TOWN OF WASCOTT Wascott, WI 54890 Regular Town Board Meeting Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Wascott Town Hall Approved 1. Work Session Chair Newsome called the work session to order at 6:30 p.m. to review financial claims presented for payment by Clerk/Treasurer Atkinson. Board members reviewed the claims and a Bush/Johnson motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. was made and carried. 2. Regular Board Meeting Chair Newsome called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 3. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 4. Roll Call; verification of public notice and approval of agenda. Board members in attendance were Chair Newsome, Supervisors Bush, Beglinger, Hanson and Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer Atkinson and 32 guests. Meeting notice was posted on the town's four bulletin boards and website. A Beglinger/Hanson motion to approve agenda was made and carried. 5. Review, any corrections, and approval of minutes of meetings held on 5/4, 5/11 and 5/17/2010. A Bush/Johnson motion to approve minutes was made and carried. 6. Special Order of Business: DNR representative to address logging on Crabb property. Two representatives of the Gordon and Minong DNR offices presented a brief explanation on the forest practices taking place at the site. Mark Brasch, Forest Ranger of the Gordon Ranger Station stated the reason the timber is being harvested is because it is getting old and dying. In recent years, the legislature is requiring the state to be aggressive in managing state land to get harvesting done and regenerate the area. The Crabb property is similar to most properties in the area having short lived species of trees originating because of fire.purpose is to regenerate and restore the area focusing on the long and short term esthetics of the area. 7. Reports of town and county officers. a. Town Chairperson Chair Newsome received two letters from the Wascott Men's Garden Club and thanked the club for the communication and the activities in trying to bring awareness to the County on the condition of roads in the town. Two supervisors will attend the upcoming Douglas County Highway meeting. A communiqué from the WI DNR indicating that in February 1975 a request to rename Bardon Lake to Whitefish Lake was approved by the Wascott Town Board in October 1975 but was not registered with the U.S. Bureau of Geographic Names. Therefore, this request is to complete that process. For the Board's information and consideration - a representative from the U.S. Dept of Agriculture would like to place traps on Douglas County land for tracking wolves and capturing them long enough to put tagging devices on them. He is requesting permission from the town to place the traps in the town's roads right-of-way. If action is to be taken, it will be done at a future meeting. b. Volunteer fire department and Gordon-Wascott EMS - Fire Chief Tom Michalek reported 9 medical calls and 1 downed tree. Open House will be June 19th from 11-2:00 p.m. Tracy Vig, EMS, reported 19 calls - 12/Gordon and 7/Wascott. c. County Board representative Mary Bergman - All Douglas County committees have been formed. Mary Lou will serve on the Forestry Committee, Zoning, Land Conservation and Library committees. A recycling flyer has been posted indicating spring collection dates for disposal of old medications, appliances, etc. Andy Lisak has been hired as the new county administrator. A highway tour with Douglas County personnel and citizens of the community viewed the conditions of various roads in Wascott and the surrounding area in an effort to bring awareness to the much needed repair of roads. The county has entered into a program for prescription drug discounts. All Douglas County residents are eligible and there is no charge. There is an average of a 22% savings for all family members, including some pet medications. To participate, go to the Douglas County Courthouse and get a pharmacy card. WI Peer Regulations for 2010. There is a difference between peers and docks. Most peers do not require a permit, Page 2 of 5 - Regular Board Meeting
