October 2023 Minutes
Town of Gingles October 11, 2023 Meeting Minutes
The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Chairman, Patrick Colgrove. Tom Riemer, Bill, Pearce, Laura Martinsen and Traci Beiersdorff were present. There were two people in public attendance.
-The September, 2023 minutes were presented and a motion was made by Bill Pearce, seconded by Tom Riemer to approve them with one minor name change. All in favor, motion carried.
-The September, 2023 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 – A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to amend the agenda to move building permits up on the agenda, seconded by Tom Riemer to approve. All in favor motion, carried. A motion was made by Tom Riemer to approve a building permit for Gary Betley, seconded by Pat Colgrove to approve. All in favor, motion carried.
Town Clerk identified that they received a voicemail from a resident in the township, who is building a house, wants to close up everything for the winter. Resident inquired if town has an ordinance that requires the driveway to remain open. Chairman relayed that there is no such ordinance but it is up to resident to coordinate with the fire department in event of an emergency and the fire department needs to access the driveway. Clerk will ensure resident is aware of this.
OLD BUSINESS:
Hegstrom/Pearce Roads Seal Coat: Chairman identified that project is completed. Town Clerk should be receiving invoice from Scott Construction soon for payment.
East Pearce Ditching: Project has been completed.
Brushing Roadsides: This is the last project to be completed by Ashland County, is on their list to do.
Bay City Culvert: Was able to get it wedged and the grout worked well. Just a trickle of water ate through a little bit. Going to place sand bags on the outside. Approximately 10-12 bags of sakrete needed.
ARPA Project [Handicap Access Ramp]: Project is likely going to be completed tomorrow. Chairman will speak to Eric with KV Build about an additional 1-2 loads of gravel. Town Clerk verified that they were informed by Enbridge that the town has been approved for the amount of $20,000 which should be sent in the next few weeks.
Town Assessor Position: Town Clerk had put an ad in the Wisconsin Towns Association magazine and on their website stating that the town is looking to hire a new contract after the first of the year. Clerk has been contacted by Ryan Kernosky, with Municipal Group, with interest in being the town’s assessor. Clerk was asked to follow up with Ryan requesting a proposal be sent over including prices, mileage fees, scope of practice, etc. Clerk was also provided contact information for Perri Campbell with North Wisconsin Assessment Service, Inc. and asked to contact them for a proposal as well. Clerk verified they will do so. Clerk also stated they had received an email from Lara Carlson, Attorney, with WTA, who referenced DOR’s website as a place to find sample assessor contracts.
NEW BUSINESS:
Budget Discussion: Chairman reviewed typical invoices that the town receives for road maintenance on a year basis. Chairman encouraged Board to think ahead of certain road projects that may need to be completed next year.
LRIP County Funding: Chairman supplied board members a document that outlines the 13 townships in Ashland County and how they spend funding on local roads. Each township receives a ranking based on how much the individual town spends on the roads and receives in funding assistance. Gingles township is currently ranked 13 out 13; partly due to only having 30 miles of road in the town and the town not putting in a lot of funds towards projects. Discussed specifics on how to move up in ranking and using funds.
LRIP [TRI-D and TRI-S] Application: Chairman provided an estimate of $480,000 for Beaser Road project. Chairman continues to work with Emmer Shields and Dave O’Donahue [local engineer] for application. Discussed how different programs within LRIP require different amounts paid by township [i.e. 80/20, 70/30, etc.]. More on this to come at future meetings.
Propane Contract: Town Clerk presented propane estimate, from Midland Services, to the board for $1.49 per gallon. A motion was made by Pat Colgrove to approve propane proposal from Midland Services, seconded by Bill Pearce. All in favor, motion carried.
Public Comment: County Board member present asked how much the town was impacted by the recent tribal taxation ruling. Chairman stated that the town has yet to get a final revenue loss number but the impact is less than what was initially expected.
County Board member present also discussed with board members about erosion control practices, highway worker retention and Line 5 project with Enbridge.
Building/Driveway Permits: No driveway permits this month. Building permits- refer to first page of minutes.
-The next regular monthly meeting will be held after the annual Budget Meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
-The bills were submitted and authorized to be paid by Board signature.
-Meeting was adjourned.
Laura Martinsen, Clerk