Troy takes steps toward broadband

Talk about it

The Town of Troy approved two measures at the town board meeting Thursday, Dec. 10 in an effort to bring high-speed broadband Internet to everyone within the municipality.

The first motion was to simply move forward with pursuit of federal stimulus money to pay for the project, and the second was to give Town Chair Ray Knapp power to work with the town’s broadband committee, and the power to make small funding choices without having to return to the board. While major decisions would go back to the board, this was simply to streamline the process and help to move it along within the short timeline.

“It will take a lot of work moving forward to bring this all together,” said Knapp. “I’m excited that people are willing to put this much effort into it.”

Teens for Christ Tabernacle

“I came out feeling really positive about the project,” said Knapp, referring to an informational meeting he attended in regard to a request made by Teens for Christ. The town board has agreed to send a letter of support for the project to St. Croix County, for which final approval will be needed.

Originally brought before the board in September, Teens for Christ asked for permission to house a moving display on their eight-acre property over the summer of 2010. The display would be a full-size replica of the original biblical Tabernacle, which would be set up in May, and taken down in October, with all proceeds going to local charities.

In September the Town Board agreed that it would be something good to have, but needed to work out some specifics before recommending approval to the county. However after meetings with Teens for Christ, and ironing out any issues that may have come up, the board has agreed to support the project.

Information about Teens for Christ can be found at their website: www.teens4christ.com

Truck Purchase

The board agreed to purchase a new truck for the town road crew. The new truck will have a Peterbuilt chassis, and cost $82,500 after trade-in deductions from the current truck. To outfit the truck, the town is turning to Universal Truck Equipment, which will add an additional $42,190. The Town approved the final purchase price of $124,690, to be paid over the next six to seven years, with payments not to exceed $25,000 per year.

Fox Trailer Court

The Town of Troy had planned to take up concerns from residents of Fox Trailer Court Thursday night before ultimately tabling the conversation. Currently, the Town has no rental property ordinances, and while having one may alleviate the concerns of the residents, the unforeseen consequences of having one were worrisome to some members of the board. “This is not something that’s critical at the moment, but we can’t ignore it,” said Chairman Knapp, “we’ll need to take more time to investigate this to decide which way to proceed.” The item has been tabled until the regularly scheduled February Town Board meeting.

Constable’s Report

Constable Mel Hermansen provided his monthly report on Thursday night, saying, “It’s been quiet.” Constable Hermansen also noted that the boat launch was in use right up until the start of the cold weather. “It’s been a good, quiet year.” At the end of the presentation, Town Chairman Ray Knapp thanked the constables for their continued service to the Town.

Caucus

The Town caucus has been set for Thursday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Troy Town Hall with a snow day of Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m.

Tags: town caucus, communities, troy, broadband