TOWN OF BARNES

MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JULY15, 2008

 

 

Chairman Dick Collyard called the Regular Town Board Meeting to order at 6:30pm. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was said. Collyard asked for a Roll Call to establish a quorum/ Verification of Public Notice and motion to approve the July agenda: Motion (Webb / McGee) to approve the July agenda. Motion carried.  Meinke-not present (personal reasons); Webb-yes, Porter-yes; McGee-yes; Collyard-yes; all but one present.  A quorum was established.

The agenda is as follows:

 

NOTICE

TOWN OF BARNES

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

JULY 15TH AT 6:30PM

AGENDA

Call the Regular Board Meeting to order at 6:30PM

Pledge Allegiance to the Flag

Roll Call to establish a quorum/Verification of Public Notice/Motion to approve the July Agenda

Approve minutes of the Last Regular Board Meeting and Motion to dispense with reading of the minutes.

Treasurer’s Report

Voucher’s Approval

Clerk Correspondence

            Discussion on setting up first Budget Meeting

Citizen’s Request for Action:

1)       Request to correct town road sign on Borman Road to correct spelling or Bormann

2)       Request by Gene Ratzel to reduce speed limit on Kelly Lake Road from Kaufman Road to County Highway A

3)       Request by Dean Breunig to lease or borrow dock at Tomahawk Lake this summer or until needed by the Town

Department Head Reports:

            Highway                                 

            Cemetery

                        Approval of proposed cleaning up of Cemetery Property                               

            Fire and Ambulance Department

                        Review of Wage Policy for Ambulance and Fire Department

                        Approval of purchase for a Stryker 6500 Cot   

                Constable

Committee and Commission Reports:

            Recreation Committee

            EWM Committee

Land Use Planning Commission

Zoning:

            1) Special Use permit application by Marilee Ludgatis for a mini-storage at 54525     Barnes Road

            2) Special Conditional Use Permit application after-the-fact for Shoreland Grading   on property owned by LeRoy Johnson Jr. at 49915 State Highway 27.

Karl Kastrosky of Bayfield County Zoning to talk on Short-term Vacation rentals

Carrie Linder, aging and Disabilities Services Manager from Bayfield County to speak on the transit route from Barnes to Hayward

Dane Bonk request for donation from the town for the Great Divide Little League

Approval of Lease between the Barnestormers Snowmobile Club and BADC at the Industrial Park

Operator Licenses:  2 Year License renewal for Sharon Wright

1 year License (new) application for Evonne Becker

Public Comment Session5 minute limit for those not on the Agenda

Issues Timeline Update

All Department Heads are encouraged to be at the Regular Board Meetings

All Department Heads and Committee Heads are to submit a written report to the clerk

by Friday evening prior to the Board Meeting.

 

The Town Board reserves the right to solicit information from

Department heads and Committee heads only, without opening the floor to discussion.

Any persons requiring special needs for handicap services please contact the Clerk-Treasurer

Elaine J. Brustad    Barnes Town Clerk-Treasurer

Dated this 10th Day of July, 2008

 

Approval of the Minutes of the last Regular Town Board Meeting

Motion (Webb / McGee) to approve the minutes of the last regular Town Board meeting and to dispense with the reading of the minutes.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurer’s Report

 

 

 

 

 

 

Checking Balance from last meeting

 

$34,364.27

Receipts

 

 

 

 

$31,441.38

Check #'s 22760-22871

 

 

($273,883.84)

Transfer funds from Money Market account

 

$225,000.00

June Direct tax payment ck # 308

 

 

($4,174.64)

Service Charge June

 

 

 

($14.58)

Interest Earned June

 

 

 

$29.71

 

CHECKING BALANCE

 

 

$12,762.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

Act 102 Fund

Opening Balance

 

3086.19

 

 

Svc Chg + Int earned

 

($11.63)

 

 

Ck#'s 1001-1006

 

($2,969.25)

 

 

ending balance

 

105.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money Market Gen'l Fund Balance from Last Meeting

$607,963.40

Check # 1084 Transfer to Gen'l fund

 

($225,000.00)

Interest earned June

 

YTD Interest $17349.76

$1,225.02

 

Sub-Total Money Market Gen'l Funds

$384,188.42

Highway Dept. Sinking Fund

 

 

$31,072.92

BES Sinking Fund

 

 

 

$52,677.05

Park Savings

 

Deposits $236.61

$13,673.18

Ski Trail Savings

 

 

 

$755.61

Parade-Event-Calender Fund

 

 

$1,842.60

Town Hall Maint & Repair  Fund

 

 

$19,298.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sub-Total Money Market sub accounts

$119,319.56

Total all Money Market Funds

 

 

$503,507.98

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL ALL ACCOUNTS

 

$516,387.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion (Webb / McGee) to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.  Motion carried.

