MINUTES

TOWN OF VERMONT BOARD MEETING

MARCH 8, 2004

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairman Steven Frame. The Clerk certified the meeting notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the Town web site and on the door of the Town Hall; also published in the News Sickle-Arrow and Mt. Horeb Mail newspapers.

Present were: Chairman, Steven Frame; Supervisors, Bill Hanson, David Dybdahl, and Mark Sherven; Town Clerk Marian Swoboda and Treasurer Sarah Danz. Absent: Supervisor Doug Meier

CITIZEN INPUT

Jackie Berg said she had heard that the town recently sanded a private driveway in the town and inquired if that was true under what circumstances was it done. Chairman Frame replied that he had recently asked the patrolman to sand the the town clerk's driveway, if that was what she was referring to, so that she could get to the office to complete some needed work for the town. He explained that he had asked the patrolman to sand her road not as a private citizen but as clerk of the town. Chairman Frame asked the board if they had any objections to the action he had taken. No objections were voiced.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion was made by David Dybdahl seconded by Mark Sherven and carried to approve the minutes of the February 16, 2004 meeting.

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

Treasurer Sarah Danz reported that the reconciliation of accounts carried out by the clerk and treasurer balanced at the end of February showing $42,341.86 in the investment account, $65,152.02 in the savings account and $9,842.89 in the checking account giving a total cash position of $117,336.77.

Deposits for the month totaled $244,113.81: Tax collections accounted for $241,662.93 of the total, title company assessment searches $60.00, land use site visits $325.00, DNR payment in lieu of taxes $1,838.33 and interest on accounts $227.55.

REPORT OF THE CLERK

The clerk pointed out the $601,937.28 prior year cash carryover shown on the balance sheet ($580,922.17 from Dec tax collections and a cash balance of $21,015.28) minus the net income as of the end of February ($484,600.51) showed an equity position of $117,336.77 the same as reported by the treasurer.

On the Income & Expenses vs. Budget report the clerk pointed out budgeted income of $48,598.40 under the category "county tax settlement" will include the town's share of taxes paid in July and a portion of fire and EMS levy assessments. Also 20% of the "MFL yield/withdrawal" income ($2,845.94) will be paid to the county in November. Under expenses it was noted that of the $1,838.33 received from DNR in lieu of taxes, $1,695,58 had been paid out to the county and schools leaving $142.75 for the town.

POLLING PLACE ACCESSIBILITY SURVEY

A memorandum from Kevin Kenndy, Executive Director of the State Elections Board on the subject of Polling Place Accessibility was discussed. A survey form to access the town's accessibility was attached. The Help American Vote Act of 2002 requires an evaluation of all polling locations throughout the country. The state of Wisconsin will use the completed surveys as a baseline for compliance with state and federal accessiblity requirements and to work on effective solutions to specific barriers voters may be facing. The clerk requested supervisor involvement. Chairman Frame and Mark Sherven volunteered. Poll workers will also be asked to participate. The survey needs to be returned by April 16.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Motion as made by Bill Hanson seconded by David Dybdahl and carried to approve the payment of bills; checks #9948 through #9990 totaling $454,083.39.

JOHN DIMPEL APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A GARAGE

Motion was made by David Dybdahl seconded by Bill Hanson and carried to accept the Plan Commission recommendation to approve the construction of a garage at 4430 Hwy 78 for John Dimpel.

BARBARA FESS APPLICATION FOR SETBACK VARIANCE

Motion was made by Bill Hanson seconded by David Dybdahl to accept the Plan Commission recommendation to approve the setback variance requested by Barbara Fess in order to build an addition on to her home at 4201 County Hwy F.

2004/2005 TOWN BRIDGE INSPECTION

Motion was made by Bill Hanson seconded by Mark Sherven and carried to approve the proposed contract with Dane County to conduct the required bi-annual bridge inspection involving the bridges on Blue MoundsTrail and Bohn Road at a cost of $300.00.

REVISED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY PERMIT APPLICATION

The board reviewed the recreational activity permit application drafted by the clerk containing the elements suggested at the last board meeting: a permit fee of $75.00, a refundable deposit of $200.00 if the activity area is left free of trash and debris' and liability insurance coverage of at least $2,000,000. When the application is returned it will be submitted to the board for approval and if all conditions are met a permit will be issued. The board will decide at a meeting following the event whether or not the deposit will be returned.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Chairman reminded the board of the Wisconsin Towns Association district meeting in Madison at Turner Hall on March 13. He also reported that Burke Trucks agreed to put chrome mirrors and aluminum gas tanks on the new town truck at no extra cost. Also that Burke Trucks is taking $1,000 off of the cost of the plow and equipment for using it as a show demo prior to delivery. He also said the truck's color will be red along with the plow which brings a higher trade-in value. On the financing of the truck the Chairman said that the Black Earth Bank has offered three year financing at 2% or four year at 4%. It was pointed out that the county is not planning any salary increases for county highway patrolman in 2004 and inasmuch as the town patrolman is under the same contract his salary will remain the same. The Chairman reported that the road committee recently attended a workshop at Barneveld on road signage, safety and maintenance and that he had attended a meeting at Springdale on Smart Growth along with the chairs from Perry, Blue Mounds and Cross Plains.

David Dybdahl reported EMS District 1 made 300 calls in 2003 and that the number is expected to increase in 2004.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion was made by Mark Sherven seconded by David Dybdahl and carried that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Marian Swoboda, Town Clerk