Town Board Meeting — Minutes

Town of Drammen Town Meeting Minutes October 13th, 2025 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jeff Larson at 7:00 p.m. with all board members present. Town residents Jim Williams, Gary Gritzmaker, Elizabeth Lutes, Greg Lampman and Eau Claire County Humane Society (ECCHS) Director, Shelly Jenke, were also present. September Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the September 8th Meeting Minutes was made by Joe Becker seconded by Mike Isaacson. Motion carried. Treasurers Report Motion to approve the September Treasurer’s Report made by Joe Becker seconded by Mike Isaacson. Motion carried. Monthly Bills Motion to approve the October bills made by Mike Isaacson and seconded by Joe Becker. Motion carried. Monthly Budget Review The monthly budget was reviewed with discussion about the overage of the Fire Call to Mondovi expense due to increased fire calls this year. The decision to purchase the new election tables and outdoor message center as requested by the Town Clerk were tabled until next meeting. ECCHS 2026/2027 Contract Shelly Jenke, ECCHS Director, introduced the new animal control contract for Drammen and explained ECCHS’s role in managing dogs and cats in the town. Motion to approve was made by Joe Becker seconded by Mike Isaacson. Motion carried. Road Repair Status The Town Chairman provided an update indicating that all road repairs by Scotts Construction have been satisfactorily completed. Supervisor 1 requested information regarding the turnaround project for Locust Road, which is to be undertaken by the town maintenance worker; the Chairman clarified that this task remains outstanding. 2026 Budget/Levy Review The Town Clerk introduced the proposed 2026 budget, highlighting leftover funds from 2025, along with projected revenues and expenses for the remainder of this year. The plan for 2026 is balanced and includes new categories for Tree Trimming and Capital Improvement costs. The Town Board conducted an initial assessment of the proposal and will carry out a more in-depth review before the next meeting. Due to rising expenses and restricted revenue growth, a proposed levy increase of $10,000 has been recommended. A motion to approve the following special resolution was made by Mike Isaacson and seconded by Joe Becker, motion carried. TOWN BOARD RESOLUTION PROPOSING TO EXCEED LEVY LIMIT VIA TOWN MEETING Town of Drammen, Eau Claire County Resolution No. 25-4 Whereas, the State of Wisconsin has imposed levy limits on town, village, city, and county levies for 2025 and thereafter under Wis. Stat. § 66.0602; Whereas, Wis. Stat. § 66.0602 limits the allowable local levy for 2025 to a percentage increase of no more than the greater of (a) zero percent of the 2024 payable 2025 adjusted actual levy as calculated under the state’s levy limit law* or (b) a percentage equal to the percent change in equalized value due to net new construction less improvements removed, which for the Town of Drammen is 0.799% ; Whereas, the town board of the Town of Drammen, Eau Claire County, believes that for the 2025 tax levy (to be collected in 2026) it is in the town’s best interest to exceed the state levy limit as described above by a greater percentage than 0.799%; Whereas, the Town of Drammen’s 2024 payable 2025 adjusted actual tax levy was $105,837.00 , and further whereas the state law would limit this year’s increase to $845.63, for a total allowable town tax levy after adjustments for 2025 (to be collected in 2026) of $144,170.00; THEREFORE, the town board of the Town of Drammen_, Eau Claire County does hereby resolve and order as follows: The town board supports an increase in the town tax levy for 2025 that will exceed the amount allowed by the state levy limit. The town board directs that the question of increasing the allowable town tax levy for 2025 (to be collected in 2026) by 6.9%, which would increase the town levy by $10,000.00, for a total tax levy (after adjustments) of $154,170.00 shall be placed on the agenda for the special town meeting to be held on November 10, 2025.   Adopted this __13th_ day of October, 2025.*** Attested Nicholas Lutes, Clerk Town Clerk Items Town Credit Card The town clerk advised the board that the existing credit card provided by Alliance Bank does not adequately fulfill the municipality's requirements. He recommended submitting an application for a new card with Royal Credit Union, proposing the issuance of two cards: one to Tim Hoverson with a $1,000 limit, and another to Nicholas Lutes with a $1,000 limit. Furthermore, the Town Board determined that any credit card transaction exceeding $500 must receive prior approval from the Town Board. Motion to approve was made by Mike Isaacson and seconded by Joe Becker. Motion carried. Farmland Letter to County Board Chairman The Town Clerk shared a letter from the Farmland Preservation Society, which was a copy of a legal document sent to the County Board Chairman regarding farmland preservation. The letter was for information purposes only. Public Input – Gary Gritsmaker, a resident of the town and an employee in the recycling sector, requested clarification on the municipality’s guidelines for accepting various items for recycling and scrap metal. His inquiries pertained to refrigerators that do not contain freon, aluminum cans not intended for beverages, and metal wheels with attached tires. The Town Board reviewed the matter, and Mike Isaacson will consult Eau Claire County Recycling for guidance and further information. Motion to adjourn at 8:51 p.m. was made by Joe Becker and seconded by Mike Isaacson. Motion carried. Submitted Nick Lutes Drammen Town Clerk