VILLAGE OF BRUCE
BOARD MEETING MINUTES
June 2nd, 2025
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a scheduled monthly meeting of the Village Board was held on Monday, June 2nd, 2025.
Village President Shane Trott presided and called to order the meeting at the Village Hall facility at 5:30 p.m. Board members present were Galen Brainerd, Darlene Wundrow, Tim Dolan, Jim Johnson & Mark Zimmer. Kim Grasley was absent. Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Hayes attended also.
– PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Brainerd to approve the May 5th, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting Minutes, carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Zimmer to approve the May 21st, 2025 Board of Review Minutes, carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve the Treasurer’s report as given, carried.
EMPLOYEE’S REPORT:
CMAR & CCR Reports: Casey Gudis attended the meeting and reported to the Board that both CMAR (Compliance Maintenance Annual Report) and CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) have both been submitted to the DNR. These are mandatory reports due to the DNR annually. The CMAR came back with a 4.0 and grades of all ‘A’s’ in every category, for the third year in a row. A violation was received in the CCR do to the inventory of service line materials not being submitted yet. There are multiple residents who have not responded to the letter that was sent. An additional letter, required by the DNR, will be mailed out to any residents that would have the possibility of having service lines containing lead. Gudis has been working with Morgan & Parmley the last couple months to get this completed. Copies of the CMAR & CCR are available to pick up at the Village Hall. They will not be mailed to residents.
Main Street Lighting: TJ Electric was here to inspect the main street light poles. All of the poles have adequate power to run the new LED lights, except for the one street pole on Hwy 8/S. 40. TJ Electric said that when the DOT did the new blacktopping on Hwy 8, someone had hit the line and buried it. To get the pole to work, they would have to take the pole down and pull it back or directional drill across the highway to the adjacent pole. The Board asked if Gudis could make a phone call to the company that did the blacktopping to see if they would be willing to replace the pole due to their error. The Board also asked if Gudis would reach out to Xcel Energy to see if they would be willing to take ownership over the pole versus the Village owning it. Once Gudis obtains this information, a committee meeting will be scheduled.
TJ Electric was also here installing the lights at the garbage building. Gudis discussed before winter, getting the building insulated and garage door openers installed.
Blacktopping on Coleman St.: Anne Brockman had approached Gudis stating that the Bruce Housing Authority will be blacktopping their parking lots. She asked if the Village would blacktop the section of Coleman St. that abuts the parking lot that is deteriorating. The Board asked Gudis to obtain quotes for the work.
Lastly, Gudis stated that the cemetery looked great for the Memorial Day weekend and there was a very nice turnout for services.
The part time summer help starts on Monday June 9th.
PETITIONERS-CITIZEN COMPLAINTS AND REQUESTS:
Trevor Richards: Trevor Richards, Bruce Area Library Director attended the meeting to give the Board an update on the Library. The Summer Reading Program starts Monday, June 9th. There will be several activities including a tie-die event and a history night. They have received several donations from the community for the program.
Richards asked the Board if they would look in to purchasing changing tables to install in the Hall bathrooms. He will supply Hayes with quotes so the Board can review at budget time for 2026. Lastly, he informed them of a postcard campaign in response to the federal funding cuts to public libraries. The cards are available at the Library for submittal.
Bruce Area Girl Scout Day Camp Donation Request: Trott read aloud a letter asking the Board for a donation for the annual Bruce Girl Scout Day Camp. Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Dolan to approve donating $50.00 towards the event, carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (Please state your name – Limited to 5 minutes per person)
Colleen Kopras attended the meeting regarding her dispute with her garbage services on her utility account for her property on Main Street. She stated that her building on Main Street that she leases is not a business and she wants the cans removed. She stated that she has drafted a letter and will send it to congressman and legislature. She was asked if she had received a dumpster as stated in last month’s meeting she was going to do, she stated no, that only businesses can receive dumpsters and her property is not a business.
Mark Charron asked the Board why they will not give Kopras an answer. Trott stated that no action can be taken on an item in Public Comments.
