RANDOLPH "I want to know why for four years in a row they've worked on a dirt road after Thanksgiving," stated resident Terry Austin to councilmen at this month's town board meeting.
The road he lives on is a dirt road and when crews work on it so late in the year, it turns into deep mud; then freezes leaving hard ruts that he must drive on to get to his home, he told the town board. "The school bus has been stuck; my daughter has to park on the end of the road because her car can't drive down it. The rains come and we're this deep in mud," he continued, demonstrating with his hands what appeared to be over a foot.
Austin expressed frustration with road work done as recently as Dec. 2 on the dirt road which he lives. "I sell to thirty different highway departments and they all ask me why the town doesn't like me. The neighbors laugh at me and say why are they working on your road?"
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Supervisor Senn stated that he is not sure why the work was done so late in the year and acknowledged the need for improvement on the road.
"I just want to know why it's done this time of year," Austin asked board members.
"I've been on the road enough to sympathize with you," stated Senn. "We'll make a point to do improvements."
"We'll work it out," stated board member Andrews.
Clerk Lori Milliman reported she received communication from the governor's office regarding Tier 5 legislation. For new employees, as of January first retirement will be 62 and no longer 65. She also shared that there could be a possible one to eight percent reduction in state aid. Further, notification was received stating that the state recommends banning outdoor wood boilers because they create nuisance smoke complaints. The suggestion came down from the county also. Issues arise due to the fact that the smoke stacks are so low. Years ago when everyone heated with wood, the smoke stacks were up high and the smoke problem wasn't an issue, stated one official.
Ms. Milliman personally thanked all the people who helped with the Christmas Extravaganza event held over the weekend which went over very well.
The clerk also reported that the town audit is complete. A written report hasn't been received yet but when the auditor gets it back from the state, he will review it with officials. He only had a few minor suggestions to make. Otherwise, all went well.
Board members discussed several health insurance options. Officials are searching for a system that will save money and still meet the needs of the insured. They are looking into a debit card plan.
Milliman stated that the town currently leases the phone system. To purchase them outright would cost $400 and a monthly maintenance and labor agreement would cost $43.30 per month for the computers and phone system. The system is outdated, she stated to councilmen. It needs to be upgraded to meet the specs with the current system run by the utility company and she is concerned that if the system goes down, it will be of great expense and inconvenience. The cost to have the system repaired should it go down would be $110 per hour plus $1697 for the card. Board members moved to go with the new Windstream plan with a five year service contract to upgrade the phone system for $4,000 to replace the entire system and upgrade it.
The dissolution committee will meet again on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m.
The town board adjourned until their organizational meeting on Jan. 6, 2010.