TOWN OF VERMONT BOARD MEETING

June 11, 2007

The meeting was called to order at 7:30. The clerk certified that the original notice, and the amended notice with the additional agenda item regarding repairs to the Town garage roof, 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. The original notice was also published in the News Sickle-Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail.

Present: Chairman, Mark Sherven; Supervisors, Barbara Grenlie, Don McKay and Bill Hanson; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Sarah Danz. Supervisor Steve Cowan was absent.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mark Sherven suggested amending the agenda to permit consideration of the additional agenda item regarding repairs to the Town garage roof at the same time as the previously scheduled discussion of gutter repairs. A motion to approve the agenda with that change was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Bill Hanson. The agenda was approved as amended.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence has been received from the law firm of Pfeil & Millonzi, LLC concerning the ongoing investigation of possible misappropriation of funds at Northwest Dane Senior Services. Missing funds may be covered by insurance. Services appear to not have been interrupted and steps have been taken to provide greater oversight of expenditures. Copies of the correspondence were provided for all Board members.

The MadCity Velo Club has sent notice that the Blue Mounds Classic Bicycle Race will be held on July 14th starting at 10:00 am. It will start in Brigham Park and be held largely on roads in the Town of Vermont. A map of the course and a copy of the certificate of liability insurance have been received, but no application for a Town Recreational Activity Permit.

The 2007 Board of Review was held on May 23rd, with no one appearing to appeal their assessment.

CITIZEN INPUT

Robert Kopras appeared to discuss what he believes to be an over-assessment of his property in 2005 and 2006. Since he did not appeal the assessment in a timely manner, no action by the Town is required or possible. The Chairman suggested that he supply a letter to the Board outlining his position.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Bill Hanson moved approval of the minutes of the May meeting, Don McKay seconded, and the minutes were approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT

CLERK’S REPORT

PAYMENT OF BILLS

Approval is sought for payment of bills for May, 2007 paid by checks numbered 11457 through 11483.

A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Don McKay to approve payment of bills for May and the motion was approved.

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. Two lots, under the same current ownership, are under consideration.

Lot 1 is a rezoning from A1-EX to RH-1 of approximately 2 acres for property to be purchased by John and Robyn Sandin from Bill and Jane Hanson. The remaining acreage purchased will remain zoned A1-EX. Also being considered is a home site and driveway permit. Don McKay moved approval of all three items and Barbara Grenlie seconded. Proof of filing of the deed for a small parcel of land purchased from Twylah Gilbertson over which the driveway will run is still required. It was determined that having it supplied to the Town prior to final driveway inspection would be sufficient. The rezoning, home site and driveway for lot 1 was approved unanimously.

Lot 2 is a rezoning of the current home of Bill and Jane Hanson and approximately 12 acres of surrounding land from A1-EX to A-2(8). Don McKay moved approval, Barbara Grenlie seconded and the rezoning was approved unanimously.

APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBERS FOR 2007 - 2008

Planning Commission chairman will be Don McKay, continuing members will be Bruce Ellarson, Jim Elleson, Johanna Solms and Eric Haugen. New members will be Bill Hanson and John Brings.

CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR REPAIR TO THE ROOF AND GUTTERS ON THE TOWN GARAGE

A water leak in the roof of the Town garage has been traced to what may be damage from an August 24, 2006 hail storm. The insurance company has been notified and bids have been received from several contractors. Because of the short notice given the contractors, the bids need further refinement. Further consideration is postponed until a June 25 special board meeting.

DISCUSSION OF 2007 TOWN PICNIC PLANNING

The 2007 Town picnic remains somewhat in flux because of uncertainty regarding the availability of committee members for picnic planning. There is also uncertainty regarding the nature of Town government involvement in picnic planning and the best method for choosing those involved. While some consideration was given to postponing the picnic until 2008, Earl Brandt volunteered to take the provisional lead in picnic organizing for 2007 with Bill Hanson as Board liaison. Further consideration of the subject awaits more information, so discussion will continue at the June 25 special board meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

For the road committee, Mark Sherven reported that patching is underway and the first roadside mowing of the season has been completed. The spring spraying and pulling to control garlic mustard in the right-of-way has been completed. Repainting of the Town Hall roof is under consideration but will likely be made a 2008 budget item because of the unexpected garage roof repairs this summer. Contractors for Alliant Energy will be installing underground lines and finishing up last fall’s work and have been advised to return the roadsides to their original condition. Tree trimming around the Town buildings will also need to be made a budget item for 2008. Repairs have been made to the International truck and to the tractor.

DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR JULY MEETING

A special Town Board meeting is to be scheduled for June 25th to consider and possibly approve bids for repairs to the garage roof and gutters. Also to be discussed is the Town picnic planning. Agenda items for the regular July meeting are to include discussion and possible approval of a first payment toward the Town's share of the new District One EMS building and disposition of the Dane County Bicycle Grant funds received in May. Consideration of invasive species should continue at future board meetings, with possible educational efforts at the Town picnic.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Barbara Grenlie that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.