Want to be a weed commissioner?

You may get your chance if a proposal is adopted by the Grantsburg Village Board.

Frustrated by weed problems and other cases of property disarray in the village has promoted the board to consider a drastic measure — appointment of a weed commissioner.

"They've been pretty busy, as you can see," said Trustee Roger Panek about 13 grass enforcement warnings issued by the Grantsburg Police Department.

The department issues a letter asking property owners to clean up the grass and when the warning is ignored, police go to the property."

Trustee Dennis Dahl is also concerned about the look of the community in general.

"All you have to do is drive around town. There's a lot of junk out there," said Dahl.

Junked cars, toilet seats and other items are giving the community a "shabby" look.

Village President Mark Dahlberg said the village should hire an administrator who would identify himself at houses that need to be maintained. The visit would come after an initial letter and, "We'd have to give him or her the authority to order improvements?"

Dahlberg indicated, "I think we need a part-time employee to do that. Let's think about it."

"I like the idea," said Trustee Nelson.

One village resident, Jim Halverson appeared before the board to complain about being issued a letter about weeds on his property. "The police chief has more important things to do than to write letters saying your weeds are too high," Halverson said.

IN OTHER action the board:

•Discussed the possibility of a new well site. They authorized the village engineers to make recommendations regarding possible sites.

•Noted Police Chief Jeff Schinzing reported 171 events recorded by his department in July. They included 15 traffic warnings; nine county sheriff assists; four drug complaints, three burglaries and three thefts.

•Awarded a bid of $295,829.75 to McCabe Construction of Eau Claire for work on the 2008 Street and Utility Improvements project. They were the low of four bidders. Also awarded a bid of $65,000 from Monarch Paving Company of Turtle Lake for asphalt paving removal and pavement.

•Voted to hire Land Surveyor Tom Swenson for no more than $3,300 so the city can protect lot and block corner monuments during upcoming construction.

County Land Information Director Jason Towne told the board the surveyor is needed to, "Tie out the lot and block corners and then reset the corners after construction."

•Approved the Burnett County Agricultural Society Fair board request to close off Main Street from Olson Drive to Pine Street for the Fair parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 23. They also asked for no parking zones for the entire length of the fairgrounds on the east side of Pine Street for safety reasons and asked for a police officer at the fairgrounds during the run of the event, which is Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 23.

•Agreed to go along with the Burnett County Comprehensive Planning grant for $186,000. They will pay a share of the total and will be reimbursed. The county will manage the grant.

•Decided to remove the fee amounts from the license fees ordinance for fermented malt beverages and intoxicating liquor. "The changes puts fees on a separate schedule," said Village President Mark Dahlberg.

In essence, it will allow the board to set the fees at their discretion and make changes yearly, if they desire.

Currently the fees are $500 for Class A and Class B Liquor licenses; $100 for Class A, Class B and Class C wine and $10 per event for temporary wine and beer permits. A class C Premise Extension permit is $50 per event.