Charron asked why Trott is allowed to drive his ATV in the park. Charron stated that Trott was a hypocrite. Charron also asked why Trott does not pay for services at his storage building. Trott replied with he does in fact pay for services. Charron asked why Trott puts rules in place but does not follow them himself. Charron asked why he was being harassed over his garbage cans and also the ten-minute parking signs outside the Village Hall. Trott informed Charron that if he wanted to continue with his behavior and his accusations, he would be asked to leave the meeting. Trott asked Charron if he would like to speak privately after the meeting to discuss his grievances, Charron stated yes, as long as it was one on one. Wundrow stated that the Board is a group of community members that were elected by the Village residents to represent the Village’s best interests.. Charron stated that he has never been to a meeting where the vote wasn’t 7-0. Wundrow stated that she has voted no on multiple items. Charron asked if committee meetings were posted like Regular meetings, she stated yes, all meeting notices are posted and all open to the public, unless posted otherwise for closed session purposes.
Dolan spoke on the refuse collection ordinance. Wundrow stated that she understood the concern from Kopras but the rules can’t be bent for only certain few residents. Brad Frisinger asked why there can’t be exceptions. Kopras mentioned again that her property is not a business or a residence and should not be required to have services. The question was asked again if the building is leased, Kopras stated yes. The tenants pay the expenses. Kopras was asked by Johnson, if the tenants are paying expenses, then why not have the tenants pay for the garbage collection expenses. Kopras asked again to have the cans picked up.
After twenty minutes of debate, Trott stated it was time to move on through the agenda.
APPLICATIONS:
Building Permits:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Wundrow to approve a building permit to Alex Samardzich to re-roof his house and install a deck at his property located at 812 N. 4th St., carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Wundrow to approve a building permit to Deanna Fuller to install a fence on her property located at 412 E. Feller Ave., carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve a building permit to Robert Williams to install a fence on his rental property located at 1118 N. Alvey St., carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Zimmer to approve a building permit to Karen Hanson to install a temporary fence located at her business at 530 S. Main St., carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Wundrow to approve a building permit to Steve Berglund to build a garage and deck on his property located at 228 W. Washington Ave., carried.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve a building permit to Shane Trott to remodel his shop building located on his property at 520 E. Trails End Ave., with Dolan opposed, the motion carried.
Temporary Class ‘B’ Liquor License:
Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Brainerd to approve a Temporary Class ‘B’ Liquor License to the Bruce Blue Hills Lion’s Club for their annual Blue Hill’s Festival held July 11th, 12th & 13th, carried.
Seller’s Permit:
Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Brainerd to approve a seller’s permit to the Bruce Community Farmer’s Market, carried.
Liquor Licenses:
Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Wundrow to approve a Class ‘A’ Liquor License to Dollar General, Store #19877, carried.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Wundrow to approve a Class ‘A’ Beer License to Dollar General, Store #19877 and J & S Sales of Chippewa Falls, d/b/a Express Mart, Brenda Gauthier agent, carried.
Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Johnson to approve a Class ‘B’ Combo Liquor & Beer License to JB & SM Enterprises, LLC, d/b/a Hot Shots, Sandra Murray, agent, JC Quinn International, LLC, d/b/a Glory B Irish Pub, Justin Quinn, agent, and Gateway Gourmets, LLC, Robert Lorkowski, agent, carried.
Cigarette Licenses:
Motion by Dolan, seconded by Wundrow to approve a cigarette license to Express Mart, carried.
Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Johnson to approve a cigarette license to Hot Shots, carried.
Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Johnson to approve a cigarette license to Dollar General, store #19877, carried.
Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Zimmer to approve a cigarette license to Glory B Irish Pub, carried.
Coin Machine Licenses:
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Wundrow to approve coin machine licenses to Hot Shots, Glory B Irish Pub, Bruce Public School, Bruce American Legion and Gateway Inn & Suites, carried.
2025-2026 Operator’s License Renewals:
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve operator license renewals for the 2025-2026 cycle for Brenda M. Gauthier, Jessa R. Campbell, Mark J. Campbell, Branden J. Wickman, Justin E. Quinn, Timothy T. Tinker, Sandra J. Murray, Jerald L. Johnson, Catalina R. Quinn, Carol M. Johnson, Charles F. Thorman, Jacqueline A. Quinn, Debra L. Bessel, Jenny R. Bastie, Kenna L. Sinette, Robert F. Lorkowski, Tracy L. Woodmansee, Alicia L. Baldree, Traci J. Tucker, Shannon M. Leclair, Jamie L. Shelton, Richelle M. Heavilin, Coral L. Burch, Marly Nobles, Joshua Nobles, Jason A.M. Frey, Tracey Larson, Joshua L. Shimko, Lynette A. Niznik, Kaidnyce Reetz, Coral L. Burch, April L. Hill, Rei N. Slattery and Colten J. Rodewald, carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Utility:
Garbage Loan Restructure: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve extending the loan out an additional year, pushing the initial payment to 2026, and paying only interest owed in 2025, carried.
