MINUTES OF OCTOBER 9, 2023
Chairman Gary Thomack called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Board members: Chairman Gary Thomack, Supervisor Ken Genskow, Supervisor Dohn Laude, Treasurer Dennis Zahn and Clerk Karen Habeck.
Public included: Brian Westfahl, Amy Olson, Bill Korth, Vernon Kratzke, Sean Shumaker, Arlyn Tober, Dan Lohrentz, Greg & Jaime Reeck, Jody Schoen, Dawn McCullough and Matt Hietpas Shawano County Tech Services.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk read the agenda that had been posted in three public places, put on the website and published in the Marion Advertiser. Matt Hietpas, Director of Tech Services for Shawano County presented information about a project through Cirrinity of Wittenberg (formerly Wittenberg Phone Co.) to build infrastructure that would be going through a portion of the Town of Pella. Currently, grant funding is being sought for the project in Shawano County, the matching dollar amount for the grant is $200,000. This amount would come from municipalities and the county. The line would begin in Leopolis, Town of Herman, running north/south across both the Town of Pella and Town of Herman, hooking up on West Rangeline Road/Swamp Road. The route would run approximately 22 miles in length, there would be an estimated 180 homes in the Town of Pella who could eventually hook into that service if the project proceeds. This project would be very helpful in improving 911 services in the County for emergency services also. If the project is approved, boring of fiber optic would begin in February of 2024. Matt addressed several questions from residents. As the Board felt that this project would be beneficial to our township; motion was made by Laude/Genskow to commit $5,000 to the monies needed for the grant proposal. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. If the grant is approved by the Public Service Commission, the town would be invoiced for the commitment amount in Feb. of 2024.
The minutes were read from the September 11, 2023 Board meeting. Motion was made by Genskow/Laude to approve the minutes as read. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. It was stated that the snowmobile club should put up signage that the ice around the dam is not safe as aerators are in use. The Clerk will contact a member of the snowmobile club with that request.
Public input: County Supervisor Arlyn Tober reported that County Budget is complete. There is a mold issue at the County Library that needs to be addressed immediately, an appointed committee is meeting for recommendations to either move to a different location or build a new library. Jody Schoen reported that estimates are not in as to what to do about the roof issues in the large shelter in the Pella Park. This discussion will be continued at the November Board meeting. The Park committee inquired if they could put Christmas lights up in the village, they have contacted Alliant Energy about power. Motion was made by Thomack/Laude to approve the request. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. The Park committee will take care of any costs incurred.
As the second Monday of November is the 13th, and the Clerk/Treasurer need to get tax levies into the County by the 15th for this year’s tax bills, motion was made by Genskow/Thomack to hold the Budget Hearing/Special Town meeting of Electors, and the November Board meeting on Tuesday, November 7th, beginning at 7:00PM. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
There is one town resident who is still outstanding on dog licensing for this year, this should be taken care of by the end of this month. There are several complaints about the excessive barking of the dogs at W11042 Co. Rd. D resident. A letter will be sent to the owner about the situation that needs to be addressed ASAP.
Motion was made by Laude/Thomack to appoint Jaime Reeck as Animal Control Person for the township. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. For stray animals, contact her at 715-460-1440 by text or phone. Parameters were set by Board approval as to hold time of animals, cost reimbursement, etc.
The CSM for the Blashe is tabled to the November meeting….The shipping container at W10567 Co. D is being used for remodeling a house, it will be removed in the Spring of 2024…We are still receiving complaints about the excessive sawmill noise on Center St. As this is in a residential area, a letter will be sent to the owner that the following stipulations are being put on: Operation on the property can only be done Mon. – Fri. from 8AM – 4PM, Saturdays 8AM – 12 Noon., no machinery may be used for the operation outside of these time frames. If the situation continues the owner may have to move the equipment out of the residential area. Zoning: one building permit was issued. Roads: Fahrner has yet to do crack filling, the Chairman will contact them for their timeline……Frontier Comm. has requested permission to place a pedestal south of Blashe Restoration on Stony Hill Road, motion was made by Laude/Genskow to approve the request. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
The Treasurer reported that the September bills totaled $33,799.45, leaving a balance of $3,497.87 in the checking account and $333,849.41 in the Premier Savings Account. Motion was made by Genskow/Thomack to approve the September report and pay the October bills. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
Motion was made by Laude/Genskow to approve the CSM for the Wissmann/Defazio properties as presented. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
With no further business, motion was made Genskow/Laude to adjourn the meeting at 8:40PM. The Board remained to work on the upcoming Budget. The next meeting will be Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, with Budget hearing/Special Town meeting at 7:00PM.
MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2023
Chairman Gary Thomack called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Board members: Chairman Gary Thomack, Supervisor Ken Genskow, Supervisor Dohn Laude, Treasurer Dennis Zahn and Clerk Karen Habeck. Public included: Brian Westfahl, Greg Reeck, Bill Korth, Arlyn Tober, Kirt Kettenhoven, Rick Briske, Dotty Nolan, Carla Thebo, Matt and Marcena Neil, Peter Probst, Curtis Korth, Bill Shumaker and a deputy of the County Sheriff Dept.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk read the agenda that had been posted in three public places, put on the website and published in the Marion Advertiser. The minutes were read from the August 14, 2023 Board meeting. Motion was made by Genskow/Laude to approve the minutes as read. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. It was noted that 2000 gallons of propane have been contracted through L & L Propane for the winter heating season at a price of $1.33 a gallon. A set of steps have been built for use in the park to place garbage into the dumpster.
Public Input: Arlyn Tober, County Supervisor, reported that there was a two-hour electrical outage on the fairgrounds on Sunday of the fair. Due to the excessive heat, the fire dept. was called in to spray water on the roof of the poultry/rabbit barn to help cool it down for the animals; the Fair Board did allow the exhibitors of that building to take their animals/poultry home on Sunday, as the fans were not operational during that time period. A generator was brought in from Charlie’s Country Store to use until the blown transformer was repaired. Fairgoers had favorable comments about the new horse barn, all the new stalls were donated. It is hoped that the new facility will be used during the upcoming summers for rodeo and horse show events……..The County Board has completed work on the budget for the upcoming year, giving wage increases to county employees. And once again, during a heavy downpour of rain in Shawano, the courthouse basement was flooded. They are uncertain where the water is coming in….Kirt Kettenhoven of the Park committee is in the process of getting costs for a possible upgrade in the large shelter. It is noted that the roof has several leaks in it, the contractor who was hired to paint the roof did not do a good job. Kirt will bring cost estimates to the October meeting for the upgrades and what could and should be done to repair the roof. Motion was made by Genskow/Thomack to approve the construction of a 12’ x 12’ cement slab near the shelter to be used for grilling at Pella Daze and a 10’ x 12’ area to be graveled for erecting of the tent for stability. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
Motion was made by Laude/Genskow to approve registration and lodging costs for the Clerk to attend the Wis. Town Assoc. State Convention in October. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
The CSM for the Blashe property was not ready for this meeting, this will be placed on the October agenda for review. Joe Lacy has given permission for snowmobiles to cross his property and access the Pella Pond during the winter. The snowmobile club has been contacted to rope off and sign the area prior to the riding season.
Dog license fees and vaccination papers have been received from the owner of W11042 Cty. D. There are still two residents that are working on getting their information and payment to the treasurer. This will be reviewed once again in October.
Motion was made by Laude/Genskow to approve an operator license for Katherine Bartz for the Corral. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
There was a miscommunication to contact the owner of W10567 Cty. D about the shipping container that is on their property. The Clerk will send a letter, this will be reviewed again at the October meeting…..The on-going noise complaint from Center Street and the excessive number of vehicles on the property will be monitored and reviewed in October. If the noise complaints continue, the owner may need to remove the sawmill off the property. For Zoning: a permit has been issued for a lean-to for a garage. Roads: All projects of blacktopping and shouldering have been completed for this year. The Board reviewed the map of the roads that were done by Spraymaster. Fahrner has been contacted about crackfilling, it is unclear as to when they will be doing the roads. The Treasurer reported that the August bills totaled $122,888.68, leaving a balance of $2,296.12 in the checking account and $367,583.09 in the Premier Savings account. Motion was made by Thomack/Genskow to approve the August report and pay the September bills. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against. Motion was made by Laude/Thomack to allow Scott Reuss, Regional Crops/Soils Educator with UW Madison, to use an area of the parking lot for a corn silage sample collection site a time or two in September and to remind him; any excess on the pavement must be cleaned up. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
The Clerk informed the Board that an employee of the town was harassed by a town resident as she was spraying weeds near the dam on August 24th. He was verbally abusive and stated that he “was going to contact the DNR, as you are breaking the law”. The Clerk was contacted by a representative of the WATCP that same day….outcome: 1) as she is an employee of the town, she does not need to be licensed to apply spray, 2) the product being used is approved by the EPA for what it is being used for, 3) the product is being used according to mixing instructions…….in the future, the employee will place a small flag at the entrance to the park that spraying has been done, they are to be in place for 24 hours.
