The Soldiers Grove Village Board pursued funding from the Wisconsin DNR’s Clean Water Fund for upgrades to their sewer plant. These actions took place at their Tuesday, Sept. 12 meeting, chaired by trustee Jerry Miller in village president Paul Nicholson’s absence.
The meeting was preceded by a 30-minute public hearing, attended by two village residents, Diane Coleman and Nancy Olson. Jordan Fure, Environmental Engineer with Delta-3 Engineering, gave an overview of the project and answered questions.
“We have sent the facility plan to the DNR, along with our application for a Clean Water Fund (CWF) grant,” Fure told those present. “The plan will include only a minor sewer extension to run sewer lines up to the top of the hill just south of town while DOT is conducting their Highway 131 project in 2025.”
Nancy Olson asked if sewer would be extended to the subdivision, or to her home on Yankeetown Road. Fure said that it would not in this phase of the project.
Trustee Harrison Heilman said that the only step the village has taken toward extending sewer lines to the subdivision is to purchase a piece of land for the future construction of a pump house.
“The overall reason for making upgrades to the village’s sewer plant is that DNR effluent limits are changing for phosphorous and E.coli to be in line with EPA requirements,” Fure explained to those present. “Because the village is not currently in compliance, the upgrades will be designed to meet those new effluent limits.”
Fure said that an ultra-violet disinfection system would be added to meet the E.coli standards, and alum would be added to meet the phosphorous standards. He said that a Water Quality Trading initiative would be part of the third phase of the project, and could include projects on the area by the lift station on Baker Creek and possibly portions of the Kickapoo River, also designed to meet the new phosphorous in effluent standards.
Fure said that the project is expected to cost about $300,000. He said the village’s application for a CWF grant could cover as much as 50 percent of the amount, with the balance covered from a CWF low-interest loan. If the grant/loan is approved, they may let bids for the project as soon as February or March.
When asked about potential increases in rates for sewer system users, Fure explained how that would work.
“Without any DNR grants or loans, rates could increase by $750 per-year, per-user,” Fure said. “If the anticipated funding is received, that amount will be reduced to $375 per-year, per-user.”
Village resident Shayne Chapman asked if the sewer main to be run up the hill south of the village would be sufficient to accommodate future expansion of sewer to the subdivision?
“Yes,” Fure responded. “We will run eight-inch main, and that will more than accommodate sewer from the subdivision.”
Fure went on to explain that phase two of the project, which he said is likely three years out, will involve getting the overall facility up to today’s standards, with an upgrade to the aeration, blowers, a new headworks building, a mechanical screen to remove finer material before it gets into the pump, and an improved garage, driveway access and laboratory.
Regular meeting
After the public hearing, the board moved quickly to pass a series of motions relating to the sewer plant project. Those included:
• approve submittal of the Clean Water Fund application
• approve an authorized representative resolution
• approve a reimbursement resolution
• approve the cost and effectiveness certification
• approve plans, specifications and estimates
• approve Delta-3 Engineering contract.
Soldiers Grove Fire Chief Jeanette McCormick reported that 12 to 13 members of the department had participated in a ‘Mass Casualties’ training at the North Crawford Schools the week prior, sponsored by Crawford County Emergency Management. She said that those team members would become part of the countywide task force that is forming.
“The Crawford County Sheriff Department’s Ryan Fradette and Cody Mullikin are arranging for raffles to raise funds to purchase tactical gear for task force members,” McCormick told the board. “Next trainings will be offered at the Seneca and Wauzeka-Steuben school districts.”
In the public works report, the team reported that they had put up traffic signs as requested at the last board meeting, cleaned up in the ‘Flat,’ made preparations for the Driftless Art Festival and Swampfest, and made plans to purchase a permanent barricade for the one-way street by the campground.
The board voted to approve the purchase of new tires for the skid steer, with delivery and installation included, from Don’s Tire in Highland, for $1,100.
In other business
In other business, the Soldiers Grove Village Board:
• heard that Solar Meats had paid off their loan
• renewed the lease for the Rod & Gun Club for three years
• declined to approve a picnic license for Swampfest because the group had not furnished proof of insurance
• scheduled a Village Potluck Cookout for October 4, with socializing from 4-5 p.m., and food from 5-7 p.m.
