Town of Milford
Town Board Minutes
February 8, 2024
The Town Board meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Steve Kube. All board members were present along with twelve citizens.
The minutes of the January 11, 2024, meeting were read. Steve Kube made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the minutes were approved.
The treasurer’s report was read. Steve Kube made a motion to accept the report with a correction being made to change the transfer to checking in the amount of $917,300.00 shown in the Money Market General Fund from an addition to a subtraction from that account. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
For public input, Steve Kube stated that he had received some complaints on the snowplowing from the last snowstorm; but for the most part, people were understanding. There will be another informational meeting on the Johnson Creek School referendum on February 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Johnson Creek.
The rezoning applications of the Gertrude Moss Trust were reviewed. Steve Kube made a motion to approve the rezoning from A-1 to A-3 to create two 1-acre residential lots along Reichart Road on Parcel 020-0814-2442-000. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed. Steve Kube then made a motion to approve the rezoning from A-1 to Natural Resources to create a 6.745 acre lot along Reichart Road on Parcel 020-0814-2424-000. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Chairman Steve Kube gave an update on the area Fire/EMS services.
- Steve Kube and Duane Bennett attended a meeting at the Waterloo Fire Department which was a discussion on the bylaws and procedures.
- The Johnson Creek Fire Chief has left and gone to Fort Atkinson. They are looking for a new fire chief. There will be a quarterly meeting on February 27 or February 29. A new engine has been ordered but our payments to the department are to stay the same.
- The Watertown Fire Department Chief has also left for a new position.
- The Lake Mills Fire Department has ordered a new ladder truck. The truck is eight years overdue for replacement. Chief Russ was present at the meeting and advised that the report we have tonight includes a yearly report for 2023. They have had a successful audit and came in under budget for the year. There were roughly 250 fire calls for the year.
- The Glacial Trails EMS has moved into the old Lake Mills EMS building which was purchased by Ryan’s Auto Care.
- Our payment for the Watertown Rural Fire Department’s new truck will be due in September of this year.
The revised ATV/UTV Ordinance was reviewed. The ordinance was to have been reviewed in 2022. The only change being made is that the ordinance will remain in effect until such time as a review and revision are deemed necessary by the Town Board. Tony Schadt made a motion to approve the ordinance with Duane Bennett seconding it. The motion passed.
The Operator’s License for Lisa Bartus was reviewed. Tony Schadt made a motion to grant the license. Steve Kube seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Chaney Systems has advised that our website is in need of the latest version of DNN for our protection. They estimate this upgrade will take between 8 to 12 hours which will be billed at $125.00 per hour. Tony Schadt made a motion to obtain the upgrade. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The 6-20 ft. culvert/small bridge inventory that is required to be completed was discussed. We need to determine by April 15th who will perform this inventory. The cost will be $100.00 per culvert/small bridge that is inventoried. This cost will be reimbursed to the town by the state through the grant that has been set up for inventorying. After discussion, Steve Kube made a motion that we hire Delmore Consulting to do the inventory for the township. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Bids for brush/tree trimming were opened. Bids were received from: Genesis Tree Service; Rock Creek Grade, LLC; Joe’s Tree Service; Krizsan’s Tree Service, Inc; Two Guys Trimming, Inc.; Kauffeld Tree Care, LLC; Skalitzky Drainage, LLC; and Zechzer Excavating, Inc. Many of the bids covered different portions of the work that needs to be completed in which the company specialized. After careful review of all aspects of the bids, the contract was awarded to Rock Creek Grade, LLC, for a total of $33,500.00. This contract will cover all of the work that the town was seeking to be completed at this time.
Chairman Kube advised the board that the Town of Watertown is currently working to reduce the speed limit on Navan Road to 45 MPH.
The Zoning documents were reviewed.
Steve Kube made a motion to adjourn the meeting with the payment of statements to follow adjournment. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford Planning Commission
January 11, 2024
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairman Steve Duwe. All Planning Commission members and nine citizens were present.
The minutes of the December 14, 2023, meeting were read. Two changes will be made in the minutes. On Dana Tuyls ‘ conditional use permits, equine therapy and the fact that it is a non-profit business will be added.
Mary Seurer was present to explain the applications for rezoning made on behalf of the Gertrude Moss Trust. On Parcel 020-0814-2442-000, they are requesting rezoning from A-1 to A-3 to create two 1-acres residential lots along Reichart Road. The driveways will come out on Reichart Road. On Parcel 020-0814-2424-000, they are requesting a rezoning from A-1 to Natural Resources to create a 6.745 acre lot along Reichart Road. They are intending to retain the woods and possibly sell the farmland in the future. The lots are marked. Since this is a rezoning, the matters will be heard again at the February meeting.
