TOWN OF VERMONT BOARD MEETING

May 14, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:30. The clerk certified that the notice had been posted at the Black Earth State Bank, at John Bird Accounting in Black Earth, Amcore Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the town web site www.townofvermont.com, and on the front door of the town hall. It was also published in the News Sickle-Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail.

Present: Chairman, Mark Sherven; Supervisors, Steve Cowan, Don McKay and Bill Hanson; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Sarah Danz. Supervisor Barbara Grenlie had previously noted that she would be absent.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

A motion to approve the agenda was made by Bill Hanson, seconded by Steve Cowan and approved.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

The Town web site has been updated. The Dane County Towns Association annual meeting was held on May 9^th. The new Dane County Zoning Administrator, Roger Lane, was present to provide an outline of ongoing improvements to that department. A flow chart is being prepared that will allow citizens to better understand the zoning process. It is also hoped that eventually citizens will be able submit applications on-line.

Town representatives present noted that road maintenance costs are rising at 20 to 30 percent per year, far above the 2 percent rate of increase anticipated by the State when levy limits were imposed.

CITIZEN INPUT

Tom and Kathy Brock discussed invasive plant species, particularly garlic mustard. Of the invasive species, It has been determined to be the most serious threat to natural areas. It is able to out-compete most other species, including wildflowers and tree seedlings, as well as being a very prolific seed producer. It is starting to appear more frequently in the Town. While some control is being undertaken by private individuals, the Brocks hope that greater publicity, such as through Vermont’s Voice, will increase control efforts. Among the concerns is that it is present along some roadsides and may be spread by Town mowing equipment. They noted that it is both a very early and very late plant, making it susceptible to herbicide control when other plants are dormant. It was suggested that invasive species control in the Town right of way should be discussed when future budget priorities are being established and possibly considered as a part of the Comprehensive Plan.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Don McKay moved approval of the minutes of the April meeting, Steve Cowan seconded, and the minutes were approved with the addition of language affirming that the April Steve Cowan zoning petition had been approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT

CLERK’S REPORT

Open Book was held on May 2^nd, with three property owners attending. Mark Sherven and Marc Robertson attended Board of Review Training, so the Town’s State training requirement is met through next year. This year’s Board of Review is on May 23^rd, starting at 5:00 P. M. The Town Board plus the clerk constitute the Board of Review. So far no one has registered to appear.

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Approval is sought for payment of bills for April, 2007 paid by checks numbered 11421 through 11456.

A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Steve Cowan to approve payment of bills for April and the motion was approved.

PRESENTATION BY DEPUTY FRISCH OF THE DANE COUNTY SHERIFF"S DEPARTMENT

Deputy Frisch was not present.

APPEARANCE BY JULIE GAU OF THE DANE COUNTY TOWNS ASSOCIATION

Julie Gau, Secretary of the Dane County Towns Association, reported on the recent annual meeting of the Association. She noted that being a paying member of the Association makes one a voting member, though the advisory resources of the Association are available to all Dane County towns regardless of membership status. Bill Hanson noted that the Associations assistance with our ordinance revision process, particularly with respect to providing background regarding the ordinances of other towns, would be very helpful. Julie suggested that if the Board sets revision priorities, she would be willing to research similar existing ordinances.

CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING APPROVAL OF REZONING, HOME SITE LOCATION AND DRIVEWAY FOR BILL & JANE HANSON, 6121 COUNTY ROAD J

Bill Hanson recused himself from his position on the Board at this time. Bill Hanson noted that the engineering plan for the driveway and the certified survey remain to be completed. A deed from Twylah Gilbertson for land that will be required for the driveway is in the process of being recorded at the County. Consideration was postponed until the June meeting, at which time it is expected that the above items will be available.

CONSIDERATION OF PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING APPROVAL OF REZONING, HOME SITE LOCATION AND DRIVEWAY FOR BERNARD & KENDALL ZANDER ON MOEN VALLEY ROAD

The applicants were not present. However, since the Planning Commission had recommended approval of all petition items, consideration continued. Don McKay moved that the Bernard & Kendall Zander zoning, home site location and driveway be approved subject to a notation on the driveway permit that, at the time of final inspection, proof be supplied that a driveway easement and shared driveway maintenance agreement have been recorded at the County. This motion was seconded by Mark Sherven and the motion was approved unanimously.

APPROVAL OF 2007 – 2008 APPLICATIONS FROM TYROL BASIN FOR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE, CIGARETTE LICENSE AND OPERATOR LICENSES FOR DON MCKAY & JOSHUA EISELE

Don McKay recused himself from Board consideration of these applications. Bill Hanson moved approval of the applications, Steve Cowan seconded and the applications were approved unanimously.

DISCUSSION / ACTION ON DISTRICT ONE EMS BOARD ACTION REGARDING FACILITY BID

Steve Cowan, the Town of Vermont’s representative to the District One EMS Board, reported on the May 10 meeting of the EMS Board. Officers of the EMS Board were elected and remained the same as last year.

An architect and construction manager have been hired for the new building. Regarding funding, 3 of the 6 member municipalities have paid for their share of the projected maximum project cost. Two, including the Town of Vermont) have arranged for lines of credit to be drawn on as funds are required. The remaining local government, the Village of Black Earth, remains uncommitted but is expected to consider their position at a May 21 meeting. Steve Cowan moved that the Town of Vermont pay $15,000 into the EMS building fund at the Peoples State Bank of Mazomanie on or before June 1, 2007 as a demonstration of our commitment to a project that was approved by the Town Board and that has come in below the $490,000 budget cap. Mark Sherven seconded the motion. Don McKay offered an amendment to the motion that the Town of Vermont’s June 1 payment be contingent on a decision by the Village of Black Earth to fund their portion of the EMS building construction. Steve Cowan and Mark Sherven accepted this as a friendly amendment to the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

DISCUSSION OF WHETHER THE TOWN PICNIC SHOULD BE ANNUAL OR BIANNUAL

Funding for the picnic was not placed in the 2007 budget. However, substantial interest in having a picnic was expressed at the annual meeting, and one of the purposes of the contingency fund is to allow planning flexibility. It appears likely that Tyrol Basin facilities will be available after the month of August. Mark Sherven moved that the picnic be held in 2007, Bill Hanson seconded and the motion was approved with Don McKay abstaining. Bill Hanson volunteered to take the lead in initial picnic planning.

CONSIDERATION OF ROAD COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING ACCEPTANCE OF SEAL COATING BID, WITH POSSIBLE APPROVAL

Two bids were received, from Scott Construction, Inc. and Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC for $98,952.06 and $98,455.00 respectively. Since The Town has had favorable experience with both contractors, the Road Committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the Farhner bid. Since the bid is above the $91,242 budgeted, some consideration will be given to eliminating the seal coating of some roads. However, doing so would unfavorably impact our long-term road maintenance plan and likely make it more expensive in the long run. A carryover from 2006 of $6,041 which has not been allocated in the 2007 budget, will partially offset the extra expense. Mark Sherven moved to accept the Fahrner bid, Don McKay seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The Road Committee reported that crack sealing for the year had been completed. Use of the leased tractor and brush mower has also been completed. It was agreed that the Road Committee would take action as required regarding invasive species control on the Town right-of-way.

DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR JUNE MEETING

It is expected that the Hanson rezoning, driveway and house site petition that was postponed in May will be considered at the June meeting. Bids for repair to the gutters on the Town garage will be reviewed, with possible bid approval. Bill Hanson has volunteered to take the lead in organizing the Town picnic for 2007, and will report to the Board at the June meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Don McKay that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:27.