Town of Blooming Grove Board Meeting Minutes – January 26, 2010

Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Board members in attendance were Chair Johnson, Supervisor Berg, Supervisor Linzmeier, and Supervisor McLaughlin. Supervisor Young arrived at 6:45pm. Also in attendance were Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator Mike Wolf, Public Works Supervisor Rick Konkel, Fire Chief Glenn Linzmeier, and Deborah Sellers and John Jaworski.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Chair Johnson asked if the meeting notice had been properly posted, and Mike Wolf stated it had been.

2a. Dane County Ordinance Amendment #21, 2009-2010: Chair Johnson made a motion to defer this to the Town Plan Commission for their recommendation. Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.

2b. Town Resolution 2010-02: Chair Johnson made a motion to approve Town Resolution 2010-02, which opposes the Department of Revenue proposal which mandates that assessments and board of reviews be conducted by counties instead of municipalities, as presented. Supervisor Linzmeier seconded the motion and it passed 4-0.

2c. Joint Project with City of Madison for N. Fair Oaks Avenue : Arnie expressed his concern about reconstructing this road without dealing with the sewer and water infrastructure at the same time. He also stated that he thought it may be wise for the Town to put a cap on its total expenditure on this project. Chair Johnson made a motion to let the City know that the Town would prefer to have the project done in 2011, and also to have Rick Konkel verify the amount of the project that lies within the Town's jurisdiction. Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion and it passed 5-0.

2d. Interoperable Radios: Several communications (letters and e-mails) were distributed to the Board with the latest information about this issue. Chief Linzmeier provided additional information. Several issues emerged in the discussion: the need for such a system, the quality and extent of the service it would provide, and who should bear the cost of ongoing maintenance costs.

2e. Stormwater Mitigation Efforts: Mike Wolf suggested that office staff be allowed to make a case directly to the Department of Natural Resources that the Town be exempt from this mandate. The Board agreed. Arnie asked that a draft of the document be provided to Board members for their review prior to it being given to the DNR.

2f. Potential 2010 Budget Shortfall: Because Magnuson room taxes haven't been paid in a few months, it is possible that the town may see a significant revenue shortfall in 2010. The Board discussed possible ramifications. No action was taken.

2g. Reappointment of Mark McLaughlin for Plan Commission Chair: Chair Johnson made a motion to reappoint Mark McLaughlin to the position of Plan Commission Chair for a three-year term commencing April 1, 2010 and ending March 31, 2013. Supervisor Young seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

3a. Minutes of January 12, 2010 Town Board Meeting: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2010 Town Board Meeting as presented. Supervisor Linzmeier seconded the motion, and it passed 4-0 with Supervisor Young abstaining.

3b. Vouchers: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to approve the vouchers as presented. Supervisor Young seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

4. Public Comment: Supervisor McLaughlin thanked board members and town staff for the work they do in properly preparing for meetings – so that the board has the opportunity to make the best possible decision for the town.

Rick Konkel reported on several mechanical problems that have occurred on the Town's old plow truck.

2h. Closed Session: Chair Johnson made a motion to go into Closed Session pursuant to section 19.85(1)(g) of Wisconsin Statutes in order discuss potential opportunities for the future delivery of emergency services. Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken: Supervisor Berg – yes; Supervisor Linzmeier – yes; Chair Johnson – yes; Supervisor McLaughlin – yes; Supervisor Young – yes. Motion passed 5-0.

2b. Open Session: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to come out of closed session. Chair Johnson seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

5. Adjournment: Chair Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Supervisor Young and passed 5-0 at 8:37pm.

Minutes written by Michael J. Wolf, Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator