Minutes

Regular Town Board Meeting

Wednesday, 11-13-2024
7:00 PM

Bob made a motion to amend agenda, seconded by Jon and the motion carried. #11 is eliminated and a discussion for part time public works pay rate is inserted.

Lowell called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

In attendance: Lowell, Bob, Jon, Carl and Jorja

Bob made a motion to approve the amended agenda, seconded by Jon and the motion carried.

Jon made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 9, 2024 Board meeting, Jon seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

Treasurer report: Cash and fund balances were read.
The Town received its first fire call billing since the new contract was initiated. The fire call was a response to a control burn that had not been called in. A bill for $500.00 will be sent to the property owner.
The County budget meeting is scheduled for 11-12-2024 at which time they will set the 2025 budget. The County Treasurer send notification to the Town for their portion of the 2024 tax billing.

 

Clerk report: election results: 968 participated. 53 new registrations were processed on election day; there were 459 absentee and early in-person voting.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 is the election for Town Board. A notice will be published by November 26, 2024 so the general public will be aware.  A declaration of candidacy form to be filed by any interested party may be picked up any time. The Nomination Papers are available when the declaration of candidacy form is submitted – but not before 12-1-2024. If more than two candidates are running for a specific position, there will be a primary election Tuesday, February 18, 2024. If more than one person is running for a specific position, they may not submit same names. 20-100 signatures are needed. Declaration of non-candidacy must be submitted by December 27, 2024. Final candidacy papers are due no later than January 7, 2025

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin sent an electronic copy of an initial application filed by Whitewater Solar, LLC. A letter of explanation and the electronic copy (thumb drive) will remain at the clerk’s office and available for public viewing until
February 6, 2025.

Jon made a motion to accept the Clerk-treasurer reports, seconded by Bob and the motion carried.

 

Supervisors’ reports:

Jon – wants to have information on agreements to be used for road repair on the agenda for December’s meeting.  There is a violation at N7816 Hillside for fences in the road right of way.

Bob – nothing to report

Lowell – nothing to report

Public Works report – removed 10 trees. Is preparing equipment and supplies for the winter. Briggs and Stratton will be fixing or replacing the motor for the small plow truck.

Sheriff’s Department report: there were 182 calls during October. One was for the control burn previously mentioned.

Jon made a motion to approve the 2025 budget which includes the levy limit increase, Bob seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

Clyde Curtis attended the meeting to clarify a letter he received from the Town regarding issues with his actions in filling the ditches in the Town’s right of way on his property.

He claims that he has been filling the ditches with dirt, leaves and other lawn debris to facilitate his ability to mow.  He says that no culvert is being changed and that the culvert is still open on both ends. The size of the culvert has not changed in 8 years. He feels that filling in the ditches improves the safety for traffic on the road as there have been times when cars have ended in the ditch.

The Board indicated that the changes he has made infringes on the Town’s ability to maintain the road and that he has until the end of the month to remove the fill from the ditches.

 

A new contract for Johnson Sand and Gravel was reviewed. The Board felt that additional changes need to be added for more specific wording. Noah Wishau, the Town attorney, was in attendance and indicated he would reach out to their attorney and affect the changes.

After a discussion regarding new buoy purchase, Jon made a motion to purchase 29 new buoys at a cost of $8,000.00, $2,000.00 would be paid by the GWLPOA and $6000.00 from the town. A grant would be used and that would repay $4000,00, Bob seconded the motion and the motion carried. Jon does want to investigate other manufacturers for lower costs on the buoys.

There is interest in purchasing solar powered, portable speed limit signage. LaGrange has one on Hwy H and there is another one in use in the Cambridge area. The advantage is that the equipment can monitor traffic moving in both directions. There is a question regarding theft or damage to the equipment and if it is covered by the current insurance policy. The GWLPOA is offering to donate $1,000.00 for the equipment.  Jon make a motion to table the discussion, seconded by Bob and have the issue place on the December agenda. The motion carried.

 

No public comments were offered.

Monthly bills were reviewed and checks signed.

Jon made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lowell, the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted by Jorja Boiley, Clerk-Treasurer