Monthly Meeting Minutes I January 8, 2024
The monthly meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Cedar Lake was held on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 6:30 PM at the Cedar Lake Town Hall in Mikana. Present was Ken Leners, Chairman; Supervisors Mary Hele and Kory Weiss, Clerk, Maryhelen Drew and Treasurer, Gladys Roux. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance. Also 14 other persons attended.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Corrections made: Ken’s intent was to approve the 15 poll workers. Ken asked Kory if he had said that the clerk has the authority to appoint the deputy clerk. Yes, he said that. He also stated that he thought this could be done without being on the agenda. Kory corrected that Scott had not borrowed his power washer, only that it was available if needed. Kory also amended that the Town owns 25 ft. of Hwy 48 & V landing. ROW is 49.5 ft. Ken made the motion to approve the minutes with these corrections. Kory seconded and all were in favor.
PUBLIC COMMENT: It is noted that Representative Armstrong was unable to attend. Mike Klutho asked to make a public comment, he owns the north side of the Hwy. 48 & V landing and mows that area. Mike stated that he would not be clear-cutting that area. Mike is going on record that he does not agree with the Town Attorney, T.J. Proue regarding the landing ruling from him. Chairman Leners stated to let the record show that, per the road supervisor, repairs to the landing are acceptable and that, as of this meeting, no further action is pending.
FINANCIAL REPORT: Gladys reported that all accounts balance with the bank, herself and the clerk. Ken explained the end of the year finances. Ken spoke about the new program for the computer software which they had heard about at a conference. He asked Gladys to look into this program .
ROAD REPORT: Truck did not need new strobe lights, it was a bad wire. Red truck has two new rims and tires. Discussion of equipment.
SPECIAL PROJECT COMMITTEE: Mary continues to look for monies for town needs and after a year, has learned that funding identified this far has been for larger cities and townships. We need funding for maintenance. Townships our size have fewer special projects and more necessities which are in the maintenance category and do not qualify for special project funding. Therefore, we must pay for our “needs” ourselves with our largest source of revenue, property tax dollars. She will continue the search, concentrating on a lobby coalition of like sized townships.
BFCESD REPORT: As Mike Hessling was absent, Ken read the report. Suggested maybe a zoom meeting next month.
OLD BUSINESS:
DISCUSSION/ACTION on Jerry Frazier property. Mary has been in contact with Jon Cuskey, attorney. Mary made the motion after investigation that determined Jerry Frazier property a public nuisance, a notice of abatement providing him 24 hours to abate and in the event Mr. Frazier doesn’t act, the Board will proceed with court action or whatever action necessary and allowed by law to abate the nuisance. This was seconded by Kory and with no further discussion roll call vote was taken: Ken, yes: Kory, yes: Mary, yes.
UPDATE; Attorney Jon Cuskey is working on the abandonment of the Eden Meadow Drive in Gateshead, Sect. 9.
NEW BUSINESS: Buckthorn Project report was given by Mary with information submitted by Will Bowe. The Board discussed the ordering of a new truck for the town. Cost would be approximately $230,000.00 which would not be due until 2025/26. Kory made the motion to move forward to put the town’s name on the list to order a new plow truck from Meyer’s,Cameron, for $230,000 per quote 1/3/2024. Ken seconded this. No discussion. Roll call vote: Ken, yes: Kory, yes: Mary, yes.
Discussion: Capital improvement plans (CIP) should include the red plow truck, green patrol truck, a/c for town hall and power washer. Ken will add these cost projections to the CIP.
UPDATE; Kory asked about an update on 6 parcels sent to the county for rezoning. In the county’s hands now, sent before Christmas. They will be setting a date for a hearing.
BOR DATES: Assessor suggested dates for 2024 Open Book and Board of Review. April 9, 2024 1:30 – 3:30 as open book,Board of Review on April 22, 2024,1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. These dates were accepted by the board. Need to have board members certified for these dates. Mary will be absent. Kory indicated that he would become BOR certified.
FUTURE AGENDA: WTA’s suggestion to have a written policy for the use of remote technology and/or the use of telephones for meeting appearances. Also, add Xcel Energy for discussion.
UPDATE: Gladys investigated the interest rate for a CD for the refund from BFCESD with rates at 5.15% for $30000. Board made a motion to purchase this CD.
APPROVE VOUCHERS FOR PAYMENT. All vouchers paid.
ADJOURNMENT: Ken made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Kory seconded and all were in favor.(7:58)
NOTICED: Red Cedar Country Store, Cedar Lake Grill, Town Hall, Bear Trap Inn, website.
DRAFT ONLY