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February 5, 2009 Regular Monthly Meeting
Minutes of: Town Board Meeting February 5, 2009 7:00 p.m. in the Conover Center Vol 8, Page 3 The Regular Monthly Town Board meeting was called to order by Chairperson Rhode. Present: Steve Rhode, George Champeny, Karl Jennrich, Gary Vold, Nancy Vold, Jim Hedberg and Rich Martinson. Ohters: Joe Beers, Dan Benson, Brian Engel, Mike Hoffman and his son. There was no public comment. Motion was made for the approval of the agenda by Karl Jennrich, was seconded by George Champeny and was carried. Minutes were approved by Champeny, was seconded by Jennrich and was carried. Dan Benson and Joe Beers presented information relating to a bike route that would interconnect the newly dedicated Eagle River/Three Lakes trail to the Land O’Lakes trail system and loop into Watersmeet. Much of the trail is wilderness off-road while some parts are on town and county roads. Benson said that an approved funding grant in the amount of $545,000 will be used to complete much of the work which could take more than 5 years. The grant will allow for signs to be placed along public routes and roads and they were asking Conover to join in the approval of sign placement along County S, County K, East Buckatabon Road, East Hunter Lake Road and into Cloverland. Addressing the concerns for proper placement and protection of underground utilities, a motion was made by Jennrich stating that the town approve the signage and that the town would work with the Wilderness Lakes Bike Trail coordinators on the Town Roads. Motion was seconded by Champeny and was carried. Discussion was made regarding a letter and conversation with Michael Wendt of the Wisconsin DOT regarding the town taking on a lease of the property in the ROW in Conover used for parking for businesses on Highway 45 including Log Cabin and the Northwoods Café. A motion was made by Karl Jennrich to enter into the lease agreement with the DOT for the parking area on the West side of Highway 45 and to speak to the businesses about sharing in the lease expense. Lease payment of $150 annually and proof of insurance is required to be filed with the lease not later than April 1, 2009. Motion was seconded by Champeny and was carried. Rhode reported that assessor’s records have been turned over to Bowmar Appraisals. December contract payment was not disbursed yet. Hedberg asked the board to recall statements made by Moravec that previous year’s multitude of assessment errors were corrected. This was asked of him at the final Board of Review which after two postponements, was held on December 7, 2008. In the mail on February 5th, a payment postmarked January 31st was received on properties called Pine Hills Condo Joint Venture. Two properties that were in error last year for being taxed for structures that did not exist AGAIN came to be known …… was not corrected so again this year, the same error repeated itself. After contacting the DOR in Wausau (Mr. Al Romportl), Hedberg made corrected tax bills under the authority of 74.33(b) to bill for the LAND only. Now that the taxes already set need to be paid and being it is not the fault of the property owner, the town is in the position to make the payment of the total illegal and incorrect tax bill and then in October of 2009, can chargeback the illegal taxes to the various taxing jurisdictions under s74.41. Rhode questioned why this was not brought to the attention of the Town or Assessor prior to the last day ending the grace period for 2008 taxes. Hedberg reminded the board that at one of the previous meetings of the Board of Review, it was brought up that either Mr. Rutkowski or Mr. Andussies stated that the assessment notices were not Vol 8, Page 4 send in compliance with state statutes and that is why another postponed BOR was scheduled. During this period, virtually no one was able to make contact with the Assessor – no answering machine or responses to email. Motion was made by Jennrich to send corrected billing to the property owners and to pay Vilas County the amounts on the original bills – rescinding the improvement portions. Motion was seconded by Champeny and was carried. A motion was further made by Jennrich to withhold the final December paycheck of James Moravec and to consult with the Town Attorney on contract violations and how to handle the situation. Motion was seconded by Champeny and was carried. Gary Vold reported department activity (mutual aid to Phelps, two lifting aid, one car accident and one structure fire). Coldwater Rescue training was underway with one class held in Eagle River. The Anita Soquist Ambulance Facility is nearing completion will be occupied in the very near future. Instead of drywall in the office and classrooms, a white steel wall was put up and the contractor bore the additional cost of the material. They were pleased with the look, durability and quality. Nancy reported 14 runs. Nancy is going to contact HYMC or ERMH regarding the financial reporting which the Town agrees, is not accurate or clear in its figures. Rich Martinson reported that things were going well. Park water and heat being set up for upcoming event(s) and the areas was cleared of snow for parking. Board gave the OK to sand at Camp Ramah so that a crane can position itself for their renovation project. Camp Ramah donated many items to the town and FD as well as making annual donations to the general fund. Rich also stated that Wisconsin Valley Improvement has not replied to a request for some sort of permanent fencing at the dam on Buckatabon. The Oshkosh had trouble with a positive lead short on the ignition. Resubmission of the LRIP paperwork to Vilas County was done again. Rhode will be meeting with the Tamarack Flowage spokesperson Robert Senechalle on February 21st. Rhode will be looking into getting information from various engineering firms regarding a study to address the DNR’s concern of the culvert. Jennrich stated that the transfer station was operating without complaint. The fire department approved of transferring funds for the annual $1000 contribution to the park renovation fund. Hedberg asked that a committee meeting be set up as persons are anxious to get some improvements completed this spring. Jennrich was asked to look into the Comprehensive Planning Law and report back as to recommendations for the Town of Conover. Town claims for January were reviewed and approved. No correspondence was received. Motion was made at 820 for adjournment by Jennrich, was seconded by Champeny and was carried. James Hedberg Clerk-Treasurer
Archive of Past Meeting Minutes