 

 

Voucher’s Approval

Motion (McGee / Webb) to approve the voucher’s as presented.  Motion carried.

 

Clerk Correspondence

The Hazardous Waste Cleanup was announced. It will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the County Highway Garage in Iron River (on US Hwy 2 on east end of town) from 3:00pm -5:00pm. A list of the items taken and costs will be posted.  For more information contact: Bayfield County Extension Office at 715-373-6104 or Bayfield County Emergency Government Office at 715-373-6113.

There were 4 Intent to cut permits. These are for Louise Jones by Hamann Forest Products of Ashland; for Scott Aebischer and Lyle Sorenson by Frank Larson of Hayward; and two for Plum Creek Timberlands by Plum Creek Timberlands of Hayward.

 

Set up first Budget Meeting

Chairman Collyard said that the date needed to be set for the first Budget Meeting. There was discussion on having the insurance agent come for budget purposes. The clerk will send out notices to all department heads to get their budgets done. It should be a one to two hour meeting. The meeting will be held Wednesday August 20, 2008 at 5:00pm at the hall. There will be a closed session from 5:00pm to 5:15pm and then the board will go into regular session.

 

Citizen’s Request for Action:

1) Request to correct town road sign on Borman Road to correct spelling of Bormann

A request has been made from Terence Bormann of New York to have the name of Borman Road changed to read Bormann Road (with two ns) He said it was named after his family and that they spell the name with two ns. Jerry Witt said that only spelling he has for the sign is “Borman” with one n. There was a note from Elaine that said that the 911 numbers had the spelling with two ns. The letter from Ray and Joyce Zimm was also addressed regarding the request for the name change on their road from Borman to Bormann. The Zimm’s are one of two full time residents on the road and would not want to have to change all of their mailing addresses. It would involve changing many mailing addresses for them. The other party did not express a preference

Motion (Porter / Webb) to open floor to discussion. Motion carried.  Tom Renz said that it would be less costly to change the road sign.  Dick Collyard said that he would talk to Jan Victorsen in Bayfield County Emergency Government on this issue.  Chris Webb said that this impacts the locals a lot more than the out of town people. We need to look at this for the next meeting.

 

2) Request by Gene Ratzel to reduce speed limit on Kelly Lake Road from Kaufman Road to County Highway A

Gene Ratzel’s request for reducing the speed limit on Kelly Lake Road was addressed. He said that there are a lot more accesses now, as well as the three sharp curves. Jerry Witt said that he has found that this road is not used as a short cut and that most of the traffic is local. Tom Renz said that he did not see speed as a problem either.  In five or six years there has only been one accident on the road and that was due to someone who had been drinking too much. Renz said that there are some hidden driveways, but that it is not different from the other town roads. Jerry Witt said that if we do the speed reduction on Kelly Lake Road, this would set a precedent for the rest of the town roads and would be very costly. Gene Ratzel said that kids play in the road. Dick Collyard suggested putting “Slow Curve Ahead” signs out first and then seeing how this affects the speed. Chris Webb said that there is already a sign for curves there. She would not be in favor of reducing the speed limit until we look at the criteria for all of the roads. Witt said that the new highly reflective signs help and that the edges of the road have been mowed.  Collyard said we should sit down with the Sheriff’s Department. Renz said the laws should be obeyed. Webb said that this needs to be studies and brought up at another meeting. It will be put on the timeline and should not be made a political issue.

Motion (Porter / McGee) to close the floor to discussion. Motion carried.

 

3) Request by Dean Breunig to lease or borrow dock at Tomahawk Lake this summer or until needed by the Town

The board said that the town did not rent out its equipment. Dick Collyard said that the dock would be going back in the lake anyway, as the water milfoil project is finished for this year. The lake is able to be used again according to the DNR. Pam Toschner of the DNR has reported that while the water milfoil is not matted on the surface, it isn’t eradicated either. It will have to be done again next year. Jerry Witt asked if the fish could be eaten from Tomahawk Lake. It was noted that they could be eaten. 

 

 

 

 

Department Head Reports:

                Highway

   Ski trails at the town park at Tomahawk Lake have been mowed and the downed trees removed off of them. For all you people that like to walk, this is a very enjoyable trail system to get some exercise on.

