7/21/26

Town of Black Earth Minutes of Town Board Meeting Tuesday, July 21, 2026 1. Meeting call to Order. Town Chair Tom Turk called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM . Supervisors Joann Bennett, Barb Parrell, Treasurer Brenda Kahl, and Clerk Stephanie Zwettler were present. Also in attendance: Jason Handel , Steve Parrell, and Dan Deneen. 2. Proof of Posting. An affidavit of posting was provided. 3. Approval of the Agenda. Barb Parrell moved and Joann Bennett seconded the motion to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 4. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meeting – June 23 , 2026 . Joann Bennett moved and Barb Parrell seconded the motion to approve the minutes from June 23 , 2 026, as presented. Motion carried. 5. Financial Report. a. Money Market: $345,129.43 Checking: $39,824.62 b. Approval of written checks. Barb Parrell moved and Joann Bennett seconded the motion to approve written checks numbered 12797-12812, including direct deposit paychecks. Motion carried. 6. Plan Commission: a. Tylor & Alyssa Statz, 5005 Reeve Rd – zoning change for 1.5 acres from RR -4 to LC (Limited Commercial). Steve Parrell presented the discussion from the Plan Commission meeting, including the road restriction requiring the applicant to use County Highway KK for his business trucks and equipment. Joann Bennett moved, and Barb Parrell seconded, the motion to approve the 1.5-acre spot zone from RR-4 to LC and to add a deed restriction directing all business-related equipment and vehicles to use County Highway KK instead of Reeve Road. Motion carried. 3-0 7. Patrolman’s Report. Patrolman Jason Handel discussed the mechanical and safety concerns with the town’s 2008 Woods BW1260 batwing mower; he obtained a quote from Richie’s Implement for a new Woods BW10.72 mower for $23,300 with a trade -in price of $5,500, for a total of $17,800. Barb Parrell moved and Tom Turk seconded the motion to order a Woods BW10.72 mower for $17,800, including a trade-in price of $5,550. Motion carried. 3-0 8. Gateway to the Driftless – resolution of support. The Town Board discussed the proposed resolution. No action was taken. Minutes of Town Board meeting – July 21, 2026 9. Reeve Rd bridge – update. Clerk Stephanie Zwettler reported that there has been no update since providing feedback that the bridge has not had problems with logs or ice becoming stuck under the current bridge. The DOT Bureau of Structures may consider allowing 1’ of clearance. 10. EMS Board Report. Town Chair Tom Turk reported that the EMS board is finalizing the purchase of the land adjacent to the EMS building. 11. Fire Board Report. Supervisor Barb Parrell reported that the fire board is working on updating the bylaws; the new fire district will be called Wisconsin Heights Joint Fire District – both buildings in Black Earth and Mazomanie will be maintained, and Dan Mahockta is the new fire chief. 12. Future agenda items. Website update. 13. Adjourn. Barb Parrell moved and Joann Bennett seconded the motion to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Stephanie Zwettler, Town Clerk