Regular Town Board Meeting — Minutes

TOWN OF NEW GLARUS Regular Town Board Meeting Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 6:00 PM Location: New Glarus High School Auditorium 1701 2nd Street, New Glarus, WI Board Members in attendance: Chair Narveson, Supervisor StreiƯ, Supervisor Pauli, Supervisor Gartzke, Supervisor Pernitz, Clerk Treasurer, Margo McMicken, Deputy Clerk Treasurer Kramer The following were also present: ( All ID’s wee verified for residency and given a pink slip) JeƯ Hustad, Jason Neton, Eric C. Muggenburg, Cari A. Muggenburg, Nick Grignano, Rebecca StreiƯ, Tom Myers, Andrew Bingham, Grace McLaughlin, Joseph Solautz, Justin Langfoss, Troy Krante, Melanie Hubbard, Carol Hustad, Janet Sherven, Greg Hubbard, Todd Brewen, Cameran Graves, Kim Graves, Garrison, Ott, Tara Glassmaker, Rodney Glassmaker, Mark Hovland, Brandi Bonde, Laura Smith, Brett Eichelkraut, Steph Way, John Nogelski, Linda L. Disch, Dan Whitty, Stacey Kacek, Paul Burk, Austin Briggs, Laurie Shoener, Paul Shoener, Judy Babler, Mackenzie Halvorsen, Robert, Einer, Judith Blank, Audra Johnson, Bret Eichelkraut, Michelle Eichelkraut, Robert Schroud, Susan Crum, Don Hirsch, Jessie Fink, Eric Fink, Burt Bundebuce, Mary Anne Oemicken, Chad Kolean, Jane Elmer, Ruth Elmer, Corinne Ness, William Oemicken, Lon Rupnow, JeƯ Erstad, Beth Schadewalt, Nancy Rudd, Wynn Foster, Keith Rockett, Sue Moen, Michael Mortmor, Sarah Dittmer, Heike Burk, Adam Crowley, Chris Coon, Drew Delforge, Coleen Thompson, John Deegan, Jane L KuƯ___?, Brandon Rupnow, Mike Meley, John Ott, Nancy StreiƯ, Barbara Cassidy, Dave Cassidy, Diane Hillen, Jody Hoesly, Jim Hoesly, Andrew Peterson, Jack Rodeghier, Marcia Richardson, Richard Lanius, Gerry Ott, Doug Evanson, Amy Schultz, Jason Schultz, Danielle Dockery, Casey Niederwerfer, Thomas Bonde, Mark Smith, Renee Eichelkraut, Josh, Wescott, Sue Ellen Ostrom, Nathan Ramsay, Anne Ballmann, Julie Lee, Robert Rudd, Mark W. Pernitz, Brandon Eichelkraut, William French, Mona Sue French, Gregery Titus, Carol Hustad, Shelley Ferguson, Vicki Sasso, chuck Sasso, Alex Esser, Julie Woerpel, Jim Woerpel, Ron Roesslein, Janis Roessleinm, Kathy Falk, Toby Moen, Susan Bubolz, Nancy Soland, Dale Wild, Judy Wild, JeƯ Ness, Scott Dreger, Tessa Dreger, Chad Yaun, John Schadewalt, Aaron Skogen, Kim Foster, Danford Bubolz, Richard Rudersdorf, Danielle Travis, Nathan StreiƯ, Steve Zuber, Dustin Laufenberg, Drew Larson, Russ Moser, Julie Viney, Ed Klitzke, Andrew Austin, Jenny Krantz, Nick Zander, Tara Kaiser, Rachel Vance, Amanda Kesich, Claire Fal, Matt Sh____?, David Lamp, Tracy Briggs, Mitch Schadewalt, Bo Eichelkraut, Phil Thompson, Lori Thompson, Aleta Martinson, Beth Karr, Matt Kaiser, Ryan Vance, Anthony Kesich, Molly Niederwerf, Sally Lamp, Scott Holler, Lindsay Bertelrud, Trevor Pernot, Elizabeth Martinez, William Righter, Frank Grenzow, Dave Hiller, Troy Pauli, Penny Mihael, Lisa Martin, Chad Martin, Kristin Welhause, Rick Andersonm Travis Dahlk, John Kennelly, Mary Funseth, Lyndsay Rupnow, Angel Righter, Mark Schneeberg, Dan Gartzke, Dale Hustad, Tim Mihael, Loretta Norris, Paul Rufe, Brett Welhouse, Gail Anderson, Catherine Colden, Ken Colden, Dan Frye, Sharon Disch, Kris Anderson, Dave Anderson, Tracey Schwalbe, Alan Pratt, Tamm Narveson, Brandin Briggs, Clare McCoy, Kenneth Johnson, Rebecca Ochsner, Gregory Ochsner, Tayler Disch, Kelly Henning, Len Rauch, Michelle Disch, Dale Nafzger, Barbra Wyttenbach, Mike Wyttenbach, Kevin Funseth, Praree L. Titma (sp?), Ron French, Kegan French, David Hustad, Debra Kundert, James Kundert, Steve Hosdgson, Mary Rauch, Anthony Severson, Angela Sweetwood, Lynn Paron, Alice Bertelrud, Chad Wegner, Todd Duerst, Tony Hanson, Bruce Winters, Heidi Bingham, Terry Tschudy, Harry Pulliam, Meghen Bayer, Kaitlin Langfoss, Karson Benson. 