It was brought up that on the Nicole and Adam Kelly Conditional Use Permits that were approved last month, the driveway that is used to get to the house is actually on Dennis Stilling’s land. Mr. Stilling does not want his driveway used for this due to the liability that could be involved. There is an easement to the north of the driveway going to the house that could be used. At the time the Planning Commission approved the Conditional Use Permits, they were not aware of the driveway issue. After discussion, it was decided that this actually is a matter that will need to be resolved between the Kellys and Mr. Stilling.
There being no further business to come before the board, Clem Mess made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford
January 11, 2024 Town Board Minutes
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Kube, at 7:30 p.m. with all board members and nine citizens present.
The minutes of the December 14, 2023, board meeting were read. Steve Kube made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The treasurer’s report was read. Tony Schadt made a motion to approve the report as read. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
For public input, the following matters were discussed:
- Dave Messmer had a picture of the bridge on Hoopers Mill. The bridge is 18 foot. The state is going to be doing an inventory of bridges and culverts under 20 foot. There is a webinar coming up which will explain this process further.
- Lynette Pauli questioned who is checking on safety and septic issues on airbnbs since we have granted a couple of conditional use permits for these recently. At this time, the county does not have any jurisdiction over these. After discussion, it was pointed out that all liability would fall on the owners and not the town.
- We have sent out a statement for garbage and recycling on four fire numbers on Erb-Wrensch Lane. We will check on the fire numbers N7126 and N7108 to see if they are paying for garbage collection.
The town board has toured our roads and marked trees that need to be removed. There are trees marked on Faville Road, Englehardt Road, Timberline Court, East Hubbleton and Manske Road. We will need to put this out for bids. The contractor will need to protect electrical lines and provide proof of insurance. A drum cutter would drop the trees straight down. Some large trees will need to be mechanically removed. We will open the bids at next month’s meeting and the work will need to be completed within 60 days. The ad will be published and we will send it to several companies in the area. The board will work on the wording for the ad following the meeting.
We have received an email from Jesse Hafenstein regarding the garbage and recycling charge added to their vacant lot that was assigned a fire number. It is the policy of the town that every fire number receives a charge for collection.
The Recycling Compliance Assurance Plan was reviewed. The DNR has requested this in the past years and it is needed in order to keep receiving our recycling grant. Steve Kube made a motion to sign the Plan and Tony Schadt seconded the motion. The document was signed and it will be forwarded to the DNR.
There will be a meeting at the Waterloo Fire Department on January 24th at 6:00 p.m. All board members will try to attend this meeting.
We will need to place an ad for a snowplower. Andy Weihert has given his notice that he will be done as of January 22nd. The potential candidate could also perform other duties for the town. A CDL license will be required.
Miscellaneous correspondence and fire department reports were reviewed.
There being no other business, Steve Kube made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Tony Schadt seconding it. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford
Minutes of Planning Commission
December 14, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Duwe at 7:00 p.m. All commission members and 27 citizens were present.
The minutes of the November 9, 2023, Planning Commission meeting were read and approved.
Adam and Nicole Kelly were in attendance to present their applications for conditional use permits. The application for N7998 Highway N, Watertown would be for a short-term rental. This is for a cabin that has access to Hahn Lake. The application for N8004 Highway A, Watertown (the former Linda’s Lookout) would also be for a short-term rental. This property is being remodeled.
After discussion on the proposed plans for each property, Tony Schadt made a motion to recommend the granting of the conditional use permit for N7998 Highway N, Watertown with Clem Mess seconding the motion. The motion passed.
Clem Mess made a motion to recommend the granting of the conditional use permit for N8004 Highway A, Watertown, Wisconsin. Dave Messmer seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Dana Tuyls was in attendance to present her applications for conditional use permits. The application for Dana Tuyls’ Sunset Sanctuary, LLC. would be for providing horseback riding lessons with the possibility of kids camps or tutoring services for students. The other application is for Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. This is a non-profit that will eventually provide riding lessons to all people including people with disabilities and mental health needs. With fundraising, Dana Tuyls hopes to be able to provide free and reduced rate lessons. Discussion followed regarding the requirements if there are future building projects, the number of animals allowed, etc.
After discussion, Clem Mess made a motion to recommend the granting of the conditional use permit for Dana Tuyls’ Sunset Sanctuary, LLC. with Dave Messmer seconding the motion. The motion passed.
Tony Schadt made a motion to recommend the granting of the conditional use permit for Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. Clem Mess seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Chairman Steve Duwe brought up the fact that we have had several inquiries about the property on Vandre Road. They have been advised of the road/driveway issues prior to the filing of any paperwork for any permits
There being no other business to come before the Planning Commission, Tony Schadt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Clem Mess seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford
Minutes of Town Board Meeting
December 14, 2023
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Kube at 7:40 p.m. with all board members and 22 citizens present.
