DNR will retain lease for Lock and Dam Road boat landing

The Village of Trempealeau will not assume ownership of the local boat landing currently leased by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and will instead work with them to consider possible solutions for heavy sand.

The land and boat landing, located on Lock and Dam Road, are owned by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and currently leased by the DNR. The latter organization asked the village to take over the lease in recent months.

Last Thursday’s village board meeting resulted in a 6-0 vote to keep the current agreement, which sees the village undertake small-scale local dredgings with help of an annual $4,999 payment from the DNR. The board also confirmed the village will not assume the lease from the DNR. 

All board members at the meeting voted in favor of the idea, with Bridgette Turner absent.

“We can give the DNR an answer, ‘No, we’re not going to assume the lease.’ I think we should ask them to try to work on moving it farther into the bay,” Pooler said.

Village representatives met with DNR officials on June 3 to discuss the future of the landing. 

Sand was called a “continual” issue by village administrator/finance director Isaac Pooler at a meeting in July, and the landing has received some mention at the state level — a full dredging of the water was approved for the state’s list of target capital projects with an estimated completion date of 2029 and a cost of $1.5 million, but Pooler in July called that a “pie in the sky” project that might never be funded.

Board approves health insurance pivot for employees

Village employees will see their health insurance coverage pivot to the Wisconsin Public Employers’ group health insurance program without dental.

The change will save the village a minimum of $37,000 because their rates with the old insurance provider continue to increase — last year they increased 26%.

After continuous rising costs, Pooler reached out to other municipalities that already are on the state plan and appreciated its benefits.

Employee premiums will increase from 5% to 12% under the change but employees are positive about the move, Pooler said.

“It’s a really good plan. I’ve talked to many employees, and their response has been positive. They understand that the increase in their share of premiums is fair,” he said.

Board member Amy Werner asked if changes would affect attracting staff, but Pooler didn’t think this would cause issues.

“It’s a solid plan so I don’t think it would put us in a position where we’re not competitive for retention or recruiting. It’s a no deductible health plan,” Pooler said.

The board also approved enrolling in the state income continuation program to expand its short-term disability offer for employees.

The state’s income continuation program will cover up to 75% of an employee’s income — up to $120,000 — if they are unable to work due to illness or injury, a change from the village’s current allowance of $300 per week.

The program is currently on a premium holiday, so there is no cost to enroll in the program.

“It’s kind of a win-win,” village clerk Kathy Peterson said. “There’s not really a reason not to take it. If it comes to a time where we have to pay premiums we can review, but the cost is pretty minimal. … it’s just an added benefit for our employees. Why wouldn’t we?”

The board agreed, approving the offer with a 6-0 vote.