Minutes

Town Board Meeting Town of Rock Elm Pierce County Wisconsin Tuesday March 11, 2025 Rock Elm Town Hall Tim Bates called the meeting to order at 8:00 PM Motion to approve the agenda was made by Matt Holcomb and seconded by Tim Bates, motion carried. Minutes from the Previous Meeting Minutes from the caucus held January 14, 2025 meeting were read. Motion to approve by Matt Holcomb, second by Tim Bates, motion carried. The minutes from the caucus were not read at the February 11 meeting by mistake. Minutes from the February 11 meeting were read, motion to approve by Matt Holcomb, seconded by Tim Bates, motion carried. Minutes from the February 25 meeting were read, motion to approve by Tim Bated, seconded by Matt Holcomb, motion carried. Public Input Venture Dairy Coop representative Delanie Breuer—deals in pro-ag policies, has looked over the proposed ordinance and is at our meeting to “set the record straight”. A similar ordinance in Eureka in Polk County is facing litigation. She says some portions of this proposed ordinance are unlawful. Stated that the state has strict water and air regulations. Stated that WMC attorneys are good but she is better and the Town Board will be caught in the middle. She said our concerns cannot be based on “what could happen”. GROWW representative—stated that Venture has a history of scare tactics and are against the DNR. He stated the litigation for the Town of Eureka has been thrown out of court once. Nonresident-- but close neighbor to Ridge Breeze was inquiring if this dairy would cover the cost of new wells if current ones are contaminated? Ridge Breeze representative—stated there were other avenues to accomplish the Town’s concerns, they have an “open door” policy and can tell us surrounding townships to their current large facilities. Non-resident—stated that Clam Falls Township had spent a lot of time on this issue but in the end left it behind Non-resident—said all the cards were in the corporations favor at the federal, state and county levels, so what’s the big deal in having an ordinance Non-resident—felt that small farmers are going to be driven out Non-resident—asked about accountability and the protection of a bond Non-resident—from Venture, farming is not what you are used to Town board member—we are looking at the “what ifs” Resident—commended Dave Bechel on his care of our roads in all weather Non-resident—Dairy Business Association—would work with us for grants Resident—we are the same people as in the past and want a good working relationship with the town Board member—if the public sees problems with other drivers etc. they should call it into the Sheriff’s Department Report from Spring Valley Schools Administrator Due to illness their representative was unable to attend. CAFO Ordinance The Chairman had asked Attorney Loberg questions after the February 25th meeting. He is working with several townships. Some of this is new stuff that has not been challenged in court yet. He suggests raising the amount of fines. Financial Reports Monica Robey presented the financial reports. This month's total of bills to be paid was $96,931.30, which includes $82,838.18 as the annual loan payment. Chris Thibado made a motion to approve, Matt Holcomb seconded, motion carried. Contract with Darel Hall, Dedicated Animal Control Service As part of trying to resolve the issues of animal control, Darel Hall would provide a service as Animal Control/ Animal Humane Officer. He would bill the town and the town in turn would bill the animal owner. If unpaid it could be a special assessment added to property taxes. Chris Thibado made a motion to accept the Animal Control Officer Agreement with Darel Hall, seconded by Matt Holcomb, motion carried. Highway Report Presented by Dave Bechel, Patrolman. He has been dealing with the snow. 1-27-25 Dave serviced the pickup 2-18,2-19, 2-20—Tim and Dave looked over boom cutting done by Pierce County Highway. They were very happy with the work done by Brian Kusilek. 2-24-2025 Tim and Dave met with Brian Brunner from Schmitt Timber on logging on 190th Street (Skunk Hollow) 570th 3-3-2025 Installed road restriction signs. 3-5-2025 Lance Elbe came in to help with snow, he ran the truck while Dave ran the grader. 3-11-2025 Tim and Dave looked over a possible driveway location on 190th Street (Skunk Hollow) for Neil Kurzejeski. It would need an 18” x 30’ culvert Motion to approve by Chris Thibado, seconded by Matt Holcomb, motion carried. Tim Bates reported that the Salt Shed doesn’t pass the code. They are now doing twice a year inspections. They want doors on the shed. Truck drivers are asking for permission to use restricted roads on a limited basis. A couple have asked for permission on the town letterhead, which brings up creating a letterhead. Designs by Jill was contacted about it. Rock Bids for 2025 Pierce County Highway ¾” & 1 ½” 11.92/ton including admin costs Breaker 11.80/ ton including admin costs Greg Bechel Trucking 10.75/ton delivered in town or to shop 7.50 / ton if town hauls Haas ¾” 11.33/ton to town hall 12.28/ton delivered to town roads 1 ¼” 8.54 not delivered Rip rap 18.90 not delivered The main road project for this year will be 570th Ave Chris Thibado made a motion to accept Greg Bechel Trucking’s bid on rock for the 2025 season, Tim Bates seconded, motion carried. Open Book and Board of Review Dates Open Book is the meeting that tax payers can meet with the assessor to ask questions and get clarifications on property tax bills and will be held April 24 from 4 to 6 PM at the town hall. The Board of Review will be May 7 from 6-8 PM. Correspondence - The Elpaso refuse invoice for 2024 was reviewed. Motion to approve by Matt Holcomb, seconded by Chris Thibado, motion carried. Other correspondence was reviewed. Next Meeting There will be a meeting primarily on the CAFO Operations Ordinance on March 20 at 8 PM. Then the next board meeting will be on April 15 immediately following the Annual Meeting which starts at 7:30 PM There will be a Road Tour on April 4th, departing from the town shop at 10:00 AM. Chris Thibado made a motion to adjourn, Matt Holcomb seconded, motion carried and meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Attendance; Tim Bates Matt Holcomb Chris Thibado Adam Carson Monica Robey Dave Bechel, P.C. Pam Reitz Troy Klecker Joe Fetzer Brent Fetzer Tim Colbenson Mary Brand Roxanne Larson Jerry Stein Kim Bremmer Mike Davis Natalia Lastiri Ron Kannel Delanie Breuer Erin Tomasik Amanda Gerlach Adam Carson Tim Baumgartner Brenda Helgeson John Geraets Sheri Schramn Bill Schramn Teresa Davis Brad Olson Samantha Bowen Larry Brenner Brad Gerrits Dawn Churchill Paul Churchill Steve Brand Kay Kashian Darel Hall Deanna Cronin Danny Akenson Jason Mughnini? Ty Fisher