   A lot of time was spent painting and mowing the Town Park to get ready for the Fourth of July. It was time well spent to see all the people using the park for the Holiday weekend. A big thanks to the Fire Department volunteers who did an excellent job cleaning up after the fireworks.

 

   Dave has spent 90 hours on our roadside mower the past month.

 

   Mike has patched most of the potholes on our blacktop roads.

 

 An informational letter was sent to the residents on Martin Rd informing them about reconstructing Martin Rd in the fall. At this time, I am waiting for the surveyor to do his work. Motion (Porter / Webb) to open the floor to discussion. Motion carried. Greg Martin asked about the right of way situation on Martin Road. There was discussion on the road. Jerry Witt said the road right of way was 66’. The town does not want to cut hills. There is also an erosion and safety issue in the Windrose Five Road area. There was discussion on keeping the 66’ right of way, but only doing the 50’ right of way work for the current road work. The town would not give up any land on this then. If they need to straighten this road out in spots or whatever is needed, the right of way will be there. No one wants to see trees cut down. Tom Renz said that the town is obligated to maintain the roads, all 66’. Dick Collyard said that the 66’ right of way would not be given up. Karl Kastrosky suggested that the town do the 50’ road in the 66’ right of way.  Jerry Witt will send the corrected wording on this memo tomorrow. Motion (Webb / Porter) to close the floor to discussion. Motion carried.

  

 As soon as Ruzic Bridge Construction gives me a date on repairing the wingwalls at the locks, I will inform everyone so they can prepare for the road in that area to being closed for three to four days. Witt also said that there is deterioration of the locks door and this will have to be fixed in fall or maybe spring.

                                               

                Cemetery

Bud Pease reported that there has been no activity at the cemetery since the last meeting.

 

                Cleaning up of Cemetery Property

Jack Meinke and Bud Pease had looked at the area of the cemetery property that had been logged off. There was discussion on taking out the stumps and then burning them. Bud Pease had contacted Olson Brothers as he knew they had the equipment to do the job. There was discussion on the Olson Brothers job proposal. Motion (Collyard / McGee) to approve the Olson Brothers proposal for $5,800.75 and to take the money out of the money from the trees that were cut (Town Maintenance Fund).  Call for discussion. Webb said that Field Two would not be used for a while and that the stumps were unsightly. The DNR wants us to replant that area, but we should not take their advice on this. We would just have to re-cut this again later. Motion (McGee / Webb) to open the floor to discussion. Motion carried.  Teddy Desrosiers said that the cemetery looked rough. He also asked if this job was posted.  Collyard said that it was below the level of what had to be bid out and that not many people have the equipment to do this work. Bud Pease had contacted them because they have the equipment. Motion (Webb / McGee) to close the floor to discussion. Motion carried. The discussion then went back to the original motion. Call for the question. Roll call vote.  McGee, yes; Porter, yes: Webb, yes and Collyard, yes. Motion carried. Olson Brothers will be contacted.                                               

               

                Fire and Ambulance Department

Since the last Town board meeting the ambulance has had four calls:

1 – no transport

1 – transport to Hayward

2 – respond with Fire Department

 

The Fire Department had two calls:

1 – False Alarm

1 – Grass fire caused by vehicle throwing fireworks out of vehicle

 

The Fireworks went off well- again my hat off to Bob Walters and his crew for a fine job with the Fireworks.  Our contract is up with Bob Walters this year so we will have to look at a new three year contract, as I believe this is where we get the best deal.  I will keep you update on the process as it moves along. 

 

As you all know by now we had a mishap with the atv and trailer damaging one of the firefighters trucks.  As with this type of incident, we have now implemented new procedures to prevent this from happening again. 

 

I would like to take this time to thank Jerry Witt and his crew at the Highway Department for the fine job they did preparing the Town to look nice for the Fourth of July they did a great job.

The date is set.  On September 20th there will be a mock fire drill that will bring in many Fire Departments, DNR personnel and Forest Service Personnel for a large mock fire scenario and to practice the incident command system with many agencies personnel.  I will keep you updated on this as there will be several meetings to discuss everyone’s purpose and roles in this.  We will be using the Fire Hall as a staging area and also debriefing area.

 

Jim Prickett, Dick Collyard, Marcia Welnitz and myself attended the 16 hour ICS 300 course in Hayward.  Dick was thankful he was offered the opportunity to enjoy such excellent training that kept you tuned in at all times.

