07-15-26 Town Board Meeting
REGULAR TOWN BOARD MEETING, July 15, 2026
(Draft – Not official until approved.)
The regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of St. Croix Falls was called to order by Chairman Mike Dorsey on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Proper notice was given as the agenda was posted at the town hall and on the town’s website July 10, 2026. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. Present by roll call were supervisors Katie Appel, Will Bergmann Jeremy Hall and Brent Priebe. Also present were town clerk Janet Krueger, public works employee Steve Jacobs and legal counsel Adam Jarchow.
Appel/Hall moved to approve the agenda; motion carried. Hall/Bergmann moved to approve the minutes as printed for the June 17, 2026, town board meetings; motion carried.
No public comment was had.
Business: Hall/Priebe moved to adopt Resolution 26-16 approving the animal control-animal humane officer agreement; motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
Resolution 26-16
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE ANIMAL CONTROL/ANIMAL HUMANE OFFICER AGREEMENT FOR THE TOWN OF ST. CROIX FALLS
WHEREAS Wisconsin Statute 173.03 authorizes the Town to appoint an humane officer to investigate and handle animal issues within the Town of St. Croix Falls; and
WHEREAS the Town Board of the Town of St. Croix Falls appointed Darel Hall as the Town’s Animal Control Officer under Wisconsin State 172.02 on March 18, 2015; and
WHEREAS Darel Hall wishes to renew the agreement for services with the Town of St. Croix Falls.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin, approves the terms and conditions outlined in the new Animal Control Officer Agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Animal Control Officer shall be paid on a per call basis, at an hourly rate of $23.00 per hour and mileage reimbursable at current IRS mileage rate; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the new agreement becomes effective upon the Town Chairman and Town Clerk signing said agreement.
Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer Agreement
This Agreement is made between the Town of St. Croix Falls 1305 200th St, St. Croix Falls, Wi 54024 and Darel Hall of 372 185th St., Osceola, Wisconsin.
WHEREAS, the Town Board agrees to appoint Darel Hall to act as Town Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer, under the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and
WHEREAS, Darel Hall wishes to be appointed Town Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer under the terms and conditions which are contained in this Agreement,
NOW, THEREFORE, and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
Appointment and Tenure of Town Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer:
Darel Hall is hereby appointed and Darel Hall accepts the appointment as Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer (referred to as Contractor) of the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Said appointment is effective immediately upon execution of this Agreement, subject to terms and conditions contained herein.
Either party may discontinue this appointment and agreement by giving no less than thirty (30) days’ written notice of such discontinuance to the other party. If the discontinuance is due to a breach of the terms and conditions of this agreement, the non-breaching party shall notify the other party of the alleged breach in writing and that party shall have ten (10) days from the date of the notice to remedy the breach to the other party’s satisfaction. If the breach is not remedied within that time frame, the non-breaching party shall have the right to terminate this agreement upon written notification to the other party.
Compensation and Benefits:
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall be paid on a per-call basis, at an hourly rate of $23.00, starting at the time he leaves his He is also entitled to mileage reimbursement at the current IRS mileage rate.
It is agreed and understood that the services of Darel Hall under the terms of this Agreement are that of an independent contractor and he is solely responsible for his own payment of federal, State and Social Security withholding The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer (contractor) shall at no time identify himself as an employee of the Town, but shall identify himself as an independent contractor. The Contractor shall comply with Wisconsin laws applicable to the Contractor, including but not limited to providing Workers Compensation insurance, if required under State law.
Insurance:
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall provide comprehensive General Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000. The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall provide the Town of St. Croix Falls with proof of appropriate certificate of liability insurance. The Town of St. Croix Falls shall be named as an additional insured on this liability policy and evidence of any endorsements necessary to establish such additional insured status shall be provided to the Town.
Liability Insurance cost will be responsibility of all towns contracted with the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer. Cost will be divided equally between towns, notice of amount due will be sent to all towns, and a Certificate of Liability will be given to each town listed.
