Trustees approve plan for a need assessment regarding Roscoe Police Department

By Jean Seegers

Reporter

ROSCOE – Repair and refurbish the Roscoe Police Department, or tear it down and build a new station at a new location. Those are the options that have been under discussion for the past year. The question may be put to rest in a few months.

At the June 2, Village Board meeting, Trustees voted 4-2, to hire Kluber Architects and Engineers to conduct a Need Assessment to determine which option would be best for the Village.

“We need to see if we should bandage the old police station or build a new one,” Committee Chairman Lindsey Swanson said.  “The cost of a Need Assessment is not to exceed $13,000.”

Trustee Rob Baxter questioned whether the Village could assess the need on their own.  It was decided that a professional assessment is required.

Village Administrator Pat DeGrave said there is solid data to move forward, “Trustee Carol Gustafson agreed that something has to happen.  “We can’t kick the can down the road for the next 20 years.”

Christopher Hansen, representing Kluber Architects and Engineers said his company will determine the

viability of the existing building, or, if it would make economic sense to build a new building at a new location.  “We are collecting data right now,” Hansen said.  “It should take 4 to 5 months to formulate the plan.”

In other business, the board approved putting in a six inch water main to Porter Park with a cost not to exceed $11,000. Village Zoning Director Sheryl Crowley said the project is necessary and a state requirement.

Board President Dave Krienke announced that the state approved the construction of a $15 million Ambulatory Surgical Center, to be located at North Pointe Health and Wellness Center, 5605 Rockton Road.  North Pointe is part of the Beloit Hospital system.

“This is a very positive development for our region,” Trustee Sue Petty said.

Following the general meeting, the Committee of the Whole meeting began.  President Krienke announced the board would like to develop a Citizen’s Advisory Board to get feedback from the Roscoe population. The volunteer Board would be made up of individual Roscoe residents and local businesses.

Those interested in serving on the volunteer Board are encouraged to contact Village Hall- 815-623-2829.

Village Administrator Pat DeGrave was chosen as chairman of the Committee of the Whole Committee.  DeGrave will facilitate the meetings.

The Committee agreed to develop a process to inform the Board of obsolete equipment and a replacement schedule.

“A process should be developed to see what major expenses there will be,” Trustee Gustafson said. “We need to have an age and rotation schedule of Public Works vehicles as well as some of the office equipment.”

The next Village Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 16, at 6:30 p.m. The Committee of the Whole will meet following the general meeting.