TOWN BOARD MEETING — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE July 20, 2026 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 Call To Order / Roll Call: Chairman Staber called the regular meeting to order at 7:01 pm and conducted roll call. Present were Chairman Staber, Brennan, Larson, and Mathwig. Absent was McIlquham. Approval Of Town Board Minutes: The board reviewed the town board minutes July 6th, 2026, Regular Board Meeting & Current Agenda. Larson moved to approve the minutes and the regular board meeting agenda and Brennan seconded. Financial Report: The financial report was presented. The ending balance at the close of June was $835,926.14. Receipts totaling approximately $80,736.77 were noted as coming in. The board was advised that over $500,000 in outgoing checks were scheduled for that evening — approximately $300,000 for road paving and $200,000 to the fire district — along with several smaller checks including some for concession-related expenses. The total disbursements were noted at $566,693.13. On the revenue side, a six-month budget review had recently been conducted by the Town Clerk and Treasurer, resulting in approximately 10–12-line items being identified for correction across various accounts. It was noted that this review process is conducted approximately every thr ee to six months to ensure budget categories remain accurate. Looking ahead, approximately $500,000 is expected from the county in August representing the second half of property tax distributions, which is expected to align well with upcoming road paving expenditures. Roads scheduled for milling and paving include: the service road leading into the subdivision west of Golden Eagle, the subdivision off Highway J, 163rd Street down to the hydro plant, 171st Street up to and over the railroad tracks, and a section of 59th Avenue where the blacktop will be removed rather than milled to avoid raising the road profile further. Completion was anticipated by early August. Motion to approve the financial report as presented was made by Larson and seconded by Brennan. Public Comment: Two members of the public addressed the board. Barb Karlen offered thanks for the installation of no-parking signs on 176th Street for the fireworks on July 3rd, noting that neighboring residents had responded positively. She also expressed appreciation for new signage at the boat landing, specifically citing signs prohibiting leaving boats in the launch area and restricting entry to the exit -only lane adjacent to the pond. These signs were described as having meaningfully improved traffic flow and reduced congestion during busy periods. The second speaker, a first-time attendee, inquired about rumors circulating on social media regarding a potential data center development in the area. Chair Staber clarified again that no data center has been proposed for the Town of Lafayette. He explained that discussions had occurred in the vicinity of the southeast border of a neighboring township, where some landowners had be en approached about potentially selling land — reportedly around 400 acres — though no sales had occurred and at least one landowner who had initially engaged had since withdrawn interest. Chair Staber further explained that any such development would face significant regulatory hurdles: it would need to meet county zoning ordinances, and because Lafayette is one of seven townships that have adopted county zoning, a majority of those townships would need to agree to any zoning changes necessary to permit a dat a center. Chair Staber indicated he believed at least three of those townships would not support such a change. He also noted that Xcel Energy had recently sent a letter seeking a moratorium on data center approvals while infrastructure planning is addressed. T he speaker thanked the board and was advised that meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of the month, with agendas posted to the town website by Thursday. New Business: onX Fish - Boat Landing Sign: Blake Tollefson, a Lafayette resident and employee of onX Fish, presented a proposal to install informational fishing signs at both town-owned boat landings. The signs would feature local fish species information, a lake map highlighting active fishing areas, and a QR code offering visitors access to the onX Fish app. onX Fish currently covers ten Midwest states plus Montana. Three sign sizes were discussed: 11×17, 18×24, and 24×36 inches. The board indicated a preference for a larger format to attract attention, and the 18×24 metal sign was identified as the preferred option for the landings. It was also su ggested that a standard paper version of the 11×17 sign be displayed in the town hall for residents picking up boat landing stickers. Mr. Tollefson noted that Lake Wissota would be among the first lakes featured in the app and that data can be downloaded in advance for are as with limited cell service. Motion to approve the installation of onX Fish informational signs at the town boat landings in the 18×24 size was made by Brennan and seconded by Larson. Eagle Scout Project – Mason Grant: The board was updated on the progress of Eagle Scout Mason Grant's approved project, which involves the construction and installation of ten benches to be placed at various locations along the town's trail system. It was noted that lumber had been donated