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January 14, 2008 Regular Town Board Meeting
Janice Johnson called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken and all Board Members were present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk verified that the meeting was published and posted. The Clerk read the minutes from the previous meeting. Sherrie Craft made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Scott Khalar seconded the motion and motion carried. Rose Graves gave the Treasurer’s report. Scott made a motion to accept the report as read. Sherrie seconded the motion and motion carried. Tom Stewart was not in attendance. Scott made a motion to pay the town’s bills. Sherrie seconded the motion and motion carried. Sherrie stated that the Fire Department had received a thank you from Bill and Rachel O’Connell along with a $50.00 donation. John Prohaska gave the Fire Department Report. No calls this month. The compressor is broken and he requested that it be repaired at the estimated cost of $500 which will be taken out of his budget. Scott made a motion to approve this request. Sherrie seconded the motion and motion carried. Scott gave the Equipment and Roads report. Frost heaves are coming up. The John Deere has been fixed, but we are waiting on the invoice. It has been estimated to cost between $4,000 - $5,000. The clutch went on the Brusher. Estimated cost to repair is $2,500. Scott suggested the highway department men fix it themselves to keep the cost down. The cost of the parts is estimated at $300 - $400. Sherrie gave the Grounds, Building and Recycling reports. The thermostats have been turned down to conserve energy. The Clerk gave the Constable’s report of one stray cat. Willard Kiefer stated that Marty O’Brien’s great grandson has passed away and will be buried in the spring. A lot will be purchased. Willard gave a report on the Comprehensive Planning Committee’s progress. They will be receiving help from the Northwest Regional Planning Commission. The Plan needs to be completed by 2009. Of the 295 surveys sent out by Douglas County to Highland landowners and residents, 70 had been returned. Sherry Amys stated that this percentage of returns was actually higher that the average for Douglas County as a whole. Willard also commented that the Town Board needs to assume Village Powers to establish a planning commission. Further committee meetings will be held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Town Hall. These are open to the public and he encouraged the public to attend. The Clerk stated that the Website is up and running. George Kornstad requested that the Clerk prepare a report comparing last year’s heating costs to this year. Sherrie made a motion to approve the Joint Powers Agreement with Douglas County for the Comprehensive Planning. Scott seconded it and motion carried. The Clerk reported on the information she had received from Richard Stadelman from the Wisconsin Towns Association regarding the purchase of a new or used fire truck. Janice explained that there had been much discussion regarding this issue and that the Board feels it is time to put a new fire truck out on bids with understanding that the Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The decision to purchase a new versus used fire truck will be decided after the bids are received. The Clerk will publish the bid request and letters will be sent out to known companies wishing to bid. John Prohaska will provide the specs of the vehicle needed. Bids are to be received prior to the next board meeting. Sherrie made a motion to approve this action. Scott seconded it and motion carried. Mike Ross and Willard Kiefer spoke in favor of purchasing a fire truck. Janice stated that meeting scheduled for January 22 has been cancelled until further information is received. Old Business – Sherry Amys commented that we should not neglect the upkeep of the old town hall and we need to continue to think about the future use of the building. Alice Wincek commented that the roof leaks. Janice stated that Don Ronkainen had inspected it a year ago and he felt it was okay at that point. She will have him inspect it again. George Kornstad would like to have an agenda item for the May meeting that will address summer usage of the old town hall. New Business – none. The next Regular Town Board Meeting will be held Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Highland Town Hall. Sherrie made a motion to adjourn. Scott seconded it and motion carried. Also present: Jim Kotera, Lois Craft, Sherry Amys, Allan Coleman, Joyce Coleman, Sue Ann Bruce, Lester Johnson, Doreen Schaller, Alice Wincek, Donna Khalar, Michael Ross, Ron Cairns.