or registration fee from the DNR. If one lives on the water and has a peer, it is important to find out what the regulations are. For more information, go to dnr.wi.gov. At the Forestry Committee meeting, discussion of the UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) designed for highway use and manufactured with specific features. This is a pilot program in effect to June 2012. If adopted by the County, towns and villages automatically are part of the program. However, as a town or village, each community has the opportunity to opt out by resolution and can do so at any time. UTV's will abide by the same rules as the ATV's. The signage for ATV's will also control the UTV's. There is approximately $100,000 remaining in the Community Block Grant. 8. Public comments addressed to the board on public issues, not individual persons. No action to be taken. Bev Allen questioned when the issue of ATV routes would be addressed by the board - namely Mail Road. Chair Newsome assured it would be addressed at a regular board meeting - not a special board meeting. Voiced concern over putting more ATV's on more roads and what is the town's liability if someone were hurt. Patti McDermott commented that the Wascott's Men's Garden Club raised $843 during the Memorial Day Weekend for the Park n' Ride. Also, inquired on availability of the town's committee minutes and why they are not on the website. Supervisor Bush commented that minutes should be in binders located in office. Chair Newsome stated that minutes be sent to her and she will forward to the website. Patti also voiced her disappointment that former members of the Cemetery Committee were not notified they would no longer be serving on that committee. Agnes Kennard Volunteer organizations have provided flowers for the various locations in the town for years. This year, the Four Seasons Rec Club provided flowers for the Ballpark; Wascott Community Club and the McCann s provided a flower planter for the town hall and resident Bob Brand provided flowers for the Cemetery. It is important recognition is given to the appropriate clubs and individuals. Also, Agnes pointed out that in the minutes of the May board meeting, it was not stated that her issue was that of not being called on and being recognized to speak at the Annual Meeting. Agnes wanted to talk about the $10,000 lawyer fee that is new to the town, above and beyond the town's association lawyer access. If she cannot speak at the annual meeting and it is not put in the minutes, she has not said anything. The author of this document wishes to apologize to Agnes for not sufficiently providing her comments as stated. Steve Trainor thanked school board member Michelle Manor for voting down the new school buses the board was recommending to purchase for three quarters of a million dollars. Steve also thanked Jan Newsome for expressing her concern not desiring that additional tax burden for Wascott. Chuck McDermott commented that a date had not been set for next year's annual meeting and wanted to know the status. Chair Newsome stated it would be the second Tuesday of April as stated in the statutes. She will follow up to see if it can be different, perhaps be addressed at another special town meeting later this year. Dennis Gaynor commented there are so many ATV's on Bass Lake Road and it is ruining the peace and quiet. Before any more roads are approved for usage, perhaps the town needs to address what is happening right now. John Meteraud commented when the ball park is rented, and only the pavilion is used, others cannot use the ball park area because liability lies with the renter. Chuck McDermott suggested the form be more specific as to use allowing more than one party to use the area at one time. Chair Newsome stated the board will review the wording. Bev Allen requested an explanation of why the additional lawyer's fees are being expended when the WTA attorneys are available. She requested it be put on the agenda for the June board meeting. 9. Specific matters for discussion and possible action by town board in open session. a. Town Clerk/Treasurer 1) Treasurer's Report - Clerk/Treasurer presented the May 2010 Financial Summary as follows: Town Checking Account Balance $259,201.73 LGIP 611,970.34 FD Money Market Accounts: Acct #8143 5,866.91 Acct #8432 13,258.11 Acct #8374 1,904.06 2) Town clerk's presentation of financial claims for May 2010 for board approval. A Bush/Johnson motion to approve the claims as presented; motion carried. 3) Operator (bartender) licenses - A Beglinger/Hanson motion to approve 2 year operator's licenses for Marie Janowicz, Teresa Sanford, James Guerin, Kathleen Young, Marsha Voyt and Pamela Davis effective July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2012; motion carried. Page 3 of 5 - Regular Board Meeting
