The village must print a number of Vision Pamphlets to comply with requirements for a state grant regarding the village vision statement. Trustee Dan Deters is had some reservations about the content of the proposed brochure. President Kevin Brusek discussed these issues with Public Works chief Wes Lemons and left the door open for more discussion in the future. Deters appeared satisfied that the issue will remain open.

After the meeting Deters said, “I think it is important that trustees seek the advice of experts. I believe that the more eyes that look on a document the better. The countywide watershed ordinance was passed because everyone recognizes the importance of the Nippersink Creek’s health. The Nippersink is an indication of the health of the water table that provides everyone’s water. I think it would help everyone to have experts in this field get involved in helping insure the health of the creek, the watershed below for all of us.”  

The trustees spent considerable time discussing amendments to the employee personnel manual. Subjects included the drug free workplace policy, tuition reimbursement and a grievance policy.

The Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires some Federal contractors and all Federal grantees to agree that they will provide Drug-Free Workplaces as a condition of receiving a contract or grant from a Federal agency. Employees are required, as a condition of their employment, to abide by the terms of the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As required by law, the village must take action against employees who violate the law. Such action may require the employee to participate in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, and /or may involve formal disciplinary action up to and including termination. The appropriate action must be taken within 30 days of receiving the conviction notification.

The tuition reimbursement plan for village employees will pay up to $500 per year for college education expenses. Employees must attain a grade of “C” or better to be eligible for reimbursement. Trustee Roy Wulffen proposed that the grade requirement be raised to a “B” or better as is common in private businesses but the board turned that suggestion down.

The Nippersink District Library is looking to share in impact fees. Brusek said that he is waiting for papers from the library before the board will conditionally approve the library’s request based on the library’s securing cooperation from the township as well. Brusek is concerned that the village should not shoulder the burden when the library district has patrons in Spring Grove and throughout the township.

Matt Resh was appointed to the Planning Commission after some discussion. Trustee Charles Schultz objected to the appointment at this time until after the election in April. Schultz said that other people including Deb Nelson and Eric Mayer applied for the position in the past and they were not afforded the opportunity to take the position. Brusek commended Resh for attending many village board meetings regularly for a long time.

Brusek formed a committee to examine road projects. The state is making available about $750,000 in grant money for the purpose of improving roads in the township. Committee member will include trustees Bruce Hunter, Dave Kielpinski, and Schultz.

Police Chief Roger Szewczyk said that extra hours put in by Richmond police officers should be reimbursed by Country Thunder management during the festival. Brusek said he will ask for a deposit in this regard.