Ulen Town Board approves entry-sign contract, debates shared camera agreement and reviews fire-service renewal

The Ulen Town Board on its February agenda approved a revised contract for a new entry sign and spent much of the meeting weighing the terms of a proposed shared security-camera agreement with the country club, while also reviewing town finances and proposed vendor contracts.

The board voted to approve the revised contract with Green Sign for the new entry monument after discussion of design and a small amendment to the contract. A board member moved to accept the revised contract and the motion carried by voice vote; contractors were expected to begin site work within weeks.

Treasurer report and budget context Treasurer reported the town took in $38,730 and spent $28,583 for the past month, noting $20,000 of the expenditures was for the fire services contract. The Treasurer asked the board to sign a three-year renewal of the town's fire service agreement, which town staff said had frozen the town's rate and already bore Mr. Bat's signature; the board agreed to sign once final review was complete. The Treasurer also reviewed vouchers for legal services, trash collection and website hosting.

Shared security cameras: signage, access and retention A lengthy discussion centered on a draft shared-security agreement that would allow the town and the country club to access a set of cameras that monitor common entrances, an employee lot and the pro shop. Board members and town staff debated whether surveillance signage should be required; the board was told attorneys had advised that posting signage was not legally required but could be a good practice. One board member said, "I don't see need to notify the world. We're not required," and the group agreed to keep signage optional for now.

The board also addressed footage retention and access. Staff explained the recorder periodically overwrites older footage and that there is no ongoing fee for basic retention; the primary operational questions were who would be designated to access footage and whether named individuals should be placed in the contract. Members favored contract language that allows two designees from the country club and two from the town rather than fixed names so future personnel changes would not require repeated redlines.

Planning, permitting and variance procedures Staff presented a draft web page intended to guide residents through the permit and plan-review process. Members requested simplification so the county processes most permits, the town acts as an initial contact and the board only reviews variances or development plans when the ordinance requires it. Board members asked staff to align the website copy and any posted application forms with the town ordinance and to create a simpler town variance application rather than using the county's full packet.

Other business - E-bike/scooter ordinance: The board said it was monitoring neighboring municipalities (Caramel and Lebanon) and preferred to mirror provisions for consistency; members discussed whether separate golf-cart rules were necessary and noted past impoundments of electric dirt bikes. - IT services: A technology vendor (Leap) proposed a $2,500 one-time migration fee plus $400 monthly support. Board members said $400/month seemed high for infrequent needs and asked staff to seek a pared-down proposal or alternative pricing. - Utilities and capital work: Staff reported Lebanon Utilities had performed a smoke test and marked utilities for mapping; the board also approved final drawings and a small amendment for the entry sign contract and planned striping and signage updates around the park entrance.

The board closed the meeting after scheduling the next meeting for March 19. The board did not take roll-call votes for the motions recorded; outcomes were announced by voice as "motion carries."