Town of Lawrence

   Proceedings of Town Board/Utility District Meeting

Town Hall-2595 French Road, De Pere, WI 54115

Monday, December 11, 2006 – 7:00PM

 

 

Call to Order by Chairman Perock at 7:00 p.m.

 

Roll Call

Present:            Tom Perock, Town Chairman

                        Randy Treml, Town Supervisor

                        Randy Vandenack, Town Supervisor

                        Dale Warpinski, Town Supervisor                      

Kenneth VanDeHei, Town Supervisor

Judy Benz, Town Clerk-Treasurer

                        Carrie Murphy-Auguston, Assistant Clerk

 

Pledge of Allegiance by those in attendance.

 

Discussion and Action on the following:

 

1.                  Approve minutes from Town Board Meeting held on November 27, 2006

A motion was made by Supervisor Warpinski to approve minutes from Town Board Meeting held on November 27, 2006.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

2.                  Open Public Hearing in reference to a request to rezone a portion of Parcel L-72-3 (approximate 2 acres) from agricultural to B1 Business/Commercial to accommodate a proposed parking lot for Fox Valley Auto Auction

A motion was made by Supervisor VanDeHei to open the public hearing in reference to a request to rezone a portion of Parcel L-72-3 (approximate 2 acres) from agricultural to B1 Business/Commercial.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Gail Bailey, 3242 Williams Grant Drive - was present to request the rezoning of a portion of Parcel L-72-3 from agricultural to B1 Business/Commercial.  The approximate 2 acres would be used for a parking lot for Fox Valley Auto Auction.  A privacy fence would be installed around the parking lot. 

 

Greg Little, 2816 Freedom Road – spoke in favor of the rezoning. 

 

3.                  Close Above Mentioned Public Hearing

Chairman Perock asked on two occasions for any further comments.  With no further comments a motion was made by Supervisor Treml to close the above mentioned public hearing.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

4.                  Rezone portion of parcel L-72-3 (approximate 2 acres) from Agricultural to B1 Business/Commercial  to accommodate a proposed parking lot for Fox Valley Auto Auction

A motion was made by Supervisor VanDeHei to approve the rezoning of a portion of parcel L-72-3 (approximate 2 acres) from Agricultural to B1 Business/Commercial to accommodate a proposed parking lot for Fox Valley Auto Auction.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously. 

 

5.                  Proposed Memorandum of Agreement with Oneida Tribe of Indians in reference to Short Rd

Chairman Perock explained there is grant money available to the Oneida Tribe of Indians to use for repairs to Short Road.  Ingress/Egress will remain open for the existing property owners.  The road style will remain the same.

 

 

 

George Murphy, 2141 Short Road -  asked if there were any plans to fix the road in the interim, and what plans the Tribe may have for the property to the North.  Chairman Perock said he imagined the property to the north would be developed in the future.  Supervisor VanDeHei stated he would look at the road and determine if any repairs are necessary in the meantime.

 

Jim Baenen, 2140 Short Road  – asked if the road could be fixed yet this year.  Chairman Perock said it is not the proper season for road repairs.  Should the road be repaired it would in all likelihood be done in the spring.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor VanDeHei to authorize the Town attorney to draft the paperwork which will include the verbiage that the road shall remain open to the public.  Motion seconded by Supervisor

Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

6.                  Street lighting on main intersections

Bob Meulemans, 1194 Spring Lake Drive – reviewed the proposed street lighting policy.  He is recommending the Board adopt a similar policy in reference to street lighting.  Supervisor Treml asked if other communities have more specific criteria.  Mr. Meulemans indicated in bigger cities they have more specific criteria.  Mr. Meulemans recommended the town prioritize where they think the lights should be.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to suspend the rules and open the floor for public comments.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Larry Boldt, 2029 Little Rapids Road –asked who pays for the light at the intersection of Lost Dauphin and Little Rapids Road.  Mr. Meulemans indicated the Town pays for that street light.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to return to regular session.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.  Chairman Perock stated money has been included in the 2007 budget for the implementation of some street lighting and suggested the board members review the policy and establish a plan.  A motion was made by Supervisor Warpinski to table to allow for further review.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

7.                  Ice rink at Quarry Park

Supervisor Warpinski state he spoke with Park Board Member, Brian Peterson, who volunteered to help the Town install the ice rinks at Quarry Park.  He used to manage the rinks for the City of Green Bay and is experienced in the start up process.  Resident, Ron Blohowiak also volunteered to help with the start up process. 

Supervisor Treml asked if it would harm the 1st year grass.  Carrie Murphy-Auguston mentioned it is 2nd year for the grass and the neighboring municipalities all put their rinks on the grass.  She recommended installing one rink for hockey and one for skating.  A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to approve the installation of the ice rinks at Quarry Park.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried.  Supervisor VanDeHei was opposed. 