Duties and Obligations of the Town Animal Control Officer:
Enforce the Town’s Animal Ordinance, in conformity with Chapter 173 of the Wisconsin Statutes and any other applicable state, county or Town ordinances.
Investigate complaints that are reported to the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer by members of the Town Board or Town employees. The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall respond to complaints received directly from a Town resident; complaints may also be channeled through a Town Board member or Town employee.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall keep written records which shall include time, place, date, nature of call or business, violation (if any) involved, name of persons involved, signature and phone number of complainant.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall file a written report with the Clerk Treasurer within one week of any incident or other work performed.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall advise the Town Chairman of any action which may require prosecution or may result in a court action.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer is limited to jurisdiction within the municipal boundaries of the Town of St. Croix Falls.
Knowledge or information about a violation of any County, State, or Federal statute, regulation or ordinance shall immediately be reported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer will exercise common sense and good judgment in all actions.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer will provide his own vehicle which is in proper running order and capable of humanely transporting animals. He will possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, auto insurance, and will provide proof of same to the Town Board upon
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer will provide all equipment required in the performance of his duties at no additional cost to the Town.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall be limited to responding to and the humane capture of abandoned, lost or stray domestic animals running or roaming at large within the Town. The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall be responsible for the safe and humane retention of domestic animals captured by the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer or abandoned or stray animals captured by others and surrendered to the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer until the animal(s) can be safely and humanely transported under the care and custody of the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer to the approved location, all in compliance with all applicable laws.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall assume all liability for all harmed animals due to his negligence in not properly caring for the animal and agrees to defend all lawsuits arising therefrom. The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer agrees to defend, indemnify and hold the Town harmless, including its elected officials, employees, or insurer, from any and all claims, suits, losses, damages, or expenses for bodily injury, sickness, disease, death, or property damage, including injury to animals as a result of, or alleged to be a result of the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer’s operations. The obligations contained in this Paragraph “L” shall survive termination of this Agreement as to any acts or omissions by the Animal Control/ Animal Humane Officer which occurred prior to termination.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer shall provide the Clerk of the Town of St. Croix Falls with a public notice listing where found, the type of animal etc. transported to the humane society.
The Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer will endeavor to respond to all calls as soon as practicable and will respond to complaint reports filed by citizens within 48 hours. All phone calls received from residents should be returned within 24 hours.
Except in the case of emergencies, the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer must notify the Clerk at least one week in advance of any periods of time exceeding 24 hours in which he will be unavailable.
The Town shall provide to the Animal Control/Animal Humane Officer the following:
Current map of the Town.
Current list of all licensed animals.
Copy of the Town of St. Croix Falls Animal Ordinance.
Phone numbers of Town officials and employees and the Polk Country Sheriff’s Department.
Description of animal licensing fees and procedures.
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
The parties have entered into this agreement on July 15, 2026
Bergmann/Hall moved to adopt Resolution 26-17 approving additional operator licenses; motion carried on a unanimous roll-call, vote 5-0.
Resolution 26-17
A RESOLUTION APPROVING OPERATOR’S LICENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2027
WHEREAS the individuals listed below have made application to the Town Clerk requesting an operator’s licenses pursuant to Sections 125.32(2) and 125.68(2) of the Wisconsin Statutes for the year ending June 30, 2027, and
WHEREAS the applications appear to be complete and the required fee has been paid;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of St. Croix Falls does approve and grant operator’s licenses to:
Easland, Lynn Ann 731 N Hamilton Street, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024 2027-49
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Town Clerk be authorized to issue the licenses as the case may be.
Appel/Hall moved to approve Resolution 26-18 adopting the amended rules and procedures; motion carried on a unanimous roll-call, vote 5-0.
