Meetings for June 9, 2008 and June 24, 2008.

 

June 9, 2008                                                    BOARD OF REVIEW                                              6:45 p.m.

 

Meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. with Gary Beck, and Paul Beere present for the purpose of calling Board of Review into session during the 30 day period beginning on the 2nd Monday of May, pursuant to Wis. Statutes Sec. 70.47(1).

 

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer, was also present.

 

Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to adjourn the Board of Review to reconvene July 17, 2008 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing and examining the Assessment Roll of real and personal property in the Town, and all sworn statements and valuations of real and personal property therein, and correcting all errors in the Roll, whether in description of property or otherwise, and to perform such other duties as imposed by law.  Motion carried.

 

Paul moved, 2nd by Gary to adjourn at 6:47 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

Meeting was called to order by Gary Beck at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisors Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.

 

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; and John Tierney, Engineer; were also present.  Christopher Birkett, Public Works Supervisor, was absent.  

 

Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Minutes.  Paul moved, 2nd by Gary to approve minutes of the May 6, 12, 22, 27 & 28, 2008 meetings.   Motion carried.

 

Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to approve June disbursements as follows.   Motion carried.

 

Town General Fund Disbursements:

Num

 

Name

 

Amount

9575

 

American Industrial Leasing

 

92.00

9576

 

Baxter Woodman

 

5681.48

9577

 

Burlington Garden Center

 

136.50

9578

 

Department of Employee Trust Funds

 

641.62

9579

 

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

 

398.90

06-01 DD

 

Beck, Gary J

 

384.25

9572

 

Beere, Paul E.

 

373.98

06-02 DD

 

Birkett, Christopher J

 

1082.33

06-03 DD

 

Novy, Betty J.

 

1937.56

9573

 

Romanak, Kathy J

 

401.26

06-04 DD

 

Swan, Sandra J

 

1168.59

9574

 

Weinkauf, Michael P.

 

373.98

06-05 DD

 

Christopher Birkett

 

344.92

9580

 

Community State Bank

 

345.66

9581

 

Cutting Edge Lawn Care

 

875.00

9582

 

The Horton Group

 

8142.00

9583

 

Industrial Towel & Uniform

 

41.54

9584

 

Kevin Schmitt Siding & Insulation

 

10.00

9585

 

Lange Enterprises

 

90.88

9586

 

Lloyd, Phenicie, Lynch, & Kelly

 

4117.50

9587

 

Memorial Hospital of Burlington

 

1405.59

9588

 

Municipal Services LLC

 

402.00

9589

 

Office Copying Equipment Ltd.

 

48.36

9590

 

Office Max

 

86.44

9591

 

Racine County Clerk

 

284.00

9592

 

Racine County Sheriff's Department

 

6064.07

9593

 

Sam's Club

 

28.28

9594

 

Southern Lakes Media

 

167.58

9595

 

T.D.S. Telecom

 

182.84

9596

 

Betty Novy- Petty Cash Reimbursement

 

10.30

9597

 

Community State Bank

 

2012.18

9598

 

Veolia ES Solid Waste Midwest, Inc

 

10059.42

9599

 

Reineman's Waterford True Value

 

13.52

9600

 

Village of Rochester

 

39.19

9601

 

Wisconsin Electric

 

1424.63

9602

 

WI Department of Justice

 

10.00

9603

 

Municipal Services LLC

 

1475.70

9604

 

Office Max

 

51.91

9605

 

Community State Bank

 

66376.44

 

 

Total 11010.0 · General Checking

 

116782.40

 


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

Rochester Sewer Utility District #1 Disbursements:

Num

 

Name

 

Amount

3447

 

Digger's Hotline

 

24.80

3448

 

T.D.S. Telecom

 

75.46

3449

 

Town of Rochester

 

262.29

3450

 

Town of Rochester

 

651.05

3451

 

We Energies

 

47.97

 

 

Total 11010.0 · Sewer Checking Account

 

1061.57

 

 

Also reported:

 

 

 

 

Sheriff’s Department.  A written report was reviewed showing the following statistics for May:  zero accidents; four speeding citations, one traffic citation, nineteen parking citations and eight warnings were issued.  There was one misdemeanor arrest.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  twenty-three complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with six additional complaints, originated twenty-five on his own and performed follow up on four. He reported twelve work days, 110.5 hours and 1,179 miles driven.  Eight foot patrols were conducted. 

