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Wayne residents say no to park, Weiss resigns as Chair
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By LISA ROGERS
4/10/08 TOWN of WAYNE- A cold downpour did not deter town residents from packing the town hall for the annual meeting Wednesday, April 8. Supervisor Carl Klemme called the meeting to order and immediately announced the resignation of Town Chairman Scott Weiss.
When asked who would be filling in for Weiss, Town Clerk Chris Kuehn advised that the matter would not be discussed now as it was an agenda item for the next board meeting. Kuehn added that due to conflicts, the next meeting would be rescheduled; a date has not been set.
Kuehn proceeded to read the minutes from the 2007 annual meeting, and a motion was carried to accept them as read. Some of the projects completed since the 2007 meeting included replacing road signs, new dumpsters, cleaning up brush around the town hall, and forming a park committee to review the possibility of a new town park.
Prior to the floor being opened for comments, attendees were advised they were required to stand, state their name and address. Comments were required to be civil and if not, the speaker would be removed from the meeting by a police officer that was in attendance.
An advisory motion to not allow land to be purchased for use as a public park was made, and quickly seconded. Discussion ensued regarding this issue. While a survey conducted in 2004 indicated that the community would support a new park, the comments made showed strong opposition.
Some felt purchasing real estate in the current economic climate would be a bad idea. Many agreed that the existing park was not cared for, and that funds could be redirected to improve the park located behind Jug’s Hitching Post. Others felt that Washington County did not need another park. Some homeowners were concerned about after hours park use and the inability of police to be able to keep the area safe.
Steve Schmitt suggested a park project survey be conducted providing specific data that could be analyzed so that a better decision could be made. Other discussion included questions as to what type of park would be built, and if it would include trails or sporting fields.
The vote to approve the advisory motion that town residents oppose the purchase of land for use a public park was unanimous. The board acknowledged this vote as an advisory motion, but clarified that it did not mean the park issue had been decided. Kuehn explained that according to Wisconsin state statutes, the vote remained advisory, as there was no actual land being presented for a vote.
He went on to add that there is a park committee that has not yet reported their findings to the town board and the issue was still open. When the Town Board has received information regarding a site and the price of the site a meeting will be called. Electors will then be invited to determine a decision in accordance with the appropriate state statutes that govern this type of purchase.
The current park fund balance is $109,710.14. This money may only be used to purchase land for use as a town park.
Other motions carried during the annual meeting included the approval to borrow up to $100,000 for emergency purposes if needed, and that the town board does not receive an increase in salary.
A brief update regarding the status of WI FI service was given. Charter has expressed interest, but is not yet ready technologically. Part of the continuation of the project is that there are enough customers in the area to make it worthwhile.
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