 

8.                  Non paving debt at Spring Meadow Subdivision and Shadow Ridge Subdivision

Chairman Perock stated the Developer’s Agreement between the Town and the developers has not been upheld.  The Town has made several attempts to resolve the situation.   Chairman Perock is recommending that the Town seek legal advice on how to proceed.  A motion was made by Vandenack to seek legal advice on how to proceed.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

9.                  Outdoor Heating Device complaint at Sharper Edge Landscaping located at 2750  Little Rapids Road

Chairman Perock stated he spoke with the owner of Sharper Edge Landscaping at 2750 Little Rapids Road.  The owner Mike Moran indicated he has put and extension on the chimney and covered the wood pile to comply with the Town’s ordinance.  He mentioned if there continues to be a problem he will move the wood burner and wood inside the building.  Supervisor Vandenack mentioned driving by twice and observed no smoke present.  A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to suspend the rules and open the floor for public comments.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Enola Staeven, 2418 Williams Grant Drive – stated the wood pile was covered, with the snow that was on top of it included.

 

Todd Albers, W310 Albers Road - stated there are health issues and concerns with the amount of smoke present.  He mentioned three trees (hickory, spruce, and ash) in the path of the smoke have died. 

 

Ralph Staeven – stated Mr. Moran threatened charges of harassment against the Staevens if they continue to complain.

 

Todd Albers - stated smoke is always present when the furnace is burning, the only difference is the density of the smoke.  When the wind direction is from the south, west, or east there is a problem.  Only when the wind is from the north does it not pose as much of a problem.  Ralph stated the wind comes from the south/southwest about 80% of the time.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Warpinski to return to regular session.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.  A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to obtain legal clarification and immediately proceed with the attorney’s recommendation.  If necessary start proceeding against ordinance violations.  Motion seconded by Supervisor VanDeHei.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

10.              Overnight parking on town roads/construction vehicles on town roads

The board members were given a copy of policy in reference to overnight parking on town roads and construction vehicles on town roads. Chairman Perock asked them to review it before the next Town Board Meeting.

 

11.              Proposed Policy in reference to employee vacation and holiday pay

The board members were provided a copy of the proposed vacation/holiday policy for Town employees.  Chairman Perock asked them to review it before the next Town Board Meeting.

 

12.              Proposed 2nd Water Meter Policy

Utility Manager Greg Little provided the Board a copy of the proposed 2nd water meter policy.  The policy would allow residents to have a second meter for outdoor water usage (lawn watering, car washing, pool filling etc.) 

A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to suspend the rules and open the floor for public comments.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Bob Meulemans- stated other communities pro-rate their summer sewer bills based on the winter usage.  He asked if the Town had considered this option.  Utility Operator, Kurt Minten, questioned the accuracy of that method citing residents take long vacations during the winter months which would not reflect true usage.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to return to regular session.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.  A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to table to allow for further review.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

13.              Propane tank for storage building – purchase or lease options

Discussions were held in reference to purchase or lease options for the propane tank.  A motion was made by Supervisor Vandenack to lease the propane tank for the Town storage building.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Treml.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

14.              Water/Sewer Utility Update/Greg Little

Utility Manager, Greg Little stated the problem with the rags in the sewer system has been resolved. 

 

15.              Central Brown County Water Authority Update/Randy Treml

Supervisor Treml stated they have finished crossing the Fox River and will begin on the Manitowoc River soon.

 

16.              Fire Department Update/Fire Chief Kurt Minten

None

 

17.              Payment of due invoices and wages

A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to approve payment of due invoices and wages.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

18.              Authorize payment of due wages and invoices for year end

A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to approve the payment of invoices and wages for year end.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

19.              Future Agenda Items

Parking Policy

Employee Vacation/Holiday Policy

2nd Water Meter Policy

Legal advice provided by Town attorney

 

20.              Public Comments

A motion was made by Supervisor Warpinski to suspend the rules and open the floor for public comments. Motion seconded by Supervisor VanDeHei.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

Representative Nelson stated he would be holding seven (7) listening sessions.  He provided the times and places they will be held. 

 

Tom Hoslet, 1101 Spring Lake Drive – asked if Sand Acres would be widened in the future?  Chairman Perock stated “no”.  Supervisor VanDeHei stated it is already wider than most Town roads.

 

Utility Manager Greg Little suggested the public works department compile a list of locations for possible street lights and the Town can prioritize the installation of the lights.

 

Bob Meulemans asked about the flags on Grant Street.  Utility Manager Greg Little stated they are marking the path for fiber optics to be extended from the high school to the new elementary school.

 

A motion was made by Supervisor Treml to return to regular session. Motion seconded by Supervisor Vandenack.  Motion carried unanimously.

 

21.              Adjourn

A motion was made by Supervisor VanDeHei to adjourn the meeting.  Motion seconded by Supervisor Warpinski.  Motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

 

 

                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

                                                                              Carrie Murphy-Auguston