2026 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

Unofficial Minutes until approved by the Town Board TOWN OF CAMPBELL LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026 6:00 P.M. CAMPBELL TOWN HALL 2219 BAINBRIDGE STREET, LA CROSSE, WI 54603 1) CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL & VERIFY PUBLIC NOTICE: Present: Chairman Dan Kapanke, Supervisor Bob Wolfert, Supervisor Lee Donahue, Supervisor Ralph Thoren, Supervisor Jason Stratman Also present were 15 electors from the Town, Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stahl, Police Chief Trisha Stratman, Director of Public Works Jason Hilton, Fire Chief Nate Melby, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Van Loon. Pursuant to law, written notice of this meeting was given to the press and posted on the public bulletin boards. 2) READING OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST ANNUAL MEETING: No one had comments or questions regarding the minutes of the last Annual Meeting. Motion to approve 2025 annual meeting minutes by Rob Abraham/Jason Stratman. Motion carried unanimously. 3) FINANCIAL REPORT: A copy of the 2025 Financial Report is attached. Clerk Stahl reported revenues of $2,634,534, expenses of $3,007,723, for a deficit in the 2025 budget of $373,189.000. She explained that the deficit shown was mainly due to expenses related to the municipal water system professional fees and engineering. Stahl also reported that the Local Government Investment Pool had $886,476.69 in its General Fund and $1,160,840.21 in its Utility Fund as of 12/31/2025. The Fund balance as of 12/31/2025 was $1,384,484.00. Clerk Stahl reported the Town’s general obligation debt is $876,709.00. Jason Stratman asked of the total expenses in 2025 is there an estimated amount that is eligible for reimbursement (from the water system). 4) UTILITY REPORT: Supervisor Wolfert read the Utility Report for 2025. The complete report is attached. Al Maha, 1930 Cherokee; asked if Davy Engineering is going to continue to be a large expense. 5) HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE: Supervisor Donahue summarized the 205 report for Health, Education, and Welfare. The complete report is attached. Dennis Boland, 1413 La Crescent; asked what legislation did the governor sign and what will the funding be for. Dennis also asked is the funding for right now or long term. Mary Jo Werner, 3337 Hanson Ct., ask if the Joint Finance Committee sees her (Lee’s) PFAS report. 2026 Annual Meeting 2 6) STREETS & ROADS: Supervisor Thoren read the 2025 report for Streets & Roads. The complete report is attached. Bob Wolfert, 904 Susan; asked about Bainbridge St. and if the scalping will be repaired from winter. Lee Donahue, 921 Plainview; asked if the City of La Crosse is maintaining Airport Road and Fisherman’s Road Landing. 7) RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Supervisor Stratman read the 2025 report for Parks & Recreation Department. The complete report is attached. Bob Wolfert, 904 Susan; asked on the Upper Spillway and when that area may be drained. 8) POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Stratman read the 2025 Police Department Annual Report. The complete report is attached. Dennis Boland, 1413 La Crescent., asked to have speed monitors placed on La Crescent St. 9) FIRE DEPARTMENT: Fire Chief Nate Melby read the 2025 Fire Department Report. The complete report is attached. 10) FIRST RESPONDERS: Fire Chief Nate Melby read the 2025 Emergency Medical Services Report. The complete report is attached. Motion to approve all 2025 Annual Reports with a change made to her Health & Wellness report, change in 5th paragraph reads “first municipal PFAS free well” made by Supervisor Donahue/Resident Matt Van Loon, 506 Olivet. Motion carried unanimously. 11) OLD BUSINESS: A. Incorporation Chairman Kapanke gave the history of past incorporation attempts by the Town and the upcoming timeline on the Town’s incorporation initiated in 2025. Members of Friends of Village of French Island spoke and presented their plan in campaigning for the special election referendum. Plan includes a comparison chart of costs and services comparing Town of Campbell to City of La Crosse, yard signs will be ordered and they also plan to do a mailing to residents. 12) NEW BUSINESS: No new business was discussed. 13) ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn made by Lee Donahue/Al Macha. Motion carried unanimously. (7:32 P.M.) Respectfully submitted, 2026 Annual Meeting 3 Michelle Stahl Clerk/Treasurer TOWN OF CAMPBELL ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT For the Year Ended December 31r2025 Prepared in accordance with Wis. Stat. $ 60.41 Revenues & Expenditures Town Revenue in 2025; Town Expensesin2025: Excess of Revenues Over(Under) Expenditures $ $ 2,634,534.00 3,001,723.00 $ (373,189.00) Investments: General Checking Account Tax Cf,ecking Account Utility Ohecking Account Total as oft 1213112025 Local Govemment Investment Pool (General) Local Government Investment Pool (Sewer) Total as of:1213112025 $ $ $ 332,s48.82 2,894,000.54 241,948.16 s 3,468,497.52 886,476.69 r ,160,840.2 1 $ 2.047,316.90 $ $ Fund Balance: (End ofYear) 2015 2016 2017 201 8 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 s $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 1,596,422.34 1,223,776.r2 1,204,909.13 2,275,837.00 1,369,067.00 853,045.00 1,132,393.00 1,s28,087.00 1,268,050.00 |,571,7 12.00 l,384,484.00 Debt: General Obligation Debt: Direct Borrowing Due within one year Direct borrowing due in more than one year Sewer Obligation Debt: Direct Borrowing Due within one year Direct borrowing due in more than one year $ 1,261,136.00 12131124 G.O.Debt $ 876,709.00 1213112025 G.O. Debt s $ 233,641.00 643,068.00 $ 876,709.00 46,546.00 1,058 ,741.00 $ $ $ 1,105,287.00 S ew er Utifrty JkrvrLllaf B,eyort for 2025 lnstallation of the new controllers is complete. The goal of the system is to deliver noticeable operational efficiencies for the utility operators. Data reporting and analytics will be developed to quantify benefits in equipment repair, hours worked, and infiltration tracking to help reduce flow costs and evaluate ROl. As automation increases, so does vulnerability and assuring the system realtime security is a2026 objective. Staff Training and Gontinuing Education The utility operators attended multiple training sessions, including . 4 WaterMastewater classes provided by the WRWA . WRWA Expo . Annual Water Conference . Diggers Hotline safety training . DNR Stormwater online classes These sessions are continuing education and do not include certificates, but they are used for State Water or Sewer License renewal. Jason completed an additional 4 Drinking Water Management classes offered by Moraine Park Technical College. Certificates were issued for these classes. Training history sheets and certificates are recorded and filed. Maintenance Highlights . A concrete sidewalk was installed at the Meter Pit, replacing the previous grass path. . A generator hookup was added to Lift Station #5 serving Hiawatha lsland . Jetting and cleaning of approximately 29,000 feet of sewer main. . Jetting of an additional 1,303 feet of large-diameter main with Flow-Rite. . Full televising of the entire Zone 1 area. Page 112 The Town's sewer system is divided into 4 zones that rotate annually, ensuring each zone receives jetting and televising every 4 years. Expense overview 2025 Major Vendor / ltem Changes (2025 vs 2O24) Vendor / ltem 2024Tota12025 Totallncrease (Decrease) Notes La Crosse City Treasurer (sewer$42 6,412 $454,03g +$27,626 Largest recurring charges) rLv' I rL Y rY I'Yvv .YEr 'vLv operating cost lncludes one-time 9-::.:I?',f.Yl!^-. g301,067 $343,456 +g42,38e $40k scADA (payroll / wages) Yvv I 'vv' Yv rv' rvv 'Y rL'vvv reimbursement in 2025 P::y-^^-,-- ^^ $77,14g $22,772 -$s4,377 sharp drop in Engineering Co. Yr ' ' I rv Y--" ' - Yv t'v' ' engineering fees More sewer ['.:.y:l[:1,:fj $20,46e $27,046 +g6,577 creanins &sewer uerylces televisiig P & y rechnical s4,46g $6,790 +g2,321 More generator / Services tvr'Tvv rvv' ' vv ' r'1tv1 ' lift-station work xcEL Energy $12,753 $16,546 -$1,207 slight utility savrngs Verizon wiretess $3,866 $1,049 -$2,817 !:Y::1"]l1,lostalton servtce Kwik rrip (fuet) $5,364 $3,4gg -$1,g76 Reduced fuel usage Best Kept Portables (handwash stations) John Fabick Tractor Company $sOO $zoo +$200 $1,993 $3,676 +$1,683 Overall Totals . 2025 total spending: = $912,600 . 2024 total spending: = $867,600 . Net increase: +$45,000 Respectfully Bob Wolfert Utility Supervisor One extra monthly payment More generator work Page 2l,2 Annual Report April 2025 - Lee Donahue, Health, Education and Welfare Supervisor 2 'n 2025 I received and followed up on more than 60 calls and emails. These included questions ) about ordinances, PFAS, and the status of our Municipal water system. Nearly 5130 million in PFAS "Trust" funds have been authorized for DNR use to benefit Wisconsin. This is the culmination of years of work by many. I am working closely with the DNR to access funds via communitv grants to benefit Campbell residents. The property formally known as the Days lnn or Norwood lnn has been under renovation for more