BOARD MEETING MINUTES

May 17, 2023

 

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Chairman Dean Liddicoat.

Present:  Dean Liddicoat, Mark Sieling, Jeff Lindner,  Sam Palzkill, Josh Husom

 Others Present:    List attached  of 47 attendees

Confirmed compliance with open meeting law.

Minutes from the April 12, 2023 Board  meeting and April 18, 2023 Annual Meeting were approved   on a motion by, Jeff  second by Mark

Jon Novak – Stosh indicated the partial Planning Commission had made several unofficial site visits but a proper site visit had not been done.  There was miscommunication at the last Board meeting regarding scheduling an official visit.  Clerk asked Stosh to schedule a visit and was told to call Tom Small.   Mark state that a fire number represents a structure and there can only be three fire numbers per driveway.

Alan Jewell – Alan presented maps of two grass runways he is proposing on this property.  FAA approval has been applied for.  Motion by Mark, second by Jeff to approve both runways.  Carried.

Kelly Johnson – was a dog/child proof line fence.  Neighbor has offered to install a 3 wire barbed fence.  Clerk confirmed that, per Wisconsin Statutes, that is a legal fence.  Kelly indicated she was willing to pay for the type of fence wire she wants but not sure how to get it installed.  The Board answered a number of questions regarding fencing.

Wind Turbines – the purpose of this agenda item was to determine if the Township residents or landowners want the Board to adopt an ordinance creating a six month moratorium on construction of wind turbines in the Township.   Kathy Ladd started the discussion by explaining that the moratorium was  to buy time to implement requirements for Health and Safety such as distance from buildings.   Ralph Springer stated he was tired of people moving into the Township and trying to run things.  Stosh Potocki commented that he sat and listened to  a tower at Montfort and after a half hour was dizzy and could not walk a straight line.  He asked for the moratorium, presented a  sample ordinance, suggested an ad hoc committee be formed to formulate restrictions and  reminded the Board that it is the duty of the Township to  provide for health and safety of the residents.  William Neal agreed with Stosh and commented that Industrialization  can ruin a community and it will never come back.  He is concerned for the health of the community as a whole.  John Foley questioned the study Stosh permormed.  Alan Jewell commented that the politicians  and the PSC rubber stamp everything and don’t care about the results.  Kathy Wood stated that 24 townships in northern Wisconsin have passed a moratorium and have an attorney who drafts the final  ordinance.  Moscow, Waldwick and Mifflin townships have passed the moratorium.  Act 40 gave power to the State and PSC to regulate these.  Mark commented that the Township  cannot override the PSC.  Troy Russell commented that when the blades wear out, the go to landfill and where is the landfill going to be.  Rebekah  commented on the negative effect the turbines have on property values.  Jon Novak commented that the public needs to be educated on what the turbines do to farmland.  The weight of machines installing them compacts soil and causes a of  irreversible damage.   There was discussion about the number of studies and someone suggested a study of the studies which Jane Potocki said she was capable of doing.  It was suggested that the study be done by someone not in the Township.

After continuing discussion back and forth, Clerk asked for a show of hands in favor of the Board passing the moratorium.  Of the 46 residents/property owners present, all but three were in favor of the moratorium. 

Kathy Wood commented that Badger Hollow program has 30-50 turbines on deck to be placed in the Town of Linden in addition to those of Pattern Energy.

Lisa Springer indicated that the moratorium takes away people’s rights to do what they want on their property.

Continued discussion among residents present regarding problems wind turbines present.

Clerk asked for volunteers for an Ad Hoc committee to come up with suggestions for the final ordinance.  Volunteers:  Alan Jewell, Kathy Ladd, Chris Ladd, Stosh Potocki, Jane Potocki, John Foley, Ralph Springer, Lisa Springer, William Neal.  Kathy Ladd volunteered to set up meeting

Western Star – lost bid accepted would be $130,000.

Contracts for Worth Service for a three year contract of  $11,800 per year for appraisal services and a contract from Mineral Point Fire in the amount of $12,800 were approved on a motion by Jeff, second by Mark.

Road Work – Roaster Road $1,600, Keough Springs Road $59,124, Bucket Road $13,760.  Approved for Scott Constuction.  Josh indicated that Lost Grove Rd has shoulder issues and needs repair.

Dean – a 3’ by 4’ sign for in front of the hall would cost  $340 at Signs to go.  Appoved.

Josh – Roads need shouldering to preserve the road from collapsing into the ditch.  Gravel is $7/ton.  Josh authorized to purchase.   Damage was done to the corner of the big shed at the dump.  Road signs will be purchased from Rodney in Iowa.  Boom mower – Fabco service rep will check on wiring for boom mower and will service the 250 hour service on the loader.

Mel -- $7-$8 million construction on CTH T shut down by US Fish and Wildlife.  Airport has to spend $300,000 on a dry pond per FAA using the funds earmarked for runway expansion

Bills approved by Jeff, second by Mark.

Camera at the dump was discussed.  Josh approved to get a second camera for better coverage.

Jeff L --  there needs to be a new larger sign at the dump with rules and what can and cannot be left  e.g. how a refrigerator/freezer has to be broken down.

Next meeting set for June 14, 2023 at 7:00pm

Motion to adjourn by Jeff, second by Mark.

Meeting adjourned at 10:05

Respectfully submitted,

Sam Palzkill, Clerk