City Council

Minutes Town of Vermont Board Meeting October 13, 2025 Vermont Town Hall 4017 County Rd JJ, Black Earth WI 53515 7:00 P.M. To Join the meeting by phone: +1 347-896-0991 PIN: 481 262 925# In attendance: Kirk Lynch Polly Kawalek Alex McKenzie Nick Balster (by phone) Doug Meier (by phone) 1.​ Approval of agenda Kirk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Katie certified that the meeting had been posted according to statute. Polly made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion carried 5-0 2.​ Approval of September minutes Alex made a motion to approve the September minutes. Motion carried 5-0 3.​ Citizens’ Input Mark H. mentioned his support for a raise for the treasurer. He also talked about some other complaints. 4.​ Treasurer’s report Total revenue for the month was $106,000, which was mostly the bridge reimbursement, expenses for the month were as expected. 5.​ Clerk’s report There were no new building permits this month. Bills of note included crack filling for $20,000. We also paid our annual grave care. 6.​ Payment of bills Alex made a motion to pay the bills. Motion carried 5-0. 7.​ Patrolman Report, Mt. Horeb Fire Department, Black Earth Fire District and District 1 EMS Reports Jack finished up patching and got the IH ready for winter. He has replaced some signs and done the third round of mowing. Jack would like to clear the trees in the right of way on Moen Valley this winter. Katie will send a letter to the landowners along the affected route. The budget for Mount Horeb Fire passed. The Black Earth Fire board is recommending an 11.9% increase. Much of that is for salary increases. 8.​ Discussion and possible action on Dustin Helmenstine, 4785 County Highway FF, Zoning, driveway and building application  The PC recommended approval. Tim says we need to wait for the CSM to be recorded to finalize the shared driveway agreement but they do already have access off FF. Polly made a motion to approve the driveway permit at 4785 County Highway FF. Motion carried 5-0. Alex made a motion to approve the homesite. Motion carried 5-0. Polly made a motion to approve the Rezone 2.2 acres. Motion carried 5-0. The Hemenstines will reach out once the county issues a petition number and hearing date. 9.​ 2025 draft budget and Reserve discussion as well as setting date for Public Budget Hearing We did discuss the treasurer salary increase. Katie provided comps from nearby towns. Nick also voiced support. Alex made a motion to increase the treasurer salary from $8000 to $12,000 annually with the 2026 budget. Motion passed 5-0. Kirk made a motion to move the $6000 in reserve for the fuel tank to the Black Earth Fire reserve. Motion carried 5-0. Kirk made a motion to hold the budget meeting at 6:00 pm on Monday November 10, prior to the November meeting. Motion carried 5-0. 10.​Agenda items for November Budget approval Update on LRIP application Property tax letter 11.​Adjournment Alex made a motion to adjourn. Motion passed 5-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:49 pm The Town Board’s agenda includes a period for public comments. That period, which is not mandated by state law, is offered to permit orderly and civil discussion of Town public business and matters. During the remainder of the Town Board meeting, persons other than Board members and Town officers are permitted to speak only if recognized by the Chair. Public comment may address any matter pertaining to Town, but must not be repetitive, involve personal attacks, profanity, or disruptive comments. The Chair may rule any person out of order and terminate their comment period. By adhering to these principles, we aim to ensure productive and fair discussions while respecting the rights of all to be heard. We appreciate active engagement and encourage participation in the governance of our wonderful Town of Vermont.