 

Also reported:

 

 

Sheriff’s Department.  A written report was reviewed showing the following statistics for June:  one accident; eleven speeding citations, seven traffic citations, ten parking citations and fifteen warnings were issued.  There was one misdemeanor and two ordinance arrests.  Complaint statistics were as follows:  thirty-four complaints originated through calls directly to the Sheriff’s Department; Deputy Prochaska assisted with twenty additional complaints, originated thirty-two on his own and performed follow up on twenty-six. He reported twenty-two work days, 191.75 hours and 1,869 miles driven.  Thirteen foot patrols were conducted. 

 

Deputy Prochaska reported overall traffic statistics down.  This may be attributed to high gas prices.  There have been no traffic fatalities to date.  There have been two reported commercial thefts- scrap metal from International Production Specialists and truck accessories from Lynch Truck Center.  Deputy Prochaska also reported on status of the abatement order issued to the Fait property regarding care of horses.   Some progress has occurred since June 24th; however drainage is still a major problem.  Gary stressed not letting too much time to slip by.  The compliance date is September 1.  Deputy Prochaska is to re-state the previous offer of help to Mr. Fait.

 


JULY 14, 2008                                  REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

Public Works Department.   Christopher Birkett’s written report was reviewed as follows:   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris further reported obtaining a price from Racine County to ditch an area of Oak Knoll Road where some drainage problems exist.  It should be less than $500.00.  He also noted possible savings of $2-3,000 a year based on Don North completing the roadside mowing in one day.  Other contractors will be given an opportunity to cut in preparation for bidding out the service next year.  Mike commended Chris for his efforts during recent flooding, including sandbagging. 

 

Asphalt Repair Quote:  Eagle Ridge Drive
A quote for $463 from Pave-Tech, Inc. was presented to repair settled asphalt around a sewer manhole cover on Eagle Ridge Drive.  Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve the repair.  Motion carried.

 

Engineering Report.  John Tierney’s written report was reviewed as follows:

 

Coyote Ridge Subdivision

  • Visited project site and verified soil stabilization measures.  Some future work needed but stable for now.   

 

 

Rookery Landing Estates I & II

  • Receive revised plans to address Blue Crane Court drainage problem.  Plans appear to be missing some items discussed at on-site meeting.  Awaiting further communication from the developer on inlet grates.  Prepared draft letter to developer following record rain event.

 

 

Evergreen Drive Rehabilitation:      

  • Set up pre-construction meeting with Town, Payne & Dolan, and business owners for Thursday, July 17th at 4:00 p.m. 

 

 

Pond Permit Review- 31340 Academy Road (Dassow Property)

  • Coordination with Town officials regarding status of resubmittal.

 

 

Rock Ridge Subdivision Closeout

  • Binder patching and leveling course surface installed. 

 

John reported on recent communication with the developer of Rookery Landing Estates.  Observations during the last few rain events convinced him that re-directing water, as previously discussed, will not work.  The areas they had identified as possible storage areas were already saturated.  He recognizes Blue Crane Court will have to be raised.     The pond that overflows onto the road was never supposed to hold water.  There are several engineering issues with drain tile including inquiries from those down stream who are claiming the development takes up the capacity of the tile first and does not allow their lands do not drain at the same rate they used to.  John indicated the developer may need to install some detention ponds to deal with the water.

Public Works Department.   Christopher Birkett’s written report was reviewed as follows:   

 

 

 

 


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

In Chris’s absence, Betty requested input from the Board on planting trees in the right of way.  Consensus of the Board was not to allow planting of trees in road right of ways.      

 

Engineering Report.  John Tierney’s report was reviewed as follows:

 

Coyote Ridge Subdivision

  • WDNR has taken enforcement action against contractor/ developer.  Developer has started rehab of deficient erosion controls but more work needs to be completed to satisfy DNR.  Upcoming work:  Monitor erosion control and notify contractor of ongoing deficiencies including missing aggregate shoulders to complete pavement structure. 

 

 

Rookery Landing Estates I & II

  • Received revised plans to address Blue Crane Court drainage problem.  Plans appear to be missing some items discussed at on-site meeting.  Awaiting further communication from the developer on inlet grates.  Upcoming work:  Monitor grading modifications regarding the flooding problem.

 

 

Evergreen Drive Rehabilitation:      

  • Opened bids for the project June 4th at 2:00 p.m.  Reviewed bids and forwarded an award recommendation to the Town.  Upcoming Work:  Present award recommendation at Town Board meeting June 9th.  Preparation of amendment to Engineering Services Agreement to cover change in scope for Fire Station Parking lot. 

