Town of Chase 2007 Annual Newsletter

Chase Stone Barn Park

On May 16, 2007, the town purchased an historic fieldstone barn and will develop the 10-acre property into a park.  This barn was built in 1903 and is on both the State and National Register of Historic Places. 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been working closely with the Stone Barn Renovation Committee to help guide them through the renovation process, and also with fund-raising strategies.  The town plans to raise all the money needed to renovate the barn through grants and other donations.  One of the grants we are applying for is from the Jeffris Family Foundation who will donate $1 for every $2 we raise.

The development of the park is taking place in two stages; the renovation and development of the stone barn, and the development of the park grounds.  Plans for the barn include renovating the large open section so that it can be used for private and public events such as reunions, receptions, auctions, tractor shows, town picnics, etc.  The parlor area will be renovated into a rustic agriculture museum that will display old farm tractors, machinery, tools, and other memorabilia from Chase.  Plans for the park property include stone walking paths, country landscaping, fieldstone bridges over the creek, picnic areas, play area, and a parking lot and driveway. 

On November 1, 2007, the town was very honored to receive the President's Award from the Oconto County Historical Society for our efforts to preserve the stone barn and the history of Chase. 

Warren Gerds from the Green Bay Press-Gazette is running a series in their newspaper and also on their website www.greenbaypressgazette.com called "A" is for Architecture which features homes, museums, and other structures in the local area that have significant architectural design, including Cruley Lambeau's home, St Xavier's Cathedral, and our very own stone barn!  Our feature will run on December 26th, so please watch for it. 

We would like to give a very special “Thank You” to the Pulaski News, especially Kathy Gerds, for donating their time and effort to run articles about the stone barn.  This is a wonderful local newspaper.  If you would like to subscribe, please call (920) 822-6800.  Papers are also available at the North Chase Citgo station for only $1.00 each.  You can also subscribe through the Pulaski News link on our town website.

The inside of the stone barn will remain closed to the public until the renovations are completed.  The renovations will be done in stages; the renovations first, then the development of the pavilion area, then the ag museum.  The length of time it will take to complete the renovations and modify the barn for public use will depend on how quickly funds can be raised.  The development of the park grounds will be an ongoing process, but the committee hopes to have the grounds open to the public by next summer or fall.  The town board asks that everyone please stay off the property until it has been inspected and approved for public use. 

If you would like to be a part of history-in-the-making by volunteering your services, or would like to make a monetary donation, or would like to be a part of the Stone Barn Renovation Committee, please call Kris Kolkowski at (920) 822-5447.  Also, please contact Kris if you have any old photos of the stone barn, including photos of the other structures that were once there. 

To stay updated on the progress of the renovations of the stone barn and the development of the park, you can come to the monthly board meetings, come to the Stone Barn Renovation meetings when they have them (watch for postings), watch for articles in the Pulaski News, or visit the town website.

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Town Notices & Events

PARK & RECREATION  The town currently has two committee's for our Park & Recreation division; the Park Committee and the Stone Barn Renovation Committee.  The town hired Foth from Green Bay this year to help put together a Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan and Public Needs Facility Assessment for our present and future parks.  Both reports helped the town justify our need for parks based on past, present, and estimated future growth.  These reports include a cost analysis to build and maintain these parks until the year 2025 and justifies our need to charge an Impact Fee to new home builders in Chase.  Plans for the new Chase Stone Barn Park are described in the feature above.  The renovations for the stone barn are not included in the future cost estimates of the new Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan; the town will be raising money for the renovations through grants and donations.  Only the development of the stone barn park property is included.  The town also plans to develop the old Chase landfill (which is now a beautiful 5 acre field adjoining 35 acres of woods) into a recreational park.  The park will have a trail system that can be used for nature walks, biking, cross-country skiing, and more.  There is also a small pond in the back of the woods.  Plans for the 5 acre field include building a sledding hill, shelter and picnic areas.  The open field can also be used for a variety of sporting events. 

