Town of Liberty Board Meeting

Liberty Town Hall

January 13, 6:00 pm

Caucus Minutes & Town Meeting Minutes

The Caucus was called to order by Paul Linskins at 6:00pm. 

He explained he was going to lead the caucus and how it would run.  There were no objections. 

The following positions were nominated:  Chair:  Orlin Engh, nominated by Adrian Amelse, seconded by Carrie Vanek.  Supervisors:  Bill Townsley nominated by Wade Lawler, seconded by Carrie Vanek, Carrie Vanek nominated by Adrian Amelse, seconded by Chris Abrahamson, and Jason Vidas nominated by Luke Brekke, seconded by Jaclyn Brekke.  Treasurer: Chris Abrahamson nominated by Orlin Engh, seconded by Adrian Amelse. 

Caucus was then adjourned by Paul Linskins.

Town of Liberty Board Meeting

Liberty Town Hall

January 13, 6:06 pm

Board members present:  Chair Orlin Engh, Supervisor Bill Townsley,  Treasurer Chris  Abrahamson, Clerk Sharon Engh and Supervisor Amelse.

  1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Engh at 6:06 pm
  2. Supervisor Townsley moved that we accept the minutes as written from December 9, 2024, seconded by Chair Engh, all in favor, motion carried.
  3. Treasurer’s Report:  Chris went over his report, and it is on file.
  4. Dumpster Monitor’s report:  Paul said he had nothing to report
  5. Equipment Report: We have to replace the F550 due to a rollover at the end of December.  We will receive an insurance check for $98,811 and another from a private party of $27,689 which then pays off the truck and gives us a down payment for a new one.  The driver was ok.
  6. Building Permit update:  There were none
  7. First public comment:  Bill Putze was with us to update us on the trespassing and illegal hunting.  They went to court and the perpetrators were fined.  He proceeded to thank Shauna, his employees and the board for the help they gave.

Adrian is not running for Supervisor for the next term and wanted to say thank you for the past 14 years that he was on the board.

  • Town Announcements: There is a webinar on the 16th that explains the Innovation grant.  We can all go and find out what it entails. 

There will be a February primary, on the 18th, for state superintendent.

  • Wade Lawler with county updates:  Wade Lawler was with us and gave us some updates from the county board.  He said the draft for the comprehensive plan is finished and on the website.  They are looking for feedback from residents and will listen on Jan. 29th at 1pm.  It is now on our website.  They have a new domain for their website which is vernocountywi.gov. 

They are still looking for a finance director, and they have a new conservationist. Vernon Manor and Vernon Acres is being successfully run by Bethany St. Joseph. And lastly he touched on the taxes and why there was such a large increase.  It is due to the tax levy not being brought up to the proper level last year.

  1. Citation ordinance updates:  Chris is still working with the town attorney and will have it for us in February.
  2. Ideas for 2nd round of the Community grant money :  There were several suggestions made, but it looks like we will focus on the new fire signs for better emergency safety.  We will finish it out at the February meeting.
  3. Old dump land discussion: Chair Engh found out that yes, we can sell it, but it can never be lived on.  Or built on.  We could turn it into something like a park, or we can just leave it the way it is and continue mowing it twice a year.  Susan Mueller is going to find out what it takes to have camp sites there for bicycle riders, she will report back at the February meeting.
  4. Comprehensive planning committee:  We have had some interest from people to be on the committee:  Jason Vidas, Susan Mueller, Bill Townsley, Martin Chapman, and Carrie Vanek.  We will continue this into February.
  5. Recreational permit updates:  There was nothing to report.
  6. Dark Sky ordinance:   We agreed that the ordinance that Scott has written up with the updates the wordage and technology, with current lighting, is acceptable.  We will vote it into an updated ordinance in February. 
  7. Second Period for public comment: Mike Mueller expressed his concern with the town on how to save and make more money.  He also said that he would like special meetings to be held at times that more town electors can make it.  Susan Mueller asked how one starts a business in the Town.  She was told we aren’t zoned so you just do it.
  8. Supervisor Amelse moved that we approve paying the monthly bills of $36, 503.35.  Chair Engh seconded, all in favor motion carried.
  9. Future agenda items: Recreational, Citation and Dark Sky ordinance, Comprehensive planning committee, Old dump land usage, Community Grant idea.
  10. Next meeting date is February 10, 2025, 6:30pm.
  11. Meeting was moved to adjourn by  Supervisor Amelse,  seconded by Chair Engh meeting adjourned by 7:17 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Engh