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 37 attendees.

Chairperson Kim Cheney called the meeting of the Town Board of Koshkonong to order at
6:30 PM.

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

2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Public comment – limited to agenda items only

• Chairperson Cheney provided overview of situation regarding agenda item #5
  Cheney visited the property on March 19 along with the Clerk and Sheriff Deputy Betanski. Betanski had his body cam activated. Patricia Rockstroh stated at this visit that there were 5 dogs
  of her own; Cheney observed the 5 dogs, but heard more in the house, and viewed 25 more dogs
  in the basement. The cages looked clean, had food and water, however some cages had 5 dogs
  per cage. The property had a bad smell of ammonia. Cheney advised Rockstroh was cooperative,
  however seemed to not understand that she was over the limit of quantity of dogs for her Koshkonong kennel license as well as her County conditional use permit. Cheney explained the
  purpose of the meeting tonight, March 27, is to discuss the renewal of Rockstroh’s kennel license
  and/or make recommendation to the County on the conditional use permit. Cheney explained the
  Town does have an ordinance on neglect and abuse of animals. We are able to deny the kennel
  license, and can recommend the County to revoke her conditional use permit and the Department
  of Agriculture her breeder’s license; if we wanted to take action and consider removing the dogs,
  there are options for that, but it is a lengthy process, and will require meetings and Board
  approval.
• Deputy Betanski present, and provided his account of the onsite visit regarding agenda
  item #5
  The Department of Agriculture investigated the property in November, and it was referred to their compliance dept thereafter, we are not aware of the current status. He mentioned the strong
  ammonia odor, that the dogs did appear healthy and clean, however the enclosures were too
  small for the number of animals she has. Betanski explained there are no criminal violations and
  the Sheriff’s Department will not be pursuing charges to the DA office. Advised Rockstroh
  showed us the outside kennel, which has better conditions; it is larger and set up for kennel business, but is not functional right now, as it has no heat or AC. It does have water sources.
  Explained the Sheriff’s Department has no say to zoning or Town licensing.
• Robin Grosskopf, N1598 Arburoe Lane
  Robin present a dog she brought, who is a rescue from a puppy mill. Described dog issues typical in puppy mill dogs. Feels dog mills should be shut down. Spoke on odor, and hazard for
  diseases, and Rockstroh could be spreading these diseases.
• Shelly Cloute, N965 Vinnie Ha Ha
  Rockstroh is Shelly’s aunt, but is estranged. She saw situation regarding Rockstroh’s dogs circulate on social media. Feels Rockstroh sees these dogs as “paychecks” only. Would like her
  to be shut down. Advised the dogs in basement have never been outside. Shelly has one of
  Rockstroh’s dogs; it has cataracts and neuro problems. Stated Rockstroh is intelligent and
  narcissistic.
• Lisa Northey, N1579 Shari Ln
  Questioned that if the odor was pungent, is that not damaging to the dogs? Betanski said that is a
  legitimate concern. Is also concerned with 5 dogs to a crate. Feels the breeder needs to stop.
• Karen Doyle, 360 N Tratt St, Whitewater
  First met Rockstroh in 2014, purchased a puppy from her. After a year, she started having
  seizures and also had a heart defect. Dog had to be put down in 2020. Karen got another puppy
  from Rockstroh; this dog passed away as well not long after purchase.
• Rene Strike, N1131 Hwy K
  Worked for Rockstroh in 2000. Purchased a dog that was brought back and put to sleep 1.5 years
  later.
• Anastasia Vega, N653 Old 26 Rd
  Feels legal language under WI Act 90 would apply and would be a violation. She suggested
  citizens could make public records requests for reports and send to the Department of
  Agriculture; thinks that could help speed up the process. She has had contact with Rockstroh
  before and feels this a welfare issue as well.
• Carly Davis, with the Daily Union
  Could not find a business license for Rockstroh, and is concerned with revenue not being
  reported for taxes.
• Tina Mitchell, Lee Dr
  Questioned if March 19 visit was a surprise visit – it was, and Rockstroh invited us into the
  home.
• Stacey Myszewski, 3206 W Rockport Park Dr, Janesville
  Mentioned Rockstroh is advertising 2 litters coming. Explained Badger Vet was the first to
  report Rockstroh and poor condition of dogs observed at a vet appointment to the Department of
  Agriculture. The vet clinic witnessed “granny” aggressively handling dogs at the appointment
  and the dogs smelled bad. They decided to drop her as a customer.
• Chris Johnson, N653 Old 26 Rd
  Had heard about a customer buying a puppy was given a coupon for free horse rides. Cheney
  explained the property is zoned as Ag, and can have up to 10 horses without a permit.
• Tom Deladurantey, 703 E Division St, Director of the humane society
  Advised the humane society receives these types of calls regularly, but cannot do much. The
  humane society is not contracted with the Town of Koshkonong, however is willing to step in
  and help out if it comes to removal of the dogs. Is also concerned if there is a vast animal
  graveyard on the property.
• Tari Poeppel, W6120 Radloff St
  Questioned what the Sheriff’s department needs to see to be consider criminal abuse and neglect.
  Betanski answered it needs to see animals in a state of sickness, impairment, visible injuries,
  and/or things that are obvious that the animal is in distress, which he did not observe at the
  March 19 visit. We can only observe what she will show us without a warrant.
• Air quality was discussed and questioned.
  Betanski feels like that would be a department of health decision.
• A Zoom audience member questioned where the best place is to file a complaint?
  Betankski answered not the Sheriff’s office; he said removing the licenses and permits is a best
  start, and then filing complaints to Department of Agriculture.
• Duwayne Bickle, W5426 State Road 106, contracted dog catcher for Koshkonong
  Duwayne has a facility and breeds puppies, described inspections he has to pass and measures
  breeders need to comply to.
  
