MONTHLY TOWN BOARD MINUTES
2021 SEPTEMBER 14
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Town of Barksdale Board Meeting

Barksdale Town Hall
29025 East Ondossagon Rd.
Ashland, WI 54806

Date: September 14, 2021

Present: John Nyara; Chris Bretting; Jayson Nohl: Angela Truchon; Susan Sanders

Absent: None

Other’s Present: David Lucius, Road Foreman

Members of the Public Present: Paul Beeksma, Dan Gustafson, Alex Bohman, Eric Bohman, Teresa Margetta, Fred Brocher, Ron Pagac, Arlene Tosch

Call To Order:

The meeting was called to order by Supervisor Nyara at 7:00 p.m.

Verification of Posting:

Truchon confirmed the meeting notice was posted.

Approval of Previous Month’s Minutes:

Bretting made a motion to dispense with reading of the August 10, 2021, Minutes and to approve them as written, seconded by Nohl. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Comprehensive Plan Update:

Jayson reported that the committee met September 12 and reviewed the special use permit for Alex and Eric Bohman relating to the home-based business.

Grant Updates:

• Cozy Corner - Dan Gustafson from Cooper Engineering appeared at the meeting to discuss the bid proposal for the Cozy Corner Road engineering and to talk about the possibility of working on grant funds for the town to help get funding through the LRIP program.

• ARPA - Truchon reported that she did the calculations for the ARPA grant received for the COVID funds and that the town is within the range of reduced income to be able to use these funds for general fund expenses.

Pierce Road:

Jayson and Dave inspected Pierce Road and found that the road is flat with no crown. They also dug some spots to the sub-grade to check on gravel depth in areas. Jayson estimates the road would need about 250 yards of gravel (estimated cost about $5500) and would need grading. It is suggested to have 6” of gravel for paving otherwise the road is in good shape. Would like to have gravel hauled before winter doing about half of it now and the other half next year but would need to get more concrete numbers on yardage for cost.

Public Nuisance Ordinance:

Had some complaints regarding the kayaks at Bono Creek. The town found out that the WisDOT owns the Road, the DNR owns nothing, but they have an agreement with WisDOT to take care of and maintain the ramp and road. DNR has spoken to WisDOT previously about deeding property to them and the WisDOT is not interested in doing that. Chris said he talked to the DOT last year, Phil Kaeppers and Greg from the DNR have been contacted as well. Jack and Lisa (unknown last name) are the owners of the kayak business running down at Bono Creek. Teresa Margetta reported that their dog has been off leash running loose down at the landing and concerns her as she brings her dog there (leashed) that there may be issues. Clerk asked if there could be signs put up that said no kayaks on dock and all animals must be leashed at all times. Chris feels the town needs to have more control given to be able to proceed and enforce the ongoing issues there. John said he would contact the DOT.

Ondossagon Road:

Jayson contacted Twin Port testing and they are going to do core tests on the road this Wednesday, weather permitting. Attorneys need to have the results on the core testing to move further.

NEW BUSINESS:

Public Input:

Ron Pagac questioned Midland quotes and the board again told him they would get quotes from gas suppliers sometime in October.

Permit Reviews:

The board reviewed the Bohman special use permit for a home-based auto repair business. The Planning Committee met last night, and they suggest approving the permit to the board. Neighbor Arlene Tosch was present and agreed with issuing the permit. Bretting made a motion to approve the permit, Nohl seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Cozy Corner Road:

Dan Gustafson from cooper engineering was present to give his proposal and quote for engineering on the project. This quote is for the whole project except for the highway condemnation portion. He said there is a person from Solon Springs who specializes in this work. Gustafson also said they could help prepare and submit the grant for this project for about $500 which is due in November. The engineering costs would be about $85,000 and the design fees would be about $90,000. He figures that the total cost of the project would be $800,000 to $1,000,000.

Voting Machines:

The county has decided to go with the ES&S machines will discuss further at next months meeting.

Road Inspection:

Fall Road Inspection will be done on Wednesday September 22, 2021, meeting at 8:00 am at the town hall.

Snowplowing:

Sue reported that we do about eighty driveways per year, the yearly income from plowing is approximately $13,000 per year. Currently besides Dave and Tom, John Buvala and Dale Johnson help to plow driveways. The town has not had any issues in the last few years with residents. The board decided to keep the rates the same for the 2021-2022 snowplowing season for residents.

Skating Rink:

Paul Beeksma reported that the building is in horrible condition. Bryan Everson looked at it and the building is on a high spot and is on a solid spot. Paul spoke with Wickstrom, and he is fine with a slab and new building being put up there. Jayson said he will contact zoning regarding a permit for the building. Board will need to check into the cost of concrete and a building.

Road Foreman’s Report and Discussion of Road Inspection:

Lucius reported that he had been grading roads. Tractor needed to be fixed so had Lulich’s work on that. Did small equipment repairs and will start patching again before winter. Everything is good for winter. Need to bid out salt/sand.

Clerk’s Report:

Clerk reported on various miscellaneous emails received. Did calculations for the ARPA grant and received a letter stating the emergency services amount will increase in 2022.

Chairman’s Report:

FLAP Grant Letter received and information on the 2022 Comp Plan that the NWPPC is doing through the county.

Treasurer’s Report:

Treasurer’s Report is attached.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting date is October 12, 2021, at 7:00 at the Barksdale Town Hall.

Approval of Bills:

Bretting made a motion to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Nohl. Motion carried.

Adjournment:

There being no further business to conduct, the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Angela M Truchon, Clerk