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May 11, 2009 Regular Monthly Meeting Minutes
TOWN OF NEW DENMARK
MINUTES FROM MONTHLY MEETING
MAY 11, 2009
The regular monthly meeting for the Town of New Denmark was called to order on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Bill Krueger. After the Pledge of Allegiance the Minutes from April’s regular monthly meeting were read and being no revisions a motion was made by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to approve.
MINUTES FROM SPECIAL MEETINGS: None
TREASURER’S REPORT: The Treasurer’s books show a balance on hand of $626,718.98 in the money market, $29,198.99 in checking. Treasurer states she spoke with a representative from M&I Bank and all funds are fully insured. Sup. Rabas requests written confirmation from M&I as to dollar amount. Motion made by Sup. Rabas to accept report.
COMMENTS OR CONCERNS FROM THE PUBLIC: None.
OLD BUSINESS
Repairs to Town Hall Entrance/Door Stop: Sup. Rabas suggests entrance could be raised by using 2x4s/2x8s to adjust height of door stoop. Door jam to be replaced that was damaged by the wind. Sup. Goetsch recommends bids be requested for the repairs. Chairman Krueger believes they could solicit bids from a few local contractors. Bids to be obtained.
Discussion regarding A. Petersen Lane: Chairman Krueger states the Town did not approve prior CSM. Todd Boehm questions if Town has any intention to improve road. Chairman Krueger states the road would be left as is. Sup. Goetsch states CSM is not valid and the Town has no future plans to improve A. Petersen Lane. If road was to be improved, it would be addressed through the Plan Commission and paid by the party making the request, whether it is a current or future land owner.
NEW BUSINESS
ASSESSOR’S REPORT: None
TOWN BOARD IDENTIFICATION CARDS: A resident inquired if local officials campaigning could be provided with identification cards as they go door to door. Some Towns utilize picture ID cards. ID cards would be helpful to the constable, building inspector and assessor. Sup. Goetsch recommends obtaining a cost estimate. Clerk to obtain price quote.
ND-100 CLARIFY ZONING AS TO BUILDABILITY: Mike/Karen Beno and Jerry Mullins present. Ltr submitted to the Bd to clarify if ND-100 is a buildable parcel (1.2 acres) after the school is razed. Sup. Rabas states the parcel is currently zoned Ag-Residential. Chairman Krueger believes it would be grandfathered-in due to existing structure as long as setbacks could be met. Gary Moore states the Town should consult with Aaron Schuette at Br Cty Planning as they discussed this parcel prior to the completion of his tenure and Br County recommended it be submitted to the Appeal Committee because the parcel is non-conforming (less then 1.5 acres). Suggestion to table and come back to topic when Jon Motquin present.
ROAD & BRIDGE REPORT
1) Ayres – (West Town Hall Road Bridge) Phase II Proposal: Review of cul-du-sac option to remove structure and dead end W Town Hall Rd. Estimated cost $55,000. Sup. Rabas believes replacement is more cost effective. Chairman Krueger states road was existing and should remain intact. Motion by Sup. Rabas to proceed with Phase II of the Ayres contract, 2nd by Sup. Goetsch.
2) Podlaski Lane – Ditch/gravel: Drainage problem at bottom of the cul-du-sac, breaker run exposed and property owner’s lawn level with roadway. Ditches and improvement to road needed. Discussion as to possible contractors. Estimates to be solicited from Bielinski, Dan Kropp or other local contractors.
3) Pine Grove Road/Phillips Road – Guardrail Repairs: Recently damaged. Clerk to bill for damage when repairs are completed and will obtain accident report. Sup. Rabas to contact County to straighten guardrail and secure posts.
4) Installation of Signs and Reflectors: Sup. Rabas questions whether the Bd would like him to continue installation of signs and reflector tape. Bd approves installation. Resident concern over missing Kaminski Lane road sign and pole. Cost to replace $40-45 for sign. Motion by Sup. Goetsch and seconded by Sup. Rabas to order and replace Kaminski Lane sign. MC
5) Removal of Hazardous Trees in Right-of-way: Sup. Rabas believes cedar tress in the right-of-way on North Ave should be removed as they are a hazard. The trees block the Stop sign and shade the roadway which prevents ice from melting in the winter. Br Cty conducted safety study and recommended removal. Chairman Krueger inquires if washboard grooves or additional signs would help? Sup. Goetsch believes trees should be removed if they are in the right-of-way. Sup. Rabas believes trees are a liability to Town. Brown Cty safety study be located and reviewed at next meeting. Tabled until June. Sup. Rabas states numerous dead trees in right-of-ways should be removed. Chairman Krueger inquires of locations. Sup. Rabas to make list. Bd to determine if letters should be sent to property owners to cut and take trees for firewood. If not removed within 60 days Town will remove. Bd to review list of trees.
