TOWN BOARD MEETING — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE Dec 15, 2025 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 Call To Order / Roll Call - The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. A roll call was conducted confirming the presence of Supervisors Brennan, Larson, Mathwig, Chair Staber and Clerk Konwinski. Supervisor McIlquham was present via phone. Approval of Town Board Minutes - Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the town board minutes from Dec 1, 2025, and the consent agenda for tonight's meeting. Brennan seconded the motion. Financial Report - Chair Staber presented the financial report, noting that a loan payoff for $169,000 at Citizens Bank for the 50th Avenue projects was added late to the expense report. The final payoff amount with interest would be $175,739.15. Regarding revenue, Chair Staber noted the shared revenue that came in at approximately $408,000. The town had a balance of $682,407 at the end of November. A fter paying off the loan and about $60,000 in other payments, the balance would be closer to the $400,000 target for year-end. Supervisor Mathwig inquired about the Community Foundation check, and Chair Staber clarified it was for the Lake Association improvements, which receives $10,000 from PRTLU and $10,000 from the town, with the PRTLU contribution lasting 2 years and the town contribution lasting 5 years. Motion to accept the financial reports as presented by Supervisor Mathwig, seconded by Supervisor Brennan. Motion carried. Public Comments Old Business - No items were discussed under old business. New Business Doughty CSM to Separate the Garage 19227 74th Ave - Chair Staber presented a Certified Survey Map (CSM) request to separate a large garage at the corner of 74th Avenue and what appeared to be 192nd Street. The application met requirements for setback and lo t size (3.1 acres). Supervisor McIlquham inquired whether someone was living in the garage, which Chair Staber indicated was not permitted. Motion to approve the CSM for Dougherty made by Supervisor Brennan and seconded by McIlquham. Davis CSM to Consolidate 4 Lots into one Lot for Building Purposes 7352 178th St - Chair Staber noted this was approximately the 30th lot combination the town had processed this year. The property owner, Mr. Davis, explained that the consolidation was necessa ry because his deck crossed one of the four lot lines, and a stairway down to the lake intersected another lot line. The consolidated lot would be 2.1 acres with approximately 200 feet of lake frontage. Motion to approve the consolidation of 4 lots int o 1 lot on 7352 178th Street made by Supervisor Larson and seconded by Brennan. Motion carried. Purchase of a Snow Blower for Fire Station #3 - Chief Cory requested approval to purchase a new snowblower for Station 3 to replace two older models that had been donated from a fireman's thrift sale. The replacement would cost $1,780-$1,899 for an Ariens 30-inch model. Chair Staber confirmed there was sufficient money in the maintenance budget for the fire station, noting that $40,000 had been budg eted for a well tank that was never purchased this year. Motion to approve the snowblower purchase for the fire station as presented made by Supervisor Larson and seconded by Mathwig. Approval of PRTLU Bylaw Revisions and Application Forms – PRTLU Chair Faris explained that the PRTLU bylaws needed updating regarding dates, language, and alignment with state statutes regarding length of terms. Supervisor Mathwig added that the ter ms needed to change from 2, 3, or 4 years to match state statute requirements for planning commissions. Scott also mentioned that the application/solicitation form for new commission members hadn't been updated since the commission was first created, and the revisions also allowed for an alternate for the tourism seat on the commission. Motion to approve the bylaw revision and application form made by Supervisor Brennan, seconded by Mathwig. Insurance Discussion for Kyle Shervey - Kyle Shervey requested consideration for adding his girlfriend to his town health insurance plan under a domestic partnership arrangement. He explained they share bills, bank accounts, and live together but don't wish to m arry. Kyle had consulted with the town's insurance representative Greg Bremer and Medicare, who both indicated it would be acceptable pending employer approval. Supervisor McIlquham expressed concerns about expanding coverage beyond spouse or depend ent children, noting it could set a precedent. She questioned whether domestic partnership remained a legal classification and recommended holding to the traditi onal family definition for insurance purposes. Chair Staber asked whether Kyle could add his partner to the plan if he paid the entire additional cost himself. After discussion, the board decided more information was needed before deciding. Motion to table the item until the second meeting in January to gather more information made by Supervisor McIlquham and seconded by Brennan. Approval of Updated Jury Duty Section in Employee Handbook - Chair Staber presented proposed changes to the employee handbook jury duty section, changing the allowance from 8 hours to 10 hours since the town no longer has an 8 -hour workday. The revision also requires employees to report to work at their normal start time before leaving for jury duty and to return to work if not selected. Additionally, the two - week limit was removed, allowing for completion of jury duty regardless of duration. Motion to accept the revisions to the jury duty section of the employee handbook as presented made by Supervisor Mathwig, seconded by Supervisor Larson. Town Communications from Board & Road Supervisors, Town Clerk & Town Chair A mock-up design for an additional sign to be placed below the Sandy Harvey Recreational Area sign. The supplemental sign would prov ide context about Sandy Harvey, noting she was a resident for 53 years and town clerk for 26 years. This would help new residents understand who Sandy Harvey was. Scott reported that the LWIPA was planning a pilot project in Yellow River and Moon Bay areas using biochar and dock socks to absorb excess phosphates that cause algae blooms. The PRTLU commission voted to donate $1,700 toward the project. Residents in tho se areas would still have a cost of approximately $40 for participation. Mark reported that the skating rink was up and running, and he planned to hold skating parties between Christmas and New Year 's when children were out of school. Brennan attended a land use and intergovernmental focus group meeting at the courthouse on December 10th. The group had completed the ir work on the Chippewa County comprehensive plan, which addresses conflicts and resolution processes. He will share the documen t when it becomes available. Chair Staber reported on the Rain to Rivers meeting, where they were preparing to begin chlorine testing in rivers and runoff areas. The testing would monitor chlorine levels from road salt over the winter as it enters the lake. Chair Staber thanked Laura for her service as town clerk, acknowledging her contributions and dedication for the last 8.5years, including the hall remodeling, Lafayette sign out front, painting, and office updates. New clerk Jami Clark will take over at the next meeting on January 5th. Motion to Adjourn was made at 7:35 Respectfully submitted by: Laura Konwiski / 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.