Lake Holcombe Town Board; Supervisors in agreement: we’re not signing

Brian Guthman, Lake Holcombe Town Board chairman, shuffled through one of the many documents he had on-hand at a meeting Aug. 15, sharing information with the rest of the board and members of the public who were present. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Speaking with one voice, the Lake Holcombe Town Board agreed Aug. 15, that they will not sign a resolution that was posed to them from the Cornell Area Fire Department. The resolution stated that if Lake Holcombe was to leave the fire district, they would not take any assets with them.

The resolution came into existence, because Eagle Point pulled out of the fire district a couple years ago, and the fire district had to pay them off, which was a financial burden.

Since Lake Holcombe pays about 30 percent of the cost of operating the fire department, town board chairman Brian Guthman said he didn’t want to hamstring future boards, nor did supervisor Doug Olson, who was absent, but made his wishes known prior to the meeting.

Lisa Westman, fire board, asked if Guthman would be more in favor of an agreement that had no financial impacts, but states that Lake Holcombe would not withdraw for a certain number of years. Guthman said he would be more open to entertaining an agreement of that nature.

“A strong, well-trained, well-quipped fire department, benefits all the towns,” said Westman.

Guthman agreed, but didn’t feel comfortable making such a long-term decision, even though Lake Holcombe has no plans whatsoever in withdrawing from the fire district.

“We’re in it for the long run,” said town board supervisor David Staudacher.

One thing that is taken care of, is the old landfill site that was put up for bids. Submitting the only bid, was Tom Rocque, who offered $8,250 for the 20 acres. As part of the sale, Rocque has to adhere to DNR regulations that he can’t have brush on the property, only grass, and that it can only be mowed at a certain time.

“I know you can’t build a house on it,” said Guthman. There were those who were interested in building storage sheds on the parcel, but Guthman never heard back from them, after he directed them to the DNR. Guthman says it costs the town to mow and maintain the site, so they might as well get it on the taxroll, while Staudacher said the town will be glad to be rid of the responsibility.

With the two in agreement, the bid was accepted. “I just want a billboard for my business (Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters) and I’m going to hunt it,” said Rocque, of the purchase.

The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Estella, because the two townships share roads. The two towns agreed it’s good to have something in writing, which names what stretch of road each town is responsible for.

They also approved the 2024-26 assessor’s contract with Prochnow Assessing.

Guthman also mentioned that the non-compliance violation, on Loring Road, has not been resolved and is going to the next level of enforcement through the DNR. The owners of the site will need to show scale tickets and where the loads are taken to certified landfills.

“The town is not involved in getting that taken care of,” said Guthman.

While there was nothing about the inspection of the County Hwy. M bridge, Guthman says he is taking it as good news, until he hears otherwise.