Town board meeting minutes
Dec. 19, 2012, at 6:30 p.m.
Notice of meeting was posted in three (3) locations within the Township of Pine Lake according to Wisconsin Statutes. Meeting was also posted on www.townofpinelake.com
PRESENT: Chairman Jim Flory, Supervisors Brian Gehrig, Timothy Oestreich, Matt Matteson, and Nick Scholtes, Treasurer Judy Skinner and Clerk Cindy Skinner.
Chairman Flory called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Motion by Matt Matteson to approve the agenda and chairman to move items as necessary, second by Tim Oestreich. Motion carried by voice vote. Motion by Nick Scholtes to approve the minutes of the November 28, 2012, Town Board Meeting, second by Matt Matteson. Motion carried by voice vote.
Treasurer’s Report by Judy Skinner. Book Balance – 10/31/2012 – $383,137.85. Receipts $63,041.97. Disbursements – $80,572.27. Book Balance – 11/30/2012 – $365,607.55. Checking Account – $22,872.29. Peoples State Bank Money Market – $339,735.26. Bank Balance – 11/30/2012 – $365,607.55.
Library Report by Ken Hardtke. Written report was distributed to board. Meeting held on December 11, 2012. Financial report 89.5% of budget spent with 92% of year elapsed. Director reported that a number of interested architect companies and persons were requesting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with some confusion as to what that meant. Preliminary process to find a qualified architect. Revised Handbook for part on Emergency Procedures was approved. Director was instructed to develop a policy for display of art work. Allowed library fine forgiveness for month of December with a gift to food pantry. Adult department to research more efficient fax systems for patrons in order to free up staff time. Library usage. Adult department reported on discussion group meetings and Senior Outreach activities. New releases – 149 adult books, 15 adult audiobooks, 28 large print books, 32 DVDs, 30 young adult books and l18 young adult music CDs. E-reader services increasing. Donations received. Children’s Department reported numerous activities and visits to grade schools. All activities are advertised and on the library website. No report available for Pine Lake usage. Next meeting is January 15, 2013, at 3:15 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Item #8 – Church tax exempt status for 5345 Highway 17, Rhinelander Church of Christ, Inc., owner. Church representatives explained the current lease to own contract and the tenant is using property as residential and commercial. That lease began on February 1, 2012. They hope to close on the option to buy on February 1, 2013. Town explained that it had learned that any property that is tax exempt and no longer uses the property as originally intended, is no longer tax exempt. So when the church moved out in 2008, it really should’ve been placed on the tax rolls. The town does have the right to go back two years on omitted property taxes. Discussion. Motion by Nick Scholtes to have the church be responsible for the 2012 property taxes in the amount of $1,056.91, second by Matt Matteson. Motion carried by voice vote. The group was informed that the town is willing to work with them and accept monthly payments for the tax liability.
Citizens Concerns. Ken Hardtke commented that he owns several properties around the state and that Pine Lake property taxes are the lowest that he has to pay.
County Board Supervisor report. Jack Sorensen reported that the county board met on December 18, 2012. There will be a merge of the highway department and the landfill department with the highway commissioner taking over the duties of 56 the department head for the landfill. That employee was given a generous severance package. Possibility that county could be getting out of the landfill business. Information given on mining committee and continued existence. Question on the county dispatch for the City of Rhinelander discussed.
Bill Barnes regarding possible purchase of Vocke building on Highway 17 (discussion only). Mr. Barnes not at meeting, so Jim Flory briefly explained that county thought a variance could be given for that property. May see it come before the board in the future.
Amend the 2012 budget to balance accounts. Clerk Cindy Skinner explained the spreadsheet presented and made a part of these minutes. Email received from Northern Waste regarding the final numbers of increase for 2013. Motion by Jim Flory to approve amending as presented, second by Matt Matteson. Motion carried by voice vote.
Fire Department report. Brian Gehrig reported that November had three fire calls and six EMS calls. The new Rescue 2 is up and running but still needs some equipment. There had been an issue with brake system fuse so took to dealer for replacement and record for warranty purposes.
Constable report. Tom Quandt reported on dog issues. A refrigerator left outside and safety concerns with owner being contacted and taking care of it. Ice fishermen parking problems on Manor Road. Sign to be put up again by town crew.
Communications. Cindy Skinner read note from Jim Berard commending the town board on its responsible handling of the property taxes with no increases. Several Christmas cards received.
Letter from attorney on the Dennis Martens case. Letter from Humane Society that towns will no longer be charged a stray animal fee beginning January 1, 2013, and requesting that consideration of a donation from funds budgeted for that purpose. Town shop inspection report from FD.
Jim Flory informed the board that town will discontinue plowing a private driveway on Moen Lake Road due to no more school buses needing it as a turn around. TRIP money has been received for River Road after meeting with county highway commissioner. Moen Lake campground potential purchaser had contacted him.
Brian Gehrig had call from Stella Fire Department requesting permission to use the right of way across from Moen Lake campground on Lake Shore Drive as an access for their snowmobile races in February. It will be OK to use.
Committee reports. None met. Nick Scholtes did report on what he did to firm up the extra snowplow driver list. After conversations with the men on the list, it will be Mark Skinner first, Larry Fish second, Mike Carroll moved to third due to working for town of Pelican probably for the winter, and Ryan Larsen fourth.
Motion by Brian Gehrig to approve the December vouchers for payment, second by Tim
Oestreich. Motion carried by voice vote.
Next board meeting scheduled for January 16, 2013, at 6:30 p.m.
Motion by Matt Matteson to adjourn, second by Tim Oestreich. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Submitted by Cindy Skinner, Clerk
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