Highlights from the Town of Center Monthly Board Meeting January 12, 2026 unapproved minutes found at: https://centerwi.gov/agendas-minutes/
The Town of Center Board addressed a variety of local infrastructure and community proposals during its January session, most notably a request to establish a new “official” youth baseball team and a proposal to utilize budget surpluses for new maintenance equipment. While several land-use requests were finalized, the Board opted for further deliberation on the town’s potential partnership with a private baseball organization.
Community Sports and Recreation
The Board heard a proposal from Supervisor David Vander Bloomen regarding the newly formed Center Valley Baseball LLC (CVB), also known as the Center Valley Outlaws. The private, for-profit tournament organization seeks to become the town’s official team.
- Proposal Details: CVB would provide sponsorships for ball diamond maintenance and branding in exchange for two reserved weeknights of practice and promotion on the town website.
- Board Action: Following discussion, the Board voted 3-1 (with Supervisor Thiel dissenting and Supervisor Vander Bloomen abstaining) to postpone a final decision until the February meeting to allow for more internal review.
Public Works and Equipment
Public Works Director Tom Brown suggested the town purchase a UTV (Kawasaki Mule) to assist with park maintenance and weed spraying, noting that 2025 budget surpluses could cover the estimated $12,000–$13,000 cost. While some citizens questioned the necessity of additional equipment, Brown noted that his crew could handle maintenance in-house.
2026 Public Works Priorities:
- Major Projects: Focus on the Center Valley Road project and extensive ditch maintenance across several local roads (Harmattan, Mistral, Wege, etc.).
- Asset Management: The town will list a boom mower, flail mower, and culvert on the ISA auction site with reserve prices.
- Infrastructure: Plans are in place to replace a catch basin in Autumn Hills and a culvert on Rock Road.
Land Use and Licensing
The Board approved several administrative and land-use items:
- Certified Survey Maps (CSM): Two separate CSM requests from the Mueller Trust (Willow Brook Court) and the Schmeichel Family (Mackville Road/Meade Street) to amend lot lines and split parcels were approved unanimously.
- Liquor and Bartender Licenses: St. Edward’s was granted a temporary Class “B” license for its Lenten Friday Fish Fries, along with several individual bartender license approvals.
- Environmental: A whey application permit for Nate Waldvogel Trucking was approved.
Departmental Updates and Safety
- First Responders: Lana Burchill reported a total of 107 calls in 2025. The department is currently facing storage shortages for training equipment. The Board and department heads have scheduled a joint building tour to assess these spatial needs.
- Election News: Clerk Amy Olson noted there is no February primary. The April 7 election will feature a contested race for Supervisor #2 between Rodney Kahler and Gary Blank.
Financial Summary
The Board reviewed and accepted the monthly financial report:
- Expenses: $230,260 (Dec 9 – Jan 12)
- Revenue: $37,671 (excluding property taxes)
- Current Checking Balance: $935,513
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