Town of Dunkirk

Dane County, Wisconsin

Town Board Meeting Minutes

September 20, 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, Road Crew member John Bothum 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 the Constable. 

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

3.  Minutes: Chairman Monsen asked if everyone read the minutes.  Supervisor Olson stated a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 7, 2021.  Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks.  Motion carried­ 3-0.    

4.  Report on Bills:  Supervisor Jenks stated a motion to accept and approve the bills payable in the amount $22,418.23. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Olson.    Supervisor Jenks questioned the amount the Town has spent on the Rural Preservation Program.  The Clerk explained the amount budgeted and spent to date.  Motion carried 3-0.

5.  Public Comment:  (1)  Jeanne Schwass-Long was in attendance to give her Commission on Aging Report.  There are new representatives, one for the City of Stoughton and one for the Town of Albion.  The repairs to the parking lot continues.  $1,500 was raised on the pork sandwich fundraiser.  They are seeking additional funding for the annex. 

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) The windows have been completed $15 under budget.  (2) Bothum has attempted without success to contact Payne & Dolan to complete the patch on Tower.       

8.  Constable Report:  None   

9.  Plan Commission Report:  None. 

10.  Rural Preservation Commission Report.  The Commission is meeting every two weeks.  They continue to work on the ranking criteria. 

11.  Complaints:       

12.  Unfinished Business: 

a.     Discussion and necessary action on rural broadband work in the

County.  The Town continues to wait for the survey from the County. 

b.    Discussion and necessary action on solar farm ordinance.  The

Plan Commission Sub-Committee’s information has been forwarded to Attorney Behling for her review. 

c.     Discussion and necessary action on honoring former Town of

Dunn Chairman Ed Minihan.  The Town approved planting a tree in Dunkirk in honor of Ed Minihan.  His favorite tree was an oak.  Bothum suggested the Town plant a tree in front of the Town Hall.  He and the Town Board will look for an oak. 

13.    New Business:

a.   Discussion and necessary action on update from Emily Bahr.  The

City of Stoughton Common Council approved an update to Race Track Road, which includes Emily’s property.  An article in the Stoughton Courier Hub was a surprise to her.  Two years ago Emily spoke with the City regarding annexing and developing her property.  The City presented her an offer to purchase her property, which she declined.  Emily sold a property in the City of Stoughton for a considerable amount of money.  After that, she contacted the Mayor of Stoughton with the amount she would like for her parcel.  She has then spoken with the director of the City’s Park Department.  In mid-July the City had an appraisal done. On August 19, 2021, in the Stoughton Courier Hub, she saw that phase one of City’s plan for Racetrack Park includes her parcel.  The article states, “if a proposed land acquisition from the Town of Dunkirk goes through.”  The Town has not been contacted by the City and Emily has not had additional contacts since the appraisal in July.  Emily questioned who she should speak with if she wants to tear down and construct a building on her parcel.  Chairman Monsen advised she would need to obtain a building permit from Dane County Zoning and Town Building Inspector Steve Kittleson.  The City of Stoughton’s Master Plan for Racetrack Park approved in August, 2021 can be found at https://s3.amazonaws.com/city_docs/Racetrack%20Park%20MP%20Report_FINAL.pdf. 

b.   Discussion and necessary action on 2022 Budget Work Meetings.  A working meeting was scheduled for October 4, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. 

c.   Discussion and necessary action on American Rescue Plan

Funding.  No action taken. 

14.  Future Agenda Items.  None.    

15.  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 10/04/2021

Melanie Huchthausen, Clerk

Attachments:

List of attendees

Copy of Bills

Copy of agenda for September 20, 2021 meeting