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December 4, 2008 Regular Monthly Meeting
Minutes of: Regular Monthly Town Board Meeting December 4, 2008 7:00 p.m. in the Conover Center Vol 7, Page 160 Present: Steve Rhode, George Champeny, Karl Jennrich, Rich Martinson, Gary & Nancy Vold, Ron Johnson and Mary Rasmussen Meeting was called to order and the pledge of allegiance was given. With no comment from the public, motion was made by Jennrich to approve the agenda, was seconded by Champeny and was carried. Motion to approve the minutes of the previous meeting was made by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Ted Ritter had written to the town asking if the town would join a new committee on evasive species. Motion to that effect was made by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Karl Jennrich stated that he would be a board representative to the committee provided its meetings were able to accommodate his work schedule. It was also raised that other committee members from the town should be representing Stormy Lake and Twin Lake. Mary Rasmussen reported that the AFG/EMS grant for $24,415 was approved. Items on that grant include a stair chair, ambulance cot, IV Arm Kit and a defibulator. The towns 5% of the funding is $1285. Rasmussen is on top of the grant procedures for reporting and processing and stated also that the Fire Department Equipment Grant still had not been rejected. That amount is $27,500 which would be for boots, gear, radios, heat imaging camera etc. The treasurer’s report included a statement of LAW which was raised in the annual budget hearing buy an individual that thought because other area fire departments are paying cash and violating the law, the Conover could also. Hedberg stated that over his 2o+ years, other towns in Vilas did not participate in training sessions to be aware of IRS laws as well as procedures. Individuals with out a “dba” are not given 1099’s nor are they automatically deducted for state and federal withholding beyond the FICA due to the fact that the amount of money made per call, per week, per month etc., falls out of the charts for deductions. Hedberg showed that these persons should contact their employer or the employer where the highest amount of income is earned, as ask for a specific amount to be withheld from their check. Example, if that person had to pay $500 in taxes to the Feds in April, they should contact their employer and have 1/12th or 41.67 taken out of each monthly check. The same would be for the state. The State and Federal taxation charts indicate that multiple employers for income should be withholding approximately 20% for these taxes. It is the employee who is responsible for authorizing such deductions. Hedberg also brought evidence of billing procedures for the “State Trunk Highway Fire Call Claim.” Form DT1725 clearly states that by Statute, fire departments are eligible to receive reimbursement for their actual expenses up to $500 per qualifying event. You are violating the law by charging $500 each time unless you have the documents to prove that the actual costs were such. Hedberg will not knowingly, violate any law regardless of who or what other town might be doing that is not compliant. Vold reports that there was very little activity on behalf of the Fire Department. Over the past two months, there were 2 calls for mutual aid. Vold reported that a RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) was in place and that there may be a chance that our brush truck could be replaced by a USDA (Forestry) vehicle. Nancy reported that the ambulance had 17 calls – ten to Watersmeet and seven in Conover. There is a problem with the cell phone which is being checked into. Snow tires were installed on the Ambulance so it is ready to go. The highway department reported that equipment is ready for winter. Signs have had diggers mark locations and should be put up soon. Discussion was made of the Rummels Road bridge. A draft letter is being worked on to be send to the DOT regarding liability due to the fact that over the years, we were told the bridge is not safe yet the ratings did not reflect such. A public service announcement will be drafted stating that effective January 1, 2009, the Total Gross Weight for the bridge on Rummels Road at the Wisconsin River will be 15 ton (30,000 lbs). The board discussed Don Borlicks surgery and is requesting that a release be obtained from his Doctor for coming back to work. Martinson stated that the procedures done could be adversely affected by the job he is performing. Don needs to take it easy and not be the one to do the lifting for everyone who is capable of this at the transfer site. His operation was not just a routine in and out job. The board had previously reviewed the contract with Northwinds Inspection Ltd and stated that the town was not at this time, interested in pursuing the permit requirements and ordinance necessary to receive funds for additions etc. The contracted inspection agency can still work with the Dept. of Commerce as in the past. Contract with Mr. Pagel was signed. Because the January meeting falls on New Year’s Day evening, the board moved the meeting to January 8th at 7 p.m. This in a motion by Champeny, seconded by Jennrich and was carried. With no other business to be transacted, town claims were processed and motion was made for adjournment at 805 pm. by Jennrich, was seconded by Champeny and was carried. James M. Hedberg Clerk-Treasurer
Archive of Past Meeting Minutes