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING  Over the past few months, the Town of Chase Comprehensive Planning Commission and Advisory Committee members have been meeting with staff on the Bay-Lakes Regional Planning Commission to prepare the Town of Chase 20-Year Comprehensive Plan to comply with Smart Growth legislation, WI State Statute 66.1001.  The purpose of the comprehensive plan is to be used as reference for sensible and consistent development and conservation decisions over the next 20 years.  Once the plan is an adopted plan, it will provide town officials with a long-term guide from which future land use decisions will be made.  Up to this point, information detailing demographic trends and projections and a complete town land-use inventory has been completed.  Work is continuing on the town's vision statement, development strategies, and future land-use map.  The Chase Comprehensive Planning Commission and Advisory Committee members are having an Open House on January 24th, 2008, from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Town Hall to answer any questions residents may have on the planning process, and to provide valuable input into the development of the comprehensive plan.  The results of the community-wide survey that was sent out to residents last October will also be presented.  Refreshments will be served.  If you are concerned about the future development issues of the town, we encourage you to attend this Open House.

4TH ANNUAL TOWN PICNIC  What a great picnic!  Over 437 people took a hay wagon ride to-and-through the stone barn!  There was delicious food including booyah and home-made baked goods.  Area businesses donated tons of items for the paddle-wheel game and raffle.  There was lots of fun for the kids too, including games and a petting zoo.  Things really got exciting when the little pig got loose from the petting zoo and had to be chased in the wet grass.  The slippery little sucker was finally caught in the neighbor's field (which gave thought to a new event for next year's picnic).  After dark, American Traditions Fireworks put on yet another amazing fireworks display which was sponsored by local gravel companies.  All proceeds from the picnic went towards the new park.  The picnic and fireworks keep getting bigger and better, so don't miss it next year!  Mark your calendar's for Saturday, June 7th, 2008 (the first Saturday in June).  A HUGE “Thank You” to all who volunteered their time and services, especially Scott Vanden Heuvel, to help make this one of our best picnics ever! 

PUBLIC POSTINGS  All town meetings are posted in the three town display boxes and on the town website.  In addition to the town display boxes, special notices (like elections) are posted in the Oconto County Reporter, and regular board meeting are posted in the Green Bay Press-Gazette under the "Meetings" column.  The three town boxes are located at the Recycling Center, North Chase Citgo, and the South Chase Saloon.

REGULAR MONTHLY BOARD MEETING  Town Board meetings are held at the Chase Town Hall on the 2^nd Monday of every month at 8:00 pm to take care of all town business.  If you have an issue, please call the clerk at least one week before the meeting to get on the agenda.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS  Local Planning meetings are held at the Chase Town Hall on the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm. All persons filing for a rezone, conditional use permit, certified survey map (CSM), variance, or plat, must bring their petition along with the required fee to the clerk/secretary of the Local  Planning Commission, by the 1^st of the month in order to be put on the agenda. You will not be heard if you do not get on the agenda. You will be required to complete a form at that time stating what you plan to do. The fees are as follows: $150.00 each for a rezone, conditional use permit, variance, and certified survey map (CSM).  A plat review is $500.00.  Please contact the town clerk to get on the agenda.

LOCAL ELECTIONS  In 2007 the population for the Town of Chase was estimated to be 2780 people.  Of that total, 1891 were of voting age.  On Tuesday, February 19th, 2008, there will be a Presidential Preference Primary Election.  On Tuesday, April 1st, there will be an election to elect state and county judicial offices and county supervisors.  Polls for ALL elections are open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm at the Chase Community Hall.  WATCH FOR THIS:  Absentee ballots will be accepted "prior to" the February 19th Presidential Preference Primary Election.  Please watch for the dates and times to be posted as the election date nears, or call the town clerk at (920) 822-3362.

BURNING PERMITS  You must obtain a burning permit for ALL FIRES - YEAR ROUND.  There are no longer set times or seasons.  Your burning permit will instruct you to call a DNR number to find out the current burning conditions in your area that day and whether or not it is safe enough to burn.  These calls are recorded, so if your fire got out of control, and you did not call prior to burning, they will know.  There are no charges for these permits, but if the fire department or anyone else responds to a call, even if only to investigate, you may be charged for all costs incurred to respond to that call regardless if you have a burning permit or not. To obtain a burning permit, please call one of the Fire Wardens, Jeanne Wroblewski or Dennis Kroll. 

