PAGE 2507
TOWN BOARD MEETING
JANUARY 9th, 2012
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Board of Supervisors, Town of Florence met on the 9th day of January, 2012 with Chairman Tim Bomberg and Supervisors John Holbrook and Shane McLain present.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain the agenda was approved as posted. All in favor, motion carried.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on December 12th, 2011, were approved on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain. All in favor, motion carried.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain an operator license was approved for Mardee Moore. All on favor, motion carried.
Monthly town bills totaling $41,555.07 and automatic withdrawals in the amount of $7,702.97 were approved on a motion by Bomberg ands seconded by Holbrook. All in favor, motion carried.
Fire Department bills totaling $1,251.46 were approved for payment on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain. All in favor, motion carried.
Board members reviewed all December bank reconciliation reports along with Florence Utility Commission minutes from August thru November 2011.
Chairman Bomberg executed an audit agreement between the town and WIPFLI, LLP to do the 2011 year end town audit which is scheduled for March 19 & 20th, 2012.
Clerk/Treasurer Shelly Tripp asked the town board about the time frame of accepting the Woodlawn Cemetery and the need of a resolution to do so. The board instructed Tripp to contact Brent Dallagrana to look over the draft resolution Tripp had written and to contact the officers of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association as to when they are expecting the town to take it over.
Tripp also reported that Mel Raatz, of R&R Assessing Services will be attending the January 23rd, 2012 meeting to give an updated report on the revaluation progress.
The board reviewed detailed costs associated with the Koman/Pewabic project and concluded that further discussion with Florence Utilities Manager, Robert Friberg was needed before reconciling the account.
Tripp informed the board that the town personnel policy should be updated to include the change to the Wisconsin Retirement System and the required employee contribution. Tripp was instructed to have it on the January 23rd, 2012 agenda.
Under board discussion, Bomberg reported that additional meetings are being held with county highway administrator, township representatives and the forestry industry with discussion about raising weight limits to 98,000# with 6 axels and the interest and concerns to local government officials.
Highway Foreman, Chris Steber informed the board of the planned 2012 road work. Steber reported that he was planning on doing one of the two sections of Montgomery Lake Road and then First Crossing Road work. Steber stated that work on the second section of Montgomery Lake Road could happen if there is an early spring.
There being no further business it was moved by Holbrook and seconded by McLain to adjourn until January 23rd, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the community center. All in favor, motion carried.
Submitted By:
Shelly Tripp
Clerk/Treasurer
PAGE 2505
TOWN BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 12th, 2011
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Board of Supervisors, Town of Florence met on the 12th day of December, 2011 with Chairman Tim Bomberg and Supervisors John Holbrook present. Shane McLain arrived at 6:35 p.m.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg the agenda was approved as posted. All in favor, motion carried.
The minutes of the previous meetings (Special Town Board and regular Town Board) held on November 28th, 2011 were approved on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg. All in favor, motion carried.
Ray Burgess from the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes Association (SECOLA) was in attendance to request a letter of support from the Town supporting their efforts to enhance water quality on the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes. Burgess is on the grant writing committee and stated that the letter is a requirement in this process. Bomberg asked if funds were going to be needed from the town. Burgess stated that funds were not going to be necessary from the town as the grant requires matching funds which will also include in kind work, which the Association can manage. Bomberg stated that, if in the future, funds would be desirable from the town, immediate notification is necessary. On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg it was moved that the town submit a letter of support for SECOLA . All in favor, motion carried.
On a motion by McLain and seconded by Holbrook it was moved to purchase a second Automated External Defrillator (AED) for the town garage. All in favor, motion carried.
On a motion by Hobrook and seconded by McLain it was moved to accept the only proposal submitted by Florence Motors on a Super Duty, four-wheel drive Ford F250 work truck. All in favor, motion carried.
Bomberg updated the board about his discussion with law enforcement in regards to snowmobile route signage. Bomberg informed the board that signage is usually at the beginning and the end of designated snowmobile routes. Bomberg went on to say that law enforcement receive a portion of funds from snowmobile registrations and trail permits to enforce snowmobile laws and speed limits, etc. Bomberg stated also that further conversations with Forestry and Parks will be needed. Bomberg stated that the current snowmobile ordinance is not in effect until proper signage designated these routes is done.
On a motion by Bomberg and seconded by Holbrook the following were appointed to the Election Board for the 2012-2013 election cycle. Patty Knispel, Rose Panek, Mary Voelker, Fay Uren, Better Steber, Barb Podnar, Janet Kelley, Sue Hoogland, Lori Friberg, Judy Gehlhoff, Sabrina Leffler, Janice Gehlhoff, Sandra Pelc and Margie Yadro. All in favor, motion carried.
Clerk/Treasurer, Shelly Tripp submitted November Bank Reconciliation Reports to the board for review. Tripp also submitted Safe Routes to School Contract Modification and Contractor’s Application for Payment for execution for board acceptance and execution.
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DECEMBER 12th, 2011 CONTINUED………………………………………
Tripp informed the board of a letter the town office is sending to all Not For Profits who use the center at no charge. Tripp reported that there has not been consistency by the office in regards to collecting a security deposit from those organizations and wanted to inform them that a contract and security deposit would be required in 2012.
Tripp informed the board also that tax collection is in process and that an error had occurred with parcel 10-1156-20, in which a full assessment had been applied when it should have been delayed until 2012. The town would be able to process a “Charge Back” to other jurisdictions for their portion of this illegal tax. Tripp was instructed to follow thru and notify the home owners of the process to rectify this error.
