Glacier Hills Monitoring Committee Meeting January 26, 2012
Members Present: Bill Berger, Jeff Bump, and Rick O’Connor (standing in for Tanya Holler Muench)
Others Present: Julius Carter and Louis Caracci (WE Energies)
Lance & Stacy Braaksma, Alan & Lori Haun, John Heil, and Jamie Stancer (Town Residents)
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Jeff Bump objected to the meeting being held at the WE Energies O&M building. Future meeting will be held at the Scott Town Hall located at W3696 Ross Road.
Citizen Concerns:
1.Lance and Stacy Braaksma were present to request that WE Energies resolve their internet signal interference issues. Stacy relies on internet service for her work. Prior to the wind turbines being online they used a 3G system without any problems. Since the turbines came online they have had interference and cannot get a reliable internet connection. They have tried installing a booster and a new Wi-Fi card at their own expense. They are requesting that WE Energies install satellite internet (Hughes Net). Louis Caracci confirmed all that the Braaksma’s stated was accurate and that his hands were tied based on WE Energies interpretation of Special Condition No. 14 of the Joint Development Agreement (JDA). Louis also stated that if the Town of Scott Board would inform WE Energies what the Town’s interpretation of this section of the JDA is that he felt he could move forward with installing satellite service for the Braaksma’s. Bill Berger speaking for the Town of Scott Board stated that the Town’s interpretation of this section of the JDA is that all interference issues should be mitigated within 14 days of the complaint.
2.Alan and Lori Haun were present to request that WE Energies resolve their cellular service interference issues. Lori relies on cell phone service for her work. Rick O’Connor noted that WE Energies received a report from Verizon stating that coverage in our area is and has always been poor, but they do not believe the wind turbines would cause degradation of service. Jeff Bump countered that the Verizon engineer he spoke with indicated the wind turbines would negatively impact Verizon service in the area. Jeff also stated he was able to receive and use a Verizon 3G radio signal, which functioned well for his business until WE Energies activated their wind generators which caused daily and repeated service interruptions to his Verizon receiver. Rick noted that WE Energies will be conducting a post-construction study for cellular service, which is scheduled for February 7 and 14, and WE Energies would like to wait for the results of this study before moving forward with cellular mitigation. Louis will provide the Haun’s with a booster to test if that will improve their cellular service.
3.John Heil was present to file a noise complaint. He noted that Louis has been at his residence and has ordered the turbines be turned off because of the noise. Louis confirmed that this was true and stated that this particular instance was due to some icing on the blades. John noted that he is happy with Louis’ response to date and Louis stated that John can continue to call him with noise issues and that the turbines will be turned off if the noise exceeds the standards as stated in Special Condition No. 13 of the JDA.
The citizen concern form was reviewed. Jeff Bump requested that a statement regarding the location of monitoring committee meetings should be included on the form. The form was approved with this change and will be available on the Town’s website for future use.
Discussed compensation for monitoring committee members. Bill Berger requested that this be included on the agenda for the next Town Board meeting.
Jeff Bump noted that he would like to see the complaint log, which is maintained by WE Energies, be forwarded to the Public Service Commission. He would also like to see names, addresses and whether individuals on this log are participating or non-participating residents. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
January 2012 Town Board Meeting (draft subject to Board approval)
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on January 21, 2012. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:12 a.m. Also present were Supervisor Cindy Zook, Treasurer Don Jerred, Clerk Jamie Stancer, and three visitors.
The minutes of the December 17, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of December was reviewed.
Jim Amstadt was present to discuss the issues he has been having regarding the lack of fencing between his property and Jerome and Cathy Cigelske’s property. There have been numerous occasions that Cigelske’s cows have gotten onto his property and there have also been numerous occasions that hunters have trespassed onto his property while hunting on Cigelske’s property as well. The Town Board will contact Cigelske’s asking them to work with Mr. Amstadt regarding installing fencing and if there is no response the Town Board will begin the process as outlined in Chapter 90 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Pat Cadigan was present to discuss a letter he received regarding reducing the speed limit on Berry Road due to the recent volume of accidents involving Amish buggies on this road. The Town Board indicated that they felt it would likely be more beneficial to reduce the speed limit on a portion of this road (which is not located in the Town of Scott) instead of reducing the speed limit on the entire road. This matter will be discussed at the Safety Committee meeting scheduled on February 10, 2012.
The payment list was read by the chairman. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to approve the payment list. Motion carried 2-0.
There were no building/driveway/utility ERN permit applications received.
Cindy reported that the final draft of the town plan is still with the state for review. When it is returned from the state the Town Board will review and make changes as necessary. Cindy also indicated that approximately 70 percent of the Town’s plan commission expenses will be reimbursed by the state.
