Annual Meeting April 19, 2016
Minutes of ANNUAL MEETING
April 19, 2016 7:00 PM
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Dan Banaszak, present were Supervisor Tarmann, Supervisor Mueller, Clerk/Treasurer Chaikowski and 31 signed in members of the public. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk/Treasurer Chaikowski read the minutes from April 21, 2015 Annual Meeting. Julius Panske made motion to approve the minutes, 2nd by Tony Moriva, carried.
The Annual Report was presented by Clerk/Treasurer Chaikowski. General Government Legislative expenses were up because of the completion of the Town website, residents were urged to use the new website for minutes, agendas, permits and forms. Highway construction on Spur Road for 2014 was delayed because of rainy weather late in the season, work was completed in 2015 which makes the monies spent for road construction appear high but they include 2014 Road construction monies. Revenues were increased by approximately $12,000 because of disaster aid received from the state for flooding of the culvert on Hilldale and Bridge aid for a culvert on Spur Lane. $145,000 had been borrowed from the state Trust Fund for purchase of the new International Dump/Plow truck, $60,000 being paid in November 2014 and the balance for the plow, box, etc. in February 2015. Jeff Olive made a motion to accept the Annual Report, 2nd by Dean Zempel, carried.
ChChairpersons Report: by Chairman Banaszak. Road Construction projects were completed
on Birchwood Road & Spur Road. Reassessment was completed by R&R Assessing, fees will drop for 2016. The insurance carrier was changed from Horton to Rural Insurance for a savings of $3000. A change had been made to garbage pickup for the months of November to April, there had been some confusion but hopefully next year will be better. Residents were urged to participate in Recycling, as the town pays to belong to the Northwoods Recycling. Garbage collection, solid waste tipping fees and recycling cost the town $63,000 per year. Many townships do not offer these services.
New Business: Chairman Banaszak discussed needed road construction. Photos were shown. Township has 62 miles of road, 9 miles are gravel roads. 14 miles need fixing, 39 miles are OK. Budget for road construction for 2016 is $116,000 which will fix approximately 1 mile of road. He asked that $100,000 extra be added to the budget for 2017 for road construction. This is advisory only at this time and will be revisited at budget time. Supervisor Mueller said the shoulders of the roads need to be maintained so water does not sit on the roads. Ken Marcusen said the tonnage using the roads is higher than ever was thought of when the roads were constructed. It was also suggested that the town not plow snow during spring breakup. $100,000 increase in road construction will raise the taxes on a $100,000 home about $63. Mark VanderZee suggested a committee be set up to look at Road construction and alternatives and only do the $100,000 increase for one year until there is more information. Miles Kresl made a motion to recommend to the town board that they increase the Road budget by $100,000 for 2017, as an advisory to the completion of the budget for 2017, 2nd by Dan Kowalski, motion carried with 1-No. Motion by Mark VanderZee to form a committee to look at alternatives for what we can afford in Road Construction, committee to be set up as soon as possible, 2nd by Dean Zempel, carried.
Public Works Building: Original shop built in 1947 has problems, mold, leaking, lack of exhaust ventilation and running water. Estimate to bring it up to code from 2 years ago was $56,000. DNR has new regulations for sand & salt storage, must be covered, contained on a asphalt pad, to build a new sand/salt storage would cost $100,000 (size 40X50). Board would like to use the old shop for sand & salt storage and put money towards a new public works building 60X80. Preliminary prices range from $310,000 to $340,000. Town Board is looking for $35,000 for 10 years to build a new Public Works building near the site of the present town hall. Kathy Just made a motion to give the town board permission to continue working on the possibility of building a new town shed cost not to exceed $350,000. 2nd by Cory Sotka, carried. Cost to homeowner would be approximately $22 per $100,000 of value. Board is not looking at an immediate start, looking more to 2017 because prevailing wage is going away in 2017 which will save money. A steel building was recommended.
Motion by Ken Marcusen 2nd by Gary Langer to adjourn at 8:20 PM, carried. Next Annual Meeting Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 7:00 PM.
These minutes are not approved 6-16-2016 P. Chaikowski Clerk