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, Larry Ziemer and Don McKay; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Sarah Danz .
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Barbara Grenlie, seconded by Larry Ziemer and approved, with the change that agenda Item 12, Committee Reports, be moved to follow Item 4.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
Earl Brandt has obtained 2 estimates for refurbishing or replacing the signs at Elver’s Corners and Peculiar Corners. Further information is required, but it appears that the total cost for repairing or replacing both signs will be less than $1,000.
Investigation has led to the conclusion that the savings that will result from raising the deductable on Town property insurance does not justify the change.
CITIZEN INPUT
There was no citizen input.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The turn-around at the end of Broderick Road continues to be obstructed by equipment owned by a Town resident living at the end of that road. Additionally, the driveway improvements to be done under an existing permit remain uncompleted, and the permit is about to expire. Since there is another property owner on the road, it cannot be abandoned. A consensus was reached that a legal opinion concerning the Town’s options should be sought.
The salt shed is largely full. Equipment repairs and maintenance are underway in preparation for winter plowing. Utility digging on Ryan Road has left large rocks in the right of way, which it appears the contractor had no plans to remove; the Town Patrolman has removed the rocks.
The Planning Commission has nearly finished revision of the Driveway Ordinance and will soon begin work on the Recreation Permit Ordinance.
Steve Cowan reported that the Black Earth Joint Fire District is considering the purchase of a new squad truck, probably in 2010, at a cost of somewhat over $300,000.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Don McKay moved approval of the minutes of the October 12th meeting, Barbara Grenlie seconded, and the minutes were approved with the change that a reference to winter weight limits was corrected to a reference to spring weight limits.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Deposits for the month of October were $20,875.09. The largest share was General Transportation Aids of $19,913.26. $590 was received for building permits, $225 for assessment searches, $118 for Veteran’s Grave Care, $28.83 for delinquent property taxes and $34.26 in interest.
A motion was made by Steve Cowan and seconded by Don McKay to accept the Treasurer’s report and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
The 2 supervisors who are up for re-election in April of 2010 have been given their materials – nomination papers can begin to be circulated on December 1st. Packets are available for anyone wishing to run for these two supervisor seats.
This is the month that we need to pay Dane County their 20 percent share of Managed Forest Withdrawal taxes, which is check 1770. Check 1774 is for the majority of our winter road sand. We had a significant number of truck and tractor maintenance repairs this last month, which has caused us to exceed the amount budgeted for that category. That trend was apparent several months ago, so that budget category has been increased for 2010. Our clerk and treasurer bonds were paid in October, as well as the maintenance contract for our voting machine.
A motion was made by Larry Ziemer and seconded by Steve Cowan to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for October, 2009 and paid by checks numbered 1750 through 1786, ACH transfer 3 for health insurance, and November checks 1787 through 1789. Check 1752 for office supplies was sent out early. Three Erosion Control Permit checks from previous months have been voided and replaced by check 1753, which was also sent out early. All other bills are minor maintenance or routine monthly bills.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Larry Ziemer to approve payment of bills for October and the motion was approved.
CONSIDERATION OF ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 21, 2009-2010 AMENDING CHAPTER 10 OF THE DANE COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES, REGARDING RESIDENCES IN THE EXCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT
The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this ordinance amendment, as has the Dane County Towns Association. Barbara Genlie moved approval of the ordinance amendment, Steve Cowan seconded and the motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF 2010 BUDGET
Barbara Grenlie moved approval of the 2010 budget as presented at the Budget Hearing, Steve Cowan seconded, and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE SPRING WEIGHT LIMITS ON ROADS
The Dane County Towns Association reports making progress in the drafting of a model town road weight limits ordinance.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR DECEMBER MEETING
Spring weight limits will remain on the agenda. The Town of Vermont Annex to the Dane County Emergency Management Plan will be considered for adoption by the Town. Proposed changes to the Dane County Shoreland Zoning Ordinance will be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Don McKay that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:20.
Marc Robertson, Town Clerk