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ANNUAL MEETING-DRAFT
Apr 08, 2008
The following are DRAFT minutes of the Annual Meeting held on Tuesday,
April 8th, 2008. Under Chapter 985, Wisconsin Statutes, public notice
shall be given as to resolutions, motions and other actions adopted by
the Annual Meeting, and such notice will be properly posted.  The
minutes are subject to approval at the next Annual Meeting (2009).

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
(Town meeting room, modular building at Sevastopol School, 4550 St Hwy
57, Institute)

MINUTES
Town Board Chairman Leo Zipperer explained that although an agenda is
not required by law, one has been prepared to assist in an orderly
conduct of the meeting.  The annual town meeting may transact any
business over which it has statutory authority; Wis. Stats., sec.
60.11(6).  

Determine Proper Notice:
It was determined that proper notice had been provided, having been
posted in three public places, with an affidavit of posting on file,
and notice also having been published in the Door County Advocate on
March 29, 2008.

Welcome/Meet & Greet:
Chairman Leo Zipperer welcomed those attending and introductions were
as follows:  Town Board Chairman and District 14 County Board
Supervisor Leo Zipperer, Supervisor and Vice Chairman Tom Girman,
Supervisor Dan Woelfel, Supervisor Chuck Tice, Supervisor John
Staveness, Clerk/Treasurer Linda Wait, Janean Robenhorst of Schenck
S.C. (auditor), residents and visitors:  Laddie Chapman, Marianne
Moeller, Dan Moeller, Dick Shappell, Bart Munson, Betty Kiehnau,
Charlie Jarman, Arlene Woelfel and Pat Miller.  There were 15 electors
in attendance (in comparison to 28 in 2007 and 20 in 2006).

Pledge of Allegiance:  
The Chairman asked all to rise and join in reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance.

Official Oath and Swearing In of Elected Officers:
Dan Woelfel and Chuck Tice, having been re-elected to the office of
Supervisor, on April 1, 2008, were administered the oath of office by
the Clerk.  The official oaths and conflict of interest statements
were placed on file.

Call to Order:
Chairman Zipperer called the meeting to order and indicated that all
electors are invited to participate and that a vote will be taken on
items presented.  Only qualified electors may make a motion, which
must be seconded, for which the town meeting has authority, and vote.

Approval of Minutes:
●  Motion by Chuck Tice and seconded by Pat Miller to approve
the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on April 11, 2006.  Motion
carried, unanimously.
●  Motion by Charlie Jarman and seconded by Laddie Chapman to
approve the minutes of the Annual Meeting held on April 10, 2007 (with
minor correction to page 3).  Motion carried, unanimously.

Matters for Review/Status Update/Discussion:
1) Clark Lake.  Chairman Zipperer reported a current level of 9.6,
going on 9.7.  The DNR permit calls for a 9.1 level, with 9.0 allowed
to go over as the spill.  We are trying to maintain a higher level
without taking additional boards out and monitoring the situation. 
Despite complaints from lakeshore owners, lowering the lake more so at
this point would likely cause roadway flooding and culvert damage.
2) Newsletter.  Dan Woelfel reported that we had our first summer
issue (August 2007) in hopes of keeping our seasonal residents abreast
of current news and another issue was mailed in February 2008.  To
save postage costs, the newsletters are delivered to rural mailboxes. 
Issues are also available on the Town website and we have some extra
copies for anyone interested.  If you wish to submit an article,
please feel free to contact Dan or any of the Board members.  Laddie
Chapman was recognized for his work on formatting and thanks to those
who helped put the issues together.
3) Comprehensive Plan.  John Staveness and the Comprehensive Plan
Committee members have been working two years and are in the process
of reviewing the final drafts of Chapters 1-12.  There will be a
public hearing (with no less than 30 days’ notice to be held some time
in May or June) and the plan will then be presented to the Board for
approval.  
4) Burn Permits.  Chairman Zipperer indicated that we will continue to
issue burn permits for brush and burn barrels, but may eventually look
to the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department for control.  If you observe a
fire and are concerned, don’t be afraid to call the Fire Department to
notify them of the situation.   Anyone burning improperly or without a
permit may be subject to a citation.  Campfires do not require a
permit.  Negotiations with the City for utilizing their facility for
brush and yard waste disposal may be a possibility.

