Town of Center Board & Foundation Meetings | September 1 & September 14, 2026 found at: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
In September sessions, the Town of Center Board approved a $1.15 million State Trust Fund loan for municipal roadwork while tabling a non-disclosure agreement with engineering firm MSA over liability concerns. The Board also confronted public criticism regarding Open Meetings Law compliance, held extensive discussions on internal board governance, and met in joint session with the Center Community Foundation to align grant strategies and park operations.
Infrastructure & Finance: $1.15M State Loan Approved, Engineering NDA Tabled
The Board unanimously approved Resolution 4-2026, authorizing the town to borrow $1,147,000.15 through the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands State Trust Fund. The 10-year loan will finance upfront road reconstruction expenses prior to state reimbursement.
On the Center Valley Road reconstruction project, the Board revisited a proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with MSA for AutoCAD design files. Following legal advice during a September 1 closed session, the Board previously moved to request all contractually required deliverables from MSA. During the September 14 meeting, Supervisor Travis Thiel highlighted concerns regarding Item #5 of the proposed NDA, noting that modified design files could inadvertently release MSA from monetary liability for original design errors. The Board voted 5-0 to table the NDA pending review and clarification with legal counsel and Cedar Corp to ensure MSA retains liability for its original design work.
Regarding local development, representatives from V&I Construction discussed opening a quarry expansion site on parcel 040-051800 to support the Highway 41/40 project. The Board agreed to establish a road repair agreement and conduct pre-hauling video documentation for Rock Road to protect town infrastructure.
Public Comment & Board Governance: Open Meetings Complaint and Internal Protocols
During public comment, resident David VanderLinden issued a formal statement alleging that the Board violated Wisconsin’s Open Meetings Law during its July 13 meeting by voting to remove a sponsor sign from the ball diamond fence under a vague agenda topic (“ball diamond rules sign”). VanderLinden announced he is filing a verified complaint with the Outagamie County District Attorney’s Office and requested an official written apology from the Board, a verbal apology on record, and policy reform. Resident Al Kramer raised questions regarding MSA communications and referenced Wisconsin Statute 17.13(2m) regarding procedures for elected official removal.
Addressing general governance, Supervisor Thiel initiated a discussion on Board conduct, emphasizing the necessity for unified communication, transparency, and avoiding individual “lone ranger” actions when interacting with residents. Board members concurred that significant resident inquiries must be brought to the full Board before offering resolutions, and reminded members to limit group text messages and emails to purely informational or scheduling matters to avoid creating unlawful informal quorums.
Public Works & Community Operations: Highway Fill Dirt, Traffic, and Noise Concerns
Public Works Director Tom Brown reported an opportunity to acquire approximately 15,000 cubic yards of free fill dirt from the Highway 41/40 project awarded to V&I Construction. The dirt will be used to level municipal ground behind the maintenance building, pending site plan approval from Outagamie County regarding nearby waterways.
Additional operational updates included:
- Jake Brake Noise: Resident Gary Coin voiced frustration over early-morning engine braking on Center Valley Road near the co-op. Chairman Timm noted enforcement challenges on county roads and offered to contact co-op management to request voluntary driver compliance.
- Traffic Safety: A parking complaint was noted regarding a pickup truck remaining partially in the ditch on High View Heights (3832 High View Heights). Local law enforcement will follow up.
- Elections & Assessment: Clerk-Treasurer Amy Olson announced absentee ballots would be mailed by September 17. Open Book is scheduled for September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the Board of Review following on October 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Joint Session: Center Community Foundation Governance & Park Operations
In a joint session with the Center Community Foundation (501c3), the Foundation Board completed organizational updates and evaluated recent community events:
- Leadership Appointments: Steve Michael was appointed as Citizen Director and Vice President. Tom Brown was elected Chairman/President and designated as an authorized transaction signer alongside Clerk-Treasurer Lana.
- Financials & Grants: The Board approved reimbursing $500 to EMS/Fire for an ice machine purchase utilizing a previously awarded WE Energies grant. The Foundation’s bank balance stood at $1,425.40 prior to the reimbursement.
- Tractor Pull Review: The inaugural September 13 Tractor Pull generated approximately $4,000 in gross revenue, yielding a net profit of roughly $1,000. Board members deemed the event a success and discussed seeking corporate sponsorships for future pulls.
- Bylaws & Fence Signage: The Board agreed to refine the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) mission statement to explicitly reflect town grant priorities (parks, fire, EMS). Additionally, the Board reviewed proposals to establish a standardized banner sponsorship program for the ball diamond fence ($500/year potential display fee per slot) and set plans for a dedicated working session prior to October to finalize rules, sizes, and application procedures.
Key Action Items
- Engineering NDA: Clarify language in Item #5 of the MSA Non-Disclosure Agreement with legal counsel and Cedar Corp regarding original design liability.
- Highway 41 Dirt Fill: Coordinate with Outagamie County Highway Department to approve site boundaries and environmental buffers before receiving ~15,000 yards of fill dirt.
- Signage & Park Working Session: Schedule a special Board session before October to finalize fence sign policies, fee structures, and application guidelines.
- Traffic Enforcement: Local deputy to contact the vehicle owner at 3832 High View Heights regarding roadside parking compliance.
- Co-Op Outreach: Chairman Timm to contact local co-op management regarding truck driver noise restraint on Center Valley Road.
The Board scheduled its 2027 Budget Meeting for October 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. The next regular Town Board meeting will take place in October.
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