TOWN BOARD MEETING — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE July 6, 2026 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 Call To Order / Roll Call: Chairman Staber called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 pm and conducted roll call. Present were Chairman Staber, Brennan, Larson, Mathwig, and McIlquham. Approval Of Town Board Minutes: The board reviewed the town board minutes June 15th, 2026, Regular Board Meeting & Current Agenda. Larson moved to approve the minutes and the regular board meeting agenda and McIlquham seconded. Financial Report: None Public Comment: Fireworks Concerns – Rexann (178th Street) addressed the Board regarding fireworks permits issued to the Sandbar. She stated she has raised concerns with both the Board Chair and the Sheriff's Department in prior years. She outlined four categories of co ncern: disturbance to wildlife (including birds and aquatic life), distress to domestic animals, the impact on individuals with PTSD or sensory sensitivities, and the dangers of fire and bodily harm. To illustrate the physical danger, Rexann presented fireworks debris she collected from her property, following the July 3rd display. She noted that the debris was found in her driveway, within her fenced yard, and as close as three feet from her home, stating that had her vehicle been parked in the driveway, it would have been damaged. Drawing on 15 years as a firearms instructor during her 30-year law enforcement career, she emphasized that fireworks are made with gunpowder, and that the proximity of debris to her home poses serious risks of fire, chemical contamination of the la ke, and injury. She called on the township to stop issuing fireworks permits and that they should be responsible for what she characterized a s irresponsible stewardship of the land and waterway. Data Center Inquiry – Data Center Inquiry – A resident from 198th Street addressed the Town Board regarding rumors of a potential data center development in the area. The resident requested information regarding whether any town official or staf f member had signed a nondisclosure agreement with a developer or land agent within the past two years; whether the Town had received any inquiry, letter of intent, or proposal related to a large-scale industrial or warehouse facility; whether any rezoning application or conditional use permit had been filed with Chippewa County for property within the Town of Lafayette; whether the Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation had facilitated contact between landowners and prospective buyers; and whether, if a data center proposal were submitted, the Board would require an ordinance amendment, a community benefit agreement, or a moratorium before taking any zoning action. The resident stated that these requests would also be submitted in writing. Chair man Staber responded by directing those present to the information posted on the Town website from the Chippewa County Zoning Administrator. He stated that any zoning ordinance amendment necessary for a data center would require approval by a majority of the zoned town boards in Chippewa County. He also reported that he had spoken with County Administrator Andy Alvarado, who indicated he was not aware of any formal data center proposal in the area. The Chair noted that while some farmers in the Town of Hallie had reportedly been contacted, no land had been sold, and no agreements had been signed. No Board action was taken. New Business: Acceptance of Treasurer’s Resignation – Chairman Staber announced that the Town had received the resignation of Lori Hanson, who has served as Town Treasurer for 33 years. He expressed the Board's sincere appreciation for her many years of dedicated service and recognized her friendly and welcoming interactions with residents during tax collection and regular office hours. Chairman Staber also noted that cake, ice cream, and gifts would be available following the meeting in honor of Lori’s retirement. It was fur ther noted that Kathie Kurshinsky will serve in a dual role as both Town Treasurer and Office Assistant until a new Office Assistant is hired. During this interim period, she will receive compensation for both positions. Motion to accept resignation of Lori Hanson was made by McIlquham and seconded by Brennan. Resolution to Vacate a Portion of 180th Street: The Chair explained that 180th Street, a dead-end road extending south from 50th Avenue and bordering Stillson Creek, is scheduled for repaving. He stated that the southernmost 80 -foot portion of the roadway has never been paved and is not part of a recorded plat. Because the segment is unplatted , County Board approval is not required for the vacation. The Chair further explained that, once vacated, the County Surveyor will determine the apportionment of the discont inued right-of-way to the adjoining property owners, which is typically divided equally between the properties on each side. Motion by Larson to adopt the resolution vacating the southern 80 feet of 180th Street. Seconded by Mathwig. CTY Hwy J CSM Review: The Board reviewed a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for the property located at 18994 County Highway J. The Chair explained that the property previously had two driveway accesses, one from County Highway J and one from 192nd Stre et. The 192nd Street access has since been improved and is now the primary driveway. The CSM combines the two existing lots into a single parcel. The property is currently under contract, and the prospective buyer intends to construct a single -family residence. The Board was reminded that the signed CSM should be returned to the Town Hall. Motion by Larson to approve the Certified Survey Map combining the lots at 18994 County Highway J. Seconded by Brennan. Lot Consolidation CSM – Bazal: The Board reviewed a Lot Consolidation Certified Survey Map for the Bazal property. The Chair noted that the CSM had been revised to include the ordinary high-water mark. The consolidation removes the interior lot line, creating a single parcel. Motion by McIlquham to approve the Bazal Lot Consolidation CSM. Seconded by Brennan Lot Consolidation CSM – Gillette: The Board reviewed a Lot Consolidation Certified Survey Map for the Gillette property on 185th Street. The consolidation eliminates the interior lot line, combining the existing lots into one parcel. Motion by Bren nan to approve the Gillette Lot Consolidation CSM. Seconded by Mathwig. Lot Consolidation CSM – Hermanson: The Board reviewed a Lot Consolidation Certified Survey Map for the Hermanson property. The consolidation combines the existing lots by eliminating the interior lot line. Motion by McIlquham to approve the Hermanson Lot Consolidation CSM. Seconded by Mathwig. Pickle Ball Fence: The Board discussed the replacement of a section of fencing at the pickleball courts. It was explained that an older section of fence removed from the former tennis courts was incompatible with the privacy slats the PRTLU Commission had plann ed to install. As a result, approximately 30 feet of new 10-foot fencing is required to complete the windscreen installation on three sides of the courts. The cost of $2,121 will be paid by the town while the PRTLU Commission would contribute $584 for the windscreen/privacy slats. Motion to approve the pickleball fence purchase was made by Larson. The motion was seconded by Mathwig. Town Communications from Board & Road Supervisors, Town Clerk & Town Chair: Supervisor Sharon McIlquham reported that recycling center staff are now inspecting each container and have been finding prohibited materials mixed with recyclables. She suggested that posting a sign listing acceptable recyclable items, rather th an only identifying prohibited materials, may help educate residents and reduce improper disposal. Chairman Staber reported that Jami has 30 applications on hand for the part-time Office Assistant position, received through Indeed, in person, and by email. Applications were accepted through mid-July, and Kathie and Jami will review and narrow the pool, with results to be brought back to the Board. The goal is to have a new hire in place by August. Road Crew Supervisor - provided a road paving update. Work on 53rd Avenue and 192nd Street is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The week after, paving was planned for 49th, 48th,174th, and 180th. The following Saturday — coinciding with Country Jam and Rock Fest — 59th Avenue would be paved. It was noted that a single paver would be used on some segments, temporarily limiting access during paving, and that appropriate signage had been posted on 192nd & 53rd. Motion To Adjourn was made at 7:23 PM Following adjournment, the Board and attendees were invited to join in a reception honoring outgoing Treasurer Lori Hanson with cake and ice cream 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.