The minutes of the November 9, 2023, meeting were read. Steve Kube made a motion to approve the minutes as presented with Tony Schadt seconding the motion. The motion passed and the minutes were approved.
The treasurer’s report was read. Tony Schadt made a motion to approve the report as presented. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the report was approved.
For public input the following items were discussed:
- Steve Kube thanked the board for getting the property taxes out so quickly.
- The City of Lake Mills Fire Department has purchased a new ladder truck for $1.58 million. The old truck is 36 years old and it is recommended that trucks be replaced at 25 years. The new truck will have a longer ladder and more water storage.
- It was questioned if Watertown Rural Fire Department is still getting a new truck. Steve Kube advised that the truck is being built and that the city will be setting up a meeting with the townships regarding payment for the new truck.
- Kathy Redmer advised the board that she is working with a new tax program. She works with the county as issues arise; but once the problems are all resolved, the program should work well.
- Dave Messmer brought up the fact that Hoopers Mill bridge has cracks under it. It is believed that the last concrete work was done in 1977.
- A citizen advised us that cars are jumping the hill on Schmidt Road. There are children in the properties and school bus stops along the road and this is creating very dangerous situations. The Sheriff’s Department has been advised of this situation.
We have received notice of the issuance of a fire number for W5257 Navan Road, Watertown. This sign will be ordered.
A survey from the county has been filled out regarding the Jefferson County Watershed. They are considering making it that if you disturb less than an acre of land, the Department of Natural Resources would be governing it. This is being done to be able to patrol the Crawfish and Rock River Watershed Programs. This would affect building projects and restoring shorelines. Agricultural use would be different and not affected by the change.
The applications for operator’s licenses at Hubbleton Speak Easy Pub for Nicole L. Smith and Erik Cabrera were reviewed. Steve Kube made a motion to grant the licenses with Tony Schadt seconding the motion. The motion passed.
The following names were presented for approval as possible election workers: Jennifer Pirkel, Roxanne Vincent, Anita Bennett, Christine Norby, Sara Hein, Jennifer Koester, Maren Drake, Amanda Stewart and Mary Mess. Steve Kube made a motion to appoint the election workers. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The contract with Municipal Inspectors, LLC was signed. This is the same inspector we currently contract with; however the ownership and name has changed.
The applications of Adam and Nicole Kelly for conditional use permits for N7998 Highway N, Watertown and N8004 Highway A, Watertown (the former Linda’s Lookout) were reviewed. Both permits would be for short-term rental. The N7998 Highway N, Watertown property has access to Hahns Lake and the N8004 Highway A, Watertown, property is the former Linda’s Lookout.
Steve Kube made a motion to grant the conditional use permit for N7998 Highway N, Watertown with Duane Bennett seconding the motion. The motion passed.
Steve Kube made a motion to grant the conditional use permit for N8004 Highway A, Watertown, Wisconsin. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The applications of Dana Tuyls for conditional use permits for Dana Tuyls’ Sunset Sanctuary, LLC and Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. were reviewed. Dana Tuyls’ Sunset Sanctuary, LLC would provide horseback riding lessons to people of all ages and in the future could include kids’ camps or tutoring services. Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. is a non-profit that will eventually provide riding lessons to all people including people with disabilities and mental health needs. With fundraising, Dana Tuyls hopes to be able to provide free and reduced rate lessons.
Steve Kube made a motion to grant the conditional use permit for Dana Tuyls’ Sunset Sanctuary, LLC. with Duane Bennett seconding the motion. The motion passed.
Steve Kube made a motion to grant the conditional use permit for Sunset Sanctuary, Inc. Duane Bennet seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Riverbend RV Resort has applied for Fireworks Permits for their Fourth of July and Labor Day celebrations. Steve Kube made a motion to grant said permits. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The General Manager of Riverbend RV Resort was present to see if it would be possible to have Riverbend Road leading up to the resort paved. He explained that the road is full of potholes and campers are experiencing problems. He was advised that there are roads in the township that are in worse condition and that the funds we receive from the state covers only a portion of the cost of road maintenance. He also was advised that when we have been working on filling potholes, the campers are very inconsiderate of the workers’ safety and the town roads. He was advised to leave a message with concerns and then we would be able to fill the potholes; as attempts to reach him have been unsuccessful in the past.
We have received correspondence from the Town Advocacy Council. After discussion, Duane Bennett made a motion to become a member. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Miscellaneous correspondence and fire and EMS reports were reviewed.
There being no other business to come before the board, Tony Schadt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Duane Bennett seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. with the payment of monthly bills to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 by Chairman Steve Duwe. Steve Duwe, Lynette Pauli, Clem Mess, Tony Schadt and 11 citizens were present.
