Village Board

VILLAGE OF TWIN LAKES VILLAGE BOARD MEETING MINUTES March 17, 2025 – 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, Bill Kaskin, Ken Perl, Tim Infusino, President Howard Skinner. Absent: Aaron Karow, Kevin Fitzgerald. Also Present: Engineer Greg Droessler, Administrator Laura Jager, Police Chief Katie Hall, Clerk Sabrina Waswo. President Skinner read a proclamation recognizing Trustee Sharon Bower for her years of service to the Village. Clerk Waswo swore in Police Officer Heather Spring and Police Officer Matt Decker. Discussion regarding creating a new slow-no-wake area south of the hazard buoys on the south end of Lake Elizabeth. Bill Poetker, Chair of the Lake District Committee, provided an update on recent lake use discussions. He explained that the line of buoys stretching from the Sandbar to Sunset Beach has historically served as a caution area. It was generally understood by most lake users to be a "slow no wake" zone, largely due to safety and environmental concerns. The area south of the Sandbar includes a blind entrance from the municipal pier and is considered environmentally sensitive, with only 5 to 7 homes along that stretch. Law enforcement has observed boats and jet skis entering and exiting at high speeds. This prompted a formal proposal to establish a designated "slow no wake" zone in that area. The proposal was reviewed and approved by both the Boat Safety Committee and the Lake District Steering Committee. The DNR was consulted and supported the proposal due to the environmental considerations. The Police Department also expressed no objections. Bill also addressed a separate initiative concerning lake use hours. A group of residents recently distributed a survey regarding a potential change to the lake’s no wake hours. The initial focus was on slalom skiers, with the goal of allowing lake access starting at 7:00 a.m. instead of the current 9:00 a.m. start time. The committee requested the group expand the survey to include all Lake Elizabeth lakefront property owners. The proposal would be a pilot program for the 2025 season, allowing early-morning use from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the center of the lake to minimize noise and disruption near homes. Bill clarified that any change in start time would apply to all lake users—regardless of activity or boat type—as it cannot be restricted to specific groups. At this stage, the effort is strictly informational to gauge broader community interest. Bill noted that he has been here since the 1980s and 9:00 a.m. has been the established start time for lake activity and is considered part of Twin Lakes’ culture. He emphasized that this is not a formal agenda item for the meeting. However, he welcomed any questions about the survey or proposed changes after the meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS & QUESTIONS: The Village Board will receive comments on agenda items only. Sharon Opryszek, 2909 Lake Shore Way, expressed concern about the limited distribution of the survey related to a proposed rule change. She did not receive the survey herself, so she is unaware of its specific contents. There are approximately 300 properties in Lake Elizabeth Manor and that a significant number of residents were upset about the situation—many of whom were present at the meeting. She had requested that the matter be placed on this agenda so the issue could be clarified and discussed. President Skinner responded by stating that the topic is not currently on the agenda because it is still under discussion at the Lake District Committee level. There is no need to include it on the agenda at this time, as the information has not yet been gathered. The Lake District Steering Council must first collect input and data. If the group behind the proposal wishes to move forward, they will need to seek the opinion of the entire village before any formal consideration can take place. Peggy Pytco, 1931 Sunset Drive, asked why the survey wasn't distributed to the rest of the residents. President Skinner responded that the Village Board is not involved in the matter and suggested she speak with Bill. She preferred the lake hours begin at 10:00 a.m. Village Board Minutes – March 17, 2025 Page 1 of 4 Bryan Neal, 142 West Park Drive, opposed the proposed Aquanut memorandum of understanding, citing financial concerns, lack of transparency, and inadequate documentation. He criticized the absence of a clearly identified general contractor, insufficient insurance requirements, and the lack of verified tax and bank statements. He noted that the project drawings were inconsistent and lacked detail, and that no review appeared to have been conducted by the Village's attorney, engineer, or building inspector. Bryan warned against approving the agreement without these issues being addressed and urged the Board to reject the proposal. Jim Baxa, 1557 Fox Run Drive, commented on the memorandum of understanding, expressing support for the Aquanuts as a valuable asset to the community and its youth. He noted the park funds have been unused for some time and questioned whether