Home Page: Meeting Minutes
|
July 10, 2006 Minutes:
Maine Minutes
Maine Town Hall
6111 N. 44th Avenue
Wausau, WI 54401
Minutes:
Chair Hoenisch called the Board of Supervisors Meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Accounts payable bills were reviewed.
Chair Hoenisch issued copies of the draft bylaws to the Town Board for review. Chief Ohrmundt stated that ten years ago a former Town Board allowed the chief and assistant chief positions to be appointed by the Board instead of a popular vote. The proposed new bylaws state the Board should also appoint officers’ positions as they become available.
Chair Hoenisch stated the Town Board should go to a fire drill meeting with the volunteer fire department to discuss issues that have been arising to the Town Office. Chair Hoenisch voiced her concerns in regards to fire department members not having a chance for advancement. Chair Hoenisch also shared concerns of opinions from residents.
Chair Hoenisch also asked Mr. Ohrmundt why the fire department has not held elections according to the their current bylaws. Mr. Ohrmundt stated since 1993 the law changed regarding officer qualifications. However, Attorney Frokjer explained as long as volunteers have qualifications they can run for elections. Elections have not been held and volunteers are concerned to lack of this process and the fairness it also lacks. Mr. Ohrmundt stated he has not had anyone come to him with complaints. Attorney Frokjer stated under current bylaws elections must be held unless the bylaws were/are amended following proper procedures.
Chair Hoenisch stated that multiple volunteers have complained of the lack of the process. Mr. Ohrmundt stated he’s been following the rules. Attorney Frokjer stated if the volunteers feel involved with the department and the bylaws are followed the members would be more positive.
Attorney Frokjer recommend a questionnaire be handed out at a meeting asking for responses from the volunteers to see what the thoughts are and if there are issues that need to be resolved.
Supervisor Wanke commented on his volunteer time with the Town of Maine and the moral was good at that time several years ago. The Town Board appoints the chief and captains, officers and inspectors. Supervisor Wanke remarked Mr. Ohrmundt and Mr. Pound had a conversation regarding the importance of appointing officers. Supervisor Wanke stated he didn’t feel there was a problem with the new bylaws as the Town has the final decision in appointing officers. Chair Hoenisch replied that the problem lies with lack of term in the appointment language. Consequently members may never have a chance to advance. Chief Ohrmundt stated this is a slippery slope the Town may not want to go down. Attorney Frokjer suggested to not create problems or issues but the volunteers should be asked their opinions.
Bob Pound explained Merrill and Wausau appoints their fire department officials. Mr. Ohrmundt stated he feels the younger members (in regards to years of service) do have a chance for advancement. His concern is to make sure the most qualified person for an officership, not to see who gets the most votes. He stated the intent is to make a good situation better.
Chair Hoenisch recommend the Board have a meeting with the fire department in the future to determine the thoughts and/or complaints.
July 10, 2006
Attorney Frokjer recommended the zero tolerance in regards to consuming alcohol at a drill and zero tolerance driving a vehicle. He recommends defining legal intoxication in the bylaws. He recommends the bylaws state the officer in charge have the right to issue a breathilizer if there is a question of a volunteer’s status.
Chief Ohrmundt stated he will support any decision the Town Board makes, however; he advised not to get on a slippery slope. The administrative level has run the fire department since 1979, they have done an adequate job but advised again not to get on a slippery slope and try to micro manage the fire department, the Board is not qualified or trained to manage.
The Board will set up a meeting with the fire department in the future to hear opinions.
Attorney Frokjer suggested to send out a questionnaire and see what the responses are; if needed a meeting will be determined. In conclusion, Mr. Ohrmundt would like to be part of the process in regards to the questionnaire and results and a possible meeting in the future along with the Board.
Attorney Frokjer suggested the bylaws be more detailed and objective. The Bylaws could explain why a volunteer is and why one is not considered for an officer’s position. Objective would follow State regulations.
Skip Hoenisch, a volunteer from the fire department, suggested the questionnaire be sent and a meeting with just the volunteers and not officers be held in the near future. The Board felt the questionnaire would be sufficient.
Chair Hoenisch stated as elected officials how can we do our jobs and how can we pass bylaws unless we’re sure we have the support of the wonderful volunteer fire department and that there is good moral among the members. Then we know the members are satisfied otherwise we have not done our jobs.
Supervisor Wanke made a motion to send out a questionnaire to the volunteer fire department members and ask what volunteers think of the bylaws and, the Board along with John Ohrmundt and Bob Pound will view the questionnaire before being mailed, seconded by Supervisor Zernicke motion carried.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Accounts Payable and Motion for Approval. Supervisor Wanke made a motion to approve the accounts payable, seconded by Supervisor Zernicke motion carried.
