Board meeting minutes 2-14-24

TOWN OF STEPHENSON                                       MARINETTE COUNTY                                          TOWN HALL

REGULAR BOARD MEETING               

February 14, 2024         

          

Chairman Kudick called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. He led everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Roll call showed Supervisors Belanger, Franzmeier, Rogers and Stradal, Treasurer Uhazie, Attorney Coggins, and Clerk Olson, in attendance along with 16 others.

Supervisor Stradal moved to adopt the agenda as presented. Second by Supervisor Belanger. Carried.

Minutes of the January 10 regular Board meeting, February 9 and 10 Special Board meetings, and the February 8 Shared Services Committee, all in 2024, were approved with a motion by Supervisor Rogers, second by Supervisor Belanger, and carried.

Treasurer Uhazie’s financial report showed the following balances as of January 31, 2024

           Stephenson National Bank General Fund                                   $  61,135.93

           LGIF #1- Operating Account                                                     $    88,686.72

           LGIF #2 – 2% Account                                                               $     74,731.61

           LGIF #3- Depreciation Account                                                 $1,319,354.31

           LGIF #4 – Tax Account                                                              $4,280,902.52

           LGIF #5 – ARPA Account                                                          $    38,350.34

           Nicolet Bank Tax Money Market                                               $   302,624.56

A motion was made by Supervisor Stradal to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Supervisor Rogers, and carried.

Vouchers #51519 through #51571, payroll charges, and EFT payments were approved as presented with a motion by Supervisor Rogers, second by Supervisor Belanger, and carried.

Under Correspondence, Clerk Olson stated a letter was received requesting lease of land to develop a Solar project. It was scanned and sent to all Board members.

Department reports were given for Fire by Chief Jim Stradal, Canine by Mike Stueck, and Building Inspector, Public Works and Recycling by Chairman Kudick. Code Enforcer and Public Works Superintendent were absent.

Hugh Guy Land Surveying presented CSM #2024-3 for Judith Kuchta and Carol Badora, for 2 lots located in part of government lot 6 in Sec 17, T32N, R20E in the Town of Stephenson, Marinette County, Wisconsin, with ingress and egress to County Road A. Motion to approve by Supervisor Rogers, second by Supervisor Stradal, and carried.

Jeffrey Lieuwen for Rob Kamps Surveying presented CSM #2024-4 for Kyle Kouski for 1 lot located in part of the NW ¼ of the NE ¼ of Sec 10, T32-R20E in the Town of Stephenson, Marinette County, Wisconsin, with ingress and egress to Smith Creek Road.                         Motion to approve by Supervisor Stradal, second by Supervisor Rogers, and carried.

Russ Wankowski addressed the Board with his concerns over gypsy moth in the Sandstone Flowage area and a request to possibly have the Town get involved in helping get a contract with a spraying company and shared payment, along with permission, from land owners. After some discussion, Attorney Coggins stated he appreciates the dilemma, but is against having the Town get involved.

A copy of an ordinance for motorboat wake enhancement from the Town of Riverview was given to the Board members by Russ Wankowski, representing the Sandstone Flowage group. They are requesting that the Board look at implementing something similar on the Sandstone flowage. After a few comments, Chairman Kudick stated the Board would look at it and bring it to the March meeting.

Mr. Holsen gave a lengthy presentation on his dilemma with WPS. The Board asked him what he is looking for the Board to do for him? He stated he can’t fight WPS on his own and wishes for the Board to get involved. Chairman Kudick stated the issue is between Mr. Holson and WPS, and suggested he see an attorney. Attorney Coggins suggested he contact his state representative and / or retain counsel. There is nothing the Board can do for him.

Resolution # 1-2024 to support Marinette County acquisition of a parcel of land known as the Wendt property was passed unanimously with a motion by Supervisor Rogers, second by Supervisor Stradal, and carried.

Resolution 2-2024 requesting funds from the DNR for Ranch Road paving passed with a motion by Supervisor Rogers second by Supervisor Belanger and carried unanimously.

Chairman Kudick gave the Board information on the meeting of the Shared Services committee. He stated they discussed having the Village Officers help with our Water Safety Patrol under the direction of the Town, they would patrol the ETZ with no cost to the Town, and we would have them available if we request them to come elsewhere in the Town for law enforcement at a rate of $60.00 per hour. The County can’t enforce our Ordinances and the Village would be able to issue citations for the Code Enforcer. Supervisor Stradal asked if we would eliminate the Code Enforcer. Chairman Kudick stated we would still need that position to do follow ups and letters. This is all just in the planning stages. There is another meeting March 1^st.

The Town does not pick up cats. If the town animal control is called by the Sheriff’s department to come for cats, he is to call the Chairman or Supervisor Rogers for direction.

Supervisor Stradal asked for permission to purchase a 2003 rescue truck with 18,000 miles on it. The purchase price is $57,900.00 and he is requesting $57,400.00 from the town accounts. There is money in his depreciation account and 2% account for the purchase. Supervisor Rogers made a motion to allow the purchase. Supervisor Belanger offered a second. Steve Marvin asked where the truck was being purchased from and what it would cost to get it here. Supervisor Stradal stated it was coming from Connecticut and the price was delivered to our door. Vote showed all in favor. Motion carried.

Supervisor Belanger made a motion to have Supervisor Rogers look in to the Agricultural roads grant. Supervisor Stradal seconded. Carried.

Final Budget amendments for 2023 were presented. Supervisor Rogers made a motion to approve the Budget Resolution with funds totaling $47,311.80 for the last two entries coming from the Unassigned Cash account. Second by Supervisor Franzmeier, and carried.

Operator’s licenses were approved for Renae Engelbrecht, Annette Casey, and Katie Roberts with a move by Supervisor Stradal second by Supervisor Belanger, and carried.

Under Public Comment: Dave Bentzler stated the fire truck purchase is a good idea. Someone had concern over plowing snow. There was a concern about cats. Steve Marvin stated he agreed with the shared services and asked why there are no committee meetings as there used to be the first Wednesday of the month. He would like to see those started again. Rick Kikulski agrees with the shared services as long as it is a 2- year contract.

Motion to adjourn by Chairman Kudick, second by Supervisor Stradal, and carried at 7:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Olson, Clerk