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 Larry Ziemer, seconded by Don McKay and approved.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT AND CORRESPONDENCE
Dane County Emergency Management has indicated that some financial relief may be available to municipalities due to the expenses incurred cleaning up after the December 20th snow storm.
CITIZEN INPUT
Jim Pulvermacher, a supervisor from the Town of Springfield and the representative for our area to the Executive Board of the Dane County Towns Association, was present to discuss issues now being faced by Dane County towns.
The siting of wind turbines can be controlled to some extent by county and local ordinances; this is an evolving area, and towns need to remain aware of their options.
Changes to Dane County Shoreland Zoning rules are being proposed, and could have a particular impact on the land rights of rural residents.
The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission is considering a recently released report on nitrates in ground water. Any regulatory proposals based on the report could have a significant impact on towns.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Larry Ziemer moved approval of the minutes of the December 10th meeting, Barbara Grenlie seconded, and the minutes were approved.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Total deposits for the month of December were $805,644.52. The majority was $803,365 for 2013 property taxes paid in 2012. $2,000 was received as a holding tank deposit to be retained until a full septic system can be installed in the spring, $200 for a building permit, $35 for an assessment search and the remainder was $44.52 in interest.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Todd Culliton to accept the Treasurer’s report and the motion was approved.
CLERK’S REPORT
There are no December checks of particular note, there are a number of January checks for tax settlements, 2013 fire, EMS and DCTA dues and our Northwest Dane Senior Services contribution which are included in the check register.
A motion was made by Larry Ziemer and seconded by Barbara Grenlie to accept the Clerk’s report, and the motion was approved.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Approval is sought for payment of bills for December, 2012, paid by checks numbered 3239 through 3280 and ACH transfer 17 for health insurance. Checks 3239 through 3241 were discussed at the December meeting. Checks other than those discussed in the clerk’s report are for normal supplies, repairs and maintenance and for regular quarterly bills.
A motion was made by Barbara Grenlie and seconded by Don McKay to approve payment of bills for December 2012 and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS POLICY
In late December, supervisors attended a Planning Commission meeting for the purpose of discussing future transfer of development rights policy. Of the possible policy options, the one appearing to have the greatest support at least in the beginning is for in-town transfer of development rights only. Jim Pulvermacher from the Town of Springfield described their TDR ordinance, which may offer useful guidance to other towns.
CONSIDERATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING CHANGES TO DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION PERMIT POLICY
Discussion at the last Planning Commission meeting tended to support extending the life of an original Driveway Construction Permit from the present 2 years to 3 years. However, rather than allowing for an annual 1 year renewal with payment of a $25 fee, the new 3 year permit would expire. After expiration, the conditions and fees required for issuance of a new permit would depend on the conformance of the proposed driveway plan to any new regulations which had been put into place. Reviving an original plan which remains acceptable might require a simpler process than a new plan or one which no longer conforms to newer driveway standards. This would be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Commission. A more systematic system for keeping track of permits issued and their status is required.
DISCUSSION OF ROAD COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING REPLACEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TRUCK AND PLOW ASSEMBLY AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF PURCHASE
Barbara Grenlie has been appointed to the Road Committee, replacing John Smith. At a recent meeting of the Road Committee, the purchase of a new International chassis, box and plow was discussed. With minor changes to the specifications, the Road Committee voted to recommend to the Board the purchase of a new truck chassis from Capital City International for $87,873.
Mark Sherven moved purchase of the new International chassis, Barbara Grenlie seconded and the motion was approved.
The Road Committee recommended purchasing a plow, box and related equipment from Burke Truck Equipment for $66,950.45. This does not include a rear-mounted shouldering cross-conveyor attachment, the purchase of which will be considered at a later date. The purchase of a front-mounted broom attachment was approved at the November, 2012 meeting.
Todd Culliton moved purchase of the new plow, box and related equipment, Larry Ziemer seconded and the motion was approved.
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DECISION CONCERNING ROAD COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION REGARDING BID SOLICITATION FOR GARAGE ADDITION
The bid solicitation for the garage addition has been posted in the newspaper. Bid opening will be on February 20th, with a decision concerning bid acceptance to be made at a special board meeting prior to the regular Planning Commission meeting on February 25th.
DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY FACILITY OPTIONS WITHIN THE TOWN
During the recent snow storm there were 200 local residences that were out of electrical power. While that emergency was resolved using Red Cross and other resources, Dane County Emergency Management contacted Town government asking if there were local shelters available in case of future emergencies. While the Town Hall would have limited space available for the pre-stationing of emergency supplies, the building itself is not well suited as an emergency shelter. It was suggested that the Vermont Lutheran Church be contacted, since they have a larger space available with both bathrooms and kitchen facilities.
DISCUSSION OF BOARD MEETING START TIME CHANGE TO 7:00 P.M.
The current 7:30 p.m. Board meeting start time may date to when there were more dairy farmers involved in local government and their milking schedule required a later start time. An earlier start time of 7:00 p.m. may allow for an earlier meeting ending time, but any change will require a change to Town Ordinance. Larry Ziemer moved that the a start time change be approved for public hearing at a date to be determined later, Todd Culliton seconded and the motion was approved.
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF 2012 BUDGET AMENDMENTS AS REQUIRED
No budget amendments are required.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Todd Culliton reported that discussion at the most recent District One EMS Board meeting involved budgeting together with a discussion of changes to the system that tracks calls. Recruiting of volunteers remains a challenge, with an unusual number of individuals dropping out recently. Larry Ziemer reported that a new $500,000 warming house has been opened at Blue Mounds State Park, paid for by the Friends of Blue Mounds State Park. Much of the funding came from their sponsorship of the Horribly Hilly Hundreds bicycle event which has been held annually, partially on Town of Vermont roads. The Road Committee reported that the annual bridge inspection report suggested minor maintenance on the 2 bridges in the town, but nothing major.
DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS FOR FEBRUARY MEETING
Discussion of potential emergency facilities in the Town will continue.
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