Annual Town Meeting — Minutes

Page 1 Town of Blooming Grove Annual Town Meeting Minutes April 23, 2025 Chair Bristol called the meeting to order at 6:15 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Chair Bristol introduced Town Board Supervisors Jeff Teuscher, Amy Schroeder, Dave Young, and Frank Woznick. He acknowledged that Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator John Wright and Public Works Supervisor Cory Buske were present. Also in attendance were Kayla Schmidt (departed at 6:27 PM) from Johnson Block and Town residents Deborah Sellers, Ken Norton, Sandra Docter, Barb Hockett (departed at 7:15 PM), and David Braga. Auditor’s Report Kayla Schmidt of Johnson Block & Associates presented the draft 2024 Financial Statements with Independent Auditor’s Report. She noted that it was free of material misstatement. She reviewed total liabilities, deferred inflows of resources, and net position. Schmidt noted that material assets include roads, park shelters, etc. There is an overall decline in income due to past Town Board decisions to reduce the enacted levy well below the allowable levy. Any shortfalls have been compensated by applying the surplus accrued interest and by drawing down reserves as the Town nears its dissolution in October of 2027. Fund balances were reviewed which are adequate to cover 76% of General Fund Expenditures. The Town has continued to be debt-free in 2024. All remaining ARPA funds distributed to the Town have been expended in 2024. Any remaining assets or obligations remaining upon annexation are assumed by the City of Madison. Schmidt stated that she will file Form CT on behalf of the Town that is due on May 15, 2025. Plan Commission Report Plan Commission Chair Dave Young stated that there have been no major property developments in the Town since the prior year. Town staff has been in communication with the Assistant City of Madison Attorney to develop an informational sheet regarding changes during the transition period. There were follow-up questions regarding the timeline for the connection to public services, post-annexation. It was noted that improved paving could delay the extension of City services; however, some residents may experience a failed septic or well prior to the availability of City services. Ron Bristol noted that a prior Town poll that was taken indicated that Town residents did not want to connect to City services prior to annexation. Ken Norton recommended that the City develop a timeframe for connection by neighborhood. Sandra Docter recommended that the Town investigate the costs incurred by residents in other communities already annexed into the City of Madison. Jeff Teuscher stated that a portion of the Town of Middleton was annexed into the City of Madison in the past, but are still on private well and septic. Ron Bristol cautioned that research does imply what the City may or may not do at a future date. Dave Young reported that Liz Johnson resigned her position on the Town Plan Commission and Commissioner Cheryl Larson moved to Door County. Those vacancies were filled by appointment with Dwight Johnson and Erin Pierce. The term for Commissioner Mike Meyers will lapse on April 30, 2025 and will result in another vacancy. The request for letters of intent has been posted; the deadline to respond is June 5, 2025 by noon. Public Works Department Report Public Works Supervisor Cory Buske reported that it was a relatively mild winter. There were no breakdowns of equipment or other issues. He noted that sections of the cemetery wall along Pflaum Road were repaired. Paving is scheduled for roads within the Rambling Acres neighborhood. Carncross Road might be addressed next year. The annual clean sweep event will be held in Thurber Park between 7 AM and 11 AM on May 3, 2025. Buske further reported that work by ATC was completed this past year. The City of Madison has notified the Town of Page 2 the reconstruction of Pflaum Road between Highway 51 and Monona Drive. This is likely to be completed in two phases. Action Item: 2024 Town Annual Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Ron Bristol to approve the Town Annual Meeting minutes of April 24, 2024, as presented; 2nd by Amy Schroeder. Motion carried 7-0 with one abstention. Action Item: 2024 Town Budget Meeting Minutes A motion was made by Ron Bristol to approve the Town Budget Meeting minutes of November 11, 2024, as presented; 2nd by Dave Young. Motion carried 6-0. Location, Time, Date of Next Year's Annual Meeting A motion was made by Frank Woznick to hold next year’s Annual Town Meeting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 6:15 PM at the Town Hall; 2nd by Dave Young. Motion carried 5- 0. Resident Comments, Concerns, Questions, Actions Deborah Sellers asked about whether the lease for the Trachte Building had been renewed. Wright responded that the City discovered an error in the original agreement; the lease will be renewed in October. There was a brief discussion about updates to the Town website. Although the Town is a member of the Wisconsin Towns Association and Town Advocacy Council, they have not been contacted for an opinion regarding the proposed closure of Powers Avenue at the WISR crossing by the Railroad Commission. In response to a request for plantings at Thurber Park, it was recommended that the matter be presented for consideration at the Town Plan Commission. Sandra Docter introduced the unique circumstances in the southwest corner of the Township (public lands, less urban, situated near the waste treatment plant, etc.). Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator Wright stated that City plans for the neighborhood will likely be contained in their Future Use Map as part of their adopted Comprehensive Plan. Adjournment A motion was made by Ron Bristol to adjourn the Town Annual Meeting; 2nd by Jeff Teuscher. Motion carried 5-0 at 7:23 PM. Written and Submitted by John Wright Town Clerk/Treasurer/Administrator Approved: April 22, 2026