On the agenda: Ringle Minutes — data center (Aug 10)

Town of Easton
Regular Town Board Meeting Minutes
August 10, 2026
1. Meeting called to order by Chairman Beck
Chairman Dean Beck called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
2. Roll Call

Board members present were Chairman Dean Beck, Supervisor Mark Pingel, and Supervisor Susan Kurth.

Also present were Clerk Sherry Weinkauf, Treasurer Melanie Neuendank, Public Works Employee Rob Weinkauf,
Fire Chief Dusty Merriam, and resident Mark Schlund.

3. Approval of July 13, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes and July 7, 2026, Bid Opening Minutes
Motion by Kurth, second by Pingel to approve the minutes. Motion carried.

4. Public Comment
No comments.

5. Old Business
5(a). Discussion and Direction Regarding a Proposed Town of Easton Land Division and Subdivision
Ordinance
The Board reviewed and discussed the policy questionnaire regarding a proposed land division and subdivision

ordinance. Direction included maintaining a two-acre minimum lot size; requiring public roads to be constructed

to Town specifications and inspected during construction; requiring financial security for completion of required
improvements; and requiring developers to reimburse the Town for engineering, legal, and other professional

review costs. The Board also discussed developer agreements, drainage and easement requirements, private roads,
road acceptance, phased development, and other development standards. Clerk Weinkauf will provide the Board's

direction to the Town Attorney for preparation of a draft ordinance to be brought back to the Board for review. No
formal action was taken.

5(b). Town of Easton and Fire Department Signs

Treasurer Neuendank presented a preliminary layout for the proposed Town of Easton and Fire Department sign.

The Board reviewed and discussed the proposed design and provided direction regarding the layout and wording.
Neuendank will take the Board’s suggestions back to the individual working on the sign for an updated design.
6. New Business

6(a). Operator License

Motion by Kurth, second by Pingel, to approve the operator license. Motion carried.

6(b). Discussion and possible action on road base for Highpoint Road (County Road Z to Junction Road)
Chairman Beck reported that he would be meeting with Mark from American Asphalt the following day to assess
the need for additional road base on Highpoint Road. The pulverized material appeared to be in good condition,

and it was anticipated that only a limited amount of additional road base may be needed in problem areas. If only a
small quantity is needed, the Town may haul the material using Town trucks.

The Board also confirmed its intention to complete the additional Highpoint Road paving project this year. The bid
for that project will not include pulverizing or road base; it will include fine grading, asphalt paving, and shoulder
work. Bids are due August 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. No action was taken.

6(c). Discussion and possible action on proposed Fire Protection Fees Ordinance

Clerk Weinkauf explained that following approval of the Schedule of Fees at the previous meeting, the Town
attorney recommended adopting an ordinance establishing the Town's fire protection fees. Having the fees

established by ordinance provides documentation that may be requested by insurance companies when the Town
bills for fire protection services.

Motion by Kurth, second by Pingel, to approve the Fire Protection Fees Ordinance as presented. Motion
carried.

6(d). Discussion and possible action on proposed 2026–2027 Propane Commercial Contract – River
Country
The Board reviewed the proposed 2026–2027 propane contract with River Country and discussed the Town's
propane usage from the previous year and the remaining credit on the account.

Motion by Kurth, second by Pingel, to approve the proposed propane contract with River Country for 3,800
gallons. Motion carried.

6(e). Discussion and possible action on replacement of culvert on Junction Road
Chairman Beck provided an update on the proposed replacement of the existing 36-inch concrete overflow culvert
on Junction Road with a 48-inch culvert. Required information was submitted to the DNR and Marathon County
due to floodplain and shoreland requirements. The project is eligible for 50/50 cost sharing, with an estimated

project cost of up to $10,000. The Town plans to complete the project yet this month, if possible, in order to submit
the billing by the September 1 deadline for reimbursement. No action was taken.
6(f). Discussion and possible action on purchase of additional gravel

The Board discussed the possible purchase of additional gravel, particularly for Gold Dust Road. The Board agreed
that additional gravel may be needed but wanted to first determine the cost of the additional Highpoint Road
blacktop project and review available funds.

