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August 7, 2008 Regular Monthly Meeting
Minutes of: Regular Monthly Board Meeting Thursday, August 7, 2008 7:00 p.m. Vol 7, Page 149 Present: Steven Rhode, George Champeny, Karl Jennrich, Jim Hedberg, Gary Vold, Nancy Vold, Richard Martinson and James Moravec Others: Some 83 interested citizens attended including Assemblyman (34th Dist) Dan Meyer, DNR Tom Jerow, and DNR Terry Cummings Meeting was called to order. Pledge of allegiance was given and the session was opened to public comment. Gaspar praised the attendance numbers. Agenda was approved in a motion by Champeny, seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved by a motion by Jennrich, was seconded by Champeny and was carried. Discussion then ensured on the culvert/dam issue on the Tamarack Flowage. Clerk Hedberg addressed the board stating that with help from the County Mapping Office, addresses were obtained for some 80 property owners on waters affected by the Tamarack Flowage. He stated that rather than the traditional petition which he feels is not people friendly, a petition mission statement was obtained from those property owners basically stating that the flowage should be maintained as is and the town should be the party to maintain it being that the road and culvert was that of the town. Those statements allowed for a data base of owners with name, address, telephone and email addresses. A large percentage of those persons were in attendance. Facts presented by the DNR representatives simply stated that the culvert under NR standards is a “dam.” There is no dam ownership so it is not legal or authorized. Further the culvert needs some attention to shore it up and according to Cummings, it would not pass an inspection. Historical notes were presented by Mark Hazelwood and others regarding the chain of events surrounding the issue, the culvert, road, excavations, a rock-roller dam etc. Records of Mark Hazelwood appeared or were interpreted to say that the dams that followed the 1941-43 dam and washout, were covered in legal documents as to responsibility, liability and rebuilding issues. Cummings stated that culvert dams exist elsewhere in Wisconsin and are licensed. Authority, goals and mission statement for the Department of Natural Resources were challenged in that in comparing a significant body of water being put back to a natural state with devastating effects upon property owners, wildlife, fish, habitat and recreational aspect and yet a property owner on a small parcel with a waterless wetland area, can not touch or utilize such area seems a significant argument when it comes to land use and water management issues. In comparison, the East Flowage Road with a 66 foot right of way, is like any other road with a culvert – the highway department maintains, removes debris and does normal maintenance on them. This one since the DNR finally cam up with it being a dam, can not be touched by the town until ownership and responsibility is established. Chairperson Rhode inspected the site on August 6th and found it in his opinion to be safe and could last another 50 years. The sag in the culvert does not make it dangerous. The DNR said that there are no State funds in any grant program to cover any major expense. Rhode stated that the town has no funds for this either. When asked what kind of time line Conover would be given on this issue, it was said to be 5 years. A decision of removal would be that of the DNR – not just one person. In short, a third party consultant or State Approved Engineering Firm will be contacted for prices to aid in the Town’s making a decision on what to do. Motion was made for this 3rd party study and inspection by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. The board then moved on to other agenda items while Cummings and Jerow discussed dam issues in the hallway with other Conover property owners. Letter regarding road maintenance in County Logging areas from Larry Stevens was tabled until Mr. Vol 7, Page 150 Stevens can discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting. Discussion was made regarding the postponement of the Board of Review again. Notice was just published in the paper and now the assessment roll will not be done until October. Rhode expressed disappointment with the performance of the assessor and how it has been costing the Town. The board will meet on Sunday, August 24th (without the Clerk attending) to adjourn to October 19th at 1:30 p.m. for the Board of Review. Moravec will be at the Center on August 16th for the noticed Open Book and the session after the assessment roll is completed, will be the official Open Book on October 18th beginning at 9 a.m. Rhode suggested that the fees for the re-noticing of the meetings be at Moravec’s own expense. Gary Vold reported that 689 persons were served at the Pancake Breakfast and they made $3700.00. The car show has some 74 cars and made $4200.00 Preliminary plans for the building construction for the Ambulance was viewed by the Board. The structure will be behind the fire department. State approval has not been received yet. A motion for going out for bids/quotes upon state approval was made by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Nancy reported 30 runs for July. Kevin Schlosser has replaced John Ruhnke as EMS manager. Ambulance service is in the black again and report for June was provided. Martinson reported the tree cutting was done on Struck Road and that the chip sealing was also completed. Discussion was made on the driveway on Monheim for the Hoffman property. The drive does not comply with the permit issued and nothing has been done since letter was written. It was suggested that the Town attorney address the issue now. Jennrich has discussed the tire and batter program and will get with Hedberg to initiate the program. Contract for the Land O’Lakes SonicNet was provided and will be discussed at next months meeting. Town claims were processed and motion was made for adjournment at 905 p.m. by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. James M. Hedberg Clerk-Treasurer
Archive of Past Meeting Minutes