Census taker points out issues in Dorchester
A U.S. Census worker collecting information in Dorchester has raised concerns about the conditions of some rental properties in the village and pointed out that many residences don’t have addresses properly displayed, according to village clerk-treasurer Michelle Dunn.
Dunn informed the village board of the census-taker’s concerns at its monthly meeting on Sept. 2.
Board members said the issue of rental properties possibly not being up to code could be discussed by the health and safety committee.
As far as properties without visible addresses, Dunn says the village has an ordinance requiring them to be displayed so they can be seen from the road, and it includes a fine of up to $200 per day for those who don’t follow the rules.
The board said the village should put out placards reminding residents that they need to have their addresses visible. It was noted that landlords, not tenants, are ultimately responsible for properly displaying addresses and apartment numbers.
_ The board appointed resident Tom Carter to a seat on the board, which was recently vacated by Justin Duranceau, who recommended Carter to the board.
_ The board voted to seek bids for tearing down a garage and another unsafe structure at 128 S. Second St. The village had previously issued a raze order to the homeowner, Terry Recore, but he has not fixed or removed the structures.
_ The voted to accept an offer of $7,500 from R.J. Stockwell for the village’s old Ventrac tractor.
_ The board approved a resolution authorizing village clerk/treasurer Michelle Dunn to submit to an annual grant application to the DNR on behalf of the village so it can continue receiving state aid for recycling. The resolution needed to be updated to include Dunn’s name.
_ The board approved alcohol operator’s licenses for Kate Reynolds and Dennis Reynolds.
_ Trustee Eric Klemetson was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board’s employee committee.
_ The board appointed Trustee Daniella Schauer as the village’s dog impound officer, a position last held by former board member Deb Koncel. Schauer said she had recently taken two stray dogs to the village’s pound near the sewer plant, but she made it clear that she may not always be available to deal with stray dogs.
President Schwoch said Schauer only needs to make sure that someone in the village can take care of stray dogs when needed. The board also agreed to pay her or others mileage if a dog needs to be taken to the Clark County Humane Society in Neillsville.
_ The board authorized Trustee Klemetson to fill in gravel on an alley/ snowmobile trail between South Second and South Third Street, at no cost to the village.
_ The board voted to allow the Dorchester Lions Club and other community service organizations to use the village hall rent free for their regular meetings. This has always been the village’s practice, but Dunn said she would like it put into a written policy.
_ A review and possible updates to the rental policies for village buildings was referred to the buildings committee.
_ Several motions were made related to the bowling alley at Memorial Hall. The board kept the league fees at $8 per person for three games, and also passed motions to make sure the lane equipment is cleaned and maintained.
Schwoch said several residents have volunteered their time to be present at the bowling alley during league games in case repairs are needed, so the villlage will not have to pay anyone.
_ The village clerk was directed to find out more information about offering Wisconsin Retirement System benefits to village employees.
_ The village’s annual clean-up days were scheduled for Oct. 15 and 16.
