New Board Members Sworn In, Get Down to Business

It was a family affair Tuesday at Sussex Village Hall as those closest to the newly elected village president and trustees packed the in the board room to witness each get officially sworn in.

Although the new board officially began business last week, Village Administrator Jerry Smith swore in Village President Greg Goetz and trustees Jim Batzko and Jason Wegner, who won their positions in the April 5 election.

Tim Dietrich was also won a seat April 5, but was not present Tuesday. Dietrich and Wegner were both re-elected, while Batzko replaces Steve Berger, who didn’t seek re-election.

Goetz, a former trustee, replaced Tony Lapcinski, who also didn’t seek re-election.

“I want to particularly thank Tony Lapcinksi. He gave me the information on the current happenings of the village and got me up to snuff and everything going on so I wouldn’t be surprised,” Goetz said. “Tony initiated a lot of great things that were going on in the village and in a way make my job easier.”

Friends and family applauded and took photos as each vowed to serve the village and follow the state constitution. However, the fanfare was short-lived, and each took the helm in their new positions and got to down to business during their first  meeting.

The board unanimously approved the budgets for improvements to , and. The park plan includes a four-diamond complex, a splash park, playground equipment, tennis courts, volleyball courts and a combination baseball and football field throughout the three parks.

“The Park Board is a great group of people and really on the ball. Once we can initiate and make this park plan go through, it’s going to fabulous,” Goetz said.

The total cost for the improvements outlined in the master plans was budgeted for $240,000. For the past eight months the Park Board had been working with a consultant to develop the plans. However, the final draft of the plans came in at $10,000 over budget.

To come in under budget, the Park Board trimmed two water fountains and eliminated the cost of installation of the playground equipment and a new path. With these changes to the plan, the board shaved $44,000 from the total cost and came in under budget.

“The Park Board uses their money very wisely. They knew they wanted to stay within budget and it was a hard choice to cut out some of those items,” Goetz said. “They are truly committed to making the park the best, but knowing the economic times, staying within budget.”

Goetz said the master plans for the three parks will be available on the village website next week.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Lapcinski stepped to the podium from a new perspective. He wished the Goetz and the trustees well, and offered a little humor.

"I have all your numbers now and I call call you all and complain if I need to," he joked.