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June 11, 2008 Wireless Internet Special Meeting
Minutes of: Special Town Meeting Wednesday, June 11, 2008 Vol 7, Page 146 The special meeting regarding wireless internet service was called to order at 6 p.m. The following were present: 1-Steve Rhode 2-George Champeny 3-Karl Jennrich 4-James Hedberg 5-Joe Sullivan 6-Martha Sullivan 7-Karl Boehm Jr 8-Karl Boehm Sr 9-Lorrayne Make 10-John Gaspar 11-Dereck Schiddel 12- John Burczyk 13-Jennifer Schiddel 14-Nicole Gengler 15-Adam Gengler 16-Kurt Wagner 17-Linda Wagner 18-Jim Havranek 19-Stephanie Feckett 20-John Hearth 21-Ed Sandle 22-Donna Sandle 23-Diana Whyte 24-Kenneth Whyte 25-Rich Martinson 26-Jack Morabito 27-Toni Morabito 28-Bev Wicinski 29-Jerry Urban 30-Ron Van Swol 31-David Gursoy 32-Ron Johnson 33-Phyllis Johnson 34-Gary Carlton 35-Russ Hill 36-Terry Posto 37-Len Posto 38-Don Hennessy 39-Jen Hennessy 40-Roger Rieckman 41-Margaret Rieckman 42-Bev Ahlborn 43-Jean Hanson 44-Brian Engle 45-Judi Akins 46-Cliff Anderson 47-Elaine Anderson 48-Paul Rogers 49-Ann Tenschert 50-Scott Tenschert 51-Don Muchlinski 52-Steve Dinger 53-Mike Jovanovic 54-Kim Jovanovic 55-Jeff Collins Chairperson Rhode explained the past history of how and why the town was investigating options to upgrade internet speeds. Previous meetings and a survey of interested persons were part of the wireless steering committee’s efforts to investigate options. The statement of fiber optic cable coming North into Conover vs going along Highway 70 to St. Germain did not impress the persons who wanted an option now rather than a promise for years from now. Discussion and comment was made regarding Wild Blue as well as Hughes. Collins plainly explained that the service of a wireless tower will not reach 100% of those who want it. Collins does not want to own a tower and Rhode made it clear that the town would not fund a tower on property other than that of the Town of Conover. Cost estimates amounted to $4630. Rhode to get a telephone number for tower persons from Minocqua since estimates from local companies were over $10,000. Collins stated that excavation and placement of guide wire concrete anchors could be done by the town and save money. There was some disagreement of what was stated at previous meetings regarding any payback or lease payback from SonicNet for use of the town owned tower. Collins explained that agreements are reached once a number of subscribers are in place and that an annual lease fee based upon subscribers is paid back to the tower owner. The same agreement is in effect with the water district in Land O’Lakes. The floor indicated that they wanted to vote on the topic. Hedberg explained that because this was not an issue that was authorized under the Vol 7, Page 147 powers of a Town Meeting, the vote were basically that of an advisory nature and that all persons in attendance were able to express their position on the issue. The vote was taken on the question – “Should tax payer funds be used on securing a wireless internet tower on town property.” There were eight votes opposed to this question – John Burczyk, Karl Boehm Sr., Karl Boehm Jr., John Gaspar, Lorrayne Make, Paul Rogers, Ed Sandle and Donna Sandle. With the advisory vote on record, Rhode stated that the Town Board would have to make consideration of the issue and make a decision regarding it. He thanked the persons for making it a good turnout and the meeting was adjourned. James M. Hedberg Clerk-Treasurer
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