Tripp also stated that the town received a tax bill again for the Chatter Box lot and that she was reassured it would be tax exempt for 2012.
Tripp submitted a letter for the board to execute which is addressed to representatives Mursau and Holperin to encourage them not to support bill AB 182. The bill would restrict the ability of municipalities to collect delinquent utility bills through the use of the tax roll. If the bill were to be passed, the outcome would increase overall utility rates for those that do pay their bills. The town board authorized the letter to be sent.
Fire Department bills totaling $2,261.82 were approved for payment on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain. All in favor, motion carried.
Monthly town bills totaling $125,300.64, which includes the contractor payment of $93,298.50 to Ruotsala Construction for the SRTS project, and automatic withdrawals in the amount of $8,355.17 and Koman/Pewabic repair project in the amount of $171.50 were approved for payment on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg. All I favor, motion carried.
Chris Steber, Town Foreman was in attendance and submitted employee valuations for the boards review. Steber also informed the board that he had learned of a tar kettle for sale and inquired if the board would grant approval to make a bid on it. The board instructed him to further pursue this purchase with a limit of $7,500 and to keep the board informed of the progress.
Chairman Bomberg informed the board of meetings he has attended that are the beginning discussions between county highway officials, law enforcement and timber producers with regards to increasing the over weight limits being increased to 98,000# with 6 axels. Currently the weights are 90,000# with 5 axels. Bomberg stated that more meetings and discussion will be in the near future.
Submitted By
Shelly Tripp
Clerk/Treasurer
PAGE 2503
TOWN BOARD MEETING
NOVEMBER 28th, 2011
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Board of Supervisors, Town of Florence met on the 28th day of November, 2011 with Chairman Tim Bomberg and Supervisors John Holbrook and Shane McLain present.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain the agenda was approved as posted. All in favor, motion carried.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on November 14th, 2011 were approved on a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain. All in favor, motion carried.
The minutes of the Special Town Board Meeting held on November 16th, 2011 were approved on a motion by Bomberg and seconded by Holbrook. All in favor, motion carried.
Under communications from the floor Hank Murphy, Editor of the Florence Mining News, questioned the board on who is responsible for the removal of snow on sidewalks of the Safe Route to School route. Bomberg stated that they could say the property owner, but that he realizes the hardship that this poses on the elderly and expressed that the board is working on combined efforts to clear the route. Bomberg stated he believes we all are responsible when it comes to safety and stated he had spoke with the school building supervisor and inquired if they’d consider clearing the route along Olive Avenue to Norway Street to US2 and also along Bill Anderson Drive. Bomberg also stated he will inquire with the Egelseer’s to see if their machine is available to continue to keep Chapin Street cleared to US2. Bomberg also had inquired with the Florence Utility for use of a snow removal machine which he stated is also available.
Mark Peters of the Snowmobile Club was in attendance to address the board on the recently adopted Town Snowmobile Ordinance which was approved contingent on the snowmobile club signing the designated roads as routes. Peters reported that the club does not have the finances or man power to sign the roads and reported that other townships have signed routes within their townships. After much discussion, Bomberg asked Florence Mining News editor to write an article to inquire if there are interested residents in adopting a route and if they would purchase signs and posts to assist the club and town. Bomberg stated that the roads designated as snowmobile routes are open to assist in accessing the trail system, so that people do not have to trailer their sleds.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by McLain it was moved to appoint Dennis Krueger to the Florence Utility Commission. All in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was had in regards to the town purchasing a work truck to replace the 2000 Ford Ranger. Highway Foreman, Chris Steber submitted quotes he had received. Discussion was had on necessary specifications and Steber was instructed to solicit additional proposals within the local paper.
McLain made a motion to change town board meetings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. After much discussion and no support to the motion, McLain retracted his motion. On a motion by Bomberg and seconded by Holbrook it was moved to change the time of monthly town board meetings to 6:30 p.m. All in favor, motion carried.
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NOVEMBER 28th, 2011 CONTINUED…………………………
On a motion by Bomberg and seconded by Holbrook it was approved to purchase 35 cast aluminum flag pole brackets at a cost of $4.00/ea. All in favor, motion carried.
On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg an operator license was approved for Donna Grossman. All in favor, motion carried.
An operator license was denied for Erika Klee and the board instructed Clerk/Treasurer Tripp to invite Klee into the next meeting to appeal, if she wishes.
Tripp reported that Wenger paid her Nuisance Citation, and gave an update on delinquent personal property accounts.
Tripp also reported that an ordinance would be required to make an alley one-way by the school.
Tripp reported that the town received a Thank You from the Paul (Sonny) Bomberg Family.
On a motion by Bomberg and seconded by McLain monthly town bills totaling $7,718.11 and automatic withdrawals in the amount of $8,814.32 were approved for payment. All in favor, motion carried.
Under board concerns Bomberg reported that he has made several attempts to contact the Karle’s in regards to concerns with cows in the road. Bomberg instructed Tripp to contact the WTA to inquire if there are statutes that still support “free range”.
Holbrook mentioned allowing the town crew a full day off on December 24th with pay. Support was expressed by board and agreed upon. Clerk office will also be closed a full day. Also discussed was the regular scheduled December 26th meeting. On a motion by Holbrook and seconded by Bomberg it was move to cancel this meeting. All in favor, motion carried. Supervisor Holbrook would come in to approve vouchers.
There being no further business it was moved by Bomberg and seconded by Holbrook to adjourn until December 12th, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at the community center. All in favor, motion carried.
Submitted By
Shelly Tripp
Clerk/Treasurer