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February 7, 2008 Board Minutes
Minutes of Regular Town Board Meeting February 7, 2008 Vol 7, Page 133 Present: Full board, James Hedberg, Gary Vold, Rich Martinson, Terry Cummings of the DNR Rhinelander, Stephanie Jones, DNR Woodruff, Jeff Collins, SonicNet, Ann & Scott Tenschert, Bill and Joan Green, Wilma Winfield, Jen Henessey, Jim Havranek, Tom Jendrzejak, Brenda Timken, Karl Boehm, Fred Indermuehle, Brian Engel, and un-known others. Meeting was called to order with the pledge. There was no public comment. Motion was made by Jennrich to approve the agenda, was seconded by Champeny and carried. Minutes of the previous meeting was approved in a motion by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Jeff Collins of SonicNet (Phelps) made an introduction and laid out what he does and is currently doing. He made it clear that wireless in comparison to Hughes was much better and faster. Collins has a tower on Strong Road in Phelps and is serving many persons by contracts ranging from the standard of 39.95, 2 mb upgrade to 49.95 and business at 69.95 with a base installation of $199.95. A 150 foot tower would have a range of approximately 6 miles. SonicNet has capability of getting a density reading of subscribers via satellite and would be able to project signal strength, cost etc. for Conover provided we as a town would survey the interest. SonicNet would also with enough subscribers, put up the tower and include it in the price over a year or so. Finding a location was discussed and Fred Indermuehle said that he knew of forest land that he would be able to talk to the County about that would have access to electricity. Also the Center 3 sided tower and the Baker Lake Fire Tower. The tower was the main thing. What is put on the tower is a 13 pound unit to receive and transmit the signals. Guide wires are required on a 150 tower. Extending the present tower at the Conover Center would be looked into as we are mandated to provide our ambulance service with DSL for reports for insurance and ambulance runs. Conover is probably the only one with dial-up. Hedberg thought that perhaps a good way of getting commitment would be donation requiring a check so we can trace location for a customer database to see where towers would be needed. The first step would be the concentrated areas of housing and business. Collins said he would be there to help once we have data to show a good interest and participation. Although Hedberg was disappointed in the turnout for this topic, he is very aware of the increased value this service would give to the real estate market and just the value of a home in Conover. It is a vital economic factor and apparently, Verizon has not intent of pursuing such a venture at anytime in the near or distant future. Terry Cummings presented some data regarding the Tamarack Flowage. His basic concern came about when there was an inquiry to the DNR regarding water levels in the flowage. It was then discovered that the permits for the dam was at the original location that once washed out. The present culvert is classified by NR Code as a dam because of the variance in the water flow level. Cummings said that the culvert is relatively shiny so things it was put in by the Town. There are no records regarding this according to town records kept nor could Hedberg find records regarding the construction of East Flowage Road. Hedberg only had word of mouth records from Bill Steiner to Mr. Lenz regarding the Flowage along with pictures which are now part of the History Booklet. It was stated that the Army Corps of Engineers were involved in the rebuilding. Cumming’s concerns were that if the dam failed and who had ownership or liability. The people from the Flowage present were not at all concerned about failure or aftermath of failure. Just leave it alone. Wildfire Protection Planning was discussed and presented by Stephanie Jones. Also discussed was what areas would be addressed by neighboring towns and Conover Vol 7, Page 134 was interested in the action jointly if Land O‘Lakes put a plan together. Jones would help with the laying out of the plan. Grant funds would be available. Discussion was made of the dilapidated property of 4441 Church Road. Rhode after getting professional advice, stated that a certified letter would have to be written to the property owner – then if no action was done within the time period, the case would be turned over to the County Health Department. Rhode and Jennrich would draft a letter and then turn over to Hedberg for completion. Treasurer’s report was reviewed. Fire Chief Vold reported on fire calls and car roll over. As part of record, member being kept in pending status resulting from this incident and related problem conditions. Fire department showed price quotes and descriptions on a proposed building from Schley Buildings LLC. Board advised to put on quotes and have plans so that the building materials/plans/labor and project plan lays out apples and apples to every interested bidder. Plans should be provided and all costs should be that of the Department from the trust fund establishing the building. If work is to be done by members that must be clearly indicated in the request. Highway department is concerned regarding OSHA inspection. Certain items were known to be in violation but budget funds are not there for what is wanted. If the on site inspection reveals a need to do something, the Town will do it once knowing what the real need is. Gravel bids wanted to be had by July 1st and be bid out early. The transfer station contract with Eagle Waste was tabled and again, Karl will get with Al to resolve some issues not particularly clear to everyone. No complaints have arisen out of the site to anyone to date. Hedberg made a presentation to the Board regarding the illegal taxes regarding Pine Rige Hills Condos on Lake of the Hills. Hedberg wrote to and then received a reply from Moravec’s boss, Al Ramportl – head of assessments in the Wausau Bureau. Hedberg telephoned him and discussed the memo bills he prepared and discussed whether any mis-procedure was made. A refund of money was what the property owner had in his letter regarding over assessment but at that time, did not understand the MEMO bills prepared by Hedberg. Ramportl stated to take each Original Bill individually. Determine who responsible for what – whether the assessment on the bill is too high or too low. All four bills to be paid by the owner was at a value below a true assessment and all other 8 tax bills, were for buildings or structures not even there. Hedberg provided a spread-sheet showing the assessment and dollar amount that has to satisfy the County and the Statement of Taxes already set in stone. Next year, it was explained in the letter, was the time for the true values to be placed on a notice and at that time, the group would be able to contest to the Assessor and file for appearance before the Board of Review. Hedberg showed and asked the board for approval of the refund of $1301.39. With an understanding that the second installment would then be reduced for the Town by this amount because settlement with the County was already done. Motion was made by Jennrich, seconded by Champeny to make the refund and send the letter. Rhode also placed his name on the letter. Board authorized the purchase of OSHA approved storage cabinets for the Garage. Town claims were processed. Motion for adjournment came at 945 p.m. by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. James Hedberg Clerk-Treasurer
Archive of Past Meeting Minutes