On the agenda: Gays Mills Download — data center (Nov 10)

THE VILLAGE OF GAYS MILLS
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Village Board of Gays Mills held on Monday,
October 5, 2026, which began at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Commerce Board
Room.
Village President Harry Heisz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Roll call was
taken with the following present: Joe Boland, Harry Heisz, Larry McCarn, Kevin
Murray, and Kim Pettit. Emily Kinserdahl and Art Winsor were absent.
The board received verification that the agenda was posted in accordance with the
open meeting law.
Under citizens and delegations Craig Anderson announced that he is hosting a potluck
gathering for the group Renaissance Men at his new garage this Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
No Wastewater Treatment Project report was given.
Heisz reported two fundraisers for the swimming pool: a Taco Dinner on Saturday
November 14th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Pie Baking Fundraiser on Sunday
November 15th. Pie orders can be submitted on Facebook, at the Village Office, or
contact a Board Member.
Under the Public Works report Heisz reported that the pickup truck needs a repair
before snow plowing starts. A request was made for the downtown streets to be swept.
Also discussed the amount of construction debris that needs to be cleaned up. The
alley work will start soon with new gravel in low spots and grading. Public Works did
clean up some overgrowth of weeds at 223 Main Street. Traffic cones were borrowed
from the county for Apple Festival. Heisz would like to see the village purchase their
own traffic cones. Also discussed the walnut tree on the 200 block of Main Street
causing a walking and parking hazard on the sidewalk and street.
Murray made a motion to approve the board meeting minutes of September 8, 2026.
Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried.
McCarn made a motion to approve payments of the bills as listed in the monthly
expense report which also includes invoices for the STH 171 Sanitary Sewer
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Replacement project pay request #1 ($155,213.25) and change order #1 ($11,400.92)
to Gerke Excavating. Seconded by Murray. Motion carried.
Heisz updated the board on the STH 171 project from Mt. Sterling to Rolling Ground;
most work is complete with remaining drainage and standing water issues to be
addressed.
The board was presented a new Welcome Sign design and pricing from Proline
Printing. Murray made a motion to approve new Welcome Sign contingent upon
sponsors review and approval. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried.
Murray made a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-08 Stating the Opposition of the
Proposed BECI 765 Kilovolt Electric Transmission Project Due to Environmental,
Wildlife, Economic, and Community Sensitivity within the Driftless Area and also
made a motion to adoption Resolution 2026-09 Stating the Opposition of the Proposed
Maribell 765 Kilovolt Electric Transmission Project Due to Environmental, Wildlife,
Economic, and Community Sensitivity within the Driftless Area. Seconded by
Boland. Motion carried.
The board received a letter from David Troester, Crawford County Land
Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department regarding the consideration of a
moratorium for data centers. More information will be provided once guidance is
received from the Wisconsin Counties Association. The letter explains that the
moratorium should come from the village who is responsible for zoning authority and
land use decisions.
The board received a copy of the 2025 Audit prepared by Johnson Block.
Under correspondences the board received information on hydrant flushing scheduled
for October 13th & 14th, Trick or Treat Hours on Saturday October 31st 4:00 p.m. to
7:00 p.m., Crawford County’s Clean Sweep on Friday October 16 th, and a notice of
water rate increase that will be published.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 2, 2026 at 6:00
p.m. in the Community Room.
At 6:34 p.m. Murray made a motion to convene into closed session pursuant to Wisc.
State Stat. 19.85(1)(c) in considering of employment, promotion, compensation or
performance evaluation data of any public employee and 19.85(1)(e) to deliberating or
negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or
conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining
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reasons require a closed session. Seconded by McCarn. A roll call vote was taken:
Pettit, Heisz, McCarn, Boland and Murray voted Yes. Motion carried.
At 7:43 p.m. Murray made a motion to reconvene into open session to act on any
decisions made during closed session. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried.
Murray made a motion to hire Adam McCarn for the part-time public works position.
Seconded by Boland. McCarn abstained. Motion carried.
Murray made a motion to authorize Heisz to negotiate kitchen usage terms and repair
a piece of equipment needed for this kitchen tenant. Seconded by Boland. Motion
carried.
No decision was made on agenda item Employee Health Insurance.
Murray made a motion to begin the process for a Line of Credit of $80,000 for
General-Streets. Seconded by McCarn. Motion carried.
At 7:50 p.m. Murray made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Boland.
Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted
Dawn R. McCann, Clerk
APPROVED 11-02-2026

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