Highlights from the Town Board Meeting of March 9, 2026 from video of meeting found at: https://www.youtube.com/live/vWlH4uY4CLI
The Town Board moved forward with several municipal improvements during its March meeting, officially approving the purchase of a new UTV for town parks and advancing a mandatory update to local subdivision laws. While the board expressed frustration over state-level legislative changes, they successfully cleared several administrative items, including budget amendments and new rental fees for the local ball diamond.
Land Use and Regulatory Updates
The board spent significant time discussing Act 68, a Wisconsin state law change that necessitates revisions to Chapter 24 of the town’s subdivision ordinances.
- Legislative Friction: Board members voiced concerns that the state is imposing “city-like” regulations—such as mandated bike lanes and walking paths—on smaller towns.
- Fiscal Impact: It was noted that while the regulations are intrusive, developers would be responsible for the initial costs of these additions.
- Next Steps: The board approved the amendments to conform to state law; a public hearing on the matter is scheduled for next month.
Additionally, the board approved a Certified Survey Map (CSM) for Gerald and Ron Bowman, allowing for a lot line adjustment to facilitate a family land transfer.
Equipment and Infrastructure
Several decisions were made regarding the town’s fleet and facilities, balancing immediate needs against long-term costs:
- Parks UTV: The board approved the purchase of a UTV from Ken Sports for $12,786, selecting it as the most cost-effective of three bids.
- Mower Trade-In: To resolve issues with obtaining replacement parts, the town will trade in its three-year-old flail mower for a Berky model. The town will first attempt to sell the old unit at an ISA auction in late April to exceed the guaranteed $5,800 trade-in value.
- Facility Maintenance: Plans for a water line at the ball diamond have been delayed to prioritize repairs for a leaking roof at the town garage.
- Public Safety: The board approved $759 for a traceable audit trail narcotics cabinet for EMS.
Public Safety and Community Services
The board received a comprehensive 2025 impact report from Gold Cross. The service responded to 113 calls in the area last year, meeting its 14-minute response goal 90% of the time. Representatives highlighted the upcoming 2027 rollout of a free Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training program.
In department updates, the First Responders reported a busy February with 13 calls. They recently secured a grant for an ice machine, and the board will consider a town contribution to the remaining cost during the April meeting.
Financials and Administrative Actions
The board took the following formal actions to maintain town operations:
- Budget Amendment: Approved Resolution 1-26, adjusting the budget to account for the First Responder grant and the UTV purchase.
- Ball Diamond Fees: To offset maintenance costs, the board instituted a $25 per hour rental fee for tournaments. Practice sessions will remain free of charge.
- Records Retention: The board voted to adopt the Wisconsin Historical Society’s records retention schedule, with a formal ordinance update to follow.
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