Town of Gingles
April 16, 2025
Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Chairman, Patrick Colgrove. Tom Riemer, Bill Pearce, Traci Beiersdorff and Laura Martinsen were present. There were 5 people in public attendance.

• The March 2025 meeting minutes were presented, and a motion was made by Bill Pearce, seconded by Tom Riemer to approve them as written. All in favor, motion carried.
• The March 2025 Treasurer’s report was presented, and a motion was made by Tom Riemer and seconded by Bill Pearce to approve the report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Comments by Clerk/Board – Town Clerk identified that the Ashland Fire Chief had sent an email indicating that the Ashland Fire Department was audited recently by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. The audit is conducted every 3-5 years, and the fire department was evaluated by reviewing training records, fire inspection compliance, fire inspection record keeping, fire prevention efforts, public education efforts, and department organization. Ashland Fire Department was found to be compliant with state statues.

ROADS

• Increase in Dust Control Cost: Town Chairman identified that the cost of dust control is increasing from $1.48/gallon [in 2024] to $1.54/gallon in 2025. For three loads [in 2024] it costs $5,920 and in 2025, 3 loads will go to $6,160. Chairman also identified that the due to limited vendors that do dust control in the State; the Town has worked with Kafka Dustbusters out of `Mosinee for the last several years.
• LRIP S Beaser Road Project: LRIP Beaser Road Project was brought up by Town Chairman who identified public notice of Bid Notice was 1 day short of the required 14 days and 7 days’ notice. Part of the challenge was that the local paper only publishes weekly vs. daily. Town Chairman spoke with Statewide Program Manager with Wisconsin Department of Transportation to review circumstances and the Town of Gingles was approved for a one-time waiver for the infarction and can proceed with the project as scheduled. Northwoods Paving has been selected to complete the project. Town Clerk sent out letters to individuals living in the area impacted by the project.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Trash Collection in Township: David Martinsen discussed concerns about rising cost for private trash collection and at transfer station; inquiring if the town has any plans to negotiate for the township or have trash collection pickup at town hall with set hours. Town Chairman identified the challenges with having a township trash collection. Discussion was had about having a survey sent out with the annual newsletter to gauge town residents’ interest in having a trash collection at the town hall. More information to come at future meetings.
• WEC Polling Accessibility Report [Clerk]: Town Clerk identified that they had received an email from Wisconsin Election Commission [WEC] regarding a Polling Place Accessibility Report. The report was sent as the Gingles Town Hall was reviewed for accessibility at the 2025 Spring Primary Election. The email contains a few recommendations regarding accessibility that the Town should follow. Town Clerk confirmed they submitted a report stating that the Town will follow through on recommendations put forth to the best of their ability and submitted this all through WEC’s online portal. The recommendations included having a handicap accessible sign or sticker visible on the handicap entrance and a clear visual of the route inside to direct handicap voters on where to go to get their ballots and register
• Open Book Date and BOR Dates and Times: Town Clerk identified that Open Book is set for April 29, 2025, at the Gingles Town Hall from 2-4 pm and Board of Review is set for May 13, 2025, at the Gingles Town Hall from 6-8 pm.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Ordinance to Appoint Alternate BOR members: Chairman identified that he, Town Supervisors and Town Clerk recently attended District meeting in Cable to become re-certified for BOR. While at the district meeting, Wisconsin Towns Association spoke about how towns could adopt an ordinance to appointment alternate BOR members [in the event that a board member needs to be recused or is unable to attend the BOR meeting]. A motion was made by Bill Pearce to approve Ordinance #04-16-2025 which appoints David Martinsen and Ray Stuart as Alternate BOR members. Motion was seconded by Tom Riemer, to approve. All in favor, motion carried.
• Date for Board Road Inspection and Planning: Chairman verified the date for Board Road Inspection and Planning will be on Friday, April 17, 2025, at 1:00 pm.
• Public Comment: Brett Martinsen expressed concerns about the culvert on Old Airport Road. Chairman will review situation.
• Building and Driveway Permits– A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to approve building permits for Ginger Pagac and Ray Stuart. Motion was seconded by Bill Pearce to approve. All in favor, motion carried.
• Operators/Liquor licenses- A motion was made by Bil Pearce to approve an Operator’s License for Allison Carey. Motion was seconded by Pat Colgorve to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

-The next board meeting will be on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 7:00 pm.

-The bills were submitted and authorized to be paid by Board signature.

-Meeting was adjourned.

Laura Martinsen, Clerk