Rusk County Unit of Wisconsin Towns Association
October 31, 2007
Chairman Joe Lorence called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Law Enforcement Center. Pledge of Allegiance followed.
Secretary-Treasurer Report
Minutes of July 2007 meeting were read. Motion was made by Art Dixon, seconded by Dorothy Parker and carried to approve minutes as read.
Roll Call showed 19 members present. Guests were Director Eugene Lueck and his wife, Maurene. Speaker was County Highway Commissioner Ed Wundrow.
Financial Report was read and showed a balance of $182.13.Motion was made by Art Dixon, seconded by Roger Gierke, and carried to approve the financial report. Wilkinson owes $25 for dues.
Old Business
Fire Signs – Joe brought this issue up at Council Meeting in Stevens Point which was attended by all county unit chairs. Many counties are regulating these signs by ordinance. There are not any statutes that cover uniform rules for fire signs. Ordinance should include requirement for a fire number, area for placement, and penalty for removing it from its original position. New fire signs can be read from either side. Chippewa County uses fiberglass signs and has street numbers, not names. Ordinance should originate from Sheriff’s Department. We should require that new or replacement signs are double sided and their placement should be specified. Joe will contact the Sheriff about this issue since it was the consensus of the group.
Guest Speaker
Ed Wundrow, Highway Commissioner was guest speaker. TRIP applications are due November 1, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. There are about 9 projects in so far. Funding is the same as last year because final appropriations have not been made or about $113,000. Anything over $65,000 requires engineering certificate. 5 year road plan required. TRIP-D is for larger projects. Selection of TRIP Committee for 2008 & 2009 took place. Previous committee was Joe Lorence, Wayne Stevens, Bob Nelson, Dennis Lelm and Melvin Vana was the member at large. Bob Nelson is no longer a town officer. John Papiernik and Lyle Liefring were interested in the vacant position. A vote was taken - John Papiernik received 11 votes; Lyle Liefring received 8 votes. A motion was made by Art Dixon, seconded by Peggy Linsky to appoint Joe Lorence, Wayne Stevens, John Papiernik, Dennis Lelm and Melvin Vana. Mr. Wundrow will contact them with a meeting date.
Reports
Eugene Lueck, District Director, reported that the 2008 Convention will be October 5-8 at Paper Valley in Appleton. November education seminars on town websites and election training for clerks are listed in the town’s magazine. Town Officer Handbook additions are in the magazine for those with the first printing. He also spoke on HR-811, the Federal Election Bill, and on state budget highlights. The Smart Growth resolution submitted was tabled as was the Wis. Towns. Association Board’s resolution suggesting a sunset date of 2012 and addition $4 million in funding. About 1,000 people attended from 65 counties.
Attending from Rusk County were: John & Cecelia Stencil, Joe Lorence, Jerry Gillis
Cecelia reported on Clerk’s Election Training, Hot Legal Topics, and NR-115 Shoreland Zoning
Lyle commented on the General Sessions’s speakers and trip to Lambeau
Joe reported on Wind Energy, WISLR where road ratings from all towns are due on December 15, 2007 and Wisconsin Partnerships for purchasing paper and other items. Website is www.wisconsinpartnership.wi.gov.
Rick Stadleman contacted Joe to come to county meeting in January to speak on Smart Growth. Art Dixon said the County is budgeting for it over the next two years. Jolene Plantz who is WTA lobbyist will be here in April.
Ed spoke on the sign enhancement program. No ATV speed limit signs are allowed on County roads as this is illegal. Larger signs, 9 inches, will be mandated for road name signs in 2012. Several county road projects are scheduled in 2008.
Adjourn
Motion was made by Art Dixon, seconded by John Papiernik and carried to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cecelia A. Stencil
Secretary-Treasurer