Town Board — Minutes

Town Board Meeting Minutes March 10, 2026 to begin immediately Following the Public Hearing, which starts at 5 p.m. Town of Scott Town Hall - 2621 Jody Dr., New Franken, WI 54229 1 1. Call To Order: A meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Scott was called to order at 5:05 P.M. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in the Town Hall by Chairman Mike Van Lanen. Present were Chairman Mike Van Lanen, Supervisors Gene Wojcik, Norman Strebel, and Kurt Baenen, and Cari Langenberg. Also present were: Clerk/Treasurer Jaime Fuge, and Economic Development Coordinator/Planner Dave Cerny, Constable Brett Blaney. Excused: SMU President Al Herrman, Town Engineer Scott Brosteau. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Verification of Public Notice: The Affidavit of Posting indicated that the public notice of the Town Board Meeting was posted on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Town of Scott Town Hall, 2621 Jody Drive, and on the Town of Scott website at www.townofscott.com on Friday, March 6, 2026. Moved by Langenberg, seconded by Strebel to accept and file the Affidavit of Posting. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. 4. Approval of the Agenda. Moved by Wojcik, seconded by Baenen to approve the agenda. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. 5. Approval of the Minutes from the February 10, 2026 Town Board Meeting Moved by Strebel, seconded by Langenberg to approve the February 10, 2026 Town Board minutes as presented. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. 6. Acceptance of Prior Town Meeting Minutes. A. Scott Municipal Utility (SMU): February 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes Moved by Baenen, seconded by Langenberg to accept the February 9 , 2026 , SMU Meeting minutes as presented. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. B. Plan Commission: February 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes Moved by Langenberg, seconded by Wojcik to accept the February 19, 2026 , Plan Meeting minutes as presented. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. 8. Public Comment: Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Langenberg to suspend the rules and open up the floor for public comment. Steve Zuidema, 3869 Scotchman Circle, said was at the meeting to find out more about the ordinance regarding the ATV and UTVs. Cerny said this will be discussed as an agenda item later in the meeting. Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Baenen to go back to the regular agenda. 9. Specific matters for discussion and possible action by the Town Board: 2 Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Wojcik to take up Item B before Item A. A. Discussion on General Ordinance 04-26 (An ordinance adopting the Notice of Records Access for the Town of Scott). Moved by Strebel, seconded by Baenen to approve General Ordinance 04 -26 (An ordinance adopting the Notice of Records Access for the Town of Scott). Vote: Aye-5 No-0. Motion Carried. B. Report and presentation of the financial audit by Leah Lasecki of Clifton Larson Allen Leah Lasecki of CLA attended the meeting to discuss the 2025 audit. She reported that the findings were similar to those from the previous year and that CLA issued a clean audit opinion. Lasecki explained that, in addition to routine procedures, auditors must evaluate the Town’s internal controls and respond to risk based on those controls. She noted four recurring findings: 1. Lack of segregation of duties for the Clerk/Treasurer. 2. Lack of segregation of duties for the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, with auditors testing customer adjustments. 3. CLA prepares the Town’s financial statements, which is a common practice for auditors. 4. Material audit adjustments performed by the auditors. She highlighted the following information: General Fund: The general fund showed a decrease in fund balance of $258,000, reflecting a budget deficit, some of which was expected due to the capital budget. The fund balance is $2.3 million, of which $1.7 million is unassigned and not earmarked, representing approximately 80% of annual expenditures. Water Utility: The Water Fund had a strong year due to a rate adjustment effective January 1, 2025, with a 4.2% increase. Operating expenses remained stable, resulting in a total change in net position of $205,330. The rate increase will support future maintenance and repairs. Sewer Fund: Rates increased by 3.7%, while operating expenses rose 3.6%. The fund remains in the black, with a change in net position of $50,147. Stormwater: A rate increase was implemented in 2025 . Total revenues increased to $22,000. Despite a small negative change in net position of -$9,500, the fund is in a better position than the previous year. C. Approval of the 2025 Audit. Fuge noted this item was taken up at the March 9, 2026 SMU Meeting. The SMU Commissioners approved the SMU portion of the audit. Langenberg requested the record reflect appreciation for the work performed this year. Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Langenberg to approve the 2025 audit. Vote: Aye-5, No-0. Motion Carried. D. Discussion of the 2026 Insurance. Fuge provided an update on the 2026 insurance. The current provider is Community and Selective Insurance, obtained through Hub International. Fuge noted that she will also meet with Horton Insurance on March 12 to review a quote. The insurance expires in m id-April. She requested that 3 she work with Herrman and Van Lanen to review the quotes and proceed forward with the best option for the 2026 property and workmen’s compensation insurance. Moved by Langenberg, seconded by Baenen to direct staff to work with the chair and SMU Commissioner regarding the 2026 insurance for property and workman’s compensation and approve. Vote: Aye-5, No-0. Motion Carried. E. Acceptance/Approval of the Storm Water MS4 Annual Report. Cerny reported that Brosteau was unable to attend the meeting. He noted that the MS4 Annual Report was emailed to the Board on March 6 and is due by March 31. Cerny stated that the SMU Commission approved staff at their March 9 meeting to file the 2026 Stormwater MS4 Report. Van Lanen asked whether the report is complete. Cerny confirmed that it is. Langenberg inquired how residents of the Town of Scott pay their stormwater fees. Cerny explained that the fees are included on the property owner’s tax bill. Moved by Strebel, seconded by Langenberg to direct staff to file the 2026 Storm Water MS4 Annual Report. Vote: Aye- 5, No-0. Motion Carried. F. Contract with the Green Bay Humane Society. Cerny said the agenda packet contained the proposed contract with the Green Bay Humane Society. The cost is $1500 annually. The contract allows our constable and town residents to take lost dogs to the Green Bay Humane Society. Strebel asked if there is a limit of how many dogs the Town can bring. Cerny said the contract cost is based on the population. Wojcik asked if Constable Butry had any comments. Butry reported that he brought three dogs to the Humane Society in 2025 and noted that there have been none so far in 2026. Langenberg commented $1,500 was a lot of money for three dogs. Moved by Strebel, seconded by Baenen accept the contract with the Green Bay Humane Society. Vote: Aye-4(Van Lanen, Strebel, Wojcik, Baenen), No-1 (Langenberg). Motion Carried. G. Brown County Highway Maintenance Contract. Cerny provided a recap of the Brown County Highway Maintenance Contract, which was included in the agenda packet. He noted that the Town has maintained a contract with Brown County for four years. Van Lanen asked for clarification on the contract’s start and end dates. Cerny said he would provide that information. Langenberg inquired whether the Town must pay for the privilege of availability. Cerny responded that no payment is required, but Brown County will not provide services without an active contract in place. Cerny said the Town has worked with Brown County for 10 years. Cerny explained that the contract indicates the Town’s intention to have Brown County available on retainer for emergency services if needed. 4 Wojcik asked when the Town has used Brown County in the past . Van Lanen said the Town has for filling potholes, installing/removing snow fence and emergency tree services. Cerny said they also helped with closing the roads for fires. Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Strebel to accept the Brown County Maintenance Contract. Vote: Aye-5, No-0. Motion Carried. H. ATV/UTV Ordinance. Cerny stated that no ordinance has been drafted at this time. He noted that the purpose of this item is to obtain direction and input from the Board regarding what the ordinance should include, should the Board decide to pursue one. A map was presented to the board/audience (see below). Cerny reviewed the map and explained the color coding: Yellow: Roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less. Red: County roads. State statutes would allow ATVs/UTVs on county roads with a 35 mph or lower speed limit if the Town permits it. XX: Roads with a speed limit of 55 mph or higher. Green: Roads with a speed limit of 45 mph. Blue: City of Green Bay roads. Cerny noted that the City of Green Bay does not permit ATVs on its roads. Cerny said that some areas of the map are fragmented. He recalled that the only trouble the Town has had with ATVs/UTVs occurred approximately eight years ago. 5 Cerny stated that he occasionally receives phone calls from residents inquiring whether an ordinance exists. Wojcik asked if Brown County has an ATV ordinance. Cerny explained that it is a Town decision. If a County Road within the Town has a 35mph speed limit and the Town permits ATVs/UTVs, the Town may authorize their use. Wojcik asked whether the Town of Green Bay has an ordinance. Cerny said that while there is no formal ordinance, ATVs are allowed there. Cerny said Town of Humboldt has an ordinance, but does not allow ATV/UTVs on County Roads. A UTV/ATV can cross a County Road, but cannot run parallel. Bonnie Zuidema, 3869 Scotchman Circle, was not in support of allowing ATVs/UTVs in subdivisions. She said she lives in a subdivision. She is concerned of ATVs going in and out of the area as her area has many walkers and kids playing. Jeff Frease, 3320 Bay Heights Dr, spoke in support of the Town drafting an ordinance, noting that residents who use ATVs/UTVs typically use them as a tool and do not engage in recreation joyriding. Brett Blaney, 2144 Edmund, state that residents have used ATVs/UTVs even though no ordinance currently exists. He noted that if the activity is made legal, the Town can establish rules. He suggested the Town create an ordinance along with a map. Frease added that if a nuisance arises, residents can report it; however, without an ordinance, there is no formal recourse. He noted that operators are required to carry full insurance and UTVs are equipped with license plates, placing liability on the operator. Frease commented that there will always be isolated instances of misuse. Van Lanen noted that there is an issue with fragmented routes caused by shared City roads. Jake Hoffman, 4901 Sunset Bluff Dr., stated that he has been working behind the scenes and has spoken with many residents in support of the ordinance. He noted that he may be able to assist with funding for signs. He reported that, as of last weekend, the County is beginning to adopt 45 mph roads, aligning regulations more closely with those in Oconto County, which may improve route navigation. Hoffman recommended the Polaris app, which displays roads in Wisconsin where ATVs/UTVs are permitted, noting that the number of allowed roads continues to increase each year. Cerny asked the Board for direction regarding the proposed ordinance. Strebel stated he would like additional answers to outstanding questions before providing direction. Jeff Butry, 3941 Royal Bay Ridge, stated the rules of ATVs/UTVs in Marinette County. Cerny noted that the Vil lage of Suamico has different speed limits for UTVs compared to regular vehicles. Van Lanen said there would be no way for an ATV/UTV to cross Highway 57. Langenberg asked about golf carts. Cerny explained that golf carts are defined separately under state statute. He noted that if the Town has a golf course, it may designate a one-mile golf cart zone 6 and could also identify Town roads with a 25 -mph speed li mit or less for golf cart use. Cerny suggested that discussion of golf carts be addressed separately. Langenberg directed Cerny to add a section in the ordinance regarding golf carts. Cerny noted that if the Town chooses to allow ATVs/UTVs, there may be associated expenses. He stated the intent is to stay ahead of rule changes and that the type and placement of signage will be determined based on the final routes. Langenberg asked whether the Town could require registration of ATVs/UTVs. Cerny respond ed that he does not support Town-level registration due to staffing limitations. There was no action taken on this item. I. Road/drainage/ditching/snowplowing/complaint issues. Strebel said the Town needs to do something on Edgewater Beach Rd. Cerny highlighted the following road/drainage/ditching/snowplowing/complaint issues: 1) Road work a. Braemer is in bad shape. b. Mike (& Norm, maybe Gene) needs to do the road tour, and assess snow plow damage. c. Major