Town of Gingles February 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes

February 2023 Meeting Minutes

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

-The January 2023, minutes were reviewed by the Board and a motion was made by Tom to approve the minutes with seconded by Pat to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

-The January 2023 Treasurer’s report was reviewed by the Board and a motion was made by Bill, seconded by Tom to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

Comments by Clerk/Board:

– Town Clerk identified that the Town of Gingles has officially received their new election equipment, the D200 replacing the DS-100 and ExpressVote which replaces the Automark. Town Clerk and two poll workers were able to attend the training by ES&S [vendor] at the courthouse to learn about the machines. The old election equipment was brought to the courthouse to be picked up by a recycler. Clerk reiterated that there will be an election on February 21, 2023.

– Chairman identified that he received a phone call from a reporter from the Ashland Daily Press about doing an article about the increased costs for garbage pickup. Chairman explained to reporter that the Town does not set the garbage rates as that is determined by the private hauler. Chairman reiterated that the Town has no comment on the increased rates.

– Chairman also expressed he received a phone call from a resident, in the township, that resides on Hegstrom Road about garbage receptacles being placed on the South side of the road which would make it easier for pickup from the private hauler. Private hauler decides what, if any, side of the road the receptacles need to be on.

– Supervisor Pearce brought up concerns that there has been increased trash [of larger items] in the ditches. Chairman reiterated that there is a State Statue specific to littering in the ditches. Chairman also expressed he will speak to local dump to see if a system can be set up that would create invoices and sent to the Town Clerk for payment if a resident brings the item to the dump. This would eliminate the need for residents to pay for disposal of the trash and then be reimbursed from the Town. More to come on this at future meetings.

Old Business:

• Roads:
  • Discussion regarding that the banks have been pushed back and it looks really nice.
•  ARPA Project:
  • Handicap Access Ramp: Representative from Enbridge was present at the meeting and spoke about their Community Investment Program. Discussion was had about the specifics related to the funding aspect of the Town’s proposed project that Enbridge would cover the cost. Enbridge Rep also explained that for the Town to receive payment for the project is faster if it set up as an electronic transfer or EBT payment rather than waiting on a physical check. When requesting funds from Enbridge, the three areas that need to be addressed include: what are you doing for your project, expected budget for the project and who will it impact by doing the project. Enbridge Rep identified if there are any questions when completing the application, to request funding, to please reach out to her directly. Town Board identified that a decision will be made in early spring if funding will be pursued from Enbridge for updating the Handicap Accessible ramp.
• Town Attorney Discussion: Town Chairman spoke to Scott Clark, Lawyer with Clark & Clark who confirmed he would be willing to serve as the Town of Gingles Lawyer, as needed. Scott Clark also relayed that he would not charge a retainer fee. Instead, he would charge a fee per project. Scott Clark has experience in working with towns and is familiar with town law. A motion was made by Pat to accept Scott Clark, with Clark & Clark, as the Town’s lawyer. Motion was seconded by Bill to approve. All in favor, motion carried.
•  Split Shift of Election Workers: Discussion regarding having an ordinance with flexibility in regards to split shifts of election workers. Town Clerk expressed they will be in contact with Wisconsin Towns Association for further clarification. More information on this to come at further meetings.
•  Alternative Claims Procedure: Town Clerk provided insight that they have looked into this some. By passing an ordinance, it would allow for primary authority to be granted to the clerk who would in turn ensure that there are adequate funds available. After clerk prepares checks, the chairman, clerk and treasurer would all sign the checks. Checks are then disbursed by the treasurer. At monthly board meetings, clerk would provide a list of claims that were paid using the expeditated procedure and present to the board for approval. Discussion was reiterated that businesses working with the Township are aware of typical payment process. With this being said, Town Clerk expressed that there would be very limited times where an Alternate Claims procedure would be warranted. With this being said, Town Board agreed to put this item away for the time being and will revisit, in the future, if needed. No further action steps on this item, at this time.
• Deputy Clerk position: Chairman identified that he has been in contact with a resident, in the township, who is interested in being Deputy Clerk. Town Clerk confirmed that they will be in contact with resident to go over duties and establish a rate of pay. The rate of pay will be brought to a future town board meeting for board approval. Town Clerk confirmed that they have not heard from anyone else with interest in the position. The plan for the Deputy Clerk will be to oversee the elections including: pre-election, day of and post-election work. Further discussion on this to come at future meetings.
• Tribal Taxation Possible Reimbursement: Town Chairman expressed he had been provided the name of only one individual, in the town, that this applies to. The named was provided by Ashland County Administrator. Discussion was also had regarding that County had been paying for a portion of taxes for enrolled tribal members who were not paying them. Chairman had been informed that County is working with Wisconsin Counties Association about lobbying the State to have Counties and Towns paid back. Chairman is going to speak to Wisconsin Towns Association to determine if they will be lobbying the State as well. Discussion regarding how the process would work if a tribal member, in the township, requests reimbursement for the taxes they have paid. Town Assessor has also informed Chairman that this will have little impact on the Town of Gingles.

New Business:

• Town Trash Pickup: Chairman has started the process in speaking to Republic Services to determine what it would look like if Town were to have larger dumpsters at the Town Hall with set hours for trash collection. Continued discussion will be had at future meetings.
• Set Open Book and Board of Review Dates: Town Clerk identified that they have reached out to Town Assessor, with Associated Appraisal in regards to setting these dates. Town Assessor has not yet finalized what dates work for his schedule [and in line with State Statue]. Once Clerk receives these dates, they will be provided to the Town Board for approval.
• Adjust Annual Meeting Date: Annual Meeting will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2023. The regular Town Board meeting will follow immediately afterwards.
• Mobile Home License Approval: A motion was made by Pat to approve the Mobile Home license approval for Lisa Hovarter. Motion was seconded by Bill, to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

Public Comment: None

Building and Driveway Permits: None

– Liquor Licenses/Permits: None

-The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

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

-Meeting was adjourned.

Laura Martinsen, Clerk