Police report civil suit and new officer; fire department wins $22,000 grant and requests vehicle replacement

Police and fire department updates occupied a portion of the March 9 Lyndon Station board meeting. Police Chief Jeremy Bonikowske told trustees the department handled 17 calls for service for the month, issued one speeding citation and placed a new officer, Kevin, on patrol duties. Chief Bonikowske said a civil suit concerning a Rose Street property is pending; the board issued a 30-day notice to the property owner and the matter is now in the hands of the village attorney. Chief Bonikowske noted staff need documented evidence or a written statement from a former employee before the village can take further enforcement action regarding alleged business activity at that property.

Fire Chief Troy Madland reported seven calls in February totaling 74 hours and year-to-date hours of 305. The department received a $22,000 grant from Ho-Chunk and is working with the state and the Fire Fighters Association on a retirement option for firefighters. Chief Madland said air packs purchased with grant funds should arrive this month and requested that the clerk add an agenda item to discuss purchasing a used pickup to replace the Command vehicle, a Ford Excursion that has been running poorly.

Trustees approved an invoice from North Star Emergency Vehicle Service Inc. by motion of Trustee Coley and second of Trustee Place; the motion carried unanimously. The board also heard that the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office conducted 23 building checks and responded to 40 calls, and that the village website is now live on a .gov domain. The annual cost for county IT takeover was reported at $120, below a budgeted $180; issuing .gov email addresses to all employees would incur additional costs though the clerk may require one for election responsibilities.