Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 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. Attendees included Deputy Sheriff Jennifer Niebuhr, Deputy Sheriff Todd Benisch, Chris James, Dane County Parks; Kent Hinze, McCarthy Park; and Monte Couch.
Statement of Public Notice. The chair directed that the minutes show notice of the Town Board meeting was published in the February 9, 2006 issue of the Star and a copy was faxed to the Capital Times. Copies were also posted on the three town bulletin boards on February 10, 2006.
Pledge of Allegiance. Claudia Quick led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approve Minutes of Prior Meetings. Moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2006 Town Board Meeting as presented.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Presentation from the Public. Deputies Niebuhr and Benisch stopped to discuss the complaint regarding residents of Schey Acres operating 4-wheelers, mini-bikes and go-carts in the right-of-way and on private property. They met with the families involved and that the parents were put on notice that if any more complaints were received they would be cited. The parents were polite and cooperative and indicated they would restrict their children from riding the vehicles illegally. The deputies indicated, to those involved the value of working together, before any tickets are issued.
The deputies also warned of a number of burglaries happening in the area. They will contribute to the next Town newsletter.
Presentation by Chris James, Dane County Park Planner, update on Patrick Marsh area Chris James reported that he was updating the park and open space plan in Dane County. These areas are identified every 5 years to stay eligible for the State stewardship program that provides for land acquisition. Five listening sessions are to be held in Dane County where they will solicit input from landowners and residents. One session is to be held at the Town of Sun Prairie on February 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Presentation by Kent Hinze, Friends of McCarthy Park Kent Hinze introduced himself as a board member with the Friends of McCarthy Park and Patrick Marsh. He stated that he is interested in doing more restoration projects in McCarthy Park as the emphasis is on youth conservation. He has also talked with Mayor Chase from the City of Sun Prairie in recognizing artist Georgia O’Keeffe as she grew up here. He will continue to work with Mayor Chase.
Report on Town Roads
Patrolman Farrell reported that the lights were replaced on the front of the Town garage and office.
The “water in fuel” light is still coming on in Denny’s plow truck. Capital City has checked it out numerous times and will continue to until the problem is solved.
Consider and Take Action re: Resolution Designating NIMS as the Basis of Incident Management in the Town of Sun Prairie Dane County has adopted NIMS (National Incident Management System) by formal resolution. Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 requires our governmental body to formally adopt NIMS by the end of 2006. Moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to adopt NIMS as the Basis for Incident Management.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried. An “Introduction to NIMS” course needs to be completed by elected officials and highway personnel.
Consider and Tentatively Adopt Ordinance re: Prohibiting Sale of Fireworks in the Town of Sun Prairie. Supervisor Yelk distributed a draft of a Fireworks Ordinance to the Board. After review it was moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to tentatively adopt Fireworks Ordinance 2006-1.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried. A notice of tentative adoption will be prepared and published. The March 13, agenda will include adoption. In the meantime the proposed ordinance will be available at the Town Hall for review by residents.
Consider and Take Action re: Setting sale price for old tables. After discussion it was moved by Doug Yelk, second by Vernon Pogue to donate 2 tables to the teen center at the YMCA and to sell the remaining tables for $10.00 each.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Consider and Take Action re: Smoking Policy. After discussion it was moved by Doug Yelk, second by Vernon Pogue to install a “Thank You For Not Smoking” sign in the Town Hall meeting room.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Continue Discussion concerning Treasurer position, elected vs. appointed. Monte Couch stated he objects to the Treasurer position changing from an elected to an appointed position for the reason that a Board needs to keep need and opportunity apart, especially if the position of clerk is also appointed. After discussion Board consensus was to maintain an elected treasurer and elected clerk. This item will be on the agenda of the March 13 meeting.
Audit and Pay Bills
Carter & Gruenewald Co. need a letter indicating the Town intends to purchase a Woods mower, in order to allow the Town the municipal discount. The Board reviewed the invoice payments and Vernon Pogue made the motion, second by Doug Yelk to approve payment as presented with the additions listed.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Old Business/New Business
- A letter was received from Jim Hessling, Director of Public Works with the Village of Cottage Grove, inviting Towns to join an existing Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement. The meeting is set for March 1 at 9:00 a.m. at the Village of Cottage Grove Municipal office.
- The Joint Planning Group will be meeting on February 23. The group has gone as far as they can conceptually. To draft an agreement need to bring in someone who knows the scope of the agreements; therefore, will hire Attorney Mark Hazelbaker with the Village of Cottage Grove paying 2/3’s of the fee and the Town of Sun Prairie paying 1/3 of the fee to draft an agreement.
- Clerk Quick attended a meeting with election workers held at the City of Sun Prairie regarding voter registration. The new HAVA laws require new procedures and processes. As of January 1, 2006, all voters must be registered.
Correspondence
- City of Sun Prairie engineer wrote to the chair asking if there were any questions or concerns with reconstruction of Town Hall Drive. Work is scheduled from April to August.
- Received a notice from the Town of Burke of adoption of resolutions by the Town of Burke, the Village of DeForest, the City of Sun Prairie and the City of Madison, Dane County, Wisconsin, authorizing participation in the preparation of a cooperative plan, under Wisconsin Statute 66.0307.
- Clerk Quick received e-mail from Amy Volkmann, Town of Burke Administrator asking if the Town has considered traffic enforcement throughout the Town. The total cost of the deputy is $100,000 this year with Town of Burke paying $75,000 and Town of Bristol paying $25,000. Board consensus was not to participate at this time.
- Clerk Quick reported the Town received franchise fee payment from Charter Communications in the amount of $5,329.37.
Set Next Meeting Date/Adjournment. Moved by Vernon Pogue, second by Doug Yelk to set the next regular Town Board meeting for Monday, February 27, 2006 and adjourn the meeting.
Voting AYE: Updike, Pogue and Yelk
Voting NAY: None
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 11:05 P.M.
Correct Attest,
Joan M. Rademacher, Deputy Clerk