MEETING MINUTES
Date Description & Time Location Meeting Status

Town of Dunkirk

Dane County, Wisconsin

Town Board Meeting Minutes

 

July 20, 2020

 

7:00 PM

Dunkirk Town Hall

654 County Highway N

 

Chairman Monsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Also present were Supervisor Ted Olson, Supervisor Daniel Jenks, Constable Greg Holte, Treasurer Bonnie Smithback, and Clerk Melanie Huchthausen.   Others in attendance were Dale Beske, Jeanne Schwass-Long, Tristan McGough from the Edgerton Reporter, Dawn Stronach, Jack Lyons, and Paul Tyler.  Due to COVID, the meeting was held telephonically. 

 

1.    Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance.  The Pledge was led by Constable Greg Holte.  

 

2.      Approval of Agenda.  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried 3-0. 

 

3.  Minutes: Chairman Monsen asked if everyone read the minutes.  Supervisor Jenks stated a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 6, 2020.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Olson.  Motion carried­ 3-0. 

 

4.  Report on Bills:  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to accept and approve the bills payable in the amount $17,939.47. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.    Motion carried 3-0.

 

5.  Public Comment:  (1) Jeanne Schwass-Long provided her Commission on Aging report.  They are looking for a representative from Albion.  They elected a Chair and Vice-Chair.  Meals on Wheels are back to five day delivery.  They are doing virtual programming. City will be opening all of its polling places for the August meeting which will help avoid the confusion that took place during the April election.  (2) Dawn Stronach voiced her complaints regarding Thayer Every accumulating unregistered vehicles.  In addition, the tractors that he previously stated would be taken to the pit on Highway 138.  Dean has to mow his property and there are increased problems with woodchucks.  His semi is being parked on the property in violation of Dane County ordinances.  Chairman Monsen directed Constable Holte to respond to these complaints.                  

 

6.  Clerk's Report:   Clerk Huchthausen gave the Clerk’s report, a copy of which is attached and made a part of these minutes.  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to approve the Clerk’s Report.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried 3-0.    

 

7.  Road Crew: (1) Road work on Taylor and Oak Lawn is anticipated to be completed by the end of July.  (2) Cold patching on various roads is being done.  (3) Eggleson’s Woods is not going to be sealed.  Due to the work that the City is doing in the area, they do not believe it would be cost effective.   

 

8.  Constable Report:     None. 

 

9.  Complaints:    None.

 

10.  Unfinished Business:

         

a.   Discussion and necessary action on Tower Drive culvert.  Dale Beske prepared a 15 page presentation, a copy of which is attached. This presentation contained Dale’s opinions and not necessarily opinions held by the Board.  Paul Tyler stated he spoke with two gentleman who run backhoes.  Both men stated that the culvert can be taken out without ruining the culvert, but it will take a bigger hole.  It was their recommendation to replace the culvert.  Supervisor Jenks thanked Dale Beske for his presentation and for Mr. Tyler’s comments.  Chairman Monsen also commended the research and presentation.  Supervisor Olson recommended the Clerk contact Dennis Norden to obtain his engineering recommendations.  Supervisor Jenks would like to obtain the file from Dane County on their recommendations regarding the culvert.  Jenks would also like to obtain the cost estimate for hydro-jetting underneath the culvert.  Paul Tyler spoke with someone who performs hydro-jetting and the cost is $250-350 per hour.  Paul Tyler priced out the culvert and his price was $2,600 a section and there are two sections there, for a total price of $5,200.  Chairman Monsen summarized that the Clerk will contact Dennis Norden to provide engineering costs to replace the culvert and to contact Town of Dunn to obtain the cost of hydro-jetting.  Chairman Monsen would also like to provide Dale’s presentation to Attorney Mary Behling to obtain her thoughts and recommendations. 

 

11.    New Business:

 

a.   Discussion and necessary action on Resolution No. 07-20-02, Approval and Authorizing Application for Loan #2020015, refinancing $229,467.78 from 4% interest to 2.5% interest.  Supervisor Olson read the Form of Record provided by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.  In addition, the Clerk read Resolution No. 07-20-02, Approval and Authorizing Application for Loan #2020015, refinancing $229,467.68 from 4% interest to 2.5% interest.  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to Resolution No. 07-20-02, to approve loan #2020015, refinancing $229,467.78 from 4% interest to 2.5% interest.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried 3-0.

   

b.   Discussion and necessary action on Resolution No. 07-20-03, Approval and Authorizing Application for $350,000.00 loan to finance roadwork and road equipment, and to obtain lower interest rate.  Supervisor Olson read the Form of Record provided by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands.  In addition, the Clerk read Resolution No. 07-20-03, Approval and Authorizing Application for $350,000.00 loan to finance roadwork and road equipment, and to obtain a lower interest rate.  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to approve Resolution No. 07-20-03, Approval and Authorizing Application for $350,000.00 loan to finance roadwork and road equipment, and to obtain a lower interest rate.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried 3-0.

 

c.   Discussion and necessary action on City of Stoughton Mandt Park decisions and supporting the Stoughton Jr. Fair.  Chairman Monsen spoke with the Mayor regarding the City of Stoughton whitewater rafting work and anything that would affect the Stoughton Jr. Fair.  Mayor Swadley is willing to meet with the Town Board or give a presentation over a Zoom meeting.  Supervisors Jenks and Olson both agree that a meeting with the Mayor and his staff is in order.  A Zoom meeting with residents would be difficult.  Supervisor Jenks stated he will attempt to determine how many people can be in the Town Hall for an in-person meeting.  There was a meeting with the Whitewater Ad Hoc Steering Committee this morning.  The Clerk attended and a representative from the Dunkirk Dam Lake District also attended.  Chairman Monsen will ask the Mayor about two separate meetings about the Whitewater Park and then their plans for Mandt Park, specifically how it will affect the Stoughton Jr. Fair. 

 

d.   Discussion and necessary action on Stoughton Utilities billing.  Chairman Monsen spoke with the Mayor and the Finance Director who are now speaking with the Utilities billing director.  No action taken.

 

e.   Discussion and necessary action on scheduling a Rural Preservation Committee meeting for July 27, 2020.  The meeting will not take place on the 27th as originally planned.  The matter will be placed on the next agenda, pending limits of meeting space.  Chairman Monsen will prepare a letter and packet to be sent to the Committee members.  A meeting will be scheduled at such time when an in-person meeting can take place. 

   

12.  Future Agenda Items.  Supervisor Jenks - Quality deer management presentation. 

 

 

 

 

 

13.  Adjournment:   No further business, Supervisor Olson stated a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried 3-0. 

 

Submitted 08/03/2020

Melanie Huchthausen, Clerk

 

Attachments:

List of attendees

Copy of Bills

Copy of agenda for July 20, 2020 meeting

Copy of Clerk’s Report