Gary Farber Fills Supervisor Vacancy

Welcome to “Notes from the Grove” providing information about Liberty Grove Town government to residents and visitors.

• Gary Farber of Ellison Bay was appointed to fill the supervisor vacancy on the town board. Interviews were held with Farber, Michael Mercier and Bob Tidball. The position has one year left on the term.

• The board approved the expenditure for stonework on the Scenic Byways Kiosks. The kiosks will be installed this spring. Three will be located in Liberty Grove, at Koepsel’s Farm Market, Liberty Grove Historical Society and Port de Mort Town Park. Ann Miller has relayed information that an Economic Tracking program is part of the National Scenic Byways. It provides data on the impact a Scenic Byway has on an area.

• On recommendation from the Plan Commission the board authorized Administrator Kalms to write a letter of non-recommendation on the variance petition for a zip line at Wagon Trail Resort. The commission ruled the variance request did not meet the three conditions necessary for granting of a variance.

• The Plan Commission is recommending the application for a text amendment to county zoning to include wineries as a Conditional Use Permit in the Heartland Zoning with a five-acre minimum size. The decision came after a request was made by the Economic Development Committee.

• After three years of negotiations the town and the village of Sister Bay have agreed to a new intergovernmental agreement on wastewater treatment services. Peter Sauer, Supervisor Frank Forkert and Administrator Bud Kalms represented Liberty Grove in the negotiations.

• Death Door Marine, Inc. was awarded the contract to dredge the Ellison Bay marina.

• Michael Mercier has been appointed to the IT Committee.

• The board approved the establishment of a Sister Bay/Liberty Grove Fire Department Grant Fund. A number of clarifications need to be made before actual signing of the agreement.