By KAREN PARKER | County Line Publisher Emerita
Norwalk’s debate over buying a garbage truck or farming out the job continued at Tuesday night’s village board meeting.
The various plans were debated at a special hearing held prior to the meeting. Public works director Henry Vian noted that going with Modern Disposal would mean all businesses would have to arrange for their own pick-up. But evidently none of the businesses that had been informed of that fact expressed any objection.
Another complication is that most trucks require a licensed CDL driver, and none of Norwalk’s maintenance staff have that license.
After a discussion, the board decided to go with Modern Disposal, save up for a garbage truck, and then possibly go back to pick-up by the village employees if the Modern Disposal arrangement proves disagreeable to the board. Garbage bags cost will increase to $2.50 starting May 1.
Other business
• The Rails-to-Trails Marathon will be Oct. 2. It also was noted the DNR will repair the bridge on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail before Memorial Day.
• Municipal Judge Doug Gnewikow told the board the Village of Cashton was interested in joining the Norwalk Municipal Court.
Some years back, Norwalk, Ontario and Wilton were in municipal court, but the arrangement did not work out. An attorney will need to be consulted, and permission will be needed from the state.
In any event, if approved, Cashton could not join the court until fall.
• Bids will be opened April 28 for the sewer plant rehabilitation project.
• Hydrants will be flushed each day from May 10–12.
• The board approved a contract with Cedar Corp to move the water line near the County Highway U bridge. Cedar Corp provided the lowest quote, but all bidders provided estimates only as material prices are changing so rapidly.
• The board agreed to spend $150 for flower barrels on Main Street and for a wishing well and planter at village hall.
• The board updated the mileage it pays to 58.5 cents per mile. Also, the village will pay $20 maximum per meal, or $60 per day with receipts.
• Norwalk’s police officer recently sent six letters about junk storage. One resident corrected the problem; the others have not.
• Tattered and damaged flags now may be dropped in a receptacle (courtesy of the Norwalk American Legion) outside the village office.