CULVERTS: Kaminski Lane: culvert rusted thorough and needs to be replaced. Chairman Krueger inquires as to size – Sup. Rabas believes it is 30”. County will pay 80% from Bridge fund. Ronk Road: 3 ft sections of cement culvert pulled apart. Sup. Rabas believes gravel could be removed and pushed back together. 15-18” in size. Langes Corner/Koenig: Old concrete culvert caved in on side. Size would qualify for County funding. Sup. Rabas reports Town has used Dan Kropp in the past. Sup. Goetsch would prefer to see a few different bids. Motion by Sup. Goetsch and seconded by Sup. Rabas to bid out all three culvert projects.
DRAINAGE CONCERNS: North Avenue (Stein/Rosik properties): Town previously replaced culvert on North Ave. Water now flowing and resident inquired if Town would ditch right-of-way south along I43 so water is diverted from his property. Sup. Goetsch questions length to be ditched and whether the Town is in control of the entire right-of-way. Bd to view property. North Cherney Road: Sup. Rabas states a relative purchased property on N. Cherney Road and is requesting to put a culvert in to divert water flow to the north to avoid further drainage into his property. Private driveway to the north does not have culvert. Sup. Rabas inquires who is required to pay for installation of that culvert. Chairman Krueger to discuss with both land owners. Denmark Road west of Wanek: Sup. Rabas reports water flowing over roadway. Ditch needs to be cleaned out – approximately 100 ft. Sup. Goetsch inquires as to cost. Maribel Rd north of Langes Corners: Sup. Rabas reports ditch should also be cleaned out. Sup. Goetsch requests cost estimate for these projects before proceeding.
WEYERS INVOICE FOR TRACTOR REPAIRS: Chairman Krueger states he spoke with a representative from Weyers about the $8,800 bill for tractor repairs. It is a sizeable bill but a bill that has to be paid. The Town currently has a tractor/mower ready to go for grass cutting. In the future would like the Bd to have the option to review before repairs are made to tractor. Believes fingers cannot be pointed at abuse or misuse. Repairs could be standard wear and tear of equipment. Sup. Goetsch would like to see requests for future repairs brought before the Town Bd for approval, along w/ an estimate for the repairs. Sup. Rabas states the tractor is 6 ˝ yrs old and was due for regular maintenance and some of those costs are associated with that bill. Sup. Goetsch questions what was wrong with the mower – Chair reports filings found in the oil, shaft worn out. Sup. Goetsch questions if tractor is ready go for the season and Sup. Rabas responds, yes.
GRASS CUTTING – TOWN RIGHT-OF-WAYS: Sup. Goetsch provides spreadsheet of grass cutting costs for 2008 which includes $8,800 invoice from Weyers: total cost $23,000. 58 miles of right-of –ways cut, 2-3 times. Cost per hour: $73.60. Sup. Goetsch suggests to use Town tractor since the investment has already been made. In the future, would like to solicit bids to outsource grass cutting. For 2009, bids to be requested with use of Town tractor. Sup. Goetsch requests a drug/alcohol screening for applicants. Sup. Rabas questions who is pay for that expense. Sup. Goetsch believes anyone using power equipment owned by Town should submit to testing, especially from a liability standard point. Chairman Krueger agrees. Bid to include: Applicant resident of Town; hourly rate, experience/skill with hydraulic or farm equipment. Ad shall include the right to refuse any or all bids. From a liability standpoint, Atty. Sickel agrees the Town should require drug/alcohol screening. Sup. Goetsch would like to support the local newspaper and publish in The Denmark News. Chairman Krueger states it should be posted at Town Hall also. Ad to run twice in The Denmark News and received prior to next Town Bd meeting.
ADDRESS CLARIFICATION HYDUKE LANE: - Jon Motquin w/ Br County Planning states Brown Cty serves as the Town’s addressing agent. Grid type system used to assign E911 fire numbers. Problem arose when Max Schroeder (ND-686-2) applied for fire number and Cty discovered there are two properties on Hyduke Lane which have Cooperstown Rd addresses. One property (Marcella Schroeder) has no frontage on Cooperstown Road. Second property (Wayne Hyduke) has frontage on both roads. Br Cty would recommend readdressing these two properties to provide consistency. Wayne Hyduke of 5237 Cooperstown Rd states they have resided at this property for 33 yrs. It would be burdensome to them and the tax payers to change their address after this length of time. Rosella Schroeder is also opposed to an address change. Henry Krueger approved of the Cooperstown Road address. Mr. Hyduke would like to clarify the spelling of Hyduke (spelling changed from Hajduk to Hyduke in 1988). Current addresses make the most sense, and an address change to a tax payer and Town far exceeds Cty making a minor adjustment to their grid system. Jon recommends the following: 1) Re-address Rosella Schroeder’s property (ND-691-2) to Hyduke since the parcel is land locked. Sup. Goetsch inquires when home was built and believes this property should be re-addressed. Would like to see an address change to the Hyduke property (if/when property changes owners). 2) Adopt a resolution to re-affirm the proper spelling of Hajduk to Hyduke. Resolution to be filed with Register of Deeds, w/ copy to the Planning Dept. 3) Parcel for Max Schroeder to be assigned Hyduke Lane fire number. Motion by Sup. Rabas to draft Resolution to reaffirm spelling of Hyduke Lane; seconded by Sup. Goetsch. Sup. Rabas questions how many other properties may have similar problem with number system. Cty reviewing roads Town could vacate, but those would contain only one home. He will also prepare a report to answer this question. Motion by Sup. Rabas to table until June. ND- 686-2 to be assigned a number within the 6400 block of Hyduke. Jon inquires how future requests for fire numbers to be handled. Chairman Krueger states residents should work through him and he will contact Cty. Cty will need parcel number, street name, property owner, distance of centerline to nearest existing driveway with fire number.
