Village Board

VILLAGE OF TWIN LAKES SPECIAL VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES June 3, 2024 – 6:30 p.m. Village Hall, 105 E. Main Street, Twin Lakes, WI CALL TO ORDER AT 6:30 PM BY PRESIDENT SKINNER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/ ROLL CALL: Present: Trustees Barb Andres, Kevin Fitzgerald, Aaron Karow, Bill Kaskin, Ken Perl, President Howard Skinner. Absent: Trustee Sharon Bower. Also Present: Administrator Laura Roesslein, Police Chief Katie Hall, Clerk Sabrina Waswo, Attorney Brian Watterman. Swearing in of New Water Patrol Officer Dillon Vezina. Public Comments: Dyanne Wallner, of 2920 Lakeshore Way, is concerned about the Twin Lakes boat rental expanding their business. They rent tiki boats, pontoon boats, and wave runners. She stated that some renters of the watercraft can get a little crazy, especially with the party boats. She wanted to know if the village has placed a limit on the number of tiki boats they can rent. President Skinner does not think there is enough space to store more than the two tiki boats they currently have but did not have a clear answer for her. Dyanne noted that his Facebook page now says they are renting kayaks from a home. Skinner said they used to rent kayaks at the Sand Bar. Dyanne also questioned why the HOA is being charged a fee to use the Community Room when it was free in the old building. She feels it is underutilized. Skinner replied that they already amended the rental agreement and there may be further changes down the line. Brian Neal, 142 W Park Drive, stated our dispute with neighbors at 200 W Park has led to a disagreement with the village where the village is reluctant to enforce its own building codes. Your expert has concluded the owners exceeded the 35% ratio code. The Village Attorney recognized the legal requirements that the driveway be set back 5 feet from the property line. Fidelity to the rule of law should drive the village to enforce their codes without fear, without favor. Paradoxically, I am of the opinion that to avoid similar issues in the future, the village should enforce code here so as to pause for reputation of fairness and code compliance. The village does not intend to enforce the codes that many others have had to abide by. I speak tonight so that all of you are made aware of what I view as skullduggery. Three days ago the village called and stated they intended to change village code for my neighbors. The roof overhang code will be changed, exempting the first 2 feet. This allows an additional 304 square feet and allows a 37% as opposed to a 35% impervious ratio build. This promotes relatively bigger homes on smaller lots, increases urbanization, promotes less green space, more hardscape and greater water runoff. Given this will likely be more prevalent right around the lake, it will have a real effect on our crown jewel, that is, our glacial-born lakes. The village proposes to change the code to allow driveways to extend all the way to the property line but only for a select few who live on so-called private roads. For some reason, this change is not in the public interest for the vast majority of village residents. Unless you live on one of these few private streets, you will not have the joy of a neighbor elevating their land by 3 feet, mandating a 2 foot elevated cement driveway inches from your property line. I want all of you to be aware of this most disappointing development. I hope you seriously reflect on the direct and indirect outcomes and the lack of unintended consequences in such an exercise of raw political power. The ethical and wise use of your authority to make and change the laws we all live under is a serious and solemn responsibility that you have been entrusted with to use in good faith and for the public good. I ask you to give great deliberation if you really intend to pursue this course. Skinner/Karow motion to approve a second lease extension for Lake Elizabeth Sand Bar LLC. The board discussed the terms of the lease, with Trustee Karow wanting to ensure that the next leaseholder is of equal or better quality than the current one. He raised questions about when the current tenant's responsibilities and obligations end and when the new one takes over. He wants to avoid any finger-pointing. We need to make sure the new tenant clearly understands their responsibilities to avoid any disputes. Special Village Board Minutes – June 3, 2024 Page 1 of 2 The board discussed adding a contingency to the lease that the village is satisfied with the lease as it ends with the current owner and the condition of the property being acceptable. Laura would like the attorney to review this before proceeding. Mike Fay, of 195 Koch Court, stated he has been involved in this process, and time is running short as there is a very interested party. There is an annual fire inspection, and there are no violations. The buyer and seller have to sign an affidavit relative to the condition of a property. Brian Neal, of 142 W. Park Drive, stated as a lessee, everything on the inside of the walls is his responsibility, while the owner is responsible for everything within the walls and outside of the building. The board reviewed the original document and reached a consensus that the original lease states the items questioned including that building maintenance is the responsibility of the lessee. Motion approved 6-0. Fitzgerald/Andres motion to approve Resolution 2024-6-1 Declaring the Salary and Fringe Benefits for the Police Sergeant Positions Chief Hall spoke at the last meeting regarding adding another sergeant. She explained there are only a couple of conditions added, which include a drop-back clause and a statement that the Chief shall determine the number of Sergeant positions assigned, which shall not exceed 3 positions. She feels this will ultimately save the village money. Motion approved 6-0. Discussion and possible action regarding 2023 WI Act 73 Changes to Closing Hours for Retail Licensed Establishments During the Republican National Convention Held in Milwaukee. Trustee Fitzgerald advocated for allowing bars to do as they please, while Andres disagreed, citing safety concerns about staying open until 4:00 am. Police Chief Hall noted that New Year's Eve typically sees extended hours without issues. The Board's consensus was to take no action, effectively extending bar hours as outlined in the Act. CLOSED SESSION Skinner/Karow motion to go into closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. §19.85(1)(c) related to employment, compensation, promotion, or performance evaluation of a Village Employee. Roll Call: Trustees Sharon Bower, Barb Andres, Kevin Fitzgerald, Aaron Karow, Bill Kaskin, Ken Perl, President Howard Skinner. Motion carried 6-0 to go into closed session at 7:16 p.m. OPEN SESSION Skinner/Fitzgerald motion to return to open session pursuant to Wis. Stat. §19.85(2) and take action on any items discussed in closed session at 8:57 pm. Motion carried 6-0. ADJOURN – Skinner/Andres motion to adjourn at 8:57 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. /s/Sabrina Waswo, Village Clerk Special Village Board Minutes – June 3, 2024 Page 2 of 2