Exeter Village Board Continues Support for FCDC

By Leesa K. Bartu

The Exeter Village Board opened their August meeting by reviewing the minutes and invoices from their July meeting.

The board approved the items after answering a question from board member Justin Harre on the water main repair bill.  Village board chairman Alan Michl explained that the high dollar repair costs included parts only because the village owned the equipment.   

Patt Lentfer was introduced by Michl to give a report on Fillmore County Development Corporation and to request the annual dues.  Lentfer reviewed the packet that she sent to the board members and also reported on some of the projects that the corporation is working on within the county.  

Lentfer noted their office is currently creating the Exeter section of the upcoming countywide informational brochure that they are producing in cooperation with NPPD.

The board approved the $1700 annual dues contribution to FCDC for this year. 

Brenda Motis with Fillmore County Senior Services gave the board the annual Exeter Senior Center report.   The center was closed the entire month of June with the tag factory demolition next door.   Motis gave statistics on the meals served, the hours open, and updates to the center.  The center has ordered a new desk with funds donated by the Exeter Community Foundation.

Motis also presented the budget from the senior center which was $9630 for the year and reported that the yearly expenses were under that.  “At this point the senior center is a self-supporting program. I do know that there are some things the village supports us in financially, but we are pretty much self- sufficient.  I want to thank the board for their continued support.”

Brian Murphy approached the board about putting a 4’ x 12’ movable shed  on the property just north of the senior center which would house artifacts or historical information about Exeter.  The board will review this idea.

The board reviewed the invoices from Brent Pankoke for the demolition of  the tag factory and the additional building.  Michl commented, “It was done right the first time. I would recommend him to anyone.”

Board Member  Justin Harre added, “ I think it exceeded our expectations.”

The Board reviewed the bids for improvemenst on the ball field.  The bid for redoing the infield was $11,000 including the brick work under home plate. Clerk Becky Erdkamp reminded the board that there were only 10 home games played in Exeter this year since the Exeter ball association combined with Milligan.   Michl noted, “I have no problem doing the $7500 bid without the brick under home plate.  If we do everything include pitching and infield they would take $500 off the bill.”

The board decided to gather some more information and review it next month.  The board discussed visiting the Sutton ballfields that the same company worked on. Board members Justin Harre and Mitch Schlegelmilch will work on the ballfield project with Brian Murphy.

Michl gave the maintenance report  in the absence of Maintenance Supervisor John Mueller.  Michl presented two pieces of equipment the maintenance department was interested in, a grabber bucket and a new utility tractor.  The board opted to wait to make any equipment decisions until the budget is finished.

Clerk Erdkamp reported that sales tax figures for May were $14658.11 and June Keno receipts netted $386.80.  Clerk Erdkamp presented several delinquent water bills.  The board discussed the upcoming Annual Conference in September.  

Exeter-Milligan Superintendent Paul Sheffield gave the JPA report. The Fire Marshal approved the new addition and it will be ready for school to start.  There will be a community open house Aug 15 and the fitness center will be ready and open for public use on September 1.

The next meeting was set for Wednesday, September 7.