Clerk’s Report
Approve the previous month’s minutes of June 12 and June 20, 2006. Supervisor Wanke made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Supervisor Zernicke with corrections. Motion carried.
Charter Internet Service will be our DSL Internet/phone service in the near future as it is less expensive compared to Verizon.
Chairperson’s Report:
Road Update-The workers are almost finished installing the culverts on the roads that are being paved this year. The workers hauled crushed rock on Lower Circle and Hanz’s has started hauling crushed rock on N. 14th Avenue today because those two roads will be double chip sealed. AB&J will start hauling crushed rock tomorrow on the portions of Cassidy, Decator, N. 44th Avenue, N. 14th Avenue, Deer Brook Court and Deer Brook Circle which are scheduled to be paved in the next two weeks.
The Supervisors and road workers have had several meetings with Town residents regarding ditching and culvert work needed on the proposed road projects.
Chair Hoenisch has received these complaints in the last month:
Complaints of dog barking which Jack Eckardt the constable has addressed.
Complaints on the Van Der Geest Dairy trucks speeding on N. 60th Avenue since the road has been paved. Chair Hoenisch requested the residents along 60th Avenue call Lee Van Der Geest or file a complaint so the Town can set up a special meeting with the Van Der Geest’s.
Complaints of the manure burning process at the Van Der Geest Dairy Farm. Residents stated they do not have a problem with the large dairy but wished that the burning was done on a schedule that the residents were notified previous to the burning so they can shut their windows. Chair Hoenisch suggested a meeting with the Town Board, neighbors and the Van Der Geest’s in the future.
Town Records Update-Attorney Frokjer has sent a final letter to the Hess Law Firm in regards to obtaining the Town’s records in their possession. The Hess Law Firm did give the original records and maps that they were holding to Attorney Frokjer on June 14, 2006.
Supervisor’s Report- Supervisor Wanke has checked roads and ditching with ongoing road work.
Supervisor Zernicke had calls about wash outs and holes and smells from the Van der Geest Farm.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Marilyn Grunenwald reported these figures for month ending June 30, 2006:
Town of Maine Money Markey Account- $297,007.41
Deposits and Interest- 25,674.91
Expenses- 76,356.03
Money Market Balance- 246,326.29
Town of Maine Checking Account 4,842.79
Certificate of Deposit- 49,188.86
Town of Maine Fire Dept Petty Cash Account 1,320.17
Town of Maine Fire Dept Money Market 17,413.93
Municipal NOW Account Loan Amount 204,587.29
Supervisor Wanke made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Supervisor Zernicke motion carried.
Zoning Administrator’s Report-Lester Krueger explained he didn’t know all the ordinances when he started here and a wrecking permit was not issued for a resident. The situation was rectified. Supervisor Wanke stated he was asked by an audience member to ask Mr. Krueger why the wrecking fee was not paid.
Other Business:
A. Discussion and possible action to set pond permit fee-
Attorney Frokjer stated the DNR has regulations if it affects surface water drainage. The DNR would need to inspect if it’s in a wetland. This is tabled until the August Board of Supervisors meeting. Chair Hoenisch will find a sample form and Supervisor Wanke will get a copy of the County’s pond permit.
B. Discussion and possible action to set occupancy bond fee for additions-Supervisor Zernicke made a motion to set an occupancy bond fee for additions of $300, seconded by Supervisor Wanke Motion carried.
C. Discussion and possible action on minimum permit fee for electrical and
Plumbing inspections-Supervisor Wanke made a motion to charge of fee of $50 seconded by Supervisor Zernicke motion carried.
D. Discussion and possible action to approve Jeff Utech to another term on the Plan Commission to May 2009-Supervisor Wanke made a motion to approve Jeff Utech to the Plan Commission until May 2009, seconded by Supervisor Zernicke motion carried.
The next Board of Supervisor’s meeting will be August 14, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. for bill approval and the general meeting starting at 7:30 p.m.
Supervisor Zernicke made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m. seconded by Supervisor Wanke, Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted and approved on August 14, 2006,
Kimberly A. Freund
Town of Maine Clerk
Last modified: 03/22/07.
Archive:
August 19, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
August 13, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
August 10, 2009 Board of Supervisors
July 27, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
July 13, 2009 Board of Supervisors
July 6, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
July 6, 2009 Board of Supervisors Special Meeting
June 29, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
June 15, 2009 Board of Supervisors special meeting
June 8, 2009 Board of Supervisors Meeting