1. The meeting was called to order by Chair Narveson at 6:23 p.m. 2. Posting was confirmed by Clerk Treasurer McMicken on November 5, 2025 3. Chair Narveson moved the approval of minutes and public time to the end of the agenda to move immediately to the ATV/UTV 10 minutes presentations. Spokes persons against opening the roads to these vehicles presented first. Rick Anderson began his presentation with reasons why the Town should not allow ATV’s or UTV’s on Town roads. He stated that allowing these vehicles will change the character of the community. These vehicles are not made to drive on paved roads as the nubby tires are made for oƯ-road use. They are also unsafe due to their short wheelbase, and there are few safety features such as air bags. The manufacturers do not recommend these machines be used on public paved roads. Half of the accidents these vehicles are involved in are on public roads. If a driver is under the influence of alcohol any ticket, the driver receives for OWI will not aƯect his/her regular driver’s license, it will only be recorded thru the DNR. Nick Zander, who lives on Legler Valley Road presented his concerns. He has 4 children, one of whom has special needs. Mr. Zander is very concerned as the traƯic on Legler Valley Road is already a problem at times with speeding etc. If the roads are opened to ATV’s and UTV’s this problem will only escalate. Mary Anne Omichen who also lives on Legler Valley Road expressed her concerns about the Board’s approach to making this decision. Mary Anne explained that the Board did not do any homework to truly look at the impact of opening the roads to ATV’s and UTV’s. There was no collaboration with the Village. There was no survey conducted that could have been done free of charge. Who does the Board represent? Is this really what the Town electors want? Susan Crum spoke next against opening the roads to ATV’ s and UTV’s. Susan pointed out that this question was turned down by the electors in past. The Board was not considering petitions containing over 100 signatures against opening the roads. Opening the roads to these vehicles is wreck less and will be a burden to the Village. Corinne Ness who lives on Farmer’s Grove Road explained how she had moved to the area as it was quiet, safe and peaceful. Her children have learned to drive on these roads and have learned to be safe. However, these roads are not designed for the recreational vehicles. Opening these roads has already caused her daughter to be scared to drive. Not to mention these vehicles will take away from the peace and safety of the community. Mrs. Ness has been losing sleep over the possibility of ATV’s and UTV’s using the Town roads. Nathan Ramsey spoke against opening the roads. His concern are the economics that are involved in opening the roads to ATV’s and UTV’s. Every 10 decibels of noise reduce property values. How will the Board keep property values up? Who is going to pay law enforcement and road repair? Who will pay emergency services? Audra Johnson, who has lived on County O for 13 years, represented the group wanting the roads opened to ATV’s and UTV’s. Audra explained that change brings questions, concerns about safety, noise and road wear and tear. Sharing spaces begins with respect. Opening the roads to these vehicles can strengthen a community when managed responsibly. These vehicles are not toys. They can connect generations, increase accessibility and increase dollars to small communities. Audra explained that ATV-UTV clubs donate many volunteer hours to cleaning up roads. Both sides can work together to collaborate policies that can be adjusted as time goes on. Enjoyment paired with respect and civic pride can create a sense of community. John Shadewalt said that the majority of the State of Wisconsin is open to ATV’s and UTV’s. Jim, who has lived on County W for 46 ½ years agreed that ATV’s and UTV’s are important for an ag community. Jim also has land in Dane County where some roads are open. Unfortunately, in Dane County many drive through his fields which is private property. Tom Myers lives on the edge of York and Town of New Glarus. He owns a UTV which he uses for work, but also for pleasure visiting his neighbors. Not passing this ordinance will continue to create an illegal situation for people. Chair Narveson