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October 9, 2024 Meeting Minutes

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 7 attendees.

1. Call to order and verification of public meeting
The Chairperson called the meeting of the Town Board of Koshkonong to order at
7:00 PM., and the Clerk verified the proper postings had been made.

2. Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3. Public comment – agenda items only.

  • Kim Chamberlain, N987 Vinnie Ha Ha, regarding agenda item #8
    Discussed last month’s discussion of signage, but has concerns about signage on public road, opening it up to more traffic than they would like, potentially causing more damage
  • Shelly Cloute, N965 Vinnie Ha Ha, regarding agenda item #8
    Reflected on Supervisor Hill’s comment of “nothing more than a neighborhood dispute”
    – said this all started because she asked a question about the property and its use or misuse. She came to the Board, but now feels she asked the wrong question. She has never had a problem with 4wheelers or snowmobiles. Her question was ‘is it a public launch where you can back in your trailer’
    .

4. Approve meeting minutes from September 2024
Supervisor Hoffman motioned to put the September 2024 meeting minutes on file.
Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

5. September 2024 Treasurer’s Report
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to put the September 2024 Treasurer’s Report on file.
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Chairperson Cheney motioned to move to agenda item #7.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

6. Discuss/Motion request for a driveway variance at W5153 Bark River Road to exceed previously
approved 30-foot width

Property owner Mr. Ulrich present. Previously approved second driveway was for 30ft width with no culvert and that it be sloped away from the road. It has since been decided that more room is needed. Mr. Ulrich asking for approval for 45ft. Supervisor Brandenburg said there shouldn’t be any concern about water flow. Supervisor Hill questioned why Mr. Ulrich did not have Public Works Superintendent Dan Butz do initial inspection prior to starting work.

Supervisor Brandenburg motioned to approve the driveway at 45ft width with understanding that Mr. Ulrich will slope back and we’ll keep an eye on the ditches.
Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
Supervisor Hill wants further discussion, wants to understand why Board did not approve 45ft to begin with.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Agenda paused for Sheriff’s Deputy comment. Deputy reported no increase in issues with ATV traffic. Clerk inquired if department had any issues reported with Everlight Solar, Deputy said he’ll look into it. Chair asked if department will have extra patrols and check ins on upcoming election day. Supervisor Jaeckal thanked department for extra patrols in his neighborhood. Chair asked if department could make a presence at Bingham’s Point.

7. Discuss/Motion land gift proposal from Mark Meyer on Pottawatomi Trl
Chairperson explained biggest drawback to this offer is the public access issue on the conservation easement. If we cannot have public access, it is of no benefit to the town. Supervisor Jaeckel feels we don’t need to take it off the tax roll and it is no benefit to us. Supervisor Brandenburg agrees. Supervisor Hill does not support taking the donation.
Supervisor Hill motioned to cordially thank Mr. Meyer for considering us, but to decline the offer.
Seconded by Supervisor Jaeckel.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

8. Discuss/Motion Vinnie Ha Ha Road public access surveys and signage
Surveys for the public road access and Indian Mound Street access have been completed and marked.
Regarding the public street – Town property stops at the waterline. Chair acknowledged neighborhood’s
concerns about big signs attracting more people and more frequent use. Original intention of the access was to allow people on the opposite side of the road to have water access. There is nothing restricting vehicle access. Chair would like to see it indicated as Town property, but would not like to see markers because it is close to the neighboring property. Supervisor Jaeckel wants to see 6 posts, 3 on each side delineating it. Feels as it is not a paved road, weight limit is not necessary. Chair mentioned our boundary on the south side of the public road is in the brush from the ravine overgrowth. Supervisor Hill feels we would track down anyone who damages the access, and that any public road should be open and accessible to the public. He supports putting corner posts, or 6 posts up, and an indicator that it is Town property. Supervisor Brandenburg would like to see 6 posts as well.

Regarding Indian Mound Street – Chairperson feels neighbor to public access does not feel it is a public access and should be shown survey. Neighbor moved surveyor’s flags, permanent stakes were installed. Chair thinks a letter to the resident should be sent. Supervisors Jaeckel and Brandenburg feel 4 corners should be marked.
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to post 6 stakes delineating public road off Vinnie Ha Ha.
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.
Supervisor Hill motioned to install 3 property markers on the least invasive corners of the town property at Indian Mound Street access between Vinnie Ha Ha and DNR land.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

9. Discuss/Motion request for stop sign on Creamery & McIntyre
Topic was discussed last month and Public Works would do some brush work in the area. The property owner on the other side of the fence is in support of a stop sign.
Supervisor Hoffman motioned to install a stop sign at Creamery & McIntyre, on Creamery going west.
Supervisor Brandenburg feels it’s a thruway. Supervisor Jaeckel suggested a hidden driveway sign. Chair advised we’ve had requests from 2 different residents for a stop sign.
Motion seconded by Supervisor Hill.
Chairperson Cheney, Supervisor Hoffman & Supervisor Hill in favor. Supervisor Jaeckel & Supervisor
Brandenburg oppose. Motion carried.

