Town of Gingles January 10, 2024 Meeting Minutes

January 2024 Meeting Minutes

The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Chairman, Patrick Colgrove. Tom Riemer, Laura Martinsen and Traci Beiersdorff were present. Supervisor Bill Pearce’s absence was excused. There were 3 people in public attendance.

The December, 2023 minutes were presented and a motion was made by Tom Riemer, seconded by Pat Colgrove to approve them as written. All in favor, motion carried.

The December, 2023 treasurer’s report was presented and a motion was made by Tom Riemer and seconded by Pat Colgrove to approve the report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Comments by Clerk/Board – Town Clerk identified that they have been notified by Ashland County Clerk there will be no February election this year.

Town Clerk also identified their Deputy Clerk has made the decision not to oversee the Town of Gingles elections as previously decided. With this being said, discussion was had to keep Deputy Clerk on payroll to provide backup to Town Clerk for other duties as assigned [such as: taking meeting minutes if Town Clerk is unable to be at board meeting, etc.]. Deputy Clerk will be put back on list of poll workers available to work at election. Town Clerk will amend the poll worker list and bring to the next board meeting for approval.

OLD BUSINESS:

Roads:

Gingles and White River MOU: Chairman finalized the MOU between the two townships outlining road responsibilities including cost of materials and maintenance. Town Board members have been provided copies of the document. Chairman indicated he is also working on a MOU between Town of Gingles and Town of White River. More to come at future meetings.

Roadside Brush Mowing: Chairman identified County has been out and been doing a good job with this due to unseasonably warm weather. Now that the weather has gotten colder rest of project may need to wait until spring.

ARPA Project- Handicap Access Ramp: Chairman had Heart Graphics in town create a sign of recognition for Enbridge’s donation to the Town of Gingles to assist in improving the handicap access. Recognition sign will be hung up at the town hall. Article and photo of Enbridge staff member, Town Chairman and KV Build [who completed project] will be featured in Ashland Daily Press and Bottom Line News. Handrails will be put on soon.

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Assessment Software Purchase: Town Clerk identified that they were made aware by North Wisconsin Assessment Services [Town of Gingles new assessor] that annual software costs will be billed directly to the Township from Catalis. This is instead of being billed from the assessor for the software costs. Town Clerk clarified with new assessor this will be an annual cost not just a one-time situation.

Joint Powers Agreement with County Sherriff: The Joint Powers Agreement was presented for signature.  A motion was made by Pat Colgrove, seconded by Tom Riemer to sign the agreement.  All in favor, motion carried.

Public Comment: Ashland Fire Chief Matthias provided an EMS report to the board. Included in the report was how many calls Ashland Fire and EMS responded to in 2023 for the Town of Gingles. There was a 5% increase in calls for service from 2022 [2022-39; 2023-42]. Also, in the EMS report was going over staffing updates and the new Ashland/Bayfield Counties Joint Dispatch in Washburn coming soon.

Chairman identified he has gotten more calls from residents in the town concerned about the increased trash collection costs from Republic Services. The possibility of having trash collection at the town hall will continue to be a discussion at future meetings.

Chairman also identified he received a phone call from a resident in the township about his property zoning category changed. Chairman will encourage resident to attend town board meeting for further questions and discussion.

Ashland County Board Supervisor, George Bussey, informed Board that Lissa Radtke with UW-Extension office is working on applying for a Federal grant to address solar rooftops. If town is interested in more information, Lissa should be contacted.

Resident inquired if township has a burning ordinance. Chairman clarified that township does not have a burning ordinance. Also, if resident is going to be burning items, they should contact non-emergent dispatch with approximate start and end times of burn.

Building/Driveway Permits: A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to approve a building permit for Daniel Waters. Motion was seconded by Tom Riemer to approve. All in all favor, motion carried.

-The next regular monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

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

-Meeting was adjourned.

Laura Martinsen, Clerk