Hartland board approves consent items, questions $877,256 vouchers; election inspector slate passes with one abstention

The Village of Hartland Board of Trustees approved a slate of routine items and heard questions about specific charges in the voucher list.

The board approved the Nov. 24, 2025 minutes and then approved vouchers totaling $877,256.30. During discussion a trustee said the $22,000 listed for legal services "raised an eyebrow" and asked staff to provide a breakdown; village staff replied invoices can be shown and said some items (including refunds and reimbursables) have explanations. The vouchers motion carried by voice vote.

Trustees approved a special-event permit for the Ice Age Trail Community Committee’s winter moonlight hike set for Jan. 31, 2026. Jacob Zeal, the committee representative, said the group had a good turnout at its last hike and plans to use Nixon Park and a warming shed; the permit was approved on a motion and second.

The board also approved the slate of election inspectors with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2027. The clerk explained inspectors are nominated every two years (including party nominees and unaffiliated poll workers) and noted most work half-day shifts; one trustee abstained from the vote.

Separately, trustees approved a Village of Hartland Professional Police Association annual wage reopener agreement (a 4% increase included in the budget). Village staff explained the union’s practice of annual reopeners and that the current action conforms to budgeted amounts.

A resident inquired at the start of the meeting about how to follow the village’s purchase of property for a new police and community center; staff said there were no new updates and advised calling the village office or watching posted packets.

Next steps: staff said they will provide voucher invoice details to trustees on request and will post event and plan materials when available.