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

Minutes of: Regular Monthly Town Board Meeting
Thursday, April 4, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
In the Conover Center
Vol 9, Page 30
Present: Steve Rhode, George Champeny (Absent – Karl Jennrich), Rich Martinson, Nancy
Vold, Gary Vold, Chad Lederer, Fred Indermuehle, Greg Greenhill, Bob Payseur, Jonathan
Racine, Ed Champeny, Blaze Champeny, Jeff Currie and Anne Currie.
Meeting was called to order by Steve Rhode. Pledge of allegiance was given. Rhode
opened floor to obtain public comment. With Ed Champeny being present, Rhode thanked him
for running a clean run for the Chairperson office and for making the election one of choice and
interest. Motion was made by Champeny to approve the agenda, was seconded by Rhode and
was carried. Minutes of the previous meeting was approved in a motion by Champeny, was
seconded by Rhode and was carried.
Jeff Currie (President of GHT) made a presentation regarding a stewardship grant and quest
for a sponsor for the Song Hill Lane segment of the trail. Currie stated that the county did not
desire to change its policy regarding bike trails in the county and decided at its meeting yesterday
to leave it up to municipalities to sponsor them. Currie said that Phelps would be approached for
this segment and has a meeting coming up on Monday which GHT will attend. Both Conover
and Phelps will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 16 th . The grant application needs a
sponsor and must be submitted by May 1. Conover would be open to more discussion once the
Town of Phelps makes their determination. Currie stated that the estimated project cost at 90%
design/engineering at $461,213. With USFS work done in September 2012 worth $7750 and
Snowmobile Program funding of $22,300, the funding remaining to be covered by the 50% DNR
Stewardship Grant would be $431,163. Both First National and BMO Harris were contacted for
“Line of Credit” loan with an acceptable interest rate would be no problem for a bank to work
with the Sponsor on and GHT will cover the cost of interest – therefore, no out of pocket
expense to the sponsor. Currie related that it would be in late summer or fall that this could take
place as construction would not begin until spring of 2014.
Treasurer reported that LifeQuest subsidy for March amounted to $6,072.15. Also reported
was the fact that numerous electronic fund transfers would be required by the town for the IRS in
filing the 941 tax report each month. Hedberg stated that because of payroll in excess of
$50,000, a monthly EFT was not allowed so getting big penalties which I have to file for
abatement and it is a “pain.”

Fire Department reported on their activity and stated that new unit for brush truck
arrived. SCBA’s need to be certified. Ambulance reported 14 calls and one in Watersmeet was
one that the patient was very unruly and bi-polar and before squads could assist, took off. This is
a repeated patient who now has to be transported to Iron River with an officer in the back of the
rig because of attitude. Blaze Champeny paid back the student fees for EMS training.
Rich Martinson reported that there is a problem with the high water in the Pioneer Creek by
Lorrayne Maki’s property. Water is just inches from top of culvert and caused by blockage
between Hwy 45 and the Wisconsin River on Gaspar’s property currently being logged by Paul
Ellis. Beaver control officer will be back in town tomorrow and will be taking what ever action
is necessary to get the flow back normal in light of the fact that rain and snow is predicted in
huge amounts for this time of year beginning Friday nite into Saturday and continuing onto next
week.
Martinson also reported that a weather related problem caused the road to sink on Church by
the swamp near Monheim. Pitlik will triple chip seal at no cost to the town this spring. It was
also reported that Midwest Blade and Chain is out of business so town is seeking a new supplier
as well as broom refills for sweeping roads. Blaze Champeny to give town a new
supplier. Brush tractor used this spring on various roads including Razorback, Fire Lane,
Muskrat and other around intersections and is now returned. Rental of this equipment totals
$1800. Town has replacement blades to last just about a year and a half. DNR fined a Mr. Baas
for an ice fishing shanty at the Twin Boat Landing that was ripped apart. Person wanted to burn
it on
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site rather than haul it away but because of public land, nails, metal and other materials banned
from burning, was denied that option. Observation will be made until debris is removed.
Blaze Champeny reported that the goals etc for disc golf will need to be stored and it was
suggested that it be in a couple of town buildings……Chamber back storage or Sno-Buddies.
Disc Golf items to come on 5 or 6 pallets soon. Martinson asked the board what they
desired should the town get the 6 or more inches of heavy wet snow on Saturday. Rich reported
that he damaged the road on Hi-Banks recently because of the seasonal thaw. Some of the roads

will not be able to be plowed if snow mounts. Board hopes that the snow comes but that the rain
will reduce its effect and depth on the roads.
With Jennrich not in attendance, it was stated that the separation of recyclables from
cardboard was accomplished and working well at the transfer station. Hedberg distributed a
brochure from the DOT regarding “Flood Damage Aids Program.” Town claims were processed
and the Board elected in the April 2 election were sworn in and signed their written oath of office
with the exception of Karl Jennrich. Town claims were processed. Motion for adjournment at 8
p.m. was made c\by Champeny, was seconded by Rhode and was carried. Meeting was
adjourned.
James M. Hedberg