TOWN OF CROSS PLAINS BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
MONTHLY MEETING JANUARY 2010
The Board of Supervisors of the Town of Cross Plains held their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 11, 2010 in the Community Center, 3734 County Road P, Cross Plains. Notice of the meeting was published in the January 7, 2010 issues of the Mt Horeb Mail and the News-Sickle-Arrow. The agenda was amended and was posted at the Community Center, the Town Garage and at Morgans on January 8, 2010.
Board members Greg Hyer, Vera Riley, Jeff Baylis, Greg Haack and Terry Kurth and about 24 citizens were present. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 by Chairman Greg Hyer. The pledge of allegiance to our flag was led by Vera Riley.
Approval of Minutes of the December 14 Town Board Meeting Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to accept the minutes as presented. Greg Haack referred to Tim Hyland’s presentation of the Centurion Bicycle Race and requested including concern expressed because the date of the race is the date of St Mary’s Pine Bluffannual picnic. Terry amended his motion to approve the minutes with this addition. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
Action on Financial Report and Payment of Bills The Report showing Income and Expense for Jan – Dec 2009 and the Adjusted 2009 Budget was reviewed. Costs of heating oil incorrectly posted as Community Center expense have been transferred to Garage expense. The report does show a net surplus of funds for the year. Income from Dec 2009 tax collections were recorded as notation only because this amount will be included in 2010 revenue. Motion was made by Jeff Baylis, second by Greg Haack to accept the report as presented. All Board members approved. The list of January invoices to be paid was examined. It includes January tax settlement payments to DaneCounty, MATC and school districts. Discussion followed. Payments for Community Center repairs and improvements are supervised by the Park Commission and will be paid from Park Funds to group them collectively. Money will be transferred from the General account to the Park Fund to cover these costs. The invoice received for 2010 Membership in the WTA Urban Towns Committee will not be paid as the Town is not a member of the Committee. The 2010 Municipal Funding Agreement with Northwest Dane Senior Services will be approved in amount allocated in the Town 2010 budget. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to pay invoices recorded on the list. All Board members approved.
Chair Announcements Greg Hyer reported that he and several members of the Plan Commission had attended the DaneCounty Zoning and Land Regulation Committee hearing on the Town Comprehensive Plan. The Plan passed without much discussion. It could be adopted by the County as early as February.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined review of the Hot Rods case. As a result the case is closed.
On February 8, 2010 the Village of Cross Plains will hold a Public Hearing on their proposed Hwy 14 bypass map. Town residents are encouraged to attend.
Rick Hollfelder has been working long hours snowplowing and is doing well. There have been few complaints.
Clerk Announcements The Working Lands program created by DATCP includes conversion fees for lands rezoned out of A-1EX and A-3 Ag districts. 2010 Conversion Fees on Town land is set at $1,012 per acre.
An application has been submitted for $2,775.50 in potential disaster assistance to cover costs incurred as a result of the December 9 – 10 record snowfall.
A Good Neighbor Committee meeting will be held January 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the MazomanieMunicipalBuilding.
Public Participation for three minutes on any item Louise Klopp asked who approved funding for the $3,000 sign for the Cross Plains EMS. She requested that Vera Riley vote against payment if it comes before the District Board.
Vera Riley reported receiving calls from residents on the Centurion Bike Race. Discussion followed. Terry Kurth stated that this event is sponsored by a for-profit group and we too should be for-profit. Local businesses and events such as the Hilltop Inn and the St Mary’s Picnic should report an amount of income expected for that day. The minimum amounts should be met if not earned. Jeff Baylis questioned why the Town was not contacted before the date was set. Greg Haack said road closures on the proposed route are unacceptable on that date. Jim Garfoot expressed concern about completing road construction projects prior to early August. Greg Hyer will talk with Tim Hyland about concerns expressed particularly about the St Mary’s Church Picnic.