Chairman Berger indicated that WE Energies turned off the light under the flag at their O&M building for now and they will readjust the light at some point so that it does not shine into vehicles driving on Highway H.
One bid was received from Delmer Slager for the recycling center operator position. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to approve the bid. Motion carried 2-0. Delmer requested that the Town increase the fees paid for compacting the dumpster and plowing the snow at the recycling center. No action was taken.
A notice was received from Columbia County indicating that an emergency response sign should be purchased for the Miller property on County Road E. Chairman Berger will look into this further before acting on it.
The next town board meeting will be held on February 18, 2012 at the town hall starting at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Berger/Zook to adjourn. Motion carried 2-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:46 a.m.
The annual audit was performed immediately following the town board meeting.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
December 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on December 17, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:12 a.m. Also present were Supervisors Cindy Zook and Jim Nelson, Treasurer Don Jerred, Clerk Jamie Stancer, and two visitors.
Steve Williams was present to conduct the fire inspection for the town hall. He noted that the fire extinguisher needs to be mounted to the wall and an outlet for the furnace needs to be installed.
The minutes of the November 12, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of November was reviewed.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to pay voucher Nos. 2691 to 2711. Motion carried 3-0.
Nelvin Olson was present to review changes to property valuation. The board requested that ag forest and forest land value be increased in 2012 so that it’s in line with the state valuation.
Jeff Stancer entered the meeting at 9:35 a.m. He expressed his concern with the lights that shine on the flag at the WE Energies O&M building on Highway H. The lights shine into the road making it difficult to see. Chairman Berger will contact Devan Hintz to address this issue.
A notice was received from Columbia County indicating that an emergency response sign should be purchased for the Burns property off of Ross Road. A motion was made by Zook/Nelson to approve. Motion carried 3-0.
Cindy reported that she met with Joe Brandsma to edit the draft comprehensive plan. The final draft has been sent to the state for review.
Chairman Berger noted that WE Energies addressed the shoulder issues on Highway H. Jamie will contact Tanya Holler Muench regarding the status of commercial operation of the project.
Chairman Berger noted that we have not received the road maintenance billing for December yet. A motion was made by Nelson/Zook to pay the December billing when received. Motion carried 3-0.
Supervisor Nelson noted that the recycling center gates were left open recently and there are now tires and a television present. Supervisor’s Zook and Nelson will both discuss this with Delmer Slager and let him know that he is responsible for the removal of these items as they are not accepted. A motion was made by Zook/Nelson to solicit bids for the recycling center operator in 2012. Motion carried 3-0. An ad will be placed in the Rio Shopper and Pardeeville Shopper with bids due by January 20, 2012.
The town will discuss soliciting bids to mow all three cemeteries in the town for the 2012 season in March 2012.
A motion was made by Nelson/Zook to extend the Interim Land Use and Subdivision ordinances until December 31, 2012. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Berger/Zook to appoint the following election inspectors for the 2012-2013 term: Sandra Stancer, Holly Kalepp, Shirley Miller, Beverly Myhre, Jean Lynch and Michael Lynch. Motion carried 3-0.
A motion was made by Berger/Zook to sign the Memo of Understanding between Columbia County and the Town of Scott for the statewide voter registration system support for the year 2012. Motion carried 3-0.
An annual audit will be performed on January 21, 2012 at the town hall immediately following the town meeting.
A motion was made by Zook/Berger to grant Adams Columbia Electric a blanket construction permit on town road right-a-ways for 2012. Motion carried 3-0.
The next town board meeting will be held on January 21, 2012 at the town hall starting at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Zook/Nelson to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
2012 Budget Hearing
A hearing for the 2012 Town of Scott budget was held on November 12, 2011 at the town hall starting at 10:17 a.m. There were five electors present. Questions regarding the budget were addressed. The hearing concluded at 10:20 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
Special Town Meeting
A special town meeting was held on November 12, 2011 at the town hall starting at 10:20 a.m. The purpose of the meeting was to set the town tax levy for taxes payable in 2012. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger. There were five electors present.
A motion was made by Don Jerred, seconded by Jamie Stancer, to set the town tax levy at $114,644.00 payable in 2012. Motion carried 5-0.
A motion was made by Jamie Stancer, seconded by Don Jerred, to adjourn the special town meeting. Motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
November 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on November 12, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:05 a.m. Also present were Supervisors Cindy Zook and Jim Nelson, Treasurer Don Jerred, and Clerk Jamie Stancer.
