Special Board Meeting — Minutes

May 18, 2026 - Town of Eau Pleine Special Board Meeting Minutes - APPROVED Attendance Elected Officials Present: Chairperson Kurt Drexler, Supervisor Wayne Trelka, Supervisor Leif Erickson, Clerk Stacy Martin Others Present: Lyle Helmuth, Mary Erickson, Kathy Metzler, Les Metzler, Roger Dobbs, Karen Dobbs, Dave Erickson, Bill Kiggins, Brenda Kochanowski, Casey Kochanowski 1. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 pm by Chairperson Drexler. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2. An application for waiver of specific code sections of the uniform dwelling code (UDC) for one and two family dwellings based on religious beliefs was previously discussed and voted upon by the Town Board at their meeting on May 13, 2026. However, the discussion on this agenda item was reopened because the waiver applicant (Lyle Helmuth) requested a meeting with the Board to provide more information after his application was denied, as he was not present at the May 13 meeting to answer questions. The applicant explained that he would like to do the plumbing on his residence, which he is building himself; he is not a licensed plumber; however, the plumbing to the septic is being done by a licensed plumber, which was approved by Portage County Planning and Zoning. In order for his residence to pass inspection, the building inspector requested that the applicant submit this waiver form to the Town Board for approval. Supervisor Erickson expressed his concern with passing this exemption specifically because of the “religious belief” component of the form, predicting that there will be endless requests based on religious beliefs if the Town Board passes this waiver. Supervisor Trelka reiterated that the state should handle the application, as the state, not the Town, sets the requirements. The Board decided to go with the original motion that was made at the May 13, 2026, Board meeting, in which the request for exemption was denied. The application will be forwarded to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. 3. After hearing questions and concerns from the public – Motion by Chairperson Drexler to adjourn. Seconded by Supervisor Erickson. 3 ayes (Supervisor Erickson, Supervisor Trelka, Chairperson Drexler) / 0 nays. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted by: Stacy Martin, Town of Eau Pleine Clerk