 

 

Pond Permit Review- 31340 Academy Road (Dassow Property)

  • Reviewed revised plans for the pond and coordinating with DNR regarding “average depth” of the pond.  Upcoming Work:  Attend Town Board meeting and continue coordination with objecting agencies.

 

 

Rock Ridge Subdivision Closeout

  • New project number created for project closeout.  Inspected HMA binder course and computed repair estimate.  Letter of recommendation prepared regarding final pavement surface options.

 

John reported on flooding over Blue Crane Court.   During the last heavy rain event, flood waters reached the intersection of Blue Crane with Rookery Glen Road.   Mike reported on contact with the Andersons, property owners to the north of the intersection.  Their septic system was under water again due to the flooding.  They continue to express concerns that their septic system will be compromised by continual flooding of the area.   John reported the developer’s plans to address flooding were still in process.   Consensus of the Board was for John to notify the developer that the Town will not accept the road in its current state.  The road will either have to be raised and a larger retention pond installed; or removed. 

 

John also reported meeting with Chris Birkett to review flooding on Oak Knoll Road.  Mike also reported on the same issue.  The property owners will fill in a swale that they recently created to direct water from their land into roadside ditches.  This swale is causing the water to enter the ditch at a faster rate than before.  Mike also reported a concern voiced by Gene Meyer regarding the drain tile system that serves Rookery Landing Estates.  He was concerned that the beehive grates were allowing more water to enter the system.  John will check into whether the grates have an impact on the system.

 

License Renewals:

 

Betty reported the fire inspector inspected all three establishments and that they had passed.

 

The Bunker, 29224 Evergreen Dr:  Class “B” Beer & Liquor, Cigarette, Cabaret.

Operator’s License Renewals:  Sandra Brook, Tracy Johnson, Sherry Southard, Kathleen Elliott, Jonni A Holm, Susan Sunday

 

Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to approve Class “B” Beer & Liquor Licenses, Cigarette and Cabaret Licenses; and Operator’s licenses for Sandra Brook, Tracy Johnson, Sherry Southard, Kathleen Elliott, Jonnie A. Holm and Susan Sunday.  Motion carried.

 


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

Hitch ‘n Post Saloon, 120 N. Browns Lake Dr:  Class “B” Beer & Liquor, Cigarette, Cabaret. 
Operator’s License Renewals:  Chad Augle, Anna Thomas, Jolene Thomas, Martin Baumgardner, Melody Jones.  New Operator’s License:  Krista L. Anderson

 

Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to approve Class “B” Beer & Liquor Licenses, Cigarette and Cabaret Licenses; and Operator’s licenses for Chad Augle, Anna Thomas, Jolene Thomas, Martin Baumgardner, Melody Jones, and Krista Anderson, with Krista Anderson’s approval contingent on submitting proof of holding a operator’s license within the past two years.  Motion carried.

 

Honey Lake Inn,  35415 Academy Rd:  Class “B” Beer & Liquor, Cigarette, Cabaret.

Operator’s License Renewals:  Beth Brockman, Clark Krieger, Melissa Lloyd, Michael Maciosek, David Murphy.  New Operator’s Licenses:  Julie Werlein; Kari Rosenberger

 

Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to approve Class “B” Beer & Liquor Licenses, Cigarette and Cabaret Licenses; Operator’s license renewals for Beth Brockman, Clark Krieger, Melissa Lloyd, Michael Maciosek, David Murphy; and new Operator’s licenses for Julie Werlein and Kari Rosenberger.  Motion carried.

 

Special Exemption Permit to allow outdoor music:  Hitch ‘n Post Saloon, 120 N Browns Lake Drive

August 16, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
“Pig Roast/ Poker Run to raise funds for Case Eagle Park Ball Diamond Lights”

                                                                  

Michelle Edlebeck addressed the Board.  She acknowledged the need for additional funding towards lighting the Case Eagle Park baseball diamonds and would like to donate proceeds from the poker run towards this cause.  Board members thanked Michelle for her willingness to do so.  Gary moved, 2nd by Paul to approve a special exemption permit to allow outdoor music at the Hitch ‘n Post Saloon, 120 N. Brown Lake Drive on Saturday, August 16, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Motion carried.

