2024 Annual Meeting Minutes 

The annual meeting for the Town of Sampson, Chippewa County was held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Sampson Town Hall located at 10770 270th Ave, New Auburn. Twenty-three (23) Sampson electors were present – plus guests. Names filed in clerk/treasurer’s office.

1. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Darla Butterfield at 6:30 pm.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Discuss and vote on preferred voting method: Motion by Joel Brodd second by Jeremy Cowell to vote by hand. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 23 – yes; 0 – no.
4. Election of meeting chairperson: Motion by Joel Brodd second by Karie Butterfield to appoint Kevin Haller as meeting chairperson. Motion by Bill Perry second by Jeremy Cowell to appoint Jon Pederson as meeting chairperson. Hand vote for Kevin Haller – Yes – 18; No – 5. Motion carried to appoint Kevin Haller. Three electors left the meeting.

Agenda Items:
1. Copies of the 2023 annual meeting minutes were made available to those in attendance. Motion by Jan Whitman to approve the 2023 annual meeting minutes. Second by Karie Butterfield. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.
2. Copies of the audited 2023 Annual Report were made available to those in attendance. The Clerk/Treasurer answered questions from the audience. Motion by Karie Butterfield to approve the 2023 Annual Report. Second by John Scheppke. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.
3. There was a discussion on authorizing the Board the ability to borrow money. Motion by Joel Brodd to close the discussion. Second by Sue Edstrom. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.
Motion by Bill Perry to authorize the Board to borrow money should it become necessary. Second by Joel Brodd. Motion carried, yes vote – 18 – yes; 2 – no.
4. Motion by Jim Harvey to set a date for the 2025 Annual Meeting of the third Tuesday is April 15th, 2025. Second by John Scheppke. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.

Other Agenda Items:
1. Clerk/Treasurer Cody discussed the 2023 projects and the upcoming 2024 projects. In 2023, the Board purchased a loader backhoe and a lawnmower and trailer. In 2024, the Board plans on chip sealing 1.8 miles on 117th St north of Hwy 40. Also, the Board plans on paving ½ mile of 80th St and utilizing TRIPP/LRIP funds to help offset the costs. The Board has purchased a woodchipper and is ordering a new box for the freightliner plow truck.
2. Richard Smith spoke about the 2023 caucus and that it was not conducted correctly and that the town per statutes can utilize nomination papers instead if passed at an elector’s meeting. After discussions of the pros and cons, Richard Smith made a motion to have the method of nomination forms and signatures in the place of a caucus on the November 2024 town electors meeting agenda. Second by Jeremy Cowell. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.
3. Many audience members had numerous questions regarding the New Auburn fire department. The Board answered questions regarding finances and how it affects the town’s budget. A handout was available that shows the New Auburn fire department’s budget, financial report, membership dues, and Sampson’s historical dues. Supervisor Christenson spoke as a citizen and not as a board member or fire representative and stated that the township cannot withdrawal from the fire department at this time because it is against state statute not to have fire protection. The township has an ability to charge a fee to landowners for fire protection. The town must give a one-year notice to withdrawal from the New Auburn fire department. The Town of Sampson signed an agreement ensuring it would not withdrawal before February 2027 when the new fire department building was built. If it would withdrawal prior, it would not receive any ownership shares. The ownership shares would include the depreciated value of equipment purchased during the time the township entered into agreement with the fire department. Supervisor Christenson is hoping to negotiate with the fire department, so the township can fund road maintenance and projects for the township along with paying dues to the fire department. The township is open to hearing solutions from the community.
4. Motion by Mike Kellen to include an agenda item to propose increasing the levy in November’s town meeting of electors. Second by Jon Pederson. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.
5. Motion by John Scheppke to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 pm. Seconded by Karie Butterfield. Motion carried with unanimous yes vote – 20 – yes; 0 – no.

Louise Cody
Clerk/Treasurer
Town of Sampson, Chippewa County