than a year. The owners are collaborating with Amazon and their contractors who use the parking lot at what is now called the Coratel lnn and Suites. Updated signs on the east side of the hotel and west side of Ready bus will advise there is no authorized street parking there. I continue to receive positive feedback on the Allison Renee and Bella Dog Park (created in 2024). Dog owners who use the park say they have made friends with others using the park and appreciate this community space. The first municipal (PFAS well) was drilled last year. We are actively working with the Public Service Commission on the authorization to drill the 2d municipal well and the other ancillary tructures for our municipal water system. Research and collaboration with the County, DNR, USGS, WGNHS, UWL, UW-Madison, UW- Stout continues. UW-Madison was awarded an addition grant from the DNR to research the amount of PFAS in soil near known PFAS contamination sites. That work will likely occur in May/une 2026. This will help assess how long PFAS lingers in the soil after PFAS exposure. UWL's Dr. Brian Pompeii is working with Dr. Tom Pearson of UW-Stout to assess/compare/contrast PFAS impacts between the Town of Campbell and the Town of Peshtigo. This follows research by Brian and Tom and will likely commence this summer. l'm on the MTU Board, La Crosse County Emergency Planning committee, and State External Advisory PFAS Cost Group. I work with many other groups locally, state and nation-wide. l've invited Campbell born Tracy Littlejohn to partner and highlight Ho-Chunk history and culture through library programs and community events. I thank Town Board members, staff, residents and other partners who assist me to successfully address issues in our community and work toward improvements. I want to especially thank Margaret Larson for being a tireless advocate ror Town residents and wish her well as she has now retired as County Supervisor. ) Thank you. Supervisor #3 Streets and Roads Annuat Report ln 2025 Church Street was fina[[y overlayed. French lstand worked with the county to complete the much-needed project for a cost of $67,662.82. We atso worked with the county to crack fil,t and chip sea[ Bainbridge Street (by town hatt), Sky Harbor Drive, and Otivet Court for the cost of $OS,OOO.OO. The pubtic works department atso spent time re- grading and graveting some of our atl.eys with recycted btacktop. A town wide tree trimming project was atso compteted. Other work inctuded routine maintenance and never-ending pothotes. The public works department purchased a new 3Alon pickup truck and a "hotbox" to heat up btacktop for pothote fitting. Cost of the truck was $63,041.73 and an additionat $t g,ooo.o0 for the hotbox. The Publ.ic Works department attended two training/seminars in 2025. Road Schootand Smart Satting. The Road Schoot being a 3-day event focusing on WISLER reporting as wetl as education on grant programs and state updates benefiting street and roads repairs etc As atways, a big Thank You to the office staff, Pubtic Works, Potice Department, Fire Department, first responders and many others who make French lstand, French lstand ) Supervisor #4 - Parks & Recreation The Town of Campbell Parks & Recreation efforts in 2025 remained focused on maintaining our recreational areas and supporting the many groups and residents who make use of them. Our recreational landings continue to be some of the most utilized assets in the Town. We work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure these areas are properly maintained and accessible. That partnership has been important in keeping everything in good condition and operating as it should throughout the year. Our facilities are regularly used by avanety of local organizatrons and community groups. In 2025, this included the Boys & Girls Club, the River Rats rugby team, a local girls softball team, Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, and many Town residents. We also worked with the Town Beautification Committee on projects within our park areas, helping improve the overall appearance and upkeep of these spaces. The continued involvement of these groups plays a big role in keeping our parks active and well cared for. A big part of keeping these areas in great condition is the work done by our maintenance department. Their ongoing efforts with mowing, repairs, and general upkeep throughout the year do not go unnoticed. They take a lot of pride in their work, and it shows in the quality and appearance ofour parks and recreational areas. From a maintenance standpoint, the year was focused on routine