The item was tabled until the Town receives the blacktop bid and has a better understanding of project
costs and available funds.
6(g). Presentation of Bills for Approval
The Board reviewed the bills for payment. Discussion was held regarding additional charges appearing on the
garbage/recycling bill for certain service locations. Chairman Beck will contact the provider for clarification
regarding the charges.

Motion by Kurth, second by Pingel, to approve the bills as presented. Motion carried.

7. Reports
7(a). Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Neuendank reviewed the Treasurer’s Report, including current account balances, monthly expenditures,
receipt of the 2% fire dues, and anticipated expenditures for upcoming projects. Discussion was held regarding the
Town’s current financial position and remaining major expenditures for the year.
7(b). Fire Department Report

Fire Chief Merriam reported that he had nothing additional to report and that Fire Department billing had been
completed.

7(c). Clerk’s Report
No comments.

7(d). Public Works Report
Public Works discussed proposed work involving the pond area on the Baumann property and whether the Town
still had permission to access the property. Fire Chief Merriam confirmed that permission had previously been
received. Public Works will contact the property owner regarding the proposed work.

Public Works also reported that Marathon County contacted the Town regarding performing lane-wedging work
for Marathon County. Marathon County would haul the Town grader to the project and pay the Town $300 per

hour for the grader and operator. The work is anticipated to take approximately one day. Discussion was also held
regarding transporting the Town's paving equipment and compensation for its use.

Public Works provided an update on the Highpoint Road project. Work had progressed to the bridge, and some
areas of the existing pavement/material were thicker than anticipated. Chairman Beck will meet with a

representative from American Asphalt to assess the road. Discussion was also held regarding the compactor and
operator that were included in American Asphalt's bid but were not available for the work. Chairman Beck
indicated he would request an appropriate credit.
8. Remarks by Supervisors

Supervisor Kurth asked for an update on the installation of the generators. Chairman Beck reported that
installation is anticipated within the next couple of weeks.

Supervisor Kurth also discussed paperwork received at a Wisconsin Towns Association meeting regarding the

Resolution for Comprehensive Sustainable Transportation Funding, which had previously been approved by the
Board on March 9, 2026. It was determined that the copy of the resolution was unsigned. The resolution was
signed, and Clerk Weinkauf will forward it to the Wisconsin Towns Association.
9. Remarks by Chairman

9(a). Road Projects Update

Chairman Beck reported that the Town's road projects are moving forward. A bid opening will be held for the
additional mile of Highpoint Road, with the goal of completing two miles of blacktop this year.

Discussion was held regarding whether additional road base will be needed for the Highpoint Road project. If only
a limited amount is needed, the Town may haul the material using Town trucks. Chairman Beck will meet with a

representative from American Asphalt to assess the road and determine the amount of additional road base, if any,
that is needed.

9(b). Snowstorm Disaster Fund Update

Clerk Weinkauf reported that all required paperwork has been completed and submitted for the snowstorm

disaster reimbursement. The Town is now awaiting payment by ACH. Chairman Beck reported that the eligible
amount is $17,870.67, with the Town expected to receive 70% reimbursement in the amount of $12,509.47.

9(c). Wind and Solar Update

Chairman Beck provided an update from a recent Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee (ERC)
meeting. Discussion at the meeting included wind and solar development, commercial battery storage, and a
possible one-year moratorium on data centers. Chairman Beck reported that the committee also discussed

increasing involvement of county-zoned municipalities in discussions with developers regarding proposed

projects. Recommendations from the committee will move forward for further consideration by Marathon County.
9(d). Marathon County Ordinance for Winter Spreading of Animal Waste Update

Chairman Beck provided an update from the Marathon County Environmental Resources Committee meeting
regarding the proposed ordinance for winter spreading of animal waste. The proposal includes nutrient

management requirements and restrictions on winter spreading of liquid manure for operations with 300 animal
units or more. Smaller operations would be required to obtain a winter spreading permit; the permit fee has not
yet been determined. A proposed 35-foot buffer along streams was also discussed but was not approved at this
time.

10. Additional Public Comment
No comments.

11. Adjournment
Motion by Pingel, second by Kurth, to adjourn at 9:38 p.m. Motion carried.

Town of Easton Meeting Minutes for August 10, 2026, Prepared by: Sherry Weinkauf, Clerk