Committee formed to address lack of housing in Gilman

Gilman has a problem – a good problem – but still a problem. A lot of empty land.

After meeting with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and a representative from the state Rural Development office, at a meeting Nov. 10, Gilman Village Board president Jane DeStaercke shared what was talked about.

“One of the things that they do suggest, is that we probably should do some kind of a housing study, which is rather in depth about where our needs are,” she said.

DeStaercke said it might be possible to partner with Rib Lake and Medford, in order to get a county-wide movement going. The board agreed to start a housing and development committee, with anyone welcome to join the endeavor. In addition to village officials, the committee should consist of representatives from property developers, banks and the school district.

Gilman Police Chief Tom Tallier said Gilman is unique, in the fact that the village has a lot of unused space.

“Most communities have to go through the process of…buying land, because they’re too small,” said Tallier. “I just think that there’s so much land and so many building opportunities…that are just undeveloped places.”

While improving the housing situation is good, one piece of news that was not as happy, was that Taylor County did not receive any broadband grants, because the funds are focused more on getting the access along highways, rather than “fiber to the home” projects.

“They’re (county) going to need to do some adjusting when they apply again,” said DeStaercke.

Another fund, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is still in limbo, because no concrete guidance has been set down as to what the village can use the money for. Village clerk Candice Grunseth says she is still trying to understand what the funds can be used for and is nervous to spend the money on anything until she knows for sure. Gilman has until 2024, to spend the ARPA funding. DeStaercke asked what penalties would be incurred if the village misuses the funds.

“You would have to pay them back,” said Grunseth. During the meeting, the board approved the 2022 levy of $186,797, and the water and sewer budgets.

They also agreed to change the regular monthly board meeting time to 6 p.m., the second Wednesday of each month, instead of 7 p.m. That way, members can get home a little earlier in the evening. The change will take effect for the first meeting of 2022.

“I think that would be the best way to do it,” said Grunseth.

Members also approved the new cell tower (Harmoni Towers) address as W14798 Trucker Lane, with Grunseth working with the county for the fire number. Trustees also issued a driveway permit for tower access.

A new Library Board member is incoming, as president Marilyn Newman resigned; DeStaercke appointed Sharon Novitski to fill the open position left on the board. DeStaercke reported that long-time village engineer Bob Parmley recently passed away. Parmley was instrumental in many street projects, the sewer plant upgrade and water tower project.

“He served the village well, probably since the ’60s,” said DeStaercke. “He will be missed.”

At the last meeting, Tallier said he would look into what can be done with the snowmobile trail going over one of the village bridges and reported back to the board, after possible repairs were pointed out by Bruce Drangle.

“The snowmobile club does not have funds,” said Tallier, adding the matter has to go to the country forestry department, which manages repairs and upgrades. “There are some spots it’s in pretty rough shape.”

Tallier said he will keep everyone posted on what he finds out about the bridge.

In his public works report, director Rick Johnson said he has now shut down the park, with cold weather here to stay.

“It was time to shut her down,” he said. He also mentioned that he was asked if the village could provide a porta potty during the Christmas lights season at the park, with a wheelchair accessible model preferred. The board had no problem with providing that amenity.

“It would be nice for the people that work down there,” said Johnson. “And quite a few people go down there and walk down there during the Christmas season.”