"Move The Tower" Files Complaint Against CIC Administrator for Violation of State Law
September 19, 2004
On September 19, 2004, Move The Tower web site (http://www.highway60.com/movethetower/) operator, Mark Culverhouse, filed a complaint with the Sauk County District Attorney Patricia Barrett alleging that Tim Stieve, the Sauk County Communications Infrastructure Committee (CIC) administrator has violated Wisconsin Statute19.35 (4)(a) which states "Each authority, upon request for any record, shall, as soon as practicable and without delay, either fill the request or notify the requester of the authority's determination to deny the request in whole or in part and the reason's therefor". The complete text of the complaint and it's associated exhibits are available on the Move The Tower web site at: http://www.highway60.com/movethetower/tim_stieve_complaint.htm
Mr. Culverhouse has repeatedly requested information since August 20, 2004 from Mr. Stieve about the Spring Green tower project, but his requests have not been filled. The CIC has recently scheduled a Special Meeting on September 21 to consider purchasing the tower land parcel in Spring Green. Mr. Culverhouse alleges that Mr. Stieve has deliberately delayed filling his requests for information in an attempt to have the CIC purchase the land and equipment thus obstructing public comment on the CIC proposal. In addition Mr. Culverhouse reports that Mr. Stieve sent out information supporting the CIC position while withholding information that supported the position of opponents of the proposed tower site. Opponents are not opposed to a tower, but they are advocating moving the tower to another nearby site that does not impact on the views from the Wisconsin River which is protected by state law. The CIC Special Meeting was scheduled after ignoring a unanimous request by the Village of Spring Green Trustees asking the CIC and the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board to meet in order to agree on an alternate site for the tower. This story is available at: http://www.highway60.com/movethetower/sgboard_mediation.htm
In his complaint filed with the District Attorney, Mr. Culverhouse also requests the DA to ask for an immediate court injunction to prevent the CIC from acting on the purchase of the Spring Green tower site until this matter is resolved. In addition Mr. Culverhouse has stated in his complaint that he intends to file a complaint against Mr. Stieve alleging violation of the Sauk County Ordinances Chapter 36 - Code of Ethics Ordinance. This complaint will be filed with the Sauk County Corporation Counsel, Todd J. Liebman as prescribed by law.
A letter was also sent to Supervisors on the CIC to advise them to postpone action at the September 21 Special Meeting on the agenda item related to purchasing the Spring Green tower site property until this matter is resolved by the District Attorney. This letter is available at: http://www.highway60.com/movethetower/email_cic_090419.htm
Check back with the Move The Tower web site (http://www.highway60.com/movethetower/) for up-to-date reports on the progress of this complaint and other news regarding the ongoing controversy over the tower site and the questionable tactics of the CIC.
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