The Public Works and Personnel Committee took several financial and operational actions during its meeting on May 7 at Iola Village Hall.

The committee approved obtaining bids for a new four-wheeler, voted to begin repaying an internal loan from the Sewer Department to the Village General Fund, and agreed to write off $1,558.60 in uncollectable utility debt. Members also moved into closed session to discuss retiree benefits before approving a $604 health insurance reimbursement.

Committee Chair Mike Richberg called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. Present were Richberg, David Harper, Pamela Parks, Public Works Director Edward Bonikowske, Jim Rasmussen, and Alan Bauer. Clerk-Treasurer Laura J. Krogwold and Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Missy Fenn also attended.

On operational matters, the committee noted that Public Works crews would clear trees overhanging roads. A decision on painting fire hydrants was tabled pending a quote. The Parks Department approved expanding a fence gate at the dog park to allow village equipment to mow inside the enclosure.

Harper made the motion to seek bids for the new four-wheeler. Parks seconded it, and the motion passed.

Harper also moved to require the Sewer Department to repay the General Fund at a rate of $2,500 per quarter. Bauer seconded, and it passed. The committee directed that shut-off notices be sent to delinquent utility customers and said the village’s delinquent utility procedure would be updated at the next meeting. Harper’s motion to write off the uncollectable accounts for Escatona, Anderson, and Heise passed with a second from Parks.

Bonikowske and Krogwold agreed to prepare an updated savings schedule for Water and Sewer projects and maintenance for the next meeting.

The committee entered closed session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) to discuss retiree sick pay and health insurance reimbursement. It reconvened at 11 a.m. and then approved a $604 payment to Glenn Tetzlaff for unanticipated health insurance costs on a motion by Harper, seconded by Parks.

The next Public Works meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, at 9 a.m. The next Personnel meeting is set for Tuesday, June 2, at 9 a.m.