Many of us, during this time of year find ourselves tuned in to the classic Boris Karloff version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or the more recent Jim Carrey version.
It is truer than fiction that the town of Dayton appears to have its own Grinch, aka Chris Klein, who (without a public hearing) decided to take it upon himself to confiscate about 25 trees from the property of residents in Dayton. However, the town of Dayton cannot call upon Cindy Lou Who to help return the trees.
I have three words for the town of Dayton: “How dare you!” How dare you wait until my mother-in-law, a recent widow, leaves for her winter residence with her family in Florida and then proceed to trespass on her property to mutilate her trees for “right of way violations.” This carnage commenced without notification as required by the town of Dayton Road and Right of Ways ordinance:
“Any shrub, tree or other plan on property adjacent to the town road right-of-way … the Town Clerk shall notify the property owner in writing, describing the conditions, stating the steps necessary to correct.”
Last February, my mother-in-law suffered the loss of her husband of 59 years, Moody Plunkett, fisherman extraordinaire on Spencer Lake for more than 40 years, a man loved and respected by generations of Spencer Lake residents. Her loss has been compounded to find out about the unlawful cutting of her trees.
To the Town of Dayton:
1. In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, on what date did the town of Dayton publicly advertise for a public hearing regarding this project, and when did this public hearing take place? (https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/82/II/10).
2. At what meeting were the bid specifications approved by the town of Dayton for contracted services for this project, and what sources of media were used for advertisement?
3. How many bids were received, reviewed, and tabulated?
4. What contractors/businesses represented the top three bids and at what meeting were they interviewed?
5. After interviews, what contractor/business received the bid?
6. Keeping in mind veteran’s preference, through the bid process, did you receive any bid from a veteran?