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, Barbara Grenlie, Steve Cowan and Bill Hanson; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Sarah Danz. Supervisor Don McKay was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Barbara Grenlie, seconded by Steve Cowan and approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
The Town of Dunkirk has requested a resolution supporting their position that the northern ATC transmission line route, along the Beltline, should be chosen as the preferred alternative. Consideration of such a resolution will be placed on the June agenda.
CITIZEN INPUT
There was no citizen input.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bill Hanson moved approval of the minutes of the April 14th meeting, Steve Cowan seconded, and the minutes were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Deposits for the month of April were $45,923.13. The largest share, $26,040.53, was for Managed Forest Land withdrawals, 20 percent of which will need to be paid to the County later in the year. $19,330.17 was received from the State for Transportation Aid and $552.43 for interest. A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Bill Hanson to accept the Treasurer’s report, and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
Town patrolman expenses will now start to reflect the fact that we are in a transition period between Dave Haugen and Jack Schulenberg. When the 2008 budget was prepared it was not possible to completely anticipate these expenses. For 2 months health insurance, dental insurance and retirement coverage will be paid on both individuals. After that period, there is money in the reserve fund for retired patrolman health insurance coverage which we can begin to draw on as necessary. Except for $10,000 paid for crack filling, which will be covered in the road committee report, all other bills are routine monthly bills.
A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Barbara Grenlie to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PRESENTATION BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE SONDY POPE-ROBERTS
The budget repair bill is soon to come up for consideration, but details are not yet available. She indicated that her office staff is available to assist residents in dealing with state agencies. She, as well as Town Board members, supported changing the State school funding formula, but in her view there is insufficient long-term planning at the State level. Other topics discussed were campaign finance reform, the concealed carrying of firearms and drunk driving enforcement.
PRESENTATION BY DEPUTY LONGLEY OF THE DANE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
The Sheriff’s Department was represented by Deputies Frisch and Grafton, who supplied the Board with bicycle law pamphlets prepared by the Department as well as a report on recent calls within the Town of Vermont. It appears that burglaries are rising, possibly in response to the declining economy. Theft of metal is on the rise county-wide due to rising prices. Complaints have also been received about excessive speed on rural roads.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for April, 2008 and paid by checks numbered 1006 through 1032.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Bill Hanson to approve payment of bills for April and the motion was approved.
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT #54, 2007-2008, AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE DANE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, PROVIDING FOR TOWN BOARD CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
The Dane County Towns Association recommended approval of this amendment, since it will increase the voice that towns have in the County approval of conditional use permits. Mark Sherven moved approval, Bill Hanson seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF PLAN COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION REGARDING DRIVEWAY PERMIT FOR MIKE ALBERT AT 3963 RYAN ROAD
This driveway is to be a 120 foot extension, leading to a new garage, of the existing driveway. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the driveway permit. Barbara Grenlie moved approval of the permit, Steve Cowan seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.
APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 APPLICATIONS FROM TYROL BASIN FOR ALCOHOL BEVERAGE LICENSE, CIGARETTE LICENSE, AND OPERATORS LICENSES FOR DON MCKAY AND JOSHUA EISELE
Renewal of the cigarette license was not sought. Bill Hanson moved approval of the alcohol beverage license and the two operator licenses. Barbara Grenlie seconded and the licenses were approved unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF ROAD COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING ACCEPTANCE OF SEAL COATING BID, WITH POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Two bids were received for seal coating, $123,160.75 from Scott Construction, Inc. and $126,902.00 from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers LLC. The Road Committee recommended approval of the Scott’s bid. Mark Sherven moved approval of the Scott’s bid, Steve Cowan seconded and the motion to accept the bid was approved with Bill Hanson voting no.
It is expected that the Town’s short section of Mineral Point Road will be seal coated this year in conjunction with work being done for the Town of Cross Plains.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Black Earth Joint Fire District has decided not to purchase a new squad in 2009. They have recently purchased a unit, to be mounted in the back of an existing truck, to fight brush fires. Fire Departments are finding it necessary to send staff to special training in how to handle the high voltages present in new hybrid vehicles.
It appears that construction of the new District One EMS building will cost the entire budgeted $490,000. The building has been appraised at $700,000 for insurance purposes. A grant is being sought for a special vehicle exhaust ventilation system. It is expected that the building will enter service in June.
Nine applications have been received for the Mt. Horeb Fire / EMS Department full-time EMT / Fireman / vehicle mechanic position. The number has been narrow to four for final interviews.
For the Road Committee, crack filling has been completed. Alliant Energy has been installing underground lines with a tracked vehicle, which has done some damage to Town roads. Bids are now being received for several culvert replacements and repairs to several culvert ends are also anticipated. Some patching will be done in advance of seal coating. Annual use of the leased brush mower has been completed.
Because of a conflict with Memorial Day, the May Planning Commission meeting will be held on June 2nd.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR JUNE MEETING
A committee is being formed under the leadership of Jan Cowan to plan the Town picnic, so it is not likely that the topic of the picnic will need to be addressed at the June meeting.
The Town of Dunkirk has requested a resolution supporting their position that the northern ATC transmission line route, along the Beltline, should be chosen as the preferred alternative.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Steve Cowan that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:18.
Marc Robertson, Town Clerk