Cadott Village Board - It’s far cheaper to contract out for mental health
Kenneth Burrell (left) and his father, Brian, were on-hand, Jan. 6, at the Cadott Village Board meeting, requesting that an exception be made for their lab/pitbull mix to stay in the village, despite the ordinance that states otherwise. The family was unaware of the breed restrictions before they moved to Cadott, from Chippewa Falls. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
Currently, if a mental health patient needs transport to a mental health facility, which are all out of the area, as far away Kenosha or Madison, Cadott Police officers are required to drop everything and escort the patients. That means the squad is out of service until they get back, the department is short an officer, meals have to be reimbursed and since the trip is so long, the village is likely paying overtime.
That’s why an agreement, on recommendation of police chief Daryl Pries, was reached Jan. 6, with NTS Security Services, who specialize in armed transports involving mental health patients. The company charges $70/hour, plus the federal mileage rate, if the village signed a contract and Cadott would only be charged when using NTS services.
Village president Randy Kuehni asked what happens if NTS is busy, but Pries says they have a fleet of vehicles and sufficient staff to fulfill the needs when they arise.
“This is actually a very smart and good idea,” said Louie Eslinger, village trustee and former police chief.
Also approved, was a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Lehmans, as there are Amish families moving into Cadott, who want to purchase and divide the parcel in question into two.
“They plan to farm it and it sounds like everybody is OK with it,” said Jim Scheffler, with Scheffler Land Surveying.
Josh Miller, Cedar Corp., wants CSMs to show wetlands and setbacks, as well as shoreline zoning. As for the Lehman property, he really just wanted some clarification.
“Maybe there’s a basis for having some exceptions in these types of situations,” said Miller.
If the CSM would be for a residential, commercial or subdivision parcel in the village, Miller believes the board would want to have a dedication of right-of-way, but since the property is agriculture, he didn’t see an issue.
Scheffler pointed out that a right-of-way is right-of-way.
“No matter what, you have 100 percent control over it,” said Scheffler.
Miller mentioned that it would be almost impossible to go back and redo the potential hundreds of CSMs, and change them now, so they just need guidance going forward.
The CSM was approved, with the stipulation that if any building takes place on the property, soil boring tests will be completed beforehand.
The board also approved a lot width ratio for property owned by Cookie Kaste.
“Apparently, the lot is deeper than it should be,” said Kaste.
The long and narrow strip has a 2 to 1 depth ratio exceeded. Miller felt that in the end, Cadott might have to do a Comprehensive Plan amendment.
“Sometimes, when you do an original parcel, you’re kind of stuck with the dimensions you have,” said Miller.
Jeremy Kenealy, public works director, did state that there should be an easement along the property, in the event the village needs to access utilities, but the item was approved, with Kaste agreeing to an easement.
Members also heard from Brian Burrell and his son, who were not aware of any ordinance restricting specifi c breeds of dogs in the village limits, when the family moved to Cadott. Once they found out, they approached the board, asking for an exception for their six-year-old lab/pitbull mix.
The Burrells have had no complaints or issues with their dog, and plan to construct a fence in the back yard.
“He’s always on his lead when he goes out,” said Kenneth Burrell.
The two are expecting DNA results within a few weeks, so the board held off on any decisions until those results come in and more investigation is done. The Burrells said the dog has been socialized with people and other animals since they got him as a puppy.
“You come to our house, you’re liable to get licked to death,” laughed B. Burrell.