Resolution 26-18
A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE “TOWN BOARD RULES OF PROCEDURES POLICY” FOR THE TOWN OF ST. CROIX FALLS
WHEREAS the Town Board wishes to establish specific procedures for the actions of the town board in the operation of the town.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of St. Croix Falls, Polk County, Wisconsin, hereby adopts the Town Board Rules of Procedures Policy.
RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE OPERATION OF THETOWN BOARD
Rule 1: Date and Time of Regular Meetings
The regular monthly meeting of the Town Board shall be on the third Wednesday of the month. Starting time shall be at 6:00 p.m.
Rule 2: Calling of Special Town Board Meetings
Calling of special meeting of the Town Board shall be in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes. A special meeting may be called by order of the Town Board chairperson or by petition of any three supervisors of the Town Board after which the clerk shall be notified of the agenda item(s) so proper posting may be made.
Rule 3: Assessment of Fees for calling Special Town Board Meetings
A fee of $250.00 shall be assessed to any person, group of person, corporation, or other entity when requesting the Town Board to hold a special meeting. This fee shall be assessed for each item requested to be on the special meeting agenda.
Rule 4: Designation of Official Publication for Town Notices
The Town Board declares that the Town shall use posting in lieu of publication. When notices and other matters by statute must be published, such publication shall be in either the Inter-County Leader and/or the Tri-County North. Informational notices, when published, shall be in the Inter-County Leader and/or Tri-County North Advertiser. Informational notices such as co-op election ads and meeting notices may be placed in additional publications within Polk County, when in the opinion of the Town Clerk or directed by the Town Board, such additional notification would be beneficial to the residents of the Town.
Rule 5: Location of Notice Postings Sites
The following two locations shall be used as the posting sites for notices and other announcements for the Town when three posting sites are not required by statute when using the town’s website:
Town Hall, 1305 200th Street and US Highway 8
Town’s Website, www.townofstcroixfallswi.gov
If additional posting sites are required by statute the following two locations shall also be used:
Not Justa Cafe – 1961 US Highway 8
BP Gas Station – 1960 US Highway 8
Rule 6: Preparation of Agendas for Regular and Special Town Board Meetings
The Town Clerk in consultation with the Town chairperson or acting chairperson shall prepare agendas for all regular and special Board meeting. The clerk shall include such items which are ordinarily and customarily considered at various times during the year. Such agendas shall be posted in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes. Amendments to agendas after posting may be made provided Statutes are followed.
Rule 7: Procedures for Placing Items on the Agenda
The Board at previous meetings may identify items which are to be placed on the agenda for either a regular or special meeting. A Board member or chairperson of a committee or commission wishing to have an item placed on the agenda or resident of the Town and other interested persons may request of the Town chairperson to have an item placed on the agenda of a future meeting; the Town chairperson shall then determine if such item will be on the agenda and notify the clerk if it is to be listed. An item may be placed on the agenda with a petition of any three supervisors of the Town Board after which the clerk will be notified and the item will be listed.
Rule 8: Determining the Town Board Vice Chairperson
Vice Chairperson will be determined following the Spring General Elections.
Rule 9: Convening of a Town Board Meeting in the Absence of the Chairperson
In the absence of the Town Board Chairperson and Town Board Vice Chairperson, the town clerk shall convene the Board meeting. By consensus the remaining supervisors shall determine who shall preside at the meeting. In the absence of a consensus, an election shall be held with the clerk and supervisors voting.
Rule 10: Rules of Order for Conduction Town Board Meetings
All meetings of the Town Board shall be in conformity with Wisconsin Statutes and such rules that the Town Board from time to time shall create and enact. No rule shall be in conflict with Wisconsin Statutes. The primary guide to parliamentary procedure shall by A Guide to Parliamentary Procedure for Local Government in Wisconsin (Larry E. Larmer, 1998) and supplemented by the most recent edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.
Rule 11: Manner of Voting
Whenever possible, voting should be done by voice vote. If the voting result is unclear, the Chairperson or any member of the Town Board may ask for the vote to be redone in a visible form.
