The 2003 annual meeting of the Town of Sun Prairie was called to order by Town Chairman Lyle Updike on Wednesday, April 9, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. Notice of the meeting was posted on April 4, 2003. Moved by Doug Yelk, second by Vernon Pogue that Lyle Updike serve as chair of this meeting. Motion carried. Fifteen other people attended the meeting.

Guest – Dean Gorrell, District Administrator, Marshall Public Schools Mr. Gorrell explained that the Marshall School District had an increase in taxes because of the debt service due to a new school building and the lower use value assessment on agriculture land. When asked about the state aid reduction to schools he explained that until the legislature meets to decide on whether a school district can levy to recapture revenue he could not answer at this time. A question was asked concerning student population projections; he stated that studies show anywhere from 8% to 22% increase.

Guest – Priscilla Westra, Director of Finance, Colonial Club Senior Activity Center Ms. Westra distributed a handout stating the significant changes to the 2003 budget that the Colonial Club has enacted to keep costs down. She stated that representatives of the Colonial Club would be visiting all Towns and Villages to establish better relationships and let all know just what the Center does for the seniors in our communities. She thanked Chairman Updike for serving on the Colonial Club committee and also Clerk Quick for her past service as a board member.

Guests – Friends of McCarthy Park Friends members Jeanne Behrend, LuAnne Wood and Kevin Remus presented a slide show of the Grand Opening of the Dane County Youth and Conservation Park. She stated that in 1974 Russell and Ella McCarthy donated their farm for this park. It was in a land trust until after the death of both Ella and Russell and is now being developed. She further stated that they are applying for grants for a restroom facility and river protection. They are trying to increase their membership and the Town has budgeted to become a non-profit member.

Approve Minutes of 2002 Annual Meeting Moved by Roger Fetterly, second by Dennis Farrell to approve the 2001 annual meeting minutes as printed in the 2002 annual report. Motion carried.

Review the 2002 Financial Report The chairman discussed the Statement of Indebtedness noting that grader loan is paid in full. The EMS Public Safety Building debt is also listed. Chairman Updike stated that the length of the loan was shortened because the proceeds from the sale of the old EMS building were applied directly to the loan and also the renegotiating of the interest rate. The chairman asked if there were any questions regarding the financial report. Hearing none the meeting moved to the next item.

Fire Unit Report Chairman Updike reported on the Fire Unit stating that in November 2002 a 5-year contract was signed between the Volunteer Fire Department, the 3 Towns of Burke, Bristol and Sun Prairie and the City of Sun Prairie. He further explained the workings of a committee that is made up of the Town Chairs, City representative and G. Brink, citizen at large. He feels positive that the issues at hand are proceeding in the right direction.

EMS Report Vernon Pogue reported that the EMS/Public Safety Building was completed in March 2002. He explained the Town’s cost share is 31% of the EMS portion of the Public Safety Building.

Presentation of Update and Progress Report for the Plan Commission Roger Fetterly, chairman of the Plan Commission reported on its progress. He stated that 7 of the 9 elements of Smart Growth are completed with the land use element and implementation left. They hope to meet the September 2003 deadline. He commended the plan commission and clerk, Claudia Quick for their hard work. Roger explained they had received a grant and had collected approximately 75% of the $22,000. Doug Yelk explained that part of the grant money went towards the consultant fee and also to purchase a computer and software. Public hearings will be held when all of the elements have been addressed.

Recycling Report Clerk Claudia Quick reported on her meeting with Jessica Maloney from the Department of Natural Resources. Ms. Maloney congratulated the Town staff on the excellent job done to make the Town of Sun Prairie’s recycling program a success. Clerk Quick stated that the Town received a $17,000 recycling grant for 2003.

Weight Limit Ordinance Lyle Updike reported on the weight limit ordinance being implemented by the Town. At this time the following roads are being considered for weight limits:

• Bailey Road – Town Hall Drive to CTH TT
• Nelson Road – Bailey Road to the Town of Sun Prairie line
• Burke Road – CTH T to the Town of Sun Prairie line
• Town Hall Drive – North of CTH T
• Lonely Lane – CTH N to CTH T

The Town will be establishing a permit process. When the draft ordinance is completed it will be published in The Star and posted at the Town bulletin boards and a public hearing will be held. The Town needs to extend the life of the roads.

Lyle Updike explained the reason for the combining of the office of Clerk/Office Manager and Treasurer/Office Assistant. The Town will need a referendum to potentially create these hired/appointed positions. He stated the Board would like feedback from the electors.

Current Issues with the City of Sun Prairie Lyle Updike related where we stand at this time with the City of Sun Prairie. The City has approved the S. Drunasky petition. The Town is still in litigation. We disagree with the City’s thinking that they can disapprove a petition because it is not consistent with the City Plan. The City needs to have a basis for denial and we need to have an indication of common ground. Another issue before the Town is Patrick Marsh. There is some interest by Dane County Parks to preserve the land and by developers to develop. There will be a meeting at Patrick Marsh School on April 10, 2003.

Any Other Business to come before the Annual Meeting Anthony Buchino asked about expanding the Board from 3-members to 5-members. Lyle Updike explained that an ordinance would have to be adopted by the Board. He further stated that this would have to be considered during the budget process and the election would be the following April if it was decided to increase the board. Roger Fetterly spoke about less state aids being allotted to Towns, costs of training new board members and per diems. These costs need to be considered. Mr. Buchino countered that a benefit would be more input on decisions made by the Board.

Set 2004 Annual Meeting Date/Adjournment The 2004 Annual Meeting date was set for Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Moved by Roger Fetterly, second by Sharon Deneen to adjourn this meeting. The chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Motion carried.

Correct Attest,

Joan M. Rademacher, Deputy Clerk