Town of Blooming Grove Board Meeting Minutes – August 26, 2008

 Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30pm. Board members in attendance: Chair Johnson, Supervisor Berg, Supervisor Linzmeier, Supervisor McLaughlin, and Supervisor Stube. Also in attendance: Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator Mike Wolf, Fire Chief Glenn Linzmeier, Public Works Supervisor Rick Konkel, Ken Kramer, Everette Thorman, Diane Dzikowski, Liz Johnson and Deborah Sellers.

The pledge of allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Chair Johnson asked if the meeting notice had been properly posted, and Mike Wolf stated that it had been. No changes were made to the agenda.

2a. Beer Consumption in Thurber Park on August 30: Ken Kramer and Everette Thorman said they would like to drink canned beer at their party in Thurber Park . There would be no sales, and no underage drinking. Chair Johnson made a motion to approve the consumption of beer in Thurber Park on August 30. It was seconded by Supervisor Linzmeier and passed by a vote of 5-0.

2b. Winter Parking on Alvarez Avenue and Bruns Avenue: Supervisor McLaughlin expressed concern about the ability for residents to park on these streets in the winter, while at the same time giving Rick Konkel the ability to properly plow snow. After some discussion about the pros and cons of various alternatives, Chair Johnson made a motion to approve the recommendation as set forth by staff, which would keep the ordinance as is – but increase both awareness and enforcement. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Linzmeier, and passed by a vote of 3-1. Supervisor Berg voted against it, and Supervisor McLaughlin abstained.

2c. Purchase of Lawn Mower: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to approve the purchase of the mower. Chair Johnson seconded the motion. The Board then discussed the need for the mower, and how that compared to other needs – whether it be other Public Works equipment, or to help offset a potential budget deficit. Supervisor Linzmeier asked about the need to begin plowing the sidewalk in front of April Hill this upcoming winter, and if one piece of equipment could do both. After more discussion, Supervisor McLaughlin and Chair Johnson agreed to withdraw their motion. Mike Wolf and Rick Konkel will look into options for snowplowing the sidewalk, find out exactly how old the current mower is, and come back with a recommendation at a later date.

2d. Road Repairs in April Hill: Chair Johnson made a motion to approve Wolf Paving's bid of $17,736.48 for road patching on Rankin, Kuehling, and Jenness in April Hills . Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

2e. Report on Maple Bluff-Burke-Blooming Grove EMS District: Supervisor Berg reported that the District is looking to upgrade to a new ambulance. They've had difficulties with it, and even though it's only two years old they may end up buying a new one now. Ordinarily they would buy a new ambulance every five years. He also said that the Town of Burke Chair seemed disinclined to pull out of this District in 2010.

2f. Strategic Planning for EMS Services: Chief Linzmeier and Mike Wolf asked that the Board allow them to proceed with investigating the possibility of expanding our current EMS contract with the Town of Madison , which could have them providing EMS services to the entire Town of Blooming Grove by January 1, 2010. Chair Johnson made a motion to have Chief Linzmeier and Mike Wolf continue to gather information pertaining to this possibility. Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

2g. Fly Dane 2010 Funding: There was considerable debate about the pros and cons of this project. It was pointed out that while Town residents don't get direct benefit, County engineers and others get value out of this project – which in turn benefits everyone in the county. Chair Johnson made a motion to deny Blooming Grove funding for Fly Dane 2010. Supervisor McLaughlin seconded the motion, and it passed 5-0.

2h. Report on Dane County Towns Association / Wisconsin Towns Association Meeting: Supervisor McLaughlin went to this meeting last Wednesday (August 20). He stated that several key issues were brought up, including state legislative priorities, and proposed shoreline rules/ordinances that could be enacted in Dane County .

3a. Minutes of August 12, 2008 Board meeting: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to approve the August 12, 2008 minutes as presented. Chair Johnson seconded the motion, and it passed 3-0, with Supervisor Linzmeier and Supervisor Stube abstaining.

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

4. Public Comment: Deborah Sellers asked if the Waunona Sanitary District had paid their contribution for the commemorative rock. Mike Wolf said he would check on this.

Supervisor McLaughlin asked for an update on the new emergency radios that will need to be purchased. Chief Linzmeier stated that this issue was very much active and ongoing. The Chief said he has been a part of several meetings, and it looks as though there is a political consensus building to have the 911 Center become an independent organization, with its own taxing authority. This would require state legislation, and there are other hurdles to overcome. But if this does occur, this new organization would take on the responsibility of the infrastructure and radios that will be needed.

Supervisor Berg asked if there may be a better way for the Town to purchase its fuel. Mike Wolf said that the staff would look into what may be able to be done.

Supervisor Berg asked for an update on the postcard survey re: water and sewer in Rambling Acres and April Hill. Mike Wolf stated that the results to date are: Rambling Acres – 72% yes, 28% no; April Hill – 55% yes, 45% no. This issue will be discussed at the Plan Commission's next meeting on September 10.

5. Adjournment: Supervisor McLaughlin made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Chair Johnson. The motion passed 5-0 at 8:56pm.

Minutes Written and Submitted by Mike Wolf, Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator