Minutes

Special Townsend Electors meeting Saturday, May 4, 2024 17937 Front Street 11:00am 1. Town Chairperson Monica Zeller called the meeting to order at 11:05AM. 2. The electors recited the pledge of allegiance. 3. Verification of proper notice. Clerk Linda Ziegler stated that the special electors meeting was posted at the Town post office, Townsend to hall, Laona State bank and www.townsendwisconsin.org on April 19, 2024. Also, the Oconto County Report April 24 and May 1 and the Pioneer Express April 22 and April 29 editions. Ziegler/Zeller signed an affidavit to attest and affirm this action pursuant to S. 60.0, Wis. Stats. 4. Order of business: a. Proposal: Zeller stated the purpose of this meeting is to approve construction of a 30x50 addition and remodel to the town hall, a request for the meeting having been made to the Townsend Town Clerk, by a motion of the Town Board at the April 9, 2024, town meeting. b. Motion on the floor: The Town board is asking for your support to construct a 30x50 addition and remodel the town hall. Loan amount not exceeding $900,000.00. This is a yes or no question. c. Discussion: #115 Fred Mikels, What’s the difference of price of repair/addition to new building. Zeller stated that the new construction from 2022 was set at not to exceed $1.9 million. The board did not look at new construction. Will there be any benefits from Fed Grants? If the vote goes through, all grant opportunities will be explored. #146 Tim McQuire, what is the cost of the project? Based on a 5-year loan at 6%, will be $66.00/$100,000. #69 Ed Kubicek, Will the remodel require a sprinkler system, HVAC, and fire suppression in the kitchen? Per code, no sprinkler system is required, the kitchen will be a warming kitchen. The septic is fine, there will be a new furnace in the addition. The interior will be remodeled with new floors, ceiling tiles, paint, bath fixtures, lighting. #49 Robert Heyrman had a conversation with Jef Muellver, the towns assessor who mentioned the net new construction is off the charts and the addition of this may negate additional taxes to the property owners. #15 Elizabeth Bann, the town is growing, we may be looking to expand the hall in 5-6 years. #123 Ken Schwebke said the addition/remodel is just 200 ft less than the new construction proposal from 2022. The building is insured for just under $500,000, so why give that up. #139 Dan Martin the new construction project was 50x100. #140 Roger Wight encouraged a no vote. Ken did a good job presenting this project, but a new building would be on 2 acres near the ballpark. #112 Kathleen Marsh said in 1996 there was a vote to replace/repair the hall that got turned down. In 1997 the town could’ve purchased 120 acres for a new hall/fire department that got turned down. In 2006 a proposal to attach the hall to the fire department got scraped, in 2022 the new construction of hall was voted down. How many times will we continue to kick the can down the road. #67 Clarise Huisman will the hall space be bigger? No, but the bar will be gone, and the tables/chairs will be stored in the current office. #66 Diane Linssen are all your meetings posted? When two or more board members meet, yes, of course. #148 Michael Schilz doesn’t see a safety issue when we put up easter banners in the window. The town deserves better than putting lipstick on a pig. #136 Mort Thompson has been in town for 39 years. The Town hall has served well. Just fix what is needed. Inflation is hurting all of us. #123 Ken Schwebke has put 6 months on this project pro bono for the community. d. Zeller calls for an end to discussion and restates motion. 5. Chairperson Calls for Vote at 11:31 6. Ballots are collected and counted. 7. Declaration of results – at 11:57 with 172 electors voting, 109 yes, 63 no. 8. Zeller called to adjourn the meeting at 12:00 Respectfully submitted. Linda Ziegler, Clerk