Town Board Meeting — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE JANUARY 20, 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 Mathwig, Brennan, Larson, McIlquham, Chair Staber, Clerk Konwinski, and residents. Approval of Town Board Minutes - The board discussed the approval of minutes from the December 16th and January 6th meetings. A correction was noted that the January 6th minutes should reflect the year 2025 instead of 2024. Supervisor McIlquham made a motion to approve the December 16th, 2024 and January 6th, 2025 minutes with the correction to the year. Brennan seconded the motion. Financial Report - Chair Staber presented the financial report, highlighting that over $6 million in taxes had been collected. He mentioned a Citizens State Bank loan of $210,000 that could be paid out early to save interest. A payment of approximately $1 14,000 to the state trust fund loan is due on March 15th, with two additional payments to Citizens State Bank also due in March Dave addressed questions about specific payments, including a $278 payment to Access Security for video footage requested by the sheriff's department. He explained that this was a one -time occurrence and should not happen again. Supervisor McIlquham made a motion to approve the financial statement and bills. Mathwig seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Brown Builders Inc - Rezone Request - Lonnie from Brown Builders Inc. presented a request to rezone property along Highway X from R3 to R1. He explained that the intent was to develop 4, 3000 sq ft. single-family homes instead of multifamily units, believing it would be more appealing to the neighborhood. Chair Staber discussed communications with Land Conservation and Forest Management regarding stormwater plans. While a full stormwater plan was not required due to the acreage, there would need to be ditc hes and a grading plan for the property. Lonnie confirmed that they intend to hire a civil engineer to develop a grading plan with shallow berms to retain stormwater on -site. The board discussed road access and potential issues with private vs. public roads. They also addressed concerns about commercial zoning in the area and potential traffic issues. Supervisor Larson made a motion to rezone the Brown Builders property at Highway X and 56th Avenue from R3 to R1 and was seconded by Brennan. Boat Dock for Brick Boat Landing - Chair Staber reported that they had saved 10% on the boat dock order by ordering early, resulting in a savings of about $750. A check for half payment had been sent, with delivery and installation expected in April. The PRT LU will cover the cost of the dock. Fire Station Appreciation Dinner - The appreciation dinner was scheduled for February 19th at The View. Towns Association Spring Meetings – Chair Staber encouraged board members to attend the Towns Association Spring meetings, which included Board of Review training in the afternoon. The meeting was scheduled for a Saturday in Eau Claire, with additi onal options available in Cumberland and Hayward on different dates. Cadott EMS Meeting – Chair Staber reported on a meeting held in Cadott on January 8th regarding county EMS services. He highlighted the challenges faced by outlying areas in staffing their ambulances and the potential for county -wide EMS services. Staber mentioned that consolidation of services might be necessary in the future, possibly including fire services as well. He noted the increasing costs, including a new ambulance for the fire district costing nearly $400,000. Stop Blocks in Front of Town Hall - Mark proposed purchasing seven concrete stop blocks at $75 each for the town hall parking lot. Supervisor Larson made a motion to buy seven stop blocks at $75 each for the town hall. Mathwig seconded the motion. Bleacher Purchase - The board discussed a proposal to purchase new bleachers for the softball field. PRTLU Chair Faris explained that the PRTLU had previously approved $2,000 for bleachers, with an additional $2,000 pending a donation from Kathy Freckin in honor of Don Freckin. The total cost was estimated at $2,099 plus shipping and sales tax. The board debated whether to approve the specific bleacher design presented, which included a top bench, or to maintain consistency with existing bleachers in other f ields. Supervisor Mathwig made the motion to send the matter back to the PRTLU for further consideration and was seconded by Brennan. PRTLU By-Law Revisions - The board reviewed proposed revisions to the PRTLU bylaws, which were intended to bring them into compliance with state statutes. They discussed specific changes, including the reference to city planning statutes and the ro le of the commission chair. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the amended bylaws for the Lafayette Parks, Recreation, Tourism, Land Use, and Planning Commission. McIlquham seconded the motion. PRTLU Commission Applications - The board clarified that there had been a misunderstanding regarding the expiration of commissioner terms. It was determined that the terms had not yet expired, and no immediate action was needed on new applicati ons. Joel Jacobson – Request for 2nd Liquor License - Joel Jacobson presented a request for a second liquor license to potentially take over the liquor portion of the Family Fare store. He explained that negotiations were in the early stages and that he was seeking approval for either a second license or an expansion of his current license into the hardware store area. The board discussed the implications of approving one or both options and the need for Family Fa re to surrender their existing license if the deal went through. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve a liquor license for the Family Fa re liquor store location, contingent on Spartan Na sh surrendering their license and Jacobson acquiring the license. Mathwig seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Motion to Adjourn at 7:48pm Respectfully submitted by: Laura Konwinski 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.