Town Board Meeting — Minutes

December 18, 2024 Town of Dewey Board Meeting Note: These are the proposed Minutes that will be approved at the next Board meeting. ___________________________________________________________________________ Minutes Wednesday, December 18, 2024 430 Dewey Drive-Stevens Point WI 54482 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman King at 6:30 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Verify Open Meeting Notice & Roll Call: Open meeting notice was verified. Chairman Maurice King, Supervisor LeRoy Pukrop, Clerk Angela Lochinger, and Treasurer Lori Kolodziej were present. Supervisor Dennis Hintz was excused. 0 town residents and/or visitors were present. Approval of Minutes from the meetings of November 20, 2024, and December 11, 2024: Supervisor Pukrop motioned to approve the minutes of November 20, 2024, as presented. Chairman King seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Supervisor Pukrop motioned to approve the minutes of December 11, 2024, as presented. Chairman King seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Citizens wishing to address the Town Board: None Supervisor Comments/Concerns: Supervisor Pukrop noted maintenance issues with the Sterling. Operator License: Supervisor Pukrop motioned to approve the operator license application for Kayla Ahles as presented. Chairman King seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Appointment of members to the Town of Dewey Plan Commission: All four current Plan Commission members have terms expiring on December 31, 2024. Due to the ongoing ordinance update, Chairman King proposed reappointing Kathy Girolamo, Sandy Meis, Rhonda Hollfelder, and Doug Evica to one-year terms, as was done last year. This temporary measure allows for a future transition to staggered three-year terms: two starting in the first year, two in the second, and one in the third. All members agreed to continue, and no new interest in joining has been received. Chairman King motioned to appoint Kathy Girolamo, Sandy Meis, Rhonda Hollfelder, and Doug Evica to one-year terms on the Plan Commission, effective January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025. Supervisor Pukrop seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Options for percentage of salt in salt/sand mixture used on town roads: Chairman King reported that the town is currently using a 6% salt/sand mixture at $18.50 per ton, while a 20% mix would cost $32 per ton. The board discussed trying it out for a year to see if a higher percentage improves thawing and reduces material use. Chairman King motioned to switch to a 20% sand/salt mixture on a trial basis and to review it next year. Supervisor Pukrop seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Dewey Drive TRID road project engineering work: Chairman King reported that Cedar Corporation, who prepared the Dewey Drive TRID project application, inquired about starting the engineering work for the Dewey Drive TRID road project now, as they currently have availability. Chairman King is checking to clarify whether the engineering work needs to be bid out or if they can continue with the current consultant. This matter is on hold until a final answer is received to ensure proper reimbursement. Update on TRI Project on Torun Road TRI road project: Chairman King reported that after discussing the Torun Road TRI road project with the Portage County Highway Commissioner, it was noted that the original design called for 22 feet of road width with 4-foot shoulders. However, due to a narrow stretch near the marshy area on the west side, American Asphalt recommended reducing the shoulder width to 3 feet in that area. A change request has been submitted to the state to make this change. Clerk/Treasurer Reports for November: The board reviewed the Clerk and Treasurer reports for November, noting that the reports balanced. Chairman King motioned to accept the Clerk and Treasurer reports as presented. Supervisor Pukrop seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Chairperson’s Report on town work and activities: Chairman King reported that town employees have finished installing snow fencing and preparing equipment. He and a town employee visited Ascendence Truck Centers in Marshfield to review the controls in the new snow plow truck and determine their placement. The new truck is expected for delivery around mid-to-late January, pending the arrival of two mirrors. Additionally, Chairman King reported an increase in garbage being placed in recycling carts, resulting in rejected loads and additional disposal fees. He and Portage County’s Solid Waste Director will conduct a town-wide inspection of recycling carts to address the issue. Correspondence: The board reviewed correspondence. Set Meeting Dates & Agendas: The next Town Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. An additional meeting to review the town's insurance policy is tentatively set for either Wednesday, January 22, 2025, or Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., depending on the insurance agent's availability. Both meetings will be held at the Dewey Town Hall. Approve and Pay Bills: Supervisor Pukrop motioned to approve and pay the bills as presented. Chairman King seconded. The motion passed 2-0. Adjournment: Chairman King adjourned the meeting at 7:11 pm.