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Village of Stratford, WI
Marathon County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Stratford 4-12-1988 as Title 2, Ch. 3 of the 1988 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Boards, commissions and committees — See Ch. 20.
Elections — See Ch. 42.
Ethics — See Ch. 51.
Village Board — See Ch. 165.
A. 
Officers shall have generally the powers and duties prescribed for like officers of towns and villages, except as otherwise provided, and such powers and duties as are prescribed by law and, except as to the Village President, shall perform such duties as shall be required of them by the Village Board. Officers whose powers and duties are not enumerated in Ch. 61, Wis. Stats., shall have such powers and duties as are prescribed by law for like officers or as are directed by the Village Board.
B. 
All officers and departments may make the necessary rules for the conduct of their duties and incidental proceedings.
C. 
The general laws for the punishment of bribery, misdemeanors and corruption in office shall apply to Village officers.
D. 
Whenever a Village official in his official capacity is proceeded against or obliged to proceed before any court, board or commission to defend or maintain his official position, or because of some act arising out of the performance of his official duties, and he has prevailed in such proceedings, or the Village Board has ordered the proceedings discontinued, the Board may provide for payment to such official such sum as it sees fit to reimburse him for the expenses reasonably incurred for costs and attorney fees.
A. 
Change in selection method. Pursuant to §§ 61.195, 61.197 and 66.0101, Wis. Stats., the Village hereby elects not to be governed by those portions of §§ 61.19, 61.23 and 61.25(2), Wis. Stats., which relate to the selection and tenure of the Village Clerk and which are in conflict with this section.
B. 
Appointment. The Village Clerk shall be appointed by the Village President at the Village Board's organizational meeting in April in even-numbered years, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the members of the Village Board. The Village Clerk shall hold office for a two-year term, subject to removal as provided by law.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
C. 
Duties. The Village Clerk shall perform the statutory duties of Village Clerk and such other duties as required by the Village Board. The Clerk may serve as Deputy Treasurer if so designated by the Village Board.
[1]
Editor's Note: This section was originally enacted by charter ordinance.
A. 
Change in selection method. Pursuant to §§ 61.195, 61.197 and 66.0101, Wis. Stats., the Village hereby elects not to be governed by those portions of §§ 61.19, 61.23 and 61.25(2), Wis. Stats., which relate to the selection and tenure of the Village Treasurer and which are in conflict with this section.
B. 
Appointment. The Village Treasurer shall be appointed by the Village President in even-numbered years at the Board's organizational meeting, subject to a confirmation by a majority vote of the members of the Village Board. The Village Treasurer shall hold office for a two-year term, subject to removal as provided by law. The Village Treasurer may not also serve as Village Clerk but may serve as Deputy Clerk.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
C. 
Duties. The Village Treasurer shall perform the statutory duties of Village Treasurer and such other duties as required by the Village Board.
[1]
Editor's Note: This section was originally enacted by charter ordinance.
The Village Clerk may appoint a Deputy Clerk subject to confirmation by a majority of all the members of the Village Board. The Deputy Clerk shall have a two-year term of office. The Deputy Clerk shall act under the Village Clerk's direction and, during the temporary absence or disability of the Clerk or during a vacancy in such office, shall perform the duties of Clerk. The acts of the Deputy shall be covered by official bond as the Village Board shall direct.
The Village Treasurer may appoint a Deputy Treasurer subject to confirmation by a majority of all the members of the Village Board. The Deputy Treasurer shall have a two-year term of office. The Deputy Treasurer shall act under the Treasurer's direction and, during the temporary absence or disability of the Treasurer or during a vacancy in such office, shall perform the duties of Village Treasurer. The acts of the Deputy shall be covered by official bond as the Village Board shall direct.
A. 
Appointment. The Village Attorney is an appointed position. The Village President shall, at the organizational meeting in April, appoint a Village Attorney, subject to confirmation by a majority of the members of the Village Board. The Village Attorney shall serve at the pleasure of the Village Board.
B. 
Duties. The Village Attorney shall have the following duties. The Village Attorney shall:
(1) 
Conduct all of the legal business in which the Village is interested.
(2) 
When requested by Village officers, give legal opinions, which shall be filed with the Village.
(3) 
Draft ordinances, bonds and other instruments as may be required by Village officers.
(4) 
Perform such other duties as provided by state law or as designated by the Village Board.
C. 
Assistant. The Village Attorney may appoint an assistant, who shall have power to perform his duties and for whose acts he shall be responsible to the Village. Such assistant shall receive no compensation from the Village, unless previously provided by ordinance.
D. 
Special counsel. The Village Board may employ and compensate special counsel to assist in or take charge of any matter in which the Village is interested.
A. 
Appointment.
(1) 
The Chief of Police shall be appointed by a majority vote of all the members of the Village Board for an indefinite term, subject to removal pursuant to the procedures established in § 61.65(1)(am), Wis. Stats. The Chief of Police shall exercise the powers and duties of village marshals and village constables and any other powers and duties prescribed by the Village Board, Village ordinances or the Wisconsin Statutes.