 

Rock Ridge Subdivision Pavement Requirements

 

John Tierney reported on current pavement conditions in the subdivision and what options are available to deal with repair of the binder (base course) and installation of the final surface.  The question before the Board was whether to allow installation of the final surface now, or to delay installation until the subdivision was 80% built out.  Due to the slow-down in the real estate market, it was noted the subdivision will probably not be built out for many years.  Concern was expressed about home construction vehicles damaging the road, however it was noted building in the subdivision will most likely occur sporadically over time vs. all construction occurring at once.  The road will also be stronger once the final surface is installed.  Steve Kempken and Steve Knurr, developers, addressed the Board.  Steve Kempken presented two paving proposals, one from Payne & Dolan; and one from B.R. Amon to perform the necessary repairs and install the final surface.  Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to allow patching and installation of the final surface at this time, with inspections and approval to be performed by the town engineer.  Motion carried.   

 

Application for Pond Permit (Revised):  Dassow Property, 31340 Academy Road

 

Dionn Dassow addressed the Board.  He explained that the individual who drew the previously submitted set of plans drew the wrong set.  The revised set is compatible with Department of Natural Resources (DNR) permit conditions.  John Tierney reported working with the DNR water management specialist to identify whether the average depth of the pond meets their permit conditions.  He stated 70% of the pond is less than four feet deep.  The other 30% has an average depth of 8 feet.  Racine County’s comments were also reviewed.  The revised plan meets the county’s 2:1 side slope requirement.  Two requirements will be imposed by Racine County as follows:  new trees will have to be planted to replace those removed in the environmental corridor area and the existing driveway entrance from County Highway FF will have to be abandoned before a new driveway connection can be made. 

 

Steve Boulden, abutting property owner to the west, addressed the Board.  Steve stated skepticism about the impact of the pond on area drainage.  He noted more water problems than ever before.   Dassow reported a swale was created on the revised plan to funnel water draining from the Boulden property into his pond. 

 

There was question on whether funneling this water would cause erosion.  John Tierney indicated invert elevations of the culverts are not specified on the plan, elevations are based on an overlay of Racine County GIS information vs. an actual survey, and the elevation of the 8” drain tile is unknown.   John stated a need for more information in order to perform an accurate review of the impact of this design.

 


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

The Board directed John Tierney to create a list of additional information needed for pond review and to submit that list to Mr. Dassow.   Further consideration of this item was delayed until the regular meeting in July.

 

Sample ordinances regarding hoofed animals

 

Betty reported receipt of five animal limitation ordinances obtained from different municipalities throughout the State.  A report summarizing ordinance differences was also provided.    Darlene Geiser addressed the Board.  Darlene owns fifteen alpacas and two llamas on her land at 146 N. Honey Lake Road.  The parcel is 4.5 acres in size and was subject of a recent complaint to the health department.  While the complaint was found to be ungrounded, it caused investigation regarding the applicability of the Town’s hoofed animal ordinance which limits the number of animals allowed on a parcel smaller than five acres.   

 

Darlene submitted information on alpacas, including their feet.  On printed information sheets, it was stated that alpaca feet are unlike hooves and have two toes which have a toenail and pad.  The article states the pad is very similar to a dog’s pad.   Based on this information, the Board determined the hoofed animal ordinance did not apply.

 

Board members questioned Darlene on the weight of alpacas.  Darlene indicated the average weight of an adult alpaca is 150 pounds.  She indicated her alpacas are kept in a two-acre fenced area and that their diet is supplemented with feed other than native grass.  Several neighbors were present in the audience.  They offered support of Darlene’s alpaca operation and indicated no objections to the animals and/or quantity of animals on the parcel.

 

Board members indicated they are looking at the animal ordinance because the current ordinance does not offer flexibility in determining appropriate limits for the number of animals on agriculturally zoned parcels.   Board members indicated they will be working with the Town attorney to draft a new ordinance.  They suggested that those present visit the Town’s website or call the municipal office if they are interested to see when a draft version of a new ordinance will be considered.

 

Bid Award:  2008 Road Improvement Program

                      

A recommendation letter from Baxter-Woodman listed four bids received for the 2008 program as follows:

 

Bidder

Part A

Part B

Total Bid

Alternate Bid

Payne & Dolan, Inc.

$90,299.00

$41,449.75

$131,748.75

$27,310.50

B.R. Amon & Sons

$98,283.00

$43,028.75

$141,311.75

$24,452.25

Stark Asphalt, Inc.

