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 Bill Hanson, seconded by Steve Cowan and approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
FEMA is sponsoring a program on flood mitigation, which might provide funding for projects which will prevent recurring flood damage in specific areas.
CITIZEN INPUT
There was no citizen input.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Barbara Grenlie moved approval of the minutes of the July 14th meeting, Steve Cowan seconded, and the minutes were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Deposits for the month of July were $53,876.49. The largest share was $27,428.40 for a Managed Forest Lands withdrawal. $19,330.17 was received as our quarterly Transportation Aid payment, $2,990.09 for Fire Dues, $2,264.05 for State Shared Revenue payment, $850 was received for site visits and driveway permits, $350 for building permits and $150 for assessment searches. The Town was reimbursed $50 for gravel spread at the interface with a private drive, and we also received a $39 State Exempt Computer Aid Payment, a $35 Recreation Permit and $399.78 in interest. A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Steve Cowan to accept the Treasurer’s report, and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
Payment was made in July for the new Ford truck chassis and it is expected that the truck will be completed this month. Several checks will need to written and distributed prior to the next Board meeting for diesel fuel, charges for returned Vermont’s Voice copies and for our second Mt. Horeb Fire District payment.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Bill Hanson to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for July, 2008 and paid by checks numbered 1107 through 1141. Checks 1105 and 1106 were also July checks but were approved at the July Board meeting.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Bill Hanson to approve payment of bills for July and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION WITH REPRESENTATIVE FROM WISCONSIN DNR
Don Bates was present as representative of the Wisconsin DNR. He is now in charge of Chronic Wasting Disease control for 11 counties. He provided copies of the 2008 hunting season regulations along with handouts on CWD and the food pantry Venison Donation Program.
Multiple sightings of bear have been reported locally, though a month has elapsed from the last sighting so it is thought that the bear has probably moved on. It is unclear if there are resident bears, since no cubs have been spotted. Bobcats have been seen increasingly, and though litters have not been seen, it is thought that some are resident. Citizens are encouraged to report sightings to the DNR.
REPORT FROM DIRECTOR OF NORTHWEST DANE SENIOR SERVICES
Barbara Borns, a Northwest Dane Senior Services Board member, was present to represent that organization. She detailed some of the services provided, including case management assisting individuals to understand their Medicare options, and weekday lunches both at their facility and mobile meals. A respite program is available, giving 4 hour per week breaks to those caring for elderly individuals. Northwest Dane also helps coordinate assistance to those requiring some help in order to remain living independently in their homes.
Rita Stanton, also a Northwest Dane Senior Services Board member, joined the meeting at this point. The need for expanded physical facilities was noted, possibly to replace their current leased space which may not be available in the future.
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION REGARDING LOCATION OF ATC TRANSMISSION LINES
The Town of Dunkirk has requested our support for a transmission route that they favor. Since no one was present to provide more information, Mark Sherven moved that consideration of the issue be postponed. Steve Cowan seconded the motion and it was approved.
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 6, 2008-2009 AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE DANE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, REQUIRING THE REVIEW OF ZONING PETITIONS AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR CONSISTENCY WITH THE COUNTY AND APPLICABLE TOWN COMPREHENSIVE PLANS
The attorney for the Dane County Towns Association has recommended approval of this amendment. Mark Sherven moved that the Board approve the amendment, Steve Cowan seconded the motion and after further discussion it was approved unanimously.
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 8, 2008-2009 AMENDING CHAPTER 47 OF THE DANE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, AUTHORIZING THE ENVIRONMENTAL, AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE TO REVIEW ANIMAL ABATEMENT ORDERS
A recent communication from District 30 County Supervisor Pat Downing indicated the draft of the ordinance presently in the Town Board’s hands has been amended and “… now delegates the animal abatement order powers to the Board of Health of Madison and Dane County.” Since the Town Board has not been presented with either revised Ordinance Amendment language or a request for a Board Action Report on Amendment 8, Chairman Mark Sherven moved that further consideration be tabled. Steve Cowan seconded and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING DEFACEMENT OF TOWN ROADS BY RECREATION EVENT ORGANIZERS
Mark Sherven directed the Town Patrolman to remove the road markings from bicycle events held earlier in the summer and the organizers will be billed.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING SALE OF 1999 FORD PLOW TRUCK
Mark Sherven suggested that an advertisement be placed in the Mount Horeb Mail, the News Sickle Arrow, the Town & Country Shopper and the Satellite Shopper for three weeks, with a bid opening prior to the next Town Board meeting. If no satisfactory bids are received, time will remain to place the truck at an auction of municipal vehicles to be held in September. Placing an advertisement in the Madison newspaper will be considered depending on price.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Planning Commission has continued to work on the Comprehensive Plan, including several changes in response to suggestions made by Dane County. Dedication of the new District One EMS building will be on August 24th. Repairs to flood damage continue, as well as some other normally scheduled culvert replacements. Chip sealing as well as the second roadside mowing of the season have been completed.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR SEPTEMBER MEETING
No suggestions were made for the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Bill Hanson and seconded by Barbara Grenlie that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:06.
Marc Robertson, Town Clerk