Present:
Chairperson Kim Cheney
Supervisors: George Jaeckel, Jim Brandenburg, Erik Hoffman, Matt Hill
Clerk Caitlin Kincannon
Treasurer Alicia Grulke

This meeting was broadcast and recorded by ZOOM, there were no attendees.

Chairperson Kim Cheney called the meeting of the Town Board of Koshkonong to order at 7:02 PM.

1. The Clerk verified the proper postings had been made.

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Public comment – agenda items only. No other audience comment allowed. None.

4. Fire/EMS Chief Bruce Peterson introduction
Chief Peterson present, introduced himself. He is the new Chief of Fort Atkinson.

5. Discuss/Motion proposed extension of city pedestrian path on South Main
Andy Selle, Fort Atkinson city engineer, present. Mr. Selle discussed a proposed city pedestrian path through a TAP grant that would put in an 8ft, paved pedestrian path on South Main St, and proposed extending it to Hackbarth Road. Estimated time of project is 2026. The Town’s portion of the design cost is to be determined. Chairperson Cheney asked the audience of Koshkonong residents for their opinion. A resident had concerns about not knowing the construction cost at this time. Cheney explained we could budget for the construction portion in next year’s budget, or 2026. Mr. Selle would like a project manager designated from Koshkonong to be involved in the design process.

Supervisor Hoffman motioned to approve the design portion for the Township.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion. Three Supervisors in favor, one Supervisor opposed. Motion carried.

6. Discuss/Motion request by John & Jane Anderson for a variance to allow an addition of an attached garage at a reduced side-yard setback at 1222 Van Buren St
John & Jane Anderson present. Mr. Anderson explained that his vehicle does not fit in the garage, and he wants to build an attached garaged. The location for the attached garage would be most optimal on the north side, requiring the variance request. Mr. Anderson advised that he has had the well and septic inspected, and has spoken to the City; it is inevitable they will have to annex to the City eventually. Mr. Anderson is asking the Board to approve the variance before annexing in potentially the fall.

Supervisor Hill motioned for recommended approval on the variance request.
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

7. Discuss/Motion Bingham’s Point parking signage clarification
Requestor Brian Hesgard present. Mr. Hesgard feels some of the no-parking signs are contradictory in Bingham’s Point. It was suggested to clean up the verbiage on the signs to simply say “no parking.” Public Works will change out the signs to say no parking consistently.

8. Discuss/Motion driveway variance at W7200 County Line Road for a driveway width
exceeding 26 feet
Requestor Austin Naber present. Mr. Naber would like to extend the driveway to 75 feet wide. The existing driveway currently has a culvert, but Mr. Naber will replace it. The driveway would be for both residence and the ag business.

Supervisor Hoffman motioned to approve the variance request.
Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
Chairperson Cheney motioned to amend the original motion to include the contingency that the driveway would be reduced to a standard driveway if the lot at W7200 County Line Rd was sold.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

9. Discuss/Motion possible road agreement for County Line Road with Austin Naber
Austin Naber explained he is bringing in commercial vehicles from Highway 26 down County Line Road which is a posted 12 ton road, and is willing to sign a road agreement with the Township. We will draft an agreement draft and will send to Mr. Naber, then discuss at the April meeting

10. Discuss/Motion Knowles/Nelson Grant for Koshkonong Mounds Road path
The Knowles/Nelson grant is only a 50/50 grant, and the proposed path is estimated at $400,000- $500,000. Board does not think this grant is best. Andy Selle explained there is a federal grant that was recently announced; he is unsure of the match. We will look into more grant information.

11. Discuss/Motion 2024 salt contract
Dan Butz advised we will not need to contract for salt this year, estimated we currently have 350 tons. Asked for a small budget to be set aside for salt emergency if needed.

12. Discuss only restoration plan for Star School Road
Chairperson & Dan Butz have an onsite meeting with DNR scheduled for March 20th. The restoration plan has been approved and will be $2000. Our Public Works will be able to do most restoration work.