$119,160.80

$48,824.65

$167,985.45

$24,452.25

Black Diamond Group

$136,324.25

$48,642.75

$184,967.00*

$30,195.00

* The total as-read amount for this bid was $117,321.50.  Due to mathematical errors found within the Bid Form, the total amount was corrected as shown

 

Part A was defined as Evergreen Drive from STH 20 to end of roadway.  Part B was defined as the Fire Station Parking Lot with 3 inches of asphalt in parking areas.  The Alternate Bid was defined as the Fire station Parking Lot with 2.5 inches of asphalt in parking areas.  Baxter-Woodman recommended award of the bid to Payne & Dolan as the lowest responsible bidder.  Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to award the bid to Payne & Dolan for parts A and B for $131,748.75, with award of Part B contingent on approval of cost sharing by the Village of Rochester.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution #1-2008 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources NR 208 –Maintenance Compliance- Rochester Sewer Collection System 

                                           

Betty reported this resolution and report must be submitted to the DNR annually.  The resolution includes direction to deposit $1,000 annually in a separate fund to replace the sewer system’s mechanical equipment.  Gary moved, 2nd by Mike to adopt Resolution #1-2008.  Motion carried.

 

Resolution #2-2008 Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Agreement

 

Betty reported this is to update an existing agreement.  The wording acknowledges private fire companies and adds a non-discrimination clause (Addendum A).  Mike moved, 2nd by Paul to adopt Resolution #2-2008.  Motion carried.

 


JUNE 9, 2008                                    REGULAR BOARD MEETING                                        7:00 p.m.

 

After the fact Pond Permit:  Wayne Fuller, 28700 Plank Road

 

Betty reported receipt of several violation notices from both the DNR and Racine County regarding a pond on Wayne Fuller’s property.   The pond has been on the Fuller property since the late 90’s.  Recent modifications brought the pond closer to Eagle Creek and implemented a different set of standards and permit requirements.  Wayne now has approval for both DNR and Racine County “after the fact” pond permits.  Racine County will be sending paperwork asking for Town approval before issuing the

permit.  In this instance, the pond pre-dates the Town’s pond ordinance which was implemented in 2003.  The Board was questioned on whether a Town pond permit is required or whether the pond would be considered “grandfathered”.  Consensus of the Board was to require a permit since review is required.  Wayne is to pay the $50.00 application fee and submit pond plans to the engineer for review.  Further consideration of the permit is to be scheduled for the July meeting. 

 

Parking Lot Grading Quotes

 

Betty reported on three different options for grading the parking lot behind the municipal building in conjunction with Community State Bank.  Two quotes were received for installation of traffic bond.  The municipal portion of the quotes were $2,680 from Custom Grading; and $2,500 from Roman’s Grading.  As an alternative, Community State Bank is recommending the work be done by Asphalt Contractor’s, the company that will ultimately asphalt the surface.  Asphalt Contractor’s is willing to remove topsoil and install a mixture of stone and crushed asphalt for a total cost of $3,700.  While the bank was not specific about cost sharing, previous discussions estimated the municipal portion to be 10% of the overall project.    Consensus of the Board was to go with Asphalt Contractors.

 

Interim State-Issued Certificate of Franchise Authority:  Time Warner Cable

 

Betty reported receipt of a notice from Time Warner that they applied for a State Franchise Certificate.  This is the result of a change in State Statutes that takes franchise authority away from the Town.  The State Franchise will invalidate the Town’s franchise agreement with Time Warner.  A letter was sent claiming retention of the Town’s 5% fee.  This should retain revenues into the future.   Consensus of the Board was to agree with this action.

 

Period for Public Comment

 

Board members briefly discussed hoofed animal ordinance samples.  They stated a preference for:

§  Utilizing an “animal unit” concept vs. the current hoofed animal reference

§  A minimum 2.5 acre requirement before an “animal unit” would be allowed, on agriculturally zoned parcels only, with an increase of one animal unit allowed for each additional acre of land up to five acres. 

§  The keeping of over ten animal units on less than five acres would entail licensing requirements similar to those currently imposed by the Town’s kennel license ordinance. 

These suggestions are to be referred to the Town Attorney, along with applicable ordinance samples, for drafting an amendment to the current hoofed animal ordinance.  Harsh penalties for violation of the ordinance, such as destruction of the animals, are not to be included. 

