RUSK COUNTY UNIT – WISCONSIN TOWNS ASSOCIATION

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 30, 2008 MEETING

Chairman Joe Lorence called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes were read. Motion by Art Dixon, second by Roger Gierke, to approve as read. Carried.

Financial Report: $372.77 balance in checking. Motion by Art Dixon, second by Wayne Stevens to approve. Carried.

There were 21 members present. Guests were Mary & Al Williams, Eugene & Maureen Lueck, Judy Reas and Al Manson.

Joe stated the most heated race in the area is between Rep. Mary Williams and Judy Reas. He also highlighted the Towns Association state convention which was held in Appleton. Joe attended many sessions but spoke on invasive species which could affect town mowing operations and the TRIP program, Jerry Gillis noted there were great topics and a good variety every day. Good information was obtained on gravel roads and on town liabilities. Cecelia Stencil attended the 3 hour training for municipal clerks regarding upcoming elections, and sessions on wind turbines, legal cracker barrels, and TRIP funds. Eugene Lueck spoke about the large farm tour. Next convention will be in Stevens Point. He also said over 800 town officials attended. Many politicians spoke to the group. Six scholarships were awarded this year and five of them were in our District, 3 in Price County and 2 in Barron County. There are seminars in November on energy and in December on working lands. Wayne Stevens attended the Counties Convention and spoke about the manure to energy program.

There was a discussion on the poor condition of Hwy 73 in Rusk County. It is poorly maintained and often difficult to travel.

Wayne Stevens attended a seminar by Fahrner Asphalt and reported on a technique that uses slag with oil for road surface. Town of Willard did that on Whispering Pines Rd. This is supposed to keep the road warmer in winter. Members were invited to view the road.

Judy Reas and Mary Williams both spoke about their positions on issues in the assembly race. Mary also spoke about Healthy Wisconsin and noted that 44% of the state budget goes to schools.

Motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. was made by Wayne Stevens, seconded by Jerry Gillis and carried. Next meeting will be in January.

Respectfully submitted,

Cecelia A. Stencil