Town of Springfield, St. Croix County
November 2025 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 10, 2025
The REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING for the Town of Springfield was called to order by Barry Ketchum at 6:33 p.m. PRESENT: Chair Barry Ketchem, Supervisors: Warren Benson & James Mahoney, Clerk/Treasurer Rachael Hawkins, Mark Erickson, Bill Reusch, and Dave Larson
A motion was made by Jim & 2nd by Warren to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Correspondence received or forwarded: None
Public comments on issues: Dave Larson wanted to thank the board for the efforts in cleaning up the township and especially intersections, others have noticed the work as well.
A motion was made by Warren & 2nd by Jim to approve the October Regular Monthly minutes as presented. Motion carried.
A motion was made by Barry & 2nd by Jim to approve the 10/15 Board of Review minutes as presented. Motion carried.
The October financial report was presented. A motion was made by Warren & 2nd by Jim to approve the financial report. Motion caried
A motion was made by Jim and 2nd by Warren to approve the bills to be paid in November at a total of $30,943.03.59. Motion carried.
Department Reports:
Maintenance: Jim will work with Rick Booth and Road Supervisor for the town, as appointed by Barry. Spray patching is done, Jim filled holes with gravel and checked 96th to verify it does not require blacktop at this time. Brushing went well; there are 8-10 miles left to brush. Garbage duties will rotate from Warren to Jim, to Barry starting with Warren on Nov. 15, Jim on Dec. 6, and Barry on Dec. 20.
Clerk-Treasurer: The shared revenue payment will be coming in later this month, bonds have been received, and working on getting accounts and contact information updated.
Chairman’s report: Continued fencing issues for Keith Kromrey, the neighbor built half that does not match. Board will work with Rachael on organizing a time to schedule a viewing of the fence.
OLD BUSINESS
Oakwood Cemetery:
New sign is completed and installed, Barry cleaned up flowers and flowerpots, there were several that had tipped over and artificial flowers that were blown around and not in pots.
Modifications were considered for the cemetery map; there needs to be tree and shrub removal from the north side when the ground freezes.
Pat Lyons has straightened/repaired 15 stones with 8 hours of work at $100/hour. There are more to straighten and would like to have 5-6 yards of black dirt to keep at the cemetery.
A motion was made by Jim and 2nd by Warren to have Gary Cormicken remove trees by the hour on the north end and do some leveling. Motion carried.
Animal Control: There are a few dogs that continue to be an issue and leave their yard, despite conversations with the owner. Will be sending a letter regarding dog registration, late registration, along with fees to the owner.
There is an outstanding animal control invoice, they had left a message disputing the invoice but have not returned any calls.
Darrel Hall is to only be dispatched by a board member for dog calls.
Dead tree removal from town ditches: There is still a need to have trees removed.
A motion was made by Barry and 2nd by Jim to have Gary Cormicken spend one day, billed by the hour, to remove trees with the guidance of Jim.
Brushing: The budgeted amount has been used for brushing; there are still 8-10 miles left to finish the entirety of the township. It would be approx. $10,000 to finish all brushing.
A motion was made by Warren and 2nd by Jim to finish brushing for $10,000. Motion carried.
Trenching power to new shed: The quote for trenching power was $3,400. This item will be tabled for now to revisit at a late time.
LRIP Grant/Road(s) Selection: A motion was made and 2nd by Warren for 90th Ave at Cty Rd D toward 280th St. to be repaired for the grant with 2.5-inch thickness. Motion carried.
Cost estimate came back at $180,000 for 2.5-inch thickness and $200,000 for 3-inch thickness, the grant this cycle is about $18,000 rather than the $25,000 of the previous grant cycle.
If wanted, a second road can be selected to be repaired at the same time but would not be eligible for the grant.
Chairperson Authority: Looking for clarification of the role, not adding anything additional or create new policies. Rachael provided copies of Wisconsin State Statues Chapter 60.24 to the board members.
NEW BUSINESS
Adopt 2026 Budget: The amount of $10,000 was moved within the Public Works category to allow for additional brushing as motioned in brushing agenda item.
A motion was made by Jim and 2nd by Warren to adopt the 2026 budget as presented with brushing update. Motion carried.
Animal Waste Ordinance:
Rachael presented a draft for the ordinance; board would like to have revisions and include mud/manure before approving. Rachael will have a new draft for the December meeting.
Appointment of representative to United Fire & Rescue Board of Directors:
Barry is ineligible to represent the township as it would be a conflict of interest. Offered to both Jim and Warren if they would consider being appointed.
A motion was made by Warren and 2nd by Barry to appoint Rachael Hawkins to represent the Town of Springfield on the United Fire & Rescue Board of Directors. Motion carried.
Winter Plow schedule/maintenance:
Jess Seim will be primary plow operator with Bill Ruesch as a backup operator. Both will be paid $23/hour.
Aside from plowing, town maintenance will continue to be handled by board members.
Town Hall Cameras: The current plan is a personal account and will need to be updated.
A motion was made by Jim and 2nd by Warren to discontinue the current camera plan. Motion carried.
Adjournment: Warren made a motion to adjourn at 8:05pm. Jim seconded. Motion carried.