TOWN OF LIBERTY
May 11, 2020
1. Chairman Terry Theis called the monthly meeting of the Town of Liberty to order at 6:30 pm. on Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Viola Fire Station. Members present were Terry Theis, Nicole Rakobitsch, Adrian Amelse, Treasurer Karen Peterson and Clerk Lori Polhamus.
2. Motion by Rakobitsch/second by Amelse to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Treasurer’s report. (report attached) Peterson read the Treasurer’s report. Beginning cash balance as of 04/1/2020 was $1704.88 and an ending cash balance as of 04/30/2020 of $34,149.21 was reported. Interest year to date on the General Fund was $16.45 and interest earned year to date on the Tax Account was $60.64. There is $91,411.39 available in the tax account.
4. Patrolman's Report – Orlin stated the equipment is working good, roads are in good shape, ditch work is being done. He is coordinating with the County Highway Department on Ames Hill Road and County S work. Terry is helping Orlin until we can find a replacement for Carl. We need a couple more loads of gravel on the turnaround.
5. First Period for public comment – none
6. Town Announcements - Open Book is scheduled for June 13th from 9-11 am at the Town Hall and Board of Review is June 25th from 6-8 pm at the Town Hall. The Annual Meeting is on June 8th at 6pm prior to the regular meeting. The equipment expo has been rescheduled for 8/23. Terry is working with Brandon Larson regarding the emergency services contract. The shop lock has been changed and Vernon County is offering zero interest business loans up to $5000 due to Covid-19.
Supervisor Amelse left the meeting at 6:45pm
7. Discussion with possible action on town signage – we had a request from a resident for road closed no thru traffic on Gore Hollow, however the Board chose to remain consistent with other roads and just use a Dead End sign. We were contacted from the County Sheriff's office that we do not have fire signs at both locations on Illusion Drive for some residents. They need a sign at the end of the road and the end of their property. The Town pays for one and the resident pays for one. Theis will work on a letter to bring back to the Board in June that will go out to residents on Illusion Drive. Cushman Road also needs a Dead End sign. Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to purchase additional dead end signs for Gore Hollow and Cushman Drive. All in favor. Motion carried.
8. Discussion with possible action on brush cutting arm/tractor rental – the County charges $110-$120/hour plus pickup and delivery for approximately $200/hour total. Simpson Ford charges $100/hour plus delivery and pickup of $200. We are only charged for tractor time. Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to approve Simpson Tractor's proposal for brush cutting equipment of approximately 16-24 hours. All in favor. Motion carried.
9. Discussion with possible action on website updates –Rakobitsch contacted Sally Cano by email with no response. She will check with Matt to try and get a phone number. Terry would like to check with JB Systems also.
10. Dust control options with possible action – Orlin will check on a private contractor out of Richland Center for sap. Theis will check with Sterling and Franklin to see if they are using this this year. After discussion the Board would like to look into having our own equipment to provide dust control whether it is a tank with water or tree sap. Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to authorize up to $2000 on material and equipment towards dust control and authorize Orlin to research various options and report back to the Board in June. All in favor. Motion carried.
11. Discussion with possible action on patrolman helper position job description and authorization to advertise - the board reviewed the job description for the patrolman and will use this for talking points. We will advertise for two weeks in the Epitaph and Foxxy Shopper and Orlin will put on Facebook Marketplace. We will look to have applications back targeted at the end of June with interviews potentially early July.
12. Update on draft zoning ordinance and proposed cell tower ordinance – the zoning committee has not met. Rakobitsch will check with the members about possibly meeting at the Fire Station.
13. Action & Approval on monthly bills – Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to approve total bills of $2,912.29 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
14. Review of building permits (if any) - we had one permit from Marty Cina for an out building. We received a permit application from David Peterson that needs a fire number and doesn't have a sanitary permit so this should not be approved at this time. There is also another resident in court currently regarding no sanitary permit. We need to receive all information in advance before the permit is issued and we may need to return to reviewing the permits at the meetings before issuance if this doesn't happen. Theis will follow up with Matt.
15. Second period for public comment – Paul stated the Board should consider a second 40 yard dumpster at cleanup in the fall rather than a appliance dumpster. The 20 yard is $495 and the 40 yard is $695.
16. Future agenda items – dumpster sizes to be discussed in August and driveway permit ordinance changes for June as well as other items discussed within these minutes.
17. Second period for public comment – none
18. Future agenda items – as noted within these minutes.
Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 pm. All in favor. Motion carried.
Minutes submitted by: Lori Polhamus, Town Clerk