10. Discuss/Motion code enforcement penalties
Supervisor Hoffman questioned about properties not in compliance with code enforcement after a 2nd notice. Chairperson explained we can bill resident if 2nd notice is sent, but we can’t put penalty charges on their tax bill.
Clerk explained it looks like our code enforcement contact has a process already. We have not come to this point in the almost 2 years of working with code enforcement. If and when it came to that, it would come before the board and ongoing problem would be addressed then and decide on action to take. Allison’s services have been beneficial to the Town. We will continue to work with Allison. No action taken.

11. Discuss/Motion Ford 550 truck repairs
Dan provided estimate, advised estimate is worst case scenario for the repairs.
Supervisor Hoffman motioned to approve the repairs as needed on the Ford 550.
Seconded by Supervisor Hill.
Supervisor Hill amended the motion to include up to the $5020 amount of the estimate.
Seconded by Supervisor Hoffman.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

12. Public Works Report
Superintendent of Public Works Dan Butz present. Oxbow Bend work has been tentatively pushed back to October 22. Town Hall landscaping was done to alleviate water leak into the basement. Some issues on the building were found. Supervisor Brandenburg questioned budget on building maintenance; will be looked at during upcoming budget workshop. Supervisor Jaeckel asked Dan to trim back cedar tree on Kutz Road, and mentioned a pothole on Jaeckel road. Supervisor Brandenburg mentioned a cedar tree on Pond Road needed trimming.

13. Approve Bills
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned approve the October 2024 bills
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

14. Clerk’s Report

  • Everlight Solar soliciting permits approved for October 5 -12, Clerk has not received any complaints
  • Budget workshop October 21, and tentatively October 28
  • Election Day November 5, polls open 7AM to 8PM at Town Shop. Photo ID needed to vote. Absentee ballots due back to Clerk by 8PM on Election Day. Registering to vote deadline October 16, afterwards must register in Clerk’s office or on Election Day. Absentee ballots can be requested up through October 31. Early voting hours have been posted, starts October 22. Poll worker training on October 17 & 19 at the Town Hall.
  • Picnic license issued to FFA for the Chuck Wagon Dinner. Approved for beer & wine license. Event is October 19.
  • Transitioned to a new company for payroll, involuntarily
  • Closed session for Public Works employee Ryan Butz’ review tentatively scheduled for October 21

15. Future Agenda Items

  • Town property south of Monclair Place
  • Dog services contract
  • Wishing Well issues
  • Road ratings

16. Public comment

  • Jennifer Quimby, Mayor of Waterloo – Running for Representative to the Assembly District 46, will be on the November 5 ballot, wanted to introduce herself. Explained everything she is running for is non-partisan. Wants to be a municipal voice, wants to see better state aid.
  • Supervisor Brandenburg asked if Dan spoke to Kriszan about tree on Hackbarth, he has.
  • Supervisor Brandenburg advised another dog on Wishing Well was hit and was killed. Wishing Well
    property owner would like to see the access for Jellystone on Old 26, because cars race on Wishing Well and Koshkonong Lake Road.
  • Audience member asked about status of pigs on Vinnie Ha Ha. Chairperson and Supervisor Hill met with property owner, who indicated pigs are leaving by the end of the month. County zoning advised Chair they received a complaint and knew of contact with resident, they’ll be sending owner a letter advising they knew he advised pigs would be leaving, and if they don’t, zoning will step in.
  • Shelly Cloute – inquired on who will be monitoring public road access on Vinnie Ha Ha for damages? Supervisor Hoffman answered if anyone wants to make complaints, we’ll take them as they come.

17. Board Member announcements

  • Chairperson Cheney – WISLR road ratings are due. Can get copy of current road ratings for board to look at. Needs to be submitted by 12/1. Asks board to check any roads they question ratings on.
  • Supervisor Jaeckel – County’s proposed budget is online now for people to see. Public hearing will be 10/22 at 7PM.

18. Adjournment
Supervisor Jaeckel motioned to adjourn at 8:51PM.
Seconded by Supervisor Brandenburg.
No further discussion, all in favor. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted
Caitlin Kincannon
Clerk

11/8/2024