Committee Orientation

As a local governing body member, you are prohibited from using your position to obtain private benefit for yourself. Any time a topic arises that you would have private benefit, you should abstain from the discussion and remove yourself from the table. If topics arise and you believe there may be a potential conflict of interest, please feel free to contact the Village Clerk/Treasurer or Village Administrator at 608-838-3153 to discuss the matter further.

More information can be found in the University of Wisconsin Extension FAQ (PDF), and/or the Village's Ethics Code.

Wisconsin Open Meetings Law

The Complying with Wisconsin Open Records Law (PDF) document from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities provides an introduction to Wisconsin Open Meetings Law and some important topics to be aware of such as a "walking quorum," concerns with using electronic mail, the requirements for public notice, and closed sessions.

The 2018 Open Meeting Law Compliance Guide (PDF) is a more in-depth document from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Attorney General Brad D. Schimel.

Public Records

As a board, committee, and/or commission member, you serve on a governmental body. Wisconsin's policy has always been to give the public the great possible information regarding the affairs of the government. It is important to remember that as a member of a governmental body, any correspondence you undertake that pertains to the Board, Committee, and Commission you serve, is a public record open to the public. The Village always recommends limiting discussion to meetings.

• University of Wisconsin Extension Local Government Center
• Wisconsin Public Records Law Fact Sheet 7 (PDF)

The following links are various documents provided for you to expand your knowledge on committee structure, best practices, municipal governments, and more! We encourage you to visit these documents as you participate as a public servant of our community.

• Bad Meeting Behavior (PDF): Painting the Shed Red by Dan Hill, Retired, UW-Extension Local Government Center
• Roles of Governing Body Members (PDF), by Maria Davis, Assistant Legal Counsel and Claire Silverman, Legal Counsel, League of Wisconsin Municipalities

Tablet Usage Policy

With the addition of Surface tablets available for members to use during meetings, the Village created this policy on the use and misuse of Village devices.

• Electronic Media Device Policy 2018 (PDF)

Microsoft Surface Pro Usage Video

This video, created by the Communications and Technology Department, provides an introduction to the Microsoft Surface Pros that the Village has available for members to utilize during meetings. These devices are subject to the Tablet Usage Policy (PDF).