Town of Gingles
February 12, 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 2 people in public attendance.

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

Comments by Clerk/Board – A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to amend the agenda to move up building permits after board comments. Motion was seconded by Bill Pearce to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

Chairman identified that during the last election there was a routine fire inspection of the town hall. [Town Clerk will receive bill for fire extinguishers]. Corrections were made and Chairman inquired if City of Ashland Fire Department needs to come back to sign off on corrections made. Fire Chief, Stuart Matthias, present at the meeting indicated that the corrections will be just caught on the inspection [when it is due].

Town Clerk identified that there will be a local election next week on Tuesday, April 18, 2025. Public testing of election equipment was done this evening and proper notice was given.

Building Permits: A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to approve a building permit for Matthew Rooni. Motion was seconded by Bill Pearce to approve. All in favor, motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

• Roads:
• Preliminary Bid Packet for Beaser Road Project/Entertain Motion to Utilize Northern State Bank for Finance of Beaser Road Project: Chairman identified he has been working with Dave O’Donahue, local engineer, in the township to finalize the bid packet. The final bid packet was sent to Town Clerk for distribution when requested by individuals and agencies interested in submitting a proposal for the project. Town Clerk will have Bid packet notices put in the Ashland Daily Press, timelines following State statute. Bid packets will be open at the next regular board meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm. A motion was made by Bill Pearce to utilize Northern State Bank for financing the Beaser Road project. Motion was seconded by Tom Riemer. All in favor, motion carried. Chairman also identified he will schedule a meeting between himself, Town Treasurer and bank to set up payment plan and review more of the specifics.

NEW BUSINESS:

• WTA District Meeting- April 5^th in Cable: Town Clerk confirmed that they were able to get Town Clerk, Chairman and Supervisor Tom Riemer registered for the WTA District Meeting in Cable on Saturday, April 5, Supervisor Bill Pearce confirmed he would also like to attend. Clerk will ensure that Supervisor Bill Pearce is also registered.
• Town of Gingles garbage service: Supervisors and Chairman both indicate being contacted by various residents in township with concerns about increased trash collection costs. Chairman encouraged residents with questions or concerns about trash collection to come to the annual board meeting, in April, or could also come to a regular board meeting and speak under “public comment.”  Chairman was in contact with the WI Towns Association about the specifics of implementing trash collection services through the town. Per WTA, the item cannot be placed on a referendum. Chairman added that IF the town did do garbage collection, there would need to be an ordinance that would prevent residential pickup in the township. No decisions made today; more information to come at future meetings.
• Set Open Book & Board of Review Dates: Town Clerk provided insight on the time frame when Open Book and Board of Review is legally allowed to happen; per State statue and referenced last year’s dates. Town Clerk also was in contact with North WI Assessment Services and verified their schedule is open currently. To allow for proper notices, Town Clerk proposed having Open Book set for Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Gingles Town Hall from 2-4 pm and Board of Review for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Gingles Town Hall from 6-8 pm. A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to set Open Book and Board of Review for dates proposed by Town Clerk. Motion was seconded by Bill Pearce to approve. All in favor, motion carried. Town Clerk will contact Town Assessor to confirm these dates will still work for them as well.
• Adjust Annual Meeting Date: Town Clerk provided insight on when last year’s annual meeting was held. Board will make decision at next board meeting when to have annual meeting in line with State statute.
• Operators Licenses: A motion was made by Bill Pearce to approve an operator’s license for Glen Bland, Jr. Motion was seconded by Pat Colgrove to approve. All in favor, motion carried.
• Public Comment: City of Ashland Fire Chief, Stuart Matthias, presented to the Board an annual report regarding staffing, services, frequency of calls and more. Fire Chief indicated there was an 127% increase in calls [66 total calls] that they responded to in the Town of Gingles in 2024. Fire Chief explained that part of the increase was responding to the same home on multiple occasions. Town of Gingles is currently contracted with City of Ashland for Fire and EMS services; which is set to expire in 2026. Fire Chief verified that starting in January 2026, he will be in contact with Town Board to have discussions about a new contract to renew services.

Laura Martinsen, Clerk