Hustisford Village Hall space may be converted for police use

By Pat Hahn for the Daily Times
Tuesday, October 4, 2005 2:41 PM CDT

HUSTISFORD - An unused area at the Hustisford Village Hall may be converted for police use, the village board learned Monday night.

Village President Ken Pfeifer, reporting for police committee Chairman Duane Bellows who was ill, said Dodge County may be interested in setting up a satellite office at Hustisford. The former library space, currently vacant, could be used for both that purpose and as an interrogation room.

The board's police committee will review the possibility in greater detail at an upcoming committee meeting, Pfeifer said.

"Having Dodge County in the community will provide a greater police presence," Pfeifer suggested. He indicated Dodge County may provide needed equipment, while the village would be responsible for construction modifications and furniture.

After former police Chief Larry Reschke resigned, the village board named John Seefeldt as part-time interim police chief. He and another part-time officer currently serve the village.

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As an option to hiring a full-time police chief and one or more officers, some board members have lobbied to have a totally part-time department as a cost-saving measure. That possibility will receive additional discussion at the police committee's Oct. 25 meeting. Pfeifer said the committee will make a recommendation to the full board in conjunction with budget preparation.

The board accepted a 2006 budget presented by the Hustisford Community Library. The budget calls for expenditures totaling $114,281, a 9.79 percent increase over the 2005 budget. Because of increases in Dodge County funding, anticipated interest revenue and miscellaneous income, the actual increase for both the village and the town of Hustisford is projected to be less than that. Each will contribute $43,190, up $2,080 or 5.06 percent from last year.

Library board member Mary Jensen said library circulation has decreased, while computer usage has increased. She suggested increased use of the Internet may be at least partially responsible for the decline in circulation.

Water/wastewater Superinten-dent Dennis Uecker said bids are due Oct. 21 for developing a facility plan for the utility. The impact of potential new developments on the wastewater treatment plant will be a significant consideration, he said.

The Firemen's Park water tower will be out of service for about a week beginning Oct. 17 while the tower is washed out and interior paint touched up. The village's second water tower will service the entire community during that time.

Portions of the village's sanitary sewers will be cleaned in the next two weeks. Uecker said about one-third of sewers are cleaned every year.

AAT is moving forward with erecting a communications tower on property north of state Highway 60, north of the village's water tower. The village recently received its first compensation for the project, Clerk/Treasurer Kim Hopfinger reported.

Leaves placed at curbside will be picked up on Mondays and Thursdays, Dennis Hundt indicated. Flowers, twigs and other organic materials may not be mixed with the leaves.

The board said it will wait until data from a Neider Park survey has been compiled before scheduling another meeting to review park plans. Survey results will be posted and available at the village hall, Pfeifer said.

Residents were reminded that the village's burning ordinance has specific requirements which prohibit most outdoor burning. "If you're not sure what's allowed, call and ask," Pfeifer advised. After recodification of the village's ordinances is completed, all ordinances will be on the village's Web site.

In other action, the board:

- Learned the field of 35 applicants for part-time police officers has been narrowed to four candidates who will be interviewed next week.

- Set trick or treat for Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. Those who wish to participate should turn on their porch lights.

- Approved a 911 Joint Powers Agreement with Dodge County.

- Learned the utilities have hired Charity Grulke as a part-time utility clerk.

- Scheduled a series of committee meetings to work on the 2006 budget.

- Authorized paying bills totaling $57,070.98.

- Issued a bartender's license to Janet Becker, contingent on successful completion of a required class.