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Nancy Proctor won her first political victory as village president in what might best be described as a game of political chicken.
Chris Schmid was appointed to fill Proctor’s vacant board seat last week and will complete the remaining year of her term. The appointment came after a pair of stalemated votes to approve either candidate.
A special meeting was conducted before the regular meeting, where board members interviewed Schmid and the other candidate Anthony Horvath. Schmid was the favorite and designated appointee of Proctor. Horvath emerged in the week’s after Proctor’s attempt to appoint Schmid last month.
Board members gave both candidates tame interview questions. Horvath said that after running in the spring election on the fluoride issue, he’s no longer a one-issue candidate. Schmid, a manager at Sam’s Club in Onalaska, said he’d welcome the opportunity to learn more about local government and that he’d give 100 percent effort if he were given the appointment.
Referring to Horvath’s close loss to Tony Szak in the spring election, Trustee Rich Anderson asked Schmid what he would think if he were in Horvath’s place.
“Whatever candidate suits the board itself, that’s the decision that needs to be made,” Schmid said.
Trustees Mark Seitz, Neal Forde and Rich Anderson, all citing voter intent, voted to appoint Horvath. With Proctor and trustees Tony Szak and Ryan Olson — who affirmed the village president’s right to make appointments to the board — voting against Horvach, the motion failed.
A motion to appoint Schmid to the seat failed along the same lines.
After some additional discussion, Seitz, Forde and Anderson withdrew their opposition, and another motion to appointment Schmid was approved.
“I respect the process,” Horvath said. “You won ... you have the right to appoint somebody.”
Horvath hinted he may be preparing for another run for village board.
Much of the remaining meeting was spent approving items from the Finance and Personnel Committee that included an offer to purchase the St. Elizabeth Church property at 515 N. Main Street. The offer to purchase was discussed in closed session and approved in open session, but the purchase price and other terms were not disclosed.
The board did award a space-needs study contract to MSA Professional sSrvices of Baraboo for $12,800. Village Administrator Clerk Catherine Schmit described the study as a “smart growth plan for our facilities.” This will be the first space-needs study the village has done.
In other proceedings, the board:
Extended the audit services contract with Hawkins, Ash, Baptie & Co. for $12,000.
Approved an emergency replacement of the village hall air conditioning unit for $2,150. The previous unit failed earlier this month and dates back to the late 1970s.
Approved renaming the Holmen Aquatic Center the John W. Chapman Aquatic Center. Initial suggestions were to install a small plaque near the entrance and to purchase a larger sign and dedicate it at a later date.
Approved irrigation and electric service at Countryside Park. The bid for $3,440 for electrical was awarded to Kish and Sons. The irrigation bid was awarded to Winona Nursery for $800.
Approved the installation of concrete driveway aprons at Deer Wood Park at a cost of $2,184.
Approve the purchase of a lift station pump replacement or refurbishment not to exceed $20,000.
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