Minutes of: Regular Monthly Town Board Meeting - Town of Conover

Minutes of: Regular Monthly Town Board Meeting
Thursday – October 3, 2013 – 7:00 p.m.
In the Conover Center
Vol 9, Page 41
Present: Steve Rhode, George Champeny (Jennrich – absent) Nancy Vold, Gary
Vold, Chad Lederer, Rich Martinson and Jim Hedberg
Others: Fred Indermuehle, Art Kunde, Ken Gurski, Ron Schultz, Jay & Debbie
Richman, Roger Kerstner, Ken and Kathy Mitchell, George & Sue Holloway, Sue
Zieze, Joan Green, Robert Vogt, Mike Jovanovic and unknown others.
Pledge of Allegiance was recited. There was no public comment. Motion
was made by Rhode to approve the agenda at the discretion of the chair. Motion
was seconded by Champeny and carried. Minutes of the previous meeting were
approved in a motion by Champeny, seconded by Rhode and carried.
VP George Holloway of the Flowage Alliance spoke regarding their desire to
work with the board in the formation of a Lake District. They have two attorney
members of the alliance that is working in that direction but it was made known,
that the formation rests upon the County designation and formation of a flood plain
ordinance. Rhode stated that he would check with the County Attorney on the
modes and procedures outlined in the statutes in formation of the district.
Rhode stated that SonicNet had requested that the town amend its
agreement with the County regarding leasing space on the tower. With the tower
not owned or operated by the Town and with the very low customer fee to be
collected by the County for such operation, the board was not in favor of making
any such suggestion to the county of a lease and that they would have to
approach the county directly for any such agreement.
With the filing deadline past for the position of Deputy Clerk, Hedberg
reported that four (4) applicants had provided their resumes and that the board
needed to set a date and time for interviews. At date of October 10 th at 6 p.m.
was tentatively set pending approval by the absent Supervisor Jennrich. Rhode
suggested just a 15 minute interview with pre-determined questions.
Treasurer’s report was given with some adjustments in the figures. In the
process of checking into the Clerk’s job description and responses from the network
of Wisconsin Clerks. There Hedberg determined that a method of presenting a
budget worksheet to the board to amend and adjust was the better way to get a
proposed budget to act on verses a series of workshops. With the timing of these
requirements, it was agreed that this would work out best.
Gary Vold reported on the departments meetings and training. Stabilization
bars were ordered and obtained. Vold reported a motor cycle accident on Highway
S and Rhode asked that the department get with the Barnekows to discuss filing
for funds regarding DNR reimbursement in the wildfire program. Martinson has
been involved in the program of NFIR (National Fire Incident Reporting) but
reported that involvement with ambulance related calls all needed to be reported
and that he would get with Diane Price once the system was operational. A point
system with combining both departments would be beneficial in grant applications.
Nancy Vold reported 22 runs (17 to Watersmeet with 2 non-transports, 3 in
Conover and 2 in Eagle River with 1 non-transport). Diane has been out with a
leg injury and will be perhaps another several weeks. Scheduling is tight as other
Conover EMT’s are covering schedules at Eagle River in Diane’s absence. Just

Vol 9, Page 42
two calls were given to outside ambulance services because Conover did not have
personnel coverage. Nancy is going to approach Tina Yakel regarding her joining
the Conover Ambulance. Hedberg reported that Beki McBrair of LifeQuest send a
request for attachments and or releases for some 23 calls dating back several
months. Nancy stated that in previous requests, it was verified by her and Diane
that the call all were reported. Nancy will check on these and get back to Beki.
Hedberg stated that reporting time by EMT’s were on time sheets and to check to
see if Diane can train all in doing a complete “Leaders” run reports. With call fees
over $500 each, Conover is not getting the $11,500 revenue on these in-completed
run reports.
Martinson stated that brushing with the leased machine will begin with
Rummels and Razorback Roads. River Road was reported to be impassable
because of wash outs. Jovanovic stated that almost daily, his two wheel drive
vehicle had no issues. Martinson said other than grading, the town was not in a
financial position, to do any improvement on River Road (a single purpose road
with two principle residents). Bridge inspection on the Wisconsin River (Rummels
Road) was reviewed. The rating had not changed so no financial assistance would
be available but it was noticed, that the weight limits were not in compliance with
that which the town is posting. Martinson will contact the inspector to discuss this.
Champeny reported that he received a verbal statement by Roman Weninger who
now owns the property at the end of Cemetery Road. Weninger stated that the
road did not have to be plowed which allows for snowmobile trail authorization
again this year. Rich stated that he had spoken with the Soccer League’s
Stephanie Feckett regarding staking of the field. He is working to obtain plastic
stakes that would be at ground level and not interfere with mowing etc. With the
stakes protruding above ground and with long nails in the ground, it is a safety and
tremendous liability to anyone using the field at anytime during any time of the year
(people running, playing ball with kids etc.). Motion was made by Rhode, seconded
by Champeny authorizing the town to remove these hazards immediately. A plastic
tent type stake to be pounded to the ground level will be sought.
Rhode reported that Stormy Lake was pleased with the improvement that
they made to the landing after the past meeting. President Nancy Wurmle of the
lake association stated that they will work with the town in obtaining funds through
grants and donations to improve the landing next year. Walter Olson Library will
present information at the November meeting regarding the building project. The
library support for 2014 budget is 18,523, down 175.00 from last year.
Correspondence from the Operating Engineers Union asked for a meeting for a
successor agreement which will be set up by Rhode sometime this month.
With no other business to be transacted, motion was made for adjournment
at 835 p.m. by Champeny, was seconded by Rhode and was carried.
James M. Hedberg
Clerk-Treasurer