Board members present: Chair Orlin Engh, Supervisor Adrian Amelse, Supervisor Bill Townsley, Clerk Sharon Engh and Treasurer Chris Abrahamson
- The meeting was called to order by Chair Engh at 6:30pm.
- Motion to approve the minutes from November 11, 2023 by Supervisor Townsley, seconded by Chair Engh, all in favor motion carried.
- Treasurer’s report was read by Treasurer Abrahamson report is on file. The board approved to transfer funds if needed for the January payroll
- Dumpster Monitor’s report: Paul reported that we had 10 yards of household waste, and 7 yards of recycling.
- Equipment Report: Orlin reported that repair work was done on the grader. It will cost anywhere from $2500-$5000 for new shims, rams and new parts for the fuel pump. Also, we can advertise for the parts on the old dump truck, it is otherwise shot. The new truck went out and it is a good investment. We will new front tires on the “new” dump truck in the future.
- First period for public comments: Mike Mueller was there and talked about getting a grant for the beaver dams that are ruining the ditch work along the roadways. Pond levelers were discussed.
- Town Announcements: Chris reported back from the WTA conference. He was part of a shared revenue meeting, talk about the state budget and the increase to the transportation funding, and then sat in on a round table discussion with a variety of subjects.
- Discussion and review of 2023 mil rate for 2024 tax collections: The county will be sending out the taxes in short order.
- Discussion and possible action on future legal services with Abt/Swain Law: Nikki Swain was present for the discussion. She let us know the cost of her services and there would be no retainer. It was brought up that she had some outstanding work still for our town and that we would like to see that finished. Gore Hollow hill, and our ordinances were two of the top topics. It was decided that she will get the work done by next board meeting and we will decide where to go from there.
- Discussion and possible action on Drone use in the Town of Liberty: Supervisor Amelse handed out examples of drone ordinances enacted prior to 2018. Amelse also spoke with Wisconsin Towns Association Attorney Carol Nawrocki, and Wisconsin State Statue 114.105, subsections 3 and 4, limits municipalities ability to enact airspace ordinances that are regulated by the state and FAA. No action was taken.
- Discussion of the Driftless Humane Society regarding mass seizures of animals: Chris wanted to remind us that the contract says that if there is a mass seizure of animals, the Town would be paying a large sum of money to them. The board knew of this and agreed that we haven’t had that happen and don’t see it as being a problem.
- Discussion and possible action on Illusion Drive: The semi-trailer and one truck still need to be moved and Orlin will check in with her daughter for the latest update.
- Discussion and possible action on the service agreement with Bernadot Studios: Supervisor Amelese moved that we continue with Bernadot Studios for the year 2024 at the rate of $625 for the hosting and maintaining of the website. Chair Engh seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
- Discussion and possible action for the service agreement with the Town Hall software for accounting package: Supervisor Amelse moved that we give the treasurer the freedom to explore options for new accounting software for the year 2024 and do what he feels is best for the town. Seconded by Chair Engh, all in favor motion carried.
- Approval of 3 bartenders for the Liberty Bar: All paperwork was submitted and looked into, background checks were good. Supervisor Amelse moved to approve the 3, Supervisor Townsley seconded, all in favor motion carried.
- Discussion and possible action regarding road classification: Supervisor Townsley was concerned with possible damage that may have been done with the construction equipment. Chair Engh stated there was no damage, no action taken.
- Second period for public comment: Adrian Orso had some questions about the Town Hall’s foundation and taking the truck somewhere else to be washed instead of putting in a wash bay. Her questions were answered by Chair Engh and Terry Theis. We will discuss at the January Meeting. Martin Chapman thanked Chris Abrahamson for all the work he has done for the Town of Liberty.
- Approval of monthly bills: Supervisor Amelse moved that we pay the monthly bills with the total of $55,806.25. Seconded by Supervisor Townsley, all in favor, motion carried.
- Future Agenda items: update on legal work progress, fire association report, accounting software update, wash bay and town hall.
- Next meeting will be at the Town Hall, at 6:30 pm, on January 8, 2024
- Supervisor Amelse moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:29pm, seconded by Chair Engh, all in favor motion carried.
- Chris will be available at the Town Hall for collecting taxes on 12/30 and 1/27/2024 and also for dog licensing.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Engh
