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Town of Clinton: Minutes Wed Aug 11 2021 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Board Meeting
Town of Clinton
August 11, 2021
Properly posted meeting was called to order at 7 pm with the pledge of allegiance. In attendance were Chairman Corey Leis, Supervisor 2 Jordan Bendel, Clerk Sandy Schweiger, Treasurer Jan Clark, Fred Brandt, Ranelle Brandt, Mava Clark, Linda Dahlen, Monte Dahlen, Bob Erickson, Doris Ewing, Doug Ewing, Pandora Flores, John LaDue, Wayne Leis and Lonnie Muller. Supervisor 1 Wally Hemmersbach was absent.
Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis, to approve the financial report as read; all ayes, motion carried. Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis, to approve transferring $25,600 from savings to checking and $10,800 from money management to checking; all ayes, motion carried. Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis, to approve payment of bills; all ayes, motion carried.
Mr. C. Leis, revisiting the fire extinguisher renewal issue, suggested trying Summit, represented by Jake Miller as Fire Protection Specialist did not respond to his calls. Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis, to contract with Summit; all ayes, motion carried. Mr. Miller will be contacted in this regard.
Mr. Bendel noted that he was informed that budgetary matters were not permissible topics for a closed session and with the absence of Mr. Hemmersbach, the discussion of the 10-year budget plan was postponed.
Mr. C. Leis discussed the condition of the town bridges following the recent flooding; some will need rip-rap. County Highway Commissioner Phil Hewitt has initiated the application process to repair the Evanstad Bridge under a federal grant program. This bridge takes priority in the application process due to it being on a dead-end road. Bill Kreuger will be working on other bridges as time allows. The bridge in Bloomingdale erected in 1920 had its pilings exposed requiring cement work and replacement of rock. Another bridge in Bloomingdale will also need additional rock as well as the Peaceful Valley bridge, bridge at Dell and P, bridge on Dell at the beaver dam and bridge at end of McElhose.
Fahrner has completed seal-coating on west side of town; Scott Construction has been delayed by flooding. Due to recent washouts, 130 loads of gravel have been delivered and spread over the last three days, primarily on gravel roads but also shoulders. Culvert on Weister Creek was exposed and has been covered with gravel. All roads are passable however there are still areas with poor shoulders due to landslides and erosion especially on Clinton Ridge Hill and McElhose. Mr. C. Leis wished to acknowledge the importance of community and those who helped out clearing the roads and removing debris.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the dumpster capacity at the Recycle Center. It was generally agreed that one more 6-yard dumpster for $225 per month might be necessary. Mr. W. Leis suggested checking prices from Town & Country. Mr. Bendel also noted the recycling bin has been overflowing; will check with county regarding schedule. Mr. Hemmersbach is fixing a sign that was blown off; he will continue working Wednesdays from 4-6 pm. Mr. Bendel’s son will continue to work Saturday and may have someone else willing to work.
Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C.Leis, to approve disposing of old copy machine; all ayes, motion carried. Old copier would be more expensive to repair and the town received a donated copier in its place.
An applicant for assistant patrolman was discussed in closed session; an interview will be scheduled.
Mr. C. Leis is interested in obtaining estimates for the repair of Irish Ridge Road from various contractors in order to explore all options. An ad will be placed in the Episcope directing inquiries to the chairman. Mr. Ewing suggested contacting contractors prior to placing the ad. Mr. Muller noted the ad in his paper goes on a statewide bulletin board; he also suggested contacting Mr. Hewitt for input.
Mr. Brandt indicated the home page of the website was nearing completion; a few more documents need to be uploaded. Meeting minutes are archived, but not the agenda. He also inquired about missing checks; due to the date on the checks they had been inadvertently omitted from the bill list. Mr. Brandt then asked about the format of the budget summary. Mr. W. Leis noted the town works with an annual not monthly budget while Mr. C. Leis noted the current expenses were available on the income statement. Mr. LaDue observed the that although the town works with an annual budget the funds are received throughout the year and statutes guide the bill payment process. The town uses a cash basis accounting method.
Ms. Brandt inquired about the number of bridges in the town; Mr. C. Leis replied there are eleven.
Mr. Bendel made a motion, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis, to approve the minutes; all ayes, motion carried.
In order for the county to release the funds supplied by the Amish community a request must be formally made and stated in the board meeting minutes. Mr. Bendel made a motion to request release of these funds for the purpose of resurfacing 5 miles of town roads utilized by all residents, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis; all ayes, motion carried.
At 8:21 pm, Mr. Bendel made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Mr. C. Leis; all ayes, motion carried.