Suamico board names new finance director, approves two developer items and sets process to fill trustee vacancy

SUAMICO, Wis. — The Suamico Village Board on Monday appointed a new full‑time finance director and treasurer, approved two developer‑related land documents that clear the way for building permits, and agreed to advertise and interview applicants to fill a trustee vacancy left by Mike Schneider’s impending resignation.

Administrator Alex Caker told the board that Katie Deminy has accepted the full‑time finance director/treasurer position and is scheduled to begin on Sept. 10, 2024. Caker said Deminy “holds a bachelor’s of business administration and master’s in professional accountancy from the University of Wisconsin‑Whitewater” and currently works for the City of Appleton as deputy finance director. The board voted unanimously to appoint her.

The board also adopted Resolution 24,010 commending longtime treasurer Kaye Magar, who the resolution says served Suamico from 2004–2016 and intermittently since 2021 and who will retire on Aug. 31, 2024. Magar told trustees, “I’ve enjoyed my years,” as colleagues thanked her for covering the village’s finances and helping transition staff.

On development matters the board accepted the Pristine Lane subdivision as presented and authorized the building department to release permits, with Director Smith saying staff has inspected the work, expects a final punch list to be completed by the end of summer, and that the village holds a one‑year warranty. The board also approved Resolution 24,011 to amend the Vickery Meadows condominium plat and separately approved the related water‑main easement amendment; staff said the developer will pay all relocation costs.

Trustee vacancy and next steps

With Trustee Schneider resigning at the end of August, Administrator Caker laid out three options: hold a special election, appoint a resident to finish the term, or leave the seat vacant until the April election. Caker warned a special election would be costly and slow, estimating at least $5,000 and noting county ballot production and primary timing could push a special election outcome into December or later.

Trustees debated the tradeoffs. Some argued a special election for a short remaining term would be impractical; others stressed openness and fairness in an appointment process. Trustee Romas moved that the board advertise for two weeks, bring applicants to the Sept. 16 board meeting for interviews using a common set of questions, and appoint a candidate by simple majority if the board chooses. Trustee Stevens seconded. The motion passed with five votes in favor, one opposed and one abstention. Administrator Caker asked trustees to submit proposed interview questions by Sept. 11 so the packet can be published and applicants informed.

Votes at a glance

• Approve meeting agenda — motion carried, voice vote 7–0. • Approve consent agenda (minutes and July reports) — motion carried, roll call 7–0. • Resolution 24,010 (retirement commendation for Kaye Magar) — adopted, roll call 7–0. • Appoint Katie Deminy as finance director/treasurer (effective 09/10/2024) — adopted, roll call 7–0. • Motion to advertise and interview applicants to fill Trustee Schneider’s unexpired term — adopted, roll call 5 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain. • Accept Pristine Lane development and release building permits — adopted, roll call 7–0. • Resolution 24,011 (Vickery Meadows plat addendum) and water‑main easement amendment — adopted, roll calls 7–0.

What’s next

Trustees requested a water‑tower project update be added to a future agenda. For the trustee vacancy, the board will advertise for two weeks, collect candidate materials, publish interview questions to applicants and consider candidates at the Sept. 16 meeting. Administrator Caker said candidate questions should be sent to staff by Sept. 11 to be included in the packet.

Board members closed the meeting with an adjournment vote; the meeting ended after routine closing remarks.