Town of Liberty Boad Meeting
Liberty Town Hall
April 13, 2026
6:30 PM
Present: Chair Vidas, Supervisor Halbleib, Treasurer Abrahamson, and Clerk Engh
Excuse: Supervisor Townsley
- Meeting was called to order by Chair Vidas at 6:30pm Chair Vidas
- Chair Vidas swore in Sharon Engh for the next term as Clerk.
- Supervisor Halbleib moved to approve March 2026 minutes. Chair Vidas seconded, motion
carried. - Chris read the treasurer’s report which was then put in the file.
- Dumpster Monitor’s report: There have been 2 40-yard dumpsters ordered for the May 9 th clean
up days. - Equipment and Road report: The furnace in the shop was temporarily fixed. We will be getting
estimates for a new one from Flocks. Grader blades were ordered at $220, which was approved
by Chair Vidas. The Sterling needs an Exhaust manifold, and the cost is $2960 and can wait until
later in the summer. The last dump of snow was handled by our temporary patrolman and Chair
Vidas thanks Orlin for that. The old Sterling truck will be put on FB marketplace by Supervisor
Halbleib so we can possibly get rid of it. Orlin has agreed to stay until Oct 1, 2026. - Building permit update: Chris said he approved a permit for Nicole and Rory R. for a small shed.
Denise, Gabe Williams assistant, is wondering about moving a cabin on Elk Run Rd., Gabe is
interested in doing this. He has been referred to the County first and then we will look into it. - First public comment: Paul Linskins asked if we use first and last names when doing our reports
for those that don’t know everyone. Mike Koppa wanted to express his concerns about Old 56
and specifically Jared’s business. He suggested making it a one-way road, so you go down it only
or even make it a dead-end road. Carol Theis wanted to let everyone know that it is not the
Town’s responsibility to do anything to the road just to accommodate one person. Mike Mueller
suggested that we form a committee to do the leg work on fixing or changing the road and the
top of the hill. There is grant money out there for such projects. Chris Abrahamson wanted it
to be know that the survey from Timm Benders property has been legally submitted and can
now be accessed on the Vernon County website. Mike said he would look into it.
Carrie Vanek wanted to talk about the electronics that were mentioned from several town clean
up days, and there are companies that will take them if it is set up, such as Dynamic Lifestyle
Innovations. - Town Announcements: The election went very well. We had a 54% turn-out rate, and
everything went very smoothly. Next election is on August 11, 2026, and is a primary election. - Gravel bids: We received one gravel bid from Millstone. Chair Vidas moved accept the bid from
Millstone for 1500 yds of gravel. Supervisor Halbleib seconded motion carried. - Updates on Town plan for road maintenance: Chair Vidas gave some history on the discussions
from the special meeting from last week. Chair Vidas talked to Phil Hewitt again and got some
answers to the questions that the electors had. Chris put together some numbers to help us see
the cost and difference in it all to help make a better decision. It was decided to put it on the
agenda for the annual meeting and let the electors have some input on it. A decision will be
made at the next board meeting. - Update on Lyster Rd and Harrison Hollow bridges: Chair Vidas moved the Town of Liberty has
solicited the Vernon County Highway Department to apply for the LSSIP grants for both the
Lyster and Harrison Hollow Bridges which were recently cited for deficiencies. The board
resolves to move forward with these projects if either or both grants are approved. Supervisor
Halbleib seconded, motion carried. - Bids for hauling gravel: Chair Vidas moved to use Fortney trucking for hauling our gravel at an
hourly rate of $120 and hour. Supervisor Halbleib seconded, motion carried. - Viola Fire Board updates: Terry said there was some equipment that was purchased and the
department is looking for the insurance company to ok a youth initiative program to start
encouraging young people to be fire fighters. Terry then decided that he is done representing
the Town of Liberty and would like a board member to do it. He has done what he was
supposed to do. We thank Terry for his 12 plus years of service and we will decide in May who it
will be. - Open book and BOR dates: Because of our re-evaluation this summer we will be having the open
book and BOR at later dates. We will need to meet to adjourn and that will be announced at the
annual meeting. Open book looks to be in October, with Board of Review to follow. - Fire Charge Ordinance update: Supervisor Halbleib moved to accept the Fire Charge Ordinance
with the changes about interest not being charged. Chair Vidas seconded, motion carried. It
will be published and posted. - Email to .gov status: Supervisor Halbleib is still working on this. We need to consult with
Supervisor Halbleib was encouraged to talk to the Town of Stark and the process they went
through to achieve the .gov email and report back to us in May. - CPC updates: Carrie said they finished going through the surveys!! They are now onto the next
step of the comprehensive plan. May 4 th , at 6:30 is the next meeting. - Second period for public comment
Terry Theis suggested going to the Towns Association for information regarding the .gov email
addresses. Mike Mueller said there is a general trend right now to sell equipment that is no
longer used and purchase a large tractor with attachments. Carrie Vanek suggested that if we
get another patrolman that we make sure they get the proper training, maybe from the county
and we have a job description for the patrolman’s position. Mike Koppa suggested that we use
Orlin as a trainer and consultant since he has so much experience and knowledge with the job.
Mike Mueller questioned why the Epitaph news had in the minutes from last month about the
fencing issue when we said we wouldn’t discuss it anymore. - Supervisor Halbleib moved that we approve paying the monthly bills for April 2026 of
$6,618.73, Chair Vidas, seconded. All in favor, motion carried. - Future agenda items: CPC updates, .gov emails, Fire board representative, Town road
maintenance, open book, BOR, electronic record keeping. - Next meeting date is May 11th at 6:30pm with annual meeting on the 21 st at 6:00pm.
- Meeting was moved to adjourn by Chair Vidas, at 8:48 pm, Supervisor Halbleib, seconded all in
favor motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Engh
