Town Board Minutes for February 28, 2005

Posted: February 28, 2005

Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by chairperson Lyle Updike. Supervisors Vernon Pogue and Doug Yelk, clerk Claudia Quick, deputy clerk Joan Rademacher and highway patrolman Dennis Farrell were present. Dan Ziegler, Jerry Bradley, Matt Schlender and Troy Statz were also in attendance.

Statement of Public Notice. The chair directed that the minutes show that notice of the Town Board meeting was published in the February 24 issue of the Star. Copies were also posted on the three town bulletin boards on February 23, 2005.

Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vernon Pogue.

Approve Minutes of Prior Meeting. Moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to approve the minutes as presented from the February 14, 2005 meeting.

Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk

Voting NAY: None

Motion carried.

Presentation from the Public. None

Report on Town Roads. Dennis Farrell reported on the following:

  • The new truck has had a number of breakdowns. The starter has gone out a second time and also the hydraulic system hasn’t been working. All repairs are covered under warranty. The cutting edge on the plow blade will be rebuilt after winter.
  • Salt shed was inspected and passed as a very functional structure.
  • The contract for receiving salt from Columbia County has been filled. Dennis stated that they would be cutting back in the developments and only salting stop signs, intersections and hills. Jerry Bradley stated that he possibly has a source for salt and will work with Dennis on procuring some.
    A computer was installed for the highway department.
  • Burke Road has a severe amount of cracking. It was suggested that Dennis place a rough road sign up. Bids for reconstruction of Burke Road will be sent out in April with a starting date of May.

Discuss, Develop Amendments and Take Action re: Regulation of Weight Limits for Vehicles on Town of Sun Prairie Roads Chairman Updike gave an overview of the current weight limit ordinance. During discussion board members and those present addressed Section 2 – Weight Limitations, Section 4 – Seasonal Weight Limitations and Section 5 – Permit to allow overweight loads. After discussion consensus of the board was to draft permit language to amend the present ordinance on regulation of weight limits for vehicles. The new language will address exemptions, exceptions and special use. New forms will also be drafted. This issue will be on the agenda of a future Town Board meeting.

Report on Conservation Easement Program Progress. Chairman Lyle Updike, Plan Commission members Roger Fetterly and Doug Yelk and clerk Claudia Quick met with Attorney David R. Gault, assistant Corporation Counsel of Dane County to discuss the Town’s interest in imposing a requirement of a conservation easement as a condition of rezoning agricultural land. The consensus of this meeting was that it is lawful under state law and county ordinance. The Town will amend its land division ordinance accordingly.

Chairman Updike reported that Town Attorney Mark B. Hazelbaker sent a letter to Dane County Board member and chairperson of the Zoning and Land Resources Committee William Hitzemann stating the Town of Sun Prairie “intends to condition its approval of rezonings to allow residential parcels to be created on the recording of a conservation easement against some of the ag land which has not been rezoned.

Chairman Updike will attend a Zoning and Land Resources Committee work session and address the committee regarding this conservation easement condition on March 8, 2005.

Audit and Pay Bills. Moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to approve the bills as presented.

Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk

Voting NAY: None

Motion carried.

Old Business/New Business

Chairman Updike reported on the Village of Cottage and Town of Sun Prairie Joint Planning Committee meeting held last week. Carl Williamson a Plan Commission on this committee had resigned effective immediately. No action could be taken, as there was not a quorum. Chairman Updike stated the Village would like to move forward with a draft agreement outlining an industrial area and a long-term relationship as it deals with planning in the area. This committee will continue to work together and to work with Attain Dane to have other adjoining communities share plans.
Correspondence Nothing of substance.

Set Next Meeting Date/Adjournment. The next Town Board meeting was set for Monday March 14, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. Moved by Doug Yelk, second by Vernon Pogue to adjourn this meeting.

Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk

Voting NAY: None

Motion carried.

The chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M.

Correct Attest,

Joan M. Rademacher, Deputy Clerk