noted the time was up for statements and told the electors to raise their hand holding their pink card if they were in favor of opening the roads to ATV’s and UTV ‘s. Next the electors were told to raise their hand holding their card if they were against opening the roads to these recreational vehicles. Ruth Elmer, Jane Elmer, Jane Scherven and Deputy Clerk Darla Kramer did the counting. The results were 116 were in favor of opening the roads and 90 were against opening the roads. Chair Narveson explained that now that the vote is completed, the Board will discuss and then vote. Supervisor StreiƯ made amotion to approve Ordinance #05-2025-1. Supervisor Pauli seconded the motion. Chair Narveson asked for discussion. Supervisor Gartzke began the discussion. He appreciated Audra Johnson’s speech and stated that the majority of citizens are law abiding, however he is not in favor of opening the roads to these vehicles and not in favor of the proposed ordinance as it is written. There are several people that couldn’t come to vote tonight. A survey would have given a better picture of what the residents want. Much more information is needed. Supervisor Gartzke expressed concerns with the proposed ordinance, the hours of operation, and there is no economic value to the Town. No matter what other towns are doing, this is not the way to make a decision. Supervisor StreiƯ pointed out that the ordinance 05-2025-1 is consistent with the Green County ordinance. If there is a concern about the hours, it should be brought to the County’s attention. Chair Narveson showed a map of roads that were open in Wisconsin to ATV’s and UTV’s in 2017 with few roads open. He then showed a map of the roads that are open in the State today. There was no comparison it looked as if nearly the whole state is open. Chair Narveson also explained that only Green County can open the county roads, they cannot be opened by the Town. Chair Narveson also shared that he believes opening the roads will not be nearly as bad as some think. Chair Narveson then asked for the Board to vote. Gartzke: Nay Pernitz: Nay Pauli: Aye StreiƯ: Aye Narveson: Aye The motion carries to approve Ordinance #05-2025-1 which opens all Town of New Glarus roads for use by ATV’s and UTV’s. 3. Next Chair Narveson presented the minutes from 10/1/2025, 10/8/2025, 10/15/2025, and 10/31/2025. Supervisor Pernitz made a motion to approve all minutes. Supervisor StreiƯ seconded the motion. All were in favor. Motion carried. 4. No one spoke during public time. 7. The board reviewed the building inspector report. There was no action. 8. Item #8 was an error and removed. 9. The shipping container ordinance was tabled to the December 2025 meeting. 10. Clerk McMicken gave the Clerk’s report. Checks #22132 thru 22154 totaling $41,393.76 and ACH payments totaling $8,712.80 were presented. Supervisor StreiƯ made a motion to accept the Clerk’s report. Supervisor Pauli seconded the motion. 11. Chair Narveson reported that construction of the new Town Garage has started. The application was submitted for the $1.5 million grant for a Town Hall/Community Center. The extension of Hayes Lane should be done by the end of the week. A new Clerk Treasurer has been hired. Her name is Amber George. She’ll be starting Monday, November 17, 2025. The Green County Garage on Highway 39 will be the back-up polling place if the new garage is not completed. Harry Pulliam updated the Board on the visit to Legacy Prairie Park. Cheryl Housley from the DNR who the Town worked with for the trail grant was very impressed with the park. The bird blind at Blue Bird Park has deteriorated. The flyer for the tree sale will be going out next week. The flyer suggests that oak trees can be purchased for $6.00 each and donated to Legacy Prairie Park. These trees will be delivered in the spring of 2026. Supervisor Pernitz made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Supervisor StreiƯ seconded the motion. All were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Submitted by: Margo A. McMicken Clerk Treasurer