projects i. Pulverize & Overlay Bay Heights & Sandpiper (will get $16k grant) ii. Plan on Champeau Rd being the major 2027 project; total reconstruct between Bay Settlement & Jody, this will include sewer and water extension and assessments to adjacent property owners. Pulverize and overlay the rest of the road from Jody, east to cul-de-sac at the end (STH 57). Will get $16k grant. iii. Shoulder Bertrandt Lane Langenberg asked if St. Kilian Rd. was going to be shouldered again. Cerny said the Town can review in the spring during the Road Tour. 2) Ditch Cutting – Cerny received two requests offering ditch cutting services. He asked the board if they want to receive bids and consider changing service providers? Langenberg said she would be in favor of looking at bids. Cerny said he could bring that back at April’s meeting. Cerny asked if the Board would allow him to continue his informational report during this item. The Board allowed it. Cerny discussed the Walk to Mary. He said the organizers have opened up registration. To date they are 80 percent above last year’s registration numbers. Each year the event has grown, and last year’s event drew over 7,000 participants. “The Walk” is scheduled for Saturday, May 2. 10. Informational Only: Reports from the Clerk, Engineer, Economic Development Coordinator, SMU and Fire Department. A. Clerk/Treasurer Fuge: Clerk Fuge said the absentee ballots were mailed out on March 9, 2026 for the April 7, 2026 election. In-person absentee voting begins on March 24 and runs until Friday, April 3, 2026. B. Town Engineer Scott Brosteau: Brosteau was not in attendance. C. Economic Development Coordinator/Planner Dave Cerny: Cerny did not speak during communications. D. SMU: Herrman was not in attendance. E. Fire Department: Wojcik said recent fire trainings focused on incident responses. 7 Additionally, the Fire Department recently toured at BUG Fire (Brussels-Union-Gardner Fire Department). 10. Reports from Town Officers/Committees/Commissions: A. Supervisor Norman Strebel: Had nothing to report. B. Supervisor Cari Langenberg: The Town had two new restaurants recently open (RockyZ and Bayhouse Landing). She wished them well. Van Lanen added Koss liquor store recently opened as well. C. Supervisor Kurt Baenen: Had nothing to report. D. Supervisor Gene Wojcik: Wojcik said he attended the Brown County Plan Commission meeting in March. They did not have any items pertaining to the Town of Scott on the agenda. Wojcik mentioned data centers and requested that Cerny revise the Town’s zoning accordingly. E. Chairman Mike Van Lanen: Had nothing to report. 11. Treasurer/Clerk Financial Reports: Financial reports were handed out for the month of February. Moved by Langenberg, seconded by Strebel to approve the financial reports. Vote: Aye- 5. No-0. Motion Carried. 12. CLOSED SESSION : under WI Stats. 19.85(1)(c) Considering employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility. Moved by Van Lanen, seconded by Baenen to go into closed session. A voice vote was done. Vote: Langenberg-Aye, Strebel-Aye, Wojcik-Aye, Van Lanen-Aye, Baenen-Aye. No-0. Motion Carried. The room was cleared and the members went into closed session at 6:50 p.m. 13. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION : It may be the consensus of this board to return to open session to formally dispose of any issues discussed in said closed session. Moved by Van Lanen , seconded by Wojcik to return to open session. A voice vote was done. Vote: Strebel-Aye, Langenberg-Aye, Wojcik-Aye, Van Lanen-Aye, Baenen-Aye. No-0. Motion Carried. Moved by Strebel, seconded by Wojcik to direct staff to move forward with legal review of employee manual with possible recommendations from board members to be e -mailed to Fuge. Motion Carried. Vote: Aye-5. No-0. Motion Carried. 16. Discussion and Action on specific Town Board Notice and Agenda for next meetings: Parks Committee: TBD Plan Commission: March 19 (Strebel, Van Lanen will not be in attendance). Fire Commission: March 31 Election Day: April 7 SMU: April 13 Fire Department Meeting with County Rescue: April 13 5 p.m. Town Board: April 14 Town Annual Meeting: April 21, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. Board of Review: May 12, 2026 at 5 p.m. 17.Adjournment Moved by Wojcik, seconded by Strebel to adjourn. Vote: Aye-5 No-0. Motion Carried. Meeting Adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Jaime Fuge Jaime M. Fuge, Clerk/Treasurer, Town of Scott