they could be applied to improvements across all village parks. He asked if a full assessment of park needs has been conducted and whether the funds could support other upgrades. Jim also inquired if the proposed plans have been reviewed by an engineer for code compliance and whether the project would require multiple bids. Bob Livingston, 215 Burden Ave, supports updating the park and values the Aquanuts’ contribution but raised concerns about stormwater runoff, suggesting more green space or infiltration. He urged the Village to follow its shoreline zoning ordinances and ensure the construction is done well. Bob noted inconsistencies between plans and a lack of Village oversight, stressing that clear construction details are needed if the agreement is broad. Brian Mueller, 2631 East Lakeshore Drive, stated that $300,000 for public use is rare and believes it would be a major mistake to pass it up, as it could greatly benefit the parks. He appreciated Bob’s statements and felt they were constructive. He emphasized the importance of focusing on improving the community rather than creating road blocks. Brian believes the Aquanuts and the Village can work together to create something special that benefits the entire town. APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS FOR PAYMENT: Skinner/Andres Corporate Checking (including General Fund, Sanitation, Capital Projects-E/M, Sewer Utility, Lake Rehab, Sewer Hook-Up, Sewer Replacement, and Tax Account): 36758-36783, 590-602, 1642 Expenses – $2,272,389.44. Motion carried 5-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Skinner/Perl motion to approve minutes from February 17, 2025 Regular Board Meeting and March 3, 2025 Special Board Meeting. Motion carried 5-0. OMNIBUS AGENDA A. Motion to approve an Event Permit for Business in the Park and Car Show on May 17, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. B. Motion to approve an Event Permit for Rock the Lake on June 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. C. Motion to approve a Temporary Class “B” Beer License for the Twin Lakes Chamber for Rock the Lake on June 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. D. Motion to approve an Event Permit for Libertyfest Parade/Fest and Fireworks on July 5, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. E. Motion to approve a Temporary Class “B” Beer License for the Twin Lakes Chamber for Libertyfest on July 6, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. F. Motion to approve a Temporary Class “B” Beer License for the Twin Lakes Chamber for Cornfest on August 14, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., August 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and August 16, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. G. Motion to approve a Concession Stand Lease for the Scout House at Lance Park. Skinner/Andres motion to approve omnibus agenda as presented. The terms of the Concession Stand Lease Agreement remained unchanged from the last agreement, with a duration of three years. Motion carried 5-0. Village Board Minutes – March 17, 2025 Page 2 of 4 PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE REPORTS TRUSTEE TIM INFUSINO - ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, JUDICIARY, LICENSING Infusino/Skinner motion to approve an Alcohol Beverage Appointment of Agent application for Chrystal Barnes for Lake Elizabeth Sandbar and Island Grill, LLC. Motion carried 5-0. Infusino/Skinner motion to approve an Event Permit for American Legion TL Memorial Day Parade on May 26th, 2025. Motion carried 5-0. Infusino/Skinner motion to approve an Event Permit for an American Legion Craft and Vendor Fair on May 3rd, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Legion Park. Motion carried 5-0. Discussion and possible action regarding Ordinance 2025-3-1 Amending Section 3.06.010 Pertaining to Fees, Charges, and Deposits. Administrator Jager noted that fees have not been increased in nine years, and with the new kiosks, there are added expenses, including transaction fees. The Chief stated that the combined Police and Administrative time results in a loss of $15,000. The Board discussed changing the rates for Buoy, Raft, and Pier Permits from $15.00 per year with a $10.00 renewal fee to an $80.00 fee for a three-year permit. The board discussed updating the launch fees are as follows: • Daily boat launch fee: $8.00 → $10.00 • Annual launch pass (non-resident): $75.00 → $100.00 • Annual launch pass (resident senior): $20.00 → $40.00 • Annual launch pass (resident): $50.00 → $65.00 • Annual launch pass (non-resident senior): $30.00 → $60.00 • Multiple launch pass (additional stickers): $10.00 → $20.00 per additional watercraft registered to the same owner • Commercial (resident): $50.00 → $200.00 • Commercial (non-resident): $75.00 → $300.00 Skinner/Infusino motion to approve as stated. Motion carried 4 to 1 with Trustee Kaskin voting “no”. TRUSTEE KEVIN FITZGERALD - STREETS & ROADS, EQUIPMENT, STREET LIGHTS, WEEDS, LAKE PLANNING AND PROTECTION Discussion and possible action regarding a quote from Eagle Floats for repairs to the