The minutes of the October 15, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of October was reviewed. A motion was made by Zook/Berger to eliminate the voucher process related to payment of town bills and begin having three signatures on checks instead. The three signatures will consist of the Town Chairman William Berger, Town Treasurer Don Jerred, and Town Clerk Jamie Stancer. The Town Supervisors Cindy Zook or Jim Nelson will have authority to sign checks in their absence. Motion carried 3-0. Motion carried 3-0.
There were no citizen concerns.
A driveway permit application was received from Terry Trepel. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to approve. Motion carried 3-0.
Cindy reported that she met with Jon Prochnow on October 5, 2011 to edit the draft comprehensive plan. The final draft will be reviewed by all plan commission members and then by the town board.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Nelson/Zook to pay voucher Nos. 2684 to 2690. Motion carried 3-0.
Chairman Berger noted that there have been some concerns regarding the shoulder on Highway H. WE Energies will address this issue. Don mentioned that the approach to the bridge on Larson Road between Crown Road and Highway 33 has gotten substantially worse since the wind project began. Chairman Berger indicated that this will be addressed with the post construction road survey.
Don noted that there is a hole that needs to be patched on Crown Road near Highway 44. Chairman Berger reported that Columbia County looked at the tree on Newell Road and they felt it was not a safety hazard; therefore nothing will be done at this time.
WE Energies provided gravel for the recycling center driveway and Columbia County leveled it out. Vehicles have recently been parking in the driveway and therefore recycling could not be picked up. Jamie will purchase some no parking signs; vehicles will be towed if they are parked in front of the gate.
The town will solicit bids to mow all three cemeteries in the town for the 2012 season; Jamie did inform the cemetery associations.
The town board recessed for the budget hearing and the special town meeting at 10:17 a.m.
The town board reconvened at 10:25 a.m.
A motion was made by Zook/Nelson to approve the 2012 budget. Motion carried 3-0.
Discussed possible tax bill inserts. Chairman Berger noted that there will be a budget meeting for the Friesland Fire Department on November 14, 2011 starting at 7:00 p.m.
The next town board meeting will be held on December 17, 2011 at the town hall starting at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Berger/Zook to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:37 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
October 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on October 15, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:03 a.m. Also present were Supervisor Jim Nelson, Clerk Jamie Stancer, and seven visitors.
The minutes of the September 17, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of September was reviewed.
A motion was made by Berger/Nelson to approve the proposal from Nelvin Olson to perform the assessor duties in 2012 for the payment of $6,000 plus expenses. Motion carried 2-0.
Rick Wendt, Pardeeville Fire Chief was present to inform the board that he was able to purchase a fill system for a portable tank with funds provided by WE Energies, as it was related to high angle rescue. Rick noted that an emergency response number sign near the campground was not visible and wanted to stress to town residents that they need to make these signs visible. Tom Borgkvist, Pardeeville Fire District President was present to provide the 2012 budget and also indicated that the by-law changes have not been approved yet.
Deb Heil was present to discuss the interference she’s had since the wind turbines have started to spin near her home. She has been working with WE Energies to resolve her issues, but wanted to ensure that reimbursement she receives from them is not considered taxable income. Tanya Holler Muench ensured her that it was not.
Chairman Berger received a survey map proposing to combine two lots on Highway E (Eggleston property).
There were no building/driveway/utility ERN permits received.
There was no plan commission update.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Berger/Nelson to pay voucher Nos. 2678 to 2683. Motion carried 2-0.
Tanya Holler Muench and Devan Hintz were present to provide a status update on the Glacier Hills Wind Project. Tanya indicated that 75 of the 90 turbines have been erected and 24 have been commissioned. They have had five calls regarding interference due to the turbines (one from the town of Scott). The project is still on track to be completed by the end of 2011. If commercial operation begins by the end of the year the town will receive additional shared revenue in 2012. Discussed the post construction road survey; this will be conducted in spring 2012 (must be done no more than two months before or after the month of the year in which the pre-project survey was performed, which was May 2010). WE Energies will provide gravel to the Town for the recycling center driveway.
Pat Cadigan indicated that Columbia County will begin patching roads on Fenske and Barden roads and others as necessary.
There was no recycling center update.
The town will solicit bids to mow all three cemeteries in the town for the 2012 season (Jamie will inform the cemetery associations).
Discussed the tax collection bond; it will be renewed.
The next town board meeting will be held on November 12, 2011 at the town hall starting at 9:00 a.m.
The hearing for the 2012 budget will be held on November 12, 2011 at the town hall starting at 10:00 a.m.
A special town meeting will be held after the budget hearing for the purpose of adopting the 2011 town tax levy to be paid in 2012 pursuant to Sec. 60.10 (1) (a) of Wisconsin Statutes.