(2) 
The compensation to be paid the Chief of Police for his services, the hours of active duty, rest days, vacation periods and other involvement of his employment shall be such as may be determined by the Village Board from time to time.
B. 
General duties.
(1) 
The Chief of Police shall have command of the Police Department. He shall have general administration and control of the Department and shall be responsible for the Department's government, efficiency and general good conduct. He shall perform all duties prescribed to him by the laws of the state and the ordinances of the Village and shall obey all lawful written orders of the Village President or Village Board.
(2) 
The Chief of Police shall cause the public peace to be preserved and may arrest and with reasonable diligence take before the proper court persons found in the Village engaging in any disturbance of the peace or violating any law of the state or ordinance of the Village. The Chief of Police shall cooperate with other law enforcement officers in the arrest or apprehension of persons charged with crime.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 116, Police Department.
The Weed Commissioner shall be appointed by the Village President at the Board's organizational meeting, subject to Village Board confirmation. The term of office of the Weed Commissioner shall commence on the first day of May following his appointment. The Weed Commissioner shall take the official oath, which oath shall be filed in the office of the Village Clerk, and shall hold office for one year. The Weed Commissioner shall hold office pursuant to and fulfill the duties set out in state law.
A. 
Appointment. The Director of Public Works and Assistant Director of Public Works shall be hired by a majority vote of the Village Board solely on the basis of merit, training, experience, administrative ability, efficiency and general qualifications and fitness for performing the duties of the position.
B. 
Term. The Director of Public Works and Assistant Director of Public Works shall hold office for an indefinite term subject to removal by a two-thirds vote of the Village Board.
C. 
Duties and powers. The Director of Public Works shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) 
He shall have general charge and supervision of all public works in the Village and shall also serve as Superintendent of the Water and Electric Department.
(2) 
He shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair and construction of streets, alleys, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, bridges, street signs, storm sewers, Village buildings and structures and all machinery, equipment and property used in any activity under his control.
(3) 
He shall have charge of all public services, including garbage and refuse collection and disposal, snow and ice removal, street cleaning and flushing, and mosquito and rodent control.
(4) 
He shall be responsible for and shall have power to employ part-time daily employees for up to three days under his direction and shall be responsible for supervision of such employees. He shall immediately notify the Personnel Committee of the employment of such part-time workers. He shall have the power to consult with and recommend to the Personnel Committee the employment of full-time employees who are under his supervision and control.
(5) 
He may discharge part-time employees under his direction and discharge probationary employees during their probation period. He shall have the power to recommend to the Board the discharge of any full-time nonprobationary employee, stating reasons therefor. Full-time nonprobationary employees shall be subject to discharge only by a majority vote of the Village Board acting upon the recommendation of the Director of Public Works.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
(6) 
He shall perform such other activities and duties as are imposed upon him from time to time by the Village Board or by his job description and employment contract.
D. 
Assistant Director of Public Works. Under the direction of the Director of Public Works, the Assistant Director shall perform the duties listed in Subsection C(2), (3) and (6) above.
A. 
Pursuant to §§ 61.195, 61.197 and 66.0101, Wis. Stats., the Village hereby elects not to be governed by those portions of §§ 61.19 and 61.23, Wis. Stats., which relate to the selection and tenure of the Village Assessor and which are in conflict with this section.
B. 
Hereafter, instead of being elected, the Assessor or assessing firm shall be appointed in odd-numbered years by the Village President, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the members-elect of the Village Board. A corporation or an independent contractor may be appointed as the Village Assessor. The corporation or independent contractor so appointed shall designate the person responsible for the assessment. The designee shall file the official oath under § 19.01, Wis. Stats., and sign the affidavit of the Assessor attached to the assessment roll under § 70.49, Wis. Stats. No person may be designated by any corporation or independent contractor unless he has been granted the appropriate certification under § 73.09, Wis. Stats. For purposes of this subsection, "independent contractor" means a person who either is under contract to furnish appraisal and assessment services or is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, business or profession in which the services are offered to the general public.
C. 
The Assessor shall have a two-year term of office, subject to removal under § 17.14(1), Wis. Stats.
[1]
Editor's Note: This section was originally enacted by charter ordinance.
A. 
Building Inspector position.
(1) 
There is hereby created the position of Building Inspector who shall be appointed by the Village President in even-numbered years for a two-year term of office, subject to confirmation by the Village Board. His appointment shall continue during good behavior and satisfactory service. The Building Inspector shall be certified by the State of Wisconsin.
(2) 
During temporary absence or disability of the Building Inspector, the appointment authority shall designate an Acting Building Inspector.
(3) 
The manner and amount of compensation to be paid to the Building Inspector shall be fixed by the Village Board.
B. 
Powers and duties.
(1) 
It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to see to the enforcement of all ordinance provisions relating to building permits and zoning.
(2) 
The Building Inspector shall make all inspections necessary for compliance and the enforcement of the Zoning Code.
