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April 8, 2008 April 8 Annual Meeting
Minutes of Annual Town Meeting April 8, 2008 Vol 7, Page 138 Present: Steve Rhode, George Champeny, Karl Jennrich and James Hedberg Others: Phyllis & Ron Johnson, Russ Hills, James Wierichs, Jessica Buss, Scott and Ann Tenschert, Norm and Judy Johnson, Vic & Esther Verdev, Rich Martinson, Dereck Schiddel, Jeff Rohr, John Burczyk, John Uecker, Diana Whyte, Karl and Kathy Boehm, Carol Indermuehle, Norm and Marilyn Hilliard, Bill and Sandie Hunt, Kurt and Bev Ahlborn, John and Judi Akins, Bev and Ted Wicinky, Shirley Kufeldt, Jean Hansen, Ken Holt, Tracy D’Antonio, Glenn Larson, Paul Rogers, Adam Gengler, Steve Dinger, Nicole Gengler, Dawn Buss, Roger Weber and Debbie Jensen Also in attendance was Paul Rogers and Ted Bogeman of ChoiceTel and later after attending the Cloverland Annual Meeting, Jeff Collins from SonicNet arrived. Meeting opened with a pledge of allegiance. Rhode welcomed everyone there. It was opened up to the audience as their meeting to discuss what they wanted. Hedberg began stating that at last year’s meeting, there were just 6 in attendance. Hedberg asked for a show of hands for those who cam specifically for the prospect of getting an internet option to dial-up. It was nearly 100%. Hedberg gave a brief history of his experiences as a 20 year veteran working in the many capacities for the Town with early and late model computers. He explained that after upgrading to a new software for a new accounting firm for audit, the computer crashed resulting from extensive program updates trying to download on dial-up. The need for Conover to get competition in supplying an alternative to dial up would be good for the user and good for the economy of the town. He explained that it was a shame that our residents who have laptops, have to drive their car to Eagle River to do business that requires high speed internet. That takes commerce away from the businesses we have in town. Hedberg further explained, that services here in Conover attract business, visitors and home sales and the internet is a big negative. We are loosing our resorts which made the North what it used to be but that is failing year after year but other areas being developed – developed because other areas offer more than we. Hedberg urged people to make it known to the board (advisory vote so to speak), that internet services are needed now – not three years down the road. Hedberg stated that about 10 years ago, infrastructure was being upgraded by the town wanting to purchase county land next to the Conover Center and Fire Department. Were totally shot down by Vilas County but the funds for this improvement of infrastructure services of our Transfer Station remains with a balance of $28,000 + with the State Treasurer. He stated that those funds could be used to provide upgraded internet services now. ChoiceTel then made a presentation about fiber optic lines and the fantastic speed that these lines can carry. Bogeman said he put his house in hock to get going and has borrowed money to put fiber optic in parts of Eagle River. He can not borrow any more until funds come back from the service hook ups. His plans as stated, were to go North and hit the populated areas of our many lakes – going up to Chain o’Lakes and 17 to Church and out to Hwy 45. Hedberg asked why he would head toward Conover when St. Germain with its school, hundreds of downtown business and many more concentrated prospective clients. Would make more profitable sense to go West vs North. He stated that the plan was the route he just stated and because Paul Rogers lives in Conover as well as his brother on Denton Road. It was then stated that some in the audience did not want tax payer funds to fund any internet service. They felt it should be the burden of those who subscribe. It was further stated that SonicNet in Land O’Lakes was up and running in the Sanitary District Office and Hedberg had spoken to Teri there and they were just thrilled. Also, a fill-in mail carrier who lives in Phelps at the far end of the tower signal beyond the Christensen Vol 7, Page 139 Wildlife Compound said she has SonicNet also and can’t say enough about the lightning speed. Hedberg passed out letter testimonials regarding the business need for SonicNet and how they support a tower project. Letters were received from the Ahlborn’s who have a business on Rummels Road and from Tom Timken owner of Tippler’s right here on K and Highway 45 in the downtown area. All reasoning and thoughts in those letters, were of support for the economic and business need of the community. After much discussion, Jeff arrived from SonicNet who had been at a meeting in the Town of Cloverland. Many questions were asked of him. He explained that if a hill or dense pine tree cluster blocked the signal, you would not get the service until you put the receiver above the tree or hill line. Topography is the key element. Conover is less hilly than Phelps and Hedberg stated that a larger percentage would benefit from a tower in Conover. A tower would be the only way to find out for certain. Hedberg reported that he had great difficulty in obtaining info on a tower price or installation. Just at 430 that evening, a low estimate of $15,000 was placed on a tower by Mark Holperin. Jeff Collins stated he can buy the 10 ft sections for $125 and still knows that a 150 foot tower would be less than $5,000. Collins stated he does not want to own a tower or property. He is working on getting a topography layout of Conover. Ness Electronics of Milwaukee has the tower sections. Collins does not put up towers – he is not doing this business for himself – he owns a business in Houston Texas and this was just something that he had to do to get his business to work where he is living (Phelps) and his other home on Golden Lake in the UP. Then his neighbors bugged him to give them the service. Motion was made by Ted Wicinsky to get quote on 150’ tower. Motion was seconded by Judi Akins and was carried. Two abstained from voting. Motion was made for adjournment by Jeff Rohr, was seconded by Sandi Hunt and was carried. Adjourned at 9:00 p.m. James M. Hedberg Clerk – Treasurer
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