THE BOARD OF AUDIT (Supervisors Dave Baker, Don Mishler, and Dave Fornengo) MET AT 7 P.M. TO EXAMINE THE FINANCIAL RECORDS OF THE CLERK AND THE TREASURER FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008. THEY SIGNED A STATEMENT THAT EVERYTHING IS IN ORDER. THIS STATEMENT IS IN THE FINANCIAL RECORDS BOOK.
MINUTES-NEW DOSEY TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETIG-FEB. 9, 2009
Meeting called to order at 7:31 p.m. by Chair Dave Fornengo. Also present were Supervisors Don Mishler and Dave Baker, Treasurer Vicki Elliott, Clerk Fran Levings, Deloris Schirmer, Al Wolf, Todd Elliott and Wes Cemenski.
New Dosey Township resident Deloris Schirmer read a letter (attached to file copy of these minutes) regarding concerns she has about the fact that plowing following snow storms has not always been approved. She delineated some township expenditures that she feels may be less important than plowing township roads. Supervisor Dave Baker responded that for about 5 years, the township received substantial payments for timber sales from Pine County and we no longer get this money. The township budget is tight right now. Therefore, the supervisors are adhering closely to the snow plowing policy adopted at the 2008 Annual Meeting and not plowing roads unless there is an accumulation of 4 inches of snow or more in one storm. The Township had to cash in a CD in January to meet expenses. Clerk Fran Levings further responded that some of the less important expenditures will be put before the 2009 Annual Meeting for consideration. Ms. Schirmer differed with the Supervisors’ assessment of less that 4 inches after one snowfall- she said she had measured 6 inches. Supervisor Baker said that he plans to make a case for an increase in levy at the ’09 Annual Meeting. The Board thanked Ms. Schirmer for coming in with her concerns.
Motion by Dave Baker, second by Don Mishler, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of Jan. 12, 2009. Carried.
Clerk Vicki Elliott presented the treasurer’s report (attached to file copy). She said that she created a new Fund- Savings Account- $7000.00 with money from the CD she cashed in.
Fund Balances are:
General Fund $4061.04
Road & Bridge Fund 11303.17
Cemetery Fund 154.02
Fire Protection Fund 108.34
Fire Hall Fund 309.07
Cartway-Proffit, Hanson 1464.27
Savings Account 7000.00
CDs 70501.46
Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Dave Baker, to approve the treasurer’s report. Carried.
Clerk Fran Levings presented the Claims List for Approval and the Net Employee pay( attached to file copy). Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Don Mishler, to pay these bills. Carried.
CLERK’S REPORT:
- 1. Presented the names of Dave Baker, Marlene Mishler and Helen Allen to be judges for the township election on March 10th. Motion by Dave Fornengo, second by Don Mishler, to approve this list of judges.
- 2. Board of Review and Equalization Meeting-April 13 at 1 p.m. in the town hall.
- 3. Reported on a conversation with Cathy Clemmer, Pine County Auditor, regarding mail-in voting for 2010. The township would save about $1500 with this program. Ms. Clemmer said she would approve such a request if it is passed by motion at the Annual Meeting.
- 4. Supervisor Baker has completed and submitted the Census Report on geography.
NO ZONING REPORT
OLD BUSINESS:
- 1. Dave Fornengo reported that he had received a crank from Scott Olson and that Don Mishler installed it on the fuel tank.
- 2. Dave Baker reported that the wind meter “kicks out” periodically. Perhaps voltage is a problem. Dave Fornengo, an electrician, said he will look at it and get help from ECE if necessary.
- 3. Clerk Levings led a discussion of budget concerns. She has outlined some ways to save money in the General Fund and will present them to the Annual Meeting. These include using only ONE newspaper for public notices,no training, Mail-in Voting, reducing the amounts for Contracts for Services, a “Perpetual Care” program for the cemetery, spending less on office supplies, charging a rental fee for use of the town hall, raising the filing fee, a salary freeze, and not increasing the mileage reimbursement rate. Supervisor Baker noted that the township will go broke in 2 years without an increase in township taxes. He also said that maintaining roads is our first priority and money will be needed to do this. Todd Elliott said the township needs to look at brush and tree control along the right-of-way also. Discussion of the possibility of mandating a deposit from loggers who use our roads. Will not do so at this time, because logging companies have been cooperative so far in reimbursing the township for damage done to township roads. With one exception (not doing any training at all), the Board agreed to go with the Clerk’s suggestions for cuts in the General Fund.
- 4. Clerk said that she met with webmaster Glen Williamson and brought all features up-to-date.
NEW BUSINESS:
- 1. Clint Elliott, who has been hired by the township, to do the mowing of town hall and cemetery lawns, has requested a newer lawnmower for 2009. Clerk will put in on the agenda for the Annual Meeting.
- 2. Motion by Dave Forengo, second by Don Mishler, to approve a resolution submitted by the North Pine Riders Snowmobile Club, Willow River, to support their efforts in applying for a grant(Letter attached to file copy). Part of this club’s trails are in our township. Carried.
ANYTHING ELSE TO COME BEFORE THE BOARD
- 1. Resident Wes Cemenski said he still wants a stop sign put up on Pine Cty Hwy 32 at its intersection with Pine Cty Hwy 31. Vicki Elliott recommended that he appear at a Pine County Supervisors meeting to speak at the “Public Concerns” part of the agenda and bring copies of all dates for calls and conversations already made on this issue.
Meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Fran Levings, Clerk
Also signed by the Chair_____________________________________
Date signed _____________________________________