The 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. It was also published in the News Sickle-Arrow and the Mt. Horeb Mail.
Present: Chairman, Mark Sherven; Supervisors, Don McKay, Barbara Grenlie , Todd Culliton and Larry Ziemer; Clerk Marc Robertson and Treasurer Kathy Smith.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A motion to approve the agenda was made by Don McKay, seconded by Barbara Grenlie and approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is revising its procedures for obtaining burning permits. It appears that local Fire Wardens will be gradually eliminated in favor of on-line burning permits. Chairman Mark Sherven announced that he will not be running for re-election. The Dane County Towns Association is requesting a performance audit of the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission. American Transmission Company has put out a summary report dated September, 2012 proposing a new transmission line along the “Cardinal Bluffs” from Dubuque to Middleton. While the line is not expected to be in service until 2019, the Town of Vermont is within the “study area” for this transmission line. More information can be obtained from the Strategic Energy Assessment at www.psc.wi.gov.
CITIZEN INPUT
There was no citizen input.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Larry Ziemer moved approval of the minutes of the November 12th meeting, Barbara Grenlie seconded, and the minutes were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total deposits for the month of November were $8,975.49. The majority was $8,183.83 for our last 2012 Shared Revenue payment. $350 was received for a site inspection, $275 for a Driveway Construction Permit renewal, $75 for a building permit, $50 for assessment searches and the remainder was $41.66 interest.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Don McKay to accept the Treasurer’s report and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
There were several checks of note in November. Check 3204 for $2,667 was sent out early to Alliant Energy for moving the service entrance cable to underground. Check 3211 for $2,800 is the majority of what is owed for installing the new meter base and service entrance panel for the garage addition. Check 3221 for $4,336.56 was for removing the trees along Forshaug Road. Checks 3231 for $5,315 and 3232 for $2,370.20 are for 2013 general insurance coverage and workers compensation coverage. Three December checks for invoices that arrived the day of the Board meeting are included for approval with the November checks.
A motion was made by Larry Ziemer and seconded by Todd Culliton to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for November, 2012, paid by checks numbered 3204 through 3238 and ACH transfer 16 for health insurance. 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 Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Larry Ziemer to approve payment of bills for November 2012 and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF WIND TURBINE SITING ORDINANCE FOR PUBLIC HEARING
It appears that a town has three wind turbine siting options; adopt siting rules that are less restrictive than the state’s, adopt the state rules, or do not adopt an ordinance at all. Dane County Chapter 10 Task Force staff will be meeting on December 18th to discuss a possible Dane County Ordinance which could be adopted by towns by reference. There appears to be no need for the Town to take action until further ordinance work is completed by Dane County.
SELECTION OF DATE FOR JOINT BOARD / PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING REGARDING TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS
The Planning Commission suggested that the joint meeting take place immediately prior to the next regular Planning Commission meeting, which because of the holidays will take place early in January. Board members agreed to attend a January 9th Planning Commission meeting, with the joint portion of the meeting being the first agenda item.
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF 2012 BUDGET AMENDMENTS AS REQUIRED
No budget amendments are required.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
The Town Patrolman reported that the new power broom has been ordered, that progress continues on the replacement of older road signs and the placement of posts for spring weight limit signs has been completed and the signs are ready to be picked up. Negotiation continues on the purchase of a new large truck. The issue of Driveway Construction Permit renewal will be on the agenda of the January 9th Planning Commission meeting, which Board members will attend. Employee reviews are taking place at the Mt. Horeb Fire Department. The billing and collection process continues to be a concern of the Mt. Horeb Fire Department.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR JANUARY MEETING
Among the items to be considered at the January Board meeting are consideration of Planning Commission recommendations regarding Transfer of Development Rights policy and changes to Driveway Construction Permit policy, discussion of options regarding replacement of the International truck and discussion of a Board meeting start time change to 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Don McKay and seconded by Larry Ziemer that the meeting adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01.
Marc Robertson, Town Clerk