Town of Liberty Board Meeting

Liberty Town Hall

August 19, 2024, 6:30 pm

Minutes

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

  1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Engh at 6:30 pm
  2.  Chair Engh moved that we accept the minutes as written from July 8, 2024, seconded by Supervisor Townsley, with the addition of Jerry Green’s property being mentioned for the solar energy field in Viola, all in favor, motion carried.
  3. Treasurer’s Report:  Chris went over his report, with correction made, and it is on file. Chris also had a quarterly update which is also on file.
  4. Dumpster Monitor’s report:  Paul said he had nothing to report
  5. Equipment Report:  All equipment is in working order. Roads are in good shape; some blade work needs to be done.
  6. Building permit update; Chris had 1 permit for a garage addition and 3 permits for cabins on SS.
  7. First public comment:  Chris mad a comment about the cabins on SS.  He is upset that the owner is subdividing into 1.5 acre lots.  He believes the 1-2 acres parcels I not an appropriate size. He reminded the board that the comprehensive plan passed in 002 stressed maintaining the rural character of the Town and the plan recommended 35 acre parcels.  Carrie Vanak also wanted to see larger lot sizes. Tom and Kate asked about the cabins, where they are located, how the neighbors are affected and what do they do with their waste.  Adrian and Chris answered those questions. Terry asked what the cabins would be used for, no one knew. Terry also asked when the board quit approving building permits. Orlin answered. It was decided that we need to have a public meeting about zoning, get social feedback and talk about next steps.  It was set for September 16, 2024, at the Town Hall, starting at 6:30pm. Allen Mueller turned in his job application and resume for patrolman.
  8. Town Announcements: The election on the 13th went great, we had 117 voters, and the election workers did a great job.  Next election is November 5th.   The floor in the shed is finished and we can now wash the trucks and other equipment.  The fall workshops for WTA are coming up in October, in Stevens Point. County approved the decommissioning of the Dams; it will be finalized in 18 months. The county if finalizing the comprehensive plan, and Brandon will be here in September for the Hazardous Mitigation plan and questions we may have.
  9.  River Road Seal coat:  Adrian was talking with the Viola Sportsman’s Club, and they have more traffic now and was wondering how they could keep the road maintained.   The board decided to defer the topic and will discuss other options in the future.
  10. Updates on the building permit ordinance: Chris presented the final copy.  Supervisor Amelse moved to accept it as written, Chair Engh Seconded, all in favor motion carried.  Thanks to Chris for all the work he put into this.  It will be published, posted and put on the website.
  1. Mobile Home Amendments:  Chris presented the amended version, Supervisor Townsley moved for acceptance, Supervisor Amelse seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
  2. Possible Repeal of Ordinance 2009.02  Supervisor Amelse moved to accept the finished product, Supervisor Townsley seconded, all in favor motion carried.
  3. Recycling shed:  It was decided that we would put out a box for sealed bids starting at $500 and decide at the September meeting who would be able to purchase it.  Chris said he would put it on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace.
  4. Furnace Update The one bid from Hugh Oliver was to replace the unit at $7000,  or $6630 for a standalone unit with duct work.  It was suggested that we call Flocks.  Supervisor Amelse proposed that we call Flocks if they underbid, we would talk about it at the next meeting, if not, we go ahead with the stand alone and duct worked for $6630, and wit will come out of the AARPA funds.  Chair Engh Seconded, all in favor, motion carried.
  5. Chair Engh called for closed session according to the WI State Statue 19.85(1). Supervisor Amelse seconded the motion, passed.
  6. Reconvened from closed session.  Meeting was called to order again by Chair Engh.  Allen Mueller has been hired on a 60-day trial period, starting August 26, 2024.  He will receive $20 an hour.
  7. Vernon County Community Development grants:  The proposed amount that we will write the grants for are:  $4020 for deck and ramp, the Boring that needs to be done, and the pressure washing of the Town Hall, and painting on the grant that needs to be done and ready by Oct. 15th, 2024.  Catherine Fox will be notified to help write it. 
  8. Second period for public comment:  Terry Theis asked about the deck and ramp, Chris answered.  The sill was brought up as well.
  9. Supervisor Amelse  moved that we approve paying the monthly bills of $34,831.53.  Supervisor Townsley seconded, all in favor motion carried.
  10. Future agenda items:  Brandon Larsen, Recycling shed, Citation ordinance, Fire Association’s budget, Wade Lawler with county updates, Special meeting for the budget at 5:30.
  11. Next meeting date is September 9th with budget meeting at 5:30pm, regular meeting at 6:30pm at the Town Hall
  12. Meeting was moved to adjourn by Supervisor Amelse, Chair Engh, seconded at 8:18 pm, all in favor motion carred.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Engh