A motion was made by Berger/Nelson to adjourn. Motion carried 2-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:28 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
September 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on September 17, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:03 a.m. Also present were Supervisor Cindy Zook, Treasurer Don Jerred, Clerk Jamie Stancer, and one visitor.
The minutes of the August 20, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of August was reviewed.
Ervin Miller was present to discuss his purchase of one acre in the Town of Scott to be added to his existing 20 acre parcel in the Town of Marcellon.
A driveway permit application was received from Matthew Quade and Tim Brandsma. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to approve both applications pending inspection by Chairman Berger. Motion carried 2-0.
Cindy will schedule a meeting with Helen Rawson and the plan commission members to discuss items in the draft plan that don’t pertain to the Town of Marcellon.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to pay voucher Nos. 2669 to 2677. Motion carried 2-0.
There was no update on the Glacier Hills Wind Project.
Chairman Berger noted that the culvert on Crown Road is not plugged, but he will still plan to contact the property owner to see if the culvert can be removed.
There was no recycling center update.
Chairman Berger noted that he will plan to have to roadside mowing done again in late October. Bids were not received for removal of the tree on the east side of Newell Road; this item will be reviewed at the next town board meeting.
Chairman Berger indicated that only one municipality approved the amended Pardeeville Fire District by-laws, and therefore did not pass.
The next town board meeting will be held October 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Berger/Zook to adjourn. Motion carried 2-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
August 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on August 20, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:02 a.m. Also present were Supervisors Cindy Zook and Jim Nelson, and Clerk Jamie Stancer.
The minutes of the July 16, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of July was reviewed.
Chairman Berger reviewed the amended Pardeeville Fire District by-laws. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to reject said bylaws as amended. Motion carried 2 yes, 1 abstained.
There were no citizen concerns.
There were no building/driveway/utility ERN permit applications received.
Cindy indicated that she and Helen Rawson met to review the Town plan as it stands now. Helen plans to prepare a final draft by the end of September. Cindy will meet with the plan commission to review the final draft when it is complete. Cindy also noted that Columbia County will likely provide the required maps in September.
Jamie was unable to get an insurance quote from another provider prior to this meeting, therefore the Town will renew with Rural Mutual Insurance Company.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Zook/Nelson to pay voucher Nos. 2660 to 2668. Motion carried 3-0.
The Glacier Hills Wind Project is approximately four weeks behind schedule at this time. Chairman Berger noted that WE Energies plans to bring in a second crane in order to get the project back on schedule.
Supervisor Nelson noted that there was some gravel spilled on Highway H, but has since been cleaned up. He also noted that there is a culvert plugged on Crown Road. Chairman Berger will first contact the property owner to see if the culvert can be removed.
The new recycling center signs are complete. The Town plans to clean up the grounds this fall.
Chairman Berger indicated that there is a tree in the right of way on the east side of Newell Road that needs to come down. He will get bids to review at the next town board meeting.
The next town board meeting will be held September 17, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Nelson/Zook to adjourn. Motion carried 3-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:00 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk
July 2011 Town Board Meeting
The Scott Town Board met at the town hall on July 16, 2011. The meeting was called to order by Chairman William Berger at 9:05 a.m. Also present were Supervisor Cindy Zook, and Clerk Jamie Stancer.
The minutes of the June 18, 2011 town board meeting were read. The minutes stand approved as read.
The financial report for the month of June was reviewed.
There was no update on the Pardeeville Fire District by-laws.
There were no citizen concerns.
There were no building/driveway/utility ERN permit applications received.
Cindy indicated that the Town of Marcellon has completed their plan. Helen Rawson has been in contact with Peter Hayes (State of Wisconsin) regarding the Town of Scott Plan. Five maps will need to be purchased from Columbia County. Cindy will work with Helen to complete our plan and then schedule a public viewing in late August.
The payment vouchers were read by the clerk. A motion was made by Zook/Berger to pay voucher Nos. 2651 to 2659. Motion carried 2-0.
We Energies estimates Glacier Hills Wind Project to be 65 percent complete as of June 30, 2011.
Chairman Berger noted that the Ross Road improvement has been completed and roadside mowing has been started.
Bids for the new signage at the recycling center were reviewed. A motion was made by Berger/Zook to accept the bid from Two Rivers Signs and Designs. Motion carried 2-0.
Jamie will request bids for the town insurance renewal.
The next town board meeting will be held August 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Zook/Berger to adjourn. Motion carried 2-0. The meeting adjourned at 10:03 a.m.
Jamie Stancer
Town Clerk |
