Town Board Meeting — Minutes

MEETING MINUTES TOWN OF LAFAYETTE NOVEMBER 18, 2024 5765 197TH ST. CHIPPEWA FALLS WI 54726 THESE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 18, 2024 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF THE ELECTORS AND WILL BE APPROVED ON DECEMBER 2, 2024 The Special Town Meeting of the Electors on NOVEMBER 18, 2024 had been properly noticed and Chair Staber called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Board members present were Chairman David Staber, Supervisors Thomas Larson, Mark Brennan, Neil Mathwig, Sharon McIlquham, via phone, Town Clerk Laura Konwinski, and residents of Lafayette. Review and Discuss the Proposed 2025 Budget for the Town of Lafayette - The board reviewed both revenue and expense sides of the budget. The proposed tax levy for 2025 is $1,733,217, representing an approximate increase of $8,000 from the previous year. The increase was primarily attributed to the 7.5% increase in the Chippewa Fire District. It was noted that this figure would likely decrease in the subsequent year as some debt obligations are set to be paid off. Questions regarding the revenue side and the increases mentioned were addressed. No adjustments to the revenue side have been made since the last session. Discussion clarified the shift to expense projections for $3,277,449.49 versus last year’s $3,244,175 making the incr ease only a bout 1%, with notable discussion around employee salaries raised by 3% and the fire district operating costs. It was anticipated that the fire department's capital expenses would increase next year due to a new ambulance delivery. • The proposed 2025 Budget Revenues and Expenditures in the amount of $3,277,449.49 were reviewed and discussed. The Town Levy for 2024 General Property Tax is $1,733,217.00. A motion to accept the 2024 Resolution for the Town Levy of $1,733,217.00 was made by Mark Sedlacek, and Jerry Zais seconded the motion. Approved by a unanimous vote. 9 ayes 0 nos • The electors conducted a session specifically designated to discuss elevating the salary for the town board and supervisors by 3%, matching those given to town employees. An increase of 5% for the chairman and 4% for the supervisors was proposed. Jerry Zais made the motion to increase the Chairmans salary by 5% and the supervisors’ salaries increased by 4%. Mark Sedlacek seconded the motion. Motion carried. • Motion to adjourn the special town meeting was made at 7:12 by Supervisor Mathwig and Brennan seconded. Regular Meeting Approval of Town Board Minutes - Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the minutes for the November 4th & 6th meetings along with the current agenda and was seconded by Brennan. Financial Report - Discussion of the financial report took place with the report previously sent for board review, highlighting an account balance of $136,484 as of October 31st. The board agreed on financial details, including a potential $210,000 loan repayment by mid- December due to shared revenue payment of approximately $345,000 being received . Questions were raised regarding specific transactions, including payments to vendors such as Stelter Construction, Chippewa County, and Crescent. Clarifications on conducted services and supplied goods were provided. Supervisor McIlquham made a motion to approve the financial report as presented and was seconded by Brennan. Motion carried. Resolution 2024-03 for Electors to Adopt the Town Tax Levy - Discussion was held around setting the tax levy, with emphasis placed on the processes and time frames for salary adjustments for the chairman and supervisors. Supervisor Larson made a motion to approve the town's levy of $1,733,217.00 and was seconded by Brennan with all in favor. Motion carried. Accept Letter of Deposit for Guarantee on Storm Water Pond for Hydra Coffee – This subject was handled at a separate zoom meeting; thus no further actions were taken. Rezone for Steward Property at 17211 Cty Hwy J - The Steward property request was reviewed, changing zoning from R2 and Local Commercial to R1. It was further discussed, with considerations raised regarding the future traffic flow and location challenges. There were no disputes from the supervisors after the proposal was made. Supervisor Mathwig made a motion to approve the property rezoning request from R2 & LC to R1 and seconded by Larson. CSM for Wolverine Properties - Discussion addressed requests for certified survey maps related to Wolverine Properties. The maps appeared compliant with standards and zoning requirements. Relevant lot area specifics were reviewed and verified to meet cod es. Supervisor Mathwig made a motion to approve the CSM for Wolverine Properties and was seconded by Brennan. Discussion on Repairs Needed to the Brick Boat Landing Concrete Ramps - Concerns were raised regarding erosion under the concrete ramps at the Brick Boat Landing caused by power-loading boats. While suggestions were made concerning possible rock fill or engineering consultations, final decisions were deferred, needing further information and professional guidance on potenti al viable solutions. It was also stated by commission member Zais that if any funds were needed for these repairs, the PRTLU commission discussed the use of PRTLU Tourism funds could be used for this project as it relates to tourism. Town Communications - Road crew maintenance efforts were highlighted, especially along ditches resulting in positive community feedback. Updates were shared about ongoing lighting installations, an upcoming meeting regarding an infrastructure project at the Hwy X overpass bridge off Hwy 29, and discussions concerning land offers received for town-owned properties and impending procedural steps for selling it. Motion to Adjourn was made at 7:42pm 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.