Action on Driveway Permit Application by Linus and Donna Schoepp, Garfoot Road access to three lots ref CSM 9974 Linus and Donna Schoepp reported that this is a proposed easement to serve three lots. Zoning was approved about ten years ago. Storm water management is yet to be addressed by DaneCounty. Their letter from DaneCounty indicates that construction of the drive must be complete by May 7. Greg Hyer reported that he and Rick Hollfelder have viewed the site, an engineer is involved in laying out the driveway and he would recommend approval. Discussion followed. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Greg Haack to approve the Application with recommendation that title to each lot include notation that this is a shared easement for all three lots. Greg Hyer stated that he has received the $200 application fee. All Board members voted approval. Motion carried.
Action on Driveway Permit Application by Lauren and Mary Lopez, Observatory Road access to lot ref CSM 5959 Attorney Vern Jesse was present representing the buyers. The lot is part of the big open field west of Observatory Road. Greg Hyer and Rick Hollfelder have viewed the drive. To enter the home site the drive passes just above the swale. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to approve the application. All Board members approved. A $200 check was received.
Action on Allocation of Splits on Braun Road ref CSM 8605, 8519, 9196, 10808 and 11190 Greg Hyer reported that the property buyers, realtor and surveyor were present and that the Plan Commission has seen some of the documents referenced in this request. Mark Gerhart, Badger Surveying reported that in 1993 he did the first survey off this property then owned by Art Jeschke. The buyer, Eugster said he was to get 4 splits. Time went by and County policy changed. A new buyer wants to put a house on a 70 acre parcel on the property. Brian Standing has stated that if the Town would approve the split the County would approve it too. Terry Kurth asked Mark if he had Brian Standing's comments in writing and recommended further discussion after written comments were received. Mike Plesha, 9376 Braun Road,reported 7 splits already on the 200 acre farm or 28 acres per site. An eighth building site would be far more than the current Town Plan allows. Jim Boland suggested that the parties request a density study from DaneCounty. Motion was made by Greg Haack, second by Vera Riley to refer this matter to the Plan Commission for recommendation to the Board in February. All Board members approved. The motion carried.
Action on ValleySpringBridge Replacement Options Westbrook representative Mike Carpenter presented a construction diagram and an Operational Planning Meeting handout. He confirmed KayJohnson's report of severe corrosion of the beams in the middle of the bridge. Board members confirmed that this was a low volume road. Westbrook will follow Trans207 guidelines and will notify the DNR and the Army Corps of Engineers. TDS Telecom underground facilities in the area will need to be moved. The proposed project will be 100 ft in length, the overall structure 30.5 ft long and a clear road width of 28 ft. It will have 42 inch rails on the structure and none on the approach. The proposed new structure will be a single-span, reinforced concrete flat slab cast in place. The Board requested that the responsibility for removal of the existing fence be left to the contractor and costs itemized in the proposal. Valley Spring Road will be closed for about two months. Signs will be installed at either end of the road and barricades at the bridge. Board members asked that Westbrook review the possibility of installing a prefabricated corrugated arch. Mike responded that this type of bridge would have a life span of about 50 years, the concrete bridge about 75 years. A bridge structure requires guard rails but the corrugated arch does not. Westbrook will contact DaneCounty to determine if the arch type of bridge would qualify for cost sharing. They will report their findings to the Board in February. Project scheduling begins with soil borings in February and ends with completion on August 15.
Action on DaneCounty Zoning Amendments 44 Plan Unit Development, 45 Transfer of Development Rights and 46 Sign Regulations Renee Lauber, Dane County Towns Assn Plan Consultant was present. She stated that she hoped the towns would vote in favor of OA 45. The lot size requirement in the receiving sites has been eliminated giving flexibility to the program and the PACE program has been initiated. The County program could open transfers between towns. Towns do not have zoning authority and would have County assistance to administer this program. Towns need to amend their Comprehensive Land Use Plan to opt into the TDR program. Much discussion followed. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to delay action on OA 45 until after the January public hearing. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
OA 44 was considered a useful tool for Towns. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to support Ordinance Amendments 44 and 46. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
Action on Private Driveway Plowing and Salting The Winter Road Maintenance Policy approved by the Board in November 2008 was presented. Board members confirmed that it was well written and should be posted and displayed on the Town website. In keeping with the policy, private drives will not be plowed or widened by Town Road Maintenance persons or equipment. The owner of the drive off Garfoot Road that was salted at the request of the Fire Department will be billed for the service based on actual costs of time, fuel and material used.
