Frederic board approves $21,335 change order for Wisconsin Avenue, declines business reimbursements for private signs

The Frederic Village Board on May 12 approved Change Order #1 for the village's Wisconsin Avenue construction project, adding right-of-way permit updates and custom signage at a total cost of $21,335.

Drew Lindh, representing engineering firm MSA, explained the change order covers permit revisions and the production of custom signs including overweight vehicle warnings, 'Frederic businesses open during construction' placards, a local detour sign and associated poles. Jackie Peterson moved to approve the change order; Patty Swenson seconded and the motion carried.

Board members debated whether the village should reimburse private businesses that purchased directional or promotional signs. Peterson said she had been told business owners would be responsible for sign costs; Trustee Brad Harlander argued the village should not reimburse private-business expenses. The board concluded its responsibility was to route drivers around the construction, which it addressed with official detour signage and 'businesses open' signs; no reimbursement to private businesses was approved.

The action enables the contractor to proceed with the updated traffic-control measures and custom signage. The board did not place additional conditions or timelines on the change order during the public meeting.

The Village Board is scheduled to continue oversight of the Wisconsin Avenue project through standard contract and inspection processes; no additional funding requests were made at this meeting.