  Chairperson suggested skipping to agenda item #5

5. Discuss/Motion of Chairperson’s onsite visit on March 19, 2024, to W7541 Koshkonong
Lake Rd and condition of, as well as permits and licenses relating to the dogs on the
property Town kennel license allows 8 dogs, Rockstroh is beyond that. Her conditional use permit is
effective from 1991. Supervisor Hill feels we need to give her a chance to comply. Supervisor
Brandenburg has concerns on what could happen to the dogs if Rockstroh attempts to be in
compliance. Chairperson feels if we deny the kennel license, it will help push County to revoke
the conditional use permit. Supervisor Hoffman feels dogs do not have the extra time that could
possibly be given for compliance to be met.

Chairperson motioned to not renew the kennel license for Patrica Rockstroh DBA Penny Lane
Cocker Spaniels and any other business to which operates under for the Town of Koshkonong at
this point.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

4. Discuss/Motion repairs to 2009 truck – added 3/25/2024
Correction: 2010 truck.

Superintendent Dan Butz took the truck to Lakeside, repair estimate provided to Board. Dan described issues experienced. Supervisor Hill feels we should adhere to emissions standards whether it is or is not required. Supevisors Brandenburg and Hoffman disagree.

Supervisor Hoffman motioned we approve the repairs for the 2010 truck.
Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

6. Motion to convene into closed session. The Town Board will consider a motion to convene into closed session pursuant to the provisions of section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin State Statues for the purpose of employment considerations for a Department of Public Works position, as well as section 19.85(1)(e) for the purpose of considering a proposed Building Inspector agreement
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to convene into closed session at 8:05 PM
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

7. Motion to return to open session
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to return to open session at 9:11 PM
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

8. Motion if any from closed session
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to hire Ryan Butz at $22/hour as part time with no guarantee of hours and to be reviewed on October 1.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to enter into a full year contract with Lake Mills Troy Evenson to be our building inspector.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

9. Adjournment
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to adjourn at 9:12 PM
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted
Caitlin Kincannon
Clerk
4/9/2024