Town Hall meeting raises First Responder question
Mayor Judy Magee started the meeting with notices, including the following:
Chuck Sirna is home from Afghanistan, having served in the National Guard, and was feeling very fortunate to be here since two days prior to departure his unit witnessed a near-miss bombing.
Hwy. 45 construction signs are out and construction begins next Monday, June 28. Prior to construction starting a public information meeting will be held at city hall from 4 - 6 p.m. June 24.
The Skate Park will be dedicated to Gordon Norden who was instrumental in getting a safe place established for youth to exercise their skating skills. A ceremony takes place at 4:45 p.m. June 29.
In July the swimming pool will be 50 years old and throughout the month special 1960s pricing will be offered $.10 to $.35; on July 8 a kid's day is planned; July 9 is the rain date; the first 100 persons to enter the pool will receive a commemorative token. Mayor Magee thanked Dick Writt for keeping the pool in such good shape. Others commented that they have fond memories of summers spent going to and from the pool. Mayor Magee remembered the first three months the pool was open the heater was not installed and they still swam in it. Merit Sasse recalled taking lessons there.
On Monday, June 21 bright yellow road signage on 6th, 9th, 10th and 11th streets will be installed for increased safety in pedestrian crosswalks. The mayor reminded citizens to be cautious of pedestrian traffic, including small children, in the summer months.
Question and Answer Session
Robert and Christine Grimmer stepped to the podium, concerned that the ambulance and fire services were not working in unison. The Grimmer's are emergency medical providers, Robert being a fire lieutenant in Manawa and Christine is an EMT. They said a lot of EMT's that live in Clintonville would like to have a First Responder group here. "Wisconsin statute DHFS111 states that if you are licensed in the State of Wisconsin you should be assisting whenever possible," said Richard. The Grimmer's claimed they were told the ambulance service is a private company and would not allow outside help.
Alderman Mike Hankins, also a member of the police and fire commission, explained the structure of the nine member commission and volunteer fire department, and said he would talk with the ambulance director and get back to the Grimmer's. Mayor Magee said she would look up the state statute to make sure the city was adhering to state laws.
Arlo Dumke, who has resided in a home on N. Main Street for 32 years , asked why the State of Wisconsin was allowed to delay road construction on this main thoroughfare. He used the example of the area between 150 and 158 N. Main Street to note large dips and cracks in the road surface that have been repaired countless times over the years. "The trucks make the windows rattle and the knick knacks move on the shelves of our home. If we can feel the floors shake with our feet, what is this doing to our sewers and other underground utilities?"
The mayor responded that the city was at the mercy of the state, but it looks like the State Hwy. 22 project has been moved up with the first phase to start next spring replacing the main street bridge and ending at 13th Street and second phase moved up as well. She commented that from 13th to Green Tree Road needs parking. She said scheduling does move around quite a bit and she would keep the public informed of changes.
Dumke also commented about the restored World War I cannon. He requested that the cannon not be returned to the park but a more visible location be chosen where vandals could not have their way with it. He would like to see it in a more prominent location.
Magee reported the new, Amish made wood cannon wheels arrived June 18 and that July 13 the cannon would be in front of city hall for council members and the citizens to see prior to their meeting. She explained that during World War I the Marines, Army and Navy all used cannons in defense of the nation. This particular cannon is a captured German Krupp model that three veterans groups have embraced in the restoration process. The council would be considering where to place the cannon so that it would be cared for properly.
Lois Winkle came to the podium next, with a snow issue. She requested the area in front of the Post Office be clear of snow and ice for citizens. She pays $40 a year to have a post office box only to find frustration getting to it due to snow build up and lack of steady attention to the sidewalks.
The mayor told Winkle there is a new postmaster and she will bring the matter to the attention of the post office. Magee will also alert the city's street department to the concern.
Merit Sasse asked why the council couldn't vote privately on issues when members of the audience may be there to intimidate or sway a council vote. "Couldn't you have a secret ballet and not a show of hands?" Later on in the session Police Captain Beggs commented that open meetings and open ballots are the way to go.
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