2025 Annual Town Meeting Minutes

Unofficial Minutes until approved by the Town Board TOWN OF CAMPBELL LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN ANNUAL TOWN MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 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 6:01 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 6 electors from the Town, Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stahl, Police Chief Trisha Stratman, Assistant Fire Chief Jodi Kaseno, and Public Works Director Jason Hilton. 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 forgo the reading of last year’s minutes made by Supervisor Donahue/Supervisor Thoren. Motion carried unanimously. 3) FINANCIAL REPORT: A copy of the 2024 Financial Report is attached. Clerk Stahl reported revenues of $3,044,591.00, expenses of $3,913,546.00, for a deficit in the 2024 budget of $868,955.00. She explained that the deficit shown was mainly due to the Public Works project of Pierce Ave in 2024. Clerk Stahl reported that the Town has two CD’s at Citizens Bank for the sewer utility in the amount of $249,670.51. Clerk Stahl advised the two CD’s have since been cashed out and will be deposited to LGIP fund for better earnings investment Clerk Stahl also reported that the Local Government Investment Pool had $1,374,232.74 in its General Fund and $62,401.00 in its Utility Fund as of 12/31/2024. The Fund balance as of 12/31/2024 was $1,571,712.00. Clerk Stahl reported that the Town’s ended 2024 in a strong financial position. Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., addressed LGIP fund balance, inquiring if deposits made to the fund would be long term for better growth and asked when interest is earned. Clerk Stahl and Supervisor Stratman responded assuring that the goal is to maximize investment opportunities and if withdrawn the goal would be project orientated. Clerk Stahl and Supervisor Stratman advised interest is earned monthly; prorated by the day. 4) UTILITY REPORT: Supervisor Wolfert read the Utility Report for 2024. The complete report is attached. 5) HEALTH, EDUCATION & WELFARE: Supervisor Donahue summarized the 2024 report for Health, Education, and Welfare. The complete report is attached. Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., asked about what is holding up funding from the state government in regards to PFAS and Water. 2025 Annual Meeting 2 Supervisor Donahue responded that currently the DNR does not have a clear path on how to access and distribute the funding. Supervisor Kapanke and Supervisor Donahue responded that the Legislative Bills 127 & 128 are still moving through the State’s Joint Finance Committee so a clear path is provided as to how the trust funds should be allocated through DNR programs. Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., asked the Town to define a “nuisance property” and how does the Town coordinate with the County. Supervisor Donahue advised the County Health Department is the organization that provides permits for businesses that meet the County Health Department requirements. Supervisor Donahue advised that when requirements are not met; citations can be issued. Police Chief Stratman responded that the Norwood hotel has received 3 nuisance citations previously; under the previous ownership. Supervisor Donahue also gave information on properties of residential locations that have been condemned due to health concerns. 6) STREETS & ROADS: Supervisor Thoren read the 2024 report for Streets & Roads. The complete report is attached. Mary Jo Werner, 3337 Hanson Ct., asked on ownership of Nelson Park and concern for the state of the road to Nelson Park. Supervisor Stratman responded the US Army Corp of Engineers owns Nelson Park; the Town of Campbell leases the property. Supervisor Stratman advised that due to the cost to update the infrastructure at Nelson Park it was determined to not utilize tax payer funding for improvement on property the Town does not own. 7) RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Supervisor Stratman read the 2024 report for Parks & Recreation Department. The complete report is attached. 8) POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Stratman read the 2024 Police Department Annual Report. The complete report is attached. Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., asked how many Police Officers the Town currently has. Chief Stratman replied that the police department currently has 5 officers and are actively seeking a 6th. A 6th police officer would allow the police department to obtain 24/7 coverage in the town. 9) FIRE DEPARTMENT: Assistant Fire Chief Jodi Kaseno read the 2024 Fire Department Report. The complete report is attached. Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., asked about a recent fire near the airport. Supervisor Stratman responded with the fire was a controlled burn. Richard Ogen, 407 Church Dr., what are the requirements for burning leaves and sticks from a yard. Police Chief Stratman responded the WI DNR has advised against burning. 2025 Annual Meeting 3 Supervisor Stratman responded this is due to high winds and dry weather. She also spoke to the Town’s ordinance regarding burns/fires. Al Macha, 1930 Cherokee Ave., asked what area Fire Departments is the Town in mutual agreement with. Assistant Fire Chief Jodi Kaseno responded stating the Town is in mutual agreement with La Crosse County and all municipalities within and La Crescent, MN. 10) FIRST RESPONDERS: Assistant Fire Chief Jodi Kaseno read the 2024 Emergency Medical Services Report. The complete report is attached. Motion to approve 2024 Annual Reports made by Supervisor Donahue/Resident Eric Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr. Motion carried unanimously. 11) OLD BUSINESS: A. Municipal Water System Chairman Kapanke advised drilling for Final Well #1 will begin soon and the purchases of 911 & 915 La Crescent St. are finalized for a future water tower. Chairman Kapanke advised the Town will start to see changes and see the process of working towards a municipal water system throughout the next 2-3 years. B. Incorporation Chairman Kapanke advised the Incorporation Hearing has been rescheduled due to a court conflict; the incorporation hearing is now Tuesday, April 29 at 1:30pm at La Crosse County Circuit Court. 12) NEW BUSINESS: A. Selling of parcel 04-00116-001 Supervisor Stratman advised the town was approached by neighboring land owner with an offer to purchase the parcel. Supervisor Stratman explained the parcel does not meet the Town’s ordinances to build upon, borders the interstate and the neighboring parcel owners have been maintaining the property. Motion made to approve the sale of parcel 04-00116-001 to Luke and Ashley Deml, 2421 Bainbridge St. for $3,000.00 plus any associated closing costs/fees by Supervisor Donahue/Supervisor Stratman. Motion carried unanimously. B. Ralph Thoren, 600 Plainview Rd., asked if the Docks at Fisherman’s Road were pulled. Public Works Director Jason Hilton responded that yes the dock has been pulled; dock to be moved to Spillway Boat Landing in which the docks go in May 1, 2025. C. Richard Ogen, 407 Church Dr., asked about the current Church St. project and inquired as to how long it will last. Supervisor Thoren responded with due to unknown future with the municipal water system it was determined the best route for repair is overlay for Church St. Public Works Director Jason Hilton also responded 1-1/2” blacktop, curb to curb will be installed and will provide a fix for the near years. 2025 Annual Meeting 4 D. Mary Jo Hanson, 3337 Hanson Ct., inquired if the Town has a mutual relationship with the County and/or surrounding municipalities in regards to the Town office part time administrative need. Clerk Stahl responded the goal is to implement an internship program as the Town has (3) nearby colleges and it would offer a great opportunity for a Public Administration student. E. Lee Donahue, 921Plainview, asked if the Campbell Fire Department continues to seek volunteers. Supervisor Thoren confirmed the Fire Department welcomes new volunteers; trainings are offered often throughout the year. F. Krista Engholdt, 2929 Bayshore Dr., asked to mention that the local Woman’s Magazine featured an article on Campbell Police Department Police Officer Shelby Johnson and police K-9 River. 13) ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn made by Supervisor Stratman/Supervisor Donahue. Motion carried unanimously. (7:12 P.M.) Respectfully submitted, Michelle Stahl Clerk/Treasurer