The Village of Arena Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss separate fire and EMS agreements with the Town of Arena. Concerns were raised about the impact on morale and the absence of mutual aid in the EMS agreement. The board resolved formatting and grammatical issues, and the edited agreements will be reviewed by the village attorney and the Town of Arena.
The Village of Arena Board extended its policing agreement with Iowa County Sheriff’s office through 2025 and discussed liquidating surplus police equipment. The board also addressed emergency services issues, water services rebate, and public works matters. Additionally, they approved maintenance for the water tower, a payment for the new wellhouse project, and extended the sewer line project’s completion date. The board also considered the sale of the village’s cell tower to UScellular and voted against implementing a No Mow May ordinance.
The Village of Arena Board of Trustees discussed the results of a police survey, appointed a liaison to the Iowa County Sheriff’s office, and made appointments to the restructured Public Safety Committee. They also debated lawn height ordinance changes and empowered the clerk to apply for a water rate increase. Other topics included No Mow May, fireworks, cellular tower purchase, and a water rate increase application.
The board accepted the resignations of the entire Arena Police Department and debated the future of public safety services. They ultimately approved temporary agreements with the Iowa County Sheriff’s Department to provide police services. The board also accepted a resignation and the village president nominated a replacement, causing controversy over the president’s authority. The board meets again on June 4.
Trustee resigns amid arrest, village president seeks to fill vacancy with handpicked appointment as public safety concerns loom. Resignations of police officers and termination of Fire Protection and EMS Services Agreement raise concerns. New appointments and negotiations are pending. Lack of communication and resources hinders informed decision-making. Legal advisor addresses notice requirements and mutual aid agreements.
The Village of Arena Board of Trustees ended their automatic aid agreement with the Town of Arena, formed a new Public Safety Committee with mostly board members, and finalized a survey for residents to guide future decisions about police employment and budgeting. Trustee Melissa Bandell proposed rescinding the agreement based on Wisconsin Statute §66.0513. The board also discussed renegotiating the joint fire and EMS services contract with the Town of Arena.
The Arena Village Board of Trustees held a special meeting on March 27 to discuss the future of the police force, including compensation and work performance. Officers resigned from full-time positions last fall, leading to debates on policing hours, administrative duties, and community support. The meeting also highlighted concerns about police services and the use of police resources.
The Arena Police Committee did not take any disciplinary action against Arena Police Chief Nicholas Stroik following a complaint from an area resident who said she felt harassed and targeted by the chief.
The number of law enforcement officers in the state and the number of law enforcement academy graduates here have fallen to their lowest points in at least a decade, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice.