The Farmington Town Board had a full board for its Jan. 5 meeting, thanks to the wonders of modern technology. Even though West Supervisor Jack Glennie is wintering in Arizona, he participated via teleconference in the meeting, which had discussion on a wide range of topics, from the future community library and changes in recycling law to rail transportation and the town’s rules on dogs.

Town Chairman Mike Hesse notified the board that the town’s attorney approved the contract with Vantage Architects for the Mindoro Public Library and Community Center. The first of two public input sessions will be scheduled in late January or early February.

The project qualifies for 15 percent funding through a Rural Development Grant. Hesse noted that funds might also be available through Wisconsin Emergency Management for hazard mitigation. The basement of the center could be built to accommodate a storm shelter for the community, especially for residents of the mobile home park in Mindoro, which was identified in the town’s hazard mitigation plan.

The board also discussed upcoming changes in the recycling of electronics. The state recently enacted a new law that makes the manufacturers of certain electronics — such as televisions, computer monitors and printers and other electronics that incorporate a screen (such as a cell phone) — to be responsible for their ultimate recycling and disposal.

Hilltopper Refuse and Recycling, the town’s contractor, recently held a meeting on this law change that Glennie and town employee Dennis Konze attended. The rules on implementation are being developed as the various deadlines cited in the new law take effect.

The biggest change is the electronics the town collects will have to be stored in a dry area. There will be many changes on how the town will be handling these items, and with the new funding under the law, costs will likely be reduced or even eliminated for certain items.

Rail resolution

The board adopted a resolution supporting high speed passenger train service between Chicago and the Twin Cities via La Crosse. It was noted that the town of Farmington has long recognized the importance of transportation to its economic development.

In 1903, the town authorized the bonding of $15,000 to finance a proposed rail spur line to Mindoro that never materialized. In 1907, the town undertook a major road project to improve access to the rail line in West Salem to provide market access for butter produced in the town. This project ultimately became Highway 108 and incorporated the Mindoro Cut, a feat of road construction recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

Dog ordinance

Plan Commission Chairman Tom Brindley reported that the Plan Commission is working on a new dog ordinance. The new ordinance will clarify two current ordinances that are inconsistent as well as other minor changes. Once the Plan Commission finalizes its draft, it will be forwarded to the town board for approval.

Other business

See the online version of this story at www.couleenews.com for more from the Farmington board.

The board reviewed the third quarter 2009 financial statements prepared by accountants Tostrud and Temp. The firm presented a new format for revenues and expenditures, budget and actual, and the board agreed the new format was easier to understand and decided to have the firm continue to use the new format.

An employee manual is being considered by the town board. The board will check with the Wisconsin Towns Association as well as the town’s insurance carrier to obtain examples of employee manuals. Employee manuals typically address topics like conduct and work rules, performance evaluations, safety, overtime, attendance, personal appearance, procedures for disciplinary action, etc.

The board extended the assessor contract with Chimney Rock in the amount of $10,000 for 2010.

n The board approved an operator’s license application for Jason Stoll of Bangor, who is employed by the Stop Inn.

MEETING CHANGE: The regular February and March meetings of the Farmington Town Board will be held at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of those months rather than the first Tuesday. The February meeting is slated for Feb. 4, and the March meeting will be held March 4.

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