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Lowell board approves equipment buy, culvert cost-share, salt/sand terms and routine business
Summary
At its Nov. 11 meeting the Town of Lowell board approved several routine actions: purchase of a Stihl MS261C chainsaw, cost-sharing for a Meadow Road culvert to be done in 2026, set salt/sand sale terms with the Town of Clyman, authorized newsletter printing and payment of bills. Board members also discussed bridge projects and invoicing related to an August train derailment.
The Town of Lowell Board met Nov. 11, 2025, at the Town Office. Chairman John Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m., and Clerk Kim Mann confirmed the meeting had been posted according to State Statutes.
Public Works Howard Vredeveld reviewed maintenance work for October and November, saying crews mowed ditches, hauled 10 loads of gravel to Danville Road, replaced an alternator on the woodchipper and repaired signs. After reviewing price quotes, Supervisor Greg Caine moved and Supervisor David Huebner seconded approval to purchase a Stihl MS261C chainsaw from Ace Hardware for $543.99 plus extra chains and oil; the motion carried 3-Yeas, 0-Nays.
The board approved two sets of minutes (Oct. 14 and Oct. 23, 2025) with corrections. Chairman Schmitt reported a conversation with the Town of Calamus regarding cost-sharing on a Meadow Road culvert; the board authorized filing a County Aid Bridge Petition once the culvert is replaced and expenses are paid and agreed to act as lead sponsor for the petition. That motion carried 3-Yeas, 0-Nays.
Clerk Kim Mann presented an invoice history and a recent charge for salt/sand requested by the Town of Clyman. The board set the sale price at $66.00 per ton, established a procedure requiring Clyman to notify Public Works foreman Howie Vredeveld before pickup and to record vehicle weights before and after loading, and approved that motion 3-Yeas, 0-Nays.
Treasurer Marty Stanton reported total deposits of $46,352.78 and noted $64,293.58 in shared revenue expected Nov. 18, 2025. The board approved printing the town newsletter through Wepco Printing for $518.53 (motion carried 3-Yeas, 0-Nays) and approved payment of town bills totaling $25,045.46.
Other business included a review of two animal-control contracts (Dodge County Humane Society and Watertown Humane Society) with no action taken, scheduling the Dec. 9, 2025 regular board meeting at 6:00 p.m., and setting a Nov. 20 special meeting with General Engineering Company. Clerk Mann also noted receipt of a second notice of non-compliance from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue and confirmed the town passed its fire inspection. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Agenda amendment to move item #20 after #7: motion by Supervisor Greg Caine; second Supervisor David Huebner; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Purchase of Stihl MS261C chainsaw ($543.99 plus accessories): motion by Supervisor Greg Caine; second Supervisor David Huebner; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Approval of Oct. 14 and Oct. 23 minutes (with corrections): motion by Supervisor Greg Caine; second Supervisor David Huebner; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Culvert replacement cost-share and County Aid Bridge Petition (Meadow Road): motion by Supervisor Greg Caine; second Supervisor David Huebner; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Operator's license approved (minutes contain inconsistent applicant name; see clarifying notes): motion by Supervisor Greg Caine; second Supervisor David Huebner; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Community event contribution, $150: motion by Supervisor David Huebner; second Supervisor Greg Caine; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Salt/sand terms with Town of Clyman ($66.00/ton and weighing procedure): motion by Supervisor David Huebner; second Supervisor Greg Caine; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Newsletter printing (Wepco Printing, $518.53): motion by Supervisor David Huebner; second Supervisor Greg Caine; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays. - Payment of bills ($25,045.46): motion by Supervisor David Huebner; second Supervisor Greg Caine; result 3-Yeas, 0-Nays.
What to know next: The board plans a joint engineering meeting to discuss Wellman Road bridge design and costs; the clerk said the town is preparing an invoice to the railroad related to the Aug. 15 derailment for gravel-hauling services.
