Town Board Meeting — Minutes

TOWN OF NEW GLARUS Wednesday, August 12, 2026, 6:00 PM Town Garage, N8799 Hayes Lane, New Glarus, WI Members in attendance: Chair Chris Narveson, Supervisor Matt StreiƯ, Supervisor Mark Pernitz, Supervisor Troy Pauli, Supervisor Dan Gartzke and Clerk- Treasurer Darla Kramer, Others in attendance: Barb Jackson, Janet Sherven, Richard HaƯner, Ashley HaƯner, Rebecca StreiƯ, Tom Sandahl, Ruth Elmer, Sara Evanson, Mark Jackson, Drew Delforge, Brett Eichelkraut, Pete Heil, Alex Esser, Tim Schleeper, Dale Hustad, Judith Blank, Harry Pulliam, Mindy Marty, Max Marty, Rob Ready, William French and Dennis Dorn. 1. Call to Order - Chair Narveson called the meeting to order at 06:02 pm. 2. Proof of Posting - Clerk Darla Kramer attested to the Proof of Posting on 08-11-2026 at the Town Garage, the Bank of New Glarus, and the New Glarus Post OƯice. Posted to the website on 08-11-2026. 3. Approval of Previous Minutes - Motion made by Supervisor StreiƯ to approve minutes from 07-08-2026 and 07- 30-2026. Seconded by Supervisor Pauli. All were in favor. Motion carried. 4. #7 Halvorsen Land Division - Motion made by Supervisor Pernitz to approve the land division. Seconded by Supervisor StreiƯ. All were in favor. Motion carried. 5. Public Comments - Residents expressed concerns regarding Town spending and suggested that the Treasurer's Report be placed at the beginning of the agenda. Discussion was also held regarding the proposed purchasing procedures resolution and its relationship to expenditures. There were conflicting comments regarding the proposed shipping container ordinance. Discussion was held regarding the purchase of a plow truck for brine application, road maintenance, and gravel hauling. Concerns were expressed that brine is ineƯective on Town roads and that spending approximately $400,000 to haul gravel may be unnecessary. Residents requested that competitive bids be considered for trucks. It was noted that the Truck Country bid is for a chassis only and does not include a box. Concerns were also expressed regarding the Board's process for appointing individuals to committees. Questions were raised as to why line painting was not included in the bid process with seal coating. HaƯner's requested consideration of additional election signs. Electors also expressed concerns regarding the construction of another township building that could potentially compete with existing businesses. 6. Patrolman Report – The Patrolman reported that mowing should be completed within the next couple of days, pending receipt of a part for the mower. The Patrolman assisted with moving the Clerk's oƯice and with election setup and signs. He also worked with Kleen Sweep to remove excess chips from four subdivisions. Forty-seven loads of chips were dumped at the old county shop using the 550 truck. The possibility of mixing the chips with salt for winter road maintenance was discussed. It was noted that the chips were not washed and therefore were not adhering to the roads. The Patrolman would like to wait to move into the new garage until the blacktopping is completed. It was discussed that Blue Vista was using the same emulsions with a granite chip. The granite chip is cleaner, and the oil was not adhering to it. 7. Building Inspector Report – The Building Inspector’s Report was presented. 8. Shipping Container Ordinance – Supervisor Gartzke stated that the proposed ordinance is intended to prevent an excessive number of shipping containers in the community. The Board discussed possibly exempting the Township from the ordinance for Town-owned shipping containers. Other proposed changes included adding language on Page 3 stating that no hazardous substances may be stored in a shipping container. Discussion was held regarding renewal fees. Options discussed included a $75 initial application fee with a $25 annual renewal fee. No cap on the number of renewals was proposed, provided the permit is renewed annually. The Board discussed changing Page 2, Section E, to allow permits to be renewed for a maximum of five years. The Board also discussed requiring shipping containers to be located in the rear of a residence rather than in the front. A neighbor had complained that a shipping container was an eyesore. 9. Future Plow Truck – Patrolman Ron discussed the possibility of purchasing a medium-sized truck, such as a 650, rather than a larger truck. The Board discussed looking for a used truck and having it fitted for plowing. A 650 would not require a CDL and may make it easier to find drivers. The diƯiculty of finding individuals willing to snowplow was discussed. Patrolman Ron stated that he is not in favor of brining Town roads. The Town currently has a 21-year-old International truck. The lead time for a new truck is approximately one and one-half to two years. The possibility of mechanical issues with an older truck was discussed. If the need arises, the Town could request assistance from another township, the County, or seek a used truck at that time. The Patrolman attempts to have all Town roads open within approximately two and one-half hours following a snow event. The Patrolman will check pricing for a 650 truck. The matter will be revisited next month. 