Town of Arena – Regular Meeting - unofficial minutes

September 10, 2007

PRESENT: Bill Gauger, Dave Lucey, Terry Denruiter, KayDee Maxwell, Minnie Gauger, Louis Carpenter, Dick Lockman, David Meudt

Others: Ingmar Nelson, David Giffey, Mary Lockman

The meeting was called to order. Denruiter moved to approve the minutes of the August 13 meeting, Gauger seconded, motion passed. Gauger moved to pay the bills presented through 9/10/2007, Denruiter seconded, motion carried.

Julie Kardatzke - discussed a study group that is forming this fall for any interested citizens and local leaders about sustainable communities. Kick off meeting October 4, 2007 at the Spring Green Library at 7pm. The group will meet every week for 9 weeks on how to make the River Valley area more sustainable. Julie can be contacted for more information at 588-7105.

Ethanol Plant - The town board went to the county meeting that discussed the conditional use permit for the ethanol plant and whether or not it should be renewed. As long as Hartung's are actively perusing the plant the conditional use permits are in place. The renewal date is up in the spring. Ingmar Nelson stated that the water table in Arena will go down by 9/10 of one foot each year due to the ethanol plant.

The board talked about the Humane Society agreement and what to do with loose dogs. The board is to instruct the person to take the dog to the Iowa County Humane Society and the board will not go catch the dog. Dave Lucey said the county wants to have a sheriff be responsible for catching dogs for the entire county.

The board discussed the cost of the new fire signs. The total cost was $11,498.73 for the signs. The cost of the sign will be billed to each property owner with the tax bills this year. A separate check must be written out for the signs payable to the Town of Arena.

Dave Lucey contacted FEMA to ask if we would qualify for any money. Yes, we will if we have anything that they feel was damaged or destroyed. Lucey asked them about the culverts by Gerald Nelson's farm, Coon Rock and Knutson Rd. They said they will take a look at them. They will fund up to 65% for the first $20,000.

Road work for next year - 0.4 miles of single seal on Peterson; 2.6 miles of single seal on Mellum, 500 feet of breaker and gravel too; patch on Reimann Road; culverts by Gerald Nelsons.

John & Kathie DiNovella are planning on building a shed on the property this fall and a house in the spring. Gauger motioned to approve them to build a shed first. Denruiter seconded, motion carried.

The Town Board worked on the 2008 budget.

Gauger motioned to adjourn. Denruiter seconded, motion passed.