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Town of Dunkirk
Dane County, Wisconsin
Town Board Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2022
6:30 PM
Dunkirk Town Hall
654 County Highway N
Chairman Monsen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Also present were
Supervisor Ted Olson, Supervisor Daniel Jenks, Treasurer Bonnie Smithback, Constable Greg Holte, Absent; Clerk Melanie Huchthausen. See attached sign-in sheet for others present.
1. Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge was led by Constable Geg 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 May 2, 2022. 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 as presented, payable in the amount $45,182.07. Motion was seconded by Supervisor Jenks. Motion carried 3-0.
5. Public Comment: Newly elected County Supervisor for District 35, Michael Engelberger introduced himself to the town board as he now represents a portion of the town which is partially located in District 35. Sherry Lausch reported heavy trucks from the new Zinc Power Plant and cement trucks from Wingra using Racetrack Road. John Bothum verified that Racetrack Road is posted at 3-ton weigh limit. Board instructed Constable Holte to contact these businesses of the weight limit restriction and possible State Patrol checking usage of the road. Ms. Lausch also reported disturbing noise late evening as well as the unsightliness of the property located at 875 US Hwy. 51 owned by V&B Buildings LLC. Her property backs up to the 875 US Hwy 51.
The town board noted an update to this property; that this has been an ongoing situation and has been referred to the to the County and they are in the process of resolving the situation at this property. Constable Holte will contact Scott Shroeckenthaler at the county for an updated progress report.
6. Clerk's Report: Bonnie Smithback 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: John Bothum reported assisting Town of Rutland with placing culverts, and they have been grading town driveways and general maintenance.
8. Constable Report: No new items to report since last meeting. Will followup with Scott Shroeckenthaler on property at 875 US Highway 51, as to where the county is on this property.
9. Plan Commission Report: No report
10. Rural Preservation Program Commission Report: Tracy from the commission gave the following report:
1. The Rural Preservation Program Commission continues to move forward with the top three landowners using as their guide the Town Board’s May 2 motion to permanently extinguish splits purchased through the Town’s Purchase of Development Rights program
2. The commission continues to work with Goundswell Conservancy to secure appraisals and grant funding for the top three properties
3. The commission asked Supervisor Dan Jenks at their May 10th commission meeting to talk with the Town’s website designers (ISADEX) about making Town Board meeting minutes more visible and accessible.
4. At their May 10th meeting, Commission Chair announced that commissioner Ken Martin has resigned effective immediately due to his busy work schedule. Asking that his name be removed from the Town website and consider appointing another Commissioner to replace Mr. Martin.
Also noted that the Commission Board is responsible for setting RPP
Commission appointment end-dates so that about one-third of the Commission comes ups for reappointment/replacement every year. Noting that at this point it is unclear when commissioners’ appointments expire. Asking clarification from the Town Board.
5. At their May 10th meeting, Kim Maerz was unanimously re-elected Commission Secretary for another year. With a big thank you to Kim for continuing in this role. Noting she has done a great job and the Commission recognizes and appreciates her work.
11. Complaints: None
12. Unfinished Business:
a. Discussion and necessary action on amending the Town’s Land Use Plan: William Delehanty reviewed the County’s dissatisfaction having dual zones on one property with both commercial and residential zones. A change to one or the other zoning would require an amendment to the Land Use Plan. Supervisor Jenks referred to the process and necessary steps to follow before the board could act.
Adjacent property owner, Trenton Nelson, spoke to the dual zoned subject property and had the following concerns to change, commercial vs residential. Strongly opposed to a commercial zoning change for the following reasons:
1. Extremely detrimental to the wildlife that call the area of the pines home. Routinely have active fox, deer, turkey, ducks, birds and all sorts of wildlife that would be terminated or forced from this habitat. Besides the wildlife, concern for removing the forest of pines, which after looking at a map of the property is listed as an environmental corridor.
2. The affect of property value after discussion with several real estate agents who agree there would be a negative impact to adjacent property. Asking why current property owners take a financial loss for other parties to have a financial gain.
3. Disrupting a natural forest does not seem to be a good option.
4. It is understood the type of commercial building proposed would be open 24 hours and would be disruptive to the residential neighborhood.
5. Noting: The Mission of the Rural Preservation Program is to protect and preserve agricultural lands, natural areas and the rural character of the Town. This message is taken from the Town’s mission statement and questions how does allowing this proposal fit into this mission statement.
6. The current property with storage units is unkept and an eye sore to the town.
Town Board recommends a meeting with Majid Allan from the County along with the Town’s Plan Commission to discuss the county’s position on this particular property and its zoning.
b. Discussion and necessary action on updating the Town’s Employee Handbook. Review and revisions continue.
c. Discussion and necessary action on Wisconsin Disaster Fund paperwork related to the March 5, 2022, tornado and wind storm: Still Pending
13. New Business:
a. Discussion and necessary action on appointment of two Rural Preservation Commission to a two-year term. Town Board will begin the process to fulfill openings on the Commission Board.
Town Board agreed to stagger the appointment terms at the next meeting using a random drawing process for one, two, and three-year appointments. As recommended by Preservation Commission.
b. Discussion and necessary action on improving the Town’s website. Contact will be made with the website designer, ISADEX, to discuss recommendations on improvements. With the possibility of procuring a designated IT individual to assist with changes and updates required on the website.
c. Discussion and necessary action on Town Attorney. Supervisor Olson has a lead on an attorney, will be contacting. And if attorney is not interested to place an advertisement for a town attorney.
14. Future Agenda Items. None
15. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned 7:41 pm by Chairman Monsen.
Meeting minutes prepared by:
Bonnie K. Smithback, Treasurer
Attachments:
List of attendees
Copy of Bills
Copy of agenda for May 26, 2022 meeting
Copy of Clerk’s Report
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