BUILDING INSPECTIONS  The Chase ordinance requires inspections for all new 1 & 2 family homes, additions, or remodeling. There is a $650 Impact Fee required for all new home construction.  Permits are required for all new driveways. Construction Deposits up to $1000.00 may be required for building permits. Building permits are required for decks, accessory buildings, and finishing basements. For more information, please contact the Building Inspector, Donna Jensen, at 822-4312.

FIRE NUMBERS  Please do not move your fire number sign!  The county requires that they be located near your driveway and the road, standing straight up and  CLEARLY VISIBLE  so that emergency vehicles are able to find your home.

MAIL BOXES & NEWSPAPER RECEPTACLES  By order of the Oconto County Highway Committee, bases for mail boxes and receptacles shall be placed two feet from the back of the shoulder of the road; the box shall be 46 inches above the grade of the shoulder, and the front of the box shall not extend beyond the back of the shoulder of the road, and must be able to withstand flying snow and slush form traffic and snowplows.  The Highway Dept will not will not be held responsible for damaged mailboxes or receptacles if they were not installed properly.

ORNAMENTAL STONES ON CULVERT PIPES  By order of the Oconto County Highway Committee, decorative stones and other ornamental materials are prohibited within the road right-of-way, which is 33 feet from the centerline of the road.  This includes decorative stones that cover the ends of culvert pipes.  These stones can obstruct the snow plow blade and cause damage to the blade, culvert pipe, and driveway.

SNOW OBSTRUCTIONS ON ROADWAYS  By order of the Oconto County Highway Committee, pushing snow or other materials onto or across roadways can cause accidents and death and is strictly prohibited by Wisconsin Statutes 86.1, and/or 346.94 (5).  You will be held responsible for all penalties and liabilities if you do not comply.

HALL RENTAL  The Town Hall is a GREAT place to have a party, family reunion, wedding reception, craft or rummage sale, etc. Inside there are tables and chairs to seat 100 people. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and coffee pots (you must provide your own utensils). Behind the hall is a large open shelter with several picnic tables. Back yard recreation includes two horse shoe pits, a sandbox, swing sets, and a volleyball court. The hall can be rented for $75.00 per event.  A $75.00 deposit is also required prior to rental which will be returned to you after the hall has been inspected so long as there was no damage found and/or extra cleaning required. To schedule a rental date, please call the town clerk at 822-3362.  Rental forms are also available on the town website.

DOG LICENSES  License’s are available through the town treasurer and also available on the town website.  They are required for all dogs over 4 months of age.  You should always have some type of ID on your dogs, especially puppies.  If you lose your dog, report it to Sue Gracyalny, the Animal Control Officer, at 822-2727, and also surrounding area Humane Societies.  Post signs where the dog was last seen, and at local businesses in your area.  Also, place a lost ad in the local Pulaski News by calling 822-6800.  If you dog is picked up by Animal Control, you may be required to pay a pound fee (up to $35.00), show proof of rabies vaccination, and pay for a new dog license before you can get your dog back.  It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the dog on their property and provide the dog with adequate food and water, and appropriate shelter.

WISH LIST FOR THE LOCAL HUMANE SOCIETIES  The Oconto County Humane Society is in desperate need of blankets, rugs, bleach, liquid detergent, paper towels, plastic bags, cat litter, cat and dog food, toys, rawhides, copy paper, etc.  They are also in need of volunteers and cash donations.  You can drop your items off at either the Oconto Area Humane Society, 150 South Katch Dr, Oconto, or the Chase Recycling Center when it is open.  Please visit www.ocontoareahumane.org for more information.

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 DID YOU GET YOUR LOTTERY CREDIT?

If you resided in your home as of January 1, 2007, and it was your primary residence, then you are entitled to receive a lottery credit on your 2007 tax bill.

To see if you received the credit, look on your tax bill near the bottom of the 2007 column. If you received the credit, it will be $88.38.  If you did not get the credit, it will be .00.

If you feel you are entitled to a lottery credit, contact the Treasurer, Jolene Schwarm, at 822-3322 and request a Lottery Credit Application Card to be mailed to you.  If you receive the answering machine, please speak clearly and slowly and leave your name, address, parcel number, and phone number, and an application card will be mailed to you. The application form is also available on this website under Property Tax Info.