CMAR Resolution #25-01: Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Johnson to approve Resolution #25-01 for the submittance of the 2024 CMAR to the Department of Natural Resources, carried.
2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) submitted to DNR: The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), a water quality report, has been submitted to the DNR. Publication and posting requirements have been met. A copy of the annual report will be available at the Village Hall and on the Village’s website.
Public Works:
Alley Paving: Jessica Wiles, a representative of Chippewa Valley Bank, attended the meeting to ask the Board if they would be willing to proceed with blacktopping a small section of the alleyway between Bruce Telephone & Chippewa Valley Bank, roughly a 125’ x 126’ area. Both businesses are planning to pave their lots, and the alley would need to be done at the same time. A bid was submitted for the work in the amount of $7,000.00 from Russ Thompson Excavating, Inc. Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Dolan to proceed blacktopping the alley, but to get additional quotes for the work before the project would begin, carried.
Water Filtration Project – Corrective Work on Village Wells & River Avenue:
-DISCUSSION & ACTION-
– UPDATE –
Closeout paperwork is being completed with the DNR.
Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Wundrow to table the ‘Water Filtration Project – Corrective Work on Village Wells & River Avenue’ item until the July, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
Public Welfare:
Bruce Park Concession Stand/Contract between Bruce School & Village Discussion: Nothing new to discuss at this time. Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Wundrow to table the ‘Bruce Park Concession Stand/Contract between Bruce School & Village Discussion’ item until the July, 2025 Regular Monthly Board Meeting, carried.
Ordinance Title 10 – Chapter 4 – Section 2 Amendment: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to approve amending Ordinance Title 10, Chapter 4, Section 2 of the Village of Bruce’s Ordinances pertaining to ATV/UTV’s in the Village limits, carried. A full text of the ordinance can be obtained at the Village Hall, Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.
Administration:
Committee Meeting 5/8/25 Minutes/Report: A committee meeting was held on May 8th, 2025. Below are the minutes from that meeting:
The committee met to discuss the hiring of a part-time summer worker. The committee is recommending hiring Bob Ewald for the position, effective immediately, May thru September, at his previous hourly rate.
The committee is recommending hiring Jeff Grasley as an emergency/on call worker for helping with garbage and mowing if needed.
The committee recommends hiring previous year’s hires for the summer. Gavin Golat, Caleb Johnson and Coy Engel, June thru August, at their previous hourly rates, to help with mowing, trimming, garbage, misc.
There is one full time application on file. The committee is recommending leaving the ad out for longer than originally posted. The committee would like to interview for the position by June.
Motion by Johnson, seconded by Zimmer to approve the committee’s recommendations, carried.
Committee Meeting 5/28/25 Minutes/Report: A committee meeting was held on May 28th, 2025. Below are the minutes from that meeting:
The committee met to discuss the hiring of the vacant full-time maintenance position.
The committee will reach out to Jeremy Hause for the position with a $21.00/hr rate offered, to see if he would be interested in the position.
Since the May 28th meeting, an additional application was filed. The committee will schedule an interview with that individual as well. Motion by Wundrow, seconded by Johnson to approve the committee’s recommendations, as well as giving the authority to the committee to hire the appropriate individual they choose, as soon as possible, carried.
NEW BUSINESS: Review 2024 TID #2 Annual Report: Trott reported that TID #2 still has a balance as of December 31st, 2024 of $37,223.00
APPROVAL OF BILLS: Motion by Brainerd, seconded by Johnson to pay vouchers and electronic payments totaling $109,062.45, carried.
CORRESPONDENCE: Trott circulated a copy of an email received from Bud Sutten regarding his complaint against being charged for garbage services. No action was taken.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Village Wide Garage Sales: June 14th, 2025
Cruise Nights-Classic Auto Collision Center has set the calendar for Cruise Night in the parking lot at 705 N. Main Street in Bruce, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. June 17th, July 15th & August 19th.
Saturday July 12th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. will be the annual Open House/Craft/Car Show. Contact Classic Auto Collision Center at 715-868-CARS or classicauto@brucetel.net for more details.
Bruce Blue Hills Lions Club ‘Blue Hills Festival’ – Located at the Bruce Park. July 11th, 12th & 13th, 2025
ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Zimmer, seconded by Johnson to adjourn, carried. Adjournment was at 6:30 p.m.
Jessica Hayes
Clerk/Treasurer