Action on Town Reimbursement for Mailbox Damage. Greg Hyer reported that historically the Town would reimburse the owner of a mailbox that was damaged because the plow hit it. There was no compensation for damage done by the indirect action of snow hitting the box. Motion was made by Jeff Baylis, second by Terry Kurth that when a Town truck strikes a mailbox and/or a post, for injury to property the Town shall compensate the owner a flat fee of $50. Discussion followed. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
Action on Town Annual Contribution to FinancingCounty Inter-operable 911 Communication System Greg Haack recommended that the Town not sign the agreement presented by DaneCounty. Jeff Baylis stated that at the DCTA/DCCVA meeting there was near unanimous opposition to the payment method recommended. DCTA/DCCVA has asked to negotiate this. Discussion followed. Greg Hyer stated that there was clearly no Town support for committing to DaneCounty's proposed payment plan at this time.
Action on Approval of town Personnel and Policy Manual including job descriptions Vera Riley reported that Rick Stadelman had been asked to comment on the Manual. The Committee would like to review his comments. Motion was made by Jeff Baylis, second by Terry Kurth to give the Personnel Committee more time. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
Action on Procedure for HiringBuilding Inspector These responsibilities have been handled by two persons in the past. Vera Riley recommended that the position could be made available to one or two qualified individuals or to a contractor. Discussion followed. Motion was made by Terry Kurth that the job should be posted but that the Personnel Manual must be complete before the individual is hired. John Wardour suggested that the Board should intertwine a revised fee structure with the hiring process. The Town building inspection fees should increase to be comparable with other towns in the area. The Finance Committee was asked to review fees and report to the Board. Board members suggested February or March interviews with a decision on hiring to be made in March. All Board members approved. The motion carried.
Additional Chair Announcement The Town of Cross Plains is the government entity sponsoring the Mt Horeb District Volunteer Fire Fighters Length of Service payments. The Town has some responsibility for current payments and some concern about how benefits have been handled in the past. A meeting will be held Jan 12 at the Fire Station #1. Board members are invited to attend.
Action on Cross Plains – Berry Fire District False Alarm Fee Vera Riley presented the False Alarms by Alarm Systems Policy prepared by the Fire District. Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to support the Cross Plains-Berry Fire Alarm Policy. Vera reported that the Fire District will notify residents of fines and the Village of Cross Plains Court could be used for collection. Discussion followed. Board members noted that the Town of Berry has a collection Ordinance. All Board members voted to support the Policy. Motion carried.
Action on Village of Cross Plains official mapping of Hwy 14 bypass corridor The Village is holding a Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m. on February 8 at the Legion Hall on their proposed map. Discussion followed. By all indications the Town’s position is that residents don’t like the Village proposal. Jeff Baylis reported that information presented during the Bus Tour stated that originally Bourbon Road was intended as the new Village route for Hwy 14. Motion was made by Jeff Baylis, second by Greg Haack to change the Town Board meeting date to Monday February 15. All Board members approved. Motion carried.
Park Commission Report Vera Riley reported that Randy Reisdorf has agreed to remove and replace moldy drywall and install ventilation louvers in a storage room door in the lower level of the Community Center. Bob Boehnen will approve payment when work on the project is complete. The $.50 per hour wage increase for our Center Maintenance Part Time Position was approved. The warranty on the windows will be reviewed to cover costs of repairs or replacement. Additional electrical outlets will be installed. Three new smokers’ waste containers were purchased and a light was installed on the flagpole. Projects to be considered this spring: discovery of cause for and replacement of the damp ceiling tile in the downstairs bathroom, slope of landscape to be reviewed to determine if corrective measures will eliminate basement water leaks, and repair or replacement of the outdoor water bubbler. To be in compliance with Park Commission bylaws, it was recommended that the clerk be appointed a non-voting member to write checks and prepare financial reports. Greg Hyer commented that a capital budget for major repairs does not exist. John Wardour concurred that there is no plan in place for capital projects and no revenues to support them.
Motion was made by Terry Kurth, second by Jeff Baylis to adjourn the meeting. All Board members approved. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Anne Herger, Clerk
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