7:15 p.m. – Special Report on Audit 2007.
Janean Robenhorst, CPA and Supervisor, with Schenck Business Solutions
of Green Bay, presented the Audit 2007 materials, which included the
Management Letter and Annual Financial Report.  In accordance with
Government Auditing Standards and generally accepted auditing
practices, it is their opinion that the financial statements fairly
present the respective financial condition of the Town activities and
funds as of December 31, 2007.  Janean explained the contents of the
basic financial statements as to assets, activities, balance sheets,
changes in general fund, and actual versus budgeted revenues and
expenditures.  Janean indicated that the building fund/capital outlay
increased by $150,000 as a result of the land purchase and also
complimented on our efforts to stabilize fire protection costs.

Citizen Comments:
Charlie Jarman thanked the First Responders for the great job they do
for us.
Dick Shappell asked about the oversight and who determines when
exceeding a line item in the budget.  Zipperer responded that some
categories are beyond control, such as snow removal costs and repair
or replacement of traffic signs.

Matters for Review/Status Update/Discussion, continued:
5)  Room Tax.  Chuck Tice provided an update on the room tax
collections and how they are put to use, recently toward 27 pages of
advertising in “Fun in Wisconsin” and each of the 11 municipalities
participating in the Door County Tourism Zone Commission (TZC) will
have a page in “Midwest Living” magazine.  Since inception in May of
2007, the TZC has collected nearly $2,774,000, of which the
municipalities receive 30%;  the Commission utilizes 4% for
administration expenses; and the the remainder goes to the Door County
Visitor Bureau for marketing efforts.  The Town of Sevastopol
collected $56,151 in 2007.
6) Elections.  Linda Wait complimented our electors on the
consistently above-average voter turnout—over 40% in both the February
and April 2008 elections.  We will continue to collect dates of birth
and driver’s license numbers for voters, as required by law in an
effort to update Statewide Voter Registration System records.  Linda
assured everyone that information is not shared with anyone here, it
is not printed on the poll lists and it is used only for the voter
registration database.  
7) Fire Protection.  Tom Girman commented on our cost savings using
the new formula which was negotiated in 2004-2005 and is now based on
the Sturgeon Bay Fire Department’s operating costs, rather than our
valuation.  Our annual cost for 2008 will be $318,351, which
represents an increase of 1.8% over 2007 annual cost of $303,975.  The
recently received 2007 annual fire report (copies available) indicates
average response time of 9.34 minutes and 1,000 calls.

New Items for Discussion:
1)  Town Hall.  Dan Woelfel recapped the School’s approach to us to
find another residence for our Town office/meeting room in that our
current building operates inefficiently and would need expensive
mandatory upgrades.  In looking at the size of our municipality (3rd
largest Town in Door County) and our need to have a presence and
central meeting place, the Building & Property Committee looked at
several potential properties, and at a Special Meeting of electors
last fall, the property next door was purchased; and the wooden
structure has since been demolished.  Our “Future Site” sign is in
place and plans have been developed by Architect Henry Isaksen (no
cost up to this point).  The building plan is designed to meet
community needs and will include adequate office space, conference
rooms, security for elections, meeting/ community room and catering
area. 

We have some preliminary numbers and our next step, with residents’
input and go-ahead, will be a decision on financing, with interest
rates approaching an all-time low and builders looking for work.  A
borrowing referendum is required only if we were to exceed a term of
ten (10) years.  If we can live within the 10-year timeframe, the
interest expense would be less than over a longer term.  The project
would go out for bid, with bidders to define all subcontractors so
that local builders would be eligible for some of the work.  Dan
explained we are in the process of re-surveying and combining the lots
and park into one parcel. Charlie Jarman hoped there would be room for
a satellite fire/emergency station, should that need arise.  The Town
should also evaluate the tennis court situation and the substantial
cost to repair it.  