Board reverts back to Buildability of ND-100: Jon Motquin states Gary Moore and Aaron Schuette discussed this parcel. Cty states parcel is substandard and non-conforming and would recommend property owners acquire additional property to conform. Cty recommends creating as few non-conforming parcels as possible as it sets precedent. Cty would recommend property owners make attempt to acquire additional property from neighboring owners. A member of the public raises issue that it puts an unfair burden on current owners. What is a reasonable price? Property currently zoned residential. The Town is imposing additional restrictions to this property. Sup. Goetsch does not feel it is unfair to ask that they reach out to the adjacent property owners for additional property and then seek variance if needed. The Town would then have a clear record with specific reasons to approve or deny. Chairman Krueger feels parcel could still be grandfathered-in. Motion by Sup. Goetsch to table until next month and recommends property owners reach out to neighboring land owners. Need to conform w/ordinance for 1.5 acres or make application to Board of Appeal for variance.
INFORMATIONAL BUILDING PERMIT FORMS: Tom/Kathy Janssen of 6330 Rosecrans Rd to construct a 20x24 detached garage. Sup. Rabas makes a motion to accept with approved setback. Seconded by Sup. Goetsch. MC; Max Schroeder (ND-686-2) for electrical service hookup to existing shed. Motion by Sup. Goetsch and seconded by Sup. Rabas to accept. MC; Mike Sipple (ND-147) to construct two story addition to existing single family home located at 5288 Steves Cheese Road. Motion by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to approve. MC; Cynthia Paider (ND-238) to construct a front and back porch addition to existing home. Building inspector reviewed and problem with front porch setback; too close to roadway. Chairman Krueger requests a map or drawing depicting location of new addition showing setback from road. Tabled until June; John/Joyce VanderKinter of ND-86-2 to construct a single family residence on 27.5 acres. Parcel purchased in 1952. Joe Schley has existing home on parcel. Discussion whether buildable – Sup. Goetsch would recommend this be approved by Plan Commission as it does not conform to Smart Growth Plan. John VanderKinter states property grandfathered-in, purchased prior to zoning change in 1972. Motion by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to approve with appropriate set backs. MC; Culvert permit for Todd/Tamara O’Brien to install driveway. Motion by Sup. Goetsch and seconded by Sup. Rabas to approve. MC
CORRESPONDENCE: Ltr from Aaron Schuette inquiring if Bd wishes to continue with Zoning Code updates. Jon Motquin states it is required per State statute the Zoning Code be brought into compliance with the adopted Smart Growth Plan. Motion by Sup. Goetsch and seconded by Sup. Rabas to have Cty continue with Zoning Code updates. MC. Clerk reports fire inspection conducted prior to meeting and Town Hall has two violations. 1) Fire extinguishers to be installed; 2) Illegal extension cord in office, electrical outlet to be added. Br Cty Highway has sent two letters to: 1) VandenPlas property on Cty Hwy R re: concrete blocks in right-of-way and 2) Al VanderKinter on Cty Hwy P installed illegal driveway and needs to be brought up to code. Ltr from Veolia urging Bd to contact legislatures to oppose proposed waste tax as it will increase municipal cost for service per resident. Atty. Sickel states a date needs to be selected re: resolution to widen Old Settlers Road. 30 day notice needed. Motion by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to set hrg for July 13, 2009 to widen Old Settlers Road to 70 ft. Atty. Sickel states a new CSM is needed, along with appropriate legal description of new road dimensions. Town does not have official surveyor. Sup. Rabas states Rice Engineering completed original road work and should have included a CSM. Sup. Rabas to follow w/ Rice or suggests McNaulty since they have surveyed the Schlies property.
PAYMENT OF BILLS: Motion by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to approve and pay bills.
Motion by Sup. Rabas and seconded by Sup. Goetsch to adjourn at 9:52 p.m.
Prepared by: Michelle Wallerius, Clerk
Approved: June 8, 2009
Archive:
August 31, 2010 Special Town Board Meeting Minutes
August 17, 2010 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2010 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2010 Regular Monthly Meeting for July
June 15, 2010 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes
June 14, 2010 Regular Monthly Meeting for June
May 18, 2010 Special Town Bd Meeting - Garbage/Recycling contract
May 4, 2010 Regular Monthly Meeting
April 20, 2010 Plan Commission - Zoning Code Updates
April 13, 2010 Draft - 2010 Annual Meeting Minutes