10. #16 Asphalt Change Order – move to #10. Tim Schleeper presented a change order. Chair Narveson stated that the general rule of thumb is that change orders exceeding 20% may require rebidding. He noted that if the change order is not approved and the work is rebid, the Town likely will not have the asphalt completed this year. The second lift has not yet been placed on the road because the Town wants to provide a seamless transition to the parking lot. Supervisor Streiff read a statement from the Wisconsin Towns Association Attorney’s opinion regarding change orders. The opinion states that change orders are generally used when site conditions differ from what was anticipated or when additional work is required that was not included in the original contract. Even when a contract allows for change orders, the change order generally should not exceed 10% to 15% of the original contract price. Motion made by Supervisor Pernitz to approve the change order. Seconded by Supervisor Pauli. Supervisors Pernitz, Gartzke, Pauli, and Chair Narveson voted in favor. Supervisor Streiff opposed. Motion carried. 11. Discussion on speed limits on town roads – Discussed the possibility of reducing speed limits on all town roads to 45 miles per hour. A sign would have to be placed before all intersections. The patrolman reviewed and determined we would need about 40 signs posted. Supervisor Pernitz obtained a quote from The Department of Correction. Price per sign is $30.64, which equates to $1,225.60 for 40 signs. Patrolman would rather have a wood post. They are possibly $47.99 per post at Menards. The board could focus on higher traƯic roads. Highland and Windmill Ridge are posted 35 mph. Valley View would like a sign moved. No action until next month. 12. Pressure Washer – The current pressure washer is old and cannot be used inside the building. An estimate from R.J. Bowers Distributors was presented in the amount of $11,477.50, including hoses and a wall-mount bracket. The bid does not include venting. An HVAC technician would be required for the venting. The matter will be revisited next month. 13. Town Signs – Three sign options were discussed. The Board considered the following: a. #6: All-metal sign with double side posts and panel monument — $4,427.08. b. #7: Duna Corafoam sign similar to the DNR sign, routed and mounted to aluminum posts — $5,996.33. c. #8: 48-inch steel mounting base for large signage — $230.00. Motion made by Supervisor StreiƯ to approve options #6 and #8. Color will be decided by Supervisor StreiƯ and Supervisor Pernitz. Seconded by Supervisor Pauli. All were in favor. Motion carried. 14. Cameras for Garage – The Board discussed the cost of cameras for the garage. The vendor will be contacted to determine whether a better price can be obtained. The matter will be revisited next month. 15. Shop Equipment – Eddie can build a steel bench for approximately $1,200. The Board also discussed purchasing a tool bench. Motion made by Supervisor Pauli to approve up to $2500 in purchases. Seconded by Supervisor Pernitz. All were in favor. Motion carried. 16. Tires for Western Star - Motion made by Supervisor Pauli to approve tires. Seconded by Supervisor Gartzke. All were in favor. Motion carried. 17. Line Painting on Old Madison and Durst Rd - Will revisit next month. 18. New Parks Committee Member - Chair Harry Pulliam is appointing Bill French as an alternate member of the Parks Committee. Motion made by Supervisor Pernitz to approve Bill French. Seconded by Supervisor StreiƯ. All were in favor. Motion carried. 19. Leasing an OƯice Copier - The Board received a quote from James Imaging for $130.14 per month. The lease includes 1,000 black-and-white copies a month and 500 color copies per month. Motion made by Supervisor StreiƯ to approve leasing a copier from James Imaging. Seconded by Supervisor Gartzke. All were in favor. Motion carried. 20. Purchasing Procedure Resolution - The Board discussed implementing a purchasing procedure resolution. Some Board members felt that the proposed resolution was too restrictive. The matter will be revisited next month. 21. Clerk Treasurers Report and Payment of Bills - The Finance Committee reviewed the invoices. Checks #22415 through #22447 totaling $278,266.01 were presented to the Board. Electronic funds transfers for disbursements totaling $190,107.68 were also presented. Motion made by Supervisor StreiƯ to approve payment of bills as presented by the Clerk, with the exception of voiding check #22423 to Cleary and reissuing the check for $9,000 only. Seconded by Supervisor Gartzke. All were in favor. Motion carried. 23.(b) Clerk presented a Statement of Cash Flow. Motion made by Supervisor StreiƯ to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented by Darla Kramer. Seconded by Supervisor Pernitz. All were in favor. Motion carried. 23.(c) The Clerk presented submissions from residents. The submissions were referred to the Building Inspector. 24. Chairperson’s Report – Nothing presented. 25. Adjournment - Motion made by Supervisor Pernitz to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Supervisor Pauli. All were in favor. The meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. Submitted by: Darla Kramer, Clerk Treasurer Approved 09-09-2026