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September 14, 2009 Monthly Board Meeting
Town of Fox Lake Monthly Board Meeting September 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Chairman Streich called the Town Board meeting to order with all officers present and 8 other citizens. The next monthly meeting will be October 12, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. The Fox Lake Fire Association will meet Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. The Randolph Fire Association will meet Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Supervisor Babros made a motion seconded by Supervisor Wissing to accept the minutes of the Town Board Meeting of August 10, 2009. All in favor motion carried. The Treasurer’s report as of August 31, 2009 showed receipts for August, 2009 of $165,003.81, a transfer from the Tax Savings Account of $200,000.00, disbursements of $147,245.13, with a balance in the Regular Checking Account of $320,000.67. The LGIPF account had interest receipts for August of $54.40 with a balance of $194,244.52. The Tax Savings Account had a transfer to Regular checking of $200,000.00 with a balance of $6,821.33. The Municipal Court Savings Account had receipts from fines and assessments of $2,356.60 with a balance of $5,414.69. Supervisor Lehman made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Babros to accept the Treasurer’s report. All in favor motion carried. Officer Gebhardt provided the Board with the Police and Lake Patrol report. In August, 2009 the police officers worked 102.75 hours, responded to 9 complaints, assisted others 7 times, issued 4 verbal warnings and 9 citations assisted EMS one time and assisted 2 motorists. In August, 2009 the lake patrol officers worked 21 hours and made one contact. Officer Gebhardt also reported that the police radios are compliant with the switch over to narrow band. Chairman Streich and Supervisor Wissing gave a Roads report. All the necessary culverts have been replaced and Blackhawk Trail is ready for the application of the slag seal. The ditching on Blanecae Road has been completed. Dutchman Tree Service has been engaged to remove the tree roots on Sunset Lane. Rake Road signs and a possible raised culvert will be investigated. Supervisor Babros complimented Travis Paul for the roadside mowing job. The Fall Special Garbage/Junk Pickup, September 8th to the 12th, was completed, but concern was expressed about scavengers picking up metal from roadsides. Armond Alsteen was thanked for assisting with the pickup. Supervisor Babros raised a concern about persons driving to close to the west side ditch and putting their vehicles in the ditch when concerts are held at the Town Park. Supervisor Babros will arrange for the removal of the three piers at Fox Lake and the one pier at Lake Emily. Clerk-Treasurer Benter reported on properties with structure or junk problems. Dale Mullen, Debra Shivley and John McLaughlin have or are in the process of cleaning up their properties. Armond Alsteen discussed concerns regarding the bog at the County Highway A bridge, Drew Creek run-off and the Fox Lake aeration system. He felt that since the DNR is taking no action, some group must assume responsibility for getting the bog removed. The Drew Creek run-off is detrimental to Fox Lake and the state agencies responsible must take action to reduce the excessive amount of nitrates, phosphorus and bacteria entering Fox Lake at this source. The aeration system in Fox Lake is old and not operating efficiently. He proposed a new 15hp single phase motor, 2 variable speed inverters and new equipment to introduce oxygen to Fox Lake with an estimated total cost of $25,000.00. The Parks & Lake Committee will investigate a new aeration system. Clerk-Treasurer Benter reported that the Fox Lake Property Owners have sent letters to numerous state agencies and officials expressing concern about the establishment of a large dairy farm on the grounds of the Fox Lake Correctional Institution. Responses have been received from Representative Jeff Fitzgerald, Senator Scott Fitzgerald, Rick Raemish, Secretary of the Department of Corrections and Rod Nisestuen, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. Representatives from the Department of Corrections will attend the October 3rd Property Owners meeting to discuss this dairy farm. Supervisor Wissing has received a third quote from Guard Dog for $3,427.88 for the installation of security cameras to monitor activity in the waste disposal and recycling area. Supervisor Babros and Supervisor Lehman stated that this matter should be pursued and Supervisor Wissing will invite Guard Dog to the October Town Board meeting to explain the operation of such a system. Clerk-Treasurer Benter presented a table showing the history of the Town of Fox Lake equalized property value from 1994 through 2009. Values have increased 217% over this 16 year period. The assessed value of the Town is 96.83% of the state established equalized value. The 2008 Audit Report was received from Westra, Tillema & O’Connor. Nothing came to their attention to indicate a problem with the Town’s record keeping. Supervisor Wissing made a motion seconded by Supervisor Babros to accept the 2008 Audit Report. All in favor motion carried. Supervisor Babros made a motion seconded by Supervisor Lehman to issue an Operators License to Emily Wille. All in favor motion carried. The date for the Town Board 2010 budget preparation meeting was set for Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Supervisor Lehman made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Wissing to pay bills subject to audit. All in favor motion carried. Supervisor Babros made a motion, seconded by Supervisor Lehman to adjourn. All in favor motion carried. Edwin W. Benter Town Clerk/Treasurer