(3) 
The Building Inspector shall have the power to order all work stopped on construction, alteration or repair of buildings, plumbing equipment, gas piping or electrical facilities in the Village when such work is being done in violation of any Village ordinance. Work shall not be resumed after the issuance of such an order except on written permission of the Inspector.
(4) 
The Building Inspector shall issue or cause to be issued all proper permits for such work after payment of the fees required therefor. He shall process all applications, make all inspections and have the authority to issue or cause to be issued a certificate of completion.
C. 
Right of entry. The Building Inspector shall have the power to make or cause to be made an entry into any building or premises where the work of altering, repairing or constructing any building or structure is going on, including plumbing and electrical work.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 520, Building Construction.
A. 
The Village President, subject to Board confirmation, shall appoint a Park Commissioner in odd-numbered years. The Village President may appoint the Village Clerk or may appoint some other person for terms of two years.
B. 
The Park Commissioner shall control the scheduling of all events in all Village parks and at all Village ball diamonds. The Park Commissioner, in exercise of authority, may require advance reservations for use of these Village facilities and may establish reasonable deadlines for such reservations. The Commissioner, together with the Director of Public Works, shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of the parks and ball diamonds. The Village Park Commissioner shall have the authority to postpone, cancel or reschedule events and otherwise to restrict use of the Village parks and ball diamonds to avoid injury to the participants or to avoid injury or damage to the lawns, equipment or playing surfaces for which the Village Park Commissioner is responsible.
[Amended 4-15-2003]
A. 
There is created the office of Village Fire Commissioner. It shall be the duty of the Village Fire Commissioner to represent the interests of the Village of Stratford on the Commission of the Stratford Area Fire Department. Included in representing the Village's interest, without limitation, are the following: attend Fire Commission meetings, vote on matters before the Fire Commission, act as liaison between the Stratford Area Fire Department and the Village Board, and report promptly to the Village Board the actions and concerns of the Fire Commission.
B. 
The Village President, subject to confirmation by a majority vote of the Village Board, shall annually appoint the Fire Commissioner and an alternate person who has authority to represent the Village in the event that the Commissioner is unable to temporarily fulfill his or her duties. Appointments shall be made at the reorganization meeting.
C. 
The Fire Commissioner shall be paid a per diem for attending the Fire Commission meetings equal to that paid to a Village Board member for attending committee meetings, except that no salary shall be paid if the Fire Commissioner is a member of the Village Board or if the Commissioner receives a per diem from the Stratford Area Fire Department. A Commissioner who is not a member of the Village Board will be paid for attending a Village Board meeting to give a report in the amount of 1/2 the payment for a Trustee committee member.
The Emergency Government Director and Assistant Director shall be part-time uncompensated positions serving a two-year term of office. The Emergency Government Director and Assistant Director shall be the head of Emergency Government Services in the Village and shall have the powers and duties set out in Ch. 323, Wis. Stats., and such additional powers and duties as are assigned by the Village Board. The Emergency Government Director and Assistant Director shall be appointed by the Village President, subject to Board confirmation, at the organizational meeting of the Board in April in odd-numbered years.
[1]
Editor's Note: See also Ch. 46, Emergency Government.
A. 
No person shall be elected by the people to a Village office who is not at the time of his election a citizen of the United States and of this state and an elector of the Village and, in case of a ward office, of the ward and actually residing therein.
B. 
An appointee of the Village President required to be confirmed by the Village Board who shall be rejected by the Board shall be ineligible for appointment to the same office for one year thereafter.
A. 
Requirement. Within five days after the election or appointment of any Village officers, the Village Clerk shall notify the person so selected thereof. Every person elected or appointed to the office of Village President, Trustee, Village Treasurer and Village Clerk shall, within five days after notice thereof, when required, take and file the official oath.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).
B. 
Form; procedure. The form, filing and general procedure for the taking of oaths shall be governed by Chapter 19, Subchapter I of the Wisconsin Statutes.
A. 
How occurring. Except as provided in Subsection C below, vacancies in elective and appointive positions occur as provided in §§ 17.03 and 17.035, Wis. Stats.
B. 
How filled. Vacancies in elective and appointive offices shall be filled as provided in § 17.24, Wis. Stats.
C. 
Temporary incapacitation. If any officer is absent or temporarily incapacitated from any cause, the Board may appoint some person to discharge his duties until he returns or until such disability is removed.
A. 
Elected officials. Elected officials may be removed by the Village Board as provided in §§ 17.13 and 17.16, Wis. Stats.
B. 
Appointed officials. Appointed officials may be removed as provided in §§ 17.13 and 17.16, Wis. Stats.
Village officers must observe the standards of care imposed by § 19.21, Wis. Stats., with respect to the care and custody of official property.
Every officer shall, if required by law or the Village Board, upon entering upon the duties of his office, give a bond in such amount as may be determined by the Village Board, with such sureties as are approved by the Village President, conditioned upon the faithful performance of the duties of his office. Official bonds shall be filed with the office of the Village Clerk. Any person reelected or reappointed to the same office shall take and file an official bond for each term of service.