Recorded votes (roll-call) voting shall be used for: 1) whenever required by Wisconsin Statute including motions to go into closed (executive) session and to adjourn a closed session; 2) financial approvals; 3) authorizations of purchases of goods and services in excess of $500; 4) awarding of contracts; 5) resolutions adopting ordinances or amendments to ordinances; 6) adoption of the annual budget or amendments to the budget; 7) authorization of borrowing of monies; 8) resolutions approving major subdivisions; 9) adoption of policies and major changes to policies; 10) whenever requested by a member of the Town Board.
Other Counted voting (ex.: visible form such as show of hands) may be used for the adoption of resolutions and other substantive and important governmental decisions when a roll-call vote is not required.
Secret Ballot voting is not permitted except in accordance with Wisconsin State Statute Sec. 19.88.
Rule 12: Authorization of Purchases in Interim Between Town Board Meetings
The Town Board Chairperson is authorized in the interim between town board meetings to approve the purchase of ordinary and necessary equipment repairs, supplies, and tools when less than $1,000. Emergency tire purchases are authorized even if in excess of $1,000.
Rule 13: Seating Arrangement
Seating arrangements for Board meetings shall be such that Board members can easily see and converse with each other and the clerk/treasurer. Persons making a presentation shall present from the podium in front of the board and direct their remarks to members of the Board.
Rule 14: Citizen Input and Recognition of Audience
Each regular meeting agenda shall contain a time for citizen input and recognition of the audience. However, no individual shall speak longer than 3 minutes or group of people longer than 15 minutes on a specific issue and not more than 30 minutes total of public comment without the unanimous consent of the Board. If there are speakers with opposing views and/or opinions the item shall be apportioned equitable. Specific items on the agenda can be addressed by a non-board member or officer with the consent of the Board. All remarks made by those speaking must be directed to through the Chairperson. Dialog between and among audience members is prohibited. An additional public comment will be added before the meeting adjourns. This time will be limited to no longer than 5 minutes total.
Rule 15: Procedures for the Adoption of Resolutions
Resolutions must be listed on the agenda for the meeting in order to be acted upon and are to be included in the materials provided to Board members no later than three days prior to the regular meeting. If action is to be taken on a resolution at a special Board meeting, copies are to be made available to the Board members in accordance with statutory posting requirements. With the unanimous consent, resolutions of a routine matter may be acted upon if listed on the agenda even though not supplied to the Board prior to the meeting.
Rule 16: Procedures for the Adoptions of Ordinances and Amendments to Ordinances
Ordinances and amendments to ordinances must be listed on the agenda in order to be acted upon. Ordinances and amendments to ordinances except zoning map changes shall have two readings before enactment and these readings shall be in two different months, one of which shall be a regular monthly meeting of the Board. In addition to hearings required by Statutes of certain ordinances, the Town Board may provide for hearings on proposed ordinances and amendments to ordinances at its discretion.
Rule 17: Reports from committees, Commissions, and Employees
Written and oral reports covering the previous month’s activities (including minutes of any meetings) and listing anticipated activities for the ensuing month shall be submitted to the clerk from the following: law enforcement, fire departments, zoning administration, building inspection, highway, Plan Commission, Board of Appeals, and other commissions committees, and boards. These reports and minutes are to be delivered to and received by the clerk no later than one week prior to the date of the regular monthly meeting of the Board.
Rule 18: Procedures for the Disbursement of Funds and Payment
Prior to the disbursement of any funds in the payment of any bills or obligations of the Town a voucher shall be prepared and signed by the Town Chairperson and Town Clerk as required by Statute and approved by the Town Board at a regular or special meeting with the following exceptions: payroll, tax deposits, tax settlements, and utility bills. All checks shall be signed by the clerk and treasurer, as required by Statute.
Rule 19: Designation of Depository for Funds of the Town
The following financial institutions are designated public depositories for the Town.
