This meeting was also broadcast by zoom meeting and several residents attended virtually.

Chairman Bill Burlingame called the meeting of the Town Board of Koshkonong to order at 7pm. The clerk verified the proper postings had been made.

Chairman Bill Burlingame, Supervisors Jim Brandenburg, Walt Christensen, Erik Hoffman, Matt Hill, Treasurer Caitlin Kincannon (attended via zoom) and clerk Kim Cheney present.

The chairman and four supervisors met at three locations prior to the meeting to view the properties as a whole. A quorum notice was posted and no discussion took place at any of the locations.

Public Comments

Resident Judy Almquist spoke in opposition of the proposed bike path to the park. She suggested access on the west side of the park. Resident Paul Verhalen spoke about the problems relating to parking on Groeler/Schwemmer Lane for the boat launch. He indicated the parking has become a problem with trash, public nuisance and a safety concern. Resident Richard Howe spoke in opposition to the proposed bike path to the park. He brought up concerns about safety, lighting, maintenance and privacy to the property owners in this area. Resident Gordon Gavin commented on the proposed bike path, indicating the park is not conducive to bikes as most of the path areas are too wet. Resident Deb Zebell also commented on the proposed bike path, stating safety concerns.

Approve meeting minutes from April 21st

Brandenburg/Hill motion to approve the April 21st minutes as presented. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report March & April

The Treasurer presented the March and April monthly reports. Brandenburg/Hoffman motion to place both reports on file, motion carried.

Discuss/Action request for no parking on Groeler/Schwemmer Lane

Resident Paul Verhalen (Schwemmer Lane) present to represent the property owners in this area. He indicated the parking on both sides of Schwemmer and Groeler has been overcrowded, garbage left, and unsafe. The DNR owns the boat launch and is designed by 17 boats. Mr. Verhalen provided a petition from the neighborhood asking the Town Board to consider no parking on Groeler/Schwemmer. The DNR is considering some options to increase parking on their land but want to control boating access on that portion of the river. Brandenburg/Hoffman motion to prohibit parking on both sides of Schwemmer Lane and Groeler Road from Business Hwy 26 to the end of Schwemmer. No further discussion, motion carried unanimously. Notices will be published and more signs installed.

Discuss/Action proposed use of land off Hackbarth (between Faith Community Church and Bramble Bush cul de sac) for a bike path to Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park

The Town Board viewed this property prior to the meeting. Several residents spoke out in opposition to use of this land for a bike path to the park. One resident commented that bike riding is not allowed in the park. Supervisor Christensen commented that there may be an alternative to enter the park from Bramble Bush Lane. Brandenburg/Hoffman motion to have Supervisor Christensen prepare a more formal proposal using Riggert Road to Bramble Bush Lane for a park access. No further discussion, motion carried. Future discussion needs to be had on what to do with this property.

Discuss/Action seeding at Mush-Ko-Se-Day Park

Proposal received from Tall Grass Prairies to seed at the park. Christensen/Hill motion to accept the proposal, motion carried.

Discuss/Action proposed clean up of shoreline on Rock River Road, park funds to be used

Town Board members visited this area prior to the meeting. Resident Dick Wanie had previously asked the Town Board to consider cleaning the shoreline on Rock River Road from the bridge to Bark River Road to allow more access for fishing and river enjoyment. Hoffman/Brandenburg motion to designate up to $5,000 for the developer’s park fee to clean the shoreline of trees/brush. Invasive brush to be removed and properly disposed of. Supervisor Christensen suggested using native plantings. No further discussion, motion carried unanimously.

Discuss/Action drainage issue with filtration ponds in Koshkonong Lake Estates

Town board members visited this site prior to the meeting. The developer is currently having the filtration ponds pumped out to address issues that they were not draining properly. The problem will be addressed once the ponds are drained.

Discuss/Action to borrow money for future road work

The chairman indicated that he had spoken to the bank and the town would be in a position to borrow funds at a low interest rate right now. Supervisor Brandenburg suggests discussing this in July after the annual financial review. Supervisor Christensen indicated concern with the economic problems right now. Supervisor Hoffman stated interest rates are very low and this may be the time to consider a loan. This will be a future agenda item.

Public Comment

Supervisor Christensen reported that the old mower for the park is fixed with a new engine. The clerk reported that the state is moving ahead with the Hwy 12 rehab project and will soon be in contact with the town regarding land acquisition at the corner of Hwy 12/Star School Road.

Approve bills Hoffman/Brandenburg motion to approve the bills, motion carried.

Future agenda items.

Borrowing for road projects. Public Works employee Jeff Wiedenhoeft will need to have his 90 day review. This will require a closed session. Speed limit on Hackbarth. March meeting minutes.

Closed Session. The Town Board will consider a motion to convene into closed session pursuant to the provisions of section 19.83 (1) of the Wisconsin State Statues for the purpose of employee(s) reviews, employee considerations and employee compensations.

Brandenburg/Christensen motion to convene into closed session at 9pm and include Dan Butz and Kim Cheney, motion carried.

Return to open session and action if any from closed session.

Christensen/Brandenburg motion to return to open session at 9:45pm, motion carried.

Brandenburg/Hoffman motion to give Lucas Buckingham, public works employee, a $.50 per hour raise effective May 3, motion carried.

Adjournment

Brandenburg/Christensen motion to adjourn at 9:50pm, motion carried.

Kim Cheney Town Clerk

06/04/2020