fishing pier at Lance Park. The board requested this item be brought back with additional quotes. Skinner/Andres motion to approve the submittal of the Annual Report and other compliance documents for the Municipal Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit. Motion carried 5-0. TRUSTEE AARON KAROW - BUILDING AND ZONING, PLAN COMMISSION, AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS February 2025 Building Permits: 16; Valuation: $294,317.51, Fees Collected: $5,807.01. Skinner/Infusino motion to approve a Condominium Plat for an existing structure at 202 E. Main St. Parcels 85-4- 119-211-3525, 85-4-119-211-3535, 85-4-119-211-3541. Motion carried 5-0. TRUSTEE KEN PERL - POLICE, FIRE, LAKE CONTROL, PARKS AND BEACHES Discussion regarding creating a new slow-no-wake area south of the hazard buoys on the south end of Lake Elizabeth. Officer Saunders stated that a request was made to change the hazard buoys, located where the old train trestle used to be, to slow no wake buoys. The goal is to officially designate the area south of that point as a slow no wake zone. The ordinance should be updated to match how the buoys are actually being installed and to Village Board Minutes – March 17, 2025 Page 3 of 4 reference parcel numbers instead of lot numbers. The installation would consist of a single line of buoys, alternating between hazard and slow no wake markers. February 2025 Code Enforcement: Active Cases: 9, Closed Cases: 3 Discussion and possible action regarding a School Resource Officer Shared Services Agreement between the Village of Twin Lakes and Randall Consolidated School J1. Chief Hall confirmed that the side agreement with the union had been finalized. She explained that the contract includes the board’s recommended terms regarding the five-year commitment. Specifically, if the agreement is canceled or terminated early, the responsible party would be required to cover the cost of one year of the School Resource Officer position. Administrator Jager stated that both attorneys have reviewed and approved the agreement. Skinner/Andres motion to approve the School Resource Officer Shared Services Agreement. Andres asked for clarification on some of the contract items. Motion carried 5-0. Chief Hall asked if the approval allows them to hire an SRO. President Skinner stated yes. Skinner/Andres motion to approve the Kenosha Drug Operations Group Agreement between the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office and the Village of Twin Lakes. Motion carried 5-0. VILLAGE PRESIDENT HOWARD SKINNER Discussion and possible action regarding a Memorandum of Understanding between the Aquanuts and the Village of Twin Lakes. Trustee Andres felt that more information is needed, noting that there is no contractor or general contractor listed, and agreed that Bryan made some good points. President Skinner added that the attorney advised waiting until more details are in place. Andres asked whether more bids should be obtained, to which Skinner replied that it’s up to them. He clarified that the Village's portion is separate and will be publicly bid. Andres also asked how the project would be completed in time. Bob Koehler, President of Aquanut Water Shows, 738 South Shore Drive, Lake Geneva, stated they are looking to begin the seating portion of the project. They are still collecting bids and currently have proposals from Breezy Hill Nursery, Paul’s Landscaping, and Jim Burke, who is also a team member. For the sound system, they plan to install it underground, but that portion will be completed at a later time. Shoreline restoration will also follow. Koehler said the expected duration of the project is about two months, with the goal of completion before Memorial Day weekend, when their first show takes place. Trustee Infusino asked if any part of the project would involve the DNR. Koehler responded that the new seating will be set further back from the lake than the existing seating and that silt fencing will be installed for protection. The new design straightens the seating and removes the angled “wings.” Koehler is also working on an erosion control plan and plans to install boulder protection, as the shoreline is eroding. Drain tile will be placed under the seating area to manage runoff. Koehler said they are considering attaching shade cloth between the chimney and the sound poles, particularly over the handicap seating area. However, he was unsure whether that would be in place this year. He also expressed concern about vandalism, noting that kids had already damaged their pier by throwing rocks. Administrator Jager stated that the village attorney is still reviewing the agreement and believes more information is needed before it can be approved. The attorney has advised that it is not ready for passage at this time. Skinner added that once the attorney receives more details, they can finalize the agreement and are willing to hold a special board meeting to bring the item back. ADJOURN – Skinner/Andres motion to adjourn at 7:44 p.m. Motion carried 5-0. /s/Sabrina Waswo, Village Clerk Village Board Minutes – March 17, 2025 Page 4 of 4