The Minutes of the October 12, 2023, meeting were read and approved.
The Rezoning Application of the Charles and Virginia Brink Trust filed by Paul Mommaerts was reviewed. The Commission was advised that Jefferson County Zoning is suggesting that a 2 acre lot in order to accommodate the septic system. The land is non-prime soil and it would be designed to go further east to get away from the steepness of the lot. Mr. Mommaerts was advised that Chairman Steve Duwe and Commission member Tony Schadt have measured the line of sight for the proposed driveway. It measured 294 feet which does not meet the requirements of the Driveway Ordinance.
Following discussion, Clem Mess made a motion to table this request until they can come back with a plan with acceptable driveway vision as set forth in the town Driveway Ordinance. Lynette Pauli seconded the motion and the motion passed.
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Clem Mess made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
Town of Milford
Town Board Meeting Minutes—November 9, 2023
The Town Board meeting was called to order by Chairman Steve Kube at 7:35 p.m. All board members and 13 citizens were present.
The October 12, 2023, minutes were read. Tony Schadt made a motion to approve the minutes as read. Steve Kube seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The Treasurer’s Report was read. Steve Kube made a motion to accept the report as presented. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
For Public Input, the following matters were discussed:
- We have been contacted by the General Manager of River Bend Resort. All attempts to return the calls have been unsuccessful.
- A 911 Joint Powers Agreement has been received from Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. This is being signed tonight and will be returned to them.
- The Office of the Commissioner of Railroads would like an update on the signage requirement in Hubbleton. The railroad signs have been ordered by the County Highway Department and they will be installing them when they arrive.
- Concerns were raised about the culvert replacement that was done on French Road, the eroding gravel shoulders, and the delivery trucks not using the marked truck route. The paving over the culvert replacement was to have been completed before this and we are aware that the shoulders need some work. We have asked Milford Hills Hunt Club to advise the drivers of the need to use the truck route. We will contact them again before contacting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to patrol more regularly.
- It has come to our attention that there are several home businesses that are starting in the township. We will be contacting them to advise that they will need to obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the township.
- Navan Road has a pothole developing that will need to be looked at.
We have received assignment of a couple of new fire numbers. We will be ordering the fire number signs for the properties and including them on our tax statement garbage special charges.
Watertown Fire Department has sent us the Fire and EMS contract for a two-year period. Tony Schadt made a motion to sign the contract. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the contract was signed.
We have received the Johnson Creek EMS contract. Tony Schadt made a motion to sign the contract and Duane Bennett seconded the motion. The contract was signed.
The two Driveway Permit Applications of Mike and Sarah Walter were reviewed. These are for driveways for the lots on South Hilltop Road. Steve Kube made a motion to approve the applications with Duane Bennett seconding. The motion passed.
The Rezoning Application of Charles and Virginia Brink Trust filed by Paul Mommaerts was reviewed. Tony Schadt made a motion to table this matter until a suitable driveway can be found that conforms to the requirement of the Town Driveway Ordinance. Steve Kube seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Zoning documents and fire department reports were reviewed.
There being no other business to come before the board, Tony Schadt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steve Kube seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
TOWN OF MILFORD
PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The Public Budget Hearing was called to order at 8:15 p.m. by Chairman Steve Kube with 10 citizens and all board members present.
The budget was presented for review. After review, Steve Duwe made a motion to accept the 2024 budget as presented. Stacy Kube seconded the motion and the motion was passed.
Stacy Kube made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Anita Bennett seconded it. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
TOWN OF MILFORD
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING OF THE ELECTORS MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The Special Town Meeting of the Electors was called to order at 8:30 p.m. by Chairman Steve Kube with 10 citizens and all board members present.
The 2023 allowable levy is $140,310.00 as set by the state. Steve Duwe made a motion to set the 2023 tax levy at $140,310.00. Anita Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
The final payment is due on the snow plow truck that was purchased in 2021. Steve Duwe made a motion to increase the 2023 tax levy by $27,803.00 for debt service of a general obligation debt. Greg Redmer seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Stacy Kube made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Clem Mess seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk
TOWN OF MILFORD
SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 9, 2023
The meeting was called to order at 8:35 p.m. by Chairman Steve Kube. All board members and 10 citizens were present.
Tony Schadt made a motion to adopt the 2024 budget as presented. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Duane Bennett made a motion to set the 2023 tax levy at $140,310.00. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Tony Schadt made a motion to adopt an increase in the tax levy of $27,803.00 for debt service of the snow plow truck purchased in 2021. Duane Bennett seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Steve Kube made a motion to transfer $3,352.53 from the ARPA account to the General Fund. This is the cost of the gravel that was recently placed on Olson Road. Tony Schadt seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Tony Schadt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steve Kube seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Schadt, Clerk