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Town of Geneva Meeting Minutes
Dec 14, 2009

TOWN OF GENEVA
MONTHLY BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 14, 2009

Chairman Lauderdale called the duly posted and noticed meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Lauderdale, Supervisors Kukla, Kamps, and Millard, Attorney Harvey, Building Inspector Boss, and Administrator Downing. Supervisor Fahey was excused. Clerk/Treasurer Kirch took the minutes of the meeting. Ten people signed the attendance sheet.

Motion (Millard/Kamps) to approve the minutes from November 9, 18, 24, 2009. Approved 4 0. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Approved 4 0. Balances reported as of November 30, 2009:

ASSETS NOVEMBER 2009
10003 LGIP Savings 592,903.50 Total Income 2,924,980.87
10007 Money Market Account 22,799.73 Total Expense 2,991,782.04
10013 Chase Tax Checking Account 2,899.90 Net Income -66,801.17
10015 Chase High Yield Savings Acct 201,999.79
1100 – General Checking 165,846.91
Total Checking/Savings 986,449.83

Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve bills from 11/10/09 through 12/11/09. Approved 4 0. Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to approve the annual audit and engagement letters. Approved 4-0.

Administrator’s Report –
• Solicited bids from a recommended list of assessors around the State. Our contract expires at year end. We were not unhappy with Schultz’s work but felt it to be in the best interest of the Town to put it out for bid. Have interviewed all five responding potential assessors. Each Supervisor has received a packet with the bids. Ask that you review and be ready for discussion at the December 28th meeting.
• Many of you attended the proposed firehouse study meeting that was hosted on Saturday, Dec. 5th at the Lodge at Geneva Ridge. Dr. Tim McGrath presented his findings to an audience of approximately 75 concerned residents. The proposed sites are along the Hwy 50 corridor and would serve as a satellite to the three municipalities of Town of Linn, Town of Geneva, and the Village of Williams Bay. After the presentation, Dr. McGrath answered questions from the audience. The municipalities will continue discussion on this joint venture. A resident has contributed $3,000 towards this.
• I am happy to report that we had 56 people attend the Town of Geneva Christmas Party at Moose Creek. A generous resident sponsored the beer and wine and another sponsored music for the evening. I think everyone enjoyed themselves. Moose Creek did a wonderful meal for us.
• This coming week we will be meeting with Fred Burkhart, head of the Walworth County Economic Development. We included $5,200 in the 2010 budget for membership in this organization. We feel that the Economic Development will be of value to the town’s growth, especially in view of the Town having adopted a 2035 Smart Growth Plan.
• Employee Handbook is complete. Outlines benefits and what is expected of all non-represented employees. A lot of work put into this by Downing, Fahey, and Lauderdale. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve the Employee Handbook. Approved 4-0.

Public Comments – None.

Motion (Kamps/Millard) to move Item 11A up to between Items #5 and #6 on the agenda. Approved 4-0.
Kevin Stoeveken, AT&T, reviewed the plans for a conditional use that is needed for a 10’ x 10’ equipment shed. Easement needed from the Lake Como Sanitary District. Plan Commission passed this unanimously. Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to approve AT&T’s request for the 10’ x 10’ shed and the easement for the Lake Como Sanitary District. Approved 4-0.

Brian Cooke and Kurt Cedarburg, Alliant Energy, reviewed their handout identifying the electrical distribution system problems along the south shore of Lake Como. Provided overview of the project. Diagram of circuits displayed. Discussed why parcel was chosen over other possible sites. Ed Bloch, Mike Juers, Bill Leonard, Ron Bloch, Larry Kulik and Diane Cocroft expressed several concerns. Other locations were suggested and discussed. Environmental impact study not done, but has been run by their environmental staff. Will use 80’ x 90’ of the site. Sound level readings have been checked. Property does not need a Rezone, but does need a Conditional Use. Greg Guardrey summarized the plan to date. Cooke said they will take all concerns and see what they can come up with.

Charlotte Peterson Memorial Scholarship was established last year. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve the awarding of the Charlotte Peterson Memorial Scholarship for $500 to a senior at Badger High School who is a resident of the Town of Geneva. Approved 4-0.

Solicited a few bids for property/liability insurance. Rural Mutual reduced our rate from last year. Worker’s Comp will increase this year due to claims. Motion (Kukla/Kamps) to renew our insurance policies with Rural Insurance. Approved 4-0.
List of names submitted as Election Inspectors for 2010 and 2011. All 25 names were read. Address needed for Pauline Bishop. Verified she is a resident as she lives on West End Road. Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to approve the submitted list of names as Election Inspectors for 2010 and 2011. Approved 4-0.

Motion (Kukla/Lauderdale) to approve an Original Operator License for Leane Hall. Approved 4-0.

Supervisor Kamps gave the Plan Commission Report –
• Audrey Boss gave her report. Permits slightly up from last year. Requesting reduction in office hours during December, January, and February to Wednesdays only. Exceptionally slow in the winter and office area congested due to tax payments. Lauderdale requested the boxes of recent permits be taken care of. Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to allow for the reduction of office hours during December, January, and February provided she continue to answer her cell phone and make herself available for permits and inspections on an as needed basis. Approved 4-0. Post to web.

Committee Reports –
• Police Department (Kukla) – Nothing to report.
a) Letter of resignation received from Officer Juan Ortiz. Motion (Kukla/Kamps) to continue this until the January meeting. Approved 4-0.
• Lake Como Sanitary District – No report.
• Municipal Court (Kirch) – Municipal Court report given.
• Fire Department (Lauderdale) –
a) Reviewed the two hardship requests received. Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to approve the hardship requests for Ewald and Tiffany. Approved 4-0.
b) Elkhorn Fire Department Contract presented. Current fees are approximately $80,000-$85,000 per year. Increase of 1% and a temporary hold on equipment replacement fund. Motion (Millard/ Kamps) to approve the contract renewal between Elkhorn Fire Department and the Town of Geneva. Approved 4-0.
• Highway Department (Millard) – Guys did a real good job this last snow storm.
a) Administrator has requested a change in title of the Highway Foreman position to accurately reflect the duties of that position. Suggest Director of Public Works. Millard fees Highway Superintendent would be more accurate. Motion (Kukla/Millard) to change the title from Highway Foreman to Highway Superintendent for the position currently held by Randy Parker. Approved 4-0.
• Park Commission (Wesolek) – Looking for another member as Dominic Bierdek resigned in November.
a) Recommend declining the donation of property on Vine Road (Zoned C-4) currently owned by Terry Gibbons. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to decline the donation of the Vine Road property. Approved 4-0.
• Lake Committee (Kukla) – Discussed the short-term and long-term goals as well as the procedures and policies on opening and closing the spillway. Hope to have completed by January. Checking on electric along the lake front for the six aerators. Recommend Kurt Wagner to replace Larry Titus on the Lake Committee. Add to January agenda.
a) Two revisions to the directional points needed in Ordinance No. 69. On the East End Point 3 should be 42.611702, -88.468518. On the West End Point 6 should be 42.586933, -88.511766. Motion (Kukla/Kamps) to repeal and amend Ordinance No. 69 with changes as read to the conservation area points. Approved 4-0.
• School District Report – No report.

No Attorney’s report.

Motion (Kukla/Millard) to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Approved 4 0.

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Chairman Lauderdale Supervisor Kamps

_____________________________________
Supervisor Millard Supervisor Kukla

Respectfully submitted,

___________________________________
Debra L. Kirch, CMC/WCMC Clerk/Treasurer

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