall.
Chairman Jeff Opper called the meeting to order at 7 p.m., with all board members, four residents, and two guests in attendance.
The board voted to accept Shoemaker’s $7,280 bid for a new air conditioning unit. Opper recommended the bid, noting the unit was larger than competing quotes from Rem and Waupaca, and highlighted the company’s long relationship with the township. Board member Justin Hintz introduced the motion, which member Mike Grassl seconded, and it passed.
Emergency services changes took center stage during a review of a July 30 fire meeting. Officials announced that the Clintonville ambulance service is dissolving, while the Iola ambulance service is requesting a funding increase. Helvetia will owe a 12.87% portion in May for an ambulance purchase. The board also noted that the neighboring township of Wyoming wants to use Iola services for half of its township, prompting further discussion regarding future fire and pay compensation.
In other business, Renee Hosket introduced herself to the board and citizens and launched her campaign for Waupaca County Clerk of Circuit Courts. Hosket explained that she will run for a four-year term and will appear on the upcoming August and November ballots, with the term beginning Jan. 1.
The board also addressed township infrastructure and facility maintenance. Officials tabled the purchase of a new propane tank to a future year after reviewing costs. Installing a second 500-gallon tank would cost $2,816.85, compared to $5,000 to replace the current system with a 1,000-gallon tank. However, Hintz and Grassl approved a propane contract to purchase 536 gallons at $1.49 per gallon, totaling $800.
For the Town Hall building, Opper agreed to order a new table cart after the floor work was completed on July 21, though the board declined to buy chair holders at this time. The board also addressed equipment maintenance, with Hintz agreeing to secure quotes for new front tires and a set of teeth for a tractor brushing attachment.
Road work updates showed progress on the Moen Lake culvert, gravel hauling on Carper Road by Waupaca County, and completed construction on Lutz, Swamp, and Pagel Roads by Scott Construction. Additionally, the board noted road brushing on Sleepy Hollow.
The board also decided to let an unlicensed dog issue rest unless further problems arise, after zoning officials returned the billing and fine letter matter to the township.
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn from Grassl and Hintz. The next town board meeting is scheduled for Sept. 1.
Here is the news story based on the town meeting minutes.
Board Reviews referendum and road updates
The Helvetia Town Board met on Sept. 1 to address upcoming community events, infrastructure progress, and a school district referendum.
School District Administrator Chris Nelson spoke to attendees about an upcoming November referendum for the Iola-Scandinavia School District. Nelson highlighted key details of the initiative during the meeting’s new business portion.
Roadwork and town maintenance projects topped the local infrastructure agenda.
Board members reported that county workers completed shouldering work, and progress continued on Carper Road, where grading and rolling will follow the placement of gravel. However, a culvert project on Moen Lake Court stalled, prompting plans for a follow-up with local official Chad. Despite the delay, an attending resident thanked the board during the public input session for the improvements made on Moen Lake Court.
In other town property updates, the board announced that the Town Hall air conditioning unit installation will be finished within two weeks once a technician receives the final parts. Additionally, the Town Hall water test successfully passed inspection.
Hintz read and approved the previous meeting’s minutes and promised to order a fire number for the Seigel Recycling Center.
