Town Board — Minutes

TOWN OF FOND DU LAC FOND DU LAC COUNTY MONTHLY MEETING OCTOBER 14, 2024 7:00 PM The Monthly Meeting was called to order by Chairman Jeff Monstma. Present were Chairman Montsma, Supervisors Aaron Kuhls, Jessica Allender, Jennifer Janeczko, David Washkoviak, Clerk Patti Supple, Treasurer Brenda Post, Attorney Matt Parmentier and various Town residents. Confirmation was made of open meeting notice. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the September Monthly Meeting and the September Workshop Meeting. Motion carried. 4. Presentation by Sarah Poquette of the Oakfield School District concerning the November referendum. She noted the District has 540 students with 158 on open enrollment. The District is requesting @ 1.1 million dollars in operating money over the next four years. This money will help maintain the staff, adding educational programs and maintenance of buildings. There is a Community Night scheduled at the Middle School/High School for more information. The website also has information. 5. Lisa McArthur from Envision Greater Fond du Lac presented an update on the different opportunities offered by the group. She noted they have career opportunities for grades 8 thru 12 along with tours of businesses, a housing initiative with sites being checked in the Town, helping manufacturing stay in the area, applying for grants, and business retention and expansion. They are also looking for opportunities to add businesses to the Aeronautical Park. At this time, a business has expressed interest in the site. Also, with the expansion of Excel Engineering, housing has become an important issue. 6. The short-term rental application for N7248 Winnebago Drive has been completed. The State License has been issued, a copy of the contract has been provided, and the address list has been provided. Therefore, motion was made and seconded to approve the application for the short-term rental for N7248 Winnebago Drive. Motion carried. Mrs. Rolfe asked the Board to reconsider the 7 day requirement for rentals. She noted the popular rental is three days. At this time, the ordinance requires a 7 day minimum. While this is restrictive, it allays some of the issues that arose in a neighboring Township. Per information from Attorney Parmentier, a special exception cannot be offered for a shorter term. The ordinance would need to be changed. It also cannot be resolved in a case by case basis. Chairman Montsma noted this could be talked about in the future, but for the time being, the ordinance requirements stand. It was noted the surrounding townships have a similar ordinance. 7. Motion was made and seconded to adjust the pay for Town employees as follows: Stoffregan increase to $20.00 per hour, Increase Blatz, Mand, Newsome, Baumann and Madison Supple by $.50 per hour, Fire Chief to $11,000.00 per year, Clerk to $28,000.00 per year, Treasurer to $20,000.00 per year effective January 1, 2025. Motion carried. Motion to increase compensation for the landfill supervisors to $80.00 per Saturday. Motion carried. Motion to create a Deputy Clerk position at $8000.00 per year. Motion carried. Motion to pay the Secretary for the Planning Commission $300.00 per month if meeting is held beginning August of 2024. Motion carried. At this time, the commissioners on the Planning Commission will stay as is. 8. Chairman Montsma and DPW Supervisor Rod Baumann have interviewed two individuals for the DPW Supervisor position. Negotiations are ongoing. The question was posed as to why the Supervisors were not involved in the interview. The Board provided the Chairman permission to conduct the interviews and offer suggestions to the Town Board. 9. Dave Supple from Fred-Land storage stated they would like to begin construction of the condo storage units but need direction on what is allowed. He noted the Condo Documents and the drainage plans have been provided to the Planning Commission. His proposal is to have Fred-Land hold a special use permit which they would use to monitor the businesses on the property. Already allowed is the storage of equipment and materials for off-site use. He is wondering if a car-detailing business on site would be allowed. Per the C-2 storage there are permitted uses. With the present situation, he is unsure of how to answer questions from businesses or individuals. He asked if Fred-Land Storage could have a blanket SUP which they would monitor to make sure businesses on site meet the C-2 zoning. The motion was made to allow the blanket SUP . However, the application must go to Planning first, then the Town Board. It was noted the size of the units limit storage. It was also noted that it would be up to Fred-Land to make sure the businesses did not exceed the approved use. This matter will be on the November Planning Commission meeting and the December Town Board meeting. 10. More residents of the Town are seeking bulky waste pickup. After review, motion was made and seconded to approve a bulky waste pickup in 2025. It will be onsite with staffing from the Town. GFL recommends providing the dumpster in the morning with pickup in the afternoon to keep the unauthorized dumping to a minimum. Motion carried. 11. Motion was made and seconded to approve the operator’s license for Aaron Steffen. Motion carried. 12. a. Stormwater inspections have been completed. b. A round-a-bout has been proposed for Highway 23 and Esterbrook Road for 2029. Crackfilling will begin around October 28th. There are ditch issues by Weiser concrete that will cost the Town $21,325.00. Motion was made and seconded to approve the ditch construction. Motion carried. 13. Public comments were made by Tony Koenigs. 14. Supervisor Allender asked for newsletter ideas. So far, winter parking, Simon Park, Election dates for 2025, ditching, bulky waste pickup and leash law. Supervisor Janeczko asked about leash laws and invisible fencing for those walking in neighborhoods and having dogs lunge at them. Chairman Montsma noted the Farmland Preservation update is due by December 31, 2024 and Cedar Corp is helping with the update. Trunk or Treat is Oct. 26 at Simon Park from 2:00 pm to 4 pm. Clerk Supple reminded everyone of the November 5 election. In-person absentee voting will start on October 22. Dates and times will be posted on the Town website. Fire Chief Birschbach has a Thrivent Action Grant and a grant for Cadet gear. The sign at Station #2 has been installed. The open house went great. 15. The Board of Appeals will meet concerning a variance for a shed. The Planning Commission will meet on November 19 for three topics. 16. FINANCIAL REPORT : September 2024 General Account received: $3,173.84 Orders: 97,447.66 Balance: 132,784.80 MM: $15,782.55 Road, Bridge, Culvert & Eq: $62,357.67 Park: $37,716.97 Town Hall CD: $26,871.75 Fire Dept. CD: $17,106.97 Motion was made and seconded to approve the Financial Report. Motion carried. PAYMENT OF BILLS: Bills: $83,259.25 Wages: $10,843.91 Motion was made and seconded to approve the Payment of Bills. Motion carried. The Town Board intends to convene into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. 19.85 (1) (g) for the purpose of conferring with legal counsel for the Town who is rendering oral or written advice concerning strategy to be adopted by the Town with respect to litigation in which the Town is or is likely to become involved. By voice vote Kuhls, aye; Allender, aye; Janeczko, aye; Washkoviak, aye; Montsma, aye. The Board convened into closed session. There being no more discussion, motion was made and seconded to adjourn the closed session and the Monthly Meeting. Motion carried. Submitted by Patti Supple, Town Clerk