 

We need to look at the ambulance billing charge as well as payroll.  As far as payroll goes for both Fire and Ambulance I would request that a trainee be described as a person who has not met the state minimum requirements and remains a trainee until those requirements have been met and demonstrates proficiency to the medical director and or Department head.  Something on that lines.

 

The ambulance has also been approved by medical control to administer Atrovent for those patients that are having respiratory distress due to asthma and or other respiratory problems such as pneumonia. 

 

                Review of Wage Policy for Ambulance and Fire Departments

There was discussion on the Trainee policy. Motion (Webb / McGee) that a Trainee be described as a person who has not met the state minimum requirements and remains a Trainee until those requirements have been met and demonstrates proficiency to the Medical Director and Department head. Call for discussion. Webb asked if this should be defined more. Renz said that this is defined by the Medical Director and WITC. Motion carried.

 

Renz reported that Federal Aviation was OK on the proposed air landing strip. It is not involved in the air ways. The take off and landing area are marked and lighted. Non obstructive wind indicator still needs to be done. The grass seeding also needs to be done. We have the lights for night helicopter landings.  The FAA approval is effective until 2010 when it will be reviewed again.

 

                Stryker Cot 6500 request for Ambulance Department

Tom Renz requested that the the Ambulance Department purchase a Stryker 6500 Cot. The old lifter cot can only do so much lifting without assistance and that it is also outdated. Discussion on where the money would come from. Money would come from the budget and from the Ambulance Department fund raisers and also Act 102 money would be available. The cost would be $10,576.36. The down payment of $2,000.00 would be made now and the rest would be owed in January of 2009.That amount would then be budgeted for the 2009 year.  Motion (Webb / McGee) to approve ordering the Stryker 6500 Cot for the Ambulance Department with final payment due in January 2009. Call for discussion. Roll call vote: Porter, yes; McGee, yes; Webb, yes and Collyard, yes. Motion carried.

 

                Constable

The Constable was unable to be at the meeting. His report was read by Deputy Clerk Lu Peet as follows:

(4) Alarms… (5) ATV violations (issued warnings)… (3) PWC complaints (on Middle)… (1) Bear on deck of cabin… (12) Fireworks complaints (all had permits)…  (1) Disorderly boater (Middle Eau Claire public landing. Subject made threats to town employee checking boaters.  I was contacted by DNR. Sheriff contacted. (Subject later found at his cabin.)…Participated in 4th of July Parade…Total hours-63.

 

Committee and Commission Reports:         

                Recreation Committee

The Recreation Committee has not met since the last meeting. There will be no swimming lessons this year as the cost was prohibitive. There was discussion that what the instructor wanted to charge us could not be covered by what the Town felt it could charge for the lessons.               

 

                EWM Committee

Ingemar Ekstrom spoke on the Eurasian Water Milfoil project. It is going well. The Property Owners Association will meet on Saturday and Carol LeBreck will give a presentation on the Bony Lake project. Ekstrom said that the Town of Barnes is a model for the State of Wisconsin. He also said that well testing for some of the Tomahawk Lake people could be done for free (in regard to the Eurasian Water Milfoil control issue).

 

 

 

 

                Land Use Planning Commission

Dave Pease said that the Land Use Commission met and approved the Special Use Permit for Marilee Ludgatis on the Barnes Road and also approved the request for a Special Conditional Use Permit for after-the-fact grading by LeRoy Johnson, Jr. at 49915 State Highway 27. Dick Collyard asked who would monitor the reconstruction. Pease said that the County Land Conservation is in charge of the remedial process.

 

                Zoning:

                1) Special Use Permit application by Marilee Ludgatis for a mini-storage at 54525 Barnes Road

After discussion, the board agreed to approve the Special Use Permit for Marilee Ludgatis at 54525 Barnes Road. The Land Use Commission had previously approved this Special Use Permit. Motion (Webb / McGee) to approve the Special Use Permit request by Marilee Ludgatis for mini-storage at 54525 Barnes Road.  Motion carried.

 

                2) Special Conditional Use Permit application for after-the-fact  Shoreland Grading on property owned by LeRoy Johnson Jr. at 49915 State Highway 27.

The board discussed the permit. The Land Use Commission has also previously approved this Special Conditional Use Permit. Motion (McGee / Webb) to approve the Special Conditional Use Permit for shoreland grading (after-the-fact) by LeRoy Johnson Jr. at 49915 State Highway 27.  Motion carried.

The board members signed the permit papers for zoning. The clerk will fax them up to the county.

