New Bremen Council Hears Fire Truck Payment, Delays Second Street Project and Reviews Insurance Renewal

New Bremen Village Council reviewed finances, approved several pieces of legislation and discussed upcoming equipment and insurance decisions during its latest meeting, according to Mayor Bob Parker.

Parker said the village reported February receipts of $1,864,460.68, while March expenses totaled $1,780,709.36.

He said expenses were higher this month in part because the village made a down payment of about $670,000 on a new fire truck.

Parker also said Village Administrator Brent Richter reported that the planned Second Street reconstruction project will now be delayed until 2027. He said the delay is tied to CenterPoint’s inability to install new gas lines before then.

Parker said the village does not want to complete a new road project only to have it torn up later for utility work.

On legislation, council completed a third reading of an ordinance naming Amy Spielman as the village’s Sunshine Law training designee. Council also approved an emergency resolution to establish a depository account for the village.

In addition, council held a second reading of a resolution to purchase a VersaLift VST6000 bucket truck for the electrical department. A second reading was also held on an ordinance involving the use of tax exempt status and sales tax reimbursement.

Council also began discussion on the village’s medical insurance renewal. Parker said the initial renewal increase came in at nearly 50 percent, but that amount was negotiated down to 16.5 percent.

He said council is now considering several options, including whether to keep the current plan or add a gap plan. A final decision is expected at the next meeting, with second and third readings planned in April.

Parker said council also met briefly in executive session and took no action afterward.