4 & 5) Liquor license renewals and Cigarette license renewals for July 1, 2010-June 30, 2011 - A Johnson/Bush motion to approve liquor licenses for Antler Inn, View Point Lodge, McNamara's Bar & Restaurant, Stop-A-Sec, Red Lake Resort, Lookout Tavern, Golden Chipmunk Resort, Seaman's Resort, Crystal Lake Bar, Circle Pines, Pogo's Harbor Inn and Bootlegger's Bar & Grill and to approve Cigarette Licenses for Antler Inn, View Point Lodge, Stop-A-Sec, Red Lake Resort, Crystal Lake Bar, Circle Pines and Pogo's Harbor Inn subject to the license fees meeting all of the requirements for a license; motion carried. 6) Application for Picnic Liquor License - Four Season's Rec Club, Inc. - A Bush/Beglinger motion to approve picnic liquor license for Four Season's Rec Club for September 4 or 5 was made and carried. b. Town Plan Commission 1) Supervisor Bush reported that Douglas County Zoning met on May 12 and approved the seasonal dwelling for Daniel Sires; approved the Doyle Brown request provided set backs are met; approved Timothy & Mark St. Aubin for a seasonal dwelling at Eagle Heights (which the town did not approve); approved two conditional use permits for Bruce Bradley for a private campground and accessory building (which the town did not approve). Town Plan Commission met on May 27 and had a discussion on private campgrounds; next meeting will be June 24 at 9:00 a.m. 2) Resolution re: Private Campgrounds - A Bush/Beglinger motion to refer this resolution back to the Town Plan Commission to make a recommendation to the Board at the July meeting. Discussion as follows: Supervisor Johnson felt the time frame between meetings, delays action and she would like to see the resolution passed sooner than later. Supervisor Bush's position is there should be more input from the Comprehensive Plan Commission and if we received a request for a private campground before the next Plan Commission meeting, the Douglas County Zoning would not act on it until the July meeting and a recommendation would be forthcoming by the July meeting. Feels there is no harm in delaying action so the Comprehensive Planning Commission committee members can discuss it further. Supervisor Beglinger asked if the Comprehensive Plan addressed the issue of private campgrounds at all. Supervisor Bush stated just Douglas County Zoning. Supervisor Bush further stated he did not have enough information to make a decision to eliminate private campgrounds and would like to have more information to make sure that the decision being made is in the best interest for the town. Supervisor Hanson commented he was not comfortable with all the "whereas's" in the resolution and the resolution to the county could be much simpler stated, straightforward - we are not the tail wagging the dog! Roll call vote to refer back to committee - Bush, aye; Johnson, no; Newsome, no; Hanson, aye; Beglinger, no. Motion failed. A Newsome/Beglinger motion to approve Resolution 2010-. Discussion - Supervisor Beglinger commented this resolution is an advisory resolution to the county. Feels it is well worth the effort to advise the county that at this time the town does not support a continuation of multiple campers and does not want to leave it open for one or more months and see the possibility of more of these permits being issued. Call for the vote - voice vote as follows: Johnson, aye; Newsome, aye; Beglinger, aye; Bush, no and Hanson, no. Motion passed. c. Conservation and Recreation 1) Supervisor Johnson reported the committee discussed the Eau Claire River property. Been busy with the DNR discussing the Crabb property, ATV ordinances and the Cranberry Flowage. 2) Report & recommendation on appropriation request received from the St. Croix Flowage - A request was made at April's board meeting by a representative of the St. Croix Flowage Association asking for a $2,000 a year donation for five years. The committee turned it down because there are no monies available in the budget to be used for lakes and waterways. A Bush/Beglinger motion to support the committee's recommendation to deny request of the $2,000/year for five years was made; motion passed. Page 4 of 5 - Regular Board Meeting
