Town Board Meeting — Minutes

TOWN BOARD MEETING September 9, 2025 The Town Board of the Town of Cooperstown, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, convened an open session on September 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at the Town Hall for the purpose of transacting business as the Town Board. Town Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. Pledge of allegiance. Roll Call: Chairman Joe Havlovitz, Sup. Nick Propson, Sup. Anthony Shibler, Clerk Susan Kornely, and Constable Kelly Kane. Treasurer Bernadette Duescher was excused. Others present: Roadman Dan Kasten, County Supervisor James Falkowski and Jacob Heiser, Denmark News. Seven residents were present. The agenda has been publicly noticed at one posting site and on the town website. On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Sup. Shibler, moved to approve the agenda as presented. Motion passed. On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Sup. Shibler, moved to approve the minutes for August 12, 2025 Town Board Meeting as presented. Motion passed. Reports Treasurer’s Finance Report – presented by the Clerk. Road and Equipment Report/Bridge & Culvert Reports – present by Roadman Kasten equipment maintenance, air dryer on Pete, DOT inspection done on IH, Batteries in Chev,3500, tree cutting on prepossessed ditching projects, garbage in ditch on Pleasant Rd by bridge (8 tires), ditch cutting. Sup. Shibler spoke with Swiderski, and the ram was under warranty. Industrial Waste Hauling Report – Chairman Havlovitz reported on the no truck sign off on Pleasant Road and Hwy Z, approved by the Village of Maribel. Constable Report – Constable Kane reported on the 8/26 rollover of the CPF truck heading north on Pleasant Rd- police report was filled. Clerk will send out a bill. Plan Commission Report – Clerk Kornely reported Wiltman rezoning was approved by the County Board on August 19th. Building Inspector Report - Clerk Kornely reported on Building Permits: Vanlanen-new home, Luebke-bathroom remodel, Felchlin-garage. Inspections: none. Razing: Felchlin-garage. Chairman Havlovitz spoke to the owner on Radio Station building on the demolition. Utility Permit Report – Clerk Kornely had no report. Transfer Station Report – Sup. Shibler and Sup. Propson had no report. Chairman Havlovitz reported speaking with COM2. They would pick up electronics at no charge. Violation Report – Clerk Kornely had no report. Camper on Herold Rd moved out. Public comments and suggestions from residents of the town and other person’s present. Fred Lemens asked about ordinance changes into the Ordinance Chapters and having an Ordinance Committee. James Falkowski reported that the County is working on the budget, shortfalls and deficits. Public Hearing Discussion and action on bids to Zander Rd & Devils River Rd culvert and ditching – No bids were received. Dan will prepare the cost of culverts and time & material to install. No action. Discussion and action on filing for eminent domain on Radtke Rd cul-de-sac – Sup. Propson reported no action. More information to come. Discussion and action on termination and appointment of new legal counsel – Current – Hopp, Neumann, Humke LLP, Proposed – Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, SC On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Sup. Shibler, moved to terminate Hopp, Neumann, Humke LLP and move forward with Conway, Olejniczak & Jerry, SC. Motion passed. Chairman Havlovitz will send termination letter and sign and send Engagement Letter. Discussion and action on Manitowoc County EMS Association Mutual Aid Pact – Sup. Propson spoke to the County. This is a joint agreement pact. Review Emergency Management Plan. Sup. Propson will make contact on having the date changed on the Manitowoc County EMS Association Mutual Aid Pact. No action. Discussion and action on Plow Truck report/repairs – estimate Board reviewed quotes on Peterbilt box repair. IH $2723 Dedicated Repair, Kane $8800, no quote from Koenig. On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Sup. Shibler, moved to approve Dedicated Repair estimate for $2723. Motion passed. Discussion and action on improper hauling on Pleasant Road- no truck route. No action. Discussion and action on amended Ordinance 2023-04 Establishing Restricted Weight Limits in the Town of Cooperstown – Board reviewed the revised ordinance. No action. Discussion and action on steps involved for Town exercising Village Powers for zoning – No action. Discussion and action on full-time Town employees personal time, vacation time and flex time option – define core hours – Sup. Shibler submitted to the Board Core Hours: 40 hours per week, maximum of 12 hours per day. Bandwidth hours: Not before 5 am during summer and not before 7 am during winter hours. Exception to core hours and bandwidth hours is snowplowing (24/7) and town emergencies (flooding, emergency road closures etc.) On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Chairman Havlovitz, moved to approve the core hour changes to the Employee Handbook. Motion passed. Discussion and action on tree replacement on Kocian Rd – Sup. Propson reported 23 trees were cut off, owner claims 22 trees at $15 each= $330, plus something to replant the trees. On a motion by Sup. Propson and seconded by Sup. Shibler, moved to approve $400 to cover replacement and replanting. Motion passed. Clerk will send a check to: Dan Siebert 9207 Pautz Rd Maribel, WI 54227. Discussion and action on Fall Road Review for 2026 budget estimates – Chairman Havlovitz will work with Scott Construction on quotes for roads on 5-year Road Plan. ARIP road – Hickory Grove Rd. Discussion on Kocian Road 1.5 miles. $210,000 estimate. No action. Discussion and action of Ag Road Improvement Program – Board discussed $100,000 for 2027. Discussion and action on Wages for 2026 Budget and Evaluations – Board discussed having a Closed Meeting for wages and evaluations prior to next board meeting. No action. Discussion and action on shop parking lot replacement – 2026 budget – no action. Discussion on budget items for 2026 Budget – line item for truck replacement. Manitowoc County Unit Meeting- September 18th 6:30 pm at City Limits Bar & Banquet Hall- Some board members may attend. Ordinances, Resolutions and Agreements Culvert and ditching contract – No action. 2025-02 Ordinance to Amend Ordinance 2023-04 Establishing Restricted Weight Limits in the Town of Cooperstown, Manitowoc County – On a motion Sup. Shibler and seconded by Sup. Propson, moved to approve 2025 -02 Ordinance to Amend Ordinance 2023 -04 Establishing Restricted Weight Limits in the Town of Cooperstown, Manitowoc County . Roll Call Vote: Havlovitz - yes Shibler-yes, Propson-yes. Motion passed. Procedural Motions by members of town board On a motion by Sup. Shibler and seconded by Sup. Propson, moved to approve all checks as presented and HUB Insurance check. Motion passed. Correspondence Future agenda: October 14th – Resolution 2025-01 Repeal and Replace Chapter 9.13, Discussion and action on filing for eminent domain on Radtke Rd cul-de-sac, Discussion and action on steps involved for Town exercising Village Powers for zoning, Discussion and action of Handbook Update, Discussion and action on 2026 Budget items and set date for Budget Workshop On a motion by Sup. Shibler and seconded by Sup. Propson, moved to adjourn. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 p.m. Minutes approved October 14, 2025 Susan Kornely, Clerk