Pat Miller felt the building should be sustainable (LEADS) and
economic so maintenance costs do not increase as we develop.  
Dan explained the financing options:  borrow from a bank, revenue
bonds or utilize the State Wisconsin loan program (available to
schools and municipalities).  At this point, the estimated cost is
$900,000 complete, with the exception of furniture, for 5,770 square
feet.   Dick Shappell suggested we look into grants, if that option is
available.  Zipperer indicated we need the direction of the electors
on which way to proceed and had hoped for a larger turnout tonight.  

Based on an average residential assessment of $225,000, this would
result in an increase of $38.25 per year.   Our current mil rate (per
$1,000 of assessed valuation) is $.77 and borrowing $900,000 over a
10-year period would result in a mil rate of $.94.  Charlie felt we
should move forward and the matter be well publicized.  Committee
members Dan, Chuck and Ed Stoeger spent the entire day at the February
2008 election explaining the project and received many positive
comments.

Motion by Dick Shappell and seconded by Laddie Chapman to proceed with
building the Town hall using a short-term loan, 10 years or less, at a
cost not to exceed $900,000.   Comments from those present included: 
● the public was aware of and supported the project
● our Town needed a presence in the community
● the site is centrally located and very visible 
● adequate for space for Town business (Board, Committees, First
Responders, WTA)
● facility would be well utilized by various groups and events,
plus have recording
capabilities.

Motion carried, unanimously, at 8:16 p.m.

2)  Wind Energy.  Tom Girman addressed the efforts to provide wind
energy and suggested a one-year  moratorium on large wind turbines
until we receive results and requirements from the County on health,
safety, noise, setback, savings and other details.  Laddie Chapman
felt the County had already made its decision and there is recorded
testimony as to the details.  Zipperer indicated others have shown
interest in having wind turbines on their property.  Charlie
recommended we use caution as to the large turbines.  
3)  Olde Stone Quarry Park.  Zippered stated that George Pinney
suggested that neighboring land may be available to the County park. 
If the Town is in favor of the County acquiring additional land for
park use, we are asked to provide documentation in support thereof.
4)  PEG Channel.  Tom Girman reported that we continue to collect our
franchise fees from Charter Communications and those funds are used to
purchase recording equipment, operate our cable channel, pay utility
costs to the City and support our newsletter expenses.  We are also
exploring the possibility of  placing Board and other meetings on the
website, which would be another way for getting important happenings
and events out to the public.  We have entered into a videographer
agreement with Laddie so that he can be compensated for his work with
the cable channel.  Marianne Moeller appreciated that recordings are
available throughout the day with more flexibility and reminded
everyone that tapes are available from the Sturgeon Bay library. 
Laddie indicated copies were also available at the Town office.  At
this point, the chances of high speed internet throughout Door County
depends on population concentration.
5)  Nuisance.  Chuck Tice reported that the Property Management
(Nuisance) Committee has held several meetings and will be looking at
dilapidated buildings, complaints and safety/health hazards.  At
present, we will look to the County for enforcement of its nuisance
ordinances.  Pat Miller indicated that Egg Harbor recently adopted an
ordinance relating to nightclubs and wondered if the Town would
consider that, as well.
6)  Sesquicentennial Celebration.  Linda reported that the 150th
anniversary celebration is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th in 2009,
with a parade, food, music and games.  We are also in the process of
putting together a history book—we are anxious to receive articles on
people, places and events!  Arlene Woelfel indicated the Committee is
hoping to dedicate the new Town hall at that time.

Announcements:
●John Staveness reminded everyone to watch for the postcard
announcing the public hearing on our Comprehensive Plan.  Please plan
to attend!
● Chuck Tice reported that the Door County Tourism Zone
Committee will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 27th,
beginning at 7 pm at the Landmark in Egg Harbor.
Thank you for attending!

Adjournment:
Motion by Leo Zipperer and seconded by Marianne Moeller to adjourn the
Annual Meeting to Tuesday, April 14, 2009.  Motion carried,
unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Linda Wait, Clerk/Treasurer
Town of Sevastopol

[draft 4/18/08]
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