upkeep-grounds maintenance, general repairs, and making sure all areas remain safe and usable. While there were no major projects this year, staying consistent with these efforts is what keeps our recreational areas in good shape. I'd like to thank the Town Board, staff, community groups, and residents who continue to support and take pride in our parks. Their involvement is a big part of why these spaces continue to be a valuable resource for the community. Respectfully submitted, Jason Stratman Town Supervisor #4 - Parks & Recreation TowvvdM POLICE DEPARTMENT 2219 Bainbridge Street La Crosse, Wisconsin 54603 Phone:608.783.1050 Fax: 608.783.2050 E-mail : campbellpd@townofcampbellwi.gov Trisha J. Stratmsn Chief of Police Dear Members of the Town Board, On behalf of the Police Department, I am pleased to submit our 2025 Annual Report for your review. This report provides a comprehensive overview of our department's activities, accomplishments, and challenges over the past year. In2025, our officers remained committed to ensuring public safety, strengthening community relationships, and responding effectively to the evolving needs of our town. The report highlights key areas including crime statistics, traffic enforcement, community outreach efforts, training initiatives, and departmental developments. \{e have continued to focus on proactive policing strategies and community engagement, which have ontributed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our residents. We responded to 3470 calls for service. Despite the high number of calls and being short staffed, our officers demonstrated professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to service. Investments in training, technology, and collaboration with community partners have helped us address these challenges while improving overall service. In July, we hired our newest off,rcer, Brent Handtke. Officer Handtke attended the Police Academy and graduated in December. We are also pleased to highlight the addition of K9 Phoenix to our department. In December, Officer Cale and K9 Phoenix officially became partners, enhancing our capabilities in areas such as tracking, detection, and suspect apprehension. This new K9 team represents an important investment in public safety and will serve as a valuable resource for our community. We appreciate the continued support of the Town Board and the community we serve. Should you have any questions or wish to discuss the report in greater detail, please do not hesitate to contact me. Respectfully, Chief Trisha J. Stratman Since t95t Campbell PD Calls for Service Totals Call Type 911 HANGUP OR 911 SILENT CALL WELFARE CHECK ABANDONED VEHICLE - PARKING VIOLATION ACCIDENT UNKNOWN IF INJURIES ACCIDENT WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE ALARM ANIMAL BITE ANIMAL COMPLAINT ASSAULT ASSIST MEDICAL ASSIST OTHER AGENCY ATTEMPT TO LOCATE , BAR CHECKS BARKING DOG BATTERY/I N DIVI DUAL WAS STRUCK-NOTADOMESTIC BICYCLE STOP BOATING INCIDENT OR COMPLAINT CHECK HAZARD COMMUNITY POLICING ACTIVITY DAMAGE TO PROPERTY DECEASED SUBJECT DELIVER MESSAGE DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE DOOR FOUND OPEN DRIVING/AUTOMOBILE COMPLAINT ENTRY TO DWELLING OR VEHICLE . ESCORT TXPOSURE . PUBLIC NUDITY Jan Feb Mar Apr 7 3 6 11 3210 1000 1142 11003 00000 43221 00000 11000 34252 Sept Oct Nov Dec 5543 1 0 3 1 0 5 0 1 9 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 May June 7 13 01 00 33 2 2 5 0 0 19 6 0 1 July Aug 16 11 13 00 21 0 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 5 0 1 3 0 0 12 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 13 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 15 3 0 0 2 1 6 1 0 17 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 16 2 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 10 3 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 17 3 0 2 0 1 4 0 0 16 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 13 2 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 15 5 1 0 02100020100 0 0 1 4s 32 37 31 54 32 2s 31 22 22 16 64 0 1 0 4 1 2 0 5 0 1 2 0 4 0 5 2 2 0 4 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 6 0 1 0 1 2 0 3 0 7 2 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 8 1 0 0 2 0 4 2 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 6 1 0 0 5 0 6 4 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 EXTRA ATTENTION/VACATI ON WATCH FIRSI RESPONDER - GENERAL FOLLOW UP TO PREVIOUSLY REPORTED INCIDENT FOUND CHILD . NOT A RUNAWAY FOUND PROPERTY FRAUD GENERAL INFORMATION CALL GRAFFITI TYPE VAN DALISM HARASSMENT HIT & RUN W/INJURIES HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT WITH PROPERTY DAMAGE INVESTIGATION INVOLUNTARY HOLD - MEDICAL/PSYCHIATRIC INVOLUNTARY HOLD - NOT MEDICAL LEGAL PAPER/PROCESS SERVICE LITTERING OR UNLAWFUL DUMPING LOST OR MISSING CHILD - NOT A RUNAWAY MISSING PERSON REPORT MOTOR ASSIST MOTORIST ASSIST NOISE OR LOUD PARTY COMPLAINT OTHER INCIDENT - USE COMMENTS OUT WITH PARTY PARKING COMPLAINT PICK UP AN ABANDONED BICYCLE POWER LINES DOWN RIVER RESCUE EMS NOT NEEDED SCHOOL BUS COMPLAINT SPECIAL EVENT 70 1 7 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 51 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 3 7 6 0 0 0 0 0 16 67 2 23 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 3 11 3 2 0 0 0 0 35 1 14 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 12 0 0 9 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 14 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 7 13 I 0 0 1 0 4 78 1 19 0 0 3 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 4 7 16 4 1 0 0 0 2 85 42 48 02 11 21 00 52 69 +d 1 0 11 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 5 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 6 9 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 7 8 5 1 1 0 0 0 01 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 5 9 6 1 0 0 1 0 7 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 13 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 3 0 0 1 3 3 0 1 5 3 0 0 0 1 r STANDBY STRUCTURE FIRE OR ALARM SUBJECT WITH A GUN SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TELEPHONE RELATED (N UISANCE/OBSCENE) THEFT THREATS TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAFFIC STOP TRESPASSING TROUBLE WITH JUVENILE TROUBLE WITH PARTY UNLAWFUL USE OR POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS USED FOR TESTING RESULTS OF CHANGES ONLY VANDALISM vr' 'rcLE AcctDENT wtNJURtES VEHICLE FIRE VEHICLE VS PEDESTRIAN OR BICYCLE WITH INJURIES VEHICLE/FOOT PURSUIT VIN CHECK VIOLATION OF COURT ORDER WELFARE CHECK TOTAL 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 I 1 00 0 0 0 11 0 4 0 1 80 4 2 14 00000 1 0 0 I 0 1 0 0 57 2 0 20 0 0 1 10 3 1 0 52 2 1 26 1 0 1 18 5 0 0 57 0 2 15 0 0 0 12 4 1 0 45 0 1 13 0 1 0 13 7 1 0 61 0 2 I 0 3 0 0 1 0 1 7 293 0 0 3 14 342 0 0 0 6 0 2 0 0 39 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 12 1 1 0 0 56 1 1 17 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 1 5 34 0 0 1 10 3 0 0 50 0 0 12 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 11 1 0 0 62 0 1 16 0000 000000 1 0 0 64 0 2 I 3 1 0 73 0 3 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 4 248 1000 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 1 4 0 1 226 0 0 0 14 281 0 0 0 12 318 00 00 22 17 19 319 301 10 00 10 15 11 308 236 39 9t s69,492.00 $3,288.00 s73,214.10 $ 10,816.00 $ 1,705.00 0 0 1 12 7 2s1 K-9 DEPLOYMENTS ARRESTS STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED PROPERTY TRAFFIC BOND ORDINANCE BOND PARKING REPORTED BY: CHIEF TRISHA STRATMAN TowN or CnnnpBELL FIRE DEPARTMENT 22 l9 Bainbridge Street r f,a Crosse, Wisconsin 546()3 Town of Gampbell Fire Department 2025 Annual Report During 2025, the Town of Campbell Fire Department held 12 trustee meetings and 36 regular training sessions. Fire Officers attended 6 La Crosse County Fire Officers meetings. Total 2025 Calls for Service: 396 Fire Galls CFD responded to a total of 67 fire calls during 2025 Incident Tvpe Number Assist EMS 4 Vehicle Accident w/Iniuries 2 Vehicle Fire 2 Carbon Monoxide 10 Fire Alarm (Called in by Alarm Company) 2 Report Out (Complaints, requests, etc.) 2l Structure Fire or Alarm t2 Grass Fire 2 Power Lines Down 4 Natural Gas Leak/Odor 2 Water Rescue 5 Fuel Spill/Leak I LA CROSSE COUNTY TowN or CaupBEtL FIRE DEPARTMENT ?2 l9 Rainbridge Street r La Crosse, Wisconsin 5460-l Emergency Medical Services Galls CFD responded to a total of 329 EMS calls during 2025. Total EMS Galls 329 Types: Cardiac lssues Choking MutualAid or MABAS Diabetic lssues Fall or Lifting Assistance Generallllness Accident w/ injury Drug/Alcohol Overdose Allergic Reaction Respiratory or Breathing lssue Seizures Stroke/ Stroke Symptoms Traumatic lnjuries MedicalAlert Code in Progress or Death Cancelled Enroute Other, Not Listed The Campbell Firefighters Association is looking fonrvard to celebrating a great community day for our Pancake Breakfast on May 16th. This year, the Town of Campbell's incorporation process has been a historic milestone for all of us. Our Fire Department is very grateful for the visible and dedicated support of our community. Respectfully Submitted, NathanielJ. Melby, Ph.D., MBA, CFO, MlFireE Fire Chief LA CROSSE COUNTY