The amended meeting notice has been posted at the Black Earth Branch of the State Bank of Cross Plains, at John Bird Accounting in Black Earth, Harris Bank in Mt. Horeb, on the town web site www.townofvermont.com, and on the front door of the town hall. The notice prior to the amendment was published in the News Sickle-Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail.
Present: Chairman, Mark Sherven; Supervisors, John Smith, Don McKay and Larry Ziemer; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Kathy Smith. Supervisor Barbara Grenlie was absent.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion to approve the agenda was made by John Smith, seconded by Larry Ziemer and approved with the addition that the discussion of survey results, added as an agenda amendment, be inserted after the report from the Executive Director of Northwest Dane Senior Services.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
Representatives from Dane County recently attended a recent meeting of the Dane County Towns Association, where they discussed the topic of broadband service within the County. Also discussed was proposed Amendment 11 to Chapter 75 of Dane County Ordinances which addresses the requirement for parcels to have a minimum 66 foot public road access. There was considerable discussion at the DCTA meeting of the future of CARPC, with it being made clear that the DCTA would not pursue dissolution of CARPC unless directed by a vote of the membership.
A driveway on North Road is a matter of concern and will be discussed at the October meeting.
CITIZEN INPUT
Tamlyn Akins was present asking that the Board consider making the Town Hall available to artists for next year’s Spring Art Tour; some artists who would like to participate are not able to accommodate the public in their homes. This will be discussed and a decision made at the October meeting.
Barbara Borns was present to thank the Board for its support of the Black Earth Creek Watershed Association and report on local watershed activities.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Larry Ziemer moved approval of the minutes of the August 13th meeting, Don McKay seconded, and the minutes were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total deposits for the month of August were $133,474.62. The largest amount was the July tax settlement of $117,664.95 followed by a $14,624.31 Special District Tax Settlement. $725 was received for building permits, $350 for rezoning fees, $60 for garage addition plans, $10 for dog licenses and the remainder was $40.36 in interest. Money was transferred from the General Fund to the Reserve Fund for dedicated purposes in order to better reflect the balance between the two.
A motion was made by Don McKay and seconded by Larry Ziemer to accept the Treasurer’s report and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
Three checks were sent out early for this month. Two of them, for engineering and Dane County permit fees for road work, were discussed last month. The invoice for chip sealing arrived just after the last meeting and was paid with check 3076 for $117,352. Included in this month’s checks is 3081 to Tyrol Basin for the 2012 picnic.
A motion was made by John Smith and seconded by Larry Ziemer to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for August, 2012, paid by checks numbered 3074 through 3112 and ACH transfer 13 for health insurance. The monthly invoice from Premier Coop arrived today and was paid with September check 3113. Checks other than those discussed in the clerk’s report are for normal supplies, repairs and maintenance and for regular monthly bills.
A motion was made by John Smith and seconded by Don McKay to approve payment of bills for August 2012 and the motion was approved.
REPORT FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NORTHWEST DANE SENIOR SERVICES
Angela Velasquez was present representing Northwest Dane Senior Services. She presented a summary of the year’s provision of services to local senior citizens. She noted that 2011 ended with a deficit of approximately $8,000 due to the increased need for services. For 2012 it is projected the drought will impact the cost of meals provided to seniors. A letter will be forthcoming regarding the level of financial support which will be requested from local municipalities for 2013 in order to address the possibility of a financial shortfall.
DISCUSSION OF SURVEY RESULTS REGARDING TOWN-WIDE TRASH AND RECYCLING PICKUP AND TOWN HALL CONCEALED CARRY POLICY
A survey on these two topics was included in the most recent Vermont’s Voice newsletter, though publication delays provided for a very short time for citizens to respond prior to the Board meeting. For that reason, the subjects are presented only for discussion. It appears that 74 individuals, including multiple individuals in a household, responded to the survey questions. Regarding the question concerning whether the Town Hall should be posted to prohibit the carrying of weapons, 49 voted yes and 23 voted no. Regarding whether Town-wide trash pickup should be instituted, 36 voted yes and 38 voted no. Both subjects will be on the agenda for possible action in October.
REPORT ON 2012 TOWN PICNIC
Treasurer Kathy Smith, co-chair of the picnic, presented the report on the 2012 picnic. She gave a special thanks to Don and Sue McKay, managers of Tyrol Basin, for their efforts to make the picnic a success. Though the weather was less favorable than in some past years, 107 people registered compared with 115 the year before. While box lunches and the possibility of dining at the top of the ski hill had been anticipated, the weather precluded that option. A new and successful idea was to have local residents provide pies for dessert. Mike Cahill provided music through the afternoon and fishing for the kids, supervised by Scott McKay, remains successful.
DISCUSSION OF BIDS RECEIVED AND POSSIBLE ACCEPTANCE OF BID FOR PROPOSED GARAGE ADDITION
Two bids were received for the addition, for $46,869 and $55,245. Since both bids were well in excess of the $35,000 budgeted, the Road Committee recommended that both bids be rejected and consideration be given to adjusting the building specifications and rebidding the addition at some point in the future. John Smith moved that both bids be rejected, Larry Ziemer seconded and the motion was approved.
CONTINUED DELIBERATIONS ON 2013 BUDGET AND SCHEDULE FURTHER BUDGET MEETINGS
We still await information regarding the 2013 levy for one of the fire districts and have not received information on 2013 health insurance costs. For that reason, little has changed since the August discussion of the 2013 budget, so little can be decided at this meeting. It is usually at the October meeting that final decisions are made and the Budget Hearing scheduled. The salaries paid by towns of comparable size to elected officials as well as the possibility of combining the clerk and treasurer positions are topics that require research.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Approximately 600 feet of shouldering work has been completed on Bohn Road, with the Kelliher Road turn-around to be completed this week. It is possible that some shouldering work will be completed on Greenwald Road if contractor time is available. Fall mowing will start in another week. Spring weight limit signs will need to be ordered. Aerial seeding of fall cover crops near waterways has begun in nearby towns and is a soil conservation option for interested landowners. The Mt. Horeb Fire Department is continuing its survey of driveway accessibility and will make data available to responders as well as publicizing the need for having a clear path for emergency equipment.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR OCTOBER MEETING
A number of items are proposed for the October agenda, including a discussion of survey results and possible action regarding Town-wide trash pickup, discussion of survey results and possible action regarding Town Hall concealed carry posting, discussion and possible action regarding an unpermitted driveway at 3361 North Road, discussion and possible approval of use of Town Hall for June 2013 Spring Art Tour, discussion and possible action regarding Road Committee recommendations concerning proposed garage addition, discussion and possible submission of comments to Dane County regarding proposed amendments to Dane County Ordinances Chapter 11 and 14, discussion and possible approval of Dane County Ordinance Amendment No. 12, 2012-13 regarding Definitions of Agricultural Uses and Revisions to the A-1EX (Exclusive Agricultural) District, discussion and possible approval of Dane County Ordinance Amendment No. 13, 2012-13 regarding Revisions To The A-4 (Small Lot Agriculture) District, discussion and possible approval of Dane County Ordinance Amendment No. 14, 2012-13 regarding Revisions To The A-B (Agricultural Business) District and further consideration of 2013 budget and setting of Public Budget Hearing and special town meeting date.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Larry Ziemer and seconded by John Smith that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:59.
Marc Robertson, Town Clerk