TOWN BOARD MEETING — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE June 15, 2026 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 Closed Session - Treasurer Position Interviews: The board convened in closed session under Wisconsin statutes section 19.85(1)(c) to deliberate on treasurer position interviews. A roll call was conducted with Chairman Staber, Larson, Mathwig, and McIlquham were present. Brennan Absent during the time of the interview. 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 1 st, 2026, Regular Board Meeting & Current Agenda. McIlquham moved to approve the minutes and the regular board meeting agenda and Brennan seconded. Financial Report: The financial report was presented. Disbursements included PRTLU payments and soccer coach payments, among several smaller checks, totaling $51,879.13. On the receipts side, interest was reported at $2,487, with deposits and credits of $30,727.81. The ending balance for the close of May was $840,870.68. Moved by Larson, seconded by Mathwig Public Comments: None Old Business: None New Business: Select Candidate for the Treasurer Position: The Chair reported that a resignation letter had been received from Treasurer Lori Hanson, with her last day effective July 1st. The Board had conducted two rounds of interviews with three candidates, all con sidered well qualified. A consensus had been reached on the preferred candidate — a town employee of 26 years who had previously served as Deputy Treasurer/ Clerk and expressed willingness to accept the appointed position. The Chair noted that Lori Hanson wou ld remain available to assist on an as-needed basis during transitions. The Chair extended the Board's heartfelt thanks to Lori Hanson for her many years of dedicated service. Motion to appoint Kathie Kurshinsky to the position of Town of Lafayette Treasurer, effective July 1, 2026, for the remainder of Lori Hanson's term, was made by McIlquham and seconded by Mathwig. Liquor License Approval – Part 2: The Board a provisional liquor license for Hoot's Wayside, formerly known as Sherri Jo's Wayside, under new ownership effective June 15, 2026. The provisional license would bridge the period from June 15 through June 30, at which point the previously approved annual liquor license would take effect on July 1st. The Town Clerk confirmed that the previous owner had signed the transfer documentation. Motion to transfer the liquor license from Sherri Jo's Wayside to Hoot's Wayside for the remainder of June (16 days) was made by Mathwig and seconded by Brennan. Brady East CSM: Scott presented a Certified Survey Map for a parcel currently used as a cornfield/outfield with pine trees on the sides, to be divided into four lots — three fronting on 70th Avenue and one back lot accessible via a right-of-way (not an easement). Scott noted that a driveway permit would need to be obtained before Xcel Energy could be engaged regarding power service to the area, as there is currently no power along that stretch of 70th Avenue. The Board confirmed the CSM had previously gone through the PRTLU and would need to go to Planning and Zoning. Motion to approve the Brady East CSM was made by McIlquham and seconded by Mathwig. CSM on behalf of Phillipson: The Board was advised that this item involved the straightforward combination of three existing lots into one. The surveyor had confirmed in advance that his presence at the meeting was not necessary given the routine nature o f the action. Motion was made by Mathwig and seconded by Brennan Final Plats and Approvals Yellow River Ridge: The Board reviewed the final plat and developer's agreement for Yellow River Ridge. It was noted that the letter of credit had not yet been obtained, as the developer's banker indicated it could not be issued until the Board formally approved the developer's agreement and final plat. The Chair recommended an 18-month term on the letter of credit to account for the late start in the construction season and carry the project through the following year. Discussion addressed details, including a requirement for a streetlight at the intersection of County Highway K and the new subdivision road, consistent with the town's practice for subdivisions entering onto a county highway. A question was raised about the depth of ditching along 72nd Avenue, with the developer indicating the ditch would begin at approximately 18 inches deep and reach close to 3 feet by the end of the plan — deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board noted that the PRTLU had approved the development subject to the developer's agreement, letter of credit, and a maintenance agreement with the county. No building permits or construction may begin until the county maintenance agreement is signed and recorded. Motion to approve the final plat and subdivision agreement for Yellow River Ridge, including the amendment of a streetlight at the intersection of County Highway K and the new road, and all condi tions previously set by the PRTLU, was made by Mathwig and seconded by McIlquham. Final Plats and Approvals Wissota Lane: The Board reviewed the final plat for Wissota Lane. The developer's agreement and letter of credit were confirmed to be in place. The Board noted that a streetlight was not required at the end of this road, as it d oes not intersect with a county highway, and the surrounding area is a darker neighborhood where a light would not be appropriate. A stormwater maintenance agreement will need to be signed by all developers. That remains the outstanding item before the proje ct may proceed. Motion to approve the final plat and approvals for Wissota Lane was made by Mathwig and seconded by Larson. Parks and Recreation Ordinance: The Chair explained that the Parks and Recreation Ordinance had originally been approved in 2023, but a signed document was never executed, creating an oversight in the town's code book. The ordinance itself remains unchanged. The matter came to light following a sheriff's department enforcement action at Ray's Beach, where an underage drinking party, drug activity, and other violations were discovered. It was confirmed the posted park hours (6 AM to 11 PM) were consistent with the ordinance. All individuals involved in the incident have been charged. The Board's action was to reaffirm the ordinance and authorize the Board's signatures to complete the official record. Motion to reaffirm the Parks and Recreation Ordinance and a uthorize the Board's signatures was made by McIlquham and seconded by Mathwig Fireworks – Close 50th Ave: The Board considered the closure of 50th Avenue for the July 3rd fireworks display. The road would be closed between 176th Street and 178th Street (one side of the bridge to the other) from 9:45 PM to 10:15 PM to prevent traffi c conflicts during the event, which typically draws approximately 1,000 attendees. A concern was raised by a resident about vehicle parking on 50th Avenue in prior years causing congestion and blocking access, including during a medical emergency. The Board directed that no-parking signs be posted on the east side of the road for the event. Motion to approve the closure of 50th Avenue between 176th Street and 178th Street on July 3rd from 9:45 PM to 10:15 PM for the fireworks display was made by Larson and seconded by Mathwig Town Communications from Board & Road Supervisors, Town Clerk & Town Chair: Supervisor Larson: reported two notable events from the day. First, neighbors of the school forest had taken the initiative to mow the ball field and repaint the park sign, prompted by a lack of maintenance from the school district. Supervisor McIlquham indica ted she would relay this information to the school board regarding general upkeep. Second, a major mutual aid response was coordinated when a large house fire in Altoona drew resources from multiple departments simultaneously with a separate large fire in Chippewa Falls. Supervisor Larson commended the cooperative response among volunteer, paid-on-call, and full-time departments, noting it demonstrated the effectiveness of the mutual aid system. Parks & Recreation Director Scott provided the following updates from recent commission activity: • PRTLU Board Vacancy: A board member submitted a resignation by email. An already accepted alternate is prepared to fill the seat, and the Board agreed the alternate could be moved into the position without further action. The process to fill the now-vacant alternate spot will begin; existing applications on file will be reviewed before considering reposting the position, pending confirmation that bylaws do not require otherwise. • Boat Parade: Flyers with a QR code linking to the event details have been approved and are being posted. • Pickleball Court Windscreens: Wind screen slats were successfully installed on most of the court fencing. Approximately 30 feet of repurposed fencing from the old tennis courts was found to be incompatible with the slat system. The PRTLU Commission voted to recommend the town pay $2,121 to replace that section with new fencing, with the commission contributing $584 for the slats, for a total project cost of $2,705. This item will be placed on the July agenda for Town Boa rd action. • Sandra Harvey Recreational Area – Dumping Concerns: Following a prior board inquiry about unauthorized dumping and mistreating the park, the commission opted to begin with an open letter to all Lafayette residents and visitors rather th an immediately posting enforcement signs. The letter, drafted by commission members, was distributed to area residents and posted to the town's online platforms. The escalation path agreed upon is letter first, then signage, then referral to the sheriff for ordinance enforcement. • Recreation Software – Sports Engine: The commission recommended replacing the phasing-out League Lineup platform with Sports Engine. The first year's cost is estimated at $2,140 (assuming 1,000 players), with costs recovered through participant registration fees. • Disc Golf Course Signage: The commission approved $200 for the installation of 17 tee box signs (at $10.65 each) depicting a pictorial layout and yardage for each hole, similar to what would be found on a traditional golf course. It was noted that amenities of this nature improve the course's statewide ranking and attractiveness to tournament organizers. • Town Clerk Jami shared a community engagement initiative she developed: a "Lafayette Rock Hunt," in which painted rocks would be hidden throughout town parks and recreational areas. Participants finding a rock could bring it to the Town Hall to receive a $5 Chamber book. Rocks have already been painted. Board members expressed support for the initiative, noting that it is a fun, low-cost way to encourage residents and visitors to explore Lafayette’s outdoor spaces. The Board also recommended that the rocks be clearly marked as Lafayette rocks to distinguish them from other community rock -hiding activities in the area. Motion To Adjourn was made at 7:35 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.