First Resource Bank 2206 Glacier Drive St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
MidWest One Bank 2183 US Highway 8 St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
Royal Credit Union 2071 Glacier Drive St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
Local Government Investment Pool Madison, Wisconsin
Rule 20: Payment of Board Members and Officers Salaries
Payment of the salaries of the Town Board members and elected officers shall be on a monthly basis and shall be the first regular payday of the month according to the previously adopted pay schedule for Town employees.
Rule 21: Procedures for Submitting Expense Claims
Board members, officers and staff shall from time to time during the year submit expenses vouchers to the clerk for payment of mileage at the current IRS rate Res. 00-49 (Town Board members will be reimbursed mileage only outside the Town boundaries), phone (long distance), and other customary expenses incurred while on Town business.
Out of Town Conferences and Conventions:
- Pre-Registration is encouraged and should be vouchered through the Town. Reimbursement for attendance at conferences and conventions shall be vouchered separately with supporting documentation included if unable to preregister.
- The most affordable lodging that is practicable should be used and supporting documentation is required for reimbursement.
- Meals (excluding alcoholic beverages) will be reimbursed up to thirty-five dollars ($35.00) per full day for approved attendees. Supporting documentation is required for reimbursement.
Employees and such other non-employees entitled to expense reimbursement shall have the voucher approved by the Town chairperson who shall then submit it to the clerk for processing. Reimbursement for purchases, such as but not limited to supplies and parts, made for the Town shall be evidenced by presenting a sales and/or credit card slip.
Rule 22: Authorizing Attendance of Employees at Meetings and Workshops
The Town chairperson may authorize or direct an employee to attend a meeting or workshop in line with the individual’s responsibilities for the Town and approve the reasonable reimbursement of expenses thereto. Elected officials are encouraged to attend workshops, seminars and conventions as budget allows and with prior approval of the Town Board when the amount will exceed $100.00. Members are encouraged to car pool whenever possible.
Rule 23: Authorization of Burning Permits
Burning Permits can be authorized by any Town Board Officer, Town Clerk and Town Zoning Administrator. Burning Permits are not issued when the Department of Natural Resources has declared a high or above fire danger. The Town uses the DNR website to determine fire danger (dnr.wi.gov/forestry/Fire/Fire_Danger/Wis_Burn/StateCounties.asp).
Rule 24: Amendments to the Rules
Amendments to these rules shall be made upon a two-thirds vote of the membership of the Board and shall become effective the first day on the next month following passage.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that these terms begin effective upon passage and posting of this resolution.
Mr. Jacobs brought up a couple oak trees in the right-of-way which are part of residences yards need to be trimmed on 160th Avenue. Mr. Jacobs will present a list of addresses. No other discussion was had.
Committee, Commission and Employee Reports: Mr. Jacobs gave the highway report. The clerk’s report was presented. Hall/Priebe moved to approve payment of vouchers #26-167 through #26-194 in the amount of $245,188.22; motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0. The 2026 year to date budget summaries were reviewed. Receipts for the period ending June 30, 2026, amounted to $19,086.94, cash balance on June 30, 2026, was $539,060.76. The building permit log and zoning logs were reviewed. Ms. Krueger stated a couple emails were received regarding data centers and are in the packet for the board to review.
No closing public comment.
The Town Chairman read the call for an executive session per Wisconsin Statute 19.85(1)(c) for an annual employee performance review. Hall/Bergmann moved to adjourn to closed session at 6:26 p.m.; motion carried on a unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
The Town Board reconvened in open session at 7:20 p.m. with legal counsel and board members present.
The board announced an annual performance review was conducted for the highway employee and a salary adjustment was made.
The August town board meeting will be held August 19, 2026. There being no further business, Hall/Bergmann moved to adjourn the meeting; motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Town Clerk Janet Krueger and Supervisor Katie Appel.