13. Discuss/Motion rescheduling April 10, 2024 Town Board meeting to the date of the scheduled Annual Meeting of April 16, 2024
Supervisor Hill motioned to reschedule the April 10, 2024, monthly Board meeting to April 16,
2024

Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

14. Discuss/Motion solar speed signs
Chairerson spoke with Lake Mills, who has a sign, and they advised it does help; suggests we start by trying one, see how it goes, and possibly move it. And it was recommended to go with the company that was recommended by WTA.

Supervisor Hill motioned to purchase one solar speed sign as previously presented by the Clerk that was previously discussed.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

15. Discuss/Motion additional part-time Public Works employee
An applicant has expressed interest in a part-time position in the Public Works department. The consideration for employment of Ryan Butz will be discussed in closed session.

16. Discuss/Motion Building Inspector contract
The Board interviewed four building inspectors in closed session, and felt all were good options and well qualified. Closed session was paused and will be resumed after adjourning the current Town Board meeting. Supervisor Jaeckel advised the Board will further discuss when back in closed session.

17. Discuss/Motion requested variance to allow a detached garage within the road right of way setback at N435 Oxbow Bend
Requestor Supervisor Hoffman present, explained he’d like to put in a detached garage parallel with the driveway. The garage would be for cars and storage, no habitable use.

Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to recommend approval for the variance request.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, three Supervisors in favor, Supervisor Hoffman abstained. Motion carried.

18. Discuss/Motion request for a conditional use to build an extensive onsite storage structure at N435 Oxbow Bend
Supervisor Hoffman explained the proposed building will be bigger than 900 square feet.

Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to recommend approval for the conditional use request.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, three Supervisors in favor, Supervisor Hoffman abstained. Motion carried.

19. Public Works Report

• Public Works Superintendent Dan Butz present. Public Works has been doing a lot of
  tree work lately. The department hosted and attended a chainsaw safety class on March 8.
  Surrounding municipality public works were invited to attend. Dan would like to engage
  in more of this training in the future to do more levels – there are 4 levels. Cost of the
  event was $1300.
• Supervisor Hill inquired about the ongoing issue of signage theft happening in the Township. Deterrence ideas were discussed.
• Supervisor Brandenburg advised of some missing shingles.
• Last summer a resident requested to have dead oak tree removed. Estimate to remove was $2000. Dan would like the Board to decide if we’ll proceed with the removal.

20. Approve meeting minutes from February 2024
Supervisor Hoffman motioned to approve the February 14, 2024, meeting minutes.

Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

21. January & February 2024 Treasurer’s Report
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to put the January and February 2024 Treasurer’s Reports on file.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

22. Approve Bills
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to approve the March bills.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

23. Clerk’s Report

• Clerk sent letters to three properties that apply for tax exemption status; Clerk files these
  with the DOR
• The golf cart ordinance that was approved will be in effect April 1, 2024. Dan Butz is
  handling signage
• Clerk issued one operator license this past month
• Clerk issued OneEnergy’s fence permit
• The Promises group will resume weekly Town Hall rental, contract signed and four
  months has been prepaid at this time
• Clerk sold two cemetery plots at Union Cemetery
• OneEnergy has signed a road agreement with the Town
• In-person absentee voting will begin March 19, and has been noticed in various places

24. Future Agenda Items

• Clean sweep donation
• Changes to Town’s bank accounts
• Road agreement with Austin Naber
• Koshkonong Mounds Road path
• Dead tree on Hackbarth removal consideration

25. Public comment
Supervisor Brandenburg advised that a motorist tragically hit some horses that escaped enclosure on Highway 12 after coyotes came after them.

26. Board Member announcements

• Supervisor Jaeckel announced clean sweep date and location is set. Clerk will post the event brochure with details
• Supervisor Hill provided report on the park. There was a volunteer day recently with amazing turnout. Due to high winds, they were not able to burn anything. Also mentioned county has a program for dedicated park benches.
• Hill addressed an ongoing complaint from a resident about a dead tree on Vinnie Ha Ha. He has looked at it, feels it poses no hazard and is at minimal risk.

27. Adjournment
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to adjourn 9:22 PM.
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted
Caitlin Kincannon
Clerk

4/9/2024