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Town of Dunkirk
Dane County, Wisconsin
Town Board Meeting Minutes
February 15, 2021
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. See attached sign-in sheet for others present.
1. Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Constable 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 February 1, 2021. Motion was seconded by Chairman Monsen. Motion carried 2-0. Olson abstained.
4. Report on Bills: Supervisor Olson stated a motion to accept and approve the bills payable in the amount $859,554.541 (February tax settlement). Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks. Motion carried 3-0.
5. Public Comment: Jeanne Schwass-Long was in attendance to report on the February Commission on Aging meeting. Case managers had their first COVID vaccine and the meals on wheels drivers will be next. The meals on wheels drivers are not following the no contact rules. However, these drivers feel they need to make contact with some residents. The annex update meeting took place with Mayor Swadley and interested parties. The current leases will end in September, 2023. This will allow the City to do some fundraising to make up the rental fees generated.
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 Jenks stated a motion to approve the Clerk’s Report. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Olson. Motion carried 3-0.
7. Road Crew: The Road Crew has been plowing snow, snow and more snow.
8. Constable Report: Holte received a call from James Danky about Thayer’s CUP. Holte contacted Thayer and relayed the complaint.
9. Complaints: None.
10. Unfinished Business:
a. Discussion and necessary action on identified names offered by
the Stoughton Area Senior Center as outreach to those in need in Dunkirk. The Town Board met with Commission on Aging Representative Jeanne Schwass-Long at a special meeting prior to the Town Board meeting to discuss this agenda item. The Senior Center have identified 150 Dunkirk seniors but the Senior Center is unable to release those names. Jeanne spoke with Murl who has 15 names and will contact them to see if they are interested. Jeanne received an email from Amy, the volunteer coordinator. They are willing to send out a letter if the Town is willing to pay postage. They are also willing to put something in the newsletter. Supervisor Jenks stated he would like to see families paired with those who are lonely. They could send letters, provide cookies, assist in any way they can. Chairman Monsen stated we would need volunteers to do this. He believes each member of the Board, Jeanne and the Clerk could find ten volunteers to assist. There would have to be a timeframe, perhaps March, April and May. There would also have to be a volunteer coordinator on the Town side. Chairman Monsen provided a handout that the Department has sent out to farmers to let them know assistance is available. There are many in the township that would be willing to help. Jeanne believes there may be a number of seniors that might be reluctant to ask for help. The Senior Center also has a “befriender” program but they do not have a lot of people who have signed up. Jeanne will get a list from Murl and the Town Board will recruit volunteers to pair them with. Chairman Monsen will draft a letter than can be sent out, placed on Facebook and on the website. Jeanne will assist coordinating.
b. Discussion and necessary action on PDR Committee. No action taken.
11. New Business:
a. Discussion and necessary action on Stoughton removal of dam. Chairman Monsen and Supervisor Jenks both listened to the City’s
Committee of the Whole meeting regarding this matter. The City continues to work on this matter. Chairman Monsen believes the Town should request the models on the water levels and how that will affect the Dunkirk Dam. There is also concern of the kayakers coming down to Dunkirk and where would they get out. Supervisor Jenks believes sediment could be more problematic. Supervisor Jenks believes the Town should hear the opposition side, which he has heard at the Dunkirk Dam Lake District meetings. He will reach out to some people to see if that could be heard in March.
b. Discussion and necessary action on designating a new savings
fund. Chairman Monsen stated the Town does not have a fund or money designated for when a Road Crew member retires to reimburse their accumulated sick time in health insurance premiums. Ongoing discussions will need to take place at a future time so a budget line item can be created.
c. Convene to closed session: Closed session for Purposes of
Conferring with Legal Counsel with Respect to Possible Litigation pursuant to sec. 19.85(1)(g), Wis. Stats., regarding replacement of culvert on Tower Road. Attorney Parmentier has not contacted Chairman Monsen so no closed session.
d. Reconvene into open session immediately following closed
session.
12. Future Agenda Items.
13. Adjournment: No further business, Supervisor Olson stated a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks. Motion carried 3-0.
Submitted 03/01/2021
Melanie Huchthausen, Clerk
Attachments:
List of attendees
Copy of Bills
Copy of agenda for February 15, 2021 meeting
Copy of Clerk’s Report
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