Minutes

Regular Board Meeting Monday, August 10, 2026 Townsend Town Hall 6:00pm Chairperson Monica Zeller called the meeting to order at 6:00pm Roll Call: Chairperson Monica Zeller, Supervisor Chuck DeMoulin, Supervisor Willis Evans, Treasurer Beth Hartman, Clerk Linda Ziegler. 25 citizens Verification of proper agenda notice: Ziegler posted the agenda on August 10, 2026 at the Townsend Post Office, Townsend Town Hall, Laona State Bank, Townsend branch, and www.townsendwisconsin.org Evans made the motion to approve the agenda, 2nd DeMoulin – M/A Motion made by DeMoulin to accept the minutes of July 14, 2026 2nd by Evans - M/A Treasurer’s Report – Hartman reported that we received the Intergovernmental grant for $222,000.00 for the new tractor, $71,000.00 in transportation aid and $9000.00 for shared revenue. Expenses were $9000 for the 2nd payment of the fireworks and some ball park renovations. Ziegler confirmed that checks and voucher were signed. Evans made the motion to pay the bills, 2nd by Zeller – M/A Ambulance Report – Steve Harkaman reported that there were 30 calls in July. He noted that progress on the building project continues, with the foundation scheduled to be poured shortly. Steve asked the audience for feedback regarding a potential conflict of interest: the project’s builder has approached him about performing portions of the construction work. Steve explained that his involvement could save the project up to $30,000.00. He further stated that if he assists, the project could begin this year. If he does not, the project start date would be delayed until spring 2027. Colleen Decoster will be getting the Chili Cook-off scheduled soon Fire Department Report – Chief Dawn Herlache reported just 2 calls since the last meeting. The department has received a Drip Drop Hydration system from the National Volunteer Fire Council and a training prop system from FOTF. Current fire danger is low. FOTF- Wanda Laste reported that the Olive Pit will be sponsoring a free corn roast with music August 29. The FOTF will be there with 50/50 and basket raffles. The fire department open house will be scheduled along with the chili cook-off. The Deer Hunter Widows craft sale November 21 will benefit the FOTF. Next meeting is Saturday at 9:30am Lakes Country Library- Kathleen Marsh reported that they are in search of a new library director. The solar panels are paying off significantly. The summer reading program with successful and many of weekly groups continue to grow NOCCO- report on file. 73 calls in July Permits/Licenses: 2 operators license were presented. Zeller made the motion to approve Pommering, 2nd by DeMoulin – M/A; DeMoulin made the motion to approve Pandey, 2nd by Evans Business 1. Land Division Application Summary – Parcels #042-333306224D, #042-333306324B, #042-33305121B/Owner: Bass/Columbo Surveyor: Vice Chairperson Drew Zelle explained that three parcels located within the Burnt Dam and Valley View area are proposed to be divided into a total of fourteen lots. The parcels are zoned Residential Single Family and meet the Town of Townsend’s minimum lot size requirement of one acre. All existing roads serving the area are already in place. The owners intend to sell Lots 8 through 14, retaining the remaining lots for future use. Out lot 1 is designated as unbuildable. Lots 4 through 7 border wetlands and a creek but each contains more than 30,000 sq. ft. of buildable land. Lot 9 is over 7 acres and is currently landlocked; it appears a cul-de-sac may have been planned at one time, and an existing barn is located on the parcel. This submission represents a preliminary plat, which will undergo modification as required through state and county review and approval. The land division proposal meets the local ordinance standards. The proposal agrees with the Town Vision Statement as found in the Town Comprehensive Plan, the proposal agrees with the town goals, objectives and development strategies as found in the Town Comprehensive Plan. The Planning & Zoning commission is recommending approval to divide this property. DeMoulin made the motion to approve the land division, 2nd by Zeller – M/A 2. Mikey Smets Scrap metal contract. - This is the standard contract that extends their service for another three years, through 2029. Zeller made the motion to approve this contract, 2nd by Evans – M/A 3. Fire Department recognition plaque – Chief Herlache explained that this new plaque recognizes all those that have served on the Townsend fire department in its inception in 1972. Thank you to Anita Szyszkiewicz for her time to research and the Wabeno Fab Lab for the design. Any additions or corrections can be easily updated. 4. Friedenberg operator’s license –Ms. Friedenberg met with the town board and agreed to the conditions to obtain her operator’s license. Since then, these conditions have been violated and the license has been revoked. 5. Ambulance payment & board member – Townsend’s portion of the new ambulance has been paid. The new ambulance committee board member is Margaret Boettcher. She joins Townsend residents Doug Baril and Beth Hibbard on the committee. 6. Veterans Ballpark update – Thank you to Ed Ericson for spearheading the paint project at the concession stand. The old outhouse has been excavated and a new structure has been installed. We will be contacted WPS to remove the light near the ice rink and replace it with a controlled solar light. Oconto County is offering another grant for next year. We will apply to have new door put on the bathrooms at Oughton Park and get the Pickleball Court up and running. Public comment – Christine VandenBosch, 16522 Timber Edge, said 2 months ago, the neighbor’s dog was loose and bit her finger and her dog. 10 days ago, the dog attacked her other dog requiring extensive veterinarian service. She has contacted Oconto County sheriff twice with no resolve. She would like to have the animal removed. Zeller said she would contact Sheriff Skarban to help with resolution. Correspondence – DeMoulin received a call from John Wishal thanking the town for taking care of the washout on his road. Zeller reminded everyone that golf carts are not legal to operate on Townsend roads. Announcement Partisan primary August 11 7am – 8pm Blood Mobile August 24 11-4 Zeller thanked the board for their courtesy and support during her time off with her family. She shared that she and John have listed their home and will be moving out of the area by the end of the year. As a result, she will be submitting her resignation from the Town Board. Motion to Adjourn @6:54 by Evans, 2nd by DeMoulin – M/A Minutes approves September 8, 2026 Linda Ziegler, Clerk