TOWN OF LIBERTY
September 14, 2020
- Chairman Terry Theis called the monthly meeting of the Town of Liberty to order at 6:30 pm. on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Viola Fire Station. Members present were Terry Theis, Nicole Rakobitsch, Adrian Amelse, Treasurer Karen Peterson and Clerk Lori Polhamus.
- Motion by Amelse/second by Theis to approve the minutes of the previous meeting as presented . All in favor. Motion carried.
- Treasurer’s report. (report attached) Peterson read the Treasurer’s report. Beginning cash balance as of 08/1/2020 was $42,031.54 and an ending cash balance as of 08/31/2020 of $48,644.72 was reported. Interest year to date on the General Fund was $29.58 and interest earned year to date on the Tax Account was $88.10. There is $61,438.85 available in the tax account. Receipts include gravel payments and the August tax settlement.
- Patrolman's Report – most of our stockpile of gravel has been used due to heavy rain at the end of August. Scott Hollow and Ames Hill have been mowed back with some chain saw work left for bigger trees. They will continue mowing and working on the River Road culvert in the next two weeks. We also need two signs stands for the signs that were ordered. Orlin also has been placed in quarantine due to Covid-19 exposure but the Health department stated since he works alone that he can continue doing parts of his job. Polhamus stated that the Covid emergency sick leave balance available for Orlin was computed to 48 hours based on his part time status if required.
- Recycling Attendant Report – None
- First Period for public comment – None
- Town Announcements- Hwy 56 construction needs to be posted with the map and letter. Absentee mailing for the November election has potentially been delayed pending notification from the WI Supreme Court.
- Discussion with possible action on dumpster sizes for fall cleanup – Cleanup day is October 10th. A 40 yard and 20 yard dumpster are on order. Paul suggests going with two forty yard dumpsters at $695.95/piece and not take appliances and mattresses as we seem to fill the larger dumpster rather quickly. Motion by Amelse/second by Theis to go with two forty yard dumpsters and to discontinue taking appliances and mattresses at the cleanup days. All in favor. Motion carried. The recycling ordinance should be reviewed to update any changes in policy for the recycling grant.
- Discussion with possible action on dust control options – Terry contacted two companies from 2018 to get updated prices and they have a portable sprayer for their products. The sprayer would be $4995. We can buy product in plastic totes at $275/gallon or by bulk truck tanker of 2800-3000 gallons that we would have to store. It is an Everclean oil based product that helps compact the road base to stabilize it. This will be discussed further at the next meeting.
- Approval of Driveway/Fire Number ordinance updates – Motion by Amelse/second by Theis to approve the ordinance amendment. All in favor. Motion carried.
- Discussion with possible action on ATV ordinance and enforcement – Amelse stated that if the Vernon County Sheriff gets a call they will enforce but the focus is more on education right now versus a ticket. They will respond to calls but we do not need an ordinance stating we prohibit ATVs as it is assumed closed if we don't have an ordinance allowing them. The Board is not interested at this time in pursuing an ordinance.
- Discussion with possible action on Zoning Ordinance and update on Countywide Zoning discussions – Nikki Swayne was in attendance and reviewed the Zoning Ordinance process with the Board. We can have just one district, however it becomes challenging when you want to incorporate your mobile tower ordinance for instance as you need to show the reasoning for not allowing them in each district that is defined. We want to incorporate all our ordinances and some such as our Livestock Siting needs to be updated as it can not be more restrictive than State law. We also want to make sure it is consistent with our Comprehensive Plan. The process will include a public hearing at the Zoning Committee level with a Class 2 notice. If there are a lot of changes another public hearing would be required and another Class 2 notice. The Town Board would also need to hold a public hearing and do a Class 2 notice and then when the final ordinance is approved it has to be filed with Vernon County. Swayne stated she could work with the Zoning committee to look at lot size as well. The Committee will need to look at a map of locations and terrain to look into districts and it could take about eight hours of time for drafting the ordinance. Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to authorize Nikki Swayne to spend eight hours to work with the Zoning Committee and drafting the ordinance. All in favor. Motion carried.
- Action & Approval on monthly bills – Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to approve total bills of $4136.79 as presented. All in favor. Motion carried.
- Review/approval of building permits – None
- Second period for public comment – Ben and Kendra Reynolds asked about the new Bug Tussel cell tower going up in Liberty.
- Future agenda items – as discussed within these minutes.
Motion by Amelse/second by Rakobitsch to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 pm. All in favor. Motion carried.
Minutes submitted by: Lori Polhamus, Town Clerk