Make sure to sign and date the application.  Deduct the entire amount of the Lottery Credit off your tax bill and mail the application (preferably with your tax payment) to Jolene Schwarm, 1330 Haywood Ln, Sobieski, WI  54171. The credit cannot be applied until the signed application is returned. 

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IMPORTANT PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION

2007 Mill Rates Payable in 2008

A “Mill” is a monetary unit equal to 1/1000 of a U.S. dollar, or 1/10 of one cent.  A "Mill Rate" is the “number of mills” each individual property is to be assessed, or charged, per dollar value of the property.  For example, if your mill rate was 20 mills, you would pay two cents for every dollar of assessed value ( 20 / 1000 = .02 ) or $20.00 for each $1000 of assessed value.

The 5% county sales tax credit for 2007 reduced the county levy for the Town of Chase by $83,220.77. 

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SORRY, THE TREASURER DOES NOT ACCEPT TAX PAYMENTS AT HER HOME.

PLEASE MAIL YOUR PAYMENTS IF POSSIBLE.

COLLECTION DATES FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO PAY IN PERSON OR DROP OFF THEIR PAYMENT ARE:

DROP BOX  A Drop Box is located "inside" the town hall and is available during any of the scheduled collection dates and times above.  Don't wait in line, just drop it through the slot by the treasurer’s window and a receipt will be mailed to you.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO:  TOWN OF CHASE TREASURER

ESCROW CHECKS  If your check is made out to both you "AND" the Treasurer, make sure to sign the back and mail it to the town treasurer with a copy of your tax bill.

MAIL PAYMENTS TO  Jolene Schwarm, 1330 Haywood Ln, Sobieski, WI  54171

POSTMARKS  If your tax payment is postmarked by January 31, 2008, your tax payment will not be late ( unless you paid less than the 1st Installment ( 1st Half ), in which case the entire balance of your tax bill will be delinquent.

WHICH COPY OF THE TAX BILL DO I SEND WITH MY PAYMENT  It doesn’t matter.

WILL I GET A RECEIPT  Yes.  A computer printed receipt will be mailed to you for each parcel you paid.  The town provides the return envelopes and postage.

ADDRESS CHANGES  Please make address corrections directly on the tax bill that you mail in with your payment, or call the Town Treasurer at (920) 822-3322.  If your address changes "after" January 31st, 2008, please contact the Tax Lister at the Oconto County Courthouse at (920) 834-6827.

NAME CHANGES  Sorry, the treasurer can not make name changes.  Please contact the Register of Deeds at the Oconto County Courthouse for instructions on how to make name changes on your property tax bill.  (920) 834-7113.

SORRY, NO CASH PAYMENTS or CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

REAL ESTATE 1st INSTALLMENT ( 1st HALF ) PAYMENTS & FULL PAYMENTS  At least the 1^st Installment ( first half ) is due by January 31, 2008.  Make checks payable to the Town of Chase Treasurer and mail to Jolene Schwarm, 1330 Haywood Ln, Sobieski, WI  54171.

REAL ESTATE 2nd INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS  The 2^nd Installment is due by July 31, 2008.  Make checks payable to the Oconto County Treasurer ( Not the Town Treasurer ) and mail to Oconto County Treasurer, 301 Washington St, Oconto, WI 54153.  The county does "not" mail out reminder notices. 

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS  All Personal Property tax payments are due IN FULL by January 31, 2008 (there are no 2^nd installments). 

LATE "REAL ESTATE" TAX PAYMENTS  Payments are late if they were not postmarked by January 31^st, 2008.  All late payments will be charged 1% interest per month on the unpaid balance.  Make checks payable to the Oconto County Treasurer ( Not the Town Treasurer ) and mail to Oconto County Treasurer, 301 Washington St, Oconto, WI 54153.

LATE "PERSONAL PROPERTY" TAX PAYMENTS  Payments are late if they were not postmarked by January 31, 2008.  All late payments will be charged 1% interest per month on the unpaid balance.  Make checks payable to the Town of Chase Treasurer ( Not the County Treasurer ) and mail to Jolene Schwarm, 1330 Haywood Ln, Sobieski, WI  54171.

REFUNDS  Refund checks will be issued only when the submitted check is for more than the FULL amount of the tax bill. Please allow at least 2 weeks to receive your refund check from the time you sent in your payment.  Sorry, no refund checks will be issued on the spot.