3-13-2025 Quad Towns

QUAD TOWNS MEETING, March 13, 2025 PRESENT: Town of Pleasant Springs Chair Dick Green, Supervisors Eric Olson, Renee Gouaux, Faith Schuck, Melanie Miller, and Clerk/Treasurer Maria Hougan, Town of Dunkirk Chair Norm Monson, Supervisors Ted Olson, Dan Jenks, and Clerk Kathy Olson, Town of Rutland Supervisors Mark Porter and Nency Nedveck, Town of Dunn Chair Steve Greb, and Supervisors Jeff Hodgson and Rosalind Gousman, Representative Randy Udell (arrived at 6:17 p.m.), and Jaron McCallum of Dane County Planning. CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME Chair Green called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Introductions Everyone in attendance introduced themselves. Addressing local broadband issues and update from the Dane County Broadband Task Force. Jaron McCallum, Dane County Broadband Coordinator, handed out a map showing areas in need and areas which have been provided broadband. He gave a presentation of the broadband areas they are currently working on. The task force has been in place since 2020 and they have accomplished a great deal since then, however there are still many areas without any type of broadband/internet service. He explained they are using ARPA funds for grants to supply areas in need with broadband. Many municipalities in need have applied for the Broadband “BEAD” program and they will not know until mid-summer of who will be selected for the BEAD funding. A len gthy discussion followed. Jaron answered many of the quad town’s questions. Representative Randy Udell also answered questions and explained 400 million has been requested in the Governor’s budget to provide broadband in areas of need. Town of Dunkirk Chair Normon Monson asked the other towns officials to agree to a letter of support to be written with a statement asking the State Legislature and Representatives, Randy Udell, Dane County Broadband, and the Public Service Commission to aggressively look a t all the homes in the Quad Towns area of Pleasant Springs, Dunkirk, Dunn, and Rutland to install broadband in those areas of need. The letter will be drafted by the town of Dunkirk and sent to the town boards for approval. Town Reports/ Presentations: The Town of Dunkirk reported out they are working on their Comprehensive Plan and discussed property splits, an area of concern is many people are not aware of the rules of the road when walking, biking, or jogging. The Maintenance of Effort (MOE) is a financial burden if the provider does not meet the standards of constant improvements. The requirements need to modified for the MOE program. The Town of Rutland is working on extensive tree trimming, their new town hall building is up and they hope to move in by the end of July/August. Their Comprehensive Plan revision is nearly ready, the gravel pit will open soon, and their two newer patrolmen are doing wonderful. The Town of Dunn reported out they utilize the Purchase of Development Rights and Transfer of Development Rights program as a tool for land use. They have entered into an agreement with a broadband company , they have started a green burial committee and will allow the burials in their current cemetery and will be expanding to another area to be used for natural burials. Their solar panels are working well and paying for their utilities. Oregon Fire and EMS conducted a space analysis to determine if they need a new location or to continue using the current location for a new building, which is slated to be done in 2028. The Town of Pleasant Springs reported out they are working on their Comprehensive Plan revision and a survey has been sent out to all residents and is posted to the town’s website. They are waiting for a highway maintenance agreement with the City of Stoughton as the result of annexed land several years ago, as the town has been maintaining the road of the area annexed all these years, ATV/UTV signage was discussed. Road related / equipment related needs or issues There was nothing to report out on this item. Any other items of discussion. There were no other items of discussion. Schedule next meeting date The Town of Rutland will host the next Quad Towns meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Beverages will be provided. It was determined meals will no longer be provided; however, a brown bag meal can be brought by Board members. Adjournment. Motion by Rosalind Gausman, second by Nancy Nedveck, to adjourn at 7:33 p.m. Motion carried unanimously by acclamation. Respectively Submitted, Maria “Pili” Hougan Clerk/Treasurer