Town of York
Monthly Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Please Note: These Town Board meeting minutes are posted as draft-only to inform town residents of the topics addressed at the board meeting. These minutes are subject to review and possible revision at next month’s Town Board meeting and should not be considered official until they receive final board approval at that time.
The meeting was called to order at 7:09 pm. The meeting was held in person and as a video conference on Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Dan Truttmann, 1st Supervisor April Prusia, 2nd Supervisor Travis Leonard, and Clerk-Treasurer Jessie Schlumpf were present. Verification of proper notice was given.
Public Comment- Kristi Leonard commented regarding ATV routes in Green County and presented 2 versions of proposed ordinances and maps. Connecting to Monticello, Albany and Brodhead is the goal. The Board asked about the safety for a route utilizing County H and/or County J. Jessie Schlumpf complimented the Plan Commission on their Comprehensive Plan Survey.
Minutes September 14, 2021, Town Board Meeting- Minutes for the Tuesday, September 14, 2021, Board meeting were presented. April Prusia moved to approve the minutes; second by Travis Leonard. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report, and ARPA update- The Treasurer’s report was presented. Dan Truttmann moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report; second by April Prusia. Motion carried. ARPA: Jessie Schlumpf reported that the updated ARPA calculator is in place, but the Town of York probably does not have any revenue loss. The 10/31/2021 yearly filing deadline has been extended to April 30, 2022. Also, Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs – York is one) will not be reporting through ID.me; an alternative reporting program will be announced. ARPA funds could be used to update wiring, windows, etc. at the Town Hall, as well to reimburse for first installment tax collection costs. Another possible use is larger culverts over trout streams – improves water quality (per Chris Narveson of Green County Hwy. Dept.).
Bills- Jessie Schlumpf presented bills to be paid. Dan Truttmann moved to approve the bills as presented; second by Travis Leonard. Motion carried.
Patrolman’s Report- Wayne Bue put up a 25-ton limit sign on the Badger Road bridge; he’s half done with the mowing. He is working on ordering salt, etc. and will check for a better price on 50/50 mix than quoted by Green County Hwy. Dept. Dan Truttmann looked at a damaged culvert on York Center (east of Nancy Anderson’s) that needs a short section of 18” culvert replaced – the landowner will do the work himself if the Town of York provides the culvert section. The International Truck needs to be sand blasted and painted next year due to frame rust; in the interim power washing on a nice day would help. The Board discussed storing the tractor under the town hall and putting the truck in the shed. Dan Truttmann will check with Steve Hermanson whether he plans to continue as a snowplow driver. April Prusia reported that signs for York and Blanchard Townships have been moved on Gould Hill Rd. Hustad Valley Rd. sign has been put up.
Plan Commission Report- Bethany Storm reported on the Comprehensive Plan survey results (over 50% participation). Survey Synopsis: York residents want to keep the rural character; no more subdivisions, keep the landscape and character; maintain natural resources and night sky; on ATV’s – top choice – designated route, 2nd choice – none; yes to solar farms; 50/50 for wind farms; over 50% want more communication towers; and minimal financial effects for most residents due to COVID. The results of the survey will be posted on the website. Comprehensive Plan Update: The Plan Commission has finished reviewing goals in the Comprehensive Plan. SWRPC has provided figures and maps for updating the Plan, and a Word document of the Plan; it’s hoped the update can be wrapped up by the end of the year, with a public hearing in January (or earlier).
Chairman Report- 1) Dan Truttmann reported that in addition to Town Hall needs listed in the ARPA report, we need a town hall printer. 2) He talked with town counsel about discontinuing roads; they have a staff person for the necessary research. Dan will send the list to town counsel. 3) Counsel thinks there is no need for a closed session meeting. The Board will set general goals in the next 1-2 months based on the Comprehensive Plan survey, etc.; and counsel will work to accomplish those goals the most cost-effective way. The Board should appoint Dan Truttmann and/or Bethany Storm for one-on-one discussions with counsel; counsel would then present options to each of them individually (does not constitute a walking quorum); and then counsel will present ordinance options to the Board.
Business Items-
Ron Strommen land transfer/division- The Board discussed this land transfer. Dan Truttman moved to approve the land transfer from Ron Strommen to Kiel and Baileigh Stampfli, 94 acres of land and 10 dwelling units; second by Travis Leonard. Motion carried.
Mike Paradis driveway permit – Muench subdivision, Hwy 39- The Board discussed this proposed driveway. Dan Truttmann moved to approve the driveway permit for Mike Paradis in the Muench subdivision on Hwy. 39; second by April Prusia. Motion carried.
Redistricting resolution- The Board discussed the creation of two wards; our population is now 1,000. Dan Truttmann moved to approve Resolution #2021-2 for the Town of York for Ward Creation and Designation of Polling Place; second by April Prusia. Motion carried.
Tax Collection agreement with Green County- The Board asked Jessie Schlumpf for her recommendation; this cost can be paid with ARPA funds. Dan Truttmann moved to approve the Tax Collection Agreement between the Town of York and Green County for first installment of 2021 tax payments; second by Travis Leonard. Motion carried.
Green County highway matching funds for 2022- The Board discussed this on-going program, with input from Kristi Leonard (Green County Board member). The Town of York will take part in the matching funds program.
New Glarus Fire District 2022 budget – Ron Erickson- Ron Erickson answered the Board’s questions on NGFD’s 2022 budget. He reported that turn out gear and a hose tester have been back ordered, their new addition is virtually done (with $200,000 funding through fund raisers and firefighter donated work), they’re replacing a 25-year-old compressor; New Glarus Brewery provided funding for new helmets; and a new truck (~$750,000) will be needed within 4 years – York’s responsibility will be ~9% (~$67,500). They have hired with a new contractor for truck maintenance. The Board asked his opinion on NGFD’s staffing efforts in relation to the Town’s growth. Dan Truttmann moved to approve the 2021-2022 New Glarus Fire District budget in the amount of $170,500; second by April Prusia. Motion carried.
Web address change – possibly to .gov or .wi.gov- This change in web address to townofyork.wi.gov has been completed by Tim Czerwonka.
Vacating driveways- Dan Truttmann will provide the list of possible vacations to town counsel.
2022 budget- Jessie Schlumpf reported that the Budget Hearing, Electors Meeting and Special Board Meeting will take place on Monday, 11/15/2021 at 7:00 pm. Notice with a budget summary must be posted at the Leonard farm on Yankee Hollow, Town Hall and York Church at least 15 days and no more than 20 days before the hearing (10/27-10/31/2021). The Board and Jessie Schlumpf went through the proposed 2022 budget numbers line-item by line-item.
Rules/Signage for Recycling Center dumpsters- April Prusia reported that the additional pickups may not be needed; she will ask Cindy and Kim to contact Pellitteri Waste Systems when additional pickups are needed. April was told a sign would cost ~$200 (the wording needs to be slimmed down); the Board discussed the possibility of a handout to give to residents at the Recycling Center, i.e., no contractor trash.
Adjournment- Travis Leonard moved to adjourn; second by April Prusia. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Jessica L. Schlumpf, Clerk-Treasurer