 

Buzz and Pat Hurley inquired about a parcel they own on County Highway D that abuts the Vista View subdivision.  A berm was created along the side of a parcel abutting their land that is blocking the flow of water.  There is a large retention pond in the Vista View Subdivision that is supposed to receive this water but never does.  It is always dry.  The water being held on the Hurley’s land has damaged crops.  Buzz believes the berm was left by the developer of the subdivision and that it was an oversight of the Town Engineer that it was not ordered removed at that time.  The property owner that owns the land with the berm on it has no objections to it being removed.  Gary Beck did not recall any details regarding the berm and how it relates to the construction of the subdivision.  He was not sure whether it was left there with a purpose or not.  Betty is to look into subdivision plans and notes to see if the berm has a purpose.

 

Mike moved, 2nd by Gary to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer


JUNE 24, 2008                                              SPECIAL BOARD MEETING                                6:00 p.m.

 

Meeting was called to order by Chairman Gary Beck at 7:00 p.m. with Supervisors Paul Beere and Mike Weinkauf present.

 

Betty Novy, Clerk-Treasurer; Deputy Prochaska, Racine County Sheriff’s Department; and Jody Halladay; Racine County Humane Officer, were also present.

 

Complaint and recommended action regarding horses at 33335 Washington Avenue:  Jody Halladay, Racine County Humane Officer

 

Jody Halladay presented Complaint Report 07-121 to the Board regarding horses kept by James Fait, 33335 Washington Avenue.  The original complaint, dated April 6, 2007, reported seventeen horses at the address with conditions as follows:  all horses without shelter; two horses in separate pens standing in water without shelter; and horses bones sticking out.   The report included follow up actions through June 10, 2008 including directions given to Mr. Fait to improve conditions and his progress towards compliance.   Additionally, Jody presented photographs to document reported conditions.   An abatement order was issued September 7, 2007 stating violation of State Statutes 951.13 and 951.15 regarding food provisions and animal neglect.  A list was included that outlined what was necessary to correct the violations.  Mr. Fait took some corrective measures.  However, three items are outstanding (as follows): 

 

 

Jody also indicated the need for Mr. Fait to clean manure from the stallion paddocks and pasture.  This is contributing to the drainage problem.  Due to placement, all horses need to walk through knee-high manure in order to access feed.  She reported Mr. Fait has not been cooperative in addressing violations and requested assistance from the Town Board in order to achieve compliance.   She also reported that Mr. Fait has obtained three additional horses since complaints were originally filed.  If compliance is not achieved by September 1st, the horses will be seized and the Town will be financially responsible for their care until they are either adopted or euthanized.  She reported estimated costs to maintain a single horse at $200 a month.   The Town’s financial responsibility is outlined in its contract with Countryside Humane Society for animal control services. 

 

Mike Weinkauf questioned dates in the complaint report noting that each observance of these conditions is after heavy rains.  Mike indicated Jody would report the same conditions on any farm if she visited on these same dates.   He also questioned veterinarian reports attached to the complaint.  Mike did not feel any of the veterinarian reports indicated neglect.   Jody indicated wet conditions and body scores of the horses are not the only problems.   If the horses were starving, they would have been seized by now.  Jody stated her qualifications as a humane officer.  She indicated Mr. Fait can address the abatement order by opening the barn or building shelters, draining water out of the paddocks and installing water heaters.  It is her duty to enforce state statutes regarding the care of animals and the conditions of the abatement order.  Jody fears if Mr. Fait does not make these changes, things will only get worse for the horses.   She feels Mr. Fait is no longer able to manage the number of horses he owns.  She is trying to avoid having to take the horses.

 

Deputy Prochaska reported on one visit where he accompanied Jody and the Racine County District Attorney to the site.  During that meeting, they explained what Mr. Fait needed to do to comply with the terms of the abatement order.  He did not appear cooperative.

 

Board members felt the Waterford FFA Chapter may be able to help with some of the concerns.   In exchange for a donation from the Town, students could help clean the site and create drainage for the stallion pens.  This could be an educational experience for the students and help Mr. Fait at the same time.  Both Board members and Jody agreed that Mr. Fait cares for his horses and may be receptive to an offer of assistance.

 

Deputy Prochaska was directed to approach Mr. Fait with the offer and to reiterate conditions of the abatement order.  He is to report the response and progress back to the Board.

 

Paul moved, 2nd by Mike to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.  Motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Betty J. Novy, CMC

Clerk-Treasurer