Board flags unsafe home, approves truck repairs and discusses water-service lead-line findings

The Village Board received multiple maintenance and administrative updates at its Jan. 5 meeting, including a code-enforcement referral for a deteriorating house, authorization for vehicle repairs and a report of possible lead service lines.

President Robert McLimans raised complaints about the condition of the property at 524 Canal Street, citing missing garage doors, a failing front porch and general disrepair that may violate Village Ordinance Chapter 705 on unsafe buildings. Chief Small said he knew the owner, identified in the record as Larry Bedtka from Prairie, and suggested the building inspector be asked to issue correction notices with a late-spring deadline for repairs. Board members noted safety concerns about the porch, saying it was "barely hanging by a thread." The board agreed the building inspector should examine the property and issue notices as appropriate.

Public works staffer Leitzinger reported multiple operational items: village employees spent extra time clearing snow around parked cars at Union Street Apartments after residents expected staff assistance; the village's white truck struck a garbage container, damaging the mirror and fender with repair costs estimated at about $1,200. The board approved repairs by Sire T Auto Body.

Leitzinger also reported finding lead service lines on Canal Street and a curb stop at Tranny’s Plus that was covered by concrete. He said the village is awaiting guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on whether those lead-service issues must be addressed immediately or can wait until the planned road project. An aeration tank problem was resolved after Schmitz Sanitary Service removed a solid plug, but Leitzinger said generator tests were tripping breakers and an electrician was being consulted.

Clerk/Treasurer Shawna Atterbury reported unexpected health-insurance charges of about $1,923.39 from the former provider Exemplar related to contractual obligations when an employee resigned; the village's insurance agent initially advised ignoring the charges but later said they were valid. Atterbury noted the village received credit for last year’s Clerk’s Institute registration (July 13–17, 2026). She also said the village’s Facebook page has attracted negative personal comments on a recent post about snow shoveling and recommended turning off comments; the board agreed to consult with Chief Small and turned comments off in the meantime. Atterbury recommended issuing separate village credit cards for key staff; the board authorized her to speak with People's Bank about options.

The board scheduled a Jan. 19 committee meeting to discuss backup plans for the clerk treasurer and director of public works positions and set the next regular meeting for Feb. 2, 2026.