Dustin Westphal

The board discussed several infrastructure projects, including road maintenance for culverts, bridge replacement grants, and brush cutting services. Significant actions included approving contracts for truck refurbishment, authorizing the purchase of a website plugin, and initiating legal action regarding a property nuisance issue. The board also addressed quarry operational hours, renewed terms for members of the Board of Appeals and Plan Commission, established a Finance Committee, and approved the investment of surplus truck maintenance funds into a certificate of deposit.

The meeting addressed the approval of bills, which included two additional items brought up during the session. Permit issuance for December totaled three. The Memorial Committee reported an issue with the town hall lights, later identified as a breaker issue. The Historical Society announced an upcoming open house and a presentation by Dr. Karl McCarty. During public comments, an explanation was provided regarding the chipsealing material used on town roads. Unfinished business included reviewing road maintenance plans, specifically plowing and obtaining brushcutting estimates, and discussing ATV/UTV route expansion, leading to a motion to submit an application for several connecting county road routes. New business involved authorizing the maturation of three Certificates of Deposit (CDs) to fund the 2026 Assessor re-evaluation costs and establishing new CDs for Capital Improvement and Assessment. The board also voted to approve the 2026 contract with the Fond du Lac Humane Society for dog-only intake. Regarding a garbage removal fee discrepancy, the board decided such corrections must be addressed when tax bills arrive annually. Concerns were raised about public nuisance complaints pertaining to properties on Hwy F and Hickory Rd. Finally, a deadline was set for submitting excerpts for the upcoming Spring Newsletter.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and bills, with two additional bills approved for payment. The committee reviewed reports from the Historical Society regarding a recent meeting and upcoming events. Public comments raised concerns about the Oakfield Fire Department failing an audit, which could affect their dues. Unfinished business covered applying for a small structures grant to replace culverts and accepting a map from Forward Wind Farm detailing roads for turbine replacement. The board approved submitting additional ATV/UTV routes for county consideration. Regarding a nuisance property, the Town attorney will send a final letter before commencing a lawsuit. New business involved the Treasurer's report, deciding not to invest budgeted Capital Improvement funds due to changing CD rates, instead allocating those funds to refurbish two town plow trucks, and deciding to seek bids for sandblasting and painting the plow truck frames and boxes. Correspondence included research on property taxes across neighboring counties and a resident complaint regarding late-night dump truck traffic from a quarry, which the board noted for future quarry permit renewal discussions.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and the treasurer's report, which indicated no outstanding bills or receipts requiring action. The committee members designated to work on the Camp Byron book conferred on the timeline and outline, targeting a 2027 publication date. The board also noted that the new Yellowstone Trail replacement signs would be installed when weather permits. Additionally, the meeting included a moment of remembrance for recently passed Byron residents.

The meeting included reports on the Open House Calendar Sale and Veterans Remembrance, where good attendance was noted, calendars were sold, and the Ed Kelroy Memorial Essay Contest winner was announced. The Change4Troops fundraiser by Lomira High School wrestlers was commended for raising funds for veterans memorials. Updates were shared on the Camp Byron Book project, and Pat Dilling and Sharren Wendler were remembered. Columns booklets were distributed, and an Antiques Appraisal night was conducted following the meeting.