Dane County Towns Association

General Member Meeting

Town of Westport

September 29, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7:45 pm by President Jerry Derr.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tom Wilson.

A moment of silence was held for the passing of Eugene Skaar. Kris Hampton made a motion to make a resolution in memoriam of Eugene Skaar. Steve Schulz second. Motion carried.

Derr introduced guests from County Board (Bruskewitz, Gau). Jolene Plautz from Urban Towns Association (Lobbyist), Dane County staff: Michael King, Todd Violante, and Elizabeth Kluesner.

Renee Schwass (Business Manager for T. of Madison) address the members on starting a campaign within local government.

Employees have the option to use payroll deduction to contribute.

A person’s donation goes towards several agencies within the United Way such as; Boys & Girls Club or Senior Centers.

Lyle Updike was chosen to represent the DCTA on the Lakes & Watershed Committee.

The schedule to be frozen at 2005 dues rate for 2006.

Kris Hampton made a motion to freeze the 2005 dues for the 2006 year. Updike second. Motion carried.

Roll Call was taken and 13 towns were present.

Door prizes were provided by Supervisor Duane Gau and Graef Anhalt & Schloemer, a DCTA advertiser.

A handout was provided that outlined a summary of options.

Funding is still unresolved.

Audit report: a presentation by Virchow Krause to County Board on October 6—the report should be released within the next couple of days. Around 35 recommendations were given. Todd Violante will give a presentation to DCTA members about the report. The audit was of the program within the zoning department.

66 of 72 counties currently participate in a RPC.

Recommendation by Hazelbaker to discuss the options within the towns (prefers RPC "Lite").

The following questions/comments were presented:

What is the probability of a legislative amendment being approved?

What is the exact problem and what do you want the new committee to do? What is the list of issues it will be addressing?

What extent can the RPC work on water quality issues?

Can the DNR/State designate an agency to work on water quality? Since 75’, have water quality issues gotten better, worse or stayed the same?

It is important to discuss where we go from here if COG does not work. Falk will be meeting with Cities & Villages soon. She could also meet with the towns.

What is going on without the agency, i.e. Verona, Windsor?

Why do we need to have another layer of government? A new committee should have limited duties. Our board will prefer the RPC "lite" option.

What would be "lite" under RPC—what functions have been given to other agencies/committees that the RPC use to handle?

Updike made a motion to explore the general direction of the RPC "lite" and what the funding mechanism will be. Schulz second. Motion carried.

What other things can towns get if we go through a legislation change? Ex: boundary protection?

Eileen Bruskewitz noted that the MPO re-certification has not taken place yet.

Hazelbaker will send out an update to all Towns clerks and chairs.

Jolene Plautz (WTA) made a few comments.

Krantz made a motion to adjourn. Second by Schulz. Motion carried.