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August 17, 2009 August 17, 2009 Regular Monthly Board Meeting
TOWN OF APPLE RIVER
REGULAR MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
August 17th, 2009
Present: Rick Scoglio, Chair; Ansel Johnson, Supervisor; Dave
Waterman, Supervisor; Tom Sykes, Clerk
Absent: Linda Peterson, Treasurer.
Meeting called to order by Rick Scoglio, Chair at 7:00 p.m.
Verification of public notice was declared by the Clerk and affirmed
by the Chair.
Minutes of the July 13th, 2009, meeting read by the Clerk. Motion
made and seconded to approve the minutes as read. Motion carried.
Public Input:
Ken Chapdelaine expressed his concern regarding comments made by the
town Chair as to the cost of the new town hall: Chair acknowledged
comments. Jay Bergstrand requested that a resolution regarding the
Shiloh Cemetary be included on next month’s agenda. He also mentioned
that the fence needed maintenance attention.
Jamie
Clerk Report:
Clerk indicated that he will be attending workshops pertaining to
clerk responsibilities; shared correspondence including cost estimates
for window treatment; suggested consideration that town adopt a formal
letterhead and presented a sample to board members.
Report by Treasurer:
Chair read report prepared by the Treasurer; Balance of $158,156.47;
income was $31,765.05 plus $285.64 in delinquent personal property;
interest earned $30.39; submitting vouchers in the amount of
$46,357.15. Balance on hand is $144,940.40. Motion made and seconded
to accept Treasurer’s Report as read. Motion carried.
County Report:
Ken Sample, Polk County Board Supervisor gave us an update as to what
is happening at the county level: a draft of the comprehensive plan is
forthcoming; eighteen months after approval revisions will be made
regarding shoreland and the comprehensive zoning plan.
Vouchers:
Clerk presented vouchers to Town Board. Board reviewed the
expenditures. Chair commented and reviewed three vouchers that were
issued earlier due to meeting date change and read all current
vouchers aloud. Motion made and seconded to approve vouchers as
presented in the amount of $46,357.15. Motion carried.
Election Committee Report:
No report made.
Ambulance Committee:
Chair reported that a meeting was held which focused on a detailed
report from Life-Quest, the accounting group hired to handle their
financial accounts: they have $450.000 worth of assets; $353,000 in
equity. Next meeting date has not been decided.
Cemetary:
Items will be on next month’s agenda
Fire Department:
During the past month the department’s activities included: 3 vehicle
10-50; two burning structures with Clayton Fire Dept.; Burning ban
signs up at all posting places with phone #s for getting permits;
issued three burning permits. Jamie reported that the volunteer fire
dept Explorers have offered to install the mailbox and to erect the
flag pole and town hall sign but needs to know the location and size
etc. He also mentioned that the
Explorers could help with the cemetery maintenance work. Motion was
made and seconded to authorize the Clerk and the Fire Chief to
identify a suitable location and install a mailbox: motion carried.
First Responders:
For the month of July the responders had six medicals.
Highway: No report
Planning Commission:
Items to Be Reviewed:
Comprehensive Plan:
Steve presented the status of the town’s long range plan and stated
that official publication was done on July thirteen. Cedar Corp. will
take care of necessary follow-up with contiguous towns etc. We will
be billed by Cedar Corp up through the end of Dec for $650/month with
the final payment due in Jan. They will continue to file grant
reimbursements on our behalf. Steve also reported that two committee
members will need to be appointed next month.
Dead-end road issue:
There is a problem with some of our private driveways. Should
consider abandoning because lack of space for turn-around. There was
discussion regarding specific issues and the need to think about what
should be done; should be considered this coming year on an individual
basis.
Town hall accessibility:
Clerk suggested that the board discuss accessibility requirements
regarding the new town hall. We have a sign that can be placed near
the front door reserving vehicle space, this should meet compliance
until we finish surfacing the parking lot.
Town hall utilization;
Discussion regarding insurance, fermented beverages, rental rates and
clean-up were the primary topics. It was agreed that fermented
beverages would not be allowed due to the cost of insurance. Motion
was made and seconded to have planning committee to provide draft for
town hall policy: motion carried.
2009 Road Projects-cont:
Discussion opened with Chair accepting discussion regarding resident
having problem with flooding in his yard. After talking about the
issue, it was decided to have Greg’s Excavation look at it and make
recommendations. The Chair moved onto the ditch rock problem and said
that the County has a statute that does not allow to put anything in
the ditch. No policy is required by the town sense we are covered
under the County’s.
Propane Tank Purchase:
Supervisor Waterman reported that he had called to get one but they
were all called for; we are on the waiting list. The tanks cost
between $800 to $1000 and the supplier was not able to tell us when
one would be available.
Credit Card/Petty Cash:
After discussion, motion was made and seconded to authorize the Clerk
apply for a credit card with a limit of $300 to be used for misc.
expenses. Motion was carried.
Supervisor Waterman Report:
Supervisor Waterman discussed placing guard posts to protect the
overhangs of the town hall and also location of flag pole.
Supervisor Johnson Report:
Supervisor Johnson mentioned White Ash Lake public landing issue and
the Chair asserted that Georgetown is the responsible party. It was
agreed that we should keep updated on the progress.
Chair Scoglio Report:
Chair reported on the town association meeting of July 16th; noted
that “cap and trade” will be a major concern next year; upgrading of
the intersection at highway 8 and 46 is also scheduled with further
improvements forthcoming; that the old town safes have been moved over
to the old town hall; that the Polk County Information Center would
like a contribution on $1,067 for their operating expenses; and that
the State shared revenue is anticipated to be reduced by fifteen
percent next year. There continues to be a bureaucratic hang-up with
installing the “no engine braking” sign on highway 8.
Public Comments:
No comments
Next Months Agenda:
Power line right of way; cemetery issues; appointment of planning
commission members
Next meeting will be held September 8th, 2009, at 7:00 p.m.
Motion made and approved to adjourn meeting at 8:36 p.m.