Highlights from the Town of Center Board Meetings minutes & video found at: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
Executive Summary
Following extensive deliberations regarding grant shortfalls and project scope, the Town of Center Board voted unanimously to proceed with the complete Center Valley Road reconstruction project, awarding the $1,047,000.15 bid to MCC, Inc. and authorizing a 10-year loan to finance the upfront costs. Across four summer sessions, the Board also approved town-wide chip sealing, updated public record and developer ordinances, resolved utility easements, and established strict guidelines on park fence advertising.
Thematic Summary of Board Actions
Center Valley Road Reconstruction & Financing
The primary topic across June and July sessions was resolving a major budget shortfall for the Center Valley Road Reconstruction project. Engineering estimates by MSA originally left the town facing an approximate $400,000 cost overrun beyond the state’s $700,000 grant allocation. Although options to shrink the project scope down to 1,550 feet were discussed with legal counsel Chuck Koehler and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), Board members expressed strong reluctance to reduce the scope, noting that scaling back would leave portions of the road unaddressed for decades.
On July 22, the Board voted conditionally to accept MCC, Inc.’s lowest full-mile bid of $1,047,000.15, contingent on three technical items:
- Extending pavement directly up to the railroad tracks (subject to state and railroad regulations).
- Utilizing a local stockpile yard for excavated materials.
- Fully including all 27 driveway and cross-road culverts in the project scope.
On July 27, after receiving written confirmation from MCC that all three conditions were satisfied, the Board officially reaffirmed the contract acceptance. To cover construction costs while awaiting state grant reimbursements, the Board authorized applying for a 10-year loan in the amount of $1,047,000.15 at a 6% interest rate.
Infrastructure & Facility Upgrades
In addition to the main road reconstruction, the Board addressed several key municipal infrastructure items:
- Chip Sealing Contract: On July 13, the Board evaluated two competitive proposals for chip sealing town roads. Farner Asphalt Sealers was awarded the contract with a low bid of $63,914, defeating Scott Construction’s bid of $82,562.
- WE Energies Easement: On June 15, the Board granted WE Energies a 12-foot utility easement on town property to facilitate construction of the County Road S and State Road 47 roundabout.
- Town Hall Maintenance: The Board approved an $8,549 quote from Van Handel’s Heating & Cooling on June 15 to replace the aging Town Hall air conditioning unit due to frequent breakdowns and scarce replacement parts.
Governance, Ordinance Revisions, and Park Rules
Following a formal public hearing on July 13, the Board unanimously adopted revisions to Chapter 6 (Public Records Ordinance) and Chapter 24 (Developer Agreement Ordinance).
The Board also debated commercial signage rules at the Paul Diamond ballfield after an unauthorized business banner was placed on the fence. Supervisor Pete Hofacker and Board members emphasized that no individual has the authority to permit signage without established town rules, fee structures, and maintenance requirements. The Board passed a motion requiring the existing sign to be removed within five days and prohibited any new advertising banners until a formal policy is enacted.
Administrative & Community Approvals
- Elections & Technology Grant: Clerk-Treasurer Amy Olson received authorization to apply for a Wisconsin Election Commission grant of up to $2,000 to replace the town’s administrative computer.
- Land Use & Licenses: The Board approved a Certified Survey Map (CSM) lot line adjustment for Robert Kriger et al. at W4352 County Road S, renewed the auto salvage yard license for AAR LLC Auto Recyclers, and approved a $490 veteran grave reimbursement from Outagamie County. Annual picnic and temporary bartender licenses were granted for the Center Valley Grade School fundraiser and the Center Fire Department annual picnic.
Key Action Items & Formal Votes
- Center Valley Road Reconstruction: Awarded full-mile reconstruction contract to MCC, Inc. for $1,047,000.15 (Approved 5-0).
- Project Financing: Authorized 10-year loan application for $1,047,000.15 at 6% interest (Approved 3-0).
- Chip Sealing Contract: Awarded to Farner Asphalt Sealers for $63,914 (Approved 5-0).
- Town Hall AC Replacement: Approved $8,549 quote from Van Handel’s Heating & Cooling (Approved 5-0).
- Utility Easement: Approved 12-foot WE Energies easement for County Rd S / State Rd 47 roundabout (Approved 5-0).
- Ballfield Signage: Ordered removal of unauthorized fence sign within 5 days and placed a moratorium on new fence signage pending formal policy (Approved 5-0).
- Ordinance Revisions: Adopted updated Chapter 6 (Public Records) and Chapter 24 (Developer Agreements) (Approved 5-0).
Closing Note
In-person early voting for the August 11 primary election runs from July 28 through August 11 at the Town Hall, with mail-in absentee ballots available upon request through the Clerk’s office.
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