by a local lumber company, and PRTLU committee had committed up to $400 in supplemental funding to cover hardware and remaining costs. A work crew had been active on Saturday assembling benches, working near the first tee area of the golf course rather than the blacktop parking lot due to the heat. Bench placement will be coordinated with town staff. No further action from the board was required, as the project had been previously approved. Town Communications from Board & Road Supervisors, Town Clerk & Town Chair: Supervisor Larson: A suggestion having a standing-agenda the review and approval of PRTLU committee recommendations at every second board meeting of the month, so that action items coming out of committee meetings could be moved forward more efficien tly. The board expressed support for this approach, and it was agreed that this item would be added as a standing agenda item going forward. Supervisor Brennan: Concerns of the financial results of the spring cleanup roll-off event, which ended with an approximate $1,000 deficit. Donations totaled approximately $1,600, and scrap steel recycling generated about $ 400, while total expenses were approximately $2,900. The increased costs were due in part to the need for an additional dumpster after individuals placed it ems alongside the dumpster when no one was present during the event's closing hours. It was noted that in prior years the event had generally broken even. Discussion centered on the growing scope of materials being dropped off beyond the event's intended pu rpose of roadside litter cleanup — including mattresses, hot tubs, construction debris, and large loads from estate cleanouts. The board agreed that clearer guidelines and active enforcement at the drop -off gate are needed, and that a plan should be developed over the winter for implementation for April 2027. It was suggested that updated guidelines be included in both the fall and spring newsletters. Lafayette Festival: A question was raised regarding the upcoming Lafayette Festival, specifically whether the musical entertainment had been confirmed and whether the event had shifted from Sunday to Saturday this year. No one present had definitive informa tion. A board member agreed to follow up with the event organizer to determine the current status of musical programming. PRTLU-Scott Faris: The board received the PRTLU's Outdoor Recreation Plan. The report provides a synopsis of current facilities and identifies areas needing improvement as part of 2027 budget planning. The board is invited to identify any priorities or items they felt were missing. Discussion touched on several potential projects like ball field irrigation, ball field lighting, an RV dump station, and an outdoor exercise station similar to one observed in Washburn. Chair Staber indicated he had previously sent information to the committee about the exercise station and offered to resend it. The committee welcomed any further project ideas from board me mbers and it would be on the next Town Board Meeting Agenda. Boat Parade: The committee reported that the recent boat parade event was considered a success, with positive feedback received and the lake area well-attended. Sandra Harvey recreation area neighborhood: letters had been sent to adjacent property owners, and a positive response was received about the yard waste and misuse of the area. A specific issue with one property owner had been identified, and an informal approach — such as a letter with a sample signage example — was being pursued as a first step before escalating further. Pickleball court fence replacement: Has been completed. The final 30 feet of fencing was replaced with new material. A cost increase above the previously credited amount resulted in an additional expenditure of $334.40, which was covered by the PRTLU. Interviews for additional candidates are planned at a special session prior to the next PRTLU meeting, with a recommendation expected to come before the board at the second August board meeting for formal approval. Town Chair Report: Chair Staber reported that the Ski Sprites from Lake Altoona had expressed interest in using Ray's Beach for water ski practice, as Lake Altoona has been experiencing poor water quality due to bacteria levels. He indicated he would fo llow up with the group to assess feasibility, noting concerns about the shallow water near shore and the need for participants to operate well out from the shoreline. It was noted that swim area buoys had gone missing, with speculation that they may have drifted into deeper water. Board memb ers were encouraged to watch for them. Chair Staber reminded the board and public that upcoming road paving work on Highway J, 59th Avenue, and the subdivision west of Golden Eagle will temporarily restrict access, similar to recent work near the sandbar area. Advance notice signs will be pos ted one to two days prior to paving. He noted that the completed roads would look significantly improved and humorously advised one boar d member to expect their road to be on next year's schedule. Motion To Adjourn was made at 7:38 PM Respectfully submitted by: Jami Carter / Clerk These minutes are intended to reflect the discussed topics and propositions during the Lafayette Town Board Meeting, ensuring transparency and providing a clear understanding of the deliberations and decisions made.