Duncan trustees approve road‑plan compliance, $1,000 bonus and engine‑brake ordinance change; interview engineering firm

Chairperson Gary Schlesinger called the Village of Duncan Board of Trustees to order Oct. 13 and the board unanimously approved several items including a state road‑plan compliance resolution, a $1,000 year‑end bonus for Utility Superintendent Doug Michalak and an amendment to the village engine‑brake ordinance.

Clerk Marianna Evans read Resolution R25‑300, saying it authorizes Schlesinger to sign a compliance form certifying the village followed state rules for the 1 & 6 Year Road Plan Program, which is part of the process for receiving highway allocations. The board voted to approve the resolution unanimously.

The board then debated a proposed year‑end bonus for Michalak. Evans told trustees that Michalak had saved the village “thousands” by performing mechanical repairs and maintenance that had previously been contracted out. Trustee Nick Wagoner and Trustee Lance Denbo said the village lacks a formal employee‑evaluation process and recommended instituting evaluations; Schlesinger said he would like to see a written job description but added that he believes Michalak “is doing a great job.” The board voted to approve a $1,000 end‑of‑year bonus for Michalak.

On compensation for board members, Schlesinger read the current stipend rates — $95 per meeting for the chair and $65 per meeting for trustees — and noted state law requires any change to take effect after the next election. Clerk Evans said the pay is roughly average for similarly sized towns; the trustees voted to leave compensation unchanged.

Schlesinger reported he had spoken with a Platte County sheriff’s deputy about enforcement of the engine‑brake prohibition and said the deputy recommended adding a narrower enforcement window. The trustees approved an amendment to Ordinance 70.02 to add “24 hours with No Tolerance from 7am‑7pm.”

The board heard a presentation from John Zwingman, an engineer with Advanced Consulting Engineering Services, who distributed a printed proposal and expressed interest in being appointed the village’s engineering firm; the board will consider appointments in December.

In departmental reports, Utility Superintendent Michalak asked that the street sweeper be held off a few weeks to allow leaves to drop and said a crack‑sealant job is being scheduled. Schlesinger noted Michalak had continued to complete his duties despite the recent death of Michalak’s mother and praised his work. The parks discussion included plans to retrieve and store rubber mulch at the water‑treatment building and renewed concern about illegal tree dumping at the town’s tree pile.

Treasurer Michelle Schindel presented the monthly bills and the board voted to approve payment. The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.; the next regular meeting is Nov. 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.