Town of York
Regular Monthly Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 10, 2015

The meeting was called to order at 8:00 P.M. Present were Chairman Dan Reeson, 1st Supervisor Tim Czerwonka, Treasurer Ann Carlson, and Clerk Nancy Anderson. 2nd Supervisor Steve Hermanson arrived shortly after we began. Also present were patrolman Wade Jones, Dave Green, Bethany Storm, Woods Dreyfus, Heidi Hankley and several other interested citizens. Verification of proper notice was given. Dan Reeson move to approve the October minutes, Tim Czerwonka 2nd the motion. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report– Ann Carlson noted that the Town received their final transportation aids payment in the amount of $22,664.10, and that our spending for contracted work is way over budget due to the added expense of the new bridge on Poplar Grove Road. We will be receiving some reimbursement in early 2016.

Bills– Both Wade and Nancy presented bills to be paid this month. Dan Reeson move to approve the bills, Steve Hermanson 2nd the motion. Motion carried.

Patrolman’s Report– Wade reported that vandals are knocking down stop signs with their vehicles. The Green County sheriff has been informed of this and will keep watch in the area. Wade has also been pricing chips needed for winter road application. The Town averages $4000 per year for salt. Some bridge marker signs need replacing.

Driveway Permits-None.

Plan Commission

  • PC recommendation to pursue CAFO ordinance– Bethany Storm led a discussion about the damage that could easily happen to our water quality if “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations” (CAFOs) are allowed in our area. Other citizens expressed their concerns as well. If water quality is compromised or polluted, our health could be in jeopardy and property values would be greatly diminished. The Town Board will consider reactivating our Rural Land Commission Committee to examine this threat. Bethany Storm who has a background in environmental biology offered to serve on this committee. The matter will be put on the December agenda for further consideration.

Public Comments– None.

Old Business

  • Recycling-Mirror Hang Tags-During the month of October, 262 recycling tags were issued. Those not receiving a tag can ask the supervisor on duty to issue a tag.
  • Update on new and old trucks and loans– The Town has two payments left on the Freightliner Truck which was recently sold and another loan for the truck just purchased. Dan Reeson will meet with the bank loan officer to discern how best to handle the matter.

New Business

  • Sign New Glarus EMS contract– Dan Reeson signed the New Glarus EMS contract for 2016.
  • 2016 Budget– The Board went through all the accounts and determined the amounts needed for each category for the 2016 budget. Ann will compile the budget in preparation for the budget hearing on Tuesday, November, 2015.
  • Code of Country Living Forms– It is imperative that persons seeking a driveway permit read and sign the Code of Country Living form in addition to the driveway application form so there is no question that they are, indeed, moving into an agricultural area where farming and all the aspects of farming are present and on-going.
  • Fund for a new Green’s Prairie Cemetery Sign– Town of York property owner, Chuck Bauer, recently visited the cemetery and noticed the poor condition of the sign at the cemetery entrance. He thought it might nice to purchase a new sign and also offered to make a substantial donation, should we choose to start a fund. Dave Green who helps oversee the upkeep and improvements of the cemetery thought that a historical marker would probably be the best type of sign to purchase as it would solidify and validate the importance of this prairie cemetery. A sign of this type, however, may cost upwards of $1500. More discussion needs to take place before a fund is set up, and nothing would actually happen until mid year 2016.

Driveway Refunds– Dan Reeson move to approve a driveway refund to Bill and Barb Liegel, Tim Czerwonka 2nd the motion. Motion carried.

Adjournment– Steve Hermanson move to adjourn the meeting, Tim Czerwonka 2nd the motion. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:04 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Anderson, Clerk