minutes

Regular Board Meeting Tuesday, January 13, 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 Willie Evans, Treasurer Beth Hartman, Clerk Linda Ziegler. 19 Citizens Verification of proper agenda notice: Ziegler posted the agenda on January 2, 2026 at the Townsend Post Office, Townsend Town Hall, Laona State Bank, Townsend branch, and www.townsendwisconsin.org Zeller made the motion to approve the agenda, 2nd by Evans– M/A Motion made by Evans to accept the minutes of December 8, 2025, 2 nd by DeMoulin – M/A Treasurer’s Report – Hartman gave a P&L budget performance report. Approximately 43% of the total taxes were collected as of December 31, 2025. Motion by DeMoulin to approve the report and pay all the bills, 2nd by Evans– M/A Ambulance Report – Steve Harkema said there were 15 calls in December, total of 215 calls for 2025, down from 249 in 2024. Building plans will be sent to architect then to the state for approval. Hopefully, construction can start in May or June 2026. The new Medical Director is Dr. Michael Clark from Wausau. Fire Department – Chief Dawn Herlache said there were a total of 50 calls in 2025, more than recent years. Townsend Fire and Nicolet Fire District have several houses to train in and burn over the winter. Volunteers were trained on the new extradition equipment. Townsend and Lakewood Fire Departments are collaborating to serve the communities. FOTF – Wanda Laste said the group is preparing for the spring raffle which will be held March 7, 2026. They are looking for fresh ideas for the 4 th of July event and are in the planning stages for a FOTF scholarship. The next meeting is Saturday, January 17 at 9:30 Lake Country Library -Kathleen Marsh said the book and bake sales in December were very successful. The director is creating a laptop policy which will allow patrons to borrow a library laptop. The board is looking into endowment opportunities. NOCCO-report on file Planning & Zoning – n/a Permits/Licenses –Two operators License: Zeller made the motion to approve VanderPlas, 2nd Evans – M/A DeMoulin made the motion to approve Pankow, 2nd by Evans – M/A Business: 1. Resolution 01-2026 to rescind ordinance 02-87: An Ordinance Governing the Assemblage of Persons within Townsend Townsend. The board believes this ordinance has not been enforced for many decades and is no longer relevant to the town and that rescinding outdated ordinances promotes clarity, transparency and effective administration of town laws. Zeller made the motion to approve Resolution 01—2026 to rescind ordinance 02-87, 2 nd by DeMoulin – M/A 2. Resolution 02-2026 for refund of taxes: Beverly Schmidt, 17234 Maple Acres Ln, Parcel 042-090903943J sustained a fire at her home November 9, 2024. The assessor was not contacted and therefore the 2025 taxes reflected the full assessment of land and improvements. Schmidt has paid her 2025 taxes in full and; therefore, the town will reimburse her in the amount of $1,282.53 for the home tax. Zeller made the motion to approve Resolution 02-2026 for the tax refund, 2nd by Evans – M/A 3. “Class B” liquor licenses in Townsend: Ziegler has been clarifying the license availability for Townsend with the WI Dept of Revenue, who suggest we formally record his information for future reference: As of December 1, 1997, the Town of Townsend is authorized to issue ten “Class B” liquor license. August 17, 2006 a Reserve “Class B” Reserve Liquor License was granted to Joe Wauters, Old Town Hall, because he added a tavern to the restaurant. $10,000.00 was paid to Townsend per statute for the reserve license. (Section 125.51(3)(e)2). Josh Banie purchased the bar/restaurant June 21, 2011. The $10,000.00 reserve license fee was not collected by the town. December 18, 2020, the Golden Eagle bar/restaurant burnt down. Regular “Class B” liquor license was not renewed by owner Ashley Coulliard. June 14, 2022, the Lakehouse Winery, owner Christy Hinkens, relinquished her “Class B” liquor license and keeps Class “B” beer. (Act 73, Wineries are now licensed by the state). November 28, 2022, Harry & Laurie’s bar/restaurant was torn down. Regular “Class B” liquor license was not renewed by owner Ann Hagmayer. May 2, 2023, clerk Ziegler contacted Ricky Uhlig, Special Agent, DOR-Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit and asked if one of the three “Class B” liquor licenses could be transferred to the Old Town Hall. He said licenses are not tied to any particular premises once surrendered or non- renewed and the town can issue the regular license as we wish. December 12, 2025 talked with Kurt Goodreau, Special Agent, DOR-Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit, who said he agrees with Mr. Uhlig’s response, but should put this information in the minutes for future reference. The Town of Townsend has transferred one “Class B” liquor license to the Old Town Hall, leaving 2 - “Class B” liquor and 1 -Reserve “Class B” liquor licenses available. 4. Room Tax Representative – we are looking for a representative to the County Room Tax Commission. This Commission meets four times per year and discusses option for tourism utilizing the 5% room tax collected from short-term rentals. The representative must be a full-time resident. 5. Future agenda items – N/A Public Comment: DeMoulin said there is a need for lithium battery disposal in the town. Logistics Recycling, Inc. will pick up and dispose of at $7.36/lb. Other possibilities are Interstate Battery and Battery Network. The board will continue to investigate the options. Correspondence: n/a Announcements: 7 town’s meeting January 14 in Mountain at 6:30pm Election worker training January 26, Townsend Town Hall Zeller made the motion to adjourn at 6:45pm 2nd by DeMoulin – M/A Minutes approved February 10, 2026 Linda Ziegler, Clerk