3) Proposed revisions to ATV Ordinance #2020-03, including addition of Ball Park Road - A Bush/Beglinger motion to approve ATV Ordinance 2010-03 - All-Terrain Vehicle Route Ordinance; roll call vote as follows: Bush, aye; Johnson, aye; Newsome, aye; Hanson, aye; Beglinger, aye. Motion unanimously passed. 4) ATV petitions received - no action. 5) Resolution to rename Bardon Lake to Whitefish Lake (original request to DNR submitted in 1975) - This is a procedural resolution to rename the lake. A Beglinger/Bush motion to adopt resolution 2010- - Rename Bardon Lake to Whitefish Lake was made; motion carried. 6) Correspondence from Douglas County Forestry Department regarding Utility Terrain Vehicle Pilot Program (not yet adopted by the County). Option for the Town of Wascott to opt out of the pilot program. Recommendation of the Conservation and Recreation Committee - At this point, we will wait and see if Douglas County will pass the resolution allowing UTV's on ATV trails. The County resolution would then apply to all municipalities within the county unless a town, village, or city opts out of the program by passing its own resolution. 7) Implementation of Cranberry Flowage Ordinance, maintenance/purchase of markers - Supervisor Bush stated there needs to be seven buoys placed in the Cranberry Flowage. Currently, we have four buoys and there is a need to purchase three. The Cranberry Flowage Association is requesting the town to purchase the additional buoys since, by Ordinance, it is the town's responsibility. The placement of the markers, according to Section 5. A. The placement of markers and signs shall be done by or under the direction of the Town Board. The Cranberry Lake/Flowage Association will support the Town Board in placing and maintaining the markers and signs. Supervisor Beglinger would like to see the ordinance rewritten and clarify Section 5. A Johnson/Beglinger motion to allocate up to $500 for the purchase of buoys and refer the ordinance back to committee for subsequent changes; 4 ayes, Bush, no because he believes the Cranberry Lake/Flowage Association should be made whole which would be more than the limit, not to exceed $500. Motion passed. 8) A Johnson/Bush motion to adopt Resolution 2010- - Authorize Neighborhood Watch Program and appropriate $300 was made; motion carried. d. Buildings and Grounds 1) Supervisor Hanson reported we are close to finalizing a 10 year Transfer Station Agreement between the Towns of Wascott and Gordon. The matter of ownership on the property where the town garage exists needs to be recorded with the Douglas County Register of Deeds. The tax record states it is owned by the Town of Wascott School District 2. The deed had been changed but not recorded. Doug will resolve. Prisoners did an excellent job of cleaning the cemetery. Committee will look into revising Ballpark Rental Form to allow more than one party use of the area at one time. e. Public Works 1 & 2) Driveway Permit Application-Brian Brisky - A Beglinger/Bush motion to approve the Driveway Permit for Brian Brisky with a letter sent expressing the concerns of the permit (easement is less than the standard requirement for a driveway; the visibility is poor; some trees need to be removed; driveway was put in before permit issued); 4 ayes; Newsome, no. Motion passed. 3) Resolution to amend budget to equip new truck and extended warranty options - A Beglinger/Bush motion to amend budget to encumber approximately $55,000 for the conversion of the new truck with the understanding we will not be billed until January 1, 2011. Roll call vote - Bush, aye; Johnson, aye; Newsome, aye; Hanson, aye and Beglinger, aye. Unanimously approved. Quotes received for equipping truck were as follows: Universal Truck Equipment Inc., Galesville, WI; Monroe Truck EQ, Marshfield, WI; Indianhead Truck Equipment, Menomonie, WI and McKenzie Supply & Equipment, Rice Lake, WI. A Beglinger/Hanson motion to accept the quote from Universal Truck was made; motion passed. 4) Authorize expenditures for road signs and blacktop - A Beglinger/Newsome motion to approve expenditures for road signs and blacktop was made and approved.
Page 5 of 5 - Regular Board Meeting June 1, 2010 5) Authorize invitation for bids for Red Lake, Persons Loop and Crystal Lake Landing - A Beglinger/Bush motion for authorization to let bids was made and approved. f. Administrative 1 & 2) Chair Newsome reported the committee met and discussed the unlawful tax complaint of Michael Meyer. A Bush/Beglinger motion to assess a 60/40 split for the 2008 omitted tax bill; motion approved. 3) A Newsome/Beglinger motion to adopt Resolution 2010- - Acceptance and Use of Donations Policy was made and approved. 4) A Hanson/Johnson motion to adopt Resolution 2010- - Fixed Asset Policy and authorize purchase of fixed asset software and inventory tags was made and approved. 5) A Newsome/Hanson motion to adopt Resolution 2010- - Authorize preparation of a Wascott municipal code was made and approved. 10. Future meeting schedule; suggested agenda items. 11. A Hanson/Johnson motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. was made and approved. Respectfully submitted, Jeannette Atkinson Clerk/Treasurer