 

                Karl Kastrosky of Bayfield County Zoning to talk on Short-term Vacation rentals

Mr. Kastrosky said that there has been a recent outcry on the short term rental of property in the area. He said that this did not concern motels or resorts, but single family homes that are continuously rented out on short term (less than 30 days) basis. He has checked this out with other communities to see what they are doing. There could be a Class A Special Use Permit that the town would OK. It would be easier to keep track of the septic systems, noise issues, safety issues, neighborhoods and roads this way. Mr. Kastrosky said that the new development on Bony Lake already specifies that there are no short term rentals. He asked if the town had a room tax in place. The town does not at this time. Dick Collyard had several questions on this issue:

1. Can the UDC come in and condemn the property? Collyard sited a case in Pierce County.

2. Is the Potawatomi rental of the buildings on the Island affected by this? Should they be looking into getting a Special Use Permit?

Chris Webb asked how we would police this matter. Karl said that it would be dealt with as it came up.  The Health Department would inspect them. This would be a one time permit and treated like a home based business.

 

                Carrie Linder, Aging and Disabilities Services Manager from Bayfield County to speak on           the new transit route from Barnes to Hayward

Ms. Linder spoke on the new transit service provided by Bayfield County Department of Human Services and Namekagon Transit that just started this past week. It serves the people in southern Bayfield County. It will pick people up from Barnes, Drummond and Cable and then go into Hayward and drop them off at Walmart. If people want to go to other places in Hayward there is a circulator route that they can take from there. It is not just for the elderly or disabled, but for everyone. The senior citizens and disabled will have a special price reduction however. The cost is $1.00 one way for regular people and $.50 for the circulator route in Hayward. The seniors and disabled receive a 50% discount, so seniors and disabled can ride to Hayward, ride the circulator and return to their starting location for $1.25. Reservations are not necessary, but are appreciated. The transit picks people up at the Barnes Community Center (Town Hall) at 9:55am and leaves Hayward at 2:00pm to begin the return stops as needed. The toll free telephone number if you want more information or would like to make a reservation is 1-866-295-9599.

 

                Dane Bonk request for donation from the Town for the Great Divide Little League

The board discussed the issue of the town donating money. It was noted that the town does not use tax payer money for any donations. The request was denied.

 

                Approval of Lease between the Barnestormers Snowmobile Club and BADC at the Industrial    Park

Gene Ratzel presented a letter to the board members from the Barnstormers Snowmobile Club regarding a lease for a site in the Industrial Park. This lease would be for the storage of snowmobile grooming equipment, groomer, drags, fuel tank for diesel and a metal shed to house miscellaneous tools and equipment. They will require electrical service to their site. As this lease is not the regular type of use, the Barnes Area Development Corporation is asking for the board’s approval of this type of lease function.  The BADC will bring the lease agreement to the board when the lease is finalized.

Motion (Collyard / Porter) to approve this type of lease function in the Barnes Area Industrial Park. Motion carried.

 

                Operator Licenses

1 year License (new) application for Evonne Becker

Ms. Becker has been checked out by the Department of Justice and has no alcohol related offenses on her record. She has also successfully completed the Wisconsin Alcohol Server Training Course. She has paid the appropriate fee.

Motion (Webb / Porter) to approve the 1 year new operator license application for Evonne Becker.  Motion carried.

 

                2 Year License renewal for Sharon Wright

Ms. Wright is renewing her operator’s license and is in compliance with everything. She has paid the appropriate fee.

Motion (Porter / McGee) to approve the 2 year operator license renewal for Sharon Wright.  Motion carried. 

 

                Public Comment Session – 5 minute limit for those not on the Agenda

Ingemar Eksrom spoke on the short term rental situations. He reported that his family had experienced problems with this same issue. Mr. Eksrom also said that he was happy the way the work on George Lake Road has helped. He would like to see something like that on Ellison Lake Road as well.

 

                Issues Timeline Update

The Olson Brothers will be put on the timeline for August. The Health Insurance will be on the 20th of August meeting for the budget. The records have been moved from the storage room to the back closet area for the meantime.

 

Motion (Porter / Webb) to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.The next regular town board meeting will be on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at 6:30pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Lu Peet

Deputy Clerk

Dated this 24th day of July 2008

 

 

 

 

 

NOTICE

 

IF ANYONE HAS INFORMATION AS TO THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE CURTAINS

 THAT HUNG IN THE TOWN HALL DURING THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION,

PLEASE CONTACT THE TOWN AT 715-795-2782.

(THESE WERE HAND MADE BY CINDY MARTIN AT HER OWN EXPENSE

 AND SHE WOULD LIKE THEM BACK IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.)