Gilman finalizes sale of mobile home court to private party

The Dec. 9 regular Gilman Village Board meeting started out on a high note, as president Jane DeStaercke reported that she signed the final sale of the mobile home courts, and that all the paperwork concerned with that has been taken care of. The courts were turned over to Keaton Schultz, of Wisconsin Rapids Housing LLC, Nov. 20, and residents of the courts were notified of the change.

“It is now out of our possession,” said DeStaercke.

On a somewhat related note, the board agreed on the services of a new village attorney, as the former municipal attorney, Karl Kelz, is closing his law office, after winning an election for the Price County DA position. DeStaercke reached out to four law offices recommended by Kelz, and heard back from three of them. One made it clear they wanted nothing to do with municipal law, but proposals were received from Paul Law Office LLC and from Mike Shiffler, with Jensen Scott & Grunewald SC, with both firms located out of Medford.

Based on the village’s needs and in the budget’s best interest, Gilman Police Chief Tom Tallier recommended Shiffler, which was approved by the board.

“I think now that your trailer court is sold, I think your work will be limited,” said Tallier.

The village also looked to fill the vacant trustee seat that belonged to Bob Mechelke, who unexpectedly passed away in November. As no one stepped forward to put their name in consideration for the open position, the board agreed to ask for nominations at the Jan. 13 caucus, at 6:45 p.m. During the caucus, the president seat will be up for nomination for re-election, as will three village trustee positions – Eileen Grunseth, Greg Steinbach and the seat left vacant by Mechelke.

Something the board could get settled, was passing Resolution 2020-09, adopting the tax rate for the 2021 tax roll. The gross tax rate is .0291666349, while the less state school credit is .0019645123 and the net tax rate is .0272021226.

“It (spread sheet) takes all the levies, all the school tax credit, the special charges, our aggregate ratio, our taxes…to get these three numbers you need,” said clerk Candice Grunseth.

As a notice to the public, treasurer Fran Prasnicki is taking cash tax payments in person when she is in the office for a couple hours Tuesday, Dec. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 31, or patrons can utilize the drop box at the village hall.

There will also not be a rabies clinic that normally happens in January, so people have to make private appointments with the clinic of their choice.

“The Cornell vet is not doing any (clinics), as of this time,” said Grunseth.

DeStaercke also took the time to mention that Gilman School sent their appreciation for funds to purchase technology for the classroom, pediatric masks, video equipment for live streaming events, etc., from money that was donated by the village and neighboring townships. On trustee Cheryl Rosemeyer’s suggestion, Grunseth went to each township to ask if they had used all of their Routes to Recovery Grant funds. The left over money was then offered to the school.

“They (remaining funds) can be used then by other entities,” said DeStaercke.

Those present also expressed their appreciation and gratitude for how nice the village park’s Christmas lights look this year. Public works director Rick Johnson said he has observed a lot of people viewing the park at night and acknowledged that a lot of effort was put in toward the many lights ringing the trees.

“For fewer than 500 people in a community like this,” said DeStaercke, “to have what we have, is pretty phenomenal, I think.” “I think so, too,” said trustee Mike Kinas.