Board to Set Special Budget Meeting

Welcome to the Notes from the Grove, providing information about Liberty Grove town government to residents and visitors.

• A reminder that the town hall/offices will be closed Dec. 24 & 25 and Jan. 1. The office will be open Dec. 31 from 4 – 6 pm for property tax collection for Liberty Grove residents.

• With the winter season upon us and the need for roads to be plowed please check with the town office or town website under ordinances regarding the placement of mailboxes alongside the roads to avoid damage to the mailboxes.

• The highway committee has sent a proposed snow and ice removal policy to the town board for their approval. The policy will be available on the town website and town office.

• A special meeting was held with the DNR and Bayview Resort representatives regarding the recent dredging in Ellison Bay and the proposed installation of additional slips at the resort’s marina to the south of the town marina. The town will conduct soundings to determine if silt from that project has been deposited in the Ellison Bay marina harbor and entrance.

• The board will schedule a special meeting with a representative from Schenck SC to address the town’s budget and budgeting process as it compares to other municipalities. The meeting will be open to the public and residents are encouraged to attend.

Schenck did a full audit for Liberty Grove for the 2012 fiscal year and the report is available at the town office. They will be doing a maintenance audit for the 2013 fiscal year. The town office reports that few people have inquired or read the report much as was the case prior to this year’s budget hearing with citizens reviewing or asking questions prior to the hearing. The board took the initiative to have all financial aspects of the town independently reviewed and maintained starting in 2012.

• When mailing the property tax bills, the town office combines bills for residents who own multiple properties into one envelope. Each year a portion of the unused envelopes are given to the Northern Door Children’s Center for their use.

• The town crew is refurbishing a heavy-duty plow that they will retrofit to be able to attach to their three heavy-duty plow trucks. The plow will be used to break up compacted snow and ice on the roadways.

• The Clearing, located just north of Ellison Bay, is an excellent example of all things positive about Liberty Grove. Founded in 1935 by landscape artist Jens Jensen, it has gained national recognition as a folk school. Their website contains the mission, history, programs and the history of Jens Jensen.

• As we approach the end of another year I want to extend my appreciation and gratitude for the hard work, dedication and concern for the wellbeing of all the Liberty Grove community to those who have and are serving on the various town committees. Thank you to the town crew for your great work. To my fellow supervisors, Bud and Janet, Liberty Grove is extremely fortunate for your service to our community. Thank you.

On behalf of the Liberty Grove Town Board, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!