Information will be provided to a resident on Birch Lane who is requesting that their private road become a town road. By law, the residents on a private road must develop the road to four rods in width, ditch it, blacktop it, and as it is a dead end, must also have a cul-de-sac, all at their expense in order for a municipality to consider taking it over.
With no further business, motion was made by Genskow/Thomack to adjourn the meeting at 8:05PM. The next meeting will be Mon. Oct. 9, 2023 7:00PM in the Pella Town Hall.
Minutes of June 12, 2023
Chairman Gary Thomack called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Board members: Chairman Gary Thomack, Supervisor Ken Genskow, Supervisor Dohn Laude, Treasurer Dennis Zahn and Clerk Karen Habeck.
Public included: Brian Westfahl, Sean Shumaker, Joe Loesl, Bob Loesl, Bill Shumaker, Arlyn Tober, Gregg Reeck, Richard Briske and Dorothy Nolan.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Clerk read the agenda that had been posted in three public places, put on the website and published in the Marion Advertiser. The minutes were read from the May 8, 2023, Board meeting. Motion was made by Genskow/Laude to approve the minutes as read. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
Public input: County Supervisor Arlyn Tober reported that was some flooding at the Courthouse due to foundation issues, temporary fixes are being made. The building was built in 1954….Bill Shumaker reported that one of the fins on the prop for the aerator at the dam needs to be placed. Supervisor Laude will take care of ordering two, so we have a spare for future use…. A resident reported that there were several children playing on the dam area behind the fencing over the weekend. The area is already signed to stay out.
Motion was made by Thomack/Laude to approve the following Class B beer and Class B liquor licenses for: the Corner Bar & Grille, The Corral, Hurricane Dawn’s and Hopper’s Bar and for operator licenses for: Sylvia Zimdars, Cynthia Schneider, Abby Schmallenberg, Libby Buettner, Brittnay Schmallenberg, Nicole Beyersdorf, Jake Zimmerman, Perry Rueckert, Marcus Lendved, Kimberly Petrich, Heather Zimmerman, Jessica Kust, Brooke Breitrick, Morgan Weinig, Rayne Ruch, Tammy Adams, Abbigale Akstulewicz, Kyle Miller, Ashley Steenbock, Trista VanAllen, McKenzie Thoma, Allison Faehling, Jenny Bloedow, Melony Westphal, Gabrielle LeNoble, Kayla Verg, Roger Peterson, Brian Westfahl and Amy Olson. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
As no one had information about snowmobile access to the Pella Pond for the winter, this will be tabled until the July Board meeting.
The Treasurer is still waiting for action on letters that were sent to several residents for dog licenses/vaccination papers. This will be addressed again at the July meeting for compliance.
Zoning: There have been building permits issued for two house decks, one porch roof and four sheds. One permit was issued for a driveway permit on Center Street.
Roads: The blacktopping has been completed on Angle Road, shouldering still needs to be done. The County Hwy Dept. has stated that they will not be able to shoulder until sometime this Fall. Supervisor Laude will check what other companies might be available to complete the work that is needed in place of the County doing it. Quotes will be requested; the Board will then have a better understanding of what other blacktopping can be done with the funds we have available.
The Treasurer reported that the May bills totaled $74,083.43, leaving a balance of $3,907.97 in the checking account and $486,315.76 in the Premier Savings Account. Motion was made by Genskow/Thomack to approve the May report and pay the June bills. Motion carried by voice vote with three in favor, zero against.
There have been some issues in past weeks with items being put in the dumpster on Birch Lane that are not acceptable at the landfill. The Clerk will send letters to the residents on that road about dos and don’ts for what is acceptable to be put in the garbage and how it is to be done. This situation will be monitored.
Marion Plaza has gone to prepay, or card purchases only at their station. In the past, the fire department and the Town have done purchases on a charge basis, this can be continued as follows: when purchasing gas or diesel for the Town or the fire department, let the attendant know that the purchase is a charge for the Town of Pella, give them a guesstimate of what you plan to pump, sign that receipt, go out and pump your fuel, re-enter the station and get a receipt from the attendant that has the actual amount on it. Turn the receipts into our treasurer for his records.
Bill Shumaker was thanked for his many hours of work during the dam repair/gate installation. The Town has received the second half of the grant monies from the DNR, in the amount of $79,620. 24…..The fire department has received a check for $51,615.17 from the Clerk of Courts as restitution for the funds that were taken by Lyle Krueger. Brian Westfahl was thanked for his many hours of dedication to get those funds back into the fire department account. This will be deposited in a CD for future use.
With no further business, a motion was made by Genskow/Laude to adjourn the meeting